SSC CGL 25 September 2025 · Shift 1 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underline/Bold segment in the given sentence. If I was a bird, I would fly to distant lands.

A.is
B.were
C.am
D.been

Solution

Subjunctive were The sentence describes an imaginary situation, so it is a second conditional. After "if" in such a sentence English uses the subjunctive "were", for every subject. Correct: ‘If I were a bird, I would fly to distant lands.’ Hence option (b).

77

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. She told her friend that she had visited that place.

A.She told her friend, "I have visited this place."
B.She said to her friend, "I visit this place."
C.She told her friend, "I had visited that place."
D.She said to her friend, "She visited that place."

Solution

Indirect → direct Reverse the backshift: the reported past perfect comes from the present perfect. "She had visited that place" therefore becomes "I have visited this place". (b) uses the simple present, (c) keeps the past perfect and (d) keeps the third person. Hence option (a).

78

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word: ALACRITY

A.Eagerness
B.Apathy
C.Promptness
D.Glee

Solution

Antonym — Alacrity 'Alacrity' means brisk and cheerful readiness. 'Apathy' — a complete lack of interest or enthusiasm — is its true opposite. Eagerness, promptness and glee all point the same way as alacrity. Hence option (b).

79

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom: To throw dust in one's eyes

A.To clean someone's eyes with dust
B.To ignore someone’s presence
C.To confuse or mislead someone deliberately
D.To cause minor irritation

Solution

Idiom — throw dust in one's eyes 'To throw dust in someone's eyes' means to deceive or mislead them on purpose. The image is of blinding a person so that he cannot see the truth. Option (a) takes the phrase literally. 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 chooses to live a simple life, often for religious or spiritual reasons, abstaining from worldly pleasures.

A.Hedonist
B.Sybarite
C.Ascetic
D.Libertine

Solution

One-word — Ascetic An 'ascetic' gives up comfort and pleasure for spiritual ends. A hedonist and a sybarite both live for pleasure — the exact opposite. A libertine is one who disregards moral restraint. Hence option (c).

81

Select the correct spelling to fill in the blank. The country witnessed an ____ rise in renewable energy investments over the past decade.

A.unprecidented
B.unprecedented
C.unpresidented
D.unpressedented

Solution

Spelling — unprecedented 'Unprecedented' — never known before — is the correct spelling. It comes from un + precedent, so the root spelling is kept. (a) and (c) confuse it with "president" and (d) doubles the s. Hence option (b).

82

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: SERENE

A.Turbulent
B.Tranquil
C.Chaotic
D.Disturbed

Solution

Synonym — Serene 'Serene' means calm, peaceful and untroubled. 'Tranquil' carries exactly that sense. Turbulent, chaotic and disturbed are all its opposites. Hence option (b).

83

Fill in the blank with the appropriate collocation: The CEO ____ a speech at the annual conference.

A.gave
B.made
C.spoke
D.delivered

Solution

Collocation — deliver a speech The set collocation with "speech" in formal English is "deliver a speech". "Spoke" cannot take a direct object here at all. Though "gave" is heard informally, "delivered" is the established formal choice. Hence option (d).

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. She apologised (1)/ of the delay and (2)/ promised to submit (3)/ the report soon. (4)

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

Solution

apologise for The verb 'apologise' takes the preposition FOR before the thing regretted. "Apologised of the delay" is therefore wrong. Correct: ‘She apologised for the delay’ — the error lies in part (2). Hence option (d).

85

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. The ancient city, ____ ruins lay buried beneath centuries of sand, was once a thriving metropolis.

A.what
B.whose
C.that
D.its

Solution

Possessive relative The blank must show that the ruins BELONG to the city. The possessive relative pronoun is "whose", used for things as well as people. "That" and "what" cannot show possession, and "its" would leave two clauses unjoined. Hence option (b).

86

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 structures modify natural water flow and impact aquatic habitats. 2. Rivers are vital arteries for ecosystems and human civilizations. 3. However, dam construction presents significant environmental challenges. 4. They provide fresh water, transport nutrients and support diverse biodiversity.

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

Solution

Para jumble — rivers and dams Sentence 2 introduces rivers — the opener. Sentence 4 ("They provide…") lists what rivers do, and sentence 3 ("However…") brings in the problem of dams. Sentence 1 ("These structures…") closes by explaining their effect. Order 2-4-3-1 — 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. Hardly had the preliminary review been completed (1)/ when the auditors noticed (2)/ that several financial projections (3)/ was calculated using outdated parameters. (4)

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

Solution

Subject-verb agreement The subject of the last clause is "several financial projections", which is plural. So the verb must be "were", not "was". Correct: ‘…that several financial projections were calculated using outdated parameters.’ Hence option (d).

88

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. Nobody has raised concerns about the accuracy of the new data.

A.Concerns have not been raised about the accuracy of the new data.
B.Concerns were not being raised about the accuracy of the new data.
C.Concerns are not raised about the accuracy of the new data.
D.Concerns must not be raised about the accuracy of the new data.

Solution

Passive with nobody When the subject is "nobody", the passive is made negative and the doer is dropped. "Has raised" is present perfect, so the passive is "have not been raised". (b) and (c) change the tense, and (d) turns it into a prohibition. Hence option (a).

89

Select the option which contains the most appropriate HOMONYM of the word given in bold/underline. The botanist noted that the plant would yield more sap in warmer conditions.

A.The miners expected the new site to yield a rich vein of ore.
B.Heavy traffic forced the drivers to yield at the junction.
C.The negotiations will yield results by the end of the month.
D.Farmers hope the land will yield more wheat this season.

Solution

Homonym — yield In the given sentence "yield" means to produce or give out. Options (a), (c) and (d) all use it in that same sense. In (b) it means to give way to other traffic — an entirely different meaning. Hence option (b).

90

Select the correct spelling of a word meaning 'inconsistent or logically incompatible'.

A.Incongruous
B.Incongroous
C.Incongerous
D.Incongruos

Solution

Spelling — Incongruous 'Incongruous' is the correct spelling — in + congruous. It ends in -uous, like continuous and strenuous. The others double the o, insert an e or drop the second u. Hence option (a).

91

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: An organism that is genetically identical to another organism.

A.Blueprint
B.Prototype
C.Schema
D.Clone

Solution

One-word — Clone A 'clone' carries exactly the same genetic material as the organism it came from. Dolly the sheep is the best-known example. A blueprint, prototype and schema are all plans or models, not living copies. Hence option (d).

92

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The audience understood that the main act might be delayed because of technical issues.

A.Technical issues delayed the main act, and the audience understood it.
B.The main act may be delayed, and the audience understood it due to technical issues.
C.It was understood by the audience that the main act might be delayed because of technical issues.
D.The audience was understanding that the main act might be delayed due to technical issues.

Solution

Impersonal passive When the object is a whole that-clause, the passive begins with the impersonal "It". So "The audience understood that…" becomes "It was understood by the audience that…". (a) and (b) rewrite the meaning, and (d) merely changes the aspect. Hence option (c).

93

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underline/Bold segment in the given sentence. He has been lived in London for five years.

A.has been living
B.has being lived
C.have lived
D.have been lived

Solution

Present perfect continuous "For five years" shows an action that began in the past and still continues. That calls for the present perfect continuous: has been living. "Live" is intransitive here, so the passive "been lived" is impossible. Hence option (a).

94

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. She said, "Will you attend the seminar tomorrow?"

A.She inquired if I would attend the seminar the next day.
B.She inquired if I will be attending the seminar tomorrow.
C.She inquired whether I would attend the seminar tomorrow.
D.She inquired if would I be attending the seminar the next day.

Solution

Reported yes-no question A yes-no question is reported with "if" or "whether" and statement word order. "Will" backshifts to "would" and "tomorrow" becomes "the next day". (b) keeps "will", (c) keeps "tomorrow" and (d) keeps the question order. 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. Infectious diseases pose a significant global health challenge. 2. They are caused by pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. 3. These pathogens can spread rapidly, leading to widespread epidemics or even pandemics. 4. Thus, early diagnosis and swift treatment are paramount for positive outcomes.

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

Solution

Para jumble — infectious diseases Sentence 1 states the problem — the opener. Sentence 2 ("They are caused by…") names the cause and sentence 3 ("These pathogens…") the danger. Sentence 4 ("Thus…") closes with the remedy. Order 1-2-3-4 — option (c).

96

Directions (Qs. 96-100): In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Human creativity, though often romanticised as a sudden spark of brilliance, is more accurately the result of deliberate mental engagement. Innovative ideas frequently emerge when individuals (96) ____ diverse experiences, allowing unrelated concepts to intersect in unexpected ways. This cross-pollination of thoughts becomes even more powerful when paired with moments of strategic rest; studies show that the mind continues to process information subconsciously even when one is not actively focused. Yet the journey towards meaningful creativity is rarely linear. Many breakthroughs follow repeated failures, which serve not as endpoints but as crucial feedback loops. This is why resilient thinkers view setbacks as opportunities to (97) ____ their methods rather than abandon them. Collaboration, too, plays a pivotal role. When people exchange perspectives, they often uncover assumptions that would have otherwise remained hidden. Such dialogue can (98) ____ rigid thinking patterns and open pathways to original solutions. However, true creativity requires more than just novel ideas — it demands disciplined refinement. Without structure, even the most promising concept risks becoming (99) ____ and losing its potential impact. Ultimately, creativity thrives at the intersection of curiosity, persistence and thoughtful (100) iteration, elements that collectively sustain the tenacity needed for long-term innovation.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (96).

A.will integrate
B.integrated
C.integrate
D.are integrating

Solution

Cloze — integrate The clause begins with "when individuals", and the passage speaks of a general truth. A general truth takes the simple present, and the plural subject needs the base form. "Will integrate" and "integrated" would shift the sentence out of the present. Hence option (c).

97

Directions (Qs. 96-100): In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Human creativity, though often romanticised as a sudden spark of brilliance, is more accurately the result of deliberate mental engagement. Innovative ideas frequently emerge when individuals (96) ____ diverse experiences, allowing unrelated concepts to intersect in unexpected ways. This cross-pollination of thoughts becomes even more powerful when paired with moments of strategic rest; studies show that the mind continues to process information subconsciously even when one is not actively focused. Yet the journey towards meaningful creativity is rarely linear. Many breakthroughs follow repeated failures, which serve not as endpoints but as crucial feedback loops. This is why resilient thinkers view setbacks as opportunities to (97) ____ their methods rather than abandon them. Collaboration, too, plays a pivotal role. When people exchange perspectives, they often uncover assumptions that would have otherwise remained hidden. Such dialogue can (98) ____ rigid thinking patterns and open pathways to original solutions. However, true creativity requires more than just novel ideas — it demands disciplined refinement. Without structure, even the most promising concept risks becoming (99) ____ and losing its potential impact. Ultimately, creativity thrives at the intersection of curiosity, persistence and thoughtful (100) iteration, elements that collectively sustain the tenacity needed for long-term innovation.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (97).

A.imitate
B.abandon
C.conceal
D.revise

Solution

Cloze — revise The sentence ends with "rather than abandon them", so the blank must be the opposite of abandoning. Treating setbacks as feedback means changing and improving one’s methods — "revise". "Abandon" is expressly ruled out by the sentence itself. Hence option (d).

98

Directions (Qs. 96-100): In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Human creativity, though often romanticised as a sudden spark of brilliance, is more accurately the result of deliberate mental engagement. Innovative ideas frequently emerge when individuals (96) ____ diverse experiences, allowing unrelated concepts to intersect in unexpected ways. This cross-pollination of thoughts becomes even more powerful when paired with moments of strategic rest; studies show that the mind continues to process information subconsciously even when one is not actively focused. Yet the journey towards meaningful creativity is rarely linear. Many breakthroughs follow repeated failures, which serve not as endpoints but as crucial feedback loops. This is why resilient thinkers view setbacks as opportunities to (97) ____ their methods rather than abandon them. Collaboration, too, plays a pivotal role. When people exchange perspectives, they often uncover assumptions that would have otherwise remained hidden. Such dialogue can (98) ____ rigid thinking patterns and open pathways to original solutions. However, true creativity requires more than just novel ideas — it demands disciplined refinement. Without structure, even the most promising concept risks becoming (99) ____ and losing its potential impact. Ultimately, creativity thrives at the intersection of curiosity, persistence and thoughtful (100) iteration, elements that collectively sustain the tenacity needed for long-term innovation.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (98).

A.challenge
B.reinforce
C.restore
D.harden

Solution

Cloze — challenge Dialogue is said to uncover hidden assumptions and open pathways to original solutions. So it must question rigid thinking, that is, "challenge" it. "Reinforce" and "harden" would make the rigidity stronger, the opposite of the sense. Hence option (a).

99

Directions (Qs. 96-100): In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Human creativity, though often romanticised as a sudden spark of brilliance, is more accurately the result of deliberate mental engagement. Innovative ideas frequently emerge when individuals (96) ____ diverse experiences, allowing unrelated concepts to intersect in unexpected ways. This cross-pollination of thoughts becomes even more powerful when paired with moments of strategic rest; studies show that the mind continues to process information subconsciously even when one is not actively focused. Yet the journey towards meaningful creativity is rarely linear. Many breakthroughs follow repeated failures, which serve not as endpoints but as crucial feedback loops. This is why resilient thinkers view setbacks as opportunities to (97) ____ their methods rather than abandon them. Collaboration, too, plays a pivotal role. When people exchange perspectives, they often uncover assumptions that would have otherwise remained hidden. Such dialogue can (98) ____ rigid thinking patterns and open pathways to original solutions. However, true creativity requires more than just novel ideas — it demands disciplined refinement. Without structure, even the most promising concept risks becoming (99) ____ and losing its potential impact. Ultimately, creativity thrives at the intersection of curiosity, persistence and thoughtful (100) iteration, elements that collectively sustain the tenacity needed for long-term innovation.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (99).

A.subtle
B.rudimentary
C.intricate
D.refined

Solution

Cloze — rudimentary Without disciplined structure, an idea stays at an early, undeveloped stage. "Rudimentary" means exactly that — basic and unfinished. "Refined" is what the sentence says the idea would FAIL to become. Hence option (b).

100

Directions (Qs. 96-100): In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Human creativity, though often romanticised as a sudden spark of brilliance, is more accurately the result of deliberate mental engagement. Innovative ideas frequently emerge when individuals (96) ____ diverse experiences, allowing unrelated concepts to intersect in unexpected ways. This cross-pollination of thoughts becomes even more powerful when paired with moments of strategic rest; studies show that the mind continues to process information subconsciously even when one is not actively focused. Yet the journey towards meaningful creativity is rarely linear. Many breakthroughs follow repeated failures, which serve not as endpoints but as crucial feedback loops. This is why resilient thinkers view setbacks as opportunities to (97) ____ their methods rather than abandon them. Collaboration, too, plays a pivotal role. When people exchange perspectives, they often uncover assumptions that would have otherwise remained hidden. Such dialogue can (98) ____ rigid thinking patterns and open pathways to original solutions. However, true creativity requires more than just novel ideas — it demands disciplined refinement. Without structure, even the most promising concept risks becoming (99) ____ and losing its potential impact. Ultimately, creativity thrives at the intersection of curiosity, persistence and thoughtful (100) iteration, elements that collectively sustain the tenacity needed for long-term innovation.

Select the most appropriate meaning of the word 'iteration' as highlighted in the passage.

A.a sudden interruption
B.a repeated process
C.a final conclusion
D.a minor distraction

Solution

Meaning of 'iteration' 'Iteration' means doing something over again, each time improving on the last. The passage pairs it with curiosity and persistence as a source of long-term innovation. That fits a repeated process, not an interruption or a conclusion. Hence option (b).