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Question 171

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

Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence:

It is high time you must change your habits.

  1. AOption (a)

    changed your habits

  2. BOption (b)

    must have changed your habits

  3. COption (c)

    change your habit

  4. DOption (d)

    will change the habit

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

changed your habits

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'changed your habits'.

 

Key Points

  • The phrase "It is high time" is followed by the past tense form of the verb.
  • The correct past tense form of the verb here is "changed".
  • Options 2, 3, and 4 are grammatically incorrect in this context.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "It is high time you changed your habits."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 2: "must have changed your habits" is incorrect as it does not fit the structure "It is high time".
  • Option 3: "change your habit" is incorrect as "change" should be in the past tense "changed", and "habits" should be plural.
  • Option 4: "will change the habit" is incorrect as it does not follow the correct tense structure and does not use the appropriate noun form.

Question 172

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

A sentence is provided in direct speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in its corresponding indirect speech.

He said, "Do it right now."

  1. AOption (a)

    He said do it immediately.

  2. BOption (b)

    He told to do it now.

  3. COption (c)

    He told me to do it at once.

  4. DOption (d)

    He told me do it right now.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

He told me to do it at once.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • Indirect Speech: He told me to do it at once.
  • Key Conversions:
  • Command in Direct Speech:
  • The direct speech "Do it right now" is a command.
  • In indirect speech, a command is usually reported using the verb "told" followed by the object (if specified) and the infinitive form of the verb (to + verb).
  • Time Phrase:
  • The phrase "right now" is replaced with "at once" in indirect speech, as it conveys the same urgency in reported speech.
  • Punctuation and Format:
  • In indirect speech, quotation marks are removed.
  • The sentence is rephrased to fit the structure of reported speech.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence: He told me to do it at once.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: He said do it immediately.
  • Incorrect format: "said" should be followed by "to" when reporting a command in indirect speech.
  • Does not specify the object "me," making it incomplete.
  • Option 2: He told to do it now.
  • Incomplete: Does not specify the object (e.g., "me").
  • Incorrect time phrase: "now" should be converted to "at once" or "immediately" in indirect speech.
  • Option 4: He told me do it right now.
  • Incorrect structure: Missing the infinitive "to" before the verb "do."
  • The phrase "right now" should be converted to "at once" in indirect speech.

Question 173

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

A sentence is provided in indirect speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in its corresponding direct speech.

The professor remarked that students needed to submit their papers before Friday.

  1. AOption (a)

    "Students need to submit their papers before Friday," the professor remarked.

  2. BOption (b)

    "Students needed to submit their papers before Friday," said the professor.

  3. COption (c)

    "Submit your papers before Friday," the professor instructed.

  4. DOption (d)

    "You were to submit your papers before Friday," said the professor.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

"Students need to submit their papers before Friday," the professor remarked.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

  • Indirect Speech: The professor remarked that students needed to submit their papers before Friday.
  • Key Conversions:
  • "students needed to submit" becomes "Students need to submit"
  • Indirect past tense "needed" is converted to the present tense "need" in direct speech to match the statement context.
  • "their papers" remains "their papers"
  • No pronoun changes are required, as the subject remains the same.
  • Reporting verb:
  • Indirect: "remarked"
  • Converted to: "the professor remarked," maintaining the tone of the statement.
  • Punctuation and Format:
  • Direct speech is enclosed in quotation marks.
  • Starts with a capital letter "Students" and ends with a comma within the quotation marks.
  • Reporting clause follows the quoted speech, starting with a lowercase letter after the comma.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Correct Sentence: "“Students need to submit their papers before Friday,” the professor remarked."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 2: "Students needed to submit their papers before Friday," said the professor.
  • The verb tense "needed" is incorrect for direct speech in this context.
  • Option 3: "Submit your papers before Friday," the professor instructed.
  • The tone changes from a remark to an instruction, altering the meaning.
  • Option 4: "You were to submit your papers before Friday," said the professor.
  • The tense "were to submit" changes the meaning to a past obligation.

Question 174

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

Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph:

  1. This makes them ideal for tasks like image recognition, natural language processing, and medical diagnostics.
  2. Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that focuses on the creation of algorithms that can learn from data without explicit programming.
  3. The algorithm improves its performance by analyzing vast amounts of input data and identifying underlying patterns.
  4. Instead of being given a set of rules, a machine learning model is trained on examples.
  1. AOption (a)

    2, 4, 3, 1

  2. BOption (b)

    4, 3, 2, 1

  3. COption (c)

    3, 4, 2, 1

  4. DOption (d)

    2, 3, 4, 1

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

2, 4, 3, 1

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

  • The paragraph introduces machine learning and explains its functioning in a logical order.
  • Sentence 2 is the first sentence as it introduces the concept of machine learning:
  • "Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that focuses on the creation of algorithms that can learn from data without explicit programming."
  • Sentence 4 follows as it describes how machine learning models are trained:
  • "Instead of being given a set of rules, a machine learning model is trained on examples."
  • Sentence 3 is next as it explains how machine learning models improve their performance:
  • "The algorithm improves its performance by analyzing vast amounts of input data and identifying underlying patterns."
  • Sentence 1 comes last as it highlights the applications of machine learning:
  • "This makes them ideal for tasks like image recognition, natural language processing, and medical diagnostics."
  • The correct sequence is 2, 4, 3, 1.

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that focuses on the creation of algorithms that can learn from data without explicit programming. Instead of being given a set of rules, a machine learning model is trained on examples. The algorithm improves its performance by analyzing vast amounts of input data and identifying underlying patterns. This makes them ideal for tasks like image recognition, natural language processing, and medical diagnostics."

Question 175

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

Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph:

  1. The primary purpose of this process is to ensure that the food we eat is safe and does not contain harmful bacteria or other contaminants.
  2. Food processing is a series of methods used to transform raw ingredients into consumable products.
  3. These methods can range from simple actions like cutting and grinding to more complex procedures such as pasteurization and fermentation.
  4. Furthermore, it also helps to preserve food, extend its shelf life, and enhance its nutritional value.
  1. AOption (a)

    2, 3, 1, 4

  2. BOption (b)

    1, 2, 3, 4

  3. COption (c)

    3, 1, 4, 2

  4. DOption (d)

    4, 2, 1, 3

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

2, 3, 1, 4

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

  • The paragraph begins with Sentence 2, which introduces the concept of food processing:
  • "Food processing is a series of methods used to transform raw ingredients into consumable products."
  • Sentence 3 follows, as it describes the range of methods involved in food processing:
  • "These methods can range from simple actions like cutting and grinding to more complex procedures such as pasteurization and fermentation."
  • Sentence 1 comes next, explaining the primary purpose of food processing:
  • "The primary purpose of this process is to ensure that the food we eat is safe and does not contain harmful bacteria or other contaminants."
  • Sentence 4 concludes the paragraph, elaborating on the additional benefits of food processing:
  • "Furthermore, it also helps to preserve food, extend its shelf life, and enhance its nutritional value."
  • The correct sequence is 2, 3, 1, 4.

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Food processing is a series of methods used to transform raw ingredients into consumable products. These methods can range from simple actions like cutting and grinding to more complex procedures such as pasteurization and fermentation. The primary purpose of this process is to ensure that the food we eat is safe and does not contain harmful bacteria or other contaminants. Furthermore, it also helps to preserve food, extend its shelf life, and enhance its nutritional value."

Question 176

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

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: CALLOW

  1. AOption (a)

    Inexperienced

  2. BOption (b)

    Experienced

  3. COption (c)

    Wise

  4. DOption (d)

    Mature

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Inexperienced

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Inexperienced.

Key Points

  • The word "Callow" means someone who is young, immature, or lacking experience. (अनुभवहीन)
  • Example: The callow intern struggled to adapt to the fast-paced environment of the corporate world.
  • "Inexperienced" refers to someone who does not have much practice, knowledge, or exposure in a particular field or activity. (अनुभवहीन)
  • Example: As an inexperienced driver, she was nervous about driving on the highway.
  • Hence, the synonym of "Callow" is "Inexperienced".

Therefore, the correct answer is: Inexperienced.

Additional Information

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

  • Experienced (अनुभवी): Someone who has knowledge or skill gained through practice or exposure to a particular activity.
  • Example: The experienced chef crafted a meal that amazed everyone at the table.
  • Wise (बुद्धिमान): Someone who has good judgment, knowledge, or insight, often gained through experience.
  • Example: The wise old man offered advice that changed the young boy's perspective.
  • Mature (परिपक्व): Someone who is fully developed or grown, both physically and mentally.
  • Example: She handled the situation in a mature manner, showing great composure.

Question 177

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

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word. Placatory

  1. AOption (a)

    Pacifying

  2. BOption (b)

    Soothing

  3. COption (c)

    Aggravating

  4. DOption (d)

    Conciliatory

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Aggravating

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 3) Aggravating.

Key Points

  • The word "Placatory" means intended to make someone less angry or hostile; soothing or pacifying. (शांत करने वाला)
  • Example: She spoke in a placatory tone to calm the agitated crowd.
  • "Aggravating" refers to something that makes a situation worse or more serious, or causes annoyance or anger. (उत्तेजित करने वाला)
  • Example: His constant interruptions during the meeting were highly aggravating to everyone present.
  • Hence, the opposite of 'Placatory' is 'Aggravating'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3) Aggravating.

Additional Information

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

  • Pacifying (शांत करना): To calm or soothe someone who is angry or upset.
  • Example: The mother’s pacifying words helped her child stop crying.
  • Soothing (सुकून देने वाला): Having a calming or comforting effect.
  • Example: The sound of the ocean waves was very soothing.
  • Conciliatory (समझौतापूर्ण): Intended to placate or pacify; aimed at ending disagreement or hostility.
  • Example: The CEO adopted a conciliatory approach to resolve the labor dispute.

Question 178

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

Choose the correct meaning of idiom:

Blow hot and cold

  1. AOption (a)

    To change one's mood or opinion frequently

  2. BOption (b)

    To talk boastfully

  3. COption (c)

    To enjoy both success and failure

  4. DOption (d)

    To remain consistent in behavior

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

To change one's mood or opinion frequently

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 1.

Key Points

  • The idiom "Blow hot and cold" means to change one's mood, opinion, or attitude frequently, often causing confusion or inconsistency. (बार-बार अपना मत या व्यवहार बदलना)
  • Example: She always blows hot and cold about her plans, so we never know where she stands.
  • Hence, the correct meaning of the idiom is "To change one's mood or opinion frequently." (बार-बार अपना विचार या मन बदलना)
  • Example: His tendency to blow hot and cold makes it difficult to work with him effectively.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1.

Additional Information

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

  • Option 2: To talk boastfully (गर्वपूर्ण ढंग से बात करना): Refers to speaking in an exaggerated manner about oneself or one's achievements.
  • Example: He talked boastfully about how he single-handedly completed the project.
  • Option 3: To enjoy both success and failure (सफलता और असफलता दोनों का आनंद लेना): Suggests experiencing both good and bad outcomes in life.
  • Example: Life teaches us to enjoy both success and failure as part of the journey.
  • Option 4: To remain consistent in behavior (व्यवहार में स्थिर रहना): Refers to maintaining the same attitude or approach without wavering.
  • Example: Despite the challenges, she remained consistent in her behavior.

Question 179

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

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word. Fulsome

  1. AOption (a)

    Overdone

  2. BOption (b)

    Sincere

  3. COption (c)

    Excessive

  4. DOption (d)

    Lavish

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Sincere

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Sincere.

Key Points

  • The word "Fulsome" means excessive or insincere praise that might come across as overdone or exaggerated. (अत्यधिक या दिखावटी प्रशंसा)
  • Example: His fulsome compliments made everyone doubt his sincerity.
  • "Sincere" refers to being genuine, honest, and free from pretense or deceit. (ईमानदार और सच्चा)
  • Example: Her sincere apology was appreciated by everyone.
  • Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'Fulsome' is 'Sincere'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Sincere.

Additional Information

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

  • Overdone (अत्यधिक किया हुआ): Something that is excessive or exaggerated beyond what is necessary.
  • Example: The decorations at the party were overdone and too flashy.
  • Excessive (अत्यधिक): More than necessary, too much.
  • Example: His excessive demands made it hard to work with him.
  • Lavish (शानदार): Rich, elaborate, or luxurious.
  • Example: They threw a lavish party to celebrate their anniversary.

Question 180

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

Spot the correct spelling of body-position sense.

  1. AOption (a)

    Propriozeption

  2. BOption (b)

    Propiocaption

  3. COption (c)

    Proprioception

  4. DOption (d)

    Proprioseption

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Proprioception

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

The correct spelling is 'Proprioception'.

  • Proprioception refers to the ability to sense the position, movement, and action of body parts. It is sometimes referred to as the "sixth sense."
  • This sensory ability helps humans maintain balance and coordinate movements efficiently.
  • For Example -
  • Thanks to proprioception, you can touch your nose with your finger even with your eyes closed.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Proprioception'.

Additional Information

Let's understand the incorrect options:

  • Propriozeption - Incorrect spelling.
  • Propiocaption - Incorrect spelling.
  • Proprioseption - Incorrect spelling.