SSC CGL 20 September 2025 · Shift 2 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Fill in the blank with the correctly spelt word. The ____ of the antique manuscript was a painstaking process.

A.resurrection
B.reesurection
C.resurecsion
D.resuracction

Solution

Spelling — resurrection 'Resurrection' — the act of restoring or reviving — is the correct spelling. It has a double r in the middle and ends in -ction. The other three misplace the letters. Hence option (a).

77

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: 'The study of ancient societies.'

A.Archaeology
B.Sociology
C.Anthropology
D.Paleontology

Solution

One-word — Archaeology 'Archaeology' is the study of ancient societies through their remains and monuments. Anthropology is the wider study of human beings and cultures, ancient and modern alike. Sociology studies present-day society and palaeontology studies fossils. Hence option (a).

78

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. The journalist was praised for her ____ investigation into the corruption scandal.

A.meticulous
B.meticulously
C.meticulousness
D.meticulosity

Solution

Adjective before noun The blank qualifies the noun "investigation", so an adjective is needed. "Meticulous" means showing great attention to detail. "Meticulously" is an adverb and "meticulousness" a noun. Hence option (a).

79

Select the correct spelling of the word meaning "capable of being done".

A.Feeseable
B.Fiesible
C.Feasible
D.Fiesable

Solution

Spelling — Feasible 'Feasible' — able to be done or carried out — is the correct spelling. It begins fea- and ends -sible. The other three alter the vowels. Hence option (c).

80

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: 'A person who loves and collects books.'

A.Calligrapher
B.Bibliophile
C.Archivist
D.Philatelist

Solution

One-word — Bibliophile A 'bibliophile' loves and collects books. A calligrapher practises decorative handwriting; an archivist looks after records. A philatelist collects postage stamps. Hence option (b).

81

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: DECEPTION

A.Veracity
B.Chicanery
C.Honesty
D.Loyalty

Solution

Synonym — Deception 'Deception' means the act of misleading someone. 'Chicanery' means trickery and deception — the closest synonym. Veracity, honesty and loyalty all mean the opposite. Hence option (b).

82

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word. Open

A.Overt
B.Frank
C.Furtive
D.Transparent

Solution

Antonym — Open 'Open' means frank and freely revealed. 'Furtive' means secretive and trying to avoid notice — the true opposite. Overt, frank and transparent are all synonyms of open. Hence option (c).

83

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Whistle in the dark

A.Put on a brave front despite fear
B.Speak in an ambiguous way
C.Refuse to take sides
D.Be happy in loneliness

Solution

Idiom — whistle in the dark 'To whistle in the dark' means to try to appear brave or confident while actually being afraid. The image is of someone whistling to keep his courage up in a dark place. Saying all will be well with no plan is whistling in the dark. Hence option (a).

84

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Sound and fury

A.Great uproar that signifies nothing
B.Echoes of truth from the past
C.Bold actions with lasting impact
D.A confession, then silence

Solution

Idiom — sound and fury 'Sound and fury' means noisy activity that achieves nothing. The phrase comes from Macbeth — "full of sound and fury, signifying nothing". So it describes empty commotion. Hence option (a).

85

Find the correct spelling of the term meaning "to speak ambiguously or avoid the truth".

A.Prevericate
B.Privaricate
C.Prevarricate
D.Prevaricate

Solution

Spelling — Prevaricate 'Prevaricate' — to speak evasively or avoid the truth — is the correct spelling. It has a single r in the middle: pre-var-i-cate. The others change a vowel or double the r. Hence option (d).

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 committee insisted that (1)/ each member provides a written report (2)/ before the final presentation (3)/ scheduled next week. (4)

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

Solution

Subjunctive after insist After verbs like insist, suggest, recommend and demand, English uses the SUBJUNCTIVE. The verb then takes its base form without -s. So "each member provides" must become "each member provide". Hence option (b).

87

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The teacher gave the students a detailed explanation.

A.The students were given a detailed explanation by the teacher.
B.The students are given a detailed explanation by the teacher.
C.The students have been given a detailed explanation by the teacher.
D.The students will be given a detailed explanation by the teacher.

Solution

Active → passive (simple past) "Gave" is simple past active, so the passive must also be simple past. With two objects, the person usually becomes the subject: The students were given… (b) is present, (c) present perfect and (d) future. Hence option (a).

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. The director explained that (1)/ the report was delayed (2)/ because the data (3)/ was not yet collected. (4)

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

Solution

Tense sequence The main verb "explained" is in the past, and the data was gathered even earlier. An action prior to another past action takes the PAST PERFECT. So "was not yet collected" should be "had not yet been collected". Hence option (d).

89

Select the option which contains the most appropriate HOMONYM of the word given in bold/underline. She will lead the discussion tomorrow.

A.The detective followed a promising lead in the case.
B.He wants to lead the team to victory.
C.She leads the choir every Sunday.
D.They are leading the project together.

Solution

Homonym — lead In the given sentence "lead" means to guide or be in charge. Options (b), (c) and (d) all use it in that same sense. In (a) "lead" means a clue — same spelling, different meaning. Hence option (a).

90

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. Was the new software developed by the internal team or outsourced?

A.Did the internal team develop the new software or outsource it?
B.Has the internal team developed the new software or outsourced it?
C.Is the internal team developing the new software or outsourcing it?
D.Did the outsourcing develop the new software for the team?

Solution

Passive → active (question) "Was … developed" is simple past passive, so the active form is "Did … develop". The doer, the internal team, becomes the subject. (b) and (c) change the tense; (d) distorts the meaning. Hence option (a).

91

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. The teacher said, "Do not make noise in the corridor."

A.The teacher told us not to make noise in the corridor.
B.The teacher forbade them to make noise in the corridor.
C.The teacher said them don’t make noise in the corridor.
D.The teacher requested them not to make noise in the corridor.

Solution

Reported prohibition A negative command reported becomes "forbade … to" or "told … not to". Since the sentence is an order from a teacher, "forbade" is the apt reporting verb. (c) is ungrammatical and (d) turns an order into a polite request. Hence option (b).

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. The proposal to build a new metro line was initially met with public skepticism. 2. Construction began after environmental clearances were obtained. 3. Over time, the metro project gained support as traffic congestion worsened. 4. Upon completion, the metro system greatly improved urban connectivity.

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

Solution

Para jumble — metro line Sentence 1 introduces the proposal and the initial doubt. Sentence 3 shows opinion turning in its favour over time. Sentence 2 then has construction beginning, and sentence 4 closes with completion. Order 1-3-2-4 — option (b).

93

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In the digital age, personal data has become one of the most valuable commodities, shaping how businesses, governments and individuals interact. Every online search, social media post and mobile transaction contributes to a vast ecosystem of data collection and analysis. Tech giants employ sophisticated algorithms to track user preferences, predict behaviour and deliver personalised advertisements that seem almost intuitive. While this data-driven world enhances convenience and efficiency, it simultaneously exposes individuals to unprecedented privacy risks. The boundaries between public and private life are blurring as personal information becomes a tradable asset, often exchanged without informed consent. Governments argue that surveillance technologies are essential for national security and public safety, yet the same tools can be misused to monitor citizens, suppress dissent or manipulate elections. Data breaches and unauthorised access to confidential information have become alarmingly frequent, eroding public trust in digital institutions. In many cases users agree to complex privacy policies they barely read, granting corporations sweeping rights over their data in exchange for "free" services. This imbalance of power raises critical ethical questions: Who truly owns personal data? How much control should individuals retain over their digital footprints? Addressing these concerns requires a multi-dimensional approach. Stronger data protection laws, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), aim to empower users by ensuring transparency and consent. Similarly, initiatives in India like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act seek to safeguard citizens’ privacy while enabling responsible innovation. However, legislation alone cannot solve the problem. Public awareness, ethical corporate behaviour and the promotion of digital literacy are equally vital. As technology continues to evolve — from facial recognition to artificial intelligence — the ethical use of data will determine the future of digital democracy. Ultimately, privacy in the 21st century is not just a legal right but a fundamental expression of personal autonomy, dignity and freedom in an interconnected world.

According to the passage, what makes personal data highly valuable in the modern world?

A.It improves entertainment quality
B.It helps predict and influence human behaviour
C.It reduces government expenditure
D.It prevents technological misuse

Solution

RC — value of data The passage says tech giants use algorithms to track preferences and PREDICT behaviour. That prediction lets them deliver personalised advertising, which is where the value lies. So the worth of data comes from its power to anticipate and shape behaviour. Hence option (b).

94

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In the digital age, personal data has become one of the most valuable commodities, shaping how businesses, governments and individuals interact. Every online search, social media post and mobile transaction contributes to a vast ecosystem of data collection and analysis. Tech giants employ sophisticated algorithms to track user preferences, predict behaviour and deliver personalised advertisements that seem almost intuitive. While this data-driven world enhances convenience and efficiency, it simultaneously exposes individuals to unprecedented privacy risks. The boundaries between public and private life are blurring as personal information becomes a tradable asset, often exchanged without informed consent. Governments argue that surveillance technologies are essential for national security and public safety, yet the same tools can be misused to monitor citizens, suppress dissent or manipulate elections. Data breaches and unauthorised access to confidential information have become alarmingly frequent, eroding public trust in digital institutions. In many cases users agree to complex privacy policies they barely read, granting corporations sweeping rights over their data in exchange for "free" services. This imbalance of power raises critical ethical questions: Who truly owns personal data? How much control should individuals retain over their digital footprints? Addressing these concerns requires a multi-dimensional approach. Stronger data protection laws, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), aim to empower users by ensuring transparency and consent. Similarly, initiatives in India like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act seek to safeguard citizens’ privacy while enabling responsible innovation. However, legislation alone cannot solve the problem. Public awareness, ethical corporate behaviour and the promotion of digital literacy are equally vital. As technology continues to evolve — from facial recognition to artificial intelligence — the ethical use of data will determine the future of digital democracy. Ultimately, privacy in the 21st century is not just a legal right but a fundamental expression of personal autonomy, dignity and freedom in an interconnected world.

What primary risk accompanies the rise of data-driven technologies?

A.Lack of mobile connectivity
B.Increase in hardware costs
C.Invasion of individual privacy
D.Decline in global trade

Solution

RC — chief risk The passage says this data-driven world exposes individuals to unprecedented privacy risks. Personal information becomes a tradable asset, often without informed consent. So loss of privacy is the chief risk. Hence option (c).

95

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In the digital age, personal data has become one of the most valuable commodities, shaping how businesses, governments and individuals interact. Every online search, social media post and mobile transaction contributes to a vast ecosystem of data collection and analysis. Tech giants employ sophisticated algorithms to track user preferences, predict behaviour and deliver personalised advertisements that seem almost intuitive. While this data-driven world enhances convenience and efficiency, it simultaneously exposes individuals to unprecedented privacy risks. The boundaries between public and private life are blurring as personal information becomes a tradable asset, often exchanged without informed consent. Governments argue that surveillance technologies are essential for national security and public safety, yet the same tools can be misused to monitor citizens, suppress dissent or manipulate elections. Data breaches and unauthorised access to confidential information have become alarmingly frequent, eroding public trust in digital institutions. In many cases users agree to complex privacy policies they barely read, granting corporations sweeping rights over their data in exchange for "free" services. This imbalance of power raises critical ethical questions: Who truly owns personal data? How much control should individuals retain over their digital footprints? Addressing these concerns requires a multi-dimensional approach. Stronger data protection laws, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), aim to empower users by ensuring transparency and consent. Similarly, initiatives in India like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act seek to safeguard citizens’ privacy while enabling responsible innovation. However, legislation alone cannot solve the problem. Public awareness, ethical corporate behaviour and the promotion of digital literacy are equally vital. As technology continues to evolve — from facial recognition to artificial intelligence — the ethical use of data will determine the future of digital democracy. Ultimately, privacy in the 21st century is not just a legal right but a fundamental expression of personal autonomy, dignity and freedom in an interconnected world.

What ethical question does the author raise regarding digital data?

A.Should governments own all private data?
B.Who truly owns personal data and controls its use?
C.How can data storage be made cheaper?
D.Should social media be banned?

Solution

RC — ethical question The passage asks directly: who truly owns personal data? It follows that with how much control individuals should keep over their digital footprints. Those two questions form the ethical core of the argument. Hence option (b).

96

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In the digital age, personal data has become one of the most valuable commodities, shaping how businesses, governments and individuals interact. Every online search, social media post and mobile transaction contributes to a vast ecosystem of data collection and analysis. Tech giants employ sophisticated algorithms to track user preferences, predict behaviour and deliver personalised advertisements that seem almost intuitive. While this data-driven world enhances convenience and efficiency, it simultaneously exposes individuals to unprecedented privacy risks. The boundaries between public and private life are blurring as personal information becomes a tradable asset, often exchanged without informed consent. Governments argue that surveillance technologies are essential for national security and public safety, yet the same tools can be misused to monitor citizens, suppress dissent or manipulate elections. Data breaches and unauthorised access to confidential information have become alarmingly frequent, eroding public trust in digital institutions. In many cases users agree to complex privacy policies they barely read, granting corporations sweeping rights over their data in exchange for "free" services. This imbalance of power raises critical ethical questions: Who truly owns personal data? How much control should individuals retain over their digital footprints? Addressing these concerns requires a multi-dimensional approach. Stronger data protection laws, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), aim to empower users by ensuring transparency and consent. Similarly, initiatives in India like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act seek to safeguard citizens’ privacy while enabling responsible innovation. However, legislation alone cannot solve the problem. Public awareness, ethical corporate behaviour and the promotion of digital literacy are equally vital. As technology continues to evolve — from facial recognition to artificial intelligence — the ethical use of data will determine the future of digital democracy. Ultimately, privacy in the 21st century is not just a legal right but a fundamental expression of personal autonomy, dignity and freedom in an interconnected world.

What role do laws like GDPR and India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act play?

A.They encourage online advertising
B.They safeguard user privacy through consent and transparency
C.They limit internet access in developing countries
D.They ban global technology companies

Solution

RC — role of GDPR The passage says the GDPR aims to empower users by ensuring transparency and consent. India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act likewise safeguards privacy while allowing responsible innovation. So both laws protect users rather than restrict technology. Hence option (b).

97

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In the digital age, personal data has become one of the most valuable commodities, shaping how businesses, governments and individuals interact. Every online search, social media post and mobile transaction contributes to a vast ecosystem of data collection and analysis. Tech giants employ sophisticated algorithms to track user preferences, predict behaviour and deliver personalised advertisements that seem almost intuitive. While this data-driven world enhances convenience and efficiency, it simultaneously exposes individuals to unprecedented privacy risks. The boundaries between public and private life are blurring as personal information becomes a tradable asset, often exchanged without informed consent. Governments argue that surveillance technologies are essential for national security and public safety, yet the same tools can be misused to monitor citizens, suppress dissent or manipulate elections. Data breaches and unauthorised access to confidential information have become alarmingly frequent, eroding public trust in digital institutions. In many cases users agree to complex privacy policies they barely read, granting corporations sweeping rights over their data in exchange for "free" services. This imbalance of power raises critical ethical questions: Who truly owns personal data? How much control should individuals retain over their digital footprints? Addressing these concerns requires a multi-dimensional approach. Stronger data protection laws, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), aim to empower users by ensuring transparency and consent. Similarly, initiatives in India like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act seek to safeguard citizens’ privacy while enabling responsible innovation. However, legislation alone cannot solve the problem. Public awareness, ethical corporate behaviour and the promotion of digital literacy are equally vital. As technology continues to evolve — from facial recognition to artificial intelligence — the ethical use of data will determine the future of digital democracy. Ultimately, privacy in the 21st century is not just a legal right but a fundamental expression of personal autonomy, dignity and freedom in an interconnected world.

What does the author identify as essential beyond legislation for ensuring privacy?

A.Stricter surveillance
B.Digital literacy and ethical corporate conduct
C.Reducing technological use
D.Censorship of online media

Solution

RC — beyond legislation The passage states plainly that legislation alone cannot solve the problem. Public awareness, ethical corporate behaviour and digital literacy are called equally vital. So the answer lies beyond law, in awareness and corporate ethics. Hence option (b).

98

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underline/Bold segment in the given sentence. He was accused for stealing the confidential files.

A.of stealing
B.with stealing
C.about stealing
D.on stealing

Solution

accused of The verb 'accuse' is always followed by the preposition OF. One is accused OF a wrongdoing, but charged WITH it. Correct: 'He was accused of stealing the confidential files.' Hence option (a).

99

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. The economist observed that if inflation were not curbed, the currency might weaken further.

A.The economist said, "If inflation is not curbed, the currency will weaken further."
B.The economist said, "If inflation was not curbed, the currency would weaken further."
C.The economist said, "If inflation were not curbed, the currency might weaken further."
D.The economist said, "Unless inflation had been curbed, the currency would have weakened further."

Solution

Indirect → direct (conditional) Reverse the backshift: the reported "were not curbed / might weaken" comes from a present conditional. So the spoken words were "If inflation is not curbed, the currency will weaken further." (c) simply repeats the reported form and (d) shifts to the third conditional. 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. These vibrant ecosystems are crucial for filtering water, protecting coastlines, and providing nursery grounds for numerous marine species. 2. However, they face severe threats from climate change, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices. 3. Coral reefs are often called the "rainforests of the sea" due to their immense biodiversity. 4. Urgent global efforts are needed to protect these invaluable natural wonders before it’s too late.

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

Solution

Para jumble — coral reefs Sentence 3 introduces coral reefs — the natural opener. Sentence 1 ("These vibrant ecosystems…") explains why they matter. Sentence 2 ("However…") brings in the threats and sentence 4 concludes with the call to act. Order 3-1-2-4 — option (a).