SSC Selection Post · Topic Collection

English Comprehension PYQs

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

2975 Total Questions119 Official PapersYears: 2019–2025Search in English Comprehension
Showing questions 1521–1540 of 2975Page 77 of 100
SSC Selection Post Graduation Level Official Paper (Held On: 27 June, 2023 Shift 4) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1521

SSC Selection Post 2023• English Language• English Language

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows. 

When the dance had finished, Odysseus stood, his voice raised for all to hear. “We are truly honoured by your performance; not everyone can say that they have seen the dancers of Scyros. As tokens of our admiration we have brought gifts for you and your king.” A murmur of excitement. Luxuries did not come often to Scyros; no one here had the money to buy them.

You are too kind.” Lycomedes’ face was flushed with genuine pleasure; he had not expected this generosity. The servants brought trunks forth at Odysseus’ signal and began unloading them on the long tables. I saw the glitter of silver, the shine of glass and gems.

All of us, men and women both, leaned towards them, eager to see.

‘Please, take what you like,’ Odysseus said. The girls moved swiftly to the tables, and I watched them fingering the bright trinkets: perfumes in delicate glass bottles stoppered with a bit of wax; mirrors with carved ivory for handles; bracelets of twisted gold; ribbons, dyed deep in purples and reds. Among these were a few things I assumed were meant for Lycomedes and his counsellors: leather-bound shields, carved spear hafts, and silvered swords with supple kidskin sheathes. Lycomedes’ eyes had caught on one of these, like a fish snagged by a line. Odysseus stood near, presiding benevolently. 

Achilles kept to the back, drifting slowly along the table. He paused to dab some perfume on his slender wrists, stroke the smooth handle of a mirror. He lingered a moment over a pair of earrings, blue stones set in silver wire.

A movement at the far end of the hall caught my eye. Diomedes had crossed the chamber and was speaking with one of his servants, who nodded and left through the large double doors. Whatever it was could not be important; Diomedes seemed half-asleep, his eyes heavy-lidded and bored. 

I looked back to Achilles. He was holding the earrings up to his ears now, turning them this way and that, pursing his lips, playing at girlishness. It amused him, and the corner of his mouth curved up. His eyes flicked around the hall, catching for a moment on my face. I could not help myself. I smiled.

“He was holding the earrings up to his ears now, turning them this way and that, pursing his lips, playing at girlishness.”

What do you infer as the most probable reason for Achilles’ behaviour?

  1. AOption (a)

    Achilles was selecting an ideal gift for Lycomedes. 

  2. BOption (b)

    Achilles was in charge of selecting the best accessories for war.

  3. COption (c)

    Achilles was in a woman’s disguise and was playing his part. 

  4. DOption (d)

    Achilles was playing the part of an ideal host.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Achilles was selecting an ideal gift for Lycomedes. 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Graduation Level Official Paper (Held On: 27 June, 2023 Shift 4) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1522

SSC Selection Post 2023• English Language• English Language

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows. 

When the dance had finished, Odysseus stood, his voice raised for all to hear. “We are truly honoured by your performance; not everyone can say that they have seen the dancers of Scyros. As tokens of our admiration we have brought gifts for you and your king.” A murmur of excitement. Luxuries did not come often to Scyros; no one here had the money to buy them.

You are too kind.” Lycomedes’ face was flushed with genuine pleasure; he had not expected this generosity. The servants brought trunks forth at Odysseus’ signal and began unloading them on the long tables. I saw the glitter of silver, the shine of glass and gems.

All of us, men and women both, leaned towards them, eager to see.

‘Please, take what you like,’ Odysseus said. The girls moved swiftly to the tables, and I watched them fingering the bright trinkets: perfumes in delicate glass bottles stoppered with a bit of wax; mirrors with carved ivory for handles; bracelets of twisted gold; ribbons, dyed deep in purples and reds. Among these were a few things I assumed were meant for Lycomedes and his counsellors: leather-bound shields, carved spear hafts, and silvered swords with supple kidskin sheathes. Lycomedes’ eyes had caught on one of these, like a fish snagged by a line. Odysseus stood near, presiding benevolently. 

Achilles kept to the back, drifting slowly along the table. He paused to dab some perfume on his slender wrists, stroke the smooth handle of a mirror. He lingered a moment over a pair of earrings, blue stones set in silver wire.

A movement at the far end of the hall caught my eye. Diomedes had crossed the chamber and was speaking with one of his servants, who nodded and left through the large double doors. Whatever it was could not be important; Diomedes seemed half-asleep, his eyes heavy-lidded and bored. 

I looked back to Achilles. He was holding the earrings up to his ears now, turning them this way and that, pursing his lips, playing at girlishness. It amused him, and the corner of his mouth curved up. His eyes flicked around the hall, catching for a moment on my face. I could not help myself. I smiled.

Why was Odysseus distributing the gifts?

  1. AOption (a)

    Because he was very generous and wanted to help the people of Scyros who could not afford such gifts. 

  2. BOption (b)

    Because he knew Achilles’ fascination for jewellery and wanted to gift him earrings and other ornaments. 

  3. COption (c)

    Because he was pleased after witnessing the performance of the dancers of Scyros.

  4. DOption (d)

    Because he wanted to take Lycomedes to war and had come to gift him swords and shields. 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Because he was very generous and wanted to help the people of Scyros who could not afford such gifts. 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Graduation Level Official Paper (Held On: 27 June, 2023 Shift 4) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 1523

SSC Selection Post 2023• English Language• English Language

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows. 

When the dance had finished, Odysseus stood, his voice raised for all to hear. “We are truly honoured by your performance; not everyone can say that they have seen the dancers of Scyros. As tokens of our admiration we have brought gifts for you and your king.” A murmur of excitement. Luxuries did not come often to Scyros; no one here had the money to buy them.

You are too kind.” Lycomedes’ face was flushed with genuine pleasure; he had not expected this generosity. The servants brought trunks forth at Odysseus’ signal and began unloading them on the long tables. I saw the glitter of silver, the shine of glass and gems.

All of us, men and women both, leaned towards them, eager to see.

‘Please, take what you like,’ Odysseus said. The girls moved swiftly to the tables, and I watched them fingering the bright trinkets: perfumes in delicate glass bottles stoppered with a bit of wax; mirrors with carved ivory for handles; bracelets of twisted gold; ribbons, dyed deep in purples and reds. Among these were a few things I assumed were meant for Lycomedes and his counsellors: leather-bound shields, carved spear hafts, and silvered swords with supple kidskin sheathes. Lycomedes’ eyes had caught on one of these, like a fish snagged by a line. Odysseus stood near, presiding benevolently. 

Achilles kept to the back, drifting slowly along the table. He paused to dab some perfume on his slender wrists, stroke the smooth handle of a mirror. He lingered a moment over a pair of earrings, blue stones set in silver wire.

A movement at the far end of the hall caught my eye. Diomedes had crossed the chamber and was speaking with one of his servants, who nodded and left through the large double doors. Whatever it was could not be important; Diomedes seemed half-asleep, his eyes heavy-lidded and bored. 

I looked back to Achilles. He was holding the earrings up to his ears now, turning them this way and that, pursing his lips, playing at girlishness. It amused him, and the corner of his mouth curved up. His eyes flicked around the hall, catching for a moment on my face. I could not help myself. I smiled.

“Lycomedes’ eyes had caught on one of these, like a fish snagged by a line.” What can be inferred from this statement?

  1. AOption (a)

    He was attracted to the unique looking sword which looked like a fishing line with a hook. 

  2. BOption (b)

    Being a warrior, he was attracted to the sword and all the more since he could not afford one like that on his own.

  3. COption (c)

    He was very cunning and wanted to take the shields and swords in order to fight Odysseus later on.

  4. DOption (d)

    He was a greedy man and wanted to take the best gifts for himself without sharing anything with others.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

He was attracted to the unique looking sword which looked like a fishing line with a hook. 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Graduation Level Official Paper (Held On: 27 June, 2023 Shift 4) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 1524

SSC Selection Post 2023• English Language• English Language

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows. 

When the dance had finished, Odysseus stood, his voice raised for all to hear. “We are truly honoured by your performance; not everyone can say that they have seen the dancers of Scyros. As tokens of our admiration we have brought gifts for you and your king.” A murmur of excitement. Luxuries did not come often to Scyros; no one here had the money to buy them.

You are too kind.” Lycomedes’ face was flushed with genuine pleasure; he had not expected this generosity. The servants brought trunks forth at Odysseus’ signal and began unloading them on the long tables. I saw the glitter of silver, the shine of glass and gems.

All of us, men and women both, leaned towards them, eager to see.

‘Please, take what you like,’ Odysseus said. The girls moved swiftly to the tables, and I watched them fingering the bright trinkets: perfumes in delicate glass bottles stoppered with a bit of wax; mirrors with carved ivory for handles; bracelets of twisted gold; ribbons, dyed deep in purples and reds. Among these were a few things I assumed were meant for Lycomedes and his counsellors: leather-bound shields, carved spear hafts, and silvered swords with supple kidskin sheathes. Lycomedes’ eyes had caught on one of these, like a fish snagged by a line. Odysseus stood near, presiding benevolently. 

Achilles kept to the back, drifting slowly along the table. He paused to dab some perfume on his slender wrists, stroke the smooth handle of a mirror. He lingered a moment over a pair of earrings, blue stones set in silver wire.

A movement at the far end of the hall caught my eye. Diomedes had crossed the chamber and was speaking with one of his servants, who nodded and left through the large double doors. Whatever it was could not be important; Diomedes seemed half-asleep, his eyes heavy-lidded and bored. 

I looked back to Achilles. He was holding the earrings up to his ears now, turning them this way and that, pursing his lips, playing at girlishness. It amused him, and the corner of his mouth curved up. His eyes flicked around the hall, catching for a moment on my face. I could not help myself. I smiled.

What is the passage based upon?

  1. AOption (a)

    A palace scene where the king and his counsellors are deciding to give gifts to the poor people who had just completed their dance performance in front of everyone.

  2. BOption (b)

    A palace scene where the king is distributing gifts to the performers who are very poor and cannot afford to buy such gifts on their own. 

  3. COption (c)

    A palace scene where a dance performance is taking place and thereafter, gifts are distributed to the performers and their selecting the trinkets are described. 

  4. DOption (d)

    A palace scene where gifts are being distributed after a dance performance and detailed descriptions of the gifts and the way that people are choosing them are presented.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

A palace scene where the king and his counsellors are deciding to give gifts to the poor people who had just completed their dance performance in front of everyone.

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Graduation Level Official Paper (Held On: 27 June, 2023 Shift 4) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1525

SSC Selection Post 2023• English Language• English Language

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

On cloud nine

  1. AOption (a)

    To be extremely cautious 

  2. BOption (b)

    To be extremely happy

  3. COption (c)

    To be extremely shaky

  4. DOption (d)

    To be extremely sad 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

To be extremely cautious 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Matric Level Official Paper (Held on: 5 Aug 2022 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1526

SSC Selection Post 2022• English Language• English Language

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice.

Nirmala scored forty runs in the school cricket match.

  1. AOption (a)

    Forty runs scored by Nirmala in the school cricket match. 

  2. BOption (b)

    Forty runs was being scored by Nirmala in the school cricket match.

  3. COption (c)

    Forty runs had been scored by Nirmala in the school cricket match. 

  4. DOption (d)

    Forty runs were scored by Nirmala in the school cricket match.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Forty runs scored by Nirmala in the school cricket match. 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Matric Level Official Paper (Held on: 5 Aug 2022 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1527

SSC Selection Post 2022• English Language• English Language

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

During our recent visit to Delhi during the COVID lockdown, we were shocked to find that the railway station was _________ crowded.

  1. AOption (a)

    heavily

  2. BOption (b)

    generally

  3. COption (c)

    vehemently 

  4. DOption (d)

    surprisingly

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

heavily

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Matric Level Official Paper (Held on: 5 Aug 2022 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1528

SSC Selection Post 2022• English Language• English Language

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in active voice.

The files were being cleared by Shilpa as per the principal’s instructions.

  1. AOption (a)

    Shilpa can be clearing the files as per the principal’s instructions.

  2. BOption (b)

    Shilpa were clearing the files as per the Principal’s instructions.

  3. COption (c)

    Shilpa has cleared the files as per the principal’s instructions.

  4. DOption (d)

    Shilpa was clearing the files as per the principal’s instructions.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Shilpa can be clearing the files as per the principal’s instructions.

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Matric Level Official Paper (Held on: 5 Aug 2022 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1529

SSC Selection Post 2022• English Language• English Language

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Under the weather

  1. AOption (a)

    Having bad weather

  2. BOption (b)

    Having good weather

  3. COption (c)

    Rainy and cloudy weather

  4. DOption (d)

    Feeling sick

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Having bad weather

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Matric Level Official Paper (Held on: 5 Aug 2022 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1530

SSC Selection Post 2022• English Language• English Language

Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word. 

  1. AOption (a)

    Duly  

  2. BOption (b)

    Sadly

  3. COption (c)

    Wholy

  4. DOption (d)

    Truly  

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Duly  

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Matric Level Official Paper (Held on: 5 Aug 2022 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1531

SSC Selection Post 2022• English Language• English Language

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Honey bees, also known as Apis mellifera, are an important part of the ecosystem (1)__________ us. However, they are constantly exposed to many (2). They are particularly (3)_______ to diseases and parasites because they live in colonies. Once a member of the colony gets infected, it is very easy for the disease to (4). This is why honeybees have some (5)____________ behaviours to help them fight infections.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.

  1. AOption (a)

    across

  2. BOption (b)

    prior to

  3. COption (c)

    within

  4. DOption (d)

    around

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

across

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Matric Level Official Paper (Held on: 5 Aug 2022 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1532

SSC Selection Post 2022• English Language• English Language

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Honey bees, also known as Apis mellifera, are an important part of the ecosystem (1)__________ us. However, they are constantly exposed to many (2). They are particularly (3)_______ to diseases and parasites because they live in colonies. Once a member of the colony gets infected, it is very easy for the disease to (4). This is why honeybees have some (5)____________ behaviours to help them fight infections.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.

  1. AOption (a)

    tasks

  2. BOption (b)

    threats

  3. COption (c)

    elements

  4. DOption (d)

    sunrays

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

tasks

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Matric Level Official Paper (Held on: 5 Aug 2022 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1533

SSC Selection Post 2022• English Language• English Language

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Honey bees, also known as Apis mellifera, are an important part of the ecosystem (1)__________ us. However, they are constantly exposed to many (2). They are particularly (3)_______ to diseases and parasites because they live in colonies. Once a member of the colony gets infected, it is very easy for the disease to (4). This is why honeybees have some (5)____________ behaviours to help them fight infections.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3. 

  1. AOption (a)

    dissimilar

  2. BOption (b)

    contrary

  3. COption (c)

    vulnerable

  4. DOption (d)

    insensible

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

dissimilar

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Matric Level Official Paper (Held on: 5 Aug 2022 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1534

SSC Selection Post 2022• English Language• English Language

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Honey bees, also known as Apis mellifera, are an important part of the ecosystem (1)__________ us. However, they are constantly exposed to many (2). They are particularly (3)_______ to diseases and parasites because they live in colonies. Once a member of the colony gets infected, it is very easy for the disease to (4). This is why honeybees have some (5)____________ behaviours to help them fight infections.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4. 

  1. AOption (a)

    spread

  2. BOption (b)

    originate

  3. COption (c)

    convert

  4. DOption (d)

    dominate

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

spread

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Matric Level Official Paper (Held on: 5 Aug 2022 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1535

SSC Selection Post 2022• English Language• English Language

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Honey bees, also known as Apis mellifera, are an important part of the ecosystem (1)__________ us. However, they are constantly exposed to many (2). They are particularly (3)_______ to diseases and parasites because they live in colonies. Once a member of the colony gets infected, it is very easy for the disease to (4). This is why honeybees have some (5)____________ behaviours to help them fight infections.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5. 

  1. AOption (a)

    offensive

  2. BOption (b)

    specific

  3. COption (c)

    overt

  4. DOption (d)

    voluntary

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

offensive

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Matric Level Official Paper (Held on: 5 Aug 2022 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1536

SSC Selection Post 2022• English Language• English Language

Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.

CONQUER

  1. AOption (a)

    surrender

  2. BOption (b)

    crush 

  3. COption (c)

    subdue

  4. DOption (d)

    overthrow 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

surrender

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Matric Level Official Paper (Held on: 5 Aug 2022 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1537

SSC Selection Post 2022• English Language• English Language

Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.

  1. AOption (a)

    Believe  

  2. BOption (b)

    Sieze

  3. COption (c)

    Receive

  4. DOption (d)

    Relieve  

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Believe  

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Matric Level Official Paper (Held on: 5 Aug 2022 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1538

SSC Selection Post 2022• English Language• English Language

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.

A meal that is usually taken late in the morning that combines a late breakfast and an early lunch

  1. AOption (a)

    Snacks

  2. BOption (b)

    Brunch

  3. COption (c)

    Breakfast 

  4. DOption (d)

    Lunch

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Snacks

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Matric Level Official Paper (Held on: 5 Aug 2022 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1539

SSC Selection Post 2022• English Language• English Language

Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.

  1. AOption (a)

    Causmetic 

  2. BOption (b)

    Turmeric

  3. COption (c)

    Detergent

  4. DOption (d)

    Playful

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Causmetic 

Explanation not yet available.
SSC Selection Post Matric Level Official Paper (Held on: 5 Aug 2022 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1540

SSC Selection Post 2022• English Language• English Language

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Pull yourself together

  1. AOption (a)

    Pull your hair

  2. BOption (b)

    Pull your clothes

  3. COption (c)

    Calm down

  4. DOption (d)

    Stand by your opinion

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Pull your hair

Explanation not yet available.

How should I prepare for English Comprehension in SSC Selection Post?

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.