SSC CGL Previous Year Question Paper with Solution 31 August 2016 - English language & Comprehension
Question 1.In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the word which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
CONSTRAIN
a. STRESS
b. CONTRADICT
c. RESTRICT
d. OBSTRUCT
Ans1: c. RESTRICT
Explanation: The meaning of constraint means “limitation or doing something without exceeding its limit." therefore, the correct answer for this word will be "restrict." it means restricting yourself from exceeding the period or the work deadline.
Question 2.In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word.
NONCONFORMIST
a. CONVENTIONAL
b. PRACTICAL
c. FASHIONABLE
d. NOMAD
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Ans2: a. CONVENTIONAL
Explanation: the word "nonconformist" means a person whose ideas are not matching the practices. Opposite word for "nonconformist" is conventional, whose ideas are correct and matching the practices.
Question 3.Four words are given, out of which only one word is spelt correctly. Choose the correctly spelt word.
a. Erroneous
b. Eronneous
c. Erronous
d. Eroneous
Ans3: a. Erroneous
Explanation: The correct answer will be "erroneous." the meaning of the word is wrong or incorrect. One can use this word in many places while forming a proper sentence. It helps to make the sentence or a phrase more attractive.
Question 4.In the following questions, one part of the sentence may have an error. Find out which part of the sentence has an error. If the sentence is free from error, click the "No error" option.
Although I have never seen the girl before, (A)/ I recognized her at once (B)/ from her photograph (C)/ no error (D)
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
Ans4:a. A
Explanation: In the sentence, the past form is used in the second part of the sentence, but in the first part, there is present tense. According to the rules of English, both the parts of the sentence has to be in the same tense.
Therefore the correct sentence will be, “although I had never seen the girl before, I recognized her at once from her photograph."
Question 5.In the following questions, one part of the sentence may have an error. Find out which part of the sentence has an error. If the sentence is free from error, click the "No error" option.
There was a (A)/ comparison between (B)/ you and he (C)/ no error (D)
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
Ans5: c. C
Explanation: the formation of the sentence in path C is not proper. To form the sentence properly, we have to use "him" instead of "he." it is because we have to use an adequate pronoun while forming a sentence.
Here, the correct sentence will be, “there was a comparison between you and him."
Question 6.In the following questions, one part of the sentence may have an error. Find out which part of the sentence has an error. If the sentence is free from error, click the "No error" option.
He flowed into a rage (A)/ at the very (B)/ sight of that man (C)/ No error (D)
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
Ans6: a. A
Explanation: the past form of 'fly' is 'flew,' but in the first part of the sentence, the words "flowed" are wrongly spelled. Therefore the correct sentence will be “he flew into a rage at the very sight of that man."
Question 7.The sentences given with blanks are to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. For each question, choose the correct alternative.
He is _______ connected.
a. respectively
b. respective
c. respectably
d. respectable
Ans7: c. Respectably
Explanation: In the sentence, there is a connection between two people. Therefore to write the correct sentence, 'respectably' word has to be used to complete the sentence. Now the correct sentence will be “he is respectably connected."
Question 8.The sentences given with blanks are to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. For each question, choose the correct alternative.
After retirement, Surti lived _______ Australia.
a. in
b. at
c. over in
d. over at
Ans8: a. In
Explanation: In the sentence, we have to use a correct preposition after the word lived. The prepositions make a vast difference between the two sentences very quickly. Here the correct sentence will be “after retirement, Surti lived in Australia."
Question 9.The sentences given with blanks are to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. For each question, choose the correct alternative.
He ________ the low pay.
a. moan at
b. complain about
c. grumbled at
d. ran after
Ans9: c. Grumbled at
Explanation: the word grumble is used to protest or complain against any wrong act. In the sentence, the individual is complaining against the low pay. Therefore the correct sentence will be, "He grumbled at the low pay."
Question 10.In each of the questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
Pros and Cons
a. Professionals
b. Con artists
c. Professionals and con artists
d. Advantages and disadvantages
Ans10: d. Advantages and disadvantages
Explanation: the word pros and cons used to represent the advantages and disadvantages of a thing. Therefore the correct answer will be "D."
Question 11.In each of the questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
Once in a blue moon
a. Very rarely
b. Common
c. Predictable
d. Ordinary
Ans11: a. Very rarely
Explanation: once in a blue moon is a phrase that is used to represent a situation where something happens very less frequently. Therefore the correct word to describe the phrase will be "very rarely." the phrase could be used to make a sentence more grammatically correct and proper.
Question 12.In each of the questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
Fish out of water
a. Dehydrated
b. Comfortable position
c. An uncomfortable position
d. Fish in an aquarium
Ans12: c. an uncomfortable position
Explanation: fish out of water is a phrase that is used to describe the condition of an individual who is facing difficulties in adjusting to a new environment. "An uncomfortable position" will be the best answer to explain the phrase "fish out of the water."
Question 13.Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentences.
A remedy for all diseases
a. Antiseptic
b. Antibiotic
c. Narcotics
d. Panacea
Ans13: d. Panacea
Explanation: 'Panacea' is the word used for a remedy for all the diseases. It is a common word in medical science and can often be used.
Question 14.Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentences.
Of the highest quality
a. Productive
b. Reactive
c. Superlative
d. Relative
Ans14: c. Superlative
Explanation: excellent with the word from all the options that could describe the phrase ' of the highest quality.' it could be used to tell the quality and the effectiveness of the specific product.
Question 15.Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentences.
A place of shelter for ships
a. Harbour
b. Helipad
c. Port
d. Barrack
Ans15: a. Harbor
Explanation: a place of shelter for ships is known as the harbor. It is a place that is sheltered with water used to keep the ships, boats, and barges. It is a common word that is used by the individuals who sail the boat.
Question 16.A sentence/a part of the sentence is underlined. Four alternatives are given to the underlined part which will improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, Choose "No improvement".
His wife is as tall if not, taller than him.
a. as tall as, if not
b. as taller if not
c. not as tall but as
d. No improvement
Ans16: a. as tall as, if not
Explanation: Using the correct sentence with correct prepositions and articles is essential for the proper formation of the sentence. Now hear the correct sentence will be " his wife is as tall as if not, taller than him."
Question 17.A sentence/a part of the sentence is underlined. Four alternatives are given to the underlined part, which will improve the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, Choose "No improvement".
He is a fast bowler of repute, but his yesterday's performance was not up to the mark.
a. performance for yesterday
b. yesterday performance
c. performances for yesterday
d. No improvement
Ans17: d. No improvement
Explanation: the sentence corrects as per the grammatical rules, and there is no need to change any word in the sentence. It can be used as it is written. Therefore no improvement is needed here.
Question 18.A sentence/a part of the sentence is underlined. Four alternatives are given to the underlined part which will improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, Choose "No improvement".
Owing to his respiratory problems the doctor has told him to refrain from smoking.
a. to not refrain from
b. to refrain to
c. to refrain not from
d. No improvement
Ans18: d. No improvement
Explanation: it is the sentence that is grammatically correct, and no improvement is needed. All the prepositions, articles, and verbs are correctly used to form the sentence.
Question 19.A sentence/a part of the sentence is underlined. Four alternatives are given to the underlined part which will improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, Choose "No improvement".
He is suffering from fever for a week.
a. was suffering
b. had suffering
c. has been suffering
d. No improvement
Ans19: c. has been suffering
Explanation: the sentence return is in the present perfect continuous tense. Therefore it is essential to use the correct words that will show that the act still being continued. Consequently, the correct sentence will be "he has been suffering from fever for a week."
Question 20.A sentence/a part of the sentence is underlined. Four alternatives are given to the underlined part which will improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, Choose "No improvement".
None knows how it was happened.
a. was happen
b. has happened
c. happened
d. No improvement
Ans20: c. Happened
Explanation: the sentence written is in the active voice, but the words are used are in the past tense. Therefore to write the verdict in the correct active voice, we have to write it as “None knows how it happened."
Question 21.A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
The snowstorm was getting worse. White flakes whirled around us as we fought our way against the wind. I had almost given up hope of sheltering, when we found an abandoned log cabin in front of us.
I squeezed through the door of the cabin and stepped cautiously inside with Jane close behind me. It was dark and musty-smelling, but at least it was sheltered and dry.
Glad to be out of the storm, we settled down on the dusty floor to wait for a break in the weather."What's this?" asked Jane curiously. Her hand closing over something shiny. She held it up to the weak ray of light that pierced the gloom. A gold necklace glittered and shone. Its ruby pendant was a lustrous wine-red in the faint beam. Strangely, there was no dust on the necklace. It was almost as though it had dropped from the throat of its owner moments ago.
We gazed at each other speechlessly. What strange mystery had we accidently stumbled upon?
What had the writer given up hope?
a. To be able to withstand this snowstorm
b. To be able to fight her way against the wind
c. That the snowstorm would improve
d. To find shelter from the wind
Ans21: d. to find shelter from the wind
Explanation: it is the most challenging situation for the writer, and the one line that code supports the answer “to find shelter from the wind" is “I had almost Given Up hope of sheltering when we found an abandoned log cabin in the front office."
Question 22.A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
The snowstorm was getting worse. White flakes whirled around us as we fought our way against the wind. I had almost given up hope of sheltering, when we found an abandoned log cabin in front of us.
I squeezed through the door of the cabin and stepped cautiously inside with Jane close behind me. It was dark and musty-smelling, but at least it was sheltered and dry.
Glad to be out of the storm, we settled down on the dusty floor to wait for a break in the weather."What's this?" asked Jane curiously. Her hand closing over something shiny. She held it up to the weak ray of light that pierced the gloom. A gold necklace glittered and shone. Its ruby pendant was a lustrous wine-red in the faint beam. Strangely, there was no dust on the necklace. It was almost as though it had dropped from the throat of its owner moments ago.
We gazed at each other speechlessly. What strange mystery had we accidently stumbled upon?
What did the two friends find while searching for shelter?
a. A haunted hut
b. A deserted hut
c. A very old hut
d. A very small hut
Ans22: a. a haunted hut
Explanation: while searching for the shelter, the two friends found the haunted hut. The line “we found an abandoned log cabin in the front office." could describe this answer. While they are searching for shelter, they found an empty cabin that is looking like a haunted room.
Question 23.A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
The snowstorm was getting worse. White flakes whirled around us as we fought our way against the wind. I had almost given up hope of sheltering, when we found an abandoned log cabin in front of us.
I squeezed through the door of the cabin and stepped cautiously inside with Jane close behind me. It was dark and musty-smelling, but at least it was sheltered and dry.
Glad to be out of the storm, we settled down on the dusty floor to wait for a break in the weather."What's this?" asked Jane curiously. Her hand closing over something shiny. She held it up to the weak ray of light that pierced the gloom. A gold necklace glittered and shone. Its ruby pendant was a lustrous wine-red in the faint beam. Strangely, there was no dust on the necklace. It was almost as though it had dropped from the throat of its owner moments ago.
We gazed at each other speechlessly. What strange mystery had we accidently stumbled upon?
Why did the writer step cautiously inside the cabin?
a. Because she was feeling so cold that her legs had become numb
b. Because she could not see clearly in the dark
c. Because the wind made it difficult for her to enter quickly
d. Because the cabin was very dusty
Ans23: b. because she could not see clearly in the dark
Explanation: write a step cautiously inside the cabin because she could not see clearly in the dark. Inside the room, there was dark that is making the cabin haunted place. The line that could support the answer is, “it was dark and musty-smelling, but at least it was sheltered and dry."
Question 24.A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
The snowstorm was getting worse. White flakes whirled around us as we fought our way against the wind. I had almost given up hope of sheltering, when we found an abandoned log cabin in front of us.
I squeezed through the door of the cabin and stepped cautiously inside with Jane close behind me. It was dark and musty-smelling, but at least it was sheltered and dry.
Glad to be out of the storm, we settled down on the dusty floor to wait for a break in the weather."What's this?" asked Jane curiously. Her hand closing over something shiny. She held it up to the weak ray of light that pierced the gloom. A gold necklace glittered and shone. Its ruby pendant was a lustrous wine-red in the faint beam. Strangely, there was no dust on the necklace. It was almost as though it had dropped from the throat of its owner moments ago.
We gazed at each other speechlessly. What strange mystery had we accidently stumbled upon?
What did Jane find?
a. A necklace made of gold
b. A necklace made of red ruby
c. A red-coloured necklace
d. A golden necklace with a pendant on it
Ans24: d. a golden necklace with a pendant on it
Explanation: Jane finds a Golden necklace with a pendant on it. This line from the passage could justify the answer, “she held it top to the weak Ray of light that pierced the gloom. A gold necklace glittered and shone. Its ruby pendant was a lustrous wine-red in the faint beam."
Question 25.A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
The snowstorm was getting worse. White flakes whirled around us as we fought our way against the wind. I had almost given up hope of sheltering, when we found an abandoned log cabin in front of us.
I squeezed through the door of the cabin and stepped cautiously inside with Jane close behind me. It was dark and musty-smelling, but at least it was sheltered and dry.
Glad to be out of the storm, we settled down on the dusty floor to wait for a break in the weather."What's this?" asked Jane curiously. Her hand closing over something shiny. She held it up to the weak ray of light that pierced the gloom. A gold necklace glittered and shone. Its ruby pendant was a lustrous wine-red in the faint beam. Strangely, there was no dust on the necklace. It was almost as though it had dropped from the throat of its owner moments ago.
We gazed at each other speechlessly. What strange mystery had we accidently stumbled upon?
What was the strange thing about the necklace?
a. It was made of marble
b. It was pink in colour
c. There was no dust in it
d. There was a picture on the pendant
Ans25: c. there was no dust in it
Explanation: the strange thing about the necklace was there was no dust in it. The line that could support the answer is “gold necklace glittered and shone. Its ruby pendant was a lustrous wine-red in the faint beam. Strangely there was no dust on the necklace. It was almost as to it had dropped from the throat of its owner moments ago."