SSC CGL 23 September 2025 · Shift 2 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word: JOYOUS

A.Happy
B.Cheerful
C.Lugubrious
D.Delighted

Solution

Antonym — Joyous 'Joyous' means full of happiness. 'Lugubrious' means looking or sounding sad and dismal — the true opposite. Happy, cheerful and delighted are all synonyms of joyous. Hence option (c).

77

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. She finally broke her duck in the exam after repeated failures.

A.Abandon a hobby
B.Spoil a good start
C.Achieve a first success after previous failures
D.Undergo bankruptcy

Solution

Idiom — break one's duck 'To break one's duck' means to score or succeed for the first time after failing. The phrase comes from cricket, where a batsman out without scoring is said to be on a duck. After repeated failures she finally succeeded. Hence option (c).

78

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. She cut me dead in the corridor.

A.Ignored me deliberately
B.Insulted me openly
C.Misunderstood me accidentally
D.Praised me sarcastically

Solution

Idiom — cut me dead 'To cut someone dead' means to ignore them completely and on purpose. It suggests pretending not to see or recognise the person. No words are exchanged, so it is not an open insult. Hence option (a).

79

Select the correct spelling.

A.Phenomenologicl
B.Phenomenological
C.Phanomenollogical
D.Phenominonological

Solution

Spelling — Phenomenological 'Phenomenological' — relating to phenomenology — is the correct spelling. It is built from phenomenon + logical. The other three drop a vowel, double the l or distort the middle. Hence option (b).

80

Select the correct spelling.

A.Circumlocution
B.Circumloction
C.Cirumlocution
D.Circumlucution

Solution

Spelling — Circumlocution 'Circumlocution' — using many words where few would do — is the correct spelling. It comes from circum (around) + locution (speech). (b) drops the u, (c) drops a c and (d) changes an o to u. Hence option (a).

81

Choose the correct one-word substitute for: 'A word or phrase used to avoid saying an unpleasant or offensive word.'

A.Allusion
B.Euphemism
C.Analogy
D.Allegory

Solution

One-word — Euphemism A 'euphemism' is a mild word used in place of a harsh or blunt one. An allusion is an indirect reference and an analogy a comparison. An allegory is a story with a hidden moral or political meaning. Hence option (b).

82

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 act of self-preservation helps them survive the cold months when food is scarce. 2. During hibernation, an animal’s heart rate, breathing and metabolism slow down significantly. 3. Many animals, such as bears and groundhogs, hibernate during the winter. 4. To prepare, these animals spend the autumn eating extra food to build up fat reserves.

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

Solution

Para jumble — hibernation Sentence 3 introduces the subject — animals that hibernate in winter. Sentence 4 ("To prepare…") describes what they do beforehand and sentence 2 what happens during hibernation. Sentence 1 ("This act of self-preservation…") closes with why it matters. Order 3-4-2-1 — option (d).

83

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. Finally, you can pack your bags and look forward to your trip. 2. The first step is deciding on a destination and setting a budget. 3. Next, you should book your flights and accommodation well in advance. 4. Careful planning is essential for a smooth and stress-free vacation.

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

Solution

Para jumble — vacation planning Sentence 4 states the main idea — careful planning matters. Sentence 2 ("The first step…") and sentence 3 ("Next…") give the steps in order. Sentence 1 ("Finally…") closes the sequence. Order 4-2-3-1 — option (b).

84

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: 'lasting or used for only a short period of time'.

A.Ephemeral
B.Eternal
C.Archetype
D.Chronicle

Solution

One-word — Ephemeral 'Ephemeral' means lasting for a very short time. Eternal means the opposite — lasting forever. An archetype is an original model and a chronicle a factual record of events. 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. A large number of equipments were delivered to the warehouse (1)/ last week (2)/ to support the upcoming production schedule (3)/ without any delay. (4)

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

Solution

Uncountable noun "Equipment" is an uncountable noun and has no plural form. So "equipments" must simply be "equipment". Correct: ‘A large number of equipment was delivered to the warehouse’. Hence option (a).

86

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The board will review your application after the interview process.

A.Your application was reviewed by the board after the interview process.
B.Your application is reviewed by the board after the interview process.
C.Your application will have been reviewed by the board after the interview process.
D.Your application will be reviewed by the board after the interview process.

Solution

Future passive "Will review" is simple future active. Its passive form is "will be reviewed". (a) is past, (b) present and (c) future perfect. Hence option (d).

87

Select the option which contains the most appropriate HOMONYM of the word given in bold/underline. Putin was wearing his engagement ring at the family function.

A.The door bell started to ring while I was sleeping.
B.Kavita showed him her engagement ring.
C.A ring of fire surrounded the camp.
D.Girls danced in a circle, forming a ring.

Solution

Homonym — ring In the given sentence "ring" is a piece of jewellery worn on the finger. Options (b), (c) and (d) all use it as a noun for a circular object. In (a) it is a VERB meaning to make a sound — same spelling, different meaning. Hence option (a).

88

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The documents were believed to have been misplaced by the clerical staff.

A.The clerical staff had misplaced the documents, it was believed.
B.It was believed that the clerical staff misplaced the documents.
C.The clerical staff were believed to misplace the documents.
D.It was believed that the documents were misplaced by the clerical staff.

Solution

Impersonal passive → active The sentence carries two passives — "were believed" and "to have been misplaced". Turning the inner one active gives "the clerical staff misplaced the documents". (a) reorders awkwardly, (c) drops the perfect and (d) leaves the inner clause passive. Hence option (b).

89

Directions (Qs. 89-93): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The prospect of establishing permanent human settlements on Mars, once relegated to the pages of science fiction, is increasingly viewed as a tangible objective, driven by rapid technological advances and commercial ambitions. Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun, represents both an unprecedented opportunity for scientific discovery and a formidable challenge for human survival. Programs led by NASA, in tandem with private enterprises like SpaceX, aim to send humans to the Red Planet within the next few decades, with the goal of creating sustainable habitats. Central to these missions are technologies such as advanced life-support systems, radiation shielding, autonomous energy production and in-situ resource utilization, which includes converting subsurface water ice into potable water, breathable oxygen and fuel for return journeys. Yet the Martian environment remains harsh and inhospitable: extreme temperature fluctuations, low atmospheric pressure, high radiation levels and the psychological strain of isolation pose significant obstacles. In addition, the legal framework governing extraterrestrial property remains ambiguous, raising questions about private and commercial rights as corporations increasingly invest in Martian ventures. Despite these challenges, the combination of international collaboration, public investment and private innovation steadily moves humanity closer to realizing the dream of interplanetary habitation.

What does the author imply by "increasingly viewed as a tangible objective"?

A.Mars colonization is impossible
B.Mars exploration is a distant dream
C.Mars colonization is becoming realistic
D.Mars is already fully inhabited

Solution

RC — tangible objective The passage says the idea was once confined to science fiction. Calling it a "tangible objective" now means it is turning into something achievable. Rapid technology and commercial ambition are given as the reasons. Hence option (c).

90

Directions (Qs. 89-93): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The prospect of establishing permanent human settlements on Mars, once relegated to the pages of science fiction, is increasingly viewed as a tangible objective, driven by rapid technological advances and commercial ambitions. Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun, represents both an unprecedented opportunity for scientific discovery and a formidable challenge for human survival. Programs led by NASA, in tandem with private enterprises like SpaceX, aim to send humans to the Red Planet within the next few decades, with the goal of creating sustainable habitats. Central to these missions are technologies such as advanced life-support systems, radiation shielding, autonomous energy production and in-situ resource utilization, which includes converting subsurface water ice into potable water, breathable oxygen and fuel for return journeys. Yet the Martian environment remains harsh and inhospitable: extreme temperature fluctuations, low atmospheric pressure, high radiation levels and the psychological strain of isolation pose significant obstacles. In addition, the legal framework governing extraterrestrial property remains ambiguous, raising questions about private and commercial rights as corporations increasingly invest in Martian ventures. Despite these challenges, the combination of international collaboration, public investment and private innovation steadily moves humanity closer to realizing the dream of interplanetary habitation.

What is the main utility of subsurface water ice on Mars as per the paragraph?

A.Cooling habitats
B.Converting into water, oxygen and fuel
C.Supporting plant growth
D.Creating a magnetic field

Solution

RC — subsurface ice The passage describes in-situ resource utilization. It says subsurface water ice can be turned into potable water, breathable oxygen and fuel for the return journey. No mention is made of cooling, plants or magnetism. Hence option (b).

91

Directions (Qs. 89-93): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The prospect of establishing permanent human settlements on Mars, once relegated to the pages of science fiction, is increasingly viewed as a tangible objective, driven by rapid technological advances and commercial ambitions. Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun, represents both an unprecedented opportunity for scientific discovery and a formidable challenge for human survival. Programs led by NASA, in tandem with private enterprises like SpaceX, aim to send humans to the Red Planet within the next few decades, with the goal of creating sustainable habitats. Central to these missions are technologies such as advanced life-support systems, radiation shielding, autonomous energy production and in-situ resource utilization, which includes converting subsurface water ice into potable water, breathable oxygen and fuel for return journeys. Yet the Martian environment remains harsh and inhospitable: extreme temperature fluctuations, low atmospheric pressure, high radiation levels and the psychological strain of isolation pose significant obstacles. In addition, the legal framework governing extraterrestrial property remains ambiguous, raising questions about private and commercial rights as corporations increasingly invest in Martian ventures. Despite these challenges, the combination of international collaboration, public investment and private innovation steadily moves humanity closer to realizing the dream of interplanetary habitation.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a challenge for Martian habitation?

A.Extreme temperature fluctuations
B.High radiation levels
C.Lack of breathable atmosphere
D.Martian flora and fauna

Solution

RC — not a challenge The passage lists temperature swings, low atmospheric pressure, high radiation and the strain of isolation. The need for breathable oxygen is also implied in the discussion of life support. Martian plants and animals are never mentioned — none are known to exist. Hence option (d).

92

Directions (Qs. 89-93): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The prospect of establishing permanent human settlements on Mars, once relegated to the pages of science fiction, is increasingly viewed as a tangible objective, driven by rapid technological advances and commercial ambitions. Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun, represents both an unprecedented opportunity for scientific discovery and a formidable challenge for human survival. Programs led by NASA, in tandem with private enterprises like SpaceX, aim to send humans to the Red Planet within the next few decades, with the goal of creating sustainable habitats. Central to these missions are technologies such as advanced life-support systems, radiation shielding, autonomous energy production and in-situ resource utilization, which includes converting subsurface water ice into potable water, breathable oxygen and fuel for return journeys. Yet the Martian environment remains harsh and inhospitable: extreme temperature fluctuations, low atmospheric pressure, high radiation levels and the psychological strain of isolation pose significant obstacles. In addition, the legal framework governing extraterrestrial property remains ambiguous, raising questions about private and commercial rights as corporations increasingly invest in Martian ventures. Despite these challenges, the combination of international collaboration, public investment and private innovation steadily moves humanity closer to realizing the dream of interplanetary habitation.

Which programme or enterprise is associated with sending humans to Mars?

A.Chandrayaan
B.SpaceX
C.Artemis
D.Chang'e

Solution

RC — SpaceX The passage names NASA working in tandem with private enterprises like SpaceX. Their stated aim is to send humans to the Red Planet in the coming decades. Chandrayaan and Chang’e are lunar missions, and Artemis targets the Moon as well. Hence option (b).

93

Directions (Qs. 89-93): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The prospect of establishing permanent human settlements on Mars, once relegated to the pages of science fiction, is increasingly viewed as a tangible objective, driven by rapid technological advances and commercial ambitions. Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun, represents both an unprecedented opportunity for scientific discovery and a formidable challenge for human survival. Programs led by NASA, in tandem with private enterprises like SpaceX, aim to send humans to the Red Planet within the next few decades, with the goal of creating sustainable habitats. Central to these missions are technologies such as advanced life-support systems, radiation shielding, autonomous energy production and in-situ resource utilization, which includes converting subsurface water ice into potable water, breathable oxygen and fuel for return journeys. Yet the Martian environment remains harsh and inhospitable: extreme temperature fluctuations, low atmospheric pressure, high radiation levels and the psychological strain of isolation pose significant obstacles. In addition, the legal framework governing extraterrestrial property remains ambiguous, raising questions about private and commercial rights as corporations increasingly invest in Martian ventures. Despite these challenges, the combination of international collaboration, public investment and private innovation steadily moves humanity closer to realizing the dream of interplanetary habitation.

Why does the author mention legal ambiguities regarding extraterrestrial property?

A.To highlight commercial and ownership concerns
B.To encourage international scientific cooperation
C.To emphasize astronaut safety
D.To restrict travel to Mars

Solution

RC — legal ambiguity The passage says the legal framework for extraterrestrial property is unclear. It links this directly to questions of private and commercial rights as corporations invest. So the point is about ownership and business interests. Hence option (a).

94

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underline/Bold segment in the given sentence. She advised to her friend to take precautions during the trip.

A.advised her friend take precautions
B.advised to her friend taking precautions
C.advised her friend to take precautions
D.advised her friend taking precaution

Solution

advise somebody to do The verb 'advise' takes a direct object with no preposition. It is then followed by a to-infinitive: advise somebody TO DO something. Correct: 'She advised her friend to take precautions.' Hence option (c).

95

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. He observed that, had the committee reached a consensus earlier, the proposal might have been approved without objections.

A.He said, "If the committee reached a consensus earlier, the proposal may have been approved without objections."
B.He said, "Had the committee reached a consensus earlier, the proposal might have been approved without objections."
C.He said, "If the committee had reached a consensus earlier, the proposal must have been approved without objections."
D.He said, "Had the committee reached a consensus earlier, the proposal will have been approved without objections."

Solution

Indirect → direct The third conditional is already in its most backshifted form, so it does not change. The inverted "Had the committee reached…" and "might have been approved" are both kept. (a) and (c) change the modal or the tense, and (d) uses "will". Hence option (b).

96

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. The doctor said to the patient, "Take your medicines regularly and avoid junk food."

A.The doctor told the patient to take his medicines regularly and to avoid junk food.
B.The doctor said the patient to taking medicines regular and avoiding junk food.
C.The doctor asked the patient that he takes medicines regularly and avoids junk food.
D.The doctor advised the patient that he should take medicine regularly.

Solution

Reported commands Two imperatives reported become two to-infinitives after "told the patient". "Your" changes to "his" from the reporter’s point of view. (b) and (c) are ungrammatical, and (d) drops the second instruction. Hence option (a).

97

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. Artificial intelligence is transforming industries by automating complex processes that once required human intelligence. 2. However, the rapid development of AI has raised ethical concerns regarding privacy, employment and accountability. 3. Governments and researchers are now focusing on establishing regulations to ensure responsible AI usage. 4. Despite the risks, the integration of AI into healthcare, education and finance continues to enhance efficiency and innovation.

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

Solution

Para jumble — AI Sentence 1 introduces AI and what it is doing — the opener. Sentence 2 ("However…") brings in the concerns and sentence 4 ("Despite the risks…") balances them. Sentence 3 closes with the regulatory response. Order 1-2-4-3 — option (c).

98

Fill in the blank with the correctly spelt word. The class teacher emphasized the ____ nature of literary interpretation.

A.subjectif
B.subgective
C.subjuctive
D.subjective

Solution

Spelling — subjective 'Subjective' — based on personal opinion — is the correct spelling. It is spelt sub-jec-tive, with a j and an e in the middle. The other three replace the j with g or change the vowel. Hence option (d).

99

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate articles. In ____ event of a system failure, employees must follow ____ protocol established by the IT department.

A.the, the
B.a, a
C.an, the
D.the, a

Solution

Articles "In the event of" is a fixed expression and always takes THE. The second blank points to one particular protocol — the one the IT department has established — so it also takes "the". Correct: ‘In the event of a system failure … the protocol established by the IT department.’ Hence option (a).

100

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: ASKEW

A.Straight
B.Awry
C.Right
D.Proper

Solution

Synonym — Askew 'Askew' means crooked or tilted, not straight. 'Awry' means out of the correct position — the closest synonym. Straight, right and proper all point the other way. Hence option (b).