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SSC GD Constable 13 February 2025 · Shift 3 · English — questions with answers · ShikshaSphere

Chapter 119 of 210

13 February 2025 · Shift 3

English

20 questions ~20 min readFree

20 questions

Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. Laconic

A.Verbose
B.Terse
C.Succinct
D.Concise

Solution

Antonyms Laconic describes speech or writing that uses very few words - short to the point of being blunt. Its opposite must therefore mean 'using far more words than are needed', and that is exactly what verbose means. Terse, succinct and concise all mean 'brief and to the point', so all three are synonyms of laconic, not antonyms - the usual trap in this pattern is to pick one of them. Hence the correct option is (a).

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined phrase in the given sentence. Mani decided to take a rain check on the dinner invitation.

A.to invite someone
B.accept the offer
C.make the final decision
D.delay the decision

Solution

Idiom substitution 'To take a rain check' means to decline an invitation for the moment while leaving it open to accept later - in short, to put the decision off. The idiom comes from American baseball: when a match was rained off, the ticket holder was given a 'rain check' allowing entry to a later game. So Mani neither refuses the dinner outright nor accepts it now; 'delay the decision' carries that sense precisely. 'Accept the offer' states the opposite of the idiom, and 'to invite someone' and 'make the final decision' have nothing to do with postponement. Hence the correct option is (d).

Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word from the given sentence. Her arguement was well-reasoned, but it contained a few misspellings.

A.misspellings
B.well-reasoned
C.contained
D.arguement

Solution

Spelling error The correct spelling is argument: the silent 'e' of 'argue' is dropped before the suffix '-ment'. The sentence prints 'arguement' with that extra 'e', so this is the incorrectly spelt word. 'Well-reasoned' and 'contained' are correct, and 'misspellings' is correct too - it is 'mis-' + 'spellings', which is why it carries a double 's'. Hence the correct option is (d).

Select the most appropriate synonym of the underlined word. The orchestra's melodious performance enchanted the audience.

A.Cacophonous
B.Discordant
C.Dissonant
D.Harmonious

Solution

Synonyms Melodious means pleasant sounding and tuneful - agreeable to the ear. Harmonious means having a pleasing, well-blended sound, so it carries the same sense. Cacophonous, discordant and dissonant all mean harsh or clashing in sound; they are antonyms, and the clue 'enchanted the audience' confirms that the music was pleasing. Hence the correct option is (d).

The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them may contain an error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options. If you don't find any error, mark 'No error' as your answer. The language of the foreign delegate was full extraordinary;/ only a few could understand his speech/ last evening.

A.The language of the foreign delegate was full extraordinary;
B.only a few could understand his speech
C.last evening.
D.No error.

Solution

Error spotting: adverb Part (a) reads 'was full extraordinary'. Here the word before 'extraordinary' has to modify an adjective. An adjective can be modified only by an adverb, so 'full' must become 'fully': 'was fully extraordinary'. Parts (b) and (c) are sound - 'only a few could understand his speech' is a correct clause and 'last evening' is a correct time phrase - so 'No error' cannot be chosen. Hence the correct option is (a).

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. The firing process used in terracotta production typically requires lower temperatures

____

to other ceramics and building materials like concrete or metals.

A.attempted
B.harmony
C.compared
D.equated

Solution

Comparison phrase The word after the blank is 'to', so the blank must complete the fixed structure 'compared to', which sets one thing against another. The sentence measures terracotta's firing temperature against that of other ceramics, concrete and metals - that is a comparison. 'Equated to' would claim the temperatures are equal, which contradicts 'lower'; 'attempted' and 'harmony' fit neither the grammar nor the sense of the blank. Hence the correct option is (c).

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. Ladakh is shifting towards self-sufficiency in

____

food and crop market.

A.an
B.the
C.this
D.these

Solution

Definite article The blank stands before the noun phrase 'food and crop market' - a particular market, the one belonging to Ladakh. A noun that the context has already made specific takes the definite article the. 'An' is impossible before the consonant sound of 'food'; 'this' and 'these' are demonstratives that point at something being indicated, and 'these' is plural while 'market' is singular. Hence the correct option is (b).

Select the most appropriate phrase that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence without altering the sentence's meaning. The artist's latest exhibition was a stark departure from her previous work, characterised by its bold use of colour and abstract forms.

A.a drastic shift
B.a subtle continuation
C.a minor change
D.a gentle evolution

Solution

Phrase substitution 'A stark departure from' means a sharp, unmistakable break with what came before. 'A drastic shift' carries the same force - a large and sudden change - so replacing the segment leaves the meaning untouched. The rest of the sentence, 'bold use of colour and abstract forms', confirms the change was big, which rules out 'a minor change' and 'a gentle evolution'. 'A subtle continuation' says the exact opposite of 'departure', since it claims the earlier style carried on. Hence the correct option is (a).

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. As the hikers ventured

____

into the dense forest, the sounds of civilisation faded away.

A.further
B.father
C.farther
D.feather

Solution

Confusables: farther/further Farther and further are both comparatives of 'far', but usage divides them: farther is preferred for physical distance, further for degree, extent or additional matters ('further details', 'further discussion'). The hikers are moving deeper into a forest, which is measurable physical distance, so farther is the fitting word. 'Father' (a parent) and 'feather' (a bird's plumage) are unrelated words placed here only as spelling traps. Hence the correct option is (c).

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given word. Elated

A.Feeling tired and drained
B.Extremely happy and excited
C.Deeply worried and anxious
D.Indifferent or uninterested

Solution

Word meaning Elated means filled with great joy and high spirits, the feeling that follows a success. 'Extremely happy and excited' states exactly that. 'Feeling tired and drained' defines exhausted, 'deeply worried and anxious' defines apprehensive, and 'indifferent or uninterested' defines apathetic - none of them is elation. Hence the correct option is (b).

Select the option that rectifies the spelling error in the given sentence. The serene osterity of the compound had a unique charm.

A.Aughsterity
B.Asterity
C.Austerity
D.Ousterity

Solution

Spelling correction The sentence needs the noun austerity - plainness and severe simplicity, here describing the look of the compound. It is spelt a-u-s-t-e-r-i-t-y, formed from the adjective 'austere'. The printed 'osterity' begins with the wrong vowel, and 'Aughsterity', 'Asterity' and 'Ousterity' are non-words built around the same mistake. Hence the correct option is (c).

Select the word that best completes the given sentence. Determine the collocation through the sentence. Vismi had an

____

fantastic time at the Hyderabad Book Fair.

A.elegantly
B.warmly
C.exactly
D.absolutely

Solution

Collocation A collocation is the partner word that native speakers habitually use with a given word. 'Fantastic' is an extreme (ungradable) adjective, so it takes an intensifier of matching strength: absolutely fantastic, just as we say absolutely perfect or absolutely brilliant. 'Elegantly' and 'warmly' are adverbs of manner and 'exactly' is an adverb of precision; none of them intensifies an extreme adjective, which is also why 'very fantastic' is wrong. Hence the correct option is (d).

Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom. The contractor realised that he could not get the contract unless he greases the palms of the officials.

A.To bear the brunt
B.To come to a stop
C.To deprive one of one's power
D.To bribe

Solution

Idiom meaning 'To grease someone's palm' means to give them money secretly so that they do you a favour - that is, to bribe. The context fits exactly: the contractor cannot win the contract unless he pays the officials off. The other options define different idioms - 'bear the brunt' is to take the worst of something, 'come to a stop' is to halt, and depriving someone of power is 'clip their wings'. Hence the correct option is (d).

The following sentence has been divided into parts. Select the part that contains a grammatical error from the given options. If you don't find any error, mark 'No error' as your answer. Isaac Newton, a name that may still be seen / today, cut into the wood of a window-sill at / the king's school, where he study Grammar and Latin.

A.today, cut into the wood of a window-sill at
B.No error.
C.the King's school, where he study Grammar and Latin.
D.Isaac Newton, a name that may still be seen

Solution

Error spotting: tense The sentence narrates a past event - Newton cut his name into the window-sill while he was a pupil at the school. Part (c) contains 'where he study', a present-tense form; a past narrative requires the past form studied. Parts (a) and (d) are correct: 'a name that may still be seen' is a valid present passive after the modal, and 'today, cut into the wood of a window-sill at' continues the sentence properly. Hence the correct option is (c).

Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. Callous

A.Careless
B.Insensitive
C.Apathetic
D.Merciful

Solution

Antonyms Callous means hardened and unfeeling - showing no concern for the suffering of others. Its opposite must express compassion, and merciful means showing kindness and forgiveness towards someone in one's power. Careless (inattentive), insensitive (unfeeling) and apathetic (uninterested) all lie on the same side of the scale as callous, so none of them can be its antonym. Hence the correct option is (d).

Directions (Qs. 76-80): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Reducing the hours worked and optimising shift rostering could (76)

____

alleviate stress, burnout and work family (77)

____

for healthcare workers. All this is likely to improve staff retention. Any reduction (78)

____

staff turnaround would save on direct costs associated (79)

____

hiring new staff. The cost to replace a highly specialised healthcare professional can reach up to 200% of their annual salary. Also, (80)

____

shorter shifts may increase the uptake of shift times that are usually hard to fill. Measures like shorter shifts could also appeal to part time workers or those who have retired.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (76).

A.host
B.help
C.hive
D.heal

Solution

Cloze: verb choice The blank sits between the modal 'could' and the bare infinitive 'alleviate', so it needs a verb that can itself be followed by a bare infinitive - 'could help alleviate' is the natural structure. The meaning agrees too: shorter hours and better rostering would make it easier to reduce stress, burnout and work-family conflict. 'Host', 'hive' and 'heal' cannot take 'alleviate' after them, and none of them makes sense with the passage's subject. Hence the correct option is (b).

Directions (Qs. 76-80): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Reducing the hours worked and optimising shift rostering could (76)

____

alleviate stress, burnout and work family (77)

____

for healthcare workers. All this is likely to improve staff retention. Any reduction (78)

____

staff turnaround would save on direct costs associated (79)

____

hiring new staff. The cost to replace a highly specialised healthcare professional can reach up to 200% of their annual salary. Also, (80)

____

shorter shifts may increase the uptake of shift times that are usually hard to fill. Measures like shorter shifts could also appeal to part time workers or those who have retired.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (77).

A.conflict
B.addict
C.evict
D.inflict

Solution

Cloze: noun choice The blank completes the set phrase 'work-family conflict' - the clash between the demands of the job and those of the home. It is listed alongside 'stress' and 'burnout', so the missing word must be another noun naming a workplace strain, and conflict is exactly that. 'Addict', 'evict' and 'inflict' merely rhyme with it: 'addict' names a person, while 'evict' and 'inflict' are verbs and cannot follow the noun phrase 'work family'. Hence the correct option is (a).

Directions (Qs. 76-80): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Reducing the hours worked and optimising shift rostering could (76)

____

alleviate stress, burnout and work family (77)

____

for healthcare workers. All this is likely to improve staff retention. Any reduction (78)

____

staff turnaround would save on direct costs associated (79)

____

hiring new staff. The cost to replace a highly specialised healthcare professional can reach up to 200% of their annual salary. Also, (80)

____

shorter shifts may increase the uptake of shift times that are usually hard to fill. Measures like shorter shifts could also appeal to part time workers or those who have retired.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (78).

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

Solution

Cloze: preposition 'Reduction' takes the preposition in when we name the thing that goes down: a reduction in prices, a reduction in staff turnaround. Here it is staff turnaround that would fall, so 'in' is the preposition the sentence requires. 'Reduction of' is used with an amount ('a reduction of 20%'), while 'about', 'at' and 'off' never collocate with reduction in this sense. Hence the correct option is (a).

Directions (Qs. 76-80): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Reducing the hours worked and optimising shift rostering could (76)

____

alleviate stress, burnout and work family (77)

____

for healthcare workers. All this is likely to improve staff retention. Any reduction (78)

____

staff turnaround would save on direct costs associated (79)

____

hiring new staff. The cost to replace a highly specialised healthcare professional can reach up to 200% of their annual salary. Also, (80)

____

shorter shifts may increase the uptake of shift times that are usually hard to fill. Measures like shorter shifts could also appeal to part time workers or those who have retired.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (79).

A.about
B.behind
C.on
D.with

Solution

Cloze: preposition The participle 'associated' takes the fixed preposition with: 'the costs associated with hiring new staff'. The sentence links the direct costs to the act of hiring, and 'associated with' is precisely the phrase that expresses such a connection. 'Associated about', 'associated behind' and 'associated on' are not English collocations. Hence the correct option is (d).

Directions (Qs. 76-80): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Reducing the hours worked and optimising shift rostering could (76)

____

alleviate stress, burnout and work family (77)

____

for healthcare workers. All this is likely to improve staff retention. Any reduction (78)

____

staff turnaround would save on direct costs associated (79)

____

hiring new staff. The cost to replace a highly specialised healthcare professional can reach up to 200% of their annual salary. Also, (80)

____

shorter shifts may increase the uptake of shift times that are usually hard to fill. Measures like shorter shifts could also appeal to part time workers or those who have retired.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (80).

A.implementing
B.complimenting
C.rectifying
D.simplifying

Solution

Cloze: word choice The blank is a participle qualifying 'shorter shifts', so the sense needed is 'putting shorter shifts into practice'. Implementing means carrying a plan or policy into effect, which matches the passage's proposal to change shift lengths. 'Complimenting' is praising someone (and is often confused with 'complementing'), 'rectifying' is correcting a fault and 'simplifying' is making something easier - none of these can be done to a shift here. Hence the correct option is (a).

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