Search Previous Year Questions

Find real questions from previous competitive exam papers with answers and solutions.

Showing 10 question(s)
Clear

Question 161

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

Find the part of the sentence that contains an error:

It was not merely the fragmentation of administrative jurisdictions across sectors (1)/ that disrupted cohesive governance, but the inertia embedded in overlapping regulatory mandates (2)/ which, though designed to safeguard institutional autonomy, (3)/ ends up paralyzing inter-departmental responsiveness altogether. (4)

  1. AOption (a)

    (1)

  2. BOption (b)

    (2)

  3. COption (c)

    (3)

  4. DOption (d)

    (4)

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

(4)

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

  • The error lies in part 4 of the sentence. The phrase "ends up" is inconsistent in tense with the rest of the sentence, which is in the past tense.
  • To maintain consistency, the correct phrase should be "ended up" instead of "ends up."
  • This ensures that the sentence adheres to proper tense usage throughout.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Correct Sentence: "It was not merely the fragmentation of administrative jurisdictions across sectors that disrupted cohesive governance, but the inertia embedded in overlapping regulatory mandates which, though designed to safeguard institutional autonomy, ended up paralyzing inter-departmental responsiveness altogether."

 

Additional Information

  • Part 1: "It was not merely the fragmentation of administrative jurisdictions across sectors" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
  • Part 2: "that disrupted cohesive governance, but the inertia embedded in overlapping regulatory mandates" – This part is correctly written and aligns with the intended meaning of the sentence.
  • Part 3: "which, though designed to safeguard institutional autonomy," – This part is also grammatically correct and does not contain any errors.
  • Part 4: "ends up paralyzing inter-departmental responsiveness altogether." – This is the part that contains the error, as explained above.

Question 162

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

Change the following from active to passive:

The committee had been debating complex amendments when the bell rang.

  1. AOption (a)

    Complex amendments had had been been debated by the committee when the bell rang.

  2. BOption (b)

    Complex amendments had been being debated by the committee when the bell rang.

  3. COption (c)

    Complex amendments had be being debated by the committee when the bell rang.

  4. DOption (d)

    Complex amendments had debated by the committee when the bell rang.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Complex amendments had been being debated by the committee when the bell rang.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • Passive voice structure: The object of the active voice sentence becomes the subject of the passive voice sentence.
  • In the active voice, the sentence is: "The committee had been debating complex amendments when the bell rang."
  • To convert to passive voice: Place the object "complex amendments" at the beginning.
  • Change the active verb form "had been debating" to "had been being debated" (past perfect continuous passive).
  • Ensure the time clause "when the bell rang" remains at the end for clarity.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "Complex amendments had been being debated by the committee when the bell rang."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "Complex amendments had had been been debated by the committee when the bell rang." – Incorrect repetition of "had" and "been."
  • Option 3: "Complex amendments had be being debated by the committee when the bell rang." – Incorrect verb form "had be being debated."
  • Option 4: "Complex amendments had debated by the committee when the bell rang." – Incorrect structure, missing "been."

Question 163

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

Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word:

The knight raised his pauldron before mounting.

  1. AOption (a)

    The blacksmith polished the steel pauldron until it gleamed.

  2. BOption (b)

    The art historian admired the engraved pauldron of the effigy.

  3. COption (c)

    The biology student dissected the pauldron of the sea slug.

  4. DOption (d)

    The museum displayed a 15th-century Italian pauldron.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

The biology student dissected the pauldron of the sea slug.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 3.

Key Points

  • The word "pauldron" refers to a piece of armor used to protect the shoulder. (कंधे का कवच)
  • Example: The knight raised his pauldron before going into battle.
  • In Option 3, the word "pauldron" is used as a homonym because it refers to a part of the anatomy of a sea slug rather than a piece of armor. Here, it is a metaphorical or scientific use of the word. (समुद्री जीव के कंधे जैसा हिस्सा)
  • Example: The biology student dissected the pauldron of the sea slug to study its anatomy.
  • Homonyms are words that sound or are spelled the same but have different meanings. In this case, "pauldron" has two distinct meanings: a piece of armor and a part of a sea slug's anatomy.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Option 1: The blacksmith polished the steel pauldron until it gleamed. (कवच को चमकाया)
  • Example: The blacksmith ensured the knight's pauldron was in perfect condition before the tournament.

This refers to the literal armor piece and does not involve a homonym.

  • Option 2: The art historian admired the engraved pauldron of the effigy. (प्रतिमा का अलंकृत कवच)
  • Example: The effigy's pauldron was covered in intricate designs that reflected the era's craftsmanship.

This option also refers to the literal meaning of "pauldron" as a piece of armor.

  • Option 4: The museum displayed a 15th-century Italian pauldron. (15वीं सदी का कवच)
  • Example: The museum's pauldron was a rare artifact from the Renaissance period.

This statement refers to an actual historic artifact, not a homonym.

Question 164

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

Convert the sentence provided below from its passive voice structure to an active voice structure:

A letter is written to the editor by the citizen every week.

  1. AOption (a)

    The editor writes a letter to the citizen every week.

  2. BOption (b)

    The citizen writes a letter to the editor every week.

  3. COption (c)

    The editor wrote a letter every week.

  4. DOption (d)

    The citizen has been writing letters to the editor weekly.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

The citizen writes a letter to the editor every week.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • Passive voice structure: The object of the active voice sentence becomes the subject of the passive voice sentence.
  • In the passive voice, the sentence is: "A letter is written to the editor by the citizen every week."
  • To convert to active voice: Place the original subject "the citizen" at the beginning.
  • Change the passive verb form "is written" to "writes" (simple present active).
  • Ensure the object "a letter to the editor" remains in its original place.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "The citizen writes a letter to the editor every week."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "The editor writes a letter to the citizen every week." – Incorrect subject-object reversal.
  • Option 3: "The editor wrote a letter every week." – Incorrect tense (past tense).
  • Option 4: "The citizen has been writing letters to the editor weekly." – Incorrect tense (present perfect continuous).

Question 165

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

Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage:

India's tryst with the Olympic Games began in 1900, when Norman Pritchard, a British-Indian athlete, clinched two silver medals in athletics. However, it wasn't until the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics that India emerged as a formidable force in hockey, winning its first team gold. What followed was a golden era, where the Indian men's hockey team dominated the Olympic arena with eight gold medals between 1928 and 1980—an unmatched legacy. Despite this early excellence, India's Olympic journey has been riddled with inconsistencies. Post-1980, a conspicuous medal drought gripped the nation, exposing systemic inefficiencies: lack of infrastructure, inadequate training, and minimal grassroots scouting. Athletes often relied more on personal resilience than institutional support to achieve global recognition. The 21st century, however, has ushered in a phase of cautious optimism. With the establishment of bodies like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and increased corporate sponsorship, Indian athletes now enjoy improved access to international-level coaching, nutrition, and psychological training. The medal tallies, though modest, have seen an upward trend—symbolized by Neeraj Chopra's historic gold in javelin at Tokyo 2020. What's most heartening is the diversification of sports. No longer confined to hockey and wrestling, India is now making strides in disciplines like badminton, shooting, boxing, and athletics. Equally noteworthy is the rising representation and success of Indian women athletes, who have frequently been the torchbearers in recent Olympic outings. Yet, challenges remain. The transition from potential to podium demands long-term investment, scientific sports management, and societal encouragement that transcends cricket-centric fandom. While India's Olympic identity is still evolving, the collective ambition is clearer than ever: to transform from a participant nation into a sporting powerhouse.

When did India first win an Olympic team gold medal?

  1. AOption (a)

    1900 Paris

  2. BOption (b)

    1936 Berlin

  3. COption (c)

    1928 Amsterdam

  4. DOption (d)

    1948 London

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

1928 Amsterdam

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: 1928 Amsterdam. India won its first Olympic team gold medal in hockey during the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, as indicated in the passage provided.

Question 166

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

Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage:

India's tryst with the Olympic Games began in 1900, when Norman Pritchard, a British-Indian athlete, clinched two silver medals in athletics. However, it wasn't until the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics that India emerged as a formidable force in hockey, winning its first team gold. What followed was a golden era, where the Indian men's hockey team dominated the Olympic arena with eight gold medals between 1928 and 1980—an unmatched legacy. Despite this early excellence, India's Olympic journey has been riddled with inconsistencies. Post-1980, a conspicuous medal drought gripped the nation, exposing systemic inefficiencies: lack of infrastructure, inadequate training, and minimal grassroots scouting. Athletes often relied more on personal resilience than institutional support to achieve global recognition. The 21st century, however, has ushered in a phase of cautious optimism. With the establishment of bodies like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and increased corporate sponsorship, Indian athletes now enjoy improved access to international-level coaching, nutrition, and psychological training. The medal tallies, though modest, have seen an upward trend—symbolized by Neeraj Chopra's historic gold in javelin at Tokyo 2020. What's most heartening is the diversification of sports. No longer confined to hockey and wrestling, India is now making strides in disciplines like badminton, shooting, boxing, and athletics. Equally noteworthy is the rising representation and success of Indian women athletes, who have frequently been the torchbearers in recent Olympic outings. Yet, challenges remain. The transition from potential to podium demands long-term investment, scientific sports management, and societal encouragement that transcends cricket-centric fandom. While India's Olympic identity is still evolving, the collective ambition is clearer than ever: to transform from a participant nation into a sporting powerhouse.

What major issue plagued India's Olympic performance post-1980?

  1. AOption (a)

    Limited fan interest

  2. BOption (b)

    Over-dependence on cricket

  3. COption (c)

    Systemic inefficiencies in sports

  4. DOption (d)

    Lack of global tournaments

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Systemic inefficiencies in sports

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Systemic inefficiencies in sports.

This option is correct as the passage highlights India's Olympic performance struggles post-1980 due to structural flaws and inefficiencies in its sports system, hindering growth and success.

Question 167

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

Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage:

India's tryst with the Olympic Games began in 1900, when Norman Pritchard, a British-Indian athlete, clinched two silver medals in athletics. However, it wasn't until the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics that India emerged as a formidable force in hockey, winning its first team gold. What followed was a golden era, where the Indian men's hockey team dominated the Olympic arena with eight gold medals between 1928 and 1980—an unmatched legacy. Despite this early excellence, India's Olympic journey has been riddled with inconsistencies. Post-1980, a conspicuous medal drought gripped the nation, exposing systemic inefficiencies: lack of infrastructure, inadequate training, and minimal grassroots scouting. Athletes often relied more on personal resilience than institutional support to achieve global recognition. The 21st century, however, has ushered in a phase of cautious optimism. With the establishment of bodies like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and increased corporate sponsorship, Indian athletes now enjoy improved access to international-level coaching, nutrition, and psychological training. The medal tallies, though modest, have seen an upward trend—symbolized by Neeraj Chopra's historic gold in javelin at Tokyo 2020. What's most heartening is the diversification of sports. No longer confined to hockey and wrestling, India is now making strides in disciplines like badminton, shooting, boxing, and athletics. Equally noteworthy is the rising representation and success of Indian women athletes, who have frequently been the torchbearers in recent Olympic outings. Yet, challenges remain. The transition from potential to podium demands long-term investment, scientific sports management, and societal encouragement that transcends cricket-centric fandom. While India's Olympic identity is still evolving, the collective ambition is clearer than ever: to transform from a participant nation into a sporting powerhouse.

 Which initiative is mentioned as a game-changer in recent Olympic preparation?

  1. AOption (a)

    Mission Khel Udaan

  2. BOption (b)

    Olympic Gold Hunt

  3. COption (c)

    Fit India Movement

  4. DOption (d)

    Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). TOPS is highlighted as a transformative initiative in Olympic preparation, aiming to support Indian athletes in achieving podium finishes at international sporting events.

Question 168

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

Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage:

India's tryst with the Olympic Games began in 1900, when Norman Pritchard, a British-Indian athlete, clinched two silver medals in athletics. However, it wasn't until the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics that India emerged as a formidable force in hockey, winning its first team gold. What followed was a golden era, where the Indian men's hockey team dominated the Olympic arena with eight gold medals between 1928 and 1980—an unmatched legacy. Despite this early excellence, India's Olympic journey has been riddled with inconsistencies. Post-1980, a conspicuous medal drought gripped the nation, exposing systemic inefficiencies: lack of infrastructure, inadequate training, and minimal grassroots scouting. Athletes often relied more on personal resilience than institutional support to achieve global recognition. The 21st century, however, has ushered in a phase of cautious optimism. With the establishment of bodies like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and increased corporate sponsorship, Indian athletes now enjoy improved access to international-level coaching, nutrition, and psychological training. The medal tallies, though modest, have seen an upward trend—symbolized by Neeraj Chopra's historic gold in javelin at Tokyo 2020. What's most heartening is the diversification of sports. No longer confined to hockey and wrestling, India is now making strides in disciplines like badminton, shooting, boxing, and athletics. Equally noteworthy is the rising representation and success of Indian women athletes, who have frequently been the torchbearers in recent Olympic outings. Yet, challenges remain. The transition from potential to podium demands long-term investment, scientific sports management, and societal encouragement that transcends cricket-centric fandom. While India's Olympic identity is still evolving, the collective ambition is clearer than ever: to transform from a participant nation into a sporting powerhouse.

What recent trend is encouraging in India's Olympic profile?

  1. AOption (a)

    Reduced investment in cricket

  2. BOption (b)

    Domination in hockey again

  3. COption (c)

    Emergence of multiple sports and women athletes

  4. DOption (d)

    Decline of Western dominance

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Emergence of multiple sports and women athletes

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Emergence of multiple sports and women athletes. This option is correct as the statement highlights India's encouraging Olympic trend, showcasing diverse sports participation and increasing contributions by women athletes, which aligns with option 3.

Question 169

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

Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage:

India's tryst with the Olympic Games began in 1900, when Norman Pritchard, a British-Indian athlete, clinched two silver medals in athletics. However, it wasn't until the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics that India emerged as a formidable force in hockey, winning its first team gold. What followed was a golden era, where the Indian men's hockey team dominated the Olympic arena with eight gold medals between 1928 and 1980—an unmatched legacy. Despite this early excellence, India's Olympic journey has been riddled with inconsistencies. Post-1980, a conspicuous medal drought gripped the nation, exposing systemic inefficiencies: lack of infrastructure, inadequate training, and minimal grassroots scouting. Athletes often relied more on personal resilience than institutional support to achieve global recognition. The 21st century, however, has ushered in a phase of cautious optimism. With the establishment of bodies like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and increased corporate sponsorship, Indian athletes now enjoy improved access to international-level coaching, nutrition, and psychological training. The medal tallies, though modest, have seen an upward trend—symbolized by Neeraj Chopra's historic gold in javelin at Tokyo 2020. What's most heartening is the diversification of sports. No longer confined to hockey and wrestling, India is now making strides in disciplines like badminton, shooting, boxing, and athletics. Equally noteworthy is the rising representation and success of Indian women athletes, who have frequently been the torchbearers in recent Olympic outings. Yet, challenges remain. The transition from potential to podium demands long-term investment, scientific sports management, and societal encouragement that transcends cricket-centric fandom. While India's Olympic identity is still evolving, the collective ambition is clearer than ever: to transform from a participant nation into a sporting powerhouse.

What is implied about India's Olympic aspirations?

  1. AOption (a)

    They rely entirely on foreign coaching

  2. BOption (b)

    They aim for consistent participation

  3. COption (c)

    They are growing but need sustained reforms

  4. DOption (d)

    They are limited to traditional sports

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

They are growing but need sustained reforms

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 3.

India's Olympic aspirations are growing but require sustained reforms, as implied by the need for improved infrastructure, policies, and investments to achieve consistent success in global sporting events.

Question 170

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

Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage:

India's tryst with the Olympic Games began in 1900, when Norman Pritchard, a British-Indian athlete, clinched two silver medals in athletics. However, it wasn't until the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics that India emerged as a formidable force in hockey, winning its first team gold. What followed was a golden era, where the Indian men's hockey team dominated the Olympic arena with eight gold medals between 1928 and 1980—an unmatched legacy. Despite this early excellence, India's Olympic journey has been riddled with inconsistencies. Post-1980, a conspicuous medal drought gripped the nation, exposing systemic inefficiencies: lack of infrastructure, inadequate training, and minimal grassroots scouting. Athletes often relied more on personal resilience than institutional support to achieve global recognition. The 21st century, however, has ushered in a phase of cautious optimism. With the establishment of bodies like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and increased corporate sponsorship, Indian athletes now enjoy improved access to international-level coaching, nutrition, and psychological training. The medal tallies, though modest, have seen an upward trend—symbolized by Neeraj Chopra's historic gold in javelin at Tokyo 2020. What's most heartening is the diversification of sports. No longer confined to hockey and wrestling, India is now making strides in disciplines like badminton, shooting, boxing, and athletics. Equally noteworthy is the rising representation and success of Indian women athletes, who have frequently been the torchbearers in recent Olympic outings. Yet, challenges remain. The transition from potential to podium demands long-term investment, scientific sports management, and societal encouragement that transcends cricket-centric fandom. While India's Olympic identity is still evolving, the collective ambition is clearer than ever: to transform from a participant nation into a sporting powerhouse.

Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence: Had I known about the traffic, I will leave early.

  1. AOption (a)

    would have left earlier

  2. BOption (b)

    would leave early

  3. COption (c)

    had left earlier

  4. DOption (d)

    would left earlier

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

would have left earlier

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: option 1 (would have left earlier). This is correct because the sentence refers to a hypothetical past situation. "Would have left earlier" aligns with the past perfect conditional tense.

Page 17