SSC CGL 25 September 2025 · Shift 2 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Fill in the blank with the correctly spelt word. The ____ of the novel was appreciated by critics and readers alike.

A.narrative
B.narative
C.nerritive
D.naritivve

Solution

Spelling — narrative The correct spelling is NARRATIVE — double r, single t. It means the story or the way a story is told. The other three options misplace or drop letters. Hence option (a).

77

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: ACQUISITIVE

A.Greedy
B.Generous
C.Selfless
D.Benevolent

Solution

Synonym Acquisitive means eager to acquire or possess more and more. That is very close in sense to GREEDY. Generous, selfless and benevolent all carry the opposite idea of giving. Hence option (a).

78

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word: APOCRYPHAL

A.Spurious
B.Authentic
C.Dubious
D.Questionable

Solution

Antonym Apocryphal means of doubtful authenticity, widely circulated but probably untrue. Its opposite is AUTHENTIC, meaning genuine and verified. Spurious, dubious and questionable are near-synonyms of apocryphal, not antonyms. Hence option (b).

79

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Break the bank

A.Spend all one's money
B.Win a lottery
C.Save a lot of money
D.Borrow from a bank

Solution

Idiom To break the bank is to cost more than one can afford, using up all the money one has. Example: A short holiday need not break the bank. It has nothing to do with winning, saving or borrowing. Hence option (a).

80

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Lay it on the line

A.To relax completely
B.To play a game carefully
C.To speak frankly and honestly
D.To hide the truth

Solution

Idiom To lay it on the line is to state something plainly and directly, even at some risk. Example: The coach laid it on the line about their poor fitness. It stands opposed to hiding or softening the truth. Hence option (c).

81

Select the correct spelling of a word meaning 'extremely large or great':

A.Enormous
B.Enourmous
C.Enormuos
D.Enarmous

Solution

Spelling — enormous The correct spelling is ENORMOUS. It comes from the Latin enormis, meaning out of the normal. The other options insert a u, swap o and u, or replace o with a. Hence option (a).

82

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: 'An animal that feeds on dead animals'

A.Predator
B.Scavenger
C.Omnivore
D.Herbivore

Solution

One-word substitution A SCAVENGER feeds on carrion, the flesh of animals already dead. Vultures and hyenas are common examples. A predator kills its own prey, an omnivore eats both plants and meat, and a herbivore eats only plants. Hence option (b).

83

Spot the correct spelling of the term meaning 'extremely old or ancient':

A.Antediluvian
B.Antediluvien
C.Antedilvuian
D.Antediluvyan

Solution

Spelling — antediluvian The correct spelling is ANTEDILUVIAN. It literally means "before the flood" — ante + diluvium. The other options change the ending or reverse the letters u and v. Hence option (a).

84

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: 'An expression of excessive pride or self-importance.'

A.Arrogance
B.Hubris
C.Vanity
D.All are correct

Solution

One-word substitution Arrogance is an overbearing sense of one’s own importance. Hubris is excessive pride, often the kind that invites a downfall. Vanity is an inflated regard for one’s own worth or looks. All three fit the definition — option (d).

85

Choose the correct tense: By next week, they ____ launched the new product.

A.will have
B.have
C.will be
D.had

Solution

Future perfect "By next week" points to an action completed before a future time. That calls for the future perfect: will have + past participle. So the sentence reads "they will have launched the new product". Hence option (a).

86

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. If the guidelines is enforced strictly (1)/ every participating institution (2)/ will be required to update its database (3)/ before the annual review begins. (4)

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

Solution

Subject-verb agreement "Guidelines" is plural, so the verb must be "are", not "is". Part (1) should read "If the guidelines are enforced strictly". Parts (2), (3) and (4) are all correct — "every institution" rightly takes the singular "its". The error lies in part (1) — option (a).

87

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The students had written many essays.

A.Many essays have been written by the students.
B.Many essays are written by the students.
C.Many essays had been written by the students.
D.Many essays were being written by the students.

Solution

Passive voice The sentence is in the past perfect: had + past participle. Its passive form is had been + past participle. So it becomes "Many essays had been written by the students". Hence option (c).

88

Select the option which contains the most appropriate HOMONYM of the word given in bold. He bore the heavy load with ease.

A.The tree bore fruit in spring.
B.He bore the pain silently.
C.The worker bore the responsibility well.
D.The child bore a resemblance to his father.

Solution

Homonym — bore A homonym is a word spelt alike but used in a different sense. In the given sentence "bore" means CARRIED a weight. Options (b), (c) and (d) also mean endured or carried, so they repeat the same sense. In (a) "bore fruit" means PRODUCED — a different sense, hence option (a).

89

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The evidence was believed to have been tampered with by unknown persons.

A.The evidence tampered with unknown persons, as believed.
B.It was believed that unknown persons had tampered with the evidence.
C.Someone believed the evidence was tampering with unknown persons.
D.Unknown persons are believed to tamper with the evidence.

Solution

Active voice The doer in the given sentence is "unknown persons", so they must become the subject of the active clause. The action happened before the believing, so the past perfect "had tampered" is right. Option (b) gives exactly that — "unknown persons had tampered with the evidence". Hence option (b).

90

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. She consulted the matter with her mentor before submitting the report.

A.discussed the matter with
B.talked over the matter with
C.told the matter to
D.said to her mentor about the matter

Solution

Correct usage — discuss One consults a PERSON, not a matter — "consulted the matter with" is wrong usage. The natural correction is "discussed the matter with her mentor". "Told the matter to" and "said to her mentor about" are both unidiomatic. Hence option (a).

91

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. She succeeded because of her hard works and dedication.

A.because of her hard work and dedication
B.due to her hardworking and dedication
C.owing to her hard works and dedication
D.as she was hardworking and dedication

Solution

Uncountable noun "Work" in this sense is uncountable, so "hard works" is wrong. It must be "hard work and dedication". Option (c) keeps the same error, while (b) and (d) mix an adjective with a noun. Hence option (a).

92

Directions (Qs. 92-96): Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The concept of environmental stewardship encompasses more than mere conservation; it represents a proactive commitment to sustaining the biosphere through ethical engagement, scientific insight, and social responsibility. Ecosystems, as intricate networks of interdependent species and abiotic factors, demonstrate that ecological stability is contingent upon balance rather than domination. Historically, human societies that harmonized their activities with natural rhythms — through agrarian practices, sacred groves, or community-managed water systems — exemplified resilience and sustainability. Conversely, extractive exploitation, often justified by short-term gains, has repeatedly led to biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and climate vulnerability. Philosophically, environmental stewardship interrogates anthropocentric paradigms, challenging the assumption that human needs automatically supersede ecological thresholds. By cultivating ecological empathy, it promotes a recognition of intrinsic value in nonhuman life and a duty of care that transcends utilitarian calculus. On a sociopolitical level, stewardship manifests through legislation, policy frameworks, and civic initiatives that prioritize environmental justice. Yet, token gestures such as symbolic tree-planting campaigns or eco-certifications without systemic reform risk being performative, masking persistent environmental inequities. Economically, environmental stewardship drives innovation in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and circular economies. Diverse stakeholder engagement — from local communities to multinational corporations — enhances adaptive capacity and problem-solving, demonstrating that ecological responsibility and economic vitality are not mutually exclusive. In an era marked by climate crisis and rapid urbanization, the imperative to sustain ecological diversity is both urgent and complex. Stewardship, therefore, is not merely a technical practice; it is an ethical and existential orientation, underscoring humanity's intertwined fate with the natural world.

What is the central philosophical significance of environmental stewardship as described in the passage?

A.It guarantees economic growth at all costs.
B.It prioritizes human dominance over natural systems.
C.It challenges anthropocentric assumptions and fosters ecological empathy.
D.It eliminates the need for social responsibility.

Solution

Passage — philosophy The passage says stewardship interrogates anthropocentric paradigms and questions the idea that human needs automatically override ecological limits. It adds that by cultivating ecological empathy it recognises intrinsic value in nonhuman life. Options (a), (b) and (d) run against the passage. Hence option (c).

93

Directions (Qs. 92-96): Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The concept of environmental stewardship encompasses more than mere conservation; it represents a proactive commitment to sustaining the biosphere through ethical engagement, scientific insight, and social responsibility. Ecosystems, as intricate networks of interdependent species and abiotic factors, demonstrate that ecological stability is contingent upon balance rather than domination. Historically, human societies that harmonized their activities with natural rhythms — through agrarian practices, sacred groves, or community-managed water systems — exemplified resilience and sustainability. Conversely, extractive exploitation, often justified by short-term gains, has repeatedly led to biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and climate vulnerability. Philosophically, environmental stewardship interrogates anthropocentric paradigms, challenging the assumption that human needs automatically supersede ecological thresholds. By cultivating ecological empathy, it promotes a recognition of intrinsic value in nonhuman life and a duty of care that transcends utilitarian calculus. On a sociopolitical level, stewardship manifests through legislation, policy frameworks, and civic initiatives that prioritize environmental justice. Yet, token gestures such as symbolic tree-planting campaigns or eco-certifications without systemic reform risk being performative, masking persistent environmental inequities. Economically, environmental stewardship drives innovation in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and circular economies. Diverse stakeholder engagement — from local communities to multinational corporations — enhances adaptive capacity and problem-solving, demonstrating that ecological responsibility and economic vitality are not mutually exclusive. In an era marked by climate crisis and rapid urbanization, the imperative to sustain ecological diversity is both urgent and complex. Stewardship, therefore, is not merely a technical practice; it is an ethical and existential orientation, underscoring humanity's intertwined fate with the natural world.

The term "performative gestures" in the passage most closely refers to:

A.Actions that genuinely restore ecological balance.
B.Superficial acts that obscure deeper environmental problems.
C.Policies that redistribute natural resources equitably.
D.Scientific experiments that track biodiversity.

Solution

Passage — vocabulary The passage cites symbolic tree-planting campaigns and eco-certifications made without systemic reform. It warns that such token gestures mask persistent environmental inequities. That is exactly the sense of superficial acts hiding deeper problems. Hence option (b).

94

Directions (Qs. 92-96): Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The concept of environmental stewardship encompasses more than mere conservation; it represents a proactive commitment to sustaining the biosphere through ethical engagement, scientific insight, and social responsibility. Ecosystems, as intricate networks of interdependent species and abiotic factors, demonstrate that ecological stability is contingent upon balance rather than domination. Historically, human societies that harmonized their activities with natural rhythms — through agrarian practices, sacred groves, or community-managed water systems — exemplified resilience and sustainability. Conversely, extractive exploitation, often justified by short-term gains, has repeatedly led to biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and climate vulnerability. Philosophically, environmental stewardship interrogates anthropocentric paradigms, challenging the assumption that human needs automatically supersede ecological thresholds. By cultivating ecological empathy, it promotes a recognition of intrinsic value in nonhuman life and a duty of care that transcends utilitarian calculus. On a sociopolitical level, stewardship manifests through legislation, policy frameworks, and civic initiatives that prioritize environmental justice. Yet, token gestures such as symbolic tree-planting campaigns or eco-certifications without systemic reform risk being performative, masking persistent environmental inequities. Economically, environmental stewardship drives innovation in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and circular economies. Diverse stakeholder engagement — from local communities to multinational corporations — enhances adaptive capacity and problem-solving, demonstrating that ecological responsibility and economic vitality are not mutually exclusive. In an era marked by climate crisis and rapid urbanization, the imperative to sustain ecological diversity is both urgent and complex. Stewardship, therefore, is not merely a technical practice; it is an ethical and existential orientation, underscoring humanity's intertwined fate with the natural world.

How does the passage describe the economic importance of environmental stewardship?

A.By creating localized markets for traditional resources.
B.By encouraging extractive exploitation for short-term profit.
C.By promoting innovation and adaptive problem-solving through diverse engagement.
D.By reducing ecological regulation to maximize industrial output.

Solution

Passage — economics The passage says stewardship drives innovation in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and circular economies. It adds that engaging diverse stakeholders enhances adaptive capacity and problem-solving. Extractive exploitation is criticised, not encouraged, elsewhere in the passage. Hence option (c).

95

Directions (Qs. 92-96): Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The concept of environmental stewardship encompasses more than mere conservation; it represents a proactive commitment to sustaining the biosphere through ethical engagement, scientific insight, and social responsibility. Ecosystems, as intricate networks of interdependent species and abiotic factors, demonstrate that ecological stability is contingent upon balance rather than domination. Historically, human societies that harmonized their activities with natural rhythms — through agrarian practices, sacred groves, or community-managed water systems — exemplified resilience and sustainability. Conversely, extractive exploitation, often justified by short-term gains, has repeatedly led to biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and climate vulnerability. Philosophically, environmental stewardship interrogates anthropocentric paradigms, challenging the assumption that human needs automatically supersede ecological thresholds. By cultivating ecological empathy, it promotes a recognition of intrinsic value in nonhuman life and a duty of care that transcends utilitarian calculus. On a sociopolitical level, stewardship manifests through legislation, policy frameworks, and civic initiatives that prioritize environmental justice. Yet, token gestures such as symbolic tree-planting campaigns or eco-certifications without systemic reform risk being performative, masking persistent environmental inequities. Economically, environmental stewardship drives innovation in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and circular economies. Diverse stakeholder engagement — from local communities to multinational corporations — enhances adaptive capacity and problem-solving, demonstrating that ecological responsibility and economic vitality are not mutually exclusive. In an era marked by climate crisis and rapid urbanization, the imperative to sustain ecological diversity is both urgent and complex. Stewardship, therefore, is not merely a technical practice; it is an ethical and existential orientation, underscoring humanity's intertwined fate with the natural world.

What does the phrase "intertwined fate with the natural world" most nearly imply?

A.Humans are independent of environmental conditions.
B.Human well-being is inseparable from ecological health.
C.Nature should be controlled for social stability.
D.Environmental outcomes are predetermined and unavoidable.

Solution

Passage — inference "Intertwined" means woven together and inseparable. The closing line presents stewardship as an existential orientation because human fate is bound up with nature. So human well-being cannot be separated from the health of ecosystems. Hence option (b).

96

Directions (Qs. 92-96): Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The concept of environmental stewardship encompasses more than mere conservation; it represents a proactive commitment to sustaining the biosphere through ethical engagement, scientific insight, and social responsibility. Ecosystems, as intricate networks of interdependent species and abiotic factors, demonstrate that ecological stability is contingent upon balance rather than domination. Historically, human societies that harmonized their activities with natural rhythms — through agrarian practices, sacred groves, or community-managed water systems — exemplified resilience and sustainability. Conversely, extractive exploitation, often justified by short-term gains, has repeatedly led to biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and climate vulnerability. Philosophically, environmental stewardship interrogates anthropocentric paradigms, challenging the assumption that human needs automatically supersede ecological thresholds. By cultivating ecological empathy, it promotes a recognition of intrinsic value in nonhuman life and a duty of care that transcends utilitarian calculus. On a sociopolitical level, stewardship manifests through legislation, policy frameworks, and civic initiatives that prioritize environmental justice. Yet, token gestures such as symbolic tree-planting campaigns or eco-certifications without systemic reform risk being performative, masking persistent environmental inequities. Economically, environmental stewardship drives innovation in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and circular economies. Diverse stakeholder engagement — from local communities to multinational corporations — enhances adaptive capacity and problem-solving, demonstrating that ecological responsibility and economic vitality are not mutually exclusive. In an era marked by climate crisis and rapid urbanization, the imperative to sustain ecological diversity is both urgent and complex. Stewardship, therefore, is not merely a technical practice; it is an ethical and existential orientation, underscoring humanity's intertwined fate with the natural world.

According to the passage, historical societies that practised environmental stewardship:

A.Focused on rapid industrial expansion.
B.Maintained resilience by aligning human activity with ecological balance.
C.Exploited ecosystems for immediate economic gain.
D.Developed purely technological solutions to environmental problems.

Solution

Passage — history The passage points to societies that harmonised their activities with natural rhythms. It names agrarian practices, sacred groves and community-managed water systems, and calls them examples of resilience and sustainability. The other options describe the extractive path that the passage contrasts with this. Hence option (b).

97

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in Direct speech. He claimed that the software could have prevented the breach had the firewall been configured correctly.

A.He claimed, "Had the firewall been configured correctly, the software could have prevented the breach."
B.He claimed, "The firewall had configured correctly, software prevents breach."
C.He said, "If firewall is configured, software might prevent breach."
D.He said, "Software prevents breach if firewall have been configured correctly."

Solution

Direct speech In direct speech the reported words are put inside quotation marks with the original tense preserved. The inverted conditional "had the firewall been configured correctly" and "could have prevented" must both remain intact. Only option (a) keeps the full meaning and grammar; the rest change the tense or drop parts of the sense. Hence option (a).

98

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in Indirect speech. He asked, "Have you submitted the report?"

A.He asked if I had submitted the report.
B.He asked whether I have submitted the report.
C.He asked that I had submitted the report.
D.He asked have I submitted the report.

Solution

Indirect speech A yes/no question becomes indirect with "if" or "whether", and the question form is dropped. "Have you submitted" (present perfect) shifts back to "had submitted" (past perfect). Option (b) keeps the tense unchanged, (c) uses "that" for a question, and (d) keeps the question order. Hence option (a).

99

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. The company announced a new product line. 2. A market survey was conducted to understand customer preferences. 3. Feedback from the survey was used to design the products. 4. The products were launched with a promotional campaign.

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

Solution

Para jumble The process begins with the survey of customer preferences — sentence 2 opens. Its feedback then shapes the design — sentence 3 follows. Only after the design is ready does the company announce the line — sentence 1. The launch with a campaign closes it — 2-3-1-4, option (b).

100

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. The committee reviewed all applications carefully. 2. The announcement of selected candidates was made. 3. Applications were invited from eligible candidates. 4. Shortlisted candidates were called for interviews.

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

Solution

Para jumble Applications must first be invited — sentence 3 opens. The committee then reviews them — sentence 1. Shortlisted candidates are called for interviews — sentence 4. Finally the selection is announced — 3-1-4-2, option (a).