SSC CGL 26 September 2025 · Shift 1 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Directions (Qs. 76-80): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Once dismissed as a hobby for tech enthusiasts, podcasting has evolved into a sophisticated and highly strategic medium for both entertainment and professional communication. Beyond the casual image of informal chats, successful podcasters must negotiate an intricate ecosystem of audio production quality, listener analytics, content licensing, sponsorship deals and social media amplification. The accessibility of podcasting seemingly offers an egalitarian platform — anyone with a microphone can, in principle, reach a global audience. Yet the reality is considerably more selective. Sustained success requires not only compelling storytelling but also expertise in audio editing, marketing strategies, audience engagement and trend analysis. Regular scheduling, careful interaction with listeners and adaptation to changes in distribution policies have become essential competencies. Moreover, the psychological consequences of relying on listener metrics for professional validation cannot be overlooked. Podcasters frequently face stress, performance anxiety and fluctuating motivation. Unlike conventional employment, the field offers minimal institutional support; creators must independently negotiate contracts, manage finances and address health considerations. Nonetheless, for those who can navigate this challenging terrain, the rewards are substantial — creatively and financially. The medium allows exceptional independence, providing a direct channel between the creator and the audience, largely free from traditional editorial oversight. In a rapidly evolving media landscape, podcasting represents more than a passing fad; it signals a transformation in how content is produced, distributed and consumed.

Identify the grammatical function of the phrase "providing a direct channel between the creator and the audience" in the sentence: "The medium allows exceptional independence, providing a direct channel between the creator and the audience, largely free from traditional editorial oversight."

A.Adjective phrase
B.Present participial phrase functioning as an adverb
C.Noun phrase acting as an object
D.Absolute phrase modifying the subject

Solution

Participial phrase The phrase opens with "providing", the present participle of the verb provide. It does not name a thing or describe a noun; it tells us HOW the medium allows that independence. Modifying the main clause in that way makes it adverbial. A present participial phrase working as an adverb — option (b).

77

Directions (Qs. 76-80): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Once dismissed as a hobby for tech enthusiasts, podcasting has evolved into a sophisticated and highly strategic medium for both entertainment and professional communication. Beyond the casual image of informal chats, successful podcasters must negotiate an intricate ecosystem of audio production quality, listener analytics, content licensing, sponsorship deals and social media amplification. The accessibility of podcasting seemingly offers an egalitarian platform — anyone with a microphone can, in principle, reach a global audience. Yet the reality is considerably more selective. Sustained success requires not only compelling storytelling but also expertise in audio editing, marketing strategies, audience engagement and trend analysis. Regular scheduling, careful interaction with listeners and adaptation to changes in distribution policies have become essential competencies. Moreover, the psychological consequences of relying on listener metrics for professional validation cannot be overlooked. Podcasters frequently face stress, performance anxiety and fluctuating motivation. Unlike conventional employment, the field offers minimal institutional support; creators must independently negotiate contracts, manage finances and address health considerations. Nonetheless, for those who can navigate this challenging terrain, the rewards are substantial — creatively and financially. The medium allows exceptional independence, providing a direct channel between the creator and the audience, largely free from traditional editorial oversight. In a rapidly evolving media landscape, podcasting represents more than a passing fad; it signals a transformation in how content is produced, distributed and consumed.

In the sentence "Beyond the casual image of informal chats, successful podcasters must negotiate an intricate ecosystem of audio production quality, listener analytics...", what is the function of the introductory phrase "Beyond the casual image of informal chats"?

A.Appositive phrase
B.Adverbial phrase modifying "must negotiate"
C.Prepositional phrase functioning as a noun
D.Absolute phrase with implied verb

Solution

Adverbial phrase The phrase begins with the preposition "beyond", but its work in the sentence is what counts. It tells us in what circumstances the podcasters must negotiate that ecosystem.

78

Directions (Qs. 76-80): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Once dismissed as a hobby for tech enthusiasts, podcasting has evolved into a sophisticated and highly strategic medium for both entertainment and professional communication. Beyond the casual image of informal chats, successful podcasters must negotiate an intricate ecosystem of audio production quality, listener analytics, content licensing, sponsorship deals and social media amplification. The accessibility of podcasting seemingly offers an egalitarian platform — anyone with a microphone can, in principle, reach a global audience. Yet the reality is considerably more selective. Sustained success requires not only compelling storytelling but also expertise in audio editing, marketing strategies, audience engagement and trend analysis. Regular scheduling, careful interaction with listeners and adaptation to changes in distribution policies have become essential competencies. Moreover, the psychological consequences of relying on listener metrics for professional validation cannot be overlooked. Podcasters frequently face stress, performance anxiety and fluctuating motivation. Unlike conventional employment, the field offers minimal institutional support; creators must independently negotiate contracts, manage finances and address health considerations. Nonetheless, for those who can navigate this challenging terrain, the rewards are substantial — creatively and financially. The medium allows exceptional independence, providing a direct channel between the creator and the audience, largely free from traditional editorial oversight. In a rapidly evolving media landscape, podcasting represents more than a passing fad; it signals a transformation in how content is produced, distributed and consumed.

What is the closest meaning of the word "intricate" as used in the passage?

A.Simple and straightforward
B.Complex and detailed
C.Predictable and repetitive
D.Superficial and careless

Solution

Meaning of intricate "Intricate" describes something with many interconnected parts. The passage lists production quality, analytics, licensing, sponsorship and amplification — a web of demands. That is complexity and detail, the opposite of simple. Hence option (b).

79

Directions (Qs. 76-80): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Once dismissed as a hobby for tech enthusiasts, podcasting has evolved into a sophisticated and highly strategic medium for both entertainment and professional communication. Beyond the casual image of informal chats, successful podcasters must negotiate an intricate ecosystem of audio production quality, listener analytics, content licensing, sponsorship deals and social media amplification. The accessibility of podcasting seemingly offers an egalitarian platform — anyone with a microphone can, in principle, reach a global audience. Yet the reality is considerably more selective. Sustained success requires not only compelling storytelling but also expertise in audio editing, marketing strategies, audience engagement and trend analysis. Regular scheduling, careful interaction with listeners and adaptation to changes in distribution policies have become essential competencies. Moreover, the psychological consequences of relying on listener metrics for professional validation cannot be overlooked. Podcasters frequently face stress, performance anxiety and fluctuating motivation. Unlike conventional employment, the field offers minimal institutional support; creators must independently negotiate contracts, manage finances and address health considerations. Nonetheless, for those who can navigate this challenging terrain, the rewards are substantial — creatively and financially. The medium allows exceptional independence, providing a direct channel between the creator and the audience, largely free from traditional editorial oversight. In a rapidly evolving media landscape, podcasting represents more than a passing fad; it signals a transformation in how content is produced, distributed and consumed.

Choose the most appropriate antonym for the word "egalitarian" as used in the passage.

A.Exclusive
B.Democratic
C.Inclusive
D.Accessible

Solution

Antonym of egalitarian "Egalitarian" means open to all on equal terms. Its opposite is something that shuts people out — "exclusive". Democratic, inclusive and accessible all carry the same sense as egalitarian. Hence option (a).

80

Directions (Qs. 76-80): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Once dismissed as a hobby for tech enthusiasts, podcasting has evolved into a sophisticated and highly strategic medium for both entertainment and professional communication. Beyond the casual image of informal chats, successful podcasters must negotiate an intricate ecosystem of audio production quality, listener analytics, content licensing, sponsorship deals and social media amplification. The accessibility of podcasting seemingly offers an egalitarian platform — anyone with a microphone can, in principle, reach a global audience. Yet the reality is considerably more selective. Sustained success requires not only compelling storytelling but also expertise in audio editing, marketing strategies, audience engagement and trend analysis. Regular scheduling, careful interaction with listeners and adaptation to changes in distribution policies have become essential competencies. Moreover, the psychological consequences of relying on listener metrics for professional validation cannot be overlooked. Podcasters frequently face stress, performance anxiety and fluctuating motivation. Unlike conventional employment, the field offers minimal institutional support; creators must independently negotiate contracts, manage finances and address health considerations. Nonetheless, for those who can navigate this challenging terrain, the rewards are substantial — creatively and financially. The medium allows exceptional independence, providing a direct channel between the creator and the audience, largely free from traditional editorial oversight. In a rapidly evolving media landscape, podcasting represents more than a passing fad; it signals a transformation in how content is produced, distributed and consumed.

Which of the following best captures the primary tension described in the passage?

A.The tension between the casual perception of podcasting and the professional demands of the medium
B.The tension between sponsorship deals and creative freedom
C.The tension between global audiences and local content restrictions
D.The tension between audio quality and listener engagement

Solution

Central tension The passage opens by saying podcasting was once dismissed as a hobby. It then sets out the editing, marketing, contract and financial skills that real success demands. The gap between that casual image and those professional demands runs through the whole piece. Hence option (a).

81

What does the phrase go back to square one mean?

A.To start over after a failure
B.To complete a task successfully
C.To take a short break from work
D.To finalize a project

Solution

Idiom — square one "Square one" is the starting square of a board game. To go back to it means all the progress is lost and one must begin again. It is used after a plan or attempt has failed. Hence option (a).

82

Fill in the blank with the correctly spelt word. The critic's review was filled with ____ remarks that hurt the author deeply.

A.scurrilous
B.scurilous
C.scurrillous
D.scurrellous

Solution

Spelling — scurrilous 'Scurrilous' — making scandalous and abusive claims — is the correct spelling. It has a double r and a single l. (b) drops one r, (c) doubles the l and (d) changes the vowel. Hence option (a).

83

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: REPINE

A.Complain
B.Restore
C.Celebrate
D.Forgive

Solution

Synonym — Repine 'Repine' means to fret or express discontent. "Complain" carries that same sense of voicing dissatisfaction. Celebrate and forgive point the other way, and restore is unrelated. Hence option (a).

84

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word: VERACIOUS

A.Truthful
B.Honest
C.Deceptive
D.Sincere

Solution

Antonym — Veracious 'Veracious' means speaking or representing the truth. 'Deceptive' — misleading and false — is its opposite. Truthful, honest and sincere are all synonyms of veracious. Hence option (c).

85

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. In the nick of time

A.Too early
B.A little late
C.Just before it was too late
D.Without any preparation

Solution

Idiom — in the nick of time "In the nick of time" means at the very last possible moment. The thing is saved or achieved only just in time. It is neither early nor late, but barely on time. Hence option (c).

86

Select the correct spelling of a word meaning 'to weaken or reduce in force'.

A.Attenuate
B.Atennuate
C.Attanuate
D.Atenuuate

Solution

Spelling — Attenuate 'Attenuate' is the correct spelling — a double t, then -tenuate. It comes from the Latin tenuis, meaning thin. The others double the n or u, or change the a to an a in the wrong place. Hence option (a).

87

Spot the correct spelling of "a person who studies fossils".

A.Paleantologist
B.Paleontologist
C.Paleontolagist
D.Palaontologist

Solution

Spelling — Palaeontologist 'Paleontologist' is the correct spelling in this set. It is built from paleo (ancient) + onto (being) + logist. (a) and (c) misplace the vowels and (d) drops the e. Hence option (b).

88

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: "A group of crows."

A.Murder
B.Flock
C.Swarm
D.Cluster

Solution

Collective noun — crows The collective noun for crows is a "murder" of crows. A flock is used for sheep or birds in general, and a swarm for bees or insects. A cluster is used for objects such as stars or grapes. Hence option (a).

89

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: 'A person who travels on foot.'

A.Pedestrian
B.Voyager
C.Walker
D.Hiker

Solution

One-word — Pedestrian A 'pedestrian' is the established term for a person travelling on foot, especially on a road. A voyager travels by sea or over a long distance. A hiker walks in the countryside for pleasure — a narrower sense than the definition given. Hence option (a).

90

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate phrasal verb: She tried to ____ the sensitive information during the meeting.

A.play down
B.phase out
C.hand off
D.come across

Solution

Phrasal verb — play down 'To play down' means to make something seem less important than it is. That fits an attempt to soften sensitive information in a meeting. "Phase out" means to withdraw gradually and "come across" to be encountered by chance. Hence option (a).

91

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. Had the manager explained the policy clearly (1)/ to the staff members, (2)/ they would not have made (3)/ so many confusions. (4)

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

Solution

Uncountable noun "Confusion" is an uncountable noun and has no plural form. Uncountable nouns take "much", not "many". Correct: ‘they would not have had so much confusion’. The error lies in part (4) — option (d).

92

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. They don't allow pets in this hotel.

A.Pets aren't allowed in this hotel.
B.Pets haven't been allowed in this hotel.
C.Pets weren't allowed in this hotel.
D.Pets shouldn't be allowed in this hotel.

Solution

Passive of simple present "Don’t allow" is simple present negative, so the passive is "aren’t allowed". The vague subject "they" is dropped in the passive. (b) is present perfect, (c) past and (d) turns it into advice. Hence option (a).

93

Select the option which contains the most appropriate HOMONYM of the word given in bold/underline. He put the lead pencil on the table.

A.The pipes were made of lead.
B.He will lead the team to victory.
C.The teacher gave him a lead for the assignment.
D.She used a lead to mark the stone.

Solution

Homonym — lead In the given sentence "lead" is the grey metal (or graphite) inside a pencil, said as /led/. Options (a) and (d) use it in that very same sense — metal pipes and a marking lead — so neither is a homonym. In (b) it is the verb meaning to guide, said as /leed/ — same spelling, different word and sound. Hence option (b).

94

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The meeting was reported to have been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

A.The news reported that the meeting had been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
B.It was reported that the meeting had been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
C.The meeting was reported as postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
D.Officials reported that the meeting had been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

Solution

Impersonal passive → active The given sentence is passive with the doer left out, so the active form must supply a doer. "Officials reported that…" restores an agent and keeps the reported clause intact. (b) is still passive, and (c) merely rewords the passive without changing the voice. Hence option (d).

95

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. He was so hungry to eat the entire meal.

A.that he could eat the entire meal
B.and he ate the entire meal
C.that he eats the entire meal
D.that he might eat the entire meal

Solution

so … that "So" must be followed by "that" and a clause, not by a to-infinitive. The result clause takes "could" to show ability arising from the hunger. Correct: ‘He was so hungry that he could eat the entire meal.’ Hence option (a).

96

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. He is superior than his colleague in experience.

A.superior to his colleague
B.superior than his colleague
C.more superior than his colleague
D.superior from his colleague

Solution

superior to Latin comparatives such as superior, inferior, senior and junior always take "to". "Superior" is already comparative, so "more superior" is doubly wrong. Correct: ‘He is superior to his colleague in experience.’ Hence option (a).

97

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. The manager complained that the employees had neglected the safety protocols during the inspection.

A.The manager complained, "The employees did neglect the safety protocols during the inspection."
B.The manager complained, "The employees had neglected the safety protocols during the inspection."
C.The manager complained, "Employees neglect the safety protocols during the inspection."
D.The manager complained, "The employees have neglected safety protocols during the inspection."

Solution

Indirect → direct The past perfect does not shift back any further in reported speech. So a reported "had neglected" can come from a spoken "had neglected", which is simply repeated as it is. (a) changes it to an emphatic past, (c) to the present and (d) to the present perfect. Hence option (b).

98

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. Anita said, "I will meet you at the station."

A.Anita said she will meet me at the station.
B.Anita said she would meet me at the station.
C.Anita said she shall meet me at the station.
D.Anita said she meets me at the station.

Solution

Reported future The reporting verb "said" is in the past, so the reported verb backshifts. "Will" becomes "would", and "you" becomes "me". (a) keeps "will", (c) uses "shall" and (d) shifts to the simple present. Hence option (b).

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. A festival was celebrated in the town with great enthusiasm. 2. Stalls, games and food outlets were set up for visitors. 3. People from nearby villages joined the celebrations. 4. Traditional dances and music performances entertained the crowd.

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

Solution

Para jumble — festival Sentence 1 announces the festival — the only possible opener. Sentence 3 brings in the people who came, and sentence 2 what was set up for them. Sentence 4 closes with the entertainment for the gathered crowd. Order 1-3-2-4 — option (a).

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 ingredients are gathered from the market. 2. The dough is kneaded until smooth. 3. The bread is baked in the oven. 4. The recipe is chosen from a cookbook.

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

Solution

Para jumble — baking The passage describes baking in the order the work is actually done. First the recipe is chosen (4), then the ingredients are bought (1). Next the dough is kneaded (2) and finally the bread is baked (3). Order 4-1-2-3 — option (a).