SSC CGL 21 September 2025 · Shift 3 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Select the correct spelling to fill in the blank. His ____ disregard for protocol offended his superiors.

A.blattant
B.blaetant
C.blatennt
D.blatant

Solution

Spelling — blatant 'Blatant' — done openly and without shame — is the correct spelling. It has a single t in the middle and ends in -ant. The other three double or alter letters wrongly. Hence option (d).

77

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word: ACCUSE

A.Blame
B.Vindicate
C.Charge
D.Allege

Solution

Antonym — Accuse 'Accuse' means to charge someone with a fault or offence. 'Vindicate' means to clear someone of blame or suspicion — the true opposite. Blame, charge and allege are all synonyms of accuse. Hence option (b).

78

Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom. He is in high dudgeon over the rude remark.

A.Being offended with exaggerated dignity
B.Feeling morally superior
C.Becoming overly excited
D.Living in self-deception

Solution

Idiom — high dudgeon To be 'in high dudgeon' means to be deeply offended and resentful, showing wounded dignity. The rude remark has left him indignant, not merely excited. Options (b), (c) and (d) describe quite different states of mind. Hence option (a).

79

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. Through photosynthesis, they convert sunlight into energy, forming the base of most food chains. 2. Plants are essential to life on Earth, playing several indispensable roles. 3. They also release oxygen into the atmosphere, a critical component for animal respiration. 4. Without plants, the intricate web of life as we know it would simply collapse.

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

Solution

Para jumble — plants Sentence 2 introduces the topic — plants are essential and play several roles. Sentence 1 gives the first role (photosynthesis) and sentence 3 ("They also…") the second. Sentence 4 closes with the consequence of their absence. Order 2-1-3-4 — option (a).

80

Choose the correct spelling.

A.Exponge
B.Expung
C.Expunge
D.Expouge

Solution

Spelling — Expunge 'Expunge' — to erase or remove completely — is the correct spelling. It is spelt ex + punge, ending in -unge like plunge. The other three drop or change letters. Hence option (c).

81

Select the correct one-word substitute for: Someone indifferent to, or distrustful of, human integrity and moral values.

A.Idealist
B.Cynic
C.Optimist
D.Humanitarian

Solution

One-word — Cynic A 'cynic' doubts the sincerity and goodness of human motives. An idealist believes in high moral ideals — the opposite attitude. An optimist expects the best, and a humanitarian works for human welfare. Hence option (b).

82

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. The manager felt caught ____ a rock and a hard place when he had to choose between laying off staff or cutting salaries.

A.upon
B.between
C.inside
D.outside

Solution

Idiom — between a rock and a hard place The fixed idiom is 'between a rock and a hard place'. It means being forced to choose between two equally unpleasant options. Only "between" completes the expression. Hence option (b).

83

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. The police said, "If the firefighters did not arrive on time, people would be burning inside their homes."

A.The police said that people would be burning inside their homes if the firefighters had not arrived on time.
B.The police said that if the firefighters do not arrive on time people will be burning inside their homes.
C.The police exclaimed that people burn when firefighters do not arrive on time.
D.The police pointed towards the fact that people burn when firefighters do not arrive on time.

Solution

Reported conditional In reported speech the past simple of the if-clause backshifts to the past perfect: did not arrive → had not arrived. The main clause "would be burning" stays as it is. (b) shifts to the present, and (c) and (d) change the meaning altogether. 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. The research team concluded that (1)/ each participant must submit (2)/ their reports before (3)/ the deadline on Monday. (4)

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

Solution

Pronoun agreement "Each participant" is singular, so the pronoun that follows must also be singular. "Their reports" does not agree with it. Correct: ‘each participant must submit his or her report’. Hence option (c).

85

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: CRITICIZE

A.Admire
B.Condemn
C.Protect
D.Applaud

Solution

Synonym — Criticize 'Criticize' means to point out faults or express disapproval. 'Condemn' means to express strong disapproval — the closest synonym. Admire and applaud mean the opposite; protect is unrelated. Hence option (b).

86

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. Why can't you repair the car?

A.Why cannot the car be repaired by you?
B.Why can't the car be repaired by you?
C.Why the car cannot be repaired by you?
D.Why could not the car be repaired by you?

Solution

Passive of a question The object "the car" becomes the subject and the modal "can" is kept. Modal passive = can + be + past participle, and the contraction of the original is retained. (c) uses statement word order and (d) changes "can" to "could". Hence option (b).

87

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 players in the national team (1)/ works tirelessly (2)/ to improve their performance (3)/ before every major tournament. (4)

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

Solution

Subject-verb agreement The subject is "The players" — plural; "in the national team" is only a modifying phrase. A plural subject takes a plural verb. So "works" must become "work". Hence option (b).

88

Choose the correct one-word substitute for: An animal that feeds on the flesh of its own species.

A.Cannibal
B.Herbivore
C.Carnivore
D.Parasite

Solution

One-word — Cannibal A 'cannibal' eats members of its OWN species. A carnivore eats flesh in general, not necessarily of its own kind. A herbivore eats plants and a parasite lives off a host. Hence option (a).

89

Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom. She throws her hat into the ring for the post.

A.Gambling without care
B.Stepping down from a role
C.Admitting defeat openly
D.Entering a contest or announcing candidacy

Solution

Idiom — throw hat into the ring 'To throw one's hat into the ring' means to enter a contest or declare oneself a candidate. It comes from boxing, where a challenger tossed his hat into the ring to accept a fight. So she is announcing her candidacy for the post. Hence option (d).

90

Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word. The minister gave a stern warning to the officer.

A.His manner was known to be stern.
B.Her face showed a stern expression.
C.The man stood at the stern of the podium.
D.The teacher's tone was stern and serious.

Solution

Homonym — stern In the given sentence 'stern' is an adjective meaning strict or severe. Options (a), (b) and (d) all use it in that same sense. In (c) it is a NOUN meaning the rear part (of a ship) — a different word. Hence option (c).

91

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The board intends to implement the proposal after the final discussion.

A.The implementation is to be intended by the board after the final discussion.
B.The proposal is meant to be implemented and intended by the board for the final discussion.
C.The board is intended to implement by the proposal after the final discussion.
D.The proposal is intended to be implemented by the board after the final discussion.

Solution

Active → passive The object "the proposal" becomes the subject. "Intends to implement" becomes "is intended to be implemented". (a) changes the subject to "implementation", (b) adds words and (c) reverses the roles. Hence option (d).

92

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underline/Bold segment in the given sentence. The police warned against the dangers of sailing alone.

A.that dangers are sailing alone
B.of the dangers of sailing alone
C.it's dangerous of sailing alone
D.of the dangers against sailing alone

Solution

warn of the dangers The idiomatic pattern is 'warn somebody OF the dangers of something'. 'Warn against' is followed by the action itself, not by 'the dangers'. So the phrase becomes "of the dangers of sailing alone". Hence option (b).

93

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. She said that she could not compete in the marathon due to injured ankles.

A.She said, "I can not compete in the marathon due to pain in my ankles."
B.She said, "I could not compete in the marathon due to healthy ankles."
C.She said, "I can not compete in the marathon due to injured ankles."
D.She said, "I could compete in the marathon if not for the injured ankles."

Solution

Indirect → direct Reverse the backshift: reported "could not" comes from "cannot", and "she" becomes "I". The reason must stay the same — injured ankles. (a) changes the reason, (b) says "healthy ankles" and (d) alters the meaning. Hence option (c).

94

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. People now watch videos, play games, and use social media on their phones. 2. Mobile phones have changed how we entertain ourselves a lot. 3. This means fewer people use TVs or game consoles as much. 4. So, for many, their phone is the main way they have fun.

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

Solution

Para jumble — mobile phones Sentence 2 states the main idea — phones have changed how we entertain ourselves. Sentence 1 gives the detail of what people now do on them. Sentence 4 sums up the phone as the main source of fun, and sentence 3 adds the effect on TVs and consoles. Order 2-1-4-3 — option (b).

95

Choose the correct spelling.

A.Paraconsistent
B.Paraconssistent
C.Paraconsistint
D.Paraconsestent

Solution

Spelling — Paraconsistent 'Paraconsistent' is the correct spelling — para + consistent. It keeps the ordinary spelling of "consistent" after the prefix. The others double the s or change the vowels. Hence option (a).

96

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The chronicles of polar exploration mirror humanity’s insatiable curiosity to conquer the unknown. From the perilous expeditions of Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott in the early 20th century to the scientific missions of today, each journey to the Arctic and Antarctic regions has been a study in courage, endurance, and discovery. The polar explorers of the past braved unimaginable conditions — biting winds, perpetual darkness, and isolation — to map territories that defied comprehension. For them, exploration was not only geographical but existential: a confrontation with nature’s extremities and with their own limitations. In the modern era, the purpose of polar exploration has shifted. Once motivated by conquest and national prestige, contemporary missions focus on climate research, biodiversity preservation, and understanding Earth’s fragile cryosphere. Satellite imagery and advanced instrumentation have replaced dog sleds and sextants, yet the underlying spirit of discovery persists. The ice continues to conceal both mysteries of the past and warnings for the future, reminding humanity that exploration, in its truest sense, is an act of stewardship as much as ambition.

Which of the following best captures the author's tone throughout the passage?

A.Critical and dismissive
B.Analytical yet reverent
C.Sarcastic and humorous
D.Detached and indifferent

Solution

RC — author's tone The passage examines how the aims of polar exploration have changed — that is analysis. At the same time it speaks of courage, endurance and the enduring spirit of discovery — that is reverence. Nothing in it is dismissive, sarcastic or indifferent. Hence option (b).

97

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The chronicles of polar exploration mirror humanity’s insatiable curiosity to conquer the unknown. From the perilous expeditions of Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott in the early 20th century to the scientific missions of today, each journey to the Arctic and Antarctic regions has been a study in courage, endurance, and discovery. The polar explorers of the past braved unimaginable conditions — biting winds, perpetual darkness, and isolation — to map territories that defied comprehension. For them, exploration was not only geographical but existential: a confrontation with nature’s extremities and with their own limitations. In the modern era, the purpose of polar exploration has shifted. Once motivated by conquest and national prestige, contemporary missions focus on climate research, biodiversity preservation, and understanding Earth’s fragile cryosphere. Satellite imagery and advanced instrumentation have replaced dog sleds and sextants, yet the underlying spirit of discovery persists. The ice continues to conceal both mysteries of the past and warnings for the future, reminding humanity that exploration, in its truest sense, is an act of stewardship as much as ambition.

The word "cryosphere" as used in the passage refers to:

A.The frozen parts of Earth's surface such as glaciers and polar ice caps
B.The upper layers of Earth's atmosphere
C.Regions affected by volcanic activity
D.The underwater zones near the equator

Solution

RC — cryosphere The word appears alongside climate research and biodiversity in the polar regions. The cryosphere is the frozen part of the Earth — glaciers, ice sheets, sea ice and permafrost. The passage calls it fragile, which fits the melting polar ice. Hence option (a).

98

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The chronicles of polar exploration mirror humanity’s insatiable curiosity to conquer the unknown. From the perilous expeditions of Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott in the early 20th century to the scientific missions of today, each journey to the Arctic and Antarctic regions has been a study in courage, endurance, and discovery. The polar explorers of the past braved unimaginable conditions — biting winds, perpetual darkness, and isolation — to map territories that defied comprehension. For them, exploration was not only geographical but existential: a confrontation with nature’s extremities and with their own limitations. In the modern era, the purpose of polar exploration has shifted. Once motivated by conquest and national prestige, contemporary missions focus on climate research, biodiversity preservation, and understanding Earth’s fragile cryosphere. Satellite imagery and advanced instrumentation have replaced dog sleds and sextants, yet the underlying spirit of discovery persists. The ice continues to conceal both mysteries of the past and warnings for the future, reminding humanity that exploration, in its truest sense, is an act of stewardship as much as ambition.

In the clause "each journey to the Arctic and Antarctic regions has been a study in courage, endurance, and discovery," what is the function of the phrase "in courage, endurance, and discovery"?

A.It acts as an adverbial phrase of manner.
B.It functions as an adjective modifying "journey."
C.It serves as a prepositional phrase showing respect.
D.It acts as a complement explaining the kind of study.

Solution

RC — grammar function The phrase follows the noun "a study" and tells us what KIND of study it was. It therefore completes the sense of the subject complement after "has been". It does not modify "journey", nor does it describe manner of action. Hence option (d).

99

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The chronicles of polar exploration mirror humanity’s insatiable curiosity to conquer the unknown. From the perilous expeditions of Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott in the early 20th century to the scientific missions of today, each journey to the Arctic and Antarctic regions has been a study in courage, endurance, and discovery. The polar explorers of the past braved unimaginable conditions — biting winds, perpetual darkness, and isolation — to map territories that defied comprehension. For them, exploration was not only geographical but existential: a confrontation with nature’s extremities and with their own limitations. In the modern era, the purpose of polar exploration has shifted. Once motivated by conquest and national prestige, contemporary missions focus on climate research, biodiversity preservation, and understanding Earth’s fragile cryosphere. Satellite imagery and advanced instrumentation have replaced dog sleds and sextants, yet the underlying spirit of discovery persists. The ice continues to conceal both mysteries of the past and warnings for the future, reminding humanity that exploration, in its truest sense, is an act of stewardship as much as ambition.

What shift in purpose does the passage identify between early and modern polar expeditions?

A.From scientific observation to commercial gain
B.From exploration for conquest to exploration for environmental understanding
C.From adventure tourism to military control
D.From isolation to technological recreation

Solution

RC — shift in purpose Early expeditions were driven by conquest and national prestige. Modern missions focus on climate research, biodiversity and the cryosphere. That is a move from conquest to environmental understanding. Hence option (b).

100

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The chronicles of polar exploration mirror humanity’s insatiable curiosity to conquer the unknown. From the perilous expeditions of Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott in the early 20th century to the scientific missions of today, each journey to the Arctic and Antarctic regions has been a study in courage, endurance, and discovery. The polar explorers of the past braved unimaginable conditions — biting winds, perpetual darkness, and isolation — to map territories that defied comprehension. For them, exploration was not only geographical but existential: a confrontation with nature’s extremities and with their own limitations. In the modern era, the purpose of polar exploration has shifted. Once motivated by conquest and national prestige, contemporary missions focus on climate research, biodiversity preservation, and understanding Earth’s fragile cryosphere. Satellite imagery and advanced instrumentation have replaced dog sleds and sextants, yet the underlying spirit of discovery persists. The ice continues to conceal both mysteries of the past and warnings for the future, reminding humanity that exploration, in its truest sense, is an act of stewardship as much as ambition.

What is the most appropriate meaning of the word "stewardship" in the final line?

A.Ownership and control
B.Careful management and responsibility
C.Passive observation
D.Heroic dominance

Solution

RC — stewardship 'Stewardship' means looking after something responsibly on behalf of others. The passage contrasts it with mere ambition, urging care for a fragile region. Ownership and dominance are the opposite of that idea. Hence option (b).