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Question 181

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

Choose the correct one-word substitute for: 'A statement that appears self-contradictory yet may be true'.

  1. AOption (a)

    Axiom

  2. BOption (b)

    Maxim

  3. COption (c)

    Paradox

  4. DOption (d)

    Irony

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Paradox

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. Paradox.

Key Points

  • The word "Paradox" means a statement that appears self-contradictory or absurd but may hold a hidden truth. (विरोधाभास)
  • Example: "Less is more" is a popular paradox that emphasizes how simplicity can lead to greater impact.
  • Explanation of the Correct Word: A paradox is often used to provoke thought or reveal deeper insights into a concept. (विरोधाभास)
  • Example: The paradox of time is that while it is infinite, our time on Earth is finite.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. Paradox.

Additional Information

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

  • Axiom (स्वयंसिद्ध): A self-evident truth that requires no proof.
  • Example: In mathematics, the statement "The whole is greater than the part" is an axiom.
  • Maxim (सूक्ति): A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.
  • Example: "Actions speak louder than words" is a well-known maxim.
  • Irony (विडंबना): The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
  • Example: It was ironic that the fire station burned down.

Question 182

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

Select the correct option:

Scarcely had the satellite deployed ____ it transmitted its first data packet.

  1. AOption (a)

    than

  2. BOption (b)

    when

  3. COption (c)

    before

  4. DOption (d)

    until

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

when

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'when'.

 

Key Points

  • The phrase "Scarcely had..." is a common structure in English, and it is followed by the conjunction "when."
  • The use of "when" indicates that one action occurred immediately after another.
  • Option 1: "than" is incorrect because it is typically used in comparisons.
  • Option 3: "before" is incorrect as it does not suit the context of the sentence.
  • Option 4: "until" is incorrect as it implies a different meaning related to the timing of an event.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "Scarcely had the satellite deployed when it transmitted its first data packet."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "than" is incorrect as it does not align with the grammatical structure of the sentence.
  • Option 3: "before" implies a prior action, which is not the intended meaning here.
  • Option 4: "until" suggests a delay in action, which is not relevant in this context.

Question 183

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

Select the correct option:

____ having completed the feasibility study, the team requested additional funding.

  1. AOption (a)

    Having

  2. BOption (b)

    On

  3. COption (c)

    Upon

  4. DOption (d)

    Despite

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Upon

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Upon'.

 

Key Points

  • The word "Upon" is commonly used to indicate an action or event happening immediately after something else.
  • In this sentence, "Upon" correctly connects the completion of the feasibility study with the team's request for additional funding.
  • Option 1: "Having" is grammatically incorrect as it does not fit the sentence structure properly.
  • Option 2: "On" is incorrect because it does not convey the sense of immediate sequence in this context.
  • Option 4: "Despite" is incorrect because it implies contrast, which does not align with the intended meaning of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Complete Sentence: "Upon having completed the feasibility study, the team requested additional funding."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "Having" is a participial phrase, but in this case, it does not correctly fit the syntax or meaning of the sentence.
  • Option 2: "On" is not the best choice as it does not express the immediate sequence of actions as effectively as "Upon" does.
  • Option 4: "Despite" introduces a sense of contrast or contradiction, which is not relevant to the context of the sentence.

Question 184

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

Select the correct option:

It was imperative that the document ___ signed before the close of business.

  1. AOption (a)

    will be

  2. BOption (b)

    was

  3. COption (c)

    be

  4. DOption (d)

    had been

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

be

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'be'.

 

Key Points

  • The verb "be" is used in the subjunctive mood to indicate necessity, urgency, or importance.
  • In this context, the sentence expresses an imperative action that must be completed before the close of business.
  • Options 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect because they do not fit the grammatical structure or intended meaning of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Complete Sentence: "It was imperative that the document be signed before the close of business."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "will be" is incorrect because it changes the tense to future, which does not fit the imperative nature of the sentence.
  • Option 2: "was" is incorrect because it suggests the action has already been completed, contradicting the urgent requirement.
  • Option 4: "had been" is incorrect because it refers to a past perfect tense that does not align with the sentence structure or meaning.

Question 185

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

Find the part of the sentence that contains an error:

The perception that the guidelines are optional (1)/ rather than compulsory have led (2)/ to widespread inconsistencies in compliance (3)/ across state-level implementations. (4)

  1. AOption (a)

    (1)

  2. BOption (b)

    (2)

  3. COption (c)

    (3)

  4. DOption (d)

    (4)

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

(2)

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • The error lies in part 2 of the sentence: "rather than compulsory have led."
  • The subject "The perception" is singular, so the verb should be singular as well.
  • The correct phrase should be "has led" instead of "have led."
  • Thus, the error is in part 2 of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "The perception that the guidelines are optional rather than compulsory has led to widespread inconsistencies in compliance across state-level implementations."

 

Additional Information

  • Part 1: "The perception that the guidelines are optional" – This part of the sentence is correct and does not require any changes.
  • Part 3: "to widespread inconsistencies in compliance" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
  • Part 4: "across state-level implementations" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.

Question 186

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

Change the following from active to passive:

Historians may well reinterpret the artifact after new evidence emerges.

  1. AOption (a)

    The artifact may well be reinterpreted by historians after new evidence emerges.

  2. BOption (b)

    The artifact may have been reinterpreted by historians after new evidence emerges.

  3. COption (c)

    The artifact will be reinterpreted well by historians after new evidence emerges.

  4. DOption (d)

    The artifact could well be reinterpreting by historians after new evidence emerges.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

The artifact may well be reinterpreted by historians after new evidence emerges.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

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: "Historians may well reinterpret the artifact after new evidence emerges."
  • To convert to passive voice: Place the object "the artifact" at the beginning.
  • Change the active verb form "may well reinterpret" to "may well be reinterpreted" (modal verb passive structure).
  • Add the preposition "by" followed by the original subject "historians."
  • Ensure the phrase "after new evidence emerges" remains at the end of the sentence for clarity.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Correct Sentence: "The artifact may well be reinterpreted by historians after new evidence emerges."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 2: "The artifact may have been reinterpreted by historians after new evidence emerges." – Incorrect tense (past perfect passive).
  • Option 3: "The artifact will be reinterpreted well by historians after new evidence emerges." – Incorrect adverb placement and verb structure.
  • Option 4: "The artifact could well be reinterpreting by historians after new evidence emerges." – Incorrect verb form.

Question 187

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

Find the part of the sentence that contains an error:

The fact that dissenting opinions are stifled (1)/ without due institutional safeguards (2)/ reflect a worrying trend in democratic regression (3)/ observed across multiple levels of governance. (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 Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • The error in the sentence lies in part 3.
  • The subject of the sentence, "The fact", is singular, so the verb following it should also be singular.
  • However, the verb used in part 3 is "reflect", which is plural. This creates a subject-verb agreement error.
  • To correct the sentence, "reflect" should be replaced with the singular verb "reflects".

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence: "The fact that dissenting opinions are stifled without due institutional safeguards reflects a worrying trend in democratic regression observed across multiple levels of governance."

 

Additional Information

  • 1: "The fact that dissenting opinions are stifled" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
  • 2: "without due institutional safeguards" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
  • 4: "observed across multiple levels of governance." – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
  • No error – This would be the correct option if there were no mistakes in the sentence, but there is an error in part 3.

Question 188

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

Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word:

The tripos system at Cambridge remains a model of academic rigor.

  1. AOption (a)

    The tripos involved oral defense and written modules.

  2. BOption (b)

    He broke his tripos into discrete phases of analysis.

  3. COption (c)

    The ceremonial tripos stool toppled during the investiture.

  4. DOption (d)

    She passed the natural sciences tripos with distinction.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

The ceremonial tripos stool toppled during the investiture.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 3.

Key Points

  • The word "tripos" refers to the Cambridge University examination system, which is divided into parts for different subjects. (त्रिपॉस - कैम्ब्रिज विश्वविद्यालय में परीक्षा प्रणाली)
  • Example: She excelled in her natural sciences tripos and was awarded distinction.
  • The homonym of "tripos" is also used to refer to a ceremonial stool or a tripod-like object. (त्रिपॉस - एक प्रकार का त्रिपाद या स्टूल)
  • Example: The tripos stool fell to the ground during the ceremony.
  • In this context, the highlighted word "tripos" in Option 3 refers to the ceremonial stool, which is different from the Cambridge examination system.

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 tripos involved oral defense and written modules. (त्रिपॉस - कैम्ब्रिज विश्वविद्यालय में परीक्षा प्रणाली)
  • Example: The tripos at Cambridge University tests both written and oral skills.
  • Option 2: He broke his tripos into discrete phases of analysis. (त्रिपॉस - कैम्ब्रिज विश्वविद्यालय में परीक्षा प्रणाली)
  • Example: His tripos preparation strategy involved dividing tasks into smaller parts.
  • Option 4: She passed the natural sciences tripos with distinction. (त्रिपॉस - कैम्ब्रिज विश्वविद्यालय में परीक्षा प्रणाली)
  • Example: Her dedication earned her distinction in the natural sciences tripos.

Question 189

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:

The land is believed to have been acquired illegally by the company through forged documents.

  1. AOption (a)

    The company is believed to have acquired the land illegally.

  2. BOption (b)

    The company acquired the land illegally, as believed.

  3. COption (c)

    Someone believed the company acquired land illegally.

  4. DOption (d)

    The company had acquired land using forged documents.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

The company is believed to have acquired the land illegally.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

  • Passive voice structure: The subject of the active voice sentence becomes the object in the passive voice sentence.
  • In the given passive sentence: "The land is believed to have been acquired illegally by the company through forged documents."
  • To convert to active voice: The subject "the company" becomes the actor, and the action "is believed to have acquired" remains intact.
  • Reorganize the sentence structure for clarity while maintaining the meaning.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Correct Sentence: "The company is believed to have acquired the land illegally."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 2: "The company acquired the land illegally, as believed." – This changes the meaning slightly by adding “as believed.”
  • Option 3: "Someone believed the company acquired land illegally." – This introduces “someone” which is not part of the original sentence.
  • Option 4: "The company had acquired land using forged documents." – This changes the tense and omits the belief aspect.

Question 190

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

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

Cricket, as a sport, has continually evolved in response to changing audience preferences and technological advancements. Among its many formats, Test cricket and One Day Internationals (ODIs) represent two contrasting philosophies—one rooted in endurance and strategy, the other in dynamism and entertainment. Test cricket, often regarded as the pinnacle of the sport, is a format that unfolds over five days, demanding exceptional levels of patience, technique, and mental resilience. It offers players the opportunity to exhibit classical skills and tactical acumen, where the fluctuating tempo mirrors the rhythm of real life—unpredictable, slow-burning, and layered. For purists, Test cricket is an art form, rewarding not merely flamboyance but consistency and grit. In contrast, ODIs compress the drama into a single day. With limited overs, this format prioritizes aggressive batting, innovative bowling variations, and strategic field placements. The adrenaline-infused pace of ODIs appeals to a broader demographic, especially in an era of dwindling attention spans and time constraints. For broadcasters and advertisers, the shorter format offers commercial viability, making it a lucrative spectacle. However, critics argue that the commercialization of ODIs has come at the expense of depth and nuance. In pursuit of viewership, substance often gives way to spectacle. Conversely, defenders of Test cricket lament its declining audience, attributing it to an increasingly entertainment-driven sports culture. Yet, occasional high-stakes encounters—like the Ashes or India-Australia series—still manage to ignite global interest. The ongoing debate between formats is not merely about preference, but about the challenge lies in preserving the sanctity of Test cricket without undermining the accessibility of ODIs—a delicate balance that cricketing authorities must negotiate in the years ahead.

Which of the following best captures the essence of Test cricket, as described in the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    It is long and often boring

  2. BOption (b)

    It reflects complexity and unpredictability

  3. COption (c)

    It includes domestic and emotional elements

  4. DOption (d)

    It is nostalgic and traditional

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

It reflects complexity and unpredictability

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • The passage describes Test cricket as a format that unfolds over five days, requiring patience, technique, and mental resilience.
  • It highlights how the format mirrors the rhythm of real life, characterized by a slow-burning, layered, and unpredictable progression.
  • The text emphasizes that Test cricket rewards consistency, strategic depth, and tactical acumen, making it an art form for purists.
  • Therefore, the essence of Test cricket in the passage is best captured by its representation of complexity, endurance, and unpredictability.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "It is long and often boring" – The passage acknowledges the length of Test cricket but does not describe it as boring; instead, it emphasizes depth and strategy.
  • Option 3: "It includes domestic and emotional elements" – The passage does not mention domestic or emotional aspects as defining features of Test cricket.
  • Option 4: "It is nostalgic and traditional" – Although Test cricket is respected by purists, the passage focuses more on its strategic complexity and unpredictability rather than nostalgia.
  • ODIs in the passage are contrasted with Test cricket as faster, commercially viable, and entertainment-oriented formats.