SSC CGL 25 September 2025 · Shift 3 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word: EXACERBATE

A.Intensify
B.Ameliorate
C.Aggravate
D.Heighten

Solution

Antonym — Exacerbate 'Exacerbate' means to make a bad situation worse. 'Ameliorate' means to make something bad better — the true opposite. Intensify, aggravate and heighten all point the same way as exacerbate. Hence option (b).

77

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Throw caution to the wind

A.To destroy evidence of a past crime
B.To do something without worrying about the risk or negative results
C.To make a dramatic entrance
D.To sever all connections with friends

Solution

Idiom — throw caution to the wind 'To throw caution to the wind' means to act recklessly, ignoring the risks. The image is of letting one’s carefulness be blown away. It has nothing to do with evidence or with breaking off friendships. Hence option (b).

78

Select the correct spelling of a word meaning 'proportionate' or 'corresponding in amount or degree'.

A.Commensurate
B.Commensuratte
C.Commenserate
D.Commensuret

Solution

Spelling — Commensurate 'Commensurate' is the correct spelling. It is built as com + mensurate, from the same root as measure. The others double the t, change the u to e, or cut the ending short. 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. These robots collect data and explore dangerous areas. 2. Space agencies often use robotic probes for exploration. 3. This keeps human astronauts safe from risks. 4. They can travel far beyond where humans have gone.

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

Solution

Para jumble — space robots Sentence 2 introduces the robotic probes — the opener. Sentence 1 ("These robots…") says what they do, and sentence 4 ("They can travel…") adds their reach. Sentence 3 ("This keeps…") closes with the benefit. Order 2-1-4-3 — option (a).

80

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: A form of government in which power is held by the nobility.

A.Monarchy
B.Gerontocracy
C.Aristocracy
D.Authoritarianism

Solution

One-word — Aristocracy 'Aristocracy' is rule by the nobility or a privileged class. A monarchy is rule by a single hereditary sovereign. A gerontocracy is rule by the elderly, and authoritarianism is rule enforced without regard for individual freedom. Hence option (c).

81

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: A person appointed to advise an organization on a particular subject.

A.Delegate
B.Consultant
C.Intrusive
D.Mentor

Solution

One-word — Consultant A 'consultant' is engaged by an organisation to give expert advice in a particular field. A delegate is one sent to represent others, and a mentor guides a person rather than an organisation. "Intrusive" is an adjective and does not fit the noun slot. Hence option (b).

82

Select the correct spelling of a word meaning 'the act of blocking or hindering progress'.

A.Obstrunction
B.Obstruction
C.Obstructtion
D.Obstruktion

Solution

Spelling — Obstruction 'Obstruction' is the correct spelling — obstruct + ion. It has a single t before the -ion and a c, not a k. (a) inserts an extra n, (c) doubles the t and (d) replaces the c with k. Hence option (b).

83

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: JUBILANT

A.Tedium
B.Indolence
C.Bewilderment
D.Thrilled

Solution

Synonym — Jubilant 'Jubilant' means showing great joy or triumph. 'Thrilled' — extremely happy and excited — carries the same sense. Tedium is dullness, indolence is laziness and bewilderment is confusion. 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. The coordinator carefully explained about the revised procedures (1)/ to all the participants during the orientation session (2)/ so that everyone could follow the updated guidelines (3)/ without any confusion or delay. (4)

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

Solution

explain + object The verb 'explain' takes a direct object; it is never followed by 'about'. "Explained about the revised procedures" is therefore wrong. Correct: ‘The coordinator carefully explained the revised procedures’. Hence option (a).

85

Change the following from active to passive: Somebody stole my wallet last night.

A.My wallet stolen by somebody last night.
B.My wallet was stolen last night.
C.My wallet has been stolen last night.
D.My wallet is stolen last night.

Solution

Passive with somebody "Stole" is simple past, so the passive takes "was stolen". When the doer is a vague "somebody", the by-phrase is dropped. (a) has no auxiliary, (c) is present perfect and (d) present. Hence option (b).

86

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. After weeks of resistance, the smaller company had to ____ to the demands of the larger corporation.

A.knuckle out
B.knuckle down
C.knuckle up
D.knuckle under

Solution

Phrasal verb — knuckle under 'To knuckle under' means to give in or submit to pressure. The sentence describes a company yielding after weeks of resistance. "Knuckle down" means to start working hard; the other two are not standard idioms. Hence option (d).

87

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. Scarcely had the alarm sounded ____ the building was evacuated.

A.that
B.when
C.as soon as
D.then

Solution

Scarcely … when "Scarcely" and "hardly" are always followed by "when"; "no sooner" is followed by "than". The pattern is fixed and does not change. Correct: ‘Scarcely had the alarm sounded when the building was evacuated.’ Hence option (b).

88

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 novice programmer made (1)/ a blunder mistake (2)/ in the coding, which (3)/ crashed the entire system. (4)

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

Solution

Redundancy A "blunder" already means a serious mistake. Putting "mistake" after it repeats the same idea — a redundancy. Correct: ‘The novice programmer made a blunder in the coding’. Hence option (b).

89

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. The analyst insisted that the latest forecasting model was superior than the one used last year.

A.more superior than the one
B.superior to the one
C.superior then the one
D.superior over the one

Solution

superior to Latin comparatives such as superior, inferior, senior and junior take "to", never "than". "Superior" is already comparative, so "more superior" is wrong as well. Correct: ‘was superior to the one used last year’. Hence option (b).

90

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. He explained that he had been waiting for the bus for an hour.

A.He explained, "I had been waiting for the bus since an hour."
B.He explained, "I was waiting for the bus for an hour."
C.He explained, "I have been waiting for the bus for an hour."
D.He explained, "I had waited for the bus for an hour."

Solution

Indirect → direct Reverse the backshift: the reported past perfect continuous comes from the present perfect continuous. "He had been waiting" therefore becomes "I have been waiting". "For" is correct with a period of time; "since" needs a point of time, so (a) is wrong. Hence option (c).

91

Select the option which contains the most appropriate HOMONYM of the word given in bold/underline. The researcher noted a minute organism under the microscope.

A.She recorded every minute of the experiment in her logbook.
B.The minute details of the cell structure were fascinating.
C.The assistant examined another minute specimen.
D.The microscope revealed a minute variation in colour.

Solution

Homonym — minute In the given sentence "minute" is an adjective meaning extremely small. Options (b), (c) and (d) all use it in that same sense. In (a) it is a noun meaning a period of sixty seconds — same spelling, different word and pronunciation. Hence option (a).

92

Change the following from active to passive: The team has not submitted any documents yet.

A.Documents have not been submitted by any team yet.
B.No document has been submitted by the team yet.
C.No team submitted any documents yet.
D.Every team will have submitted the documents yet.

Solution

Passive of a negative "Not … any" becomes "no" in the passive, and the noun turns singular. "Has not submitted" is present perfect, so the passive is "has been submitted". (a) shifts the negative to the team, (c) drops the passive and (d) changes the tense. Hence option (b).

93

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. The researcher would have written and publish several reports in his early thirties if he had not fallen sick.

A.published several report
B.publish several reports
C.publishing several reports
D.published several reports

Solution

Parallel participles "Would have" is followed by a past participle, and both verbs share it. So "written" must be matched by "published", not the base form "publish". "Reports" stays plural, which rules out (a). Correct: ‘would have written and published several reports’ — option (d).

94

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. He said, "Does anyone speak French?"

A.He enquired if anyone spoke French.
B.He enquired if anyone speaks French.
C.He enquired that if anyone spoke French.
D.He enquired does anyone speak French.

Solution

Reported yes-no question A yes-no question is reported with "if" or "whether" and statement word order. The present "speak" backshifts to "spoke". (b) keeps the present, (c) adds a needless "that" and (d) keeps the question form. 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. They perform a vital role in local economies and food security. 2. Small-scale fisheries are often overlooked in global ocean management. 3. However, they face increasing threats from overfishing and climate change. 4. Recognizing their importance is crucial for sustainable ocean governance.

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

Solution

Para jumble — fisheries Sentence 2 introduces small-scale fisheries — the opener. Sentence 1 ("They perform…") states their value and sentence 3 ("However…") the threat. Sentence 4 closes with what must be done. Order 2-1-3-4 — option (d).

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. Personal discipline is often misunderstood as a rigid set of rules, but in practice it is a flexible system that helps individuals (96) ____ their behaviour toward meaningful objectives. Unlike external enforcement, discipline grows strongest when driven by intrinsic motivation. People who manage their time intentionally often find that even small routines can produce significant change over extended periods. However, many struggle because they view discipline as punishment rather than a strategic tool. This misunderstanding prevents them from recognising its deeper value. True discipline is closely linked to the habit of deliberate reflection, a practice that allows one to assess choices without harsh judgment. Such reflection helps cultivate a sense of (97) ____ poise, especially in moments of uncertainty. When individuals learn to pause and observe their impulses, they gain clarity rather than reacting impulsively. Yet reflection alone is insufficient; it must be paired with purposeful action. Without consistent effort, even the most insightful intentions can (98) ____ into inactivity. Moreover, the long-term process of self-regulation requires emotional steadiness. This is where sustained (99) ____ fortitude becomes indispensable, enabling individuals to remain committed despite obstacles. Ultimately, discipline is less about restriction and more about intentional alignment with one’s values, achieved through repeated choices that (100) ____ personal growth.

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

A.steer
B.steered
C.steering
D.steers

Solution

Cloze — bare infinitive The structure is "helps individuals ____ their behaviour". After "help" plus an object, English takes the bare infinitive. So the base form is needed. = steer — option (a).

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. Personal discipline is often misunderstood as a rigid set of rules, but in practice it is a flexible system that helps individuals (96) ____ their behaviour toward meaningful objectives. Unlike external enforcement, discipline grows strongest when driven by intrinsic motivation. People who manage their time intentionally often find that even small routines can produce significant change over extended periods. However, many struggle because they view discipline as punishment rather than a strategic tool. This misunderstanding prevents them from recognising its deeper value. True discipline is closely linked to the habit of deliberate reflection, a practice that allows one to assess choices without harsh judgment. Such reflection helps cultivate a sense of (97) ____ poise, especially in moments of uncertainty. When individuals learn to pause and observe their impulses, they gain clarity rather than reacting impulsively. Yet reflection alone is insufficient; it must be paired with purposeful action. Without consistent effort, even the most insightful intentions can (98) ____ into inactivity. Moreover, the long-term process of self-regulation requires emotional steadiness. This is where sustained (99) ____ fortitude becomes indispensable, enabling individuals to remain committed despite obstacles. Ultimately, discipline is less about restriction and more about intentional alignment with one’s values, achieved through repeated choices that (100) ____ personal growth.

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

A.agitation
B.balance and composure
C.strictness
D.confusion

Solution

Meaning of 'poised' 'Poise' means calm self-possession and steadiness of manner. The passage links it to pausing, observing one’s impulses and gaining clarity. Agitation and confusion are its opposites. Hence option (b).

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. Personal discipline is often misunderstood as a rigid set of rules, but in practice it is a flexible system that helps individuals (96) ____ their behaviour toward meaningful objectives. Unlike external enforcement, discipline grows strongest when driven by intrinsic motivation. People who manage their time intentionally often find that even small routines can produce significant change over extended periods. However, many struggle because they view discipline as punishment rather than a strategic tool. This misunderstanding prevents them from recognising its deeper value. True discipline is closely linked to the habit of deliberate reflection, a practice that allows one to assess choices without harsh judgment. Such reflection helps cultivate a sense of (97) ____ poise, especially in moments of uncertainty. When individuals learn to pause and observe their impulses, they gain clarity rather than reacting impulsively. Yet reflection alone is insufficient; it must be paired with purposeful action. Without consistent effort, even the most insightful intentions can (98) ____ into inactivity. Moreover, the long-term process of self-regulation requires emotional steadiness. This is where sustained (99) ____ fortitude becomes indispensable, enabling individuals to remain committed despite obstacles. Ultimately, discipline is less about restriction and more about intentional alignment with one’s values, achieved through repeated choices that (100) ____ personal growth.

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

A.dissolve
B.dissolving
C.dissolves
D.dissolved

Solution

Cloze — after a modal The blank follows the modal "can" — "even the most insightful intentions can ____". A modal is always followed by the base form of the verb. "Dissolve into inactivity" gives the required sense of fading away. = dissolve — 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. Personal discipline is often misunderstood as a rigid set of rules, but in practice it is a flexible system that helps individuals (96) ____ their behaviour toward meaningful objectives. Unlike external enforcement, discipline grows strongest when driven by intrinsic motivation. People who manage their time intentionally often find that even small routines can produce significant change over extended periods. However, many struggle because they view discipline as punishment rather than a strategic tool. This misunderstanding prevents them from recognising its deeper value. True discipline is closely linked to the habit of deliberate reflection, a practice that allows one to assess choices without harsh judgment. Such reflection helps cultivate a sense of (97) ____ poise, especially in moments of uncertainty. When individuals learn to pause and observe their impulses, they gain clarity rather than reacting impulsively. Yet reflection alone is insufficient; it must be paired with purposeful action. Without consistent effort, even the most insightful intentions can (98) ____ into inactivity. Moreover, the long-term process of self-regulation requires emotional steadiness. This is where sustained (99) ____ fortitude becomes indispensable, enabling individuals to remain committed despite obstacles. Ultimately, discipline is less about restriction and more about intentional alignment with one’s values, achieved through repeated choices that (100) ____ personal growth.

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

A.emotional weakness
B.physical speed
C.mental strength and courage
D.casual indifference

Solution

Meaning of 'fortitude' 'Fortitude' is courage and strength of mind in facing difficulty. The passage says it enables people to stay committed despite obstacles. That rules out weakness and indifference. Hence option (c).

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. Personal discipline is often misunderstood as a rigid set of rules, but in practice it is a flexible system that helps individuals (96) ____ their behaviour toward meaningful objectives. Unlike external enforcement, discipline grows strongest when driven by intrinsic motivation. People who manage their time intentionally often find that even small routines can produce significant change over extended periods. However, many struggle because they view discipline as punishment rather than a strategic tool. This misunderstanding prevents them from recognising its deeper value. True discipline is closely linked to the habit of deliberate reflection, a practice that allows one to assess choices without harsh judgment. Such reflection helps cultivate a sense of (97) ____ poise, especially in moments of uncertainty. When individuals learn to pause and observe their impulses, they gain clarity rather than reacting impulsively. Yet reflection alone is insufficient; it must be paired with purposeful action. Without consistent effort, even the most insightful intentions can (98) ____ into inactivity. Moreover, the long-term process of self-regulation requires emotional steadiness. This is where sustained (99) ____ fortitude becomes indispensable, enabling individuals to remain committed despite obstacles. Ultimately, discipline is less about restriction and more about intentional alignment with one’s values, achieved through repeated choices that (100) ____ personal growth.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (100).

A.are nourishing
B.nourish
C.were nourishing
D.has nourished

Solution

Cloze — relative clause verb The clause is "repeated choices that ____ personal growth". The subject "choices" is plural and the passage speaks in the general present. So the plain present plural form is needed. = nourish — option (b).