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Question 11

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

Find the part of the sentence that contains an error:

What renders the draft legislation particularly contentious is not its proposed realignment of fiscal powers per se, (1)/ but that it presumes, without empirical substantiation, (2)/ a fiscal equivalence among states whose developmental baselines are (3)/ incommensurable by any normative metric. (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 is located in part (2) of the sentence due to a lack of parallel structure (parallelism).
  • The sentence uses the correlative construction "is not [A] but [B]." For grammatical precision, both [A] and [B] should belong to the same grammatical category.
  • In part (1), [A] is a noun phrase ("its proposed realignment..."). In part (2), [B] is a noun clause ("that it presumes...").
  • To correct this, [B] should be changed to a noun phrase to match [A], such as "its presumption... of a fiscal equivalence."
  • Thus, the error is found in part (2).

Therefore, the correct answer is 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "What renders the draft legislation particularly contentious is not its proposed realignment of fiscal powers per se, but its presumption, without empirical substantiation, of a fiscal equivalence among states whose developmental baselines are incommensurable by any normative metric."

 

Additional Information

  • (1): "What renders the draft legislation particularly contentious is not its proposed realignment..." – This part correctly uses a free relative clause ("What renders...") as the subject and establishes the first half of the contrast.
  • (3): "a fiscal equivalence among states whose developmental baselines are" – This is grammatically correct; "among" is appropriate for a group of states, and the plural verb "are" agrees with "baselines."
  • (4): "incommensurable by any normative metric." – This part is correct. "Incommensurable" means lacking a basis of comparison, and "by" is the correct preposition when referring to the standard or metric of measurement.

Question 12

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

Change the following from active to passive:

They have been neglecting maintenance of the archives for years.

  1. AOption (a)

    Maintenance of the archives had been neglected by them for years.

  2. BOption (b)

    Maintenance of the archives is being neglected by them for years.

  3. COption (c)

    Maintenance of the archives was being neglected by them for years.

  4. DOption (d)

    Maintenance of the archives has been being neglected by them for years.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Maintenance of the archives has been being neglected by them for years.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

  • Passive voice structure: The object of the active voice sentence becomes the subject of the passive voice sentence.
  • In this case, the active voice sentence is: "They have been neglecting maintenance of the archives for years."
  • To convert to passive voice: Place the object "maintenance of the archives" at the beginning.
  • Change the active verb form "have been neglecting" to "has been being neglected" (present perfect continuous passive).
  • Add the preposition "by" followed by the original subject "them."
  • Ensure the time phrase "for years" remains at the end of the sentence for clarity.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Correct Sentence: "Maintenance of the archives has been being neglected by them for years."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "Maintenance of the archives had been neglected by them for years." – Incorrect tense (past perfect).
  • Option 2: "Maintenance of the archives is being neglected by them for years." – Incorrect tense (present continuous).
  • Option 3: "Maintenance of the archives was being neglected by them for years." – Incorrect tense (past continuous).

Question 13

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

Select the sentence that uses the word introit correctly in a musical or religious context:

  1. AOption (a)

    The child sang the introit during the intermission.

  2. BOption (b)

    The introit was replaced by an organ improvisation.

  3. COption (c)

    The baseball player listened to his introit on the way to the field.

  4. DOption (d)

    The teacher wrote the introit on the chalkboard for the math students. 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

The introit was replaced by an organ improvisation.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Option (2)' i.e. 'The introit was replaced by an organ improvisation.'

Key Points

  • Introit: A hymn, chant, or piece of music sung at the beginning of a religious service, especially in Christian worship (धार्मिक सेवा के आरंभ में गाया जाने वाला भजन या संगीत).
  • Example: The choir performed the introit before the beginning of the church service.
  • Musical/Religious Context: An introit is associated with sacred music and is often replaced or accompanied by instrumental music such as an organ performance.
  • Example: The introit was replaced by an organ improvisation during the ceremony.

Explanation of the options:

  • Option 1: The child sang the introit during the intermission. ❌

An introit is performed at the beginning of a religious service, not during an intermission.

  • Option 2: The introit was replaced by an organ improvisation. ✅

This correctly uses "introit" in a musical and religious context.

  • Option 3: The baseball player listened to his introit on the way to the field. ❌

Here, "introit" is incorrectly used as a general song or personal music.

  • Option 4: The teacher wrote the introit on the chalkboard for the math students. ❌

An introit has no connection with mathematics or classroom writing.

Therefore, the correct answer is- 'Option 2'.

Question 14

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:

It was being suggested by multiple sources that the operation had been compromised internally.

  1. AOption (a)

    Multiple sources were suggesting that the operation had been compromised internally.

  2. BOption (b)

    The operation was compromised, multiple sources suggested.

  3. COption (c)

    The sources were suggesting an operation compromise.

  4. DOption (d)

    The operation had compromised multiple internal sources.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Multiple sources were suggesting that the operation had been compromised internally.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

  • In the passive voice, the focus is on the action and the receiver of the action, rather than the doer.
  • Original passive sentence: "It was being suggested by multiple sources that the operation had been compromised internally."
  • To convert to active voice, make "multiple sources" the subject performing the action.
  • Use the correct tense: "were suggesting" (past continuous).
  • Keep the rest of the sentence the same to preserve the original meaning.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Correct Sentence: "Multiple sources were suggesting that the operation had been compromised internally."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 2: "The operation was compromised, multiple sources suggested." – Changes the meaning and tense of the original sentence.
  • Option 3: "The sources were suggesting an operation compromise." – Alters the structure and meaning.
  • Option 4: "The operation had compromised multiple internal sources." – Reverses the subject and object, changing the meaning entirely.

Question 15

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

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

While education and wisdom are often conflated in colloquial discourse, a discerning mind perceives a fundamental divergence between the two. Education is the formal acquisition of knowledge, often measured through degrees, academic accolades, and proficiency in structured disciplines. It is delivered through systematic curricula, institutionalized assessment, and theoretical frameworks. However, wisdom transcends this rigidity; it is the judicious application of knowledge to real-life contexts, enriched by experience, introspection, and emotional intelligence. An individual may be extensively educated yet remain bereft of wisdom if they lack the discernment to apply their learning ethically and effectively. Conversely, many wise individuals—farmers, artisans, elders—may not possess formal education, but their decisions exhibit prudence and sagacity cultivated through lived realities. Thus, education equips the mind, but wisdom enriches the soul. In an era dominated by information overload and algorithmic thinking, the schism between the two has widened. Educational institutions often prioritize rote memorization and standardized testing over critical thinking and moral reasoning. Consequently, society produces individuals proficient in problem-solving but deficient in decision-making that requires empathy, patience, or foresight. Wisdom, being innately human, cannot be downloaded or fast-tracked; it is earned through trial, failure, reflection, and a nuanced understanding of human nature. Furthermore, while education is temporally bounded—ending with formal schooling or academic milestones—wisdom is a lifelong pursuit. It does not boast certificates but manifests in humility, ethical consistency, and the ability to navigate ambiguity with grace. Ultimately, the highest form of intelligence lies not merely in knowing what is right, but in consistently choosing to do it, especially when it is inconvenient.

According to the passage, how is wisdom primarily acquired?

  1. AOption (a)

    Through textbooks

  2. BOption (b)

    Through emotional detachment

  3. COption (c)

    Through experience and reflection

  4. DOption (d)

    Through algorithmic thinking

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Through experience and reflection

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • The passage clearly distinguishes between education and wisdom, emphasizing that wisdom develops through life experiences and reflection.
  • It explicitly states that wisdom is earned through trial, failure, reflection, and a nuanced understanding of human nature.
  • Unlike education, which comes from formal instruction and structured curricula, wisdom grows gradually through practical experience and introspection.
  • Therefore, the passage indicates that wisdom is primarily acquired through experience and reflection.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Statement: According to the passage, wisdom is gained through experience, reflection, and lived realities rather than formal education.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Through textbooks – This relates to formal education, not wisdom. The passage states that education is acquired through structured learning.
  • Option 2: Through emotional detachment – The passage highlights emotional intelligence as part of wisdom, not emotional detachment.
  • Option 4: Through algorithmic thinking – The passage criticizes modern systems that emphasize algorithmic thinking and rote learning, suggesting they do not cultivate wisdom.

Question 16

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

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

While education and wisdom are often conflated in colloquial discourse, a discerning mind perceives a fundamental divergence between the two. Education is the formal acquisition of knowledge, often measured through degrees, academic accolades, and proficiency in structured disciplines. It is delivered through systematic curricula, institutionalized assessment, and theoretical frameworks. However, wisdom transcends this rigidity; it is the judicious application of knowledge to real-life contexts, enriched by experience, introspection, and emotional intelligence. An individual may be extensively educated yet remain bereft of wisdom if they lack the discernment to apply their learning ethically and effectively. Conversely, many wise individuals—farmers, artisans, elders—may not possess formal education, but their decisions exhibit prudence and sagacity cultivated through lived realities. Thus, education equips the mind, but wisdom enriches the soul. In an era dominated by information overload and algorithmic thinking, the schism between the two has widened. Educational institutions often prioritize rote memorization and standardized testing over critical thinking and moral reasoning. Consequently, society produces individuals proficient in problem-solving but deficient in decision-making that requires empathy, patience, or foresight. Wisdom, being innately human, cannot be downloaded or fast-tracked; it is earned through trial, failure, reflection, and a nuanced understanding of human nature. Furthermore, while education is temporally bounded—ending with formal schooling or academic milestones—wisdom is a lifelong pursuit. It does not boast certificates but manifests in humility, ethical consistency, and the ability to navigate ambiguity with grace. Ultimately, the highest form of intelligence lies not merely in knowing what is right, but in consistently choosing to do it, especially when it is inconvenient.

What does the author mean by "wisdom enriches the soul"?

  1. AOption (a)

    It enhances academic success

  2. BOption (b)

    It fosters deeper moral insight

  3. COption (c)

    It improves verbal expression

  4. DOption (d)

    It sharpens mathematical skills

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

It fosters deeper moral insight

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • The passage contrasts education with wisdom, stating that education equips the mind while wisdom enriches the soul.
  • Here, “enriches the soul” implies the development of ethical awareness, empathy, humility, and moral judgment.
  • The author emphasizes that wisdom emerges through experience, reflection, emotional intelligence, and ethical application of knowledge.
  • Thus, the phrase suggests that wisdom deepens a person's moral understanding and ethical insight, shaping better life decisions.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Interpretation: The phrase "wisdom enriches the soul" signifies the development of deep moral insight and ethical understanding beyond formal education.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: It enhances academic success – This relates to education and academic achievement, not to the deeper philosophical meaning of wisdom in the passage.
  • Option 3: It improves verbal expression – The passage does not associate wisdom with language skills or communication abilities.
  • Option 4: It sharpens mathematical skills – Mathematical ability is connected with technical education, not with the moral and experiential dimension of wisdom described in the passage.

Question 17

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

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

While education and wisdom are often conflated in colloquial discourse, a discerning mind perceives a fundamental divergence between the two. Education is the formal acquisition of knowledge, often measured through degrees, academic accolades, and proficiency in structured disciplines. It is delivered through systematic curricula, institutionalized assessment, and theoretical frameworks. However, wisdom transcends this rigidity; it is the judicious application of knowledge to real-life contexts, enriched by experience, introspection, and emotional intelligence. An individual may be extensively educated yet remain bereft of wisdom if they lack the discernment to apply their learning ethically and effectively. Conversely, many wise individuals—farmers, artisans, elders—may not possess formal education, but their decisions exhibit prudence and sagacity cultivated through lived realities. Thus, education equips the mind, but wisdom enriches the soul. In an era dominated by information overload and algorithmic thinking, the schism between the two has widened. Educational institutions often prioritize rote memorization and standardized testing over critical thinking and moral reasoning. Consequently, society produces individuals proficient in problem-solving but deficient in decision-making that requires empathy, patience, or foresight. Wisdom, being innately human, cannot be downloaded or fast-tracked; it is earned through trial, failure, reflection, and a nuanced understanding of human nature. Furthermore, while education is temporally bounded—ending with formal schooling or academic milestones—wisdom is a lifelong pursuit. It does not boast certificates but manifests in humility, ethical consistency, and the ability to navigate ambiguity with grace. Ultimately, the highest form of intelligence lies not merely in knowing what is right, but in consistently choosing to do it, especially when it is inconvenient.

Who, according to the author, can be wise despite lacking formal education?

  1. AOption (a)

    Scientists

  2. BOption (b)

    School children

  3. COption (c)

    Elders and artisans

  4. DOption (d)

    Technocrats

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Elders and artisans

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • The passage states that wisdom is not dependent on formal education or academic qualifications.
  • The author explicitly mentions that many wise individuals such as farmers, artisans, and elders may lack formal schooling but possess prudence and practical understanding.
  • Their wisdom develops through lived experiences, practical realities, and reflection rather than institutional learning.
  • Therefore, the author suggests that elders and artisans can demonstrate wisdom even without formal education.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Statement: According to the passage, individuals such as elders and artisans may lack formal education yet display wisdom developed through real-life experience.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Scientists – Scientists generally rely on formal education and academic training, which is not the focus of the author’s example.
  • Option 2: School children – The passage does not mention school children as examples of wisdom gained without formal education.
  • Option 4: Technocrats – Technocrats are typically associated with technical expertise and formal education, not with experiential wisdom discussed in the passage.

Question 18

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

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

While education and wisdom are often conflated in colloquial discourse, a discerning mind perceives a fundamental divergence between the two. Education is the formal acquisition of knowledge, often measured through degrees, academic accolades, and proficiency in structured disciplines. It is delivered through systematic curricula, institutionalized assessment, and theoretical frameworks. However, wisdom transcends this rigidity; it is the judicious application of knowledge to real-life contexts, enriched by experience, introspection, and emotional intelligence. An individual may be extensively educated yet remain bereft of wisdom if they lack the discernment to apply their learning ethically and effectively. Conversely, many wise individuals—farmers, artisans, elders—may not possess formal education, but their decisions exhibit prudence and sagacity cultivated through lived realities. Thus, education equips the mind, but wisdom enriches the soul. In an era dominated by information overload and algorithmic thinking, the schism between the two has widened. Educational institutions often prioritize rote memorization and standardized testing over critical thinking and moral reasoning. Consequently, society produces individuals proficient in problem-solving but deficient in decision-making that requires empathy, patience, or foresight. Wisdom, being innately human, cannot be downloaded or fast-tracked; it is earned through trial, failure, reflection, and a nuanced understanding of human nature. Furthermore, while education is temporally bounded—ending with formal schooling or academic milestones—wisdom is a lifelong pursuit. It does not boast certificates but manifests in humility, ethical consistency, and the ability to navigate ambiguity with grace. Ultimately, the highest form of intelligence lies not merely in knowing what is right, but in consistently choosing to do it, especially when it is inconvenient.

What is the central contrast drawn in the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    Education vs. career

  2. BOption (b)

    Intelligence vs. memory

  3. COption (c)

    Reading vs. writing

  4. DOption (d)

    Formal learning vs. applied wisdom

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Formal learning vs. applied wisdom

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

  • The passage consistently contrasts education with wisdom throughout the discussion.
  • Education is described as the formal acquisition of knowledge through institutions, curricula, and academic assessments.
  • Wisdom, however, is portrayed as the practical and ethical application of knowledge, developed through experience, reflection, and emotional intelligence.
  • Therefore, the central contrast in the passage is between formal learning and applied wisdom in real-life contexts.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Correct Interpretation: The passage primarily contrasts institutional education with wisdom gained through experience and ethical application of knowledge.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Education vs. career – The passage does not discuss career paths or professional advancement.
  • Option 2: Intelligence vs. memory – Although intelligence is mentioned briefly, the main discussion is not about memory or cognitive ability.
  • Option 3: Reading vs. writing – These are language skills and are not part of the central theme of the passage.

Question 19

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

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

While education and wisdom are often conflated in colloquial discourse, a discerning mind perceives a fundamental divergence between the two. Education is the formal acquisition of knowledge, often measured through degrees, academic accolades, and proficiency in structured disciplines. It is delivered through systematic curricula, institutionalized assessment, and theoretical frameworks. However, wisdom transcends this rigidity; it is the judicious application of knowledge to real-life contexts, enriched by experience, introspection, and emotional intelligence. An individual may be extensively educated yet remain bereft of wisdom if they lack the discernment to apply their learning ethically and effectively. Conversely, many wise individuals—farmers, artisans, elders—may not possess formal education, but their decisions exhibit prudence and sagacity cultivated through lived realities. Thus, education equips the mind, but wisdom enriches the soul. In an era dominated by information overload and algorithmic thinking, the schism between the two has widened. Educational institutions often prioritize rote memorization and standardized testing over critical thinking and moral reasoning. Consequently, society produces individuals proficient in problem-solving but deficient in decision-making that requires empathy, patience, or foresight. Wisdom, being innately human, cannot be downloaded or fast-tracked; it is earned through trial, failure, reflection, and a nuanced understanding of human nature. Furthermore, while education is temporally bounded—ending with formal schooling or academic milestones—wisdom is a lifelong pursuit. It does not boast certificates but manifests in humility, ethical consistency, and the ability to navigate ambiguity with grace. Ultimately, the highest form of intelligence lies not merely in knowing what is right, but in consistently choosing to do it, especially when it is inconvenient.

According to the author, why has the gap between education and wisdom widened in recent times?

  1. AOption (a)

    Due to overuse of social media

  2. BOption (b)

    Because wisdom is no longer valued

  3. COption (c)

    Because of rote learning and algorithmic methods

  4. DOption (d)

    Because people stop learning after school

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Because of rote learning and algorithmic methods

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • The passage mentions that in the modern era, society is dominated by information overload and algorithmic thinking.
  • Educational institutions increasingly emphasize rote memorization and standardized testing instead of developing critical thinking and moral reasoning.
  • As a result, individuals may become efficient in technical problem-solving but lack the deeper judgment required for ethical and empathetic decision-making.
  • Thus, the gap between education and wisdom has widened mainly because of rote learning and algorithmic methods dominating modern education.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Statement: The author argues that the gap has widened because modern education emphasizes rote memorization and algorithmic thinking rather than cultivating wisdom through critical thinking and moral reasoning.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Due to overuse of social media – The passage does not mention social media as a reason for the widening gap.
  • Option 2: Because wisdom is no longer valued – The passage criticizes educational priorities but does not claim that society completely stops valuing wisdom.
  • Option 4: Because people stop learning after school – The passage actually states that wisdom is a lifelong pursuit, so this interpretation is incorrect.

Question 20

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

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

She has the reputation to be a kind woman.

  1. AOption (a)

    to have kindness

  2. BOption (b)

    of being a kind woman

  3. COption (c)

    of being the kind woman

  4. DOption (d)

    to be kind-hearted

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

of being a kind woman

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'of being a kind woman'.

 

Key Points

  • The phrase "of being a kind woman" is grammatically correct and appropriately fits the context of the sentence.
  • The sentence is talking about reputation, which is correctly followed by the preposition "of" and the gerund "being."
  • Option 1 ("to have kindness") and Option 4 ("to be kind-hearted") are not suitable as they are not idiomatic in this context.
  • Option 3 ("of being the kind woman") is incorrect because the use of "the" changes the meaning and is not appropriate here.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "She has the reputation of being a kind woman."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "to have kindness" is incorrect because it does not match the structure "reputation of" and is not idiomatic.
  • Option 3: "of being the kind woman" is incorrect because the use of "the" changes the meaning unnecessarily.
  • Option 4: "to be kind-hearted" is incorrect as it does not match the prepositional phrase structure "reputation of."