SSC CGL 19 September 2025 · Shift 1 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. The scientist noted that were the temperature to drop any further, the chemical reaction would cease immediately.

A."If the temperature dropped further, the chemical reaction would cease immediately," the scientist said.
B."Were the temperature to drop any further, the chemical reaction would cease immediately," noted the scientist.
C."If the temperature was drop any further, the reaction will stop immediately," said he.
D."Had the temperature been dropped, the reaction ceased immediately," said the scientist.

Solution

Indirect → direct (inversion) The inverted subjunctive "were the temperature to drop" does not backshift further. So it is repeated exactly inside the quotation marks. (a) changes the structure, (c) and (d) are ungrammatical. Hence option (b).

77

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 digestive system breaks down food into nutrients that the body can absorb. 2. These nutrients provide the energy and materials needed for growth and repair. 3. The process starts in the mouth, where enzymes in saliva begin breaking down carbohydrates. 4. The food then passes through the stomach and intestines, where further digestion and absorption occur.

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

Solution

Para jumble — digestion Sentence 1 defines what the digestive system does — the opener. Sentence 3 begins the process in the mouth and sentence 4 carries it to the stomach and intestines. Sentence 2 closes with what the nutrients are used for. Order 1-3-4-2 — option (a).

78

Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom. The corrupt officer was hoist with his own petard.

A.Being destroyed by one's own trap or scheme
B.Succeeding through luck
C.Gaining praise without effort
D.Rising by dishonest means

Solution

Idiom — hoist with his own petard 'Hoist with his own petard' means harmed by the very scheme he devised for others. A petard was an explosive charge that could blow up the soldier setting it. So the corrupt officer fell into his own trap. Hence option (a).

79

Select the correct spelling to complete the sentence. He is such a ____ that he avoids all kinds of work.

A.Sluggard
B.Sluggerd
C.Sluggart
D.Slugerd

Solution

Spelling — Sluggard 'Sluggard' — a habitually lazy person — is the correct spelling. It ends in -ard, like drunkard and laggard. The other three misspell the ending. Hence option (a).

80

Select the correct spelling to complete the sentence. The policy was guided by ____ which focuses on outcomes and overall benefit.

A.Utilitarienism
B.Utiliterianism
C.Utilitarianism
D.Utillitarianism

Solution

Spelling — Utilitarianism 'Utilitarianism' is the correct spelling. It comes from utilitarian + -ism, with a single l and the -arian ending. The others alter the vowels or double the l. Hence option (c).

81

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: 'Someone who assumes a false identity to deceive others'.

A.Mimic
B.Embezzler
C.Impostor
D.Hypocrite

Solution

One-word — Impostor An 'impostor' pretends to be someone else in order to deceive. A mimic merely imitates for amusement; an embezzler steals entrusted money. A hypocrite professes beliefs he does not hold. Hence option (c).

82

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: 'A society or system ruled by people who use their power to steal their country's resources'.

A.Plutocracy
B.Kleptomania
C.Oligarchy
D.Kleptocracy

Solution

One-word — Kleptocracy A 'kleptocracy' is rule by those who plunder the nation’s wealth. Plutocracy is rule by the rich and oligarchy rule by a small group. Kleptomania is a compulsive urge to steal — a disorder, not a system of rule. Hence option (d).

83

Choose the correct semantic fit: The timely action was regarded as a ____ against rising tensions.

A.deterrent
B.detention
C.detraction
D.derision

Solution

Vocabulary — deterrent A 'deterrent' is something that discourages an unwanted action. Timely action that checks rising tensions works as a deterrent. Detention is confinement, detraction is belittling and derision is mockery. Hence option (a).

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. He drives (1)/ very reckless (2)/ on the highway, ignoring (3)/ all traffic rules. (4)

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

Solution

Error — adverb needed The word modifies the verb "drives", so an ADVERB is needed. "Reckless" is an adjective; the adverb is "recklessly". Correct: ‘He drives very recklessly on the highway…’ Hence option (b).

85

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. They should have completed the assignment by now.

A.The assignment should completed by now.
B.The assignment should have been completed by now.
C.The assignment must have completed by now.
D.The assignment has been completed by now.

Solution

Passive with modal perfect "Should have completed" is a modal perfect active form. Its passive is should have been + past participle. (a) omits ‘have been’, (c) changes the modal, (d) drops it entirely. 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. So profound was the impact (1)/ of the new policy that it not only changed recruitment standards (2)/ but also reduced with overall efficiency (3)/ across departments. (4)

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

Solution

Error — reduced with The verb "reduce" is transitive and takes a direct object — no preposition. "Reduced with overall efficiency" is therefore wrong. Correct: ‘but also reduced overall efficiency’. Hence option (c).

87

Select the option which contains the most appropriate HOMONYM of the word given in bold/underline. The basilica was celebrated for its excellent acoustics and harmonious design.

A.The archaeologist discovered the remains of an ancient Roman basilica.
B.The composer wrote an oratorio to be performed inside the basilica.
C.The botanist documented a rare basilica plant with jagged leaves.
D.Devotees assembled within the old basilica at twilight.

Solution

Homonym — basilica In the given sentence 'basilica' is a large church or hall. Options (a), (b) and (d) all use it in that architectural sense. In (c) the word names a plant — a different meaning altogether. Hence option (c).

88

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The findings are understood to have been verified by independent auditors.

A.Independent auditors understood the findings to verify themselves.
B.Independent auditors are understood to have verified the findings.
C.It was understood that auditors have verified findings.
D.The findings have been understood by auditors to verify them.

Solution

Passive → active The inner clause "verified by independent auditors" becomes active with the auditors as subject. The outer reporting verb stays as it is: are understood to have verified. (a) and (d) distort the meaning; (c) changes the tense. Hence option (b).

89

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underline/Bold segment in the given sentence. He has been living in this city since five years.

A.since five years
B.for five years
C.by five years
D.from five year

Solution

for + period of time 'Since' is used with a POINT of time; 'for' with a PERIOD. Five years is a length of time, so "for five years" is correct. "By" and "from" do not fit this structure. Hence option (b).

90

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: APPROPRIATE

A.Extraneous
B.Irrelevant
C.Unsuitable
D.Felicitous

Solution

Synonym — Appropriate 'Appropriate' means suitable or fitting for the occasion. 'Felicitous' means well chosen and apt — the closest synonym. Extraneous, irrelevant and unsuitable all mean the opposite. Hence option (d).

91

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: TARDY

A.Swift
B.Efficient
C.Prompt
D.Dilatory

Solution

Synonym — Tardy 'Tardy' means slow or late in acting. 'Dilatory' means inclined to delay — the closest synonym. Swift, efficient and prompt all point the other way. Hence option (d).

92

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word: Dull

A.Boring
B.Dim
C.Refulgent
D.Tedious

Solution

Antonym — Dull 'Dull' means lacking brightness or interest. 'Refulgent' means shining brilliantly — the true opposite. Boring, dim and tedious are all synonyms of dull. Hence option (c).

93

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Justice and equality, though often invoked together, are distinct yet interdependent ideals that form the backbone of any democratic society. Justice concerns itself with fairness — ensuring that individuals receive what they are due, based on merit, need, or equity. Equality, on the other hand, demands that all individuals be treated the same, without discrimination or privilege. However, absolute equality can sometimes undermine justice, just as rigid notions of justice may perpetuate inequality. For instance, providing identical resources to students from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds may appear equal but fails to be just, as it ignores contextual disadvantages. Hence, modern social theorists argue for "equity" — a dynamic balance that considers differences without abandoning fairness. Philosophers from Aristotle to Rawls have grappled with this tension. Aristotle viewed justice as giving each person their due, emphasizing proportional fairness rather than sameness. Centuries later, John Rawls introduced the "veil of ignorance" — a thought experiment suggesting that just principles are those chosen without knowing one’s social status. His theory underscored that true fairness must protect the least advantaged, not merely maintain formal equality. However, translating such philosophical ideals into public policy is rarely straightforward. Bureaucratic systems often reduce nuanced principles into rigid procedures, where equality is measured by uniform rules rather than outcomes. The digital age adds another layer to this debate. Algorithms used in hiring, lending, or law enforcement claim objectivity but often reproduce existing biases encoded in data. A recruitment system that screens candidates purely on "neutral" data may still discriminate against marginalized groups, revealing how equality in process does not always yield justice in result. Therefore, achieving a just society demands constant reflection — to move beyond mechanical equality and toward fairness rooted in empathy, adaptability, and moral imagination.

What main distinction does the passage draw between justice and equality?

A.Justice is about fairness, while equality ensures sameness in treatment.
B.Equality focuses on merit, while justice ignores it.
C.Both are identical in democratic societies.
D.Equality is more important than justice.

Solution

RC — justice vs equality The passage says justice ensures individuals receive what they are due, based on merit, need or equity. Equality demands that everyone be treated the SAME, without discrimination. So fairness versus sameness is the distinction drawn. Hence option (a).

94

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Justice and equality, though often invoked together, are distinct yet interdependent ideals that form the backbone of any democratic society. Justice concerns itself with fairness — ensuring that individuals receive what they are due, based on merit, need, or equity. Equality, on the other hand, demands that all individuals be treated the same, without discrimination or privilege. However, absolute equality can sometimes undermine justice, just as rigid notions of justice may perpetuate inequality. For instance, providing identical resources to students from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds may appear equal but fails to be just, as it ignores contextual disadvantages. Hence, modern social theorists argue for "equity" — a dynamic balance that considers differences without abandoning fairness. Philosophers from Aristotle to Rawls have grappled with this tension. Aristotle viewed justice as giving each person their due, emphasizing proportional fairness rather than sameness. Centuries later, John Rawls introduced the "veil of ignorance" — a thought experiment suggesting that just principles are those chosen without knowing one’s social status. His theory underscored that true fairness must protect the least advantaged, not merely maintain formal equality. However, translating such philosophical ideals into public policy is rarely straightforward. Bureaucratic systems often reduce nuanced principles into rigid procedures, where equality is measured by uniform rules rather than outcomes. The digital age adds another layer to this debate. Algorithms used in hiring, lending, or law enforcement claim objectivity but often reproduce existing biases encoded in data. A recruitment system that screens candidates purely on "neutral" data may still discriminate against marginalized groups, revealing how equality in process does not always yield justice in result. Therefore, achieving a just society demands constant reflection — to move beyond mechanical equality and toward fairness rooted in empathy, adaptability, and moral imagination.

Why does the author mention Aristotle and Rawls?

A.To show how philosophers disagreed on democracy.
B.To highlight historical and modern perspectives on justice.
C.To criticize ancient philosophical theories.
D.To argue that equality has always been superior to justice.

Solution

RC — Aristotle and Rawls Aristotle stands for the ancient view — proportional fairness rather than sameness. Rawls represents the modern view with his "veil of ignorance". Together they show how the same tension has been treated across the ages. Hence option (b).

95

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Justice and equality, though often invoked together, are distinct yet interdependent ideals that form the backbone of any democratic society. Justice concerns itself with fairness — ensuring that individuals receive what they are due, based on merit, need, or equity. Equality, on the other hand, demands that all individuals be treated the same, without discrimination or privilege. However, absolute equality can sometimes undermine justice, just as rigid notions of justice may perpetuate inequality. For instance, providing identical resources to students from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds may appear equal but fails to be just, as it ignores contextual disadvantages. Hence, modern social theorists argue for "equity" — a dynamic balance that considers differences without abandoning fairness. Philosophers from Aristotle to Rawls have grappled with this tension. Aristotle viewed justice as giving each person their due, emphasizing proportional fairness rather than sameness. Centuries later, John Rawls introduced the "veil of ignorance" — a thought experiment suggesting that just principles are those chosen without knowing one’s social status. His theory underscored that true fairness must protect the least advantaged, not merely maintain formal equality. However, translating such philosophical ideals into public policy is rarely straightforward. Bureaucratic systems often reduce nuanced principles into rigid procedures, where equality is measured by uniform rules rather than outcomes. The digital age adds another layer to this debate. Algorithms used in hiring, lending, or law enforcement claim objectivity but often reproduce existing biases encoded in data. A recruitment system that screens candidates purely on "neutral" data may still discriminate against marginalized groups, revealing how equality in process does not always yield justice in result. Therefore, achieving a just society demands constant reflection — to move beyond mechanical equality and toward fairness rooted in empathy, adaptability, and moral imagination.

According to the passage, what problem arises from bureaucratic implementation of justice?

A.It becomes excessively fair.
B.It simplifies complex ideas into rigid procedures.
C.It eliminates inequality entirely.
D.It prioritizes empathy over order.

Solution

RC — bureaucracy The passage says bureaucratic systems reduce nuanced principles into rigid procedures. Equality then gets measured by uniform rules rather than outcomes. So subtle ideas are flattened into mechanical rules. Hence option (b).

96

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Justice and equality, though often invoked together, are distinct yet interdependent ideals that form the backbone of any democratic society. Justice concerns itself with fairness — ensuring that individuals receive what they are due, based on merit, need, or equity. Equality, on the other hand, demands that all individuals be treated the same, without discrimination or privilege. However, absolute equality can sometimes undermine justice, just as rigid notions of justice may perpetuate inequality. For instance, providing identical resources to students from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds may appear equal but fails to be just, as it ignores contextual disadvantages. Hence, modern social theorists argue for "equity" — a dynamic balance that considers differences without abandoning fairness. Philosophers from Aristotle to Rawls have grappled with this tension. Aristotle viewed justice as giving each person their due, emphasizing proportional fairness rather than sameness. Centuries later, John Rawls introduced the "veil of ignorance" — a thought experiment suggesting that just principles are those chosen without knowing one’s social status. His theory underscored that true fairness must protect the least advantaged, not merely maintain formal equality. However, translating such philosophical ideals into public policy is rarely straightforward. Bureaucratic systems often reduce nuanced principles into rigid procedures, where equality is measured by uniform rules rather than outcomes. The digital age adds another layer to this debate. Algorithms used in hiring, lending, or law enforcement claim objectivity but often reproduce existing biases encoded in data. A recruitment system that screens candidates purely on "neutral" data may still discriminate against marginalized groups, revealing how equality in process does not always yield justice in result. Therefore, achieving a just society demands constant reflection — to move beyond mechanical equality and toward fairness rooted in empathy, adaptability, and moral imagination.

What concern does the author raise about algorithms in modern systems?

A.They always promote equality and justice.
B.They remove all forms of bias.
C.They can perpetuate hidden biases under the guise of neutrality.
D.They are too costly to implement.

Solution

RC — algorithms Algorithms in hiring, lending and law enforcement claim objectivity. Yet they reproduce biases already encoded in the data. A "neutral" screening system may still discriminate against marginalised groups. Hence option (c).

97

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Justice and equality, though often invoked together, are distinct yet interdependent ideals that form the backbone of any democratic society. Justice concerns itself with fairness — ensuring that individuals receive what they are due, based on merit, need, or equity. Equality, on the other hand, demands that all individuals be treated the same, without discrimination or privilege. However, absolute equality can sometimes undermine justice, just as rigid notions of justice may perpetuate inequality. For instance, providing identical resources to students from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds may appear equal but fails to be just, as it ignores contextual disadvantages. Hence, modern social theorists argue for "equity" — a dynamic balance that considers differences without abandoning fairness. Philosophers from Aristotle to Rawls have grappled with this tension. Aristotle viewed justice as giving each person their due, emphasizing proportional fairness rather than sameness. Centuries later, John Rawls introduced the "veil of ignorance" — a thought experiment suggesting that just principles are those chosen without knowing one’s social status. His theory underscored that true fairness must protect the least advantaged, not merely maintain formal equality. However, translating such philosophical ideals into public policy is rarely straightforward. Bureaucratic systems often reduce nuanced principles into rigid procedures, where equality is measured by uniform rules rather than outcomes. The digital age adds another layer to this debate. Algorithms used in hiring, lending, or law enforcement claim objectivity but often reproduce existing biases encoded in data. A recruitment system that screens candidates purely on "neutral" data may still discriminate against marginalized groups, revealing how equality in process does not always yield justice in result. Therefore, achieving a just society demands constant reflection — to move beyond mechanical equality and toward fairness rooted in empathy, adaptability, and moral imagination.

What is the passage's overall message regarding equality and justice?

A.Societies must pursue fairness that adapts to context rather than mechanical equality.
B.Justice is less important than maintaining equal rules.
C.Equality should never be questioned.
D.Philosophical reflection has no practical value.

Solution

RC — overall message The closing lines call for moving beyond mechanical equality. They ask for fairness rooted in empathy, adaptability and moral imagination. That is a call for context-sensitive equity. Hence option (a).

98

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. She said, "Honesty is the best policy."

A.She said that honesty was the best policy.
B.She said that honesty had been the best policy.
C.She said that honesty is the best policy.
D.She said honesty has been the best policy.

Solution

Universal truth in reported speech A universal truth or proverb does NOT backshift in reported speech. So the present tense is retained: honesty is the best policy. (a), (b) and (d) needlessly change the tense. Hence option (c).

99

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. The inspector said, "Who gave you permission to enter the premises?"

A.The inspector asked who had given me permission to enter the premises.
B.The inspector asked who gave me permission to enter the premises.
C.The inspector said who had given me permission to enter the premises.
D.The inspector questioned who gives me permission to enter.

Solution

Direct → indirect question "Said" becomes "asked" for a question, and the simple past backshifts to the past perfect. "You" becomes "me" from the listener’s point of view. (b) keeps the simple past, (c) uses the wrong reporting verb, (d) changes the tense. Hence option (a).

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. Reading books expands one's imagination and vocabulary. 2. It also helps develop empathy by exposing readers to different perspectives. 3. In a world dominated by technology, reading remains a timeless habit. 4. Therefore, cultivating a reading habit is beneficial for lifelong learning.

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

Solution

Para jumble — reading Sentence 3 sets the context — reading remains timeless in a tech-driven world. Sentence 1 gives the first benefit and sentence 2 ("It also…") the second. Sentence 4 ('Therefore…') draws the conclusion. Order 3-1-2-4 — option (a).