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Question 551

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

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: CIRCUMSPECT

  1. AOption (a)

    Reckless

  2. BOption (b)

    Brash

  3. COption (c)

    Carefree

  4. DOption (d)

    Cautious

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Cautious

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Cautious.

Key Points

  • The word "circumspect" means being wary and unwilling to take risks; thinking carefully about possible risks before doing or saying something. (सावधान/सोच-समझकर)
  • Example: She was circumspect about revealing her personal information to strangers.
  • The word "cautious" means being careful to avoid potential problems or dangers. (सतर्क)
  • Example: He took a cautious approach to investing his money in the stock market.
  • Hence, "circumspect" and "cautious" share similar meanings, making "cautious" the most appropriate synonym.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Cautious.

Additional Information

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

  • Reckless (लापरवाह): Acting without thinking or caring about the consequences.
  • Example: Driving recklessly in heavy traffic can lead to serious accidents.
  • Brash (अत्यधिक आत्मविश्वासी और आक्रामक): Being self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overconfident way.
  • Example: His brash attitude often annoyed his colleagues.
  • Carefree (बिना चिंता के): Free from worries or responsibilities.
  • Example: During their vacation, they enjoyed a carefree week on the beach.

Question 552

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

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word. Obdurate

  1. AOption (a)

    Callous

  2. BOption (b)

    Yielding

  3. COption (c)

    Adamant

  4. DOption (d)

    Hardened

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Yielding

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Yielding.

Key Points

  • The word "Obdurate" means stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action, even in the face of reason or persuasion. (हठी, अडिग)
  • Example: Despite numerous pleas for mercy, the obdurate judge refused to reduce the sentence.
  • "Yielding" refers to being inclined to give way to the wishes of others or being flexible and accommodating. (झुकने वाला, लचीला)
  • Example: She was yielding in her approach, always ready to adapt to others' needs.
  • Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'Obdurate' is 'Yielding'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Yielding.

Additional Information

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

  • Callous (निर्दयी): Insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
  • Example: His callous comments about the tragedy upset everyone at the gathering.
  • Adamant (अडिग): Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind.
  • Example: She was adamant about finishing the project despite the challenges.
  • Hardened (सख्त): Having become or made hard or unfeeling, especially as a result of experience.
  • Example: Years of hardship had hardened him, making him less empathetic.

Question 553

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

Choose the correct meaning of idiom:

Hand and glove

  1. AOption (a)

    Working in rivalry

  2. BOption (b)

    Acting carelessly

  3. COption (c)

    Very closely associated

  4. DOption (d)

    Openly suspicious

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Very closely associated

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. "Very closely associated".

Key Points

  • The idiom "Hand and glove" means to be very closely associated, working in close cooperation, or in harmony with someone. (बहुत निकटता से संबंधित होना या सहयोग करना)
  • Example: The two companies worked hand and glove to deliver the best customer experience.
  • The correct meaning of the idiom "Hand and glove" is "very closely associated" (बहुत निकटता से संबंधित).
  • Example: The detective and his assistant were hand and glove in solving the mystery.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. "Very closely associated".

Additional Information

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

  • Option 1: Working in rivalry (प्रतिद्वंद्विता में काम करना):
  • Explanation: This means competing against each other, which is contrary to the meaning of "hand and glove".
  • Example: The two teams were working in rivalry to win the championship.
  • Option 2: Acting carelessly (लापरवाही से कार्य करना):
  • Explanation: This refers to behaving in a careless or inattentive manner, which does not align with the idiom's meaning.
  • Example: He was acting carelessly and missed the important details in the report.
  • Option 4: Openly suspicious (खुले तौर पर संदेह करना):
  • Explanation: This means being openly doubtful or distrustful, which is unrelated to the meaning of "hand and glove".
  • Example: She was openly suspicious of his intentions during the meeting.

Question 554

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

Choose the correct meaning of idiom:

Currying favour

  1. AOption (a)

    Seeking emotional validation

  2. BOption (b)

    Seeking approval through flattery

  3. COption (c)

    Avoiding direct confrontation

  4. DOption (d)

    Asking for forgiveness subtly

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Seeking approval through flattery

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 2 i.e. Seeking approval through flattery.

Key Points

  • The idiom "Currying favour" means seeking approval or advantage from someone through excessive flattery or trying to please them. (खुशामद करके पक्ष लेना)
  • Example: He was currying favour with his boss by always complimenting her ideas.
  • Explanation of the correct option: "Seeking approval through flattery" is the appropriate meaning of the idiom "currying favour." It represents the act of gaining someone’s favor by being overly pleasing or flattering. (खुशामद के माध्यम से स्वीकृति प्राप्त करना)
  • Example: The employee tried currying favour with the manager to secure a promotion.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2.

Additional Information

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

  • Option 1: Seeking emotional validation (भावनात्मक मान्यता प्राप्त करना): The act of wanting confirmation or approval for one’s emotions or feelings.
  • Example: She constantly seeks emotional validation from her friends.
  • Option 3: Avoiding direct confrontation (प्रत्यक्ष टकराव से बचना): Refers to steering clear of any direct conflict or argument.
  • Example: Instead of addressing the issue, he avoided direct confrontation with his colleagues.
  • Option 4: Asking for forgiveness subtly (धीरे-धीरे माफी मांगना): Refers to apologizing in an indirect or subtle way.
  • Example: She asked for forgiveness subtly by leaving a heartfelt note on his desk.

Question 555

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

Choose the correct spelling for a word meaning 'concise and forcefully expressive'.

  1. AOption (a)

    Pithy

  2. BOption (b)

    Pithey

  3. COption (c)

    Pithhy

  4. DOption (d)

    Pithie

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Pithy

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

The misspelled word is 'Pithey', 'Pithhy', and 'Pithie'.

  • The correct spelling is 'Pithy'.
  • The word 'pithy' is an adjective meaning 'concise and forcefully expressive' (संक्षिप्त और प्रभावशाली).
  • For Example - She gave a pithy reply that ended the discussion.

Therefore, the correct spelling is 'Pithy'.

Additional Information

Let's understand the meanings of the other options:

  • Pithey - Incorrect spelling of 'Pithy'.
  • Pithhy - Incorrect spelling of 'Pithy'.
  • Pithie - Incorrect spelling of 'Pithy'.

Question 556

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

Choose the correct one-word substitution for: 'A place where wild animals are kept'.

  1. AOption (a)

    Aviary

  2. BOption (b)

    Sanctuary

  3. COption (c)

    Menagerie

  4. DOption (d)

    Park

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Menagerie

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Menagerie.

Key Points

  • The word "Menagerie" refers to a collection of wild animals that are kept in captivity, typically for exhibition. (पशुशाला)
  • Example: The children were excited to visit the menagerie to see the exotic animals up close.
  • "Menagerie" is the correct word for the definition "A place where wild animals are kept." Its Hindi meaning is (पशुशाला).
  • Example: The traveling circus included a menagerie of lions, tigers, and other wild animals.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Menagerie.

Additional Information

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

  • Aviary (पक्षीशाला): A large cage or enclosure for keeping birds.
  • Example: The aviary at the zoo houses a variety of colorful parrots and peacocks.
  • Sanctuary (अभयारण्य): A protected area where animals are kept safe in their natural habitat.
  • Example: The wildlife sanctuary is home to numerous endangered species.
  • Park (उद्यान): A public area with greenery, often used for recreational purposes.
  • Example: Families gathered at the park for a picnic on the sunny afternoon.

Question 557

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

Choose the correct one-word substitution for: 'A building where dead bodies are kept temporarily'.

  1. AOption (a)

    Sanctuary

  2. BOption (b)

    Sepulcher

  3. COption (c)

    Crematorium

  4. DOption (d)

    Mortuary

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Mortuary

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 4 i.e. Mortuary.

Key Points

  • The word "Mortuary" refers to a building or room where dead bodies are kept temporarily, especially before burial or cremation. (शवगृह)
  • Example: The mortuary at the hospital is well-maintained and ensures dignity for the deceased.
  • "Crematorium" refers to a place where dead bodies are cremated or burned to ashes. (श्मशान)
  • Example: The crematorium was located on the outskirts of the city to maintain privacy for the grieving families.
  • Hence, the correct answer is "Mortuary", as it specifically refers to a temporary place for keeping dead bodies before final rites.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4 i.e. Mortuary.

Additional Information

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

  • Sanctuary (शरणस्थल): A safe place or a place of refuge, often used for wildlife or religious purposes.
  • Example: The sanctuary provides a safe haven for endangered species.
  • Sepulcher (मकबरा): A small room or monument, often made of stone, where a dead person is buried.
  • Example: The ancient sepulcher was decorated with intricate carvings.
  • Crematorium (श्मशान): A facility where dead bodies are reduced to ashes by burning.
  • Example: We visited the crematorium to pay our last respects.

Question 558

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

Choose the correct form:

The committee, along with its chairperson, ____ scheduled to meet on Monday.

  1. AOption (a)

    are

  2. BOption (b)

    is

  3. COption (c)

    were

  4. DOption (d)

    have been

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

is

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'is'.

 

Key Points

  • The subject of the sentence is "The committee," which is a collective noun that is generally treated as singular in American English.
  • The phrase "along with its chairperson" is a modifier and does not affect the singularity of the subject.
  • Option 1 (are) is incorrect because it is plural, but the subject is singular.
  • Option 3 (were) is incorrect because it indicates past tense, while the sentence is in the present tense.
  • Option 4 (have been) is incorrect because it is in the present perfect tense and does not agree with the singular subject.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "The committee, along with its chairperson, is scheduled to meet on Monday."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "are" is incorrect because the subject "The committee" is singular and requires a singular verb.
  • Option 3: "were" is incorrect because the sentence is in the present tense, not past tense.
  • Option 4: "have been" is incorrect because it does not align with the singular subject and the sentence structure.

Question 559

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

Fill in the blank with the correct tense:

They ____ their objections by the time the committee convened.

  1. AOption (a)

    raised

  2. BOption (b)

    have raised

  3. COption (c)

    will raise

  4. DOption (d)

    had raised

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

had raised

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'had raised'.

 

Key Points

  • The phrase "had raised" is in the past perfect tense, which is used to describe an action that was completed before another action in the past.
  • The sentence indicates that the objections were completed before the committee convened, which makes the past perfect tense appropriate.
  • Options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect because they do not fit the context of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Complete Sentence: "They had raised their objections by the time the committee convened."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "raised" is incorrect because it is in the simple past tense and does not convey the idea of an action completed before another action.
  • Option 2: "have raised" is incorrect because the present perfect tense is not suitable for describing completed actions before another past event.
  • Option 3: "will raise" is incorrect because the future tense does not fit the context of a past event.

Question 560

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

Find the part of the sentence that contains an error:

Neither of the proposed strategies (1)/ seem to address the core issue (2)/ that the committee identified (3)/ during last month's review. (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 verb "seem" is incorrectly used in the sentence. With "neither," which is singular, the verb should be "seems" to maintain subject-verb agreement.
  • The phrase "Neither of the proposed strategies" refers to a singular subject, so the verb must be singular.
  • The corrected sentence should use "seems" instead of "seem" in part 2 of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "Neither of the proposed strategies seems to address the core issue that the committee identified during last month's review."

 

Additional Information

  • Part 1: "Neither of the proposed strategies" – This part is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
  • Part 3: "that the committee identified" – This part is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
  • Part 4: "during last month's review." – This part is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.