SSC CHSL 30 November 2025 · Shift 2 · English Language — questions with answers

1

Choose the correct option to specify the meaning of the highlighted idiom. You've prepared well for the performance. Now break a leg.

A.Say Good Luck to someone
B.Ask someone not to go for a task
C.Say Bad Luck to someone
D.Not saying anything to someone

Solution

Idiom meaning 'Break a leg' is an idiom used to wish somebody good luck, especially just before a performance on stage. The speaker has already said 'You've prepared well for the performance', so the natural next remark is a wish for success. The idiom never conveys bad luck, nor does it ask anyone to stay away from a task, so (b), (c) and (d) are ruled out. Hence option (a) is correct.

2

Identify the meaning of the phrase highlighted in bold. Considering the circumstances, it might be wise to throw caution to the wind.

A.Act very carefully
B.Ignore the problem
C.Take risks
D.Call a discussion and seek everyone's opinion

Solution

Idiom meaning 'Throw caution to the wind' means to stop being careful and to act boldly, accepting whatever risk is involved. Here the speaker feels it may be wise to set caution aside, that is, to take risks. Option (a) states the very opposite, while (b) 'ignore the problem' and (d) 'call a discussion' are not part of the idiom's sense at all. Hence option (c) is correct.

3

Identify the incorrect sentence.

A.Riya's dress is bright and colorful.
B.Either of the solutions seem to cause serious problems.
C.One of the houses in the colony is over a hundred years old.
D.Amit has three cousins.

Solution

Subject-verb agreement 'Either of', 'Neither of', 'One of' and 'Each of' are followed by a plural noun but always take a singular verb.

Option (b) has 'Either of the solutions seem', where the plural verb 'seem' breaks this rule; it should be 'seems'. Option (c) follows the same rule correctly with 'One of the houses ... is', and options (a) and (d) are grammatically sound. Hence the incorrect sentence is option (b).

4

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition: The inspector inquired

____

the witness's movements during the enquiry.

A.in
B.at
C.about
D.of

Solution

Preposition with 'inquire' The verb 'inquire' takes the preposition 'about' when we ask for information on a topic or matter. Here the inspector is seeking information regarding the witness's movements, so 'inquired about the witness's movements' is right. 'Inquire into' is used for a formal investigation and 'inquire of' names the person questioned; 'in' and 'at' do not go with 'inquire' at all. Hence option (c) is correct.

5

Select the most appropriate synonym of the word: Unimportance

A.Strength
B.Power
C.Insignificance
D.Clout

Solution

Synonym 'Unimportance' means the state of having little value or significance. 'Insignificance' carries exactly the same idea — the quality of being too small or unimportant to matter. 'Strength' and 'Power' denote force or authority, and 'Clout' means influence; all three are nearer to the opposite of the given word. Hence option (c) is correct.

6

Choose the correctly spelt word:

A.Receive
B.definitely
C.Uninamous
D.separate

Solution

Spelling Examine the four options one by one against their standard dictionary forms. 'Receive' (i before e except after c), 'definitely' and 'separate' are all written correctly. 'Uninamous' is the odd one out; the correct spelling is 'Unanimous', meaning agreed to by everyone. It comes from Latin 'unus' (one) + 'animus' (mind), so remember UN-AN-I-MOUS — 'of one mind'. Hence option (c) is the answer.

7

Choose the correctly spelt word to complete the sentence: His Abberant behaviour during the meeting surprised everyone.

A.Abberant
B.behaviour
C.meeting
D.surprised

Solution

Spelling The sentence reads: His Abberant behaviour during the meeting surprised everyone. 'Behaviour', 'meeting' and 'surprised' are all spelt correctly. 'Abberant' is faulty; the correct spelling is 'Aberrant' — one 'b' and double 'r' — meaning departing from what is normal or accepted. It is formed from 'ab-' (away) + 'errare' (to wander), so an aberrant act 'wanders away' from the norm. Hence option (a) is the answer.

8

Choose the best option to replace the underlined part to improve the given sentence. If no substitution is required, select 'No substitution.' She was worried at the outcome.

A.on the outcome
B.about the outcome
C.for the outcome
D.No substitution

Solution

Preposition with 'worried' The adjective 'worried' is followed by 'about' when we name the thing that causes the anxiety. So 'worried at the outcome' must be replaced by 'worried about the outcome'. 'Worried on' and 'worried for' are not standard collocations; 'worried at' is used only with a sudden sight or sound, not with a result. Since a change is clearly needed, 'No substitution' cannot be chosen. Hence option (b) is correct.

9

Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word: He managed to close a fair deal with the supplier.

A.It was my turn to deal the cards in the game.
B.She got a good deal on the new phone.
C.The business deal was approved yesterday.
D.They discussed the deal in detail. Cloze Test :-

Solution

Homonyms Homonyms are words with the same spelling and pronunciation but altogether different meanings. In the given sentence 'deal' is a noun meaning an agreement or bargain settled with the supplier. In option (a) 'deal' is a verb meaning to distribute playing cards among the players — the same form carrying a completely different sense, so it is the homonym. In (b), (c) and (d) 'deal' is again the noun 'agreement/bargain', which merely repeats the original meaning instead of contrasting with it. Hence option (a) is correct.

10

Directions (Qs. 10-14): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Organic farming aims to meet present food demands without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. This approach emphasises methods that protect natural resources while maintaining agricultural output. One of its core principles is (10)

____

in which different crops are grown alternately to improve soil health and reduce dependence on artificial fertilizers. Another important aspect is soil conservation. Proper land-use techniques help prevent degradation and ensure long-term productivity. Farmers also adopt (11)

____

methods, such as using natural compost, to enhance soil structure and promote ecological balance. Organic agriculture is not limited to environmental benefits alone; it also contributes to economic stability. By reducing reliance on expensive chemical inputs, farmers can lower costs and increase their (12)

____

. Moreover, promoting fair trade ensures that workers receive just compensation for their labour. Despite its advantages, organic farming faces challenges like limited awareness and high initial costs. To address these issues, governments, institutions, and (13)

____

must collaborate. Through collective effort, a food system that is efficient and (14)

____

can be developed.

30-nov-2025-shift-2 Q010

A.Crop rotation
B.Crop harvest
C.Soil testing
D.Seed selection

Solution

Cloze test The blank is explained by the words that follow it: 'in which different crops are grown alternately to improve soil health'. That is precisely the definition of 'crop rotation' — growing different crops in the same field in successive seasons. 'Crop harvest' is only the gathering of a ripe crop, 'soil testing' checks nutrient levels, and 'seed selection' concerns the choice of seed; none of them involves growing crops alternately. Hence option (a) is correct.

11

Directions (Qs. 10-14): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Organic farming aims to meet present food demands without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. This approach emphasises methods that protect natural resources while maintaining agricultural output. One of its core principles is (10)

____

in which different crops are grown alternately to improve soil health and reduce dependence on artificial fertilizers. Another important aspect is soil conservation. Proper land-use techniques help prevent degradation and ensure long-term productivity. Farmers also adopt (11)

____

methods, such as using natural compost, to enhance soil structure and promote ecological balance. Organic agriculture is not limited to environmental benefits alone; it also contributes to economic stability. By reducing reliance on expensive chemical inputs, farmers can lower costs and increase their (12)

____

. Moreover, promoting fair trade ensures that workers receive just compensation for their labour. Despite its advantages, organic farming faces challenges like limited awareness and high initial costs. To address these issues, governments, institutions, and (13)

____

must collaborate. Through collective effort, a food system that is efficient and (14)

____

can be developed.

30-nov-2025-shift-2 Q011

A.Mechanical
B.Chemical
C.Natural
D.Temporary

Solution

Cloze test The example supplied in the same sentence is 'using natural compost', an organic input made without chemicals. So the methods that improve soil structure and promote ecological balance are 'natural' methods. 'Chemical' contradicts the very idea of organic farming, while 'mechanical' and 'temporary' do not describe compost at all. Hence option (c) is correct.

12

Directions (Qs. 10-14): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Organic farming aims to meet present food demands without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. This approach emphasises methods that protect natural resources while maintaining agricultural output. One of its core principles is (10)

____

in which different crops are grown alternately to improve soil health and reduce dependence on artificial fertilizers. Another important aspect is soil conservation. Proper land-use techniques help prevent degradation and ensure long-term productivity. Farmers also adopt (11)

____

methods, such as using natural compost, to enhance soil structure and promote ecological balance. Organic agriculture is not limited to environmental benefits alone; it also contributes to economic stability. By reducing reliance on expensive chemical inputs, farmers can lower costs and increase their (12)

____

. Moreover, promoting fair trade ensures that workers receive just compensation for their labour. Despite its advantages, organic farming faces challenges like limited awareness and high initial costs. To address these issues, governments, institutions, and (13)

____

must collaborate. Through collective effort, a food system that is efficient and (14)

____

can be developed.

30-nov-2025-shift-2 Q012

A.Expenses
B.Profits
C.Efforts
D.Risks

Solution

Cloze test The sentence sets up a contrast: 'farmers can lower costs and increase their ___'. When the cost of production falls while income stays the same, it is the profit that rises, so 'profits' completes the contrast. 'Expenses' would merely repeat the idea of cost, and 'efforts' or 'risks' have no link with reduced spending on chemical inputs. Hence option (b) is correct.

13

Directions (Qs. 10-14): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Organic farming aims to meet present food demands without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. This approach emphasises methods that protect natural resources while maintaining agricultural output. One of its core principles is (10)

____

in which different crops are grown alternately to improve soil health and reduce dependence on artificial fertilizers. Another important aspect is soil conservation. Proper land-use techniques help prevent degradation and ensure long-term productivity. Farmers also adopt (11)

____

methods, such as using natural compost, to enhance soil structure and promote ecological balance. Organic agriculture is not limited to environmental benefits alone; it also contributes to economic stability. By reducing reliance on expensive chemical inputs, farmers can lower costs and increase their (12)

____

. Moreover, promoting fair trade ensures that workers receive just compensation for their labour. Despite its advantages, organic farming faces challenges like limited awareness and high initial costs. To address these issues, governments, institutions, and (13)

____

must collaborate. Through collective effort, a food system that is efficient and (14)

____

can be developed.

30-nov-2025-shift-2 Q013

A.Individuals
B.Machines
C.Crops
D.Buildings

Solution

Cloze test The blank is the third member of the list 'governments, institutions, and ___ must collaborate'. Collaboration can only be done by people, so the list must be completed by a human group — 'individuals'. 'Machines', 'crops' and 'buildings' cannot collaborate, so none of them can stand beside governments and institutions. Hence option (a) is correct.

14

Directions (Qs. 10-14): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Organic farming aims to meet present food demands without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. This approach emphasises methods that protect natural resources while maintaining agricultural output. One of its core principles is (10)

____

in which different crops are grown alternately to improve soil health and reduce dependence on artificial fertilizers. Another important aspect is soil conservation. Proper land-use techniques help prevent degradation and ensure long-term productivity. Farmers also adopt (11)

____

methods, such as using natural compost, to enhance soil structure and promote ecological balance. Organic agriculture is not limited to environmental benefits alone; it also contributes to economic stability. By reducing reliance on expensive chemical inputs, farmers can lower costs and increase their (12)

____

. Moreover, promoting fair trade ensures that workers receive just compensation for their labour. Despite its advantages, organic farming faces challenges like limited awareness and high initial costs. To address these issues, governments, institutions, and (13)

____

must collaborate. Through collective effort, a food system that is efficient and (14)

____

can be developed.

30-nov-2025-shift-2 Q014

A.Fragile
B.Resilient
C.Ineffective
D.Unstable

Solution

Cloze test The closing sentence praises the food system, so the blank needs a positive word to pair with 'efficient'. 'Resilient' means able to withstand shocks and recover quickly from difficulty — exactly what a sustainable food system must be. 'Fragile', 'ineffective' and 'unstable' are all negative and would flatly contradict 'efficient'. Hence option (b) is correct.

15

Select the most appropriate antonym of the word: POLITE

A.Euphemism
B.Ambiguity
C.obscurity
D.discourteous

Solution

Antonym 'Polite' means showing good manners, courtesy and respect towards others. 'Discourteous' means rude and lacking good manners, so it is the exact opposite. 'Euphemism' is a mild expression used in place of a harsh one, 'ambiguity' is doubtfulness of meaning and 'obscurity' is the state of being unclear or unknown. None of those three is concerned with manners at all, so they cannot be antonyms of 'polite'. Hence option (d) is correct.

16

Which part of the following sentence contains a spelling error? The film received a thoughtful critque (A) from several renowned (B) reviewers (C) worldwide (D).

A.C
B.B
C.D
D.A

Solution

Spelling error Test each marked part separately: critque (A), renowned (B), reviewers (C), worldwide (D). 'Renowned', 'reviewers' and 'worldwide' are all spelt correctly. Part A carries 'critque'; the correct spelling is 'critique', where the French ending '-que' is preceded by 'i'. A critique is a detailed assessment of a work, so the film 'received a thoughtful critique'. Hence the error lies in part A, and option (d) is correct.

17

Change the following sentence into the Active form. The mistake could not have been ignored by a careful supervisor, a point that was later highlighted.

A.The mistake could not ignore a careful supervisor.
B.A careful supervisor could not have ignored the mistake, a point that was later highlighted.
C.A careful supervisor could not ignore the mistake.
D.The mistake was not ignored by a careful supervisor, a point that was later highlighted.

Solution

Passive to active voice To turn a passive sentence into the active voice, the agent standing after 'by' becomes the subject and the passive subject becomes the object.

The verb 'could not have been ignored' simply drops 'been' and becomes 'could not have ignored', so the modal-perfect form is preserved. The active sentence is therefore 'A careful supervisor could not have ignored the mistake', and the trailing clause 'a point that was later highlighted' is left untouched. Option (c) drops 'have' and so changes the tense, (a) interchanges subject and object wrongly, and (d) is still in the passive voice. Hence option (b) is correct.

18

Change the following sentence into the Active form. The witness was reported to have been questioned by the police.

A.Someone reported that the witness was questioned by the police.
B.They reported someone had questioned the witness.
C.The witness was questioned by the police, it was reported.
D.People reported that someone had questioned the witness.

Solution

Passive to active voice The sentence contains two passives — the reporting verb 'was reported' and the reported action 'to have been questioned'.

Since the reporter is not named, the outer passive 'The witness was reported' becomes 'Someone reported that ...'. The infinitive 'to have been questioned by the police' is then expanded into a finite clause about the witness, keeping the police as the questioner. Options (b) and (d) replace the police with a vague 'someone', which changes the meaning, and (c) merely reshuffles the words while staying passive throughout. Hence option (a) is correct.

19

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in indirect voice. She said, 'I am starting a new job next week."

A.She said that she was starting a new job next week.
B.She said that she is starting a new job next week.
C.She said that she would have been starting a new job the following week.
D.She said that she was starting a new job the following week.

Solution

Direct to indirect speech The reporting verb 'said' is in the past tense, so the reported verb moves one step back and the time expression shifts as well.

'I am starting' therefore becomes 'she was starting', and 'next week' becomes 'the following week'. Option (a) keeps 'next week', option (b) keeps the present form 'is starting', and option (c) wrongly turns the verb into 'would have been starting'. Hence option (d) is correct.

20

Choose the incorrect spelling. The unexpected victory was enough to exhilarete the entire team.

A.unexpected
B.exhilarete
C.entire
D.victory

Solution

Spelling Check the four words of the sentence against their standard forms: 'unexpected', 'victory' and 'entire' are all correct. 'Exhilarete' is wrong; the correct spelling is 'exhilarate', meaning to make somebody feel very happy and excited. Remember it as ex-HIL-a-RATE — the ending is '-rate', not '-rete', just as in 'accelerate'. Hence option (b) is correct.

21

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct voice. The manager asked the employees whether they had submitted their reports.

A.The manager said to the employees, "Have you submitted your reports?"
B.The manager said to the employees, "Did you submit your reports?"
C.The manager said to the employees, "Have you submitted their reports?"
D.The manager said to the employees, "Had you submitted your reports?"

Solution

Indirect to direct speech The reporting verb 'asked' together with 'whether' shows that the reported part is a yes/no question, so in direct speech it must come back as an interrogative inside quotation marks and 'asked' becomes 'said to'.

The reported clause 'they had submitted' is in the past perfect; moving one tense forward for direct speech turns it into the present perfect, 'Have you submitted'. The pronouns 'they/their' stand for the persons being addressed, so they change to 'you/your'. This gives: The manager said to the employees, 'Have you submitted your reports?' — option (a). Options (b) and (d) use the wrong tense (simple past and past perfect) and (c) keeps the wrong pronoun 'their'.

22

Choose the correct passive voice transformation of the sentence: They must have transported the delicate paintings from the gallery's storage room very carefully.

A.The delicate paintings had to be transported very carefully from the gallery's storage room.
B.The delicate paintings must have been transported very carefully from the gallery's storage room.
C.It must have been the delicate paintings that were transported from the gallery's storage room very carefully.
D.The delicate paintings should have been transported from the gallery's storage room very carefully.

Solution

Passive of perfect modal Rule: when the active verb is 'modal + have + V3', the passive is 'modal + have been + V3'. The modal itself is never changed, because it carries the speaker's degree of certainty.

Here the active verb group is 'must have transported', so the passive group is 'must have been transported'. The object 'the delicate paintings' becomes the subject, and the adverbial parts stay with the verb: The delicate paintings must have been transported very carefully from the gallery's storage room. Option (a) replaces 'must' by 'had to' and (d) by 'should', both of which change the meaning from strong inference to obligation or advice; (c) is a cleft sentence, not a passive transformation. Hence option (b) is correct.

23

Choose the most suitable option to fill in the blanks. The researcher made sure to

____

credible studies and visit the official

____

for additional information.

A.council, counsel
B.cite, site
C.principal, principle
D.aural, oral

Solution

Homophones cite and site The first blank follows 'made sure to', so it needs a verb that goes with 'credible studies'; the second blank follows 'the official', so it needs a noun. 'Cite' is the verb meaning to quote a source as evidence, and 'site' is the noun for a place or a website.

So the sentence reads: The researcher made sure to cite credible studies and visit the official site for additional information. In (a) 'council' and 'counsel' are both wrong here (a body and advice), in (c) 'principal/principle' means chief or a rule, and in (d) 'aural/oral' relate to hearing and speech — none of them fits a researcher checking sources. Hence option (b) is correct.

24

Which word is closest in meaning to serious? He spoke in a serious tone during the meeting.

A.Casual
B.Grim
C.Cheerful
D.Playful

Solution

Synonym of serious 'Serious' here describes a tone that is solemn and earnest, not light or joking. 'Grim' means stern, sombre and forbidding, and is the only option that carries that same weight of manner. 'Casual' (relaxed, informal), 'cheerful' (happy, bright) and 'playful' (light-hearted) are all opposite in feeling to a serious tone. Hence option (b) is correct.

25

What does the word "Accused" refer to?

A.A person who reports a crime
B.A person who is charged with an offence
C.A person who investigates offences
D.A person who proves someone's innocence

Solution

Legal vocabulary In legal usage the 'accused' is the person against whom a charge of an offence has been formally made and who therefore stands trial.

The person who reports the crime is the complainant or informant (a), the officer who looks into it is the investigator (c), and the one who argues for innocence is the defence counsel (d). Hence option (b) is correct.