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Question 241

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

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

To bifurcate life into immutable dichotomies of joy and sorrow is to misread its most intrinsic rhythm. Human existence unfolds not as a linear progression of happiness or despair, but as a dynamic interplay where each emotion deepens the resonance of the other. The ecstasy of triumph is never as poignant as when preceded by failure; likewise, the pang of loss finds contour only because we have once cherished the presence of what is now absent. Joy and sorrow, then, are not adversaries but co-authors of the same narrative. From antiquity to modernity, philosophical traditions have acknowledged this existential polarity. The Stoics embraced the inevitability of suffering as a precursor to tranquility, while Eastern philosophies like Buddhism anchor themselves in the impermanence of all experiences. In both frameworks, the pursuit of enduring happiness necessitates an acceptance of transience. Without sorrow, joy would be indistinct—a flat and shallow sensation lacking contrast or value. This interdependence is vividly manifest in the mundane. The delight of spring is intensified by the memory of a harsh winter; the serenity of solitude is meaningful only to one who has tasted the cacophony of crowds. Even our personal growth often emerges from crucibles of pain—grief chisels depth into our emotional landscape, refining our capacity for empathy, resilience, and gratitude. To demand unbroken happiness is to seek a monochromatic life—an existence devoid of emotional texture. The beauty of being lies not in circumventing sorrow, but in embracing it as a necessary foil to joy. These twin sentiments coalesce to form the chiaroscuro of consciousness, rendering our lives more vivid, more intricate, more human.

Based on the passage, what can be reasonably inferred about the author's perspective on human emotions?

  1. AOption (a)

    Life should be devoid of emotional pain

  2. BOption (b)

    Emotions exist in strict binaries

  3. COption (c)

    Sorrow deepens the meaning of joy

  4. DOption (d)

    Joy is an artificial construct

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Sorrow deepens the meaning of joy

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • The central thesis of the passage is the interdependence of joy and sorrow, rather than their separation.
  • The author argues that emotions are not "adversaries" but "co-authors," meaning that sorrow provides the necessary contrast to make joy distinct and meaningful.
  • The text explicitly states that "without sorrow, joy would be indistinct" and that pain "chisels depth" into our emotional landscape, refining our capacity for positive sentiments like gratitude.
  • Therefore, it is a direct inference that sorrow serves a functional role in deepening the resonance and meaning of joy.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence from Text: "Human existence unfolds... as a dynamic interplay where each emotion deepens the resonance of the other."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Incorrect. The author claims that "the beauty of being lies not in circumventing sorrow," suggesting pain is a necessary part of life.
  • Option 2: Incorrect. The author explicitly warns against "bifurcating life into immutable dichotomies" (strict binaries) at the very start of the passage.
  • Option 4: Incorrect. The passage treats joy as a real, "vivid" emotion, but emphasizes that it requires contrast to have value.

Question 242

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

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

To bifurcate life into immutable dichotomies of joy and sorrow is to misread its most intrinsic rhythm. Human existence unfolds not as a linear progression of happiness or despair, but as a dynamic interplay where each emotion deepens the resonance of the other. The ecstasy of triumph is never as poignant as when preceded by failure; likewise, the pang of loss finds contour only because we have once cherished the presence of what is now absent. Joy and sorrow, then, are not adversaries but co-authors of the same narrative. From antiquity to modernity, philosophical traditions have acknowledged this existential polarity. The Stoics embraced the inevitability of suffering as a precursor to tranquility, while Eastern philosophies like Buddhism anchor themselves in the impermanence of all experiences. In both frameworks, the pursuit of enduring happiness necessitates an acceptance of transience. Without sorrow, joy would be indistinct—a flat and shallow sensation lacking contrast or value. This interdependence is vividly manifest in the mundane. The delight of spring is intensified by the memory of a harsh winter; the serenity of solitude is meaningful only to one who has tasted the cacophony of crowds. Even our personal growth often emerges from crucibles of pain—grief chisels depth into our emotional landscape, refining our capacity for empathy, resilience, and gratitude. To demand unbroken happiness is to seek a monochromatic life—an existence devoid of emotional texture. The beauty of being lies not in circumventing sorrow, but in embracing it as a necessary foil to joy. These twin sentiments coalesce to form the chiaroscuro of consciousness, rendering our lives more vivid, more intricate, more human.

What is the author's primary purpose in writing this passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    To highlight philosophical traditions

  2. BOption (b)

    To argue that sorrow should be embraced as essential to experiencing true joy

  3. COption (c)

    To lament the fragility of happiness

  4. DOption (d)

    To critique modern emotional detachment

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

To argue that sorrow should be embraced as essential to experiencing true joy

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • The author's primary goal is to shift the reader's perspective from seeing joy and sorrow as "adversaries" to seeing them as interdependent.
  • Throughout the text, the author uses various metaphors (the chiaroscuro of consciousness, the memory of winter, the crucible of pain) to show that sorrow provides the necessary contrast to give joy depth and value.
  • The conclusion explicitly states that "the beauty of being lies not in circumventing sorrow, but in embracing it as a necessary foil to joy."
  • While philosophy and growth are mentioned, they serve as supporting evidence for this central argument about the essential nature of emotional duality.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Summary from Text: "The beauty of being lies not in circumventing sorrow, but in embracing it as a necessary foil to joy."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Incorrect. Philosophical traditions are used only as examples to support the author's main point about emotional interdependence.
  • Option 3: Incorrect. The author doesn't "lament" (grieve) the fragility of happiness; instead, they celebrate how its transience makes it more "vivid" and "intricate."
  • Option 4: Incorrect. The passage does not focus on modern "detachment," but rather on the internal experience of emotions and how they interact.

Question 243

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

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

To bifurcate life into immutable dichotomies of joy and sorrow is to misread its most intrinsic rhythm. Human existence unfolds not as a linear progression of happiness or despair, but as a dynamic interplay where each emotion deepens the resonance of the other. The ecstasy of triumph is never as poignant as when preceded by failure; likewise, the pang of loss finds contour only because we have once cherished the presence of what is now absent. Joy and sorrow, then, are not adversaries but co-authors of the same narrative. From antiquity to modernity, philosophical traditions have acknowledged this existential polarity. The Stoics embraced the inevitability of suffering as a precursor to tranquility, while Eastern philosophies like Buddhism anchor themselves in the impermanence of all experiences. In both frameworks, the pursuit of enduring happiness necessitates an acceptance of transience. Without sorrow, joy would be indistinct—a flat and shallow sensation lacking contrast or value. This interdependence is vividly manifest in the mundane. The delight of spring is intensified by the memory of a harsh winter; the serenity of solitude is meaningful only to one who has tasted the cacophony of crowds. Even our personal growth often emerges from crucibles of pain—grief chisels depth into our emotional landscape, refining our capacity for empathy, resilience, and gratitude. To demand unbroken happiness is to seek a monochromatic life—an existence devoid of emotional texture. The beauty of being lies not in circumventing sorrow, but in embracing it as a necessary foil to joy. These twin sentiments coalesce to form the chiaroscuro of consciousness, rendering our lives more vivid, more intricate, more human.

What tone does the author primarily adopt throughout the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    Whimsical

  2. BOption (b)

    Philosophical

  3. COption (c)

    Satirical

  4. DOption (d)

    Indifferent

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Philosophical

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • The author adopts a philosophical tone by exploring the fundamental nature of human existence, the meaning of emotions, and the duality of the human experience.
  • The passage makes direct references to established philosophical traditions such as Stoicism and Buddhism to support its arguments about suffering and tranquility.
  • The language used is contemplative and high-level, employing metaphors like "the chiaroscuro of consciousness" and "existential polarity" to discuss the intrinsic rhythm of life.
  • The author is deeply engaged with the subject matter, seeking to provide a profound understanding of how joy and sorrow coexist, which is characteristic of a philosophical inquiry.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Summary from Text: "From antiquity to modernity, philosophical traditions have acknowledged this existential polarity... rendering our lives more vivid, more intricate, more human."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Whimsical – Incorrect. A whimsical tone is lighthearted, playful, or erratic; this passage deals with serious emotional and existential themes.
  • Option 3: Satirical – Incorrect. Satire uses humor or irony to criticize or mock; there is no mockery or social critique intended for humor here.
  • Option 4: Indifferent – Incorrect. The author shows a clear, deep interest in the subject, arguing passionately for the "beauty of being" and the "richness" of emotional texture.

Question 244

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

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

To bifurcate life into immutable dichotomies of joy and sorrow is to misread its most intrinsic rhythm. Human existence unfolds not as a linear progression of happiness or despair, but as a dynamic interplay where each emotion deepens the resonance of the other. The ecstasy of triumph is never as poignant as when preceded by failure; likewise, the pang of loss finds contour only because we have once cherished the presence of what is now absent. Joy and sorrow, then, are not adversaries but co-authors of the same narrative. From antiquity to modernity, philosophical traditions have acknowledged this existential polarity. The Stoics embraced the inevitability of suffering as a precursor to tranquility, while Eastern philosophies like Buddhism anchor themselves in the impermanence of all experiences. In both frameworks, the pursuit of enduring happiness necessitates an acceptance of transience. Without sorrow, joy would be indistinct—a flat and shallow sensation lacking contrast or value. This interdependence is vividly manifest in the mundane. The delight of spring is intensified by the memory of a harsh winter; the serenity of solitude is meaningful only to one who has tasted the cacophony of crowds. Even our personal growth often emerges from crucibles of pain—grief chisels depth into our emotional landscape, refining our capacity for empathy, resilience, and gratitude. To demand unbroken happiness is to seek a monochromatic life—an existence devoid of emotional texture. The beauty of being lies not in circumventing sorrow, but in embracing it as a necessary foil to joy. These twin sentiments coalesce to form the chiaroscuro of consciousness, rendering our lives more vivid, more intricate, more human.

In the context of the passage, what does the word chiaroscuro most likely mean?

  1. AOption (a)

    Emotional paralysis

  2. BOption (b)

    A blend of light and shadow

  3. COption (c)

    A musical variation

  4. DOption (d)

    A specific type of sorrow

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

A blend of light and shadow

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • Chiaroscuro is an artistic term (originating from Italian: chiaro meaning light, and oscuro meaning dark) that refers to the use of strong contrasts between light and dark.
  • In the passage, the author uses this as a metaphor for the human mind, where joy represents "light" and sorrow represents "shadow."
  • The author argues that these "twin sentiments coalesce" (come together) to make consciousness more "vivid" and "intricate," much like how a painter uses light and shadow to create depth in a portrait.
  • The surrounding text mentions a "monochromatic life" (single color) as the opposite, reinforcing that the author is discussing a blend of contrasting elements.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Contextual Sentence from Text: "These twin sentiments coalesce to form the chiaroscuro of consciousness, rendering our lives more vivid, more intricate, more human."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Emotional paralysis – Incorrect. The author describes this state as "dynamic" and "vivid," which is the opposite of being paralyzed or stuck.
  • Option 3: A musical variation – Incorrect. While "rhythm" and "resonance" are used earlier, "chiaroscuro" specifically belongs to the visual arts domain.
  • Option 4: A specific type of sorrow – Incorrect. The term refers to the combination of joy and sorrow together, not just one side of the coin.

Question 245

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

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

She do not knows the answer to this question.

  1. AOption (a)

    do not knew

  2. BOption (b)

    does not know

  3. COption (c)

    is not knowing

  4. DOption (d)

    do not know

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

does not know

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2: does not know.

Key Points

  • The subject “She” is third person singular, so it requires “does” in the negative form in the simple present tense.
  • After “does not”, the base form of the verb is used, hence “know” (not “knows”).
  • The original sentence contains two errors: incorrect auxiliary “do” and incorrect verb form “knows.”
  • The grammatically correct sentence is: “She does not know the answer to this question.”

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

  • do not knew – Incorrect because “knew” is past tense and cannot follow “do not.”
  • is not knowing – Incorrect because “know” is a stative verb and is generally not used in the continuous form.
  • do not know – Incorrect subject-verb agreement with third person singular “She.”

Question 246

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

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

He is senior than me in age.

  1. AOption (a)

    more senior than me

  2. BOption (b)

    senior to me by age

  3. COption (c)

    senior to me in age

  4. DOption (d)

    elder to me

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

senior to me in age

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3: senior to me in age.

Key Points

  • The adjective “senior” is followed by the preposition “to”, not “than.”
  • The correct comparative structure is “senior to”, not “more senior than.”
  • The phrase “in age” correctly specifies the context of comparison.
  • The correct sentence is: “He is senior to me in age.”

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

  • more senior than me – Incorrect because “senior” is not used with “more” or “than.”
  • senior to me by age – Awkward and not the standard expression.
  • elder to me – Incorrect because “elder” is not followed by “to”; it is generally used before a noun (e.g., elder brother).

Question 247

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.

I said, "He will be here by noon."

  1. AOption (a)

    I said he will be there by noon.

  2. BOption (b)

    I said that he would be here by noon.

  3. COption (c)

    I said that he would be there by noon.

  4. DOption (d)

    I said he shall be there by noon.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

I said that he would be there by noon.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3: I said that he would be there by noon.

Key Points

  • When the reporting verb is in the past tense (“said”), the future tense “will” changes to “would” in indirect speech.
  • The word “here” changes to “there” to reflect the shift in place reference.
  • The conjunction “that” is correctly used to introduce the reported clause.
  • The correct transformation is: I said that he would be there by noon.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

  • I said he will be there by noon. – Incorrect because “will” should change to “would.”
  • I said that he would be here by noon. – Incorrect because “here” should change to “there.”
  • I said he shall be there by noon. – Incorrect because “shall” is not appropriate and does not follow the correct tense change rule.

Question 248

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 assistant said that she was not feeling well and would leave early.

  1. AOption (a)

    "I am not feeling well and will leave early," the assistant said.

  2. BOption (b)

    "I was not feeling well and would leave early," said the assistant.

  3. COption (c)

    "I'm not well and am leaving," she said.

  4. DOption (d)

    "I am not well and I leave now," said the assistant.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

"I am not feeling well and will leave early," the assistant said.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1: "I am not feeling well and will leave early," the assistant said.

Key Points

  • The reporting verb "said" is in the past tense, so in indirect speech the verbs are backshifted (was, would).
  • To convert back to direct speech, we restore the original tense: "was" becomes "am", and "would" becomes "will".
  • The pronoun "she" changes to "I" because the assistant is speaking about herself.
  • The correct direct speech must preserve both meaning and proper tense structure.

Correct sentence: "I am not feeling well and will leave early," the assistant said.

Additional Information

  • Option 2: Incorrect because it keeps the backshifted tense (was, would) instead of restoring the original direct speech tense.
  • Option 3: Incorrect because it changes the meaning and tense structure.
  • Option 4: Incorrect because "I leave now" does not correctly represent the future intention expressed by "would leave."

Question 249

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

Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph:

  1. This is particularly challenging in industries such as steel and cement production, where emissions are an integral part of the manufacturing process.

  2. As a result, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies have emerged as a crucial component of strategies aimed at reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions.

  3. Achieving carbon neutrality requires a significant reduction in emissions across all economic sectors.

  4. These technologies capture carbon dioxide at the source, preventing its release into the atmosphere and either utilizing it or storing it permanently underground.

  1. AOption (a)

    1, 2, 3, 4

  2. BOption (b)

    3, 1, 2, 4

  3. COption (c)

    2, 1, 3, 4

  4. DOption (d)

    4, 3, 1, 2

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

3, 1, 2, 4

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2: (3, 1, 2, 4)

Key Points

  • Sentence 3 introduces the broad theme of carbon neutrality and the need to reduce emissions across sectors, making it the logical opening statement.
  • Sentence 1 follows because the word "This" refers back to the challenge of reducing emissions mentioned in sentence 3.
  • Sentence 2 logically comes next, as the phrase "As a result" shows a consequence of the challenge discussed in sentences 3 and 1.
  • Sentence 4 explains "These technologies", referring back to CCS technologies mentioned in sentence 2, making it the concluding explanation.

Correct paragraph: Achieving carbon neutrality requires a significant reduction in emissions across all economic sectors. This is particularly challenging in industries such as steel and cement production, where emissions are an integral part of the manufacturing process. As a result, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies have emerged as a crucial component of strategies aimed at reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions. These technologies capture carbon dioxide at the source, preventing its release into the atmosphere and either utilizing it or storing it permanently underground.

Additional Information

  • Option 1 (1, 2, 3, 4) – Incorrect because it begins with a reference word "This" without a prior context.
  • Option 3 (2, 1, 3, 4) – Incorrect because "As a result" cannot logically start the paragraph.
  • Option 4 (4, 3, 1, 2) – Incorrect because "These technologies" lacks an antecedent at the beginning.

Question 250

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

Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph:

  1. This allows a programmer to specify the structure and behavior of an object-oriented program.

  2. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm based on the concept of "objects," which can contain data and code.

  3. A central tenet of OOP is the concept of a "class," which acts as a blueprint for creating objects.

  4. The key advantage of this approach is that it models real-world entities, making complex systems easier to manage and debug.

  1. AOption (a)

    2, 3, 1, 4

  2. BOption (b)

    4, 3, 2, 1

  3. COption (c)

    3, 1, 4, 2

  4. DOption (d)

    1, 2, 3, 4

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

2, 3, 1, 4

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1: (2, 3, 1, 4)

Key Points

  • Sentence 2 introduces the topic by defining Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), making it the appropriate opening sentence.
  • Sentence 3 logically follows because it explains a central tenet of OOP, namely the concept of a class.
  • Sentence 1 continues the explanation, where the word "This" refers to the concept of a class mentioned in sentence 3.
  • Sentence 4 concludes the paragraph by highlighting the key advantage of this approach, summarizing its benefit.

Correct paragraph: Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm based on the concept of "objects," which can contain data and code. A central tenet of OOP is the concept of a "class," which acts as a blueprint for creating objects. This allows a programmer to specify the structure and behavior of an object-oriented program. The key advantage of this approach is that it models real-world entities, making complex systems easier to manage and debug.

Additional Information

  • Option 2 (4, 3, 2, 1) – Incorrect because it begins with "this approach" without introducing the topic first.
  • Option 3 (3, 1, 4, 2) – Incorrect because it starts with a detailed concept before defining OOP.
  • Option 4 (1, 2, 3, 4) – Incorrect because it begins with "This" without a clear antecedent.