SSC CGL 19 September 2025 · Shift 2 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

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 committee, comprising (1)/ experts from various fields, (2)/ have submitted its report to the governing body. (3)/ No error (4)

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

Solution

Error — collective noun 'Committee' is a collective noun and is treated as singular here. The pronoun 'its' in the same clause confirms the singular sense. So 'have submitted' must become 'has submitted'. Hence option (c).

77

Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word: The medieval cleric carefully transcribed the codex.

A.The copyist set the codex next to an early printed book.
B.The archivist scanned a valuable codex originating in Florence.
C.The software engineer refined the codex to improve processing speed.
D.The codex was covered with vellum made from goatskin.

Solution

Homonym — codex In the given sentence 'codex' means an ancient hand-written book. Options (a), (b) and (d) all use it in that same sense. In (c) the word stands for a software code system — a different meaning. Hence option (c).

78

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underline/Bold segment in the given sentence. The committee debated about the new policy for hours without a resolution.

A.debated on
B.debated over
C.debated
D.debated regarding

Solution

debate (no preposition) The verb 'debate' is transitive and takes a direct object. No preposition is needed after it. Correct: 'The committee debated the new policy for hours.' Hence option (c).

79

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined/Bold segment in the given sentence. She has been waiting for you since two hours.

A.from two hours
B.for two hours
C.since the two hours
D.from the last two hours

Solution

for + period of time 'Since' is used with a POINT of time; 'for' with a PERIOD. Two hours is a length of time, so "for two hours" is correct. "From" cannot be used with the present perfect continuous here. Hence option (b).

80

Choose the one-word substitute for the below sentence. Wild animals are kept in a special enclosed place for exhibition.

A.Aviary
B.Sanctuary
C.Menagerie
D.Park

Solution

One-word — Menagerie A 'menagerie' is a collection of wild animals kept in enclosures for display. An aviary houses birds; a sanctuary lets animals live freely without confinement. A park is a public open space. Hence option (c).

81

Select the correct form of the verb. The prevalence of infectious diseases among vulnerable populations ____ a constant concern for public health organisations.

A.has remaining
B.remain
C.have remained
D.remains

Solution

Subject-verb agreement The subject is "The prevalence" — singular; the phrases that follow do not change it. A singular subject takes a singular verb. So the correct form is "remains". Hence option (d).

82

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. The ancient scroll, previously thought to be lost, ____ in a hidden chamber.

A.was discovered
B.is discovered
C.discovers
D.are discovered

Solution

Passive — simple past The scroll receives the action, so a PASSIVE form is needed. The discovery is a completed past event, matching "previously thought to be lost". So the simple past passive "was discovered" fits. Hence option (a).

83

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word: Yielding

A.Flexible
B.Obdurate
C.Compliant
D.Amenable

Solution

Antonym — Yielding 'Yielding' means ready to give way or comply. 'Obdurate' means stubbornly refusing to change — the true opposite. Flexible, compliant and amenable are all synonyms of yielding. Hence option (b).

84

Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom. The two officials were hand and glove in the deal.

A.Very closely associated
B.Working against each other
C.Acting without care
D.Showing open distrust

Solution

Idiom — hand and glove 'Hand and glove' (or hand in glove) means working in very close association, often for a wrong purpose. A glove fits the hand exactly — hence the image of complete partnership. So the two officials were closely associated in the deal. Hence option (a).

85

The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them contains an error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options. The number of participants (1)/ in the advanced workshop (2)/ were surprisingly low (3)/ given the wide publicity. (4)

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

Solution

The number of + singular verb The structure "The number of + plural noun" takes a SINGULAR verb. (In contrast, "A number of…" takes a plural verb.) So "were surprisingly low" must become "was surprisingly low". Hence option (c).

86

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. You have to activate this data add-on pack manually.

A.This data add-on pack has to be activated by you manually.
B.You should manually activate this data add-on pack.
C.Activate this data add-on pack manually.
D.You have to be manually activated by this data add-on pack.

Solution

Passive with have to "Have to + verb" becomes "has/have to be + past participle" in the passive. The object "this data add-on pack" is singular, so "has to be activated". (b) and (c) stay active; (d) reverses the roles absurdly. Hence option (a).

87

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: Cautious

A.Reckless
B.Brash
C.Unworried
D.Circumspect

Solution

Synonym — Cautious 'Cautious' means careful to avoid danger or mistakes. 'Circumspect' means careful to consider all circumstances — the closest synonym. Reckless, brash and unworried all point the other way. Hence option (d).

88

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. Rashmika said to me, "Your brother speaks ill of me."

A.Rashmika said to me that my brother spoke ill of me.
B.Rashmika told me that my brother was speaking ill of her.
C.Rashmika said to me that your brother spoke ill of her.
D.Rashmika told me that my brother spoke ill of her.

Solution

Direct → indirect "Said to me" becomes "told me"; the simple present backshifts to the simple past. "Your" refers to the listener, so it becomes "my"; "me" refers to the speaker, so it becomes "her". (a) keeps "said to" and the wrong pronoun; (c) keeps "your". Hence option (d).

89

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The fact that extreme weather events are being exacerbated is being increasingly acknowledged by global leaders.

A.Global leaders are increasingly acknowledging the fact that climate change is exacerbating extreme weather events.
B.Global leaders increasingly acknowledge the fact that climate change is exacerbating extreme weather events.
C.The fact that climate change is exacerbating extreme weather events has been increasingly acknowledged by global leaders.
D.Global leaders will increasingly acknowledge the fact that climate change is exacerbating extreme weather events.

Solution

Passive → active "Is being acknowledged" is present continuous passive; its active is "are acknowledging". The inner passive "are being exacerbated" becomes "climate change is exacerbating". (b) shifts to the simple present, (c) stays passive, (d) moves to the future. Hence option (a).

90

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underline/Bold segment in the given sentence. Her performance was superior of all her competitors.

A.superior to
B.superior over
C.superior as compared to
D.superior from

Solution

superior to Latin comparatives such as superior, inferior, senior and junior take the preposition TO. They are never followed by "than", "of" or "from". Correct: 'Her performance was superior to that of all her competitors.' Hence option (a).

91

Select the correct spelling.

A.Pithy
B.Pithon
C.Pathatic
D.Pithiy

Solution

Correct spelling 'Pithy' — brief and full of meaning — is the correct spelling. The other three are misspellings (python and pathetic are the intended words). Only option (a) is a valid English word as written. Hence option (a).

92

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 incessant demand strains natural resources, from forests to freshwater, often beyond their regenerative capacities. 2. The escalating problem of excessive consumption is a defining characteristic of modern industrial societies. 3. It is driven by various factors, including aggressive marketing, planned obsolescence, and societal pressures to acquire more. 4. Ultimately, curbing excessive consumption is crucial for environmental sustainability and equitable resource distribution globally.

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

Solution

Para jumble — consumption Sentence 2 introduces excessive consumption as the problem — the opener. Sentence 3 explains what drives it and sentence 1 describes the strain it causes. Sentence 4 ("Ultimately…") closes with what must be done. Order 2-3-1-4 — option (c).

93

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 can lead to increased consumer spending and business investment. 2. Central banks often implement monetary policies to manage inflation and economic growth. 3. Lowering interest rates is one such tool, making borrowing cheaper. 4. However, these policies must be carefully balanced to avoid overheating the economy.

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

Solution

Para jumble — monetary policy Sentence 2 introduces monetary policy — the opener. Sentence 3 gives an example of a tool and sentence 1 ("This can lead to…") its effect. Sentence 4 ("However…") adds the caution at the end. Order 2-3-1-4 — option (b).

94

Choose the one-word substitute for the highlighted part: The hospital has a building where dead bodies are kept temporarily before post-mortem and final rites.

A.Sanctuary
B.Sepulcher
C.Crematorium
D.Mortuary

Solution

One-word — Mortuary A 'mortuary' is a room or building where bodies are kept before burial or cremation. A sepulchre is a tomb and a crematorium is where bodies are burned. A sanctuary is a place of refuge. Hence option (d).

95

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. She concluded that the experimental results might have been skewed had the environmental variables not been rigorously controlled.

A.She concluded, "The experimental results might have been skewed if the environmental variables had not been rigorously controlled."
B.She concluded, "The experimental results may have been skewed if the environmental variables were not rigorously controlled."
C.She concluded, "The experimental results will be skewed if the environmental variables are not rigorously controlled."
D.She concluded, "The experimental results might be skewed had the environmental variables not been rigorously controlled."

Solution

Indirect → direct (third conditional) A third conditional keeps both halves in the past-perfect pattern. So: "might have been skewed if … had not been rigorously controlled". (b) drops the past perfect, (c) turns it into a first conditional, (d) loses "have". Hence option (a).

96

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In an age characterized by constant connection and excessive information, the idea of being alone has become both rare and vital. Rather than being the same as loneliness, solitude signifies a mindful retreat — a purposeful effort to recover mental clarity and inner calm. Throughout history, thinkers, writers, and inventors have sought time in seclusion as a means for profound thought and invention. In solitude, the mind is free from social expectations, allowing ideas to form in their pure and unfiltered state. Yet today, solitude is often misunderstood, seen as unproductive or antisocial. The dominance of digital interaction has weakened our ability to spend time alone, replacing self-reflection with continuous stimulation. Messages, feeds, and the reward loop of online approval sustain a cycle of distraction that divides focus and reduces awareness. On a psychological level, being alone provides a moment for emotional balance. It allows people to interpret their experiences without the pressure of comparison or approval. Scientific studies indicate that deliberate solitude activates the brain’s resting network, connected to memory, identity, and imagination. Interestingly, individuals who regularly spend time alone often show stronger empathy and social connection, as they engage with others from a stable sense of self rather than dependence. Culturally, however, the glorification of busyness and constant activity has made solitude seem unusual. Communities that measure value by output tend to ignore the restorative role of stillness. Regaining solitude, therefore, requires both structural and personal adjustments — defining achievement not only by what one does but also by what one understands. True solitude is not withdrawal from the world, but a considered return to oneself.

Select the most appropriate antonym of "restorative" as per the given sentence from the passage: Communities that measure value by output tend to ignore the restorative role of stillness.

A.Energizing
B.Refreshing
C.Exhausting
D.Healing

Solution

Antonym — restorative 'Restorative' means something that renews strength and well-being. 'Exhausting' means draining one's energy — the true opposite. Energizing, refreshing and healing all carry the same positive sense as restorative. Hence option (c).

97

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In an age characterized by constant connection and excessive information, the idea of being alone has become both rare and vital. Rather than being the same as loneliness, solitude signifies a mindful retreat — a purposeful effort to recover mental clarity and inner calm. Throughout history, thinkers, writers, and inventors have sought time in seclusion as a means for profound thought and invention. In solitude, the mind is free from social expectations, allowing ideas to form in their pure and unfiltered state. Yet today, solitude is often misunderstood, seen as unproductive or antisocial. The dominance of digital interaction has weakened our ability to spend time alone, replacing self-reflection with continuous stimulation. Messages, feeds, and the reward loop of online approval sustain a cycle of distraction that divides focus and reduces awareness. On a psychological level, being alone provides a moment for emotional balance. It allows people to interpret their experiences without the pressure of comparison or approval. Scientific studies indicate that deliberate solitude activates the brain’s resting network, connected to memory, identity, and imagination. Interestingly, individuals who regularly spend time alone often show stronger empathy and social connection, as they engage with others from a stable sense of self rather than dependence. Culturally, however, the glorification of busyness and constant activity has made solitude seem unusual. Communities that measure value by output tend to ignore the restorative role of stillness. Regaining solitude, therefore, requires both structural and personal adjustments — defining achievement not only by what one does but also by what one understands. True solitude is not withdrawal from the world, but a considered return to oneself.

According to the passage, how does solitude contribute to emotional health?

A.By isolating people from social judgment.
B.By encouraging suppression of emotions.
C.By helping individuals process experiences calmly and clearly.
D.By promoting dependence on external validation.

Solution

RC — solitude and emotion The passage says being alone provides a moment for emotional balance. It lets people interpret their experiences without the pressure of comparison or approval. So solitude helps them process experiences calmly. Hence option (c).

98

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In an age characterized by constant connection and excessive information, the idea of being alone has become both rare and vital. Rather than being the same as loneliness, solitude signifies a mindful retreat — a purposeful effort to recover mental clarity and inner calm. Throughout history, thinkers, writers, and inventors have sought time in seclusion as a means for profound thought and invention. In solitude, the mind is free from social expectations, allowing ideas to form in their pure and unfiltered state. Yet today, solitude is often misunderstood, seen as unproductive or antisocial. The dominance of digital interaction has weakened our ability to spend time alone, replacing self-reflection with continuous stimulation. Messages, feeds, and the reward loop of online approval sustain a cycle of distraction that divides focus and reduces awareness. On a psychological level, being alone provides a moment for emotional balance. It allows people to interpret their experiences without the pressure of comparison or approval. Scientific studies indicate that deliberate solitude activates the brain’s resting network, connected to memory, identity, and imagination. Interestingly, individuals who regularly spend time alone often show stronger empathy and social connection, as they engage with others from a stable sense of self rather than dependence. Culturally, however, the glorification of busyness and constant activity has made solitude seem unusual. Communities that measure value by output tend to ignore the restorative role of stillness. Regaining solitude, therefore, requires both structural and personal adjustments — defining achievement not only by what one does but also by what one understands. True solitude is not withdrawal from the world, but a considered return to oneself.

What does the passage imply about people who spend time alone intentionally?

A.They become detached from society.
B.They tend to develop stronger empathy and self-awareness.
C.They lose interest in meaningful relationships.
D.They struggle to maintain emotional balance.

Solution

RC — intentional solitude The passage notes that those who regularly spend time alone often show stronger empathy and social connection. They engage with others from a stable sense of self rather than dependence. So solitude strengthens, not weakens, their relationships. Hence option (b).

99

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In an age characterized by constant connection and excessive information, the idea of being alone has become both rare and vital. Rather than being the same as loneliness, solitude signifies a mindful retreat — a purposeful effort to recover mental clarity and inner calm. Throughout history, thinkers, writers, and inventors have sought time in seclusion as a means for profound thought and invention. In solitude, the mind is free from social expectations, allowing ideas to form in their pure and unfiltered state. Yet today, solitude is often misunderstood, seen as unproductive or antisocial. The dominance of digital interaction has weakened our ability to spend time alone, replacing self-reflection with continuous stimulation. Messages, feeds, and the reward loop of online approval sustain a cycle of distraction that divides focus and reduces awareness. On a psychological level, being alone provides a moment for emotional balance. It allows people to interpret their experiences without the pressure of comparison or approval. Scientific studies indicate that deliberate solitude activates the brain’s resting network, connected to memory, identity, and imagination. Interestingly, individuals who regularly spend time alone often show stronger empathy and social connection, as they engage with others from a stable sense of self rather than dependence. Culturally, however, the glorification of busyness and constant activity has made solitude seem unusual. Communities that measure value by output tend to ignore the restorative role of stillness. Regaining solitude, therefore, requires both structural and personal adjustments — defining achievement not only by what one does but also by what one understands. True solitude is not withdrawal from the world, but a considered return to oneself.

The passage suggests that modern culture undervalues solitude because it:

A.Emphasizes personal growth and learning.
B.Promotes collective well-being over individual thought.
C.Encourages self-reflection and emotional understanding.
D.Equates success mainly with productivity and visible activity.

Solution

RC — why solitude is undervalued The passage speaks of the glorification of busyness and constant activity. Communities that measure value by OUTPUT ignore the restorative role of stillness. So success is equated with productivity and visible activity. Hence option (d).

100

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In an age characterized by constant connection and excessive information, the idea of being alone has become both rare and vital. Rather than being the same as loneliness, solitude signifies a mindful retreat — a purposeful effort to recover mental clarity and inner calm. Throughout history, thinkers, writers, and inventors have sought time in seclusion as a means for profound thought and invention. In solitude, the mind is free from social expectations, allowing ideas to form in their pure and unfiltered state. Yet today, solitude is often misunderstood, seen as unproductive or antisocial. The dominance of digital interaction has weakened our ability to spend time alone, replacing self-reflection with continuous stimulation. Messages, feeds, and the reward loop of online approval sustain a cycle of distraction that divides focus and reduces awareness. On a psychological level, being alone provides a moment for emotional balance. It allows people to interpret their experiences without the pressure of comparison or approval. Scientific studies indicate that deliberate solitude activates the brain’s resting network, connected to memory, identity, and imagination. Interestingly, individuals who regularly spend time alone often show stronger empathy and social connection, as they engage with others from a stable sense of self rather than dependence. Culturally, however, the glorification of busyness and constant activity has made solitude seem unusual. Communities that measure value by output tend to ignore the restorative role of stillness. Regaining solitude, therefore, requires both structural and personal adjustments — defining achievement not only by what one does but also by what one understands. True solitude is not withdrawal from the world, but a considered return to oneself.

What is the main reason the passage gives for society's decreasing ability to experience solitude?

A.Increased loneliness and emotional withdrawal.
B.Overreliance on digital communication and constant stimulation.
C.A decline in individual creativity and imagination.
D.Growing interest in social and cultural interaction.

Solution

RC — declining solitude The passage says the dominance of digital interaction has weakened our ability to be alone. Messages, feeds and the reward loop of online approval sustain a cycle of distraction. Self-reflection is thus replaced by continuous stimulation. Hence option (b).