SSC CPO · Topic Collection

English Comprehension PYQs

Reading comprehension, vocabulary, synonyms and antonyms, idiom usage, error spotting, sentence improvement, and cloze tests.

4100 Total Questions67 Official PapersYears: 2017–2025Search in English Comprehension
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SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 1

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Read the passage and answer the questions:

The metamorphosis of a butterfly epitomizes one of nature's most intricate and captivating with the deposition of fragile eggs, often hidden on the underside of leaves, ensuring immediate access to nourishment upon hatching.

transformations. The life cycle initiates

Once emerged, the larva - or caterpillar- enters a phase of relentless consumption, devouring foliage to fuel its rapid growth. During this stage, it undergoes multiple molts, shedding its rigid exoskeleton to accommodate its expanding form. This insatiable feeding period is essential for amassing the energy required for the subsequent, dramatic metamorphosis.

The transition into the pupal stage, encapsulated within a chrysalis, marks an extraordinary biological phenomenon. Inside, the caterpillar's structures are enzymatically dismantled and reconstructed into entirely new forms wings, antennae, and compound eyes emerge through a sophisticated process known as histogenesis.

Upon completing this hidden transformation, the adult butterfly struggles free, its crumpled wings needing to be inflated with hemolymph and dried before flight is possible. Once airborne, the butterfly's existence centres on reproduction, perpetuating the species before its ephemeral life concludes.

Though often romanticized, the butterfly's life cycle underscores a rigorous narrative of survival, precision, offering profound insights into the fragile balance of ecosystems.

Identify the sentence from the passage which is in the passive voice:

  1. AOption (a)

    "The caterpillar sheds its rigid exoskeleton."

  2. BOption (b)

    "The metamorphosis of a butterfly epitomizes transformation."

  3. COption (c)

    "The caterpillar's structures are enzymatically dismantled."

  4. DOption (d)

    "The butterfly inflates its wings with hemolymph."

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

"The caterpillar sheds its rigid exoskeleton."

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
View full paper

Question 2

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Read the passage and answer the questions:

The metamorphosis of a butterfly epitomizes one of nature's most intricate and captivating with the deposition of fragile eggs, often hidden on the underside of leaves, ensuring immediate access to nourishment upon hatching.

transformations. The life cycle initiates

Once emerged, the larva - or caterpillar- enters a phase of relentless consumption, devouring foliage to fuel its rapid growth. During this stage, it undergoes multiple molts, shedding its rigid exoskeleton to accommodate its expanding form. This insatiable feeding period is essential for amassing the energy required for the subsequent, dramatic metamorphosis.

The transition into the pupal stage, encapsulated within a chrysalis, marks an extraordinary biological phenomenon. Inside, the caterpillar's structures are enzymatically dismantled and reconstructed into entirely new forms wings, antennae, and compound eyes emerge through a sophisticated process known as histogenesis.

Upon completing this hidden transformation, the adult butterfly struggles free, its crumpled wings needing to be inflated with hemolymph and dried before flight is possible. Once airborne, the butterfly's existence centres on reproduction, perpetuating the species before its ephemeral life concludes.

Though often romanticized, the butterfly's life cycle underscores a rigorous narrative of survival, precision, offering profound insights into the fragile balance of ecosystems.

Which sentence contains a relative clause?

  1. AOption (a)

    "its crumpled wings need to be inflated."

  2. BOption (b)

    "Eggs are often hidden on the underside of leaves."

  3. COption (c)

    "A caterpillar devours foliage to fuel its growth."

  4. DOption (d)

    "The larva, which undergoes multiple molts, grows rapidly."

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

"its crumpled wings need to be inflated."

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
View full paper

Question 3

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Read the passage and answer the questions:

The metamorphosis of a butterfly epitomizes one of nature's most intricate and captivating with the deposition of fragile eggs, often hidden on the underside of leaves, ensuring immediate access to nourishment upon hatching.

transformations. The life cycle initiates

Once emerged, the larva - or caterpillar- enters a phase of relentless consumption, devouring foliage to fuel its rapid growth. During this stage, it undergoes multiple molts, shedding its rigid exoskeleton to accommodate its expanding form. This insatiable feeding period is essential for amassing the energy required for the subsequent, dramatic metamorphosis.

The transition into the pupal stage, encapsulated within a chrysalis, marks an extraordinary biological phenomenon. Inside, the caterpillar's structures are enzymatically dismantled and reconstructed into entirely new forms wings, antennae, and compound eyes emerge through a sophisticated process known as histogenesis.

Upon completing this hidden transformation, the adult butterfly struggles free, its crumpled wings needing to be inflated with hemolymph and dried before flight is possible. Once airborne, the butterfly's existence centres on reproduction, perpetuating the species before its ephemeral life concludes.

Though often romanticized, the butterfly's life cycle underscores a rigorous narrative of survival, precision, offering profound insights into the fragile balance of ecosystems.

Which word from the passage is derived by adding a Greek-origin suffix meaning "formation" or "origin"?

  1. AOption (a)

    Metamorphosis

  2. BOption (b)

    Chrysalis

  3. COption (c)

    Hemolymph

  4. DOption (d)

    Histogenesis

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Metamorphosis

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
View full paper

Question 4

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Read the passage and answer the questions:

The metamorphosis of a butterfly epitomizes one of nature's most intricate and captivating with the deposition of fragile eggs, often hidden on the underside of leaves, ensuring immediate access to nourishment upon hatching.

transformations. The life cycle initiates

Once emerged, the larva - or caterpillar- enters a phase of relentless consumption, devouring foliage to fuel its rapid growth. During this stage, it undergoes multiple molts, shedding its rigid exoskeleton to accommodate its expanding form. This insatiable feeding period is essential for amassing the energy required for the subsequent, dramatic metamorphosis.

The transition into the pupal stage, encapsulated within a chrysalis, marks an extraordinary biological phenomenon. Inside, the caterpillar's structures are enzymatically dismantled and reconstructed into entirely new forms wings, antennae, and compound eyes emerge through a sophisticated process known as histogenesis.

Upon completing this hidden transformation, the adult butterfly struggles free, its crumpled wings needing to be inflated with hemolymph and dried before flight is possible. Once airborne, the butterfly's existence centres on reproduction, perpetuating the species before its ephemeral life concludes.

Though often romanticized, the butterfly's life cycle underscores a rigorous narrative of survival, precision, offering profound insights into the fragile balance of ecosystems.

According to the passage, what crucial biological activity occurs within the chrysalis? 

  1. AOption (a)

    Strengthening of the caterpillar's exoskeleton 

  2. BOption (b)

    Rebuilding of the caterpillar into a butterfly through histogenesis 

  3. COption (c)

    Increase in leaf consumption 

  4. DOption (d)

    Inflammation of butterfly wings 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Strengthening of the caterpillar's exoskeleton 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
View full paper

Question 5

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Read the passage and answer the questions:

The metamorphosis of a butterfly epitomizes one of nature's most intricate and captivating with the deposition of fragile eggs, often hidden on the underside of leaves, ensuring immediate access to nourishment upon hatching.

transformations. The life cycle initiates

Once emerged, the larva - or caterpillar- enters a phase of relentless consumption, devouring foliage to fuel its rapid growth. During this stage, it undergoes multiple molts, shedding its rigid exoskeleton to accommodate its expanding form. This insatiable feeding period is essential for amassing the energy required for the subsequent, dramatic metamorphosis.

The transition into the pupal stage, encapsulated within a chrysalis, marks an extraordinary biological phenomenon. Inside, the caterpillar's structures are enzymatically dismantled and reconstructed into entirely new forms wings, antennae, and compound eyes emerge through a sophisticated process known as histogenesis.

Upon completing this hidden transformation, the adult butterfly struggles free, its crumpled wings needing to be inflated with hemolymph and dried before flight is possible. Once airborne, the butterfly's existence centres on reproduction, perpetuating the species before its ephemeral life concludes.

Though often romanticized, the butterfly's life cycle underscores a rigorous narrative of survival, precision, offering profound insights into the fragile balance of ecosystems.

In the passage, the word "ephemeral" most nearly means:

  1. AOption (a)

    Everlasting 

  2. BOption (b)

    Transient 

  3. COption (c)

    Powerful 

  4. DOption (d)

    Fragile

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Everlasting 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
View full paper

Question 6

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the correct one-word substitution for the blank in the sentence below.  

Despite being wealthy, Rohan couldn't resist stealing small items from stores, suggesting he might be a _____

  1. AOption (a)

    philanthropist 

  2. BOption (b)

    kleptomaniac 

  3. COption (c)

    pessimist 

  4. DOption (d)

    hypochondriac 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

philanthropist 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 7

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the most appropriate one-word substitution for the sentence below.  

Despite preaching honesty and integrity, the politician was later caught in a major corruption scandal, revealing his ______

  1. AOption (a)

    integrity 

  2. BOption (b)

    hypocrisy 

  3. COption (c)

    modesty 

  4. DOption (d)

    generosity 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

integrity 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 8

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Fill in the blank with the appropriate article. 

There was scarcely ______ hope left after multiple failures.

  1. AOption (a)

    a

  2. BOption (b)

    an

  3. COption (c)

    the

  4. DOption (d)

    no article 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

a

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 9

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Fill in the blank with the appropriate article.

Had he possessed _______ foresight to anticipate such eventualities, the entire trajectory of the project might have altered   dramatically.

  1. AOption (a)

    a

  2. BOption (b)

    an

  3. COption (c)

    the

  4. DOption (d)

    no article 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

a

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 10

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Improve the sentence using the correct phrasal verb of the underlined words.

The thieves managed to get off the police during the chase.

  1. AOption (a)

    get away from  

  2. BOption (b)

    get along with 

  3. COption (c)

    get over  

  4. DOption (d)

    get through  

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

get away from  

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 11

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Which of the given options arranges the following sentences in the most logical sequence to form a meaningful paragraph?

  1. Without keystone species, entire ecosystems can collapse, leading to significant biodiversity loss.
  2. The concept of a keystone species was first introduced by ecologist Robert Paine, who studied the effect of removing certain predators from an ecosystem.
  3. Keystone species play a disproportionately large role in maintaining the structure and stability of their ecosystems.
  4. For example, sea otters help regulate sea urchin populations, preventing the destruction of kelp forests.
  5. This idea revolutionized ecology by highlighting how some species have a far greater impact on their environment than others.
  1. AOption (a)

    1-3-2-4-5 

  2. BOption (b)

    3-2-5-4-1

  3. COption (c)

    4-3-2-5-1 

  4. DOption (d)

    5-2-3-1-4 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

1-3-2-4-5 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 12

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word:

FRUGAL

  1. AOption (a)

    Lavish 

  2. BOption (b)

    Thrifty 

  3. COption (c)

    Extravagant 

  4. DOption (d)

    Wasteful 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Lavish 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 13

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word.

Obstinate

  1. AOption (a)

    Adamant 

  2. BOption (b)

    Stubborn  

  3. COption (c)

    Pliable 

  4. DOption (d)

    Headstrong 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Adamant 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 14

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word.

Superfluous

  1. AOption (a)

    Redundant 

  2. BOption (b)

    Unnecessary 

  3. COption (c)

    Essential 

  4. DOption (d)

    Extra 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Redundant 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 15

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word:

INTRANSIGENCE

  1. AOption (a)

    Obedience 

  2. BOption (b)

    Stubbornness 

  3. COption (c)

    Submission 

  4. DOption (d)

    Compliance 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Obedience 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 16

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word:

MELANCHOLY

  1. AOption (a)

    Excitement 

  2. BOption (b)

    Joy 

  3. COption (c)

    Aloof 

  4. DOption (d)

    Sadness

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Excitement 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 17

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the correct meaning of idiom:

Not worth his salt

  1. AOption (a)

    Lacking in courage  

  2. BOption (b)

    Unable to learn 

  3. COption (c)

    Too proud to work 

  4. DOption (d)

    Undeserving of the pay/respect he gets 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Lacking in courage  

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 18

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word.

Propitiate

  1. AOption (a)

    Appease 

  2. BOption (b)

    Mollify 

  3. COption (c)

    Placate 

  4. DOption (d)

    Enrage

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Appease 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 19

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Find the correct spelling of a word that refers to a rule or principle. 

  1. AOption (a)

    Axiom

  2. BOption (b)

    Axion

  3. COption (c)

    Axom

  4. DOption (d)

    Axiome 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Axiom

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 09 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 20

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Which of these is the correct spelling of a term meaning ‘questioning everything’? 

  1. AOption (a)

    Pyrrhonism 

  2. BOption (b)

    Pyrhonism  

  3. COption (c)

    Pyrhhonism 

  4. DOption (d)

    Pirronism 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Pyrrhonism 

Explanation not yet available.
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