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Question 61

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

Find the part of the sentence that contains an error:

The report's emphasis on techno-optimism, while commendable, (1)/ overlook the structural inequities (2)/ that persist in data accessibility and digital literacy (3)/ across demographic and regional divides. (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 in the sentence lies in part 2, where the verb "overlook" is incorrectly used.
  • The subject of the sentence, "The report's emphasis," is singular and requires the verb to be conjugated in singular form.
  • The correct verb should be "overlooks" instead of "overlook."
  • Thus, the correct phrase should read: "The report's emphasis on techno-optimism, while commendable, overlooks the structural inequities..."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "The report's emphasis on techno-optimism, while commendable, overlooks the structural inequities that persist in data accessibility and digital literacy across demographic and regional divides."

 

Additional Information

  • Part 1: "The report's emphasis on techno-optimism, while commendable," – This part is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
  • Part 3: "that persist in data accessibility and digital literacy" – This part is also grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
  • Part 4: "across demographic and regional divides." – This part of the sentence is also error-free.
  • No error: This would be the correct option if there were no mistakes in the sentence, but there is an error in part 2.

Question 62

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

Change the following from active to passive:

Why did the editor overlook the substantial stylistic anomalies?

  1. AOption (a)

    Why have the substantial stylistic anomalies been overlooked by the editor?

  2. BOption (b)

    Why are the substantial stylistic anomalies being overlooked by the editor?

  3. COption (c)

    Why did the substantial stylistic anomalies be overlooked by the editor?

  4. DOption (d)

    Why were the substantial stylistic anomalies overlooked by the editor?

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Why were the substantial stylistic anomalies overlooked by the editor?

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 the active voice, the sentence is: "Why did the editor overlook the substantial stylistic anomalies?"
  • To convert to passive voice: Place the object "the substantial stylistic anomalies" at the beginning.
  • Change the active verb form "did overlook" to "were overlooked" (past simple passive).
  • Add the preposition "by" followed by the original subject "the editor."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Correct Sentence: "Why were the substantial stylistic anomalies overlooked by the editor?"

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "Why have the substantial stylistic anomalies been overlooked by the editor?" – Incorrect tense (present perfect passive).
  • Option 2: "Why are the substantial stylistic anomalies being overlooked by the editor?" – Incorrect tense (present continuous passive).
  • Option 3: "Why did the substantial stylistic anomalies be overlooked by the editor?" – Incorrect grammar.

Question 63

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

Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word:

The author used a pen to sign the new book.

  1. AOption (a)

    The farmer kept the sheep in a small pen.

  2. BOption (b)

    She misplaced her favorite fountain pen.

  3. COption (c)

    Please use a blue pen to sign the document.

  4. DOption (d)

    The ink in the pen had completely dried out.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

The farmer kept the sheep in a small pen.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'The farmer kept the sheep in a small pen.'.

Key Points

  • Homonyms are words that have the same spelling and pronunciation but different meanings.
  • In the given sentence, "pen" means a writing instrument.
  • In Option 1, "pen" means an enclosed area for keeping animals, which is a different meaning while retaining the same spelling and pronunciation.
  • Options 2, 3, and 4 use "pen" in the same sense as the highlighted word (a writing instrument).

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

WordMeaning
PenA writing instrument.
PenAn enclosed area for keeping animals.

Question 64

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 has been alleged that confidential data was being leaked by insiders within the firm.

  1. AOption (a)

    Insiders were leaking confidential data within the firm.

  2. BOption (b)

    Confidential data had been leaked by insiders, it is alleged.

  3. COption (c)

    Insiders were allegedly leaking confidential data within the firm.

  4. DOption (d)

    The firm was allegedly leaking insider data.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Insiders were allegedly leaking confidential data within the firm.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • Passive voice structure: The subject of the active voice sentence becomes the object in the passive voice sentence, and the object becomes the subject.
  • In the given passive sentence, the subject "confidential data" is being acted upon, and the action is performed by "insiders."
  • To convert to active voice: "Insiders" should become the subject of the sentence, and the verb should reflect the original meaning while maintaining grammatical correctness.
  • The phrase "has been alleged" indicates that the action is alleged, which should be retained in the active voice sentence.
  • Thus, the correct active voice transformation is: "Insiders were allegedly leaking confidential data within the firm."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence: "Insiders were allegedly leaking confidential data within the firm."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "Insiders were leaking confidential data within the firm." – This does not convey the alleged nature of the action.
  • Option 2: "Confidential data had been leaked by insiders, it is alleged." – This is still in passive voice and does not meet the requirement.
  • Option 4: "The firm was allegedly leaking insider data." – This is incorrect as it changes the meaning of the sentence entirely.

Question 65

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

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

Group thinking, often referred to as groupthink, is a psychological phenomenon wherein the desire for unanimity within a group overrides the motivation to appraise alternative viewpoints critically. It frequently leads to flawed decision-making because dissent is either internally suppressed or socially penalized. Social conformity, its close ally, describes the act of aligning one's beliefs or behaviours with those of a majority, often subconsciously, in pursuit of acceptance or avoidance of conflict. In tightly knit groups—such as corporate boards, political committees, or academic panels—individual members may refrain from expressing contrarian ideas, fearing ostracization or reputational risk. Over time, this collective homogeneity breeds intellectual stagnation, reducing innovation and enhancing vulnerability to strategic errors. The infamous Bay of Pigs invasion and the Challenger space shuttle disaster are frequently cited as textbook examples of decisions marred by groupthink. Psychologically, the roots of group conformity lie in our evolutionary inclination toward tribal belonging, where deviation was historically associated with survival risk. In modern society, the same instinct manifests through peer pressure, organizational culture, and digital echo chambers. Algorithms reinforce conformity by curating information bubbles that validate existing biases while filtering out divergent thought. However, the remedy to such cognitive myopia lies in institutionalizing dissent. Constructive disagreement, when encouraged within teams or communities, acts as an intellectual safeguard against tunnel vision. Promoting a culture where counterarguments are respected rather than reprimanded can lead to more robust, balanced, and resilient decision-making. In an age dominated by viral trends, polarized discourse, and performative alignment, the courage to question consensus is both rare and essential. True progress emerges not from blind allegiance to majority norms, but from critical inquiry and the audacity to challenge the comfortable.

What is the central idea of groupthink as discussed in the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    Collaborative brainstorming

  2. BOption (b)

    Valuing consensus over critique

  3. COption (c)

    Trusting only experts

  4. DOption (d)

    Promoting decentralization

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Valuing consensus over critique

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • The passage defines groupthink as a situation where the desire for unanimity overrides critical evaluation of alternatives.
  • It leads to suppression of dissent and discourages opposing viewpoints.
  • This results in flawed decision-making due to lack of critical scrutiny.
  • Thus, the core idea is valuing consensus over critique.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "Group thinking... is a psychological phenomenon wherein the desire for unanimity within a group overrides the motivation to appraise alternative viewpoints critically."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Collaborative brainstorming – This implies open idea-sharing, which is opposite of groupthink.
  • Option 3: Trusting only experts – The passage does not restrict decision-making to experts.
  • Option 4: Promoting decentralization – No such concept is discussed in relation to groupthink.
  • Correct Option (2) – Directly reflects the passage’s explanation of prioritizing consensus over critical thinking.

Question 66

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

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

Group thinking, often referred to as groupthink, is a psychological phenomenon wherein the desire for unanimity within a group overrides the motivation to appraise alternative viewpoints critically. It frequently leads to flawed decision-making because dissent is either internally suppressed or socially penalized. Social conformity, its close ally, describes the act of aligning one's beliefs or behaviours with those of a majority, often subconsciously, in pursuit of acceptance or avoidance of conflict. In tightly knit groups—such as corporate boards, political committees, or academic panels—individual members may refrain from expressing contrarian ideas, fearing ostracization or reputational risk. Over time, this collective homogeneity breeds intellectual stagnation, reducing innovation and enhancing vulnerability to strategic errors. The infamous Bay of Pigs invasion and the Challenger space shuttle disaster are frequently cited as textbook examples of decisions marred by groupthink. Psychologically, the roots of group conformity lie in our evolutionary inclination toward tribal belonging, where deviation was historically associated with survival risk. In modern society, the same instinct manifests through peer pressure, organizational culture, and digital echo chambers. Algorithms reinforce conformity by curating information bubbles that validate existing biases while filtering out divergent thought. However, the remedy to such cognitive myopia lies in institutionalizing dissent. Constructive disagreement, when encouraged within teams or communities, acts as an intellectual safeguard against tunnel vision. Promoting a culture where counterarguments are respected rather than reprimanded can lead to more robust, balanced, and resilient decision-making. In an age dominated by viral trends, polarized discourse, and performative alignment, the courage to question consensus is both rare and essential. True progress emerges not from blind allegiance to majority norms, but from critical inquiry and the audacity to challenge the comfortable.

According to the passage, what evolutionary trait contributes to social conformity?

  1. AOption (a)

    Hunger for dominance

  2. BOption (b)

    Need for speed

  3. COption (c)

    Instinct for tribal survival

  4. DOption (d)

    Desire for luxury

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Instinct for tribal survival

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • The passage states that the roots of conformity lie in an evolutionary inclination toward tribal belonging.
  • Historically, deviation from the group was associated with survival risks.
  • This led to the development of an instinct for tribal survival, encouraging individuals to conform.
  • Thus, social conformity is driven by this deep-rooted evolutionary survival mechanism.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence: "Psychologically, the roots of group conformity lie in our evolutionary inclination toward tribal belonging, where deviation was historically associated with survival risk."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Hunger for dominance – The passage does not link conformity to dominance instincts.
  • Option 2: Need for speed – No such evolutionary trait is discussed in the passage.
  • Option 4: Desire for luxury – This is unrelated to evolutionary psychology or conformity in the passage.
  • Correct Option (3) – Directly aligns with the passage’s explanation of tribal survival instinct.

Question 67

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

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

Group thinking, often referred to as groupthink, is a psychological phenomenon wherein the desire for unanimity within a group overrides the motivation to appraise alternative viewpoints critically. It frequently leads to flawed decision-making because dissent is either internally suppressed or socially penalized. Social conformity, its close ally, describes the act of aligning one's beliefs or behaviours with those of a majority, often subconsciously, in pursuit of acceptance or avoidance of conflict. In tightly knit groups—such as corporate boards, political committees, or academic panels—individual members may refrain from expressing contrarian ideas, fearing ostracization or reputational risk. Over time, this collective homogeneity breeds intellectual stagnation, reducing innovation and enhancing vulnerability to strategic errors. The infamous Bay of Pigs invasion and the Challenger space shuttle disaster are frequently cited as textbook examples of decisions marred by groupthink. Psychologically, the roots of group conformity lie in our evolutionary inclination toward tribal belonging, where deviation was historically associated with survival risk. In modern society, the same instinct manifests through peer pressure, organizational culture, and digital echo chambers. Algorithms reinforce conformity by curating information bubbles that validate existing biases while filtering out divergent thought. However, the remedy to such cognitive myopia lies in institutionalizing dissent. Constructive disagreement, when encouraged within teams or communities, acts as an intellectual safeguard against tunnel vision. Promoting a culture where counterarguments are respected rather than reprimanded can lead to more robust, balanced, and resilient decision-making. In an age dominated by viral trends, polarized discourse, and performative alignment, the courage to question consensus is both rare and essential. True progress emerges not from blind allegiance to majority norms, but from critical inquiry and the audacity to challenge the comfortable.

Which event is cited as a real-world consequence of groupthink?

  1. AOption (a)

    Cold War treaty signing

  2. BOption (b)

    Challenger disaster

  3. COption (c)

    Brexit vote

  4. DOption (d)

    The Dot-com crash

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Challenger disaster

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • The passage explicitly mentions the Challenger space shuttle disaster as a textbook example of groupthink.
  • It highlights how flawed decision-making due to suppressed dissent can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
  • Along with the Bay of Pigs invasion, the Challenger disaster is cited as a real-world consequence.
  • Thus, the correct answer aligns directly with the example provided in the passage.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "The infamous Bay of Pigs invasion and the Challenger space shuttle disaster are frequently cited as textbook examples of decisions marred by groupthink."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Cold War treaty signing – Not mentioned in the passage as an example of groupthink.
  • Option 3: Brexit vote – Although a major event, it is not cited in the passage.
  • Option 4: The Dot-com crash – This economic event is not linked to groupthink in the passage.
  • Correct Option (2) – Directly stated in the passage as a consequence of groupthink.

Question 68

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

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

Group thinking, often referred to as groupthink, is a psychological phenomenon wherein the desire for unanimity within a group overrides the motivation to appraise alternative viewpoints critically. It frequently leads to flawed decision-making because dissent is either internally suppressed or socially penalized. Social conformity, its close ally, describes the act of aligning one's beliefs or behaviours with those of a majority, often subconsciously, in pursuit of acceptance or avoidance of conflict. In tightly knit groups—such as corporate boards, political committees, or academic panels—individual members may refrain from expressing contrarian ideas, fearing ostracization or reputational risk. Over time, this collective homogeneity breeds intellectual stagnation, reducing innovation and enhancing vulnerability to strategic errors. The infamous Bay of Pigs invasion and the Challenger space shuttle disaster are frequently cited as textbook examples of decisions marred by groupthink. Psychologically, the roots of group conformity lie in our evolutionary inclination toward tribal belonging, where deviation was historically associated with survival risk. In modern society, the same instinct manifests through peer pressure, organizational culture, and digital echo chambers. Algorithms reinforce conformity by curating information bubbles that validate existing biases while filtering out divergent thought. However, the remedy to such cognitive myopia lies in institutionalizing dissent. Constructive disagreement, when encouraged within teams or communities, acts as an intellectual safeguard against tunnel vision. Promoting a culture where counterarguments are respected rather than reprimanded can lead to more robust, balanced, and resilient decision-making. In an age dominated by viral trends, polarized discourse, and performative alignment, the courage to question consensus is both rare and essential. True progress emerges not from blind allegiance to majority norms, but from critical inquiry and the audacity to challenge the comfortable.

How does digital media reinforce conformity, according to the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    By removing controversial content

  2. BOption (b)

    By presenting data in charts

  3. COption (c)

    Through curated echo chambers

  4. DOption (d)

    By enabling anonymous posts

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Through curated echo chambers

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • The passage explicitly states that algorithms reinforce conformity by creating information bubbles that validate existing beliefs.
  • These echo chambers filter out divergent viewpoints, limiting exposure to alternative perspectives.
  • This selective exposure strengthens existing biases, leading individuals to align more closely with dominant opinions.
  • Hence, digital media reinforces conformity through curated echo chambers.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence: "Algorithms reinforce conformity by curating information bubbles that validate existing biases while filtering out divergent thought."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: By removing controversial content – The passage does not mention removal of content as a mechanism of conformity.
  • Option 2: By presenting data in charts – No reference is made to data presentation formats influencing conformity.
  • Option 4: By enabling anonymous posts – The passage does not discuss anonymity as a factor in reinforcing conformity.
  • Correct Option (3) – Clearly aligns with the passage’s mention of curated echo chambers as the reinforcing mechanism.

Question 69

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

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

Group thinking, often referred to as groupthink, is a psychological phenomenon wherein the desire for unanimity within a group overrides the motivation to appraise alternative viewpoints critically. It frequently leads to flawed decision-making because dissent is either internally suppressed or socially penalized. Social conformity, its close ally, describes the act of aligning one's beliefs or behaviours with those of a majority, often subconsciously, in pursuit of acceptance or avoidance of conflict. In tightly knit groups—such as corporate boards, political committees, or academic panels—individual members may refrain from expressing contrarian ideas, fearing ostracization or reputational risk. Over time, this collective homogeneity breeds intellectual stagnation, reducing innovation and enhancing vulnerability to strategic errors. The infamous Bay of Pigs invasion and the Challenger space shuttle disaster are frequently cited as textbook examples of decisions marred by groupthink. Psychologically, the roots of group conformity lie in our evolutionary inclination toward tribal belonging, where deviation was historically associated with survival risk. In modern society, the same instinct manifests through peer pressure, organizational culture, and digital echo chambers. Algorithms reinforce conformity by curating information bubbles that validate existing biases while filtering out divergent thought. However, the remedy to such cognitive myopia lies in institutionalizing dissent. Constructive disagreement, when encouraged within teams or communities, acts as an intellectual safeguard against tunnel vision. Promoting a culture where counterarguments are respected rather than reprimanded can lead to more robust, balanced, and resilient decision-making. In an age dominated by viral trends, polarized discourse, and performative alignment, the courage to question consensus is both rare and essential. True progress emerges not from blind allegiance to majority norms, but from critical inquiry and the audacity to challenge the comfortable.

What is suggested as a solution to groupthink and conformity?

  1. AOption (a)

    Hiring more senior leaders

  2. BOption (b)

    Mandating compliance

  3. COption (c)

    Encouraging constructive dissent

  4. DOption (d)

    Expanding digital networks

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Encouraging constructive dissent

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • The passage clearly suggests institutionalizing dissent as a remedy to groupthink.
  • It emphasizes that constructive disagreement acts as an intellectual safeguard against tunnel vision.
  • Encouraging counterarguments helps in achieving more balanced and resilient decision-making.
  • Thus, promoting constructive dissent is identified as the key solution.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence: "Constructive disagreement, when encouraged within teams or communities, acts as an intellectual safeguard against tunnel vision."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Hiring more senior leaders – The passage does not suggest leadership expansion as a solution.
  • Option 2: Mandating compliance – This would reinforce conformity, not reduce it.
  • Option 4: Expanding digital networks – The passage links digital platforms with echo chambers, not solutions.
  • Correct Option (3) – Directly aligns with the passage’s emphasis on encouraging dissent.

Question 70

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

Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence: She insisted me to take the medicine.

  1. AOption (a)

    that I take the medicine

  2. BOption (b)

    me that I take medicine

  3. COption (c)

    me taking the medicine

  4. DOption (d)

    to take medicine by me

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

that I take the medicine

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'that I take the medicine'.

 

Key Points

  • The verb "insisted" is generally followed by the structure "that + subject + base verb."
  • In this case, the correct structure is "She insisted that I take the medicine."
  • Options 2, 3, and 4 are grammatically incorrect because they do not follow the correct verb structure.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "She insisted that I take the medicine."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 2: "me that I take medicine" is incorrect because the pronoun "me" is wrongly placed before the clause.
  • Option 3: "me taking the medicine" is incorrect because it does not follow the correct structure after "insisted."
  • Option 4: "to take medicine by me" is incorrect because it uses a passive construction that is unnatural in this context.