SSC CGL 21 September 2025 · Shift 1 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: IRRITABLE

A.Grumpy
B.Friendly
C.Polite
D.Calm

Solution

Synonym — Irritable 'Irritable' means easily annoyed or angered. 'Grumpy' means bad-tempered — the closest synonym. Friendly, polite and calm all mean the opposite. Hence option (a).

77

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word. Eternal

A.Perpetual
B.Transitory
C.Endless
D.Immortal

Solution

Antonym — Eternal 'Eternal' means lasting forever, without end. 'Transitory' means temporary and short-lived — the true opposite. Perpetual, endless and immortal are all synonyms of eternal. Hence option (b).

78

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: He was clearly drawing the long bow while describing his achievements.

A.To romanticize historical events
B.To fabricate or exaggerate with little credibility
C.To delay justice deliberately
D.To conflate myth with realism

Solution

Idiom — drawing the long bow 'To draw the long bow' means to exaggerate wildly or tell tall tales. The image comes from archers boasting of impossible shots. So his account of his achievements was overblown. Hence option (b).

79

Choose the correct spelling.

A.Treaty
B.Trrety
C.Treeti
D.Tritye

Solution

Spelling — Treaty 'Treaty' — a formal agreement between states — is the correct spelling. It is spelt trea-ty, on the pattern of treat. The other three distort the vowels. Hence option (a).

80

Choose the correct spelling.

A.Obstinnate
B.Obstinate
C.Obsteinat
D.Obbstinat

Solution

Spelling — Obstinate 'Obstinate' — stubbornly refusing to change — is the correct spelling. It has a single n and a single b: ob-sti-nate. The other three double letters or alter the ending. Hence option (b).

81

Choose the correct one-word substitution: A person who believes that all forms of government or authority should be abolished.

A.Conformist
B.Anarchist
C.Pessimist
D.Traditionalist

Solution

One-word — Anarchist An 'anarchist' wants all government and authority done away with. A conformist follows rules without question and a traditionalist upholds custom. A pessimist simply expects the worst. Hence option (b).

82

Choose the correct spelling.

A.Esoterica
B.Esotericca
C.Esotiriica
D.Esotarica

Solution

Spelling — Esoterica 'Esoterica' — items of specialised or obscure interest — is the correct spelling. It comes from esoteric, with a single c. The other three double the c or change the vowels. Hence option (a).

83

Choose the correct one-word substitute for: 'A record of one's life written by someone else.'

A.Biography
B.Memorandum
C.Memoir
D.Autobiography

Solution

One-word — Biography A 'biography' is an account of a person's life written by another person. An autobiography is written by the person himself. A memoir records selected personal experiences and a memorandum is an office note. Hence option (a).

84

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. ____ his rigorous training, the athlete struggled to complete the marathon.

A.As a result of
B.By dint of
C.Due to
D.Despite

Solution

Despite — contrast The two halves of the sentence contrast: hard training, yet a struggle. "Despite" introduces exactly such a contrast. "As a result of" and "due to" show cause, which reverses the sense. Hence option (d).

85

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: He had to eat crow after his plan completely failed.

A.Enjoy luxurious food
B.Give lavish charity
C.Suffer physical punishment
D.Admit one's error and endure humiliation

Solution

Idiom — eat crow 'To eat crow' means to be forced to admit that one was wrong and face the embarrassment. The crow is proverbially unpleasant to eat, hence the humiliation. His failed plan left him with no choice but to own the mistake. Hence option (d).

86

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. The teacher said, "You will have left this school before I resign."

A.The teacher warned that you would have left this school before I resigned.
B.The teacher told that you would have left this school before I resigned.
C.The teacher said that they will have resigned from this school before he left.
D.The teacher said that they would have left that school before he resigned.

Solution

Direct → indirect "Will have left" backshifts to "would have left" and "this school" becomes "that school". "You" becomes "they" and "I" becomes "he" from the reporter’s point of view. (a) and (b) keep the original pronouns; (c) swaps who does what. Hence option (d).

87

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 enables the machine to store and retrieve data quickly, which is essential for fast operation. 2. Random Access Memory (RAM) plays a crucial role in a computer's overall performance. 3. Unlike long-term storage, RAM holds data that the CPU needs to access immediately for active tasks. 4. Without sufficient RAM, a computer would slow down significantly, regardless of its processor speed.

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

Solution

Para jumble — RAM Sentence 2 introduces RAM and its importance — the opener. Sentence 3 explains what RAM holds and sentence 1 ("This enables…") the benefit. Sentence 4 closes with the consequence of having too little RAM. Order 2-3-1-4 — 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. That the expedition faced unforeseen challenges (1)/ in the treacherous mountain terrain (2)/ were evident from their delayed return (3)/ and exhausted appearance. (4)

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

Solution

Noun clause takes singular verb The subject is the noun clause "That the expedition faced unforeseen challenges…". A single noun clause is treated as SINGULAR. So "were evident" must become "was evident". Hence option (c).

89

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The researchers may publish their findings next month.

A.Their findings might be published by the researchers next month.
B.Their findings may be published by the researchers next month.
C.Their findings are published by the researchers next month.
D.Their findings could be published by the researchers next month.

Solution

Passive with may A modal keeps its own form in the passive: may + be + past participle. So "may publish" becomes "may be published". (a) and (d) change the modal; (c) drops it altogether. Hence option (b).

90

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 sudden influx of tourists, (1)/ attracted by the newly opened resort, (2)/ have caused significant strain (3)/ on the local infrastructure. (4)

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

Solution

Subject-verb agreement The subject is "The sudden influx" — a singular noun. The phrase "of tourists" does not change its number. So "have caused" must become "has caused". Hence option (c).

91

Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word: The philosopher's tenure at the institution became legendary.

A.He lost his tenure because of academic misconduct.
B.The lease agreement specifies the tenure in its clauses.
C.The sculptor captured the tenure of pain in his marble work.
D.Activists challenged the colonial tenure laws.

Solution

Homonym — tenure In the given sentence "tenure" means a period of holding a post. Options (a), (b) and (d) all use it in that sense of a term or holding. In (c) the word is used quite differently, for a sustained quality of feeling. Hence option (c).

92

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. It is hoped that a lasting peace agreement will be reached soon.

A.We hope that a lasting peace agreement will be reached soon.
B.They hope that a lasting peace agreement will be reached soon.
C.Everyone hopes to reach a lasting peace agreement soon.
D.People hope that they will reach a lasting peace agreement soon.

Solution

Passive → active Both clauses are passive: "It is hoped" and "will be reached". The active form supplies a doer for each — "People hope" and "they will reach". (a) and (b) leave the inner clause passive; (c) changes the structure. Hence option (d).

93

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underline/Bold segment in the given sentence. He is capable for handling of the complex project.

A.of handling
B.to handle
C.in handling
D.by handling

Solution

capable of + gerund The adjective 'capable' is always followed by the preposition OF. That preposition then takes a gerund — the -ing form. Correct: 'He is capable of handling the complex project.' Hence option (a).

94

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. The director explained that the project needed more funding, and the deadline had to be extended.

A.The director said, "The project needs more funding, and the deadline has to be extended."
B.The director said, "The project needed more funding, and the deadline has to be extended."
C.The director said, "The project needs more funding, and the deadline had to be extended."
D.The director explained, "The project needed more funding, and the deadline will be extended."

Solution

Indirect → direct Reverse the backshift: the reported past comes from the present tense. "Needed" → "needs" and "had to be extended" → "has to be extended". (b), (c) and (d) keep one half in the past, breaking the consistency. Hence option (a).

95

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. Machine learning, a subset of Artificial Intelligence, is rapidly gaining prominence. 2. This enables machines to learn from data without explicit programming. 3. Consequently, it finds applications in diverse fields, from healthcare to finance. 4. Algorithms are trained on vast datasets to recognize patterns and make predictions.

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

Solution

Para jumble — machine learning Sentence 1 introduces machine learning — the opener. Sentence 4 describes how algorithms are trained and sentence 2 ("This enables…") the result. Sentence 3 ("Consequently…") closes with the applications. Order 1-4-2-3 — option (b).

96

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Deep beneath the ocean's surface lies one of the least explored frontiers on Earth — the abyssal plain. Stretching across vast regions of the seabed, these flat, dark expanses are home to an array of organisms uniquely adapted to conditions of crushing pressure, perpetual darkness and scarce food supply. Life here thrives not on sunlight but on chemical energy derived from hydrothermal vents, where mineral-rich fluids gush from the Earth's crust. Around these vents, chemosynthetic bacteria form the foundation of an entire ecosystem, sustaining giant tube worms, blind shrimp and specialised crabs. The discovery of these vent-based ecosystems in the late 20th century revolutionised our understanding of life itself, challenging the long-held notion that sunlight was essential for biological productivity. The study of such organisms has also deepened scientific insight into possible extraterrestrial life, particularly on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus, where similar energy sources may exist beneath frozen crusts. Yet the growing interest in deep-sea mining threatens to disturb these fragile habitats. Extraction of minerals such as cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements could irreversibly damage ecosystems that have taken millennia to evolve. Scientists urge that conservation and research must precede exploitation, ensuring that curiosity does not turn into destruction.

What role do hydrothermal vents play in the deep-sea ecosystem?

A.They act as shelters for marine creatures.
B.They supply mineral-rich fluids that support chemosynthetic life.
C.They provide oxygen for photosynthetic organisms.
D.They function as geological traps for sediments.

Solution

RC — hydrothermal vents The passage says mineral-rich fluids gush from the crust at these vents. Chemosynthetic bacteria around them form the base of the whole food chain. That chain sustains tube worms, blind shrimp and crabs. Hence option (b).

97

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Deep beneath the ocean's surface lies one of the least explored frontiers on Earth — the abyssal plain. Stretching across vast regions of the seabed, these flat, dark expanses are home to an array of organisms uniquely adapted to conditions of crushing pressure, perpetual darkness and scarce food supply. Life here thrives not on sunlight but on chemical energy derived from hydrothermal vents, where mineral-rich fluids gush from the Earth's crust. Around these vents, chemosynthetic bacteria form the foundation of an entire ecosystem, sustaining giant tube worms, blind shrimp and specialised crabs. The discovery of these vent-based ecosystems in the late 20th century revolutionised our understanding of life itself, challenging the long-held notion that sunlight was essential for biological productivity. The study of such organisms has also deepened scientific insight into possible extraterrestrial life, particularly on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus, where similar energy sources may exist beneath frozen crusts. Yet the growing interest in deep-sea mining threatens to disturb these fragile habitats. Extraction of minerals such as cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements could irreversibly damage ecosystems that have taken millennia to evolve. Scientists urge that conservation and research must precede exploitation, ensuring that curiosity does not turn into destruction.

Which scientific assumption was challenged by the discovery of vent-based life forms?

A.Life cannot exist without sunlight.
B.Chemical energy is unimportant in biology.
C.Deep-sea exploration is impossible.
D.Only land organisms use minerals for energy.

Solution

RC — assumption challenged The passage states that the discovery challenged the long-held notion that sunlight was essential for biological productivity. Vent ecosystems live entirely on chemical energy. So the assumption overturned was that life needs sunlight. Hence option (a).

98

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Deep beneath the ocean's surface lies one of the least explored frontiers on Earth — the abyssal plain. Stretching across vast regions of the seabed, these flat, dark expanses are home to an array of organisms uniquely adapted to conditions of crushing pressure, perpetual darkness and scarce food supply. Life here thrives not on sunlight but on chemical energy derived from hydrothermal vents, where mineral-rich fluids gush from the Earth's crust. Around these vents, chemosynthetic bacteria form the foundation of an entire ecosystem, sustaining giant tube worms, blind shrimp and specialised crabs. The discovery of these vent-based ecosystems in the late 20th century revolutionised our understanding of life itself, challenging the long-held notion that sunlight was essential for biological productivity. The study of such organisms has also deepened scientific insight into possible extraterrestrial life, particularly on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus, where similar energy sources may exist beneath frozen crusts. Yet the growing interest in deep-sea mining threatens to disturb these fragile habitats. Extraction of minerals such as cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements could irreversibly damage ecosystems that have taken millennia to evolve. Scientists urge that conservation and research must precede exploitation, ensuring that curiosity does not turn into destruction.

Why does the author caution against deep-sea mining?

A.It could cause pollution in coastal waters.
B.It threatens to destroy delicate and ancient ecosystems.
C.It produces insufficient economic benefit.
D.It interferes with undersea communication cables.

Solution

RC — deep-sea mining The passage warns that mining for cobalt, nickel and rare earths could irreversibly damage these habitats. Those ecosystems have taken millennia to evolve. Hence the call for conservation and research before exploitation. Hence option (b).

99

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Deep beneath the ocean's surface lies one of the least explored frontiers on Earth — the abyssal plain. Stretching across vast regions of the seabed, these flat, dark expanses are home to an array of organisms uniquely adapted to conditions of crushing pressure, perpetual darkness and scarce food supply. Life here thrives not on sunlight but on chemical energy derived from hydrothermal vents, where mineral-rich fluids gush from the Earth's crust. Around these vents, chemosynthetic bacteria form the foundation of an entire ecosystem, sustaining giant tube worms, blind shrimp and specialised crabs. The discovery of these vent-based ecosystems in the late 20th century revolutionised our understanding of life itself, challenging the long-held notion that sunlight was essential for biological productivity. The study of such organisms has also deepened scientific insight into possible extraterrestrial life, particularly on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus, where similar energy sources may exist beneath frozen crusts. Yet the growing interest in deep-sea mining threatens to disturb these fragile habitats. Extraction of minerals such as cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements could irreversibly damage ecosystems that have taken millennia to evolve. Scientists urge that conservation and research must precede exploitation, ensuring that curiosity does not turn into destruction.

What is the closest meaning of the term 'chemosynthetic' in the passage?

A.Using light energy to make food
B.Depending on decayed organic matter
C.Producing food through chemical reactions
D.Feeding on other organisms

Solution

RC — 'chemosynthetic' Chemosynthetic organisms build food using energy released by chemical reactions. Near the vents they use compounds such as hydrogen sulphide instead of sunlight. Making food from light is photosynthesis. Hence option (c).

100

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Deep beneath the ocean's surface lies one of the least explored frontiers on Earth — the abyssal plain. Stretching across vast regions of the seabed, these flat, dark expanses are home to an array of organisms uniquely adapted to conditions of crushing pressure, perpetual darkness and scarce food supply. Life here thrives not on sunlight but on chemical energy derived from hydrothermal vents, where mineral-rich fluids gush from the Earth's crust. Around these vents, chemosynthetic bacteria form the foundation of an entire ecosystem, sustaining giant tube worms, blind shrimp and specialised crabs. The discovery of these vent-based ecosystems in the late 20th century revolutionised our understanding of life itself, challenging the long-held notion that sunlight was essential for biological productivity. The study of such organisms has also deepened scientific insight into possible extraterrestrial life, particularly on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus, where similar energy sources may exist beneath frozen crusts. Yet the growing interest in deep-sea mining threatens to disturb these fragile habitats. Extraction of minerals such as cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements could irreversibly damage ecosystems that have taken millennia to evolve. Scientists urge that conservation and research must precede exploitation, ensuring that curiosity does not turn into destruction.

Which statement best summarises the central idea of the passage?

A.Deep-sea mining is necessary for technological progress.
B.Life in the ocean depths depends on sunlight and photosynthesis.
C.The abyssal plain hosts unique ecosystems that rely on chemical energy and need protection.
D.Marine organisms are easily adaptable to environmental changes.

Solution

RC — central idea The passage describes vent-based life running on chemical energy rather than sunlight. It then warns that mining could destroy these fragile habitats. So the central idea joins both — unique ecosystems that must be protected. Hence option (c).