SSC Stenographer · Topic Collection

English Comprehension PYQs

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

5300 Total Questions53 Official PapersYears: 2017–2025Search in English Comprehension
Showing questions 261–280 of 5300Page 14 of 100
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 261

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

In the following question, the first and the last parts of the sentence/passage are numbered 1 and 6. The rest of the sentence/passage is split into four parts — P, Q, R, and S. These four parts are not given in their proper order. Read the sentence/passage and find the most logical order of the parts between 1 and 6.

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries.

P: It also improves customer service through automation.

Q: In healthcare, it helps in quick diagnosis.

R: Al systems reduce human error in complex calculations.

S: From manufacturing to medicine, its impact is visible. 6. Its future role will only expand.

  1. AOption (a)

    SQRP

  2. BOption (b)

    RSQP

  3. COption (c)

    QPRS

  4. DOption (d)

    QRPS

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

SQRP

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

  • The paragraph begins by introducing the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across industries, then dives into specific applications and benefits.
  • Sentence S is the first sentence as it sets the broader context of AI's impact across various fields:
  • "From manufacturing to medicine, its impact is visible."
  • Sentence Q follows as it highlights AI's significant contribution to healthcare:
  • "In healthcare, it helps in quick diagnosis."
  • Sentence R is the third sentence as it emphasizes AI's role in reducing human error:
  • "AI systems reduce human error in complex calculations."
  • Sentence P is the fourth as it discusses AI's contribution to customer service:
  • "It also improves customer service through automation."
  • The correct sequence is SQRP.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries. From manufacturing to medicine, its impact is visible. In healthcare, it helps in quick diagnosis. AI systems reduce human error in complex calculations. It also improves customer service through automation. Its future role will only expand."

SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 262

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

Rearrange the parts of this sentence:

(A) despite poor rainfall

(B) the farmers

(C) managed to harvest

(D) a good crop

  1. AOption (a)

    BDAC 

  2. BOption (b)

    BADC 

  3. COption (c)

    BACD

  4. DOption (d)

    CBAD 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

BACD

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option (3) i.e. BACD

Key Points

  • The sentence begins with the subject "the farmers," which is correctly indicated by part (B).
  • The next part "despite poor rainfall" (A) provides the context for the farmers' actions.
  • This is followed by "managed to harvest" (C), which describes what the farmers did.
  • The sentence ends with "a good crop" (D), completing the thought.

Therefore, the correct answer is BACD.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1 (BDAC): This arrangement creates an incorrect sequence as "despite poor rainfall" (A) cannot follow "the farmers" (B) directly without context.
  • Option 2 (BADC): This option places "a good crop" (D) before "managed to harvest" (C), disrupting the logical flow of the sentence.
  • Option 4 (CBAD): This option starts with "managed to harvest" (C), which is incomplete without the preceding subject and context.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 263

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in Direct to Indirect Speech.

He said, "Let me do it myself."

  1. AOption (a)

    He asked to do it himself. 

  2. BOption (b)

    He suggested doing it himself. 

  3. COption (c)

    He requested that he do it himself.  

  4. DOption (d)

    He asked to be allowed to do it himself

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

He asked to be allowed to do it himself

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

  • Indirect Speech: He asked to be allowed to do it himself.
  • Key Conversions:
  • "Let me do it myself" becomes "to be allowed to do it himself"
  • The imperative "Let" is converted into a request "to be allowed."
  • Pronoun "me" is changed to "himself" to match the indirect speech perspective.
  • Reporting verb:
  • Indirect: "He asked"
  • Maintains the tone of a polite request.
  • Punctuation and Format:
  • Direct speech is transformed into a clear indirect speech sentence.
  • Quotation marks are removed, and the sentence is reconstructed in indirect speech style.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Correct Sentence: He asked to be allowed to do it himself.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "He asked to do it himself."
  • Missing the idea of being allowed, altering the meaning.
  • Option 2: "He suggested doing it himself."
  • Changes the tone from a request to a suggestion, altering the intent.
  • Option 3: "He requested that he do it himself."
  • Does not fully express the idea of asking permission.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 264

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

Choose the correct sequence to form a meaningful sentence:

(A) the guests

(B) arrived

(C) at the party

(D) early

  1. AOption (a)

    BACD

  2. BOption (b)

    ABDC

  3. COption (c)

    BADC

  4. DOption (d)

    CBAD

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

ABDC

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option (2), i.e**. ABDC.**

Key Points

  • The sentence begins with the action "the guests" which is correctly indicated by part (A).
  • Following the action, "arrived," (B) continues the logical sequence, making it clear who arrived.
  • The next part, "early" adds information about when the guests arrived.(D).
  • Ending with "at the party," (C) completes the sentence by describing where the guests arrived.

Therefore, the correct answer is ABDC.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1 (BACD): This option starts with "arrived the guests early at the party," which is grammatically awkward and disrupts the natural flow of the sentence.
  • Option 3 (BADC): This option starts with "arrived the guests early at the party," which is grammatically incorrect and does not make sense.
  • Option 4 (CBAD): This option starts with "at the party arrived the guests early," which creates a fragmented and confusing sentence structure.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 265

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in Direct to Indirect Speech.

Rita said, "I am happy today."

  1. AOption (a)

    Rita said that she is happy today. 

  2. BOption (b)

    Rita said that she was happy that day

  3. COption (c)

    Rita said that she had been happy that day. 

  4. DOption (d)

    Rita said that she was happy today.  

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Rita said that she was happy that day

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • Indirect Speech: Rita said that she was happy that day.
  • Key Conversions:
  • Pronoun Change:
  • Pronoun "I" in direct speech is converted to "she" in indirect speech, matching the speaker.
  • Tense Change:
  • Present tense "am happy" is converted to past tense "was happy" in indirect speech.
  • Time Reference Change:
  • "Today" in direct speech is changed to "that day" in indirect speech.
  • Punctuation and Format:
  • Direct speech is enclosed in quotation marks.
  • Indirect speech uses "that" for reporting the statement.
  • The sentence structure is adjusted to match the indirect speech format.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: Rita said that she was happy that day.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Rita said that she is happy today.
  • Incorrect tense: "is" should be changed to "was" when converting to indirect speech.
  • Option 3: Rita said that she had been happy that day.
  • Incorrect tense: "had been" implies a different context or earlier timeframe.
  • Option 4: Rita said that she was happy today.
  • Incorrect time reference: "today" should be changed to "that day" in indirect speech.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 266

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in Direct to Indirect Speech.

He said, "I may go there.”

  1. AOption (a)

    He said that he would go there. 

  2. BOption (b)

    He said that he goes there.  

  3. COption (c)

    He said that he might go there 

  4. DOption (d)

    He said that he may go there. 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

He said that he might go there 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • Indirect Speech: He said that he might go there.
  • Key Conversions:
  • "may" becomes "might" in indirect speech:
  • The modal verb "may" in direct speech changes to "might" when converting to indirect speech to reflect a change in tense.
  • Pronouns remain unchanged:
  • The subject pronoun "I" from direct speech is converted to "he" in indirect speech, matching the speaker.
  • Reporting verb:
  • "He said" is used as the reporting clause in both direct and indirect speech.
  • Punctuation and Format:
  • Direct speech is enclosed in quotation marks.
  • Indirect speech removes quotation marks and adjusts verb tense.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence: "He said that he might go there."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "He said that he would go there."
  • Incorrect modal verb conversion: "may" should change to "might," not "would."
  • Option 2: "He said that he goes there."
  • Incorrect tense: "may" indicates possibility, while "goes" indicates habitual action, altering the meaning.
  • Option 4: "He said that he may go there."
  • Incorrect tense: "may" should change to "might" in indirect speech.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 267

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

Select the most appropriate homonym.

The diver reached the sea bed.

  1. AOption (a)

    Mattress  

  2. BOption (b)

    bottom

  3. COption (c)

    Rest

  4. DOption (d)

    Chain

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

bottom

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 2 (bottom).

Key Points

  • The word "bed" in this context refers to the bottom layer or surface of the sea, river, or any water body. (समुद्र/नदी का तल)
  • Example: The archaeologists discovered ancient artifacts on the river bed.
  • "bottom" is the correct synonym of "bed" in this context. It refers to the lowest part or surface of something, like the sea. (तल)
  • Example: The shipwreck was found at the bottom of the ocean.
  • Hence, the most appropriate homonym for "bed" in this sentence is 'bottom'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2 (bottom).

Additional Information

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

  • Mattress (गद्दा): A large, thick pad used for sleeping on.
  • Example: She bought a new mattress for her bedroom.
  • Rest (आराम): To relax or refresh oneself after exertion.
  • Example: After a long day at work, I need some rest.
  • Chain (जंजीर): A series of linked metal rings or connected items.
  • Example: The chain on the bicycle broke while he was riding.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 268

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

In the following question, the first and the last parts of the sentence/passage are numbered 1 and 6. The rest of the sentence/passage is split into four parts — P, Q, R, and S. These four parts are not given in their proper order. Read the sentence/passage and find the most logical order of the parts between 1 and 6.

The invention of the telescope changed astronomy.

P: Scientists could observe distant galaxies.

Q: They discovered stars not visible to the naked eye.

R: Earlier, knowledge was limited to nearby celestial bodies.

S: The new tool opened a whole new universe. 6. Astronomy became a precise science.

  1. AOption (a)

    SRPQ

  2. BOption (b)

    PQRS

  3. COption (c)

    RPSQ

  4. DOption (d)

    RSPQ

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

RPSQ

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • The paragraph begins with the invention of the telescope, which revolutionized astronomy.
  • Sentence R comes first as it highlights the earlier state of knowledge:
  • "Earlier, knowledge was limited to nearby celestial bodies."
  • Sentence P follows as it explains how the telescope allowed scientists to observe distant galaxies:
  • "Scientists could observe distant galaxies."
  • Sentence S comes next as it emphasizes the transformative impact of the new tool:
  • "The new tool opened a whole new universe."
  • Sentence Q concludes by mentioning the discovery of stars not visible to the naked eye:
  • "They discovered stars not visible to the naked eye."
  • The correct sequence is RPSQ.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Earlier, knowledge was limited to nearby celestial bodies. Scientists could observe distant galaxies. The new tool opened a whole new universe. They discovered stars not visible to the naked eye."

SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 269

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

Choose the one which can be substituted for the given sentence.

One who studies the evolution of mankind

  1. AOption (a)

    Archaeologist  

  2. BOption (b)

    Sociologist  

  3. COption (c)

    Anthropologist

  4. DOption (d)

    Philologitst

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Anthropologist

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. Anthropologist.

Key Points

  • The word "Anthropologist" refers to a person who studies the origin, development, and evolution of mankind, including physical, social, and cultural aspects. (मानवशास्त्री)
  • Example: The anthropologist spent years studying the tribal culture of the Amazon rainforest.
  • Hence, the correct word for someone who studies the evolution of mankind is Anthropologist.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3.

Additional Information

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

  • Archaeologist (पुरातत्त्ववेत्ता): A person who studies human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and analysis of physical remains.
  • Example: The archaeologist discovered a Roman coin at the excavation site.
  • Sociologist (समाजशास्त्री): A person who studies the development, structure, and functioning of human society.
  • Example: The sociologist conducted a survey to understand the behavior of urban communities.
  • Philologist (भाषाशास्त्री): A person who studies language in written historical sources; a linguist.
  • Example: The philologist analyzed ancient manuscripts to learn about extinct languages.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 270

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

In the following question, the first and the last parts of the sentence/passage are numbered 1 and 6. The rest of the sentence/passage is split into four parts — P, Q, R, and S. These four parts are not given in their proper order. Read the sentence/passage and find the most logical order of the parts between 1 and 6.

The invention of the wheel changed the world.

P: Transport became easier.

Q: Machines could now be built.

R: Travel became faster.

S. Roads improved quickly. 6. It was a great invention.

  1. AOption (a)

    PRQS

  2. BOption (b)

    PRSQ

  3. COption (c)

    PQRS

  4. DOption (d)

    PSRQ

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

PRSQ

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • The paragraph starts with the invention of the wheel, which dramatically changed the world.
  • Sentence P comes first as it logically follows the invention of the wheel, stating how transport became easier:
  • "Transport became easier."
  • Sentence R follows as it elaborates on the impact of transport, mentioning faster travel:
  • "Travel became faster."
  • Sentence S comes next as it discusses the improvement of roads, which is a logical consequence of enhanced transport and travel:
  • "Roads improved quickly."
  • Sentence Q concludes as it introduces the broader technological impact, mentioning the construction of machines:
  • "Machines could now be built."
  • The correct sequence is PRSQ.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"The invention of the wheel changed the world. Transport became easier. Travel became faster. Roads improved quickly. Machines could now be built. It was a great invention."

SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 271

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

Please switch ___ the lights.

  1. AOption (a)

    down 

  2. BOption (b)

    up

  3. COption (c)

    over

  4. DOption (d)

    off

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

off

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'off'.

 

Key Points

  • The verb "switch off" is commonly used to indicate turning off an electrical device, such as lights.
  • The other options do not fit the context of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Complete Sentence: "Please switch off the lights."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "down" is incorrect because it does not indicate the action of turning off lights.
  • Option 2: "up" is incorrect because it typically refers to turning something on or increasing brightness, not turning off.
  • Option 3: "over" is incorrect because it does not fit the context of switching off lights.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 272

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

Choose the one which can be substituted for the given sentence.

A place where wild animals are kept

  1. AOption (a)

    Abattoir

  2. BOption (b)

    Aquarium

  3. COption (c)

    zoo

  4. DOption (d)

    Aviary

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

zoo

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Zoo.

Key Points

  • "Zoo" refers to a place where wild animals are kept for public display, education, and conservation purposes. (चिड़ियाघर)
    • Example: The children were excited to see lions and elephants at the zoo.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Zoo.

Additional Information

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

  • Abattoir (कसाईखाना): A place where animals are slaughtered for food.
  • Example: The abattoir was inspected by health officials to ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Aquarium (जलजीवालय): A tank or building where aquatic animals and plants are kept for display.
  • Example: The aquarium features colorful fish, turtles, and coral reefs.
  • Aviary (पक्षीशाला): A large enclosure for housing birds.
  • Example: The aviary in the garden has parrots, peacocks, and sparrows.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 273

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

The witness was reluctant to part ____ vital information.

  1. AOption (a)

    by

  2. BOption (b)

    of

  3. COption (c)

    with

  4. DOption (d)

    from

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

with

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'with'.

 

Key Points

  • The preposition "with" is used when referring to the act of parting or separating from something.
  • In the context of the sentence, the witness was hesitant to part with vital information, indicating reluctance in sharing or giving up something.
  • Options 1, 2, and 4 are grammatically incorrect and do not fit the context.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Complete Sentence: "The witness was reluctant to part with vital information."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "by" is incorrect because "part by" does not convey the intended meaning in this context.
  • Option 2: "of" is incorrect because "part of" implies belonging to something, which does not fit the sentence.
  • Option 4: "from" is incorrect because "part from" is not appropriate when referring to reluctance in sharing information.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 274

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

Transform the following sentence into active voice.

The tree was felled by the farmer.

  1. AOption (a)

    The farmer has felled the tree. 

  2. BOption (b)

    The farmer fell from the tree.  

  3. COption (c)

    The farmer fell the tree. 

  4. DOption (d)

    The farmer felled the tree

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

The farmer felled the tree

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

  • Active voice structure: The subject performs the action, and the object receives the action.
  • In the passive voice, the sentence is: "The tree was felled by the farmer."
  • To convert to active voice: Place the original subject "the farmer" at the beginning.
  • Change the passive verb form "was felled" to "felled" (simple past active).
  • Ensure the object "the tree" follows the verb to complete the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Correct Sentence: "The farmer felled the tree."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "The farmer has felled the tree." – Incorrect tense (present perfect).
  • Option 2: "The farmer fell from the tree." – Incorrect meaning (refers to the farmer falling).
  • Option 3: "The farmer fell the tree." – Incorrect verb form.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 275

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

What does the idiom ‘To have the last laugh’ mean? 

  1. AOption (a)

    Succeed eventually 

  2. BOption (b)

    Fail hopelessly 

  3. COption (c)

    Be mocked  

  4. DOption (d)

    Stay indifferent 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Succeed eventually 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. Succeed eventually.

Key Points

  • The idiom "To have the last laugh" means to ultimately be successful or win in a situation, especially after others doubted or mocked you. (आखिर में जीतना)
  • Example: Everyone thought she wouldn’t succeed, but she had the last laugh when her business became a huge success.
  • Succeed means to achieve what you set out to do or accomplish a goal. (सफल होना)
  • Example: After years of hard work, he finally succeeded in getting his dream job.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Succeed eventually.

Additional Information

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

  • Fail hopelessly (बुरी तरह असफल होना): To completely and utterly fail at something.
  • Example: Despite his best efforts, he failed hopelessly at convincing the board to approve his proposal.
  • Be mocked (मजाक उड़ाया जाना): To be ridiculed or laughed at by others.
  • Example: He was mocked by his classmates for his unusual ideas.
  • Stay indifferent (उदासीन रहना): To remain neutral or unaffected by something.
  • Example: She stayed indifferent to the criticism and continued with her work.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 276

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

Arrange the sentence parts:

(A) invited

(B) to the event

(C) many guests

(D) were

  1. AOption (a)

    DABC

  2. BOption (b)

    DCAB

  3. COption (c)

    CDAB

  4. DOption (d)

    DACB

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

CDAB

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3 i.e. CDAB

Key Points

  • The sentence begins with the subject "many guests", correctly indicated by part (C).
  • The verb "were" (part D) follows the subject to form the basic structure of the sentence.
  • "invited" (part A) completes the predicate, indicating the action done to the subject.
  • The prepositional phrase "to the event" (part B) provides additional information about the action.

Therefore, the correct answer is CDAB.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1 (DABC): Incorrect because placing "invited" before "many guests" disrupts the subject-verb order.
  • Option 2 (DCAB): Incorrect because "to the event" appears too early, making the sentence grammatically awkward.
  • Option 4 (DACB): Incorrect because the verb "were" comes after "many guests". It can't start with 'were' hence it disturbs the sentence flow.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 277

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

In the following question, the first and the last parts of the sentence/passage are numbered 1 and 6. The rest of the sentence/passage is split into four parts — P, Q, R, and S. These four parts are not given in their proper order. Read the sentence/passage and find the most logical order of the parts between 1 and 6.

Recycling helps in environmental protection.

P: It reduces the amount of waste in landfills.

Q: Recycling paper saves trees and water.

R: It also cuts down pollution caused by burning waste.

S: But awareness among people is still low. 6. Public campaigns can improve participation.

  1. AOption (a)

    QPRS

  2. BOption (b)

    PQRS

  3. COption (c)

    QRSP

  4. DOption (d)

    PRSQ

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

PRSQ

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

  • Recycling helps in environmental protection by addressing waste management and reducing pollution.
  • Sentence P is the first sentence as it highlights the primary benefit of recycling:
  • "It reduces the amount of waste in landfills."
  • Sentence R follows as it expands on the environmental benefits:
  • "It also cuts down pollution caused by burning waste."
  • Sentence S is the third sentence because it addresses the challenge of awareness:
  • "But awareness among people is still low."
  • Sentence Q is the fourth as it provides specific examples of recycling benefits:
  • "Recycling paper saves trees and water."
  • The correct sequence is PRSQ.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Recycling helps in environmental protection. It reduces the amount of waste in landfills. It also cuts down pollution caused by burning waste. But awareness among people is still low. Recycling paper saves trees and water. Public campaigns can improve participation."

SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 278

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

Arrange the sentence parts:

(A) after the meeting

(B) the team members

(C) went

(D) to a restaurant

  1. AOption (a)

    CBDA

  2. BOption (b)

    BADC

  3. COption (c)

    BCAD

  4. DOption (d)

    BACD

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

BACD

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 4 i.e. BACD

 

Key Points

  • The sentence begins with the subject "the team members", correctly indicated by part (B).
  • The time phrase "after the meeting" (part A) is placed immediately after the subject to indicate when the action occurred.
  • The verb "went" (part C) follows the subject and time phrase to show the action.
  • The prepositional phrase "to a restaurant" (part D) indicates the destination, completing the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is BACD.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1 (CBDA): Incorrect because the sentence cannot start with the verb "went" in this context.
  • Option 2 (BADC): Incorrect because placing the destination "to a restaurant" before the verb "went" disrupts natural sentence flow.
  • Option 3 (BCAD): Incorrect because putting "after the meeting" after the verb "went" changes the standard placement of time phrases in English sentences.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 279

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

Select the correct passive form of the given sentence.

"We may have misunderstood the instructions."

  1. AOption (a)

    The instructions may be misunderstood. 

  2. BOption (b)

    The instructions are being misunderstood. 

  3. COption (c)

    The instructions may have misunderstood. 

  4. DOption (d)

    The instructions may have been misunderstood.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

The instructions may have been misunderstood.

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: "We may have misunderstood the instructions."
  • To convert to passive voice: Place the object "the instructions" at the beginning.
  • Change the active verb form "may have misunderstood" to "may have been misunderstood" (present perfect passive form).
  • Ensure the modal verb "may" remains unchanged in the passive voice sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Correct Sentence: "The instructions may have been misunderstood."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "The instructions may be misunderstood." – Incorrect tense (present modal passive).
  • Option 2: "The instructions are being misunderstood." – Incorrect aspect (present continuous passive).
  • Option 3: "The instructions may have misunderstood." – Grammatically incorrect (missing passive construction).
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 06 Aug, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
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Question 280

SSC Stenographer 2025• English Language and Comprehension• English Language and Comprehension

Select the synonym of Loathe.

  1. AOption (a)

    Accept

  2. BOption (b)

    Like

  3. COption (c)

    Hate

  4. DOption (d)

    Love

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Hate

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Hate.

Key Points

  • The word "Loathe" means to feel intense dislike or disgust for something or someone. (घृणा करना)
  • Example: She loathes waking up early on weekends.
  • "Hate" refers to a strong feeling of dislike or aversion toward someone or something. It is a synonym of "loathe." (नफरत करना)
  • Example: He hates being stuck in traffic for hours.
  • Hence, the word "Hate" is the correct synonym for "Loathe."

Therefore, the correct answer is: Hate.

Additional Information

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

  • Accept (स्वीकार करना): To agree to take or receive something willingly.
  • Example: She accepted the job offer with enthusiasm.
  • Like (पसंद करना): To find something agreeable or enjoyable.
  • Example: I like listening to music in my free time.
  • Love (प्यार करना): A deep affection or strong liking for someone or something.
  • Example: They love spending time together as a family.

How should I prepare for English Comprehension in SSC Stenographer?

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.