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Question 101

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: BIBLIOPHILE

  1. AOption (a)

    Publisher

  2. BOption (b)

    Bookkeeper

  3. COption (c)

    Librarian

  4. DOption (d)

    Book-lover

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Book-lover

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '4' i.e. Book-lover .

Key Points

  • The word "Bibliophile" refers to a person who has a great love or fondness for books.
  • Among the given options, option 4, "Book-lover", is the most appropriate synonym for the word "Bibliophile".
  • Other options like Publisher, Bookkeeper, or Librarian refer to professions or roles related to books but do not convey the sense of having a deep love for books.

Correct meaning: A bibliophile is someone who loves and collects books.

Additional Information

  • Bibliophile Origin:
  • Root Words: Derived from the Greek words "biblion" (book) and "philos" (loving).
  • Meaning: A person with a passionate interest in books, often collecting rare or special editions.
  • Examples of Usage:
  • John is a true bibliophile; his library is filled with rare books from around the world.
  • As a bibliophile, Maria spends most of her weekends exploring second-hand bookstores.

Question 102

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the correct meaning of idiom:

Has two strings to his bow

  1. AOption (a)

    He is indecisive in crucial matters.

  2. BOption (b)

    He has two romantic interests simultaneously.

  3. COption (c)

    He has an additional skill or option to rely on.

  4. DOption (d)

    He uses deception to achieve goals.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

He has an additional skill or option to rely on.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '3' i.e. He has an additional skill or option to rely on .

Key Points

  • The idiom "has two strings to his bow" refers to having an additional skill or option to rely on.
  • It originates from archery, where having two strings for a bow ensures a backup if one string fails.
  • This idiom is often used figuratively to describe someone with a backup plan or an extra skill that can be utilized when needed.

Correct interpretation: "He has an additional skill or option to rely on."

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "He is indecisive in crucial matters" - This is incorrect as it does not relate to the meaning of the idiom.
  • Option 2: "He has two romantic interests simultaneously" - This is incorrect and unrelated to the idiom's meaning.
  • Option 4: "He uses deception to achieve goals" - This is incorrect as the idiom does not imply deceit.

Question 103

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word.

Lachrymose

  1. AOption (a)

    Tearful

  2. BOption (b)

    Mournful

  3. COption (c)

    Weepy

  4. DOption (d)

    Jovial

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Jovial

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '4' i.e. Jovial .

Key Points

  • Lachrymose means tearful or mournful, often associated with sadness.
  • The antonym of lachrymose should represent the opposite of sadness or tearfulness.
  • Among the options, Jovial means cheerful and happy, which is the most appropriate antonym.

Correct answer: Jovial.

Additional Information

  • Synonyms of Lachrymose: Tearful, mournful, weepy.
  • Antonyms of Lachrymose: Jovial, cheerful, happy.

Question 104

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Identify the misspelt word

  1. AOption (a)

    Acquiescence

  2. BOption (b)

    Bourgeoisie

  3. COption (c)

    Consciencious

  4. DOption (d)

    Epitome

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Consciencious

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '3' i.e. Consciencious.

Key Points

  • Option 3, Consciencious, is the misspelt word.
  • The correct spelling is Conscientious, which means being diligent and careful.
  • The other options are correctly spelt:
  • Acquiescence: Refers to passive agreement without protest.
  • Bourgeoisie: Refers to the middle class, typically with materialistic values.
  • Epitome: Refers to a perfect example or embodiment of something.

Correct sentence: The correct spelling for option 3 is Conscientious.

Additional Information

  • Spelling errors are common in English, especially for words with complex structures or similar sounds.
  • To avoid such errors, you can use tools like dictionaries or spell-check software.
  • Regular practice and reading can help improve spelling skills.

Question 105

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Spot the correct spelling of an electron-transport protein.

  1. AOption (a)

    Cytocrome

  2. BOption (b)

    Cytocrhome

  3. COption (c)

    Cytochrome

  4. DOption (d)

    Cytohrome

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Cytochrome

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '3' i.e. Cytochrome.

Key Points

  • Cytochrome is the correct spelling of the electron-transport protein.
  • It is a class of heme proteins involved in electron transfer in cellular respiration and photosynthesis.
  • Other options provided in the question contain spelling errors or inconsistencies.

Correct answer: Cytochrome.

Additional Information

  • Cytochromes play a crucial role in the electron transport chain, facilitating the transfer of electrons between complexes.
  • They are essential for energy production in mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Question 106

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the correct one-word substitute for: 'A state of temporary disuse or suspension.'

  1. AOption (a)

    Intermission

  2. BOption (b)

    Recess

  3. COption (c)

    Abeyance

  4. DOption (d)

    Dormancy

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Abeyance

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '3' i.e. Abeyance .

Key Points

  • The term Abeyance refers to a state of temporary disuse or suspension.
  • It is used when something is temporarily set aside or paused.
  • The other options do not match the exact meaning:
  • Intermission: A pause or break between acts or events, often in a performance or meeting.
  • Recess: A short break during work or school hours.
  • Dormancy: A state of inactivity, often used for living organisms like plants or animals.

Correct usage in a sentence: The project was held in abeyance while the team awaited further instructions.

Additional Information

  • Synonyms of Abeyance: Suspension, pause, dormancy, intermission.
  • Antonyms of Abeyance: Continuation, activity, operation.
  • Example: The negotiations were in abeyance due to disagreements among the parties.

Question 107

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Select the correct option:

The analyst found the correlation to be ____ marginal to influence policy.

  1. AOption (a)

    too

  2. BOption (b)

    very

  3. COption (c)

    so

  4. DOption (d)

    as

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

too

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '1' i.e. too .

Key Points

  • The sentence reads: "The analyst found the correlation to be ____ marginal to influence policy." The blank requires a word that signifies an extent that prevents an action.
  • The word "too" is used to indicate that something is excessive and thus prevents the intended outcome.
  • In this context, the correlation is excessively marginal, meaning it is insufficient to influence policy.

Correct sentence: The analyst found the correlation to be too marginal to influence policy.

Additional Information

  • Explanation of Options:
  • Option 1: too - Correct. "Too" is the correct word choice to indicate an excessive degree.
  • Option 2: very - Incorrect. "Very" emphasizes intensity but does not convey excess that prevents an outcome.
  • Option 3: so - Incorrect. "So" requires a concluding clause (e.g., "so...that").
  • Option 4: as - Incorrect. "As" does not fit the context of excess or degree.
  • Option 5: Blank - Incorrect. Leaving it blank would make the sentence incomplete.

Question 108

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Select the correct option:

Her argument was compelling; ___, it was based on outdated data.

  1. AOption (a)

    otherwise

  2. BOption (b)

    conversely

  3. COption (c)

    nevertheless

  4. DOption (d)

    subsequently

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

nevertheless

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '3' i.e. nevertheless .

Key Points

  • The sentence conveys a contrast between the compelling nature of the argument and the fact that it is based on outdated data.
  • The word "nevertheless" is used to introduce a contrasting idea while maintaining coherence in the statement.
  • The other options do not fit the context as they fail to provide a logical contrast:
  • Option 1: "otherwise" suggests an alternative condition, which is not relevant here.
  • Option 2: "conversely" indicates a reversal of a situation, which is not applicable.
  • Option 4: "subsequently" refers to time sequence, which is irrelevant to the contrast being presented.

Correct sentence: Her argument was compelling; nevertheless, it was based on outdated data.

Additional Information

  • Usage of Nevertheless:
  • Definition: "Nevertheless" is used to introduce a contrasting idea despite the previous statement.
  • Example: The weather was cold; nevertheless, they went for a walk.

Question 109

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Select the correct option:

Had it not been for her timely intervention, the discussion might well have ____ into an acrimonious stalemate.

  1. AOption (a)

    evolved

  2. BOption (b)

    devolved

  3. COption (c)

    emerged

  4. DOption (d)

    absorbed

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

devolved

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '2' i.e. devolved .

Key Points

  • The sentence uses the construction "Had it not been for...", which is a way of expressing a hypothetical past situation.
  • The word "devolved" is appropriate here because it means to "degenerate" or "deteriorate" into a worse state, which fits the context of the discussion potentially becoming acrimonious and reaching a stalemate.
  • The other options don't fit the context:
  • evolved: Implies a positive or neutral progression, which is contrary to the negative tone implied in the sentence.
  • emerged: Refers to coming into existence or becoming visible, which doesn't align with the idea of deterioration.
  • absorbed: Refers to soaking up or integrating, which is irrelevant to the context.

Correct sentence: Had it not been for her timely intervention, the discussion might well have devolved into an acrimonious stalemate.

Additional Information

  • Understanding "Had it not been for...":
  • This phrase is used to express that something would have happened if it weren't for a specific action or event.
  • It often sets up a hypothetical situation in the past.
  • Usage of "devolved":
  • Devolved is commonly used in contexts where there is a decline or regression to a worse state.
  • Example: The meeting devolved into chaos after the heated argument.

Question 110

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Find the part of the sentence that contains an error:

The regulator's decision to postpone the implementation (1)/ was attributed partly to industry pressure (2)/ and partly due to legal ambiguity (3)/ surrounding the recent amendments. (4)

  1. AOption (a)

    (1)

  2. BOption (b)

    (2)

  3. COption (c)

    (3)

  4. DOption (d)

    (4)

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

(3)

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '3' i.e. partly to legal ambiguity (3).

Key Points

  • The phrase "partly due to" in part (3) is incorrect in this context. The correct phrase should be "partly to" to maintain parallelism with "partly to" used earlier in the sentence.
  • The sentence structure demands consistency in the prepositional phrases for smooth readability and correctness.
  • The corrected sentence would read: "The regulator's decision to postpone the implementation was attributed partly to industry pressure and partly to legal ambiguity surrounding the recent amendments."

Correct sentence: The regulator's decision to postpone the implementation was attributed partly to industry pressure and partly to legal ambiguity surrounding the recent amendments.

Additional Information

  • Parallelism in Grammar:
  • Parallelism ensures that elements in a sentence that are similar in meaning or function are expressed in the same grammatical form.
  • Example: "She likes reading, writing, and painting" (correct parallelism).
  • Common Errors in Parallelism:
  • Mixing inconsistent prepositional phrases (e.g., "partly to" and "partly due to").
  • Using different verb forms in lists or comparisons.