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
Showing questions 241–260 of 4100Page 13 of 100
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 241

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the correct option to rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph:

A. Thunder cracked and lightning lit the sky.

B. The child hid under the blanket.

C. Rain lashed against the windows.

D. A soft lullaby calmed her to sleep.

  1. AOption (a)

    ACBD

  2. BOption (b)

    BACD

  3. COption (c)

    ABCD

  4. DOption (d)

    CADB

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

ACBD

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 242

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the correct option to rearrange the following sentences:

A. Hunger drove him into the abandoned house.

B. Inside, shadows danced with the flickering candlelight.

C. Every creak under his foot sounded amplified.

D. But hunger muffled fear for the night.

  1. AOption (a)

    ABCD

  2. BOption (b)

    BACD

  3. COption (c)

    ACBD

  4. DOption (d)

    ADBC

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

ABCD

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 243

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the correct option to rearrange the following sentences:

A. The rules were clear, but the loopholes clearer.

B. Compliance meant obedience; strategy meant survival.

C. He chose the latter without regret.

D. And the system applauded him for it.

  1. AOption (a)

    ABCD

  2. BOption (b)

    BCAD

  3. COption (c)

    ACBD

  4. DOption (d)

    DABC

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

ABCD

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 244

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom 'jump the gun' in the sentence:

You shouldn't jump the gun before getting confirmation.

  1. AOption (a)

    Act too soon.

  2. BOption (b)

    Run faster

  3. COption (c)

    Ask a question

  4. DOption (d)

    Fire a shot

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Act too soon.

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 245

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the meaning of the idiom 'hit the books' in the sentence:

I have exams tomorrow, so I need to hit the books.

  1. AOption (a)

    Go to the library

  2. BOption (b)

    Start studying seriously

  3. COption (c)

    Buy new books

  4. DOption (d)

    Tear the books

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Go to the library

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 246

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the following sentence. If you want to participate in the Olympics, you need to hit the ground running.

  1. AOption (a)

    Started working energetically

  2. BOption (b)

    Took a break

  3. COption (c)

    Made a mistake

  4. DOption (d)

    Fell down

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Started working energetically

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 247

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom 'hit below the belt' in the sentence:

That comment about his family was hitting below the belt.

  1. AOption (a)

    A clever move

  2. BOption (b)

    A fair insult

  3. COption (c)

    An unfair or unethical remark

  4. DOption (d)

    A surprising compliment

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

A clever move

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 248

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the correct indirect speech of the sentence:

He said, "Whoever did this must be held accountable."

  1. AOption (a)

    He said that whoever did it must be held to account.

  2. BOption (b)

    He said that the one who did this must be accounted.

  3. COption (c)

    He said that whoever had done that must be held accountable.

  4. DOption (d)

    He said that whoever did this must have held accountable.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

He said that whoever did it must be held to account.

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 249

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the correct indirect speech of the sentence:

The man said, "Do you not realize how serious this is?"

  1. AOption (a)

    The man asked if I did not realize how serious this was.

  2. BOption (b)

    The man asked me did I not realize how serious it was.

  3. COption (c)

    The man told I don't realize how serious this is.

  4. DOption (d)

    The man asked whether I did realize how serious this is.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

The man asked if I did not realize how serious this was.

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 250

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

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

The scientist explained the phenomenon in layman's language.

  1. AOption (a)

    in the language of layman

  2. BOption (b)

    using ordinary terms

  3. COption (c)

    in layman's terms

  4. DOption (d)

    to ordinary people

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

in the language of layman

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 251

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

A, B, and C together can complete a task in 10 days. A alone takes 20 days, and B alone takes 30 days. How long will C alone take? 

  1. AOption (a)

    40 days

  2. BOption (b)

    45 days

  3. COption (c)

    50 days​

  4. DOption (d)

    60 days

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

40 days

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 252

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

In the following question, a sentence with a blank is given, followed by five words labeled (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5). Choose the word that fill the blank appropriately in the context of the passage.

The invention of the printing press in the 15th century (1) _______, heralding a seismic transformation in the dissemination of knowledge across Europe and beyond. Initially, the technology (2) _______ largely to religious texts, yet within decades, its reach encompassed scientific treatises, political pamphlets, and literary works. The printing press not only democratized access to information but also catalyzed movements such as the Reformation and the Enlightenment, creating (3) palpable shifts in societal structures.

As books became more affordable and literacy rates rose, ideas could traverse borders with unprecedented speed, challenging established authorities and inspiring intellectual revolutions. What had once been the domain of the few now became a vibrant public discourse, reshaping collective

consciousness.

However, the rise of printed material also (4) engendered anxieties among elites, who feared the erosion of traditional hierarchies. Even today, as digital media dominates, the legacy of the printing press (5) _______, underlining the enduring significance of mass communication technologies.

Which tense/form fits best?(1)

  1. AOption (a)

    was marked 

  2. BOption (b)

    marks

  3. COption (c)

    was marking

  4. DOption (d)

    marked

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

was marked 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 253

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

In the following question, a sentence with a blank is given, followed by five words labeled (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5). Choose the word that fill the blank appropriately in the context of the passage.

The invention of the printing press in the 15th century (1) _______, heralding a seismic transformation in the dissemination of knowledge across Europe and beyond. Initially, the technology (2) _______ largely to religious texts, yet within decades, its reach encompassed scientific treatises, political pamphlets, and literary works. The printing press not only democratized access to information but also catalyzed movements such as the Reformation and the Enlightenment, creating (3) palpable shifts in societal structures.

As books became more affordable and literacy rates rose, ideas could traverse borders with unprecedented speed, challenging established authorities and inspiring intellectual revolutions. What had once been the domain of the few now became a vibrant public discourse, reshaping collective

consciousness.

However, the rise of printed material also (4) engendered anxieties among elites, who feared the erosion of traditional hierarchies. Even today, as digital media dominates, the legacy of the printing press (5) _______, underlining the enduring significance of mass communication technologies.

Choose the correct voice/tense carefully :(2)

  1. AOption (a)

    limited

  2. BOption (b)

    had limited

  3. COption (c)

    was limited

  4. DOption (d)

    limits

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

limited

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 254

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

In the following question, a sentence with a blank is given, followed by five words labeled (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5). Choose the word that fill the blank appropriately in the context of the passage.

The invention of the printing press in the 15th century (1) _______, heralding a seismic transformation in the dissemination of knowledge across Europe and beyond. Initially, the technology (2) _______ largely to religious texts, yet within decades, its reach encompassed scientific treatises, political pamphlets, and literary works. The printing press not only democratized access to information but also catalyzed movements such as the Reformation and the Enlightenment, creating (3) palpable shifts in societal structures.

As books became more affordable and literacy rates rose, ideas could traverse borders with unprecedented speed, challenging established authorities and inspiring intellectual revolutions. What had once been the domain of the few now became a vibrant public discourse, reshaping collective

consciousness.

However, the rise of printed material also (4) engendered anxieties among elites, who feared the erosion of traditional hierarchies. Even today, as digital media dominates, the legacy of the printing press (5) _______, underlining the enduring significance of mass communication technologies.

In this context, 'palpable' most nearly means:(3)

  1. AOption (a)

    Invisible

  2. BOption (b)

    Tangible

  3. COption (c)

    Theoretical

  4. DOption (d)

    Diminishing

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Invisible

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 255

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

In the following question, a sentence with a blank is given, followed by five words labeled (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5). Choose the word that fill the blank appropriately in the context of the passage.

The invention of the printing press in the 15th century (1) _______, heralding a seismic transformation in the dissemination of knowledge across Europe and beyond. Initially, the technology (2) _______ largely to religious texts, yet within decades, its reach encompassed scientific treatises, political pamphlets, and literary works. The printing press not only democratized access to information but also catalyzed movements such as the Reformation and the Enlightenment, creating (3) palpable shifts in societal structures.

As books became more affordable and literacy rates rose, ideas could traverse borders with unprecedented speed, challenging established authorities and inspiring intellectual revolutions. What had once been the domain of the few now became a vibrant public discourse, reshaping collective

consciousness.

However, the rise of printed material also (4) engendered anxieties among elites, who feared the erosion of traditional hierarchies. Even today, as digital media dominates, the legacy of the printing press (5) _______, underlining the enduring significance of mass communication technologies.

What does 'engendered' most nearly mean here?(4)

  1. AOption (a)

    Eradicated

  2. BOption (b)

    Concealed

  3. COption (c)

    Generated

  4. DOption (d)

    Challenged

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Eradicated

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 256

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

In the following question, a sentence with a blank is given, followed by five words labeled (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5). Choose the word that fill the blank appropriately in the context of the passage.

The invention of the printing press in the 15th century (1) _______, heralding a seismic transformation in the dissemination of knowledge across Europe and beyond. Initially, the technology (2) _______ largely to religious texts, yet within decades, its reach encompassed scientific treatises, political pamphlets, and literary works. The printing press not only democratized access to information but also catalyzed movements such as the Reformation and the Enlightenment, creating (3) palpable shifts in societal structures.

As books became more affordable and literacy rates rose, ideas could traverse borders with unprecedented speed, challenging established authorities and inspiring intellectual revolutions. What had once been the domain of the few now became a vibrant public discourse, reshaping collective

consciousness.

However, the rise of printed material also (4) engendered anxieties among elites, who feared the erosion of traditional hierarchies. Even today, as digital media dominates, the legacy of the printing press (5) _______, underlining the enduring significance of mass communication technologies.

Which tense/modal suits the idea of continuous influence best?(5)

  1. AOption (a)

    endures

  2. BOption (b)

    endured

  3. COption (c)

    has endured

  4. DOption (d)

    had endured

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

endures

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 257

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 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 258

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Which of the following options, rearrange the given sentences in a proper sequence to make a meaningful passage?

  1. The empire's economy also suffered as the Ottomans lost control over key trade routes, particularly with the rise of maritime

trade routes controlled by European powers. 2. In 19th century, the rise of nationalism within the empire' diverse ethnic groups - Greeks, Serbs, Armenians, Arabs, and others further weakened Ottoman control. 3. The sultans also grew less powerful as the elite bureaucracy became more entrenched, and factionalism within the ruling class created further instability. 4. One of the key factors in the decline of the Ottoman Empire was the weakening of its military forces due to the failure in keeping up with the European military advancements. 5. The final blow came with its involvement in World War I as the Ottomans sided with the Central Powers who badly defeated by the Allies.

  1. AOption (a)

    2-1-3-4-5

  2. BOption (b)

    5-4-2-3-1

  3. COption (c)

    3-2-1-4-5

  4. DOption (d)

    4-1-3-2-5

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

2-1-3-4-5

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 259

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

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

You must not fall out your parents, no matter how angry you are.

  1. AOption (a)

    fall for

  2. BOption (b)

    fall on

  3. COption (c)

    fall out with

  4. DOption (d)

    fall off

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

fall for

Explanation not yet available.
SSC CPO 2025 Official Paper (Held On 11 Dec, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Comprehension
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Question 260

SSC CPO 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Identify the error in the sentence.

The manager motivated his team with a strong believe in their potential.

  1. AOption (a)

    team

  2. BOption (b)

    believe

  3. COption (c)

    potential

  4. DOption (d)

    strong

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

team

Explanation not yet available.

How should I prepare for English Comprehension in SSC CPO?

Solving previous year questions by topic helps identify recurring concepts, question patterns, and frequently asked sub-topics. Attempt each question, review the step-by-step explanation, and note down key formulas or facts for quick revision before the exam.