SSC CGL 24 September 2025 · Shift 3 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Select the correct spelling of a word meaning a short, witty saying expressing a general truth or observation.

A.Aphorism
B.Apherism
C.Apharism
D.Aphorasm

Solution

Spelling — Aphorism 'Aphorism' is the correct spelling. It is spelt a-pho-rism, with an o after the ph. The others replace that o with e or a, or change the ending. Hence option (a).

77

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: A person who finds joy in the pain or suffering of others.

A.Pessimist
B.Sadist
C.Masochist
D.Narcissist

Solution

One-word — Sadist A 'sadist' takes pleasure in the pain or humiliation of others. A masochist is the opposite — one who enjoys his own suffering. A pessimist expects the worst and a narcissist is obsessed with himself. Hence option (b).

78

Select the correct spelling to fill in the blank. Her ____ wit often left her opponents speechless.

A.trenchent
B.trenchantt
C.trenchant
D.trenchaunt

Solution

Spelling — trenchant 'Trenchant' — vigorous and incisive — is the correct spelling. It ends in -ant with a single t. The others change the vowel or double the final t. Hence option (c).

79

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word: OBSTINACY

A.Stubbornness
B.Flexibility
C.Tenacity
D.Firmness

Solution

Antonym — Obstinacy 'Obstinacy' means a refusal to change one's opinion or course. 'Flexibility' — readiness to bend and adapt — is its true opposite. Stubbornness, tenacity and firmness all point the same way as obstinacy. Hence option (b).

80

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom: To bite the hand that feeds you

A.To show ingratitude towards a benefactor
B.To harm someone physically
C.To refuse help when offered
D.To struggle against oppression

Solution

Idiom — bite the hand that feeds you 'To bite the hand that feeds you' means to harm or insult the very person who helps you. The image is of a dog turning on its own master. So it describes plain ingratitude. Hence option (a).

81

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom: Out of one's depth

A.To be swimming in deep water
B.To be feeling overwhelmed by emotions
C.To be in a situation too difficult for one's abilities
D.To lose consciousness

Solution

Idiom — out of one's depth 'To be out of one's depth' means to be in a situation one is not able to handle. It comes from wading into water deeper than one’s own height. Option (a) takes it literally and (b) narrows it to feelings alone. Hence option (c).

82

Select the correct spelling of a word meaning the state of being concerned and anxious.

A.Soulessitude
B.Soulissitude
C.Solescitude
D.Solicitude

Solution

Spelling — Solicitude 'Solicitude' — care or concern for someone — is the correct spelling. It is spelt so-li-ci-tude, built from the same root as solicitous. The others insert an extra u or change the c to sc. Hence 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. Their thermometers and sleep tracking offer peace of mind. 2. Smart baby monitors are now highly recommended for new parents. 3. They provide live audio and video, letting parents check on infants remotely. 4. Advanced models also alert parents to unusual movements, boosting safety.

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

Solution

Para jumble — baby monitors Sentence 2 introduces smart baby monitors — the opener. Sentence 3 ("They provide…") gives the basic feature and sentence 1 ("Their thermometers…") the added ones. Sentence 4 ("Advanced models also…") closes with the extra safety feature. Order 2-3-1-4 — option (c).

84

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: A statement that appears self-contradictory but contains a deeper truth.

A.Conundrum
B.Paradox
C.Riddle
D.Puzzle

Solution

One-word — Paradox A 'paradox' seems to contradict itself yet expresses a truth. "Less is more" is a familiar example. A conundrum, riddle or puzzle is simply a hard question, with no built-in contradiction. Hence option (b).

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 volunteers, (1)/ while collecting supplies for the flood victims, (2)/ the storage facility was inspected (3)/ for safety compliance. (4)

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

Solution

Dangling modifier The opening phrase "while collecting supplies" must describe the subject that follows. That subject should be "the volunteers", but part (3) makes "the storage facility" the subject in the passive. Correct: ‘The volunteers, while collecting supplies for the flood victims, inspected the storage facility.’ Hence option (c).

86

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The editor has approved the final draft of the article.

A.The final draft of the article is approved by the editor.
B.The final draft of the article was approved by the editor.
C.The final draft of the article has been approved by the editor.
D.The final draft of the article has been rejected by the editor.

Solution

Present perfect passive "Has approved" is present perfect, so the passive is "has been approved". The object becomes the subject and the doer follows with "by the editor". (a) and (b) change the tense, and (d) reverses the meaning. Hence option (c).

87

Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word: They had to watch the suspect all night.

A.The guards keep watch during patrol.
B.He received a golden watch for his promotion.
C.She stayed up to watch the sunrise.
D.He watches too much television.

Solution

Homonym — watch In the given sentence "watch" is a verb meaning to observe or keep an eye on. Options (c) and (d) use it in that same sense, and (a) uses the related noun for the act of watching. In (b) it names a TIMEPIECE worn on the wrist — the same spelling with an entirely different meaning. Hence option (b).

88

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underline/Bold segment in the given sentence. He behaves as if he was the owner of the company.

A.like he was
B.as if he is
C.as though he was
D.as if he were

Solution

Subjunctive after as if "As if" introduces an imaginary or unreal comparison. English uses the subjunctive "were" there, for every subject. Correct: ‘He behaves as if he were the owner of the company.’ Hence option (d).

89

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. She said to me that she had finished her work before sunset.

A.She told me, "I finished my work before sunset."
B.She told me, "I had finished your work before sunset."
C.She told me, "I finish my work before sunset."
D.She told me, "She had been finishing her work before sunset."

Solution

Indirect → direct Reverse the backshift: the reported past perfect comes from the simple past. "She had finished her work" becomes "I finished my work". (b) changes "her" to "your", (c) shifts to the present and (d) keeps the third person. Hence option (a).

90

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blanks. The archaeologist unearthed ____ ancient artefact, providing ____ invaluable glimpse into ____ prehistoric civilization.

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

Solution

Articles "Ancient" and "invaluable" both begin with a vowel sound, so each takes "an". The civilization is mentioned for the first time and is not specified, so it takes "a". Correct: ‘an ancient artefact … an invaluable glimpse … a prehistoric civilization’. Hence option (b).

91

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. They use organic compounds that emit light. 2. OLEDs have transformed display technology. 3. This creates thinner, more vibrant screens. 4. Flexible screens are now pushing these limits further.

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

Solution

Para jumble — OLEDs Sentence 2 names the subject — OLEDs and their impact. Sentence 1 ("They use…") explains how they work and sentence 3 ("This creates…") the result. Sentence 4 closes by looking ahead to flexible screens. Order 2-1-3-4 — option (b).

92

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Passive voice. The scientist questioned the assumption that the new material would remain stable under extreme temperatures.

A.The assumption that the new material would remain stable under extreme temperatures was questioned by the scientist.
B.The assumption was questioned that the new material will remain stable under extreme temperatures by the scientist.
C.Under extreme temperatures, it was questioned that the assumption would remain stable.
D.The scientist would remain stable as long as the assumption was questioned under extreme temperatures.

Solution

Passive with a that-clause The object is the whole noun phrase "the assumption that … temperatures", so it moves to the front intact. The verb becomes "was questioned" and the doer follows with "by the scientist". (b) splits the noun phrase awkwardly, and (c) and (d) change the meaning. Hence option (a).

93

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: GALA

A.Ordinary
B.Function
C.Drab
D.Merriment

Solution

Synonym — Gala 'Gala' means festivity or a joyous celebration. 'Merriment' — cheerful fun and gaiety — is the closest synonym. Ordinary and drab are its opposites; "function" is any event, without the festive sense. Hence option (d).

94

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. Arjun said to his colleagues, "We shall not discuss this topic again."

A.Arjun told his colleagues that they would not discuss that topic again.
B.Arjun said his colleagues that they shall not discuss this topic again.
C.Arjun told his colleagues that they shall not discussed that topic again.
D.Arjun said that his colleagues would not discuss this topic again.

Solution

Reported speech with shall "Said to" becomes "told" when an object follows; "shall" backshifts to "would". "We" becomes "they" and "this" becomes "that". (b) uses "said" with an object, (c) keeps "shall" with a past participle and (d) drops the object. 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. For aquatic species, features like fin structure or gill morphology might be key. 2. Naming newly discovered animals, whether terrestrial or aquatic, follows strict scientific protocols. 3. Terrestrial animals, for instance, are often classified by fur patterns, skeletal features, or vocalizations. 4. Ultimately, these names help categorise biodiversity and facilitate further research.

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

Solution

Para jumble — naming species Sentence 2 states the general rule and names both groups — the opener. Sentence 3 ("Terrestrial animals, for instance…") takes up the first group and sentence 1 the second. Sentence 4 ("Ultimately…") closes with the purpose of such names. Order 2-3-1-4 — option (c).

96

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Self-improvement is often misunderstood as a relentless pursuit of productivity, but its essence lies in conscious evolution rather than constant acceleration. Genuine growth involves introspection — the ability to assess one’s values, patterns and limitations without defensiveness. Many individuals equate self-betterment with acquiring new skills or achieving external milestones, yet transformation begins internally. Recognising one’s thought habits and emotional triggers often precedes any lasting behavioural change. Another key dimension of self-improvement is consistency. Grand resolutions may generate temporary enthusiasm, but small, repeated actions cultivate real progress. This is because repetition strengthens neural pathways, turning intentional effort into natural behaviour. Equally important is self-compassion. Improvement that stems from self-criticism usually breeds anxiety, whereas a kind and patient attitude toward one’s imperfections encourages resilience and persistence. Furthermore, self-improvement is a cyclical process — it requires periodic reflection and recalibration rather than linear progression. By accepting setbacks as feedback rather than evidence of failure, individuals remain adaptable and motivated. Ultimately, authentic self-improvement is not about becoming someone else, but about aligning one’s daily choices more closely with one’s deeper values and aspirations.

Select the most appropriate synonym of the word "introspection" as used in the passage.

A.Observation
B.Self-examination
C.Comparison
D.Evaluation of others

Solution

RC — introspection The passage defines introspection as assessing one’s own values, patterns and limitations. That is exactly self-examination. Options (a), (c) and (d) all look outward rather than inward. Hence option (b).

97

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Self-improvement is often misunderstood as a relentless pursuit of productivity, but its essence lies in conscious evolution rather than constant acceleration. Genuine growth involves introspection — the ability to assess one’s values, patterns and limitations without defensiveness. Many individuals equate self-betterment with acquiring new skills or achieving external milestones, yet transformation begins internally. Recognising one’s thought habits and emotional triggers often precedes any lasting behavioural change. Another key dimension of self-improvement is consistency. Grand resolutions may generate temporary enthusiasm, but small, repeated actions cultivate real progress. This is because repetition strengthens neural pathways, turning intentional effort into natural behaviour. Equally important is self-compassion. Improvement that stems from self-criticism usually breeds anxiety, whereas a kind and patient attitude toward one’s imperfections encourages resilience and persistence. Furthermore, self-improvement is a cyclical process — it requires periodic reflection and recalibration rather than linear progression. By accepting setbacks as feedback rather than evidence of failure, individuals remain adaptable and motivated. Ultimately, authentic self-improvement is not about becoming someone else, but about aligning one’s daily choices more closely with one’s deeper values and aspirations.

According to the author, why are small, repeated actions more effective than grand resolutions?

A.They require less time and commitment
B.They gradually rewire mental patterns
C.They ensure instant visible results
D.They eliminate the need for reflection

Solution

RC — small actions The passage says repetition strengthens neural pathways. Deliberate effort thereby turns into natural behaviour. It never claims that the results are instant or that reflection can be dropped. Hence option (b).

98

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Self-improvement is often misunderstood as a relentless pursuit of productivity, but its essence lies in conscious evolution rather than constant acceleration. Genuine growth involves introspection — the ability to assess one’s values, patterns and limitations without defensiveness. Many individuals equate self-betterment with acquiring new skills or achieving external milestones, yet transformation begins internally. Recognising one’s thought habits and emotional triggers often precedes any lasting behavioural change. Another key dimension of self-improvement is consistency. Grand resolutions may generate temporary enthusiasm, but small, repeated actions cultivate real progress. This is because repetition strengthens neural pathways, turning intentional effort into natural behaviour. Equally important is self-compassion. Improvement that stems from self-criticism usually breeds anxiety, whereas a kind and patient attitude toward one’s imperfections encourages resilience and persistence. Furthermore, self-improvement is a cyclical process — it requires periodic reflection and recalibration rather than linear progression. By accepting setbacks as feedback rather than evidence of failure, individuals remain adaptable and motivated. Ultimately, authentic self-improvement is not about becoming someone else, but about aligning one’s daily choices more closely with one’s deeper values and aspirations.

What attitude does the passage recommend when dealing with personal flaws?

A.Harsh criticism to maintain discipline
B.Complete indifference to mistakes
C.Gentle self-compassion and patience
D.Avoidance of introspection

Solution

RC — attitude to flaws The passage warns that improvement driven by self-criticism breeds anxiety. It recommends a kind and patient attitude towards one’s imperfections. That is self-compassion, which encourages resilience and persistence. Hence option (c).

99

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Self-improvement is often misunderstood as a relentless pursuit of productivity, but its essence lies in conscious evolution rather than constant acceleration. Genuine growth involves introspection — the ability to assess one’s values, patterns and limitations without defensiveness. Many individuals equate self-betterment with acquiring new skills or achieving external milestones, yet transformation begins internally. Recognising one’s thought habits and emotional triggers often precedes any lasting behavioural change. Another key dimension of self-improvement is consistency. Grand resolutions may generate temporary enthusiasm, but small, repeated actions cultivate real progress. This is because repetition strengthens neural pathways, turning intentional effort into natural behaviour. Equally important is self-compassion. Improvement that stems from self-criticism usually breeds anxiety, whereas a kind and patient attitude toward one’s imperfections encourages resilience and persistence. Furthermore, self-improvement is a cyclical process — it requires periodic reflection and recalibration rather than linear progression. By accepting setbacks as feedback rather than evidence of failure, individuals remain adaptable and motivated. Ultimately, authentic self-improvement is not about becoming someone else, but about aligning one’s daily choices more closely with one’s deeper values and aspirations.

How does the passage describe the nature of the self-improvement journey?

A.As a straight path from weakness to strength
B.As a circular process of learning and adjustment
C.As a competitive race against time
D.As an occasional need during crises

Solution

RC — nature of the journey The passage calls self-improvement a cyclical process. It needs periodic reflection and recalibration rather than linear progression. Setbacks are treated as feedback, not as proof of failure. Hence option (b).

100

Directions (Qs. 96-100): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Self-improvement is often misunderstood as a relentless pursuit of productivity, but its essence lies in conscious evolution rather than constant acceleration. Genuine growth involves introspection — the ability to assess one’s values, patterns and limitations without defensiveness. Many individuals equate self-betterment with acquiring new skills or achieving external milestones, yet transformation begins internally. Recognising one’s thought habits and emotional triggers often precedes any lasting behavioural change. Another key dimension of self-improvement is consistency. Grand resolutions may generate temporary enthusiasm, but small, repeated actions cultivate real progress. This is because repetition strengthens neural pathways, turning intentional effort into natural behaviour. Equally important is self-compassion. Improvement that stems from self-criticism usually breeds anxiety, whereas a kind and patient attitude toward one’s imperfections encourages resilience and persistence. Furthermore, self-improvement is a cyclical process — it requires periodic reflection and recalibration rather than linear progression. By accepting setbacks as feedback rather than evidence of failure, individuals remain adaptable and motivated. Ultimately, authentic self-improvement is not about becoming someone else, but about aligning one’s daily choices more closely with one’s deeper values and aspirations.

What central idea is conveyed in the final sentence of the passage?

A.True growth is achieved by imitating others' success
B.Improvement is about authenticity and alignment with one's values
C.Self-improvement requires abandoning old identities completely
D.Personal change depends entirely on external achievements

Solution

RC — final sentence The last sentence says authentic self-improvement is not about becoming someone else. It is about bringing daily choices closer to one’s own deeper values and aspirations. So the point is authenticity, not imitation or a wholesale change of identity. Hence option (b).