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 721–740 of 5300Page 37 of 100
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 721

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

Find the incorrect part of the sentence:

I have visited Agra last month.

  1. AOption (a)

    have visited

  2. BOption (b)

    No error

  3. COption (c)

    last month

  4. DOption (d)

    Agra

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

have visited

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence contains a tense inconsistency. The phrase "have visited" is in the present perfect tense.
  • However, the time marker "last month" refers to a specific time in the past.
  • The present perfect tense is not used with specific time markers like "last month," "yesterday," etc.
  • The correct verb form should be the simple past tense "visited."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Correct Sentence: "I visited Agra last month."

SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 722

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

Choose the antonym of 'candid':

  1. AOption (a)

    Deceitful

  2. BOption (b)

    Blunt

  3. COption (c)

    Honest

  4. DOption (d)

    Frank

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Deceitful

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Deceitful.

Key Points

  • The word "Candid" means being truthful, straightforward, and open in expressing one's thoughts or feelings. (ईमानदार, स्पष्ट)
  • Example: She gave a candid account of her experiences during the meeting.
  • "Deceitful" refers to being dishonest, misleading, or not truthful. It is the opposite of being candid. (छलपूर्ण, धोखेबाज़)
  • Example: His deceitful behavior caused mistrust among his colleagues.
  • Hence, the antonym of 'candid' is 'deceitful'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Deceitful.

Additional Information

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

  • Blunt (स्पष्टवादी): Refers to being straightforward or direct, often without concern for tact or politeness.
  • Example: He was blunt in expressing his opinion, which upset some people.
  • Honest (ईमानदार): Refers to being truthful and sincere, similar to 'candid.'
  • Example: An honest person always speaks the truth regardless of the situation.
  • Frank (स्पष्ट): Refers to being open and sincere in speech or expression, similar to 'candid.'
  • Example: She was frank about her feelings regarding the project.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 723

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

Arrange the sentence parts:

(A) the painter

(B) has completed

(C) the mural

(D) beautifully

  1. AOption (a)

    ​ABCD

  2. BOption (b)

    ABDC

  3. COption (c)

    ACBD

  4. DOption (d)

    BACD

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

​ABCD

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option (1) i.e. ABCD

 

Key Points

  • The sentence begins with the subject "the painter," which is correctly indicated by part (A).
  • Following the subject, "has completed" (AB) logically continues the action performed by the painter.
  • The next part, "the mural," indicates the object of the action, which is correctly indicated by (C).
  • Ending with "beautifully" (D) adds the adverb to describe how the action was performed, completing the sentence logically.

Therefore, the correct answer is ABCD.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 2 (ABDC): This option places "beautifully" before "the mural," which disrupts the logical flow of the sentence.
  • Option 3 (ACBD): This option places "the mural" before "has completed," which makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.
  • Option 4 (BACD): This option places "has completed" before the subject "the painter," which disrupts the proper sequence.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 724

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

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

The teacher was angry _______ the students.

  1. AOption (a)

    with

  2. BOption (b)

    to

  3. COption (c)

    by

  4. DOption (d)

    on

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

with

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'with'.

 

Key Points

  • The preposition "with" is used to indicate the subject of anger or frustration.
  • In this context, the teacher's anger is directed towards the students, making "with" the most appropriate choice.
  • Options 2, 3, and 4 do not fit the grammatical structure of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "The teacher was angry with the students."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 2: "to" is incorrect because "angry to" does not convey the correct meaning.
  • Option 3: "by" is incorrect; it does not align with the structure of the sentence.
  • Option 4: "on" is incorrect as "angry on" is not a valid phrase in English.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 725

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.

Time management helps improve productivity.

P: Procrastination leads to wasted hours.

Q: Creating a schedule prevents delays.

R: It gives direction and reduces stress.

S: Staying disciplined is the key. 6. Success often depends on how we manage time.

  1. AOption (a)

    PQSR

  2. BOption (b)

    SRPQ

  3. COption (c)

    RQPS

  4. DOption (d)

    QPRS

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

RQPS

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence begins with the importance of time management and its effect on productivity.
  • Part R comes first as it uses the pronoun 'It' to refer back to 'Time management' in sentence 1:
  • "It gives direction and reduces stress."
  • Part Q follows, emphasizing a practical method to manage time:
  • "Creating a schedule prevents delays."
  • Part P follows, explaining the negative consequences of failing to manage time:
  • "Procrastination leads to wasted hours."
  • Part S concludes the sequence, highlighting the internal quality required:
  • "Staying disciplined is the key."
  • The correct sequence is RQPS.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Time management helps improve productivity. It gives direction and reduces stress. Creating a schedule prevents delays. Procrastination leads to wasted hours. Staying disciplined is the key. Success often depends on how we manage time."

SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 726

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

Select the most appropriate option to improve the bold part of the sentence.

He behaves as if he knows everything.

  1. AOption (a)

    known everything

  2. BOption (b)

    knew everything

  3. COption (c)

    has known everything

  4. DOption (d)

    have known all

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

knew everything

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence uses the phrase "as if he knows everything." However, the phrase "as if" typically sets up a hypothetical or unreal situation, which requires the use of the past tense.
  • In this context, "knew everything" is the appropriate choice, as it aligns with the subjunctive mood commonly used after "as if."
  • The use of "knows everything" in the original sentence is incorrect because it suggests certainty, which contradicts the hypothetical nature of the statement.
  • Thus, "knew everything" is the grammatically and contextually correct option.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "He behaves as if he knew everything."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "known everything" is incorrect because "known" is the past participle form and requires an auxiliary verb (e.g., "has known").
  • Option 3: "has known everything" is incorrect because it indicates present perfect tense, which does not fit the hypothetical context introduced by "as if."
  • Option 4: "have known all" is incorrect because it is ungrammatical and does not fit the structure of the sentence.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 727

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

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

They said, "We are watching a movie."

  1. AOption (a)

    They said that they had watched a movie.

  2. BOption (b)

    They said that they were watching a movie.

  3. COption (c)

    They said that they watched a movie.

  4. DOption (d)

    They said that they are watching a movie.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

They said that they were watching a movie.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • Indirect Speech: They said that they were watching a movie.
  • Key Conversions:
  • "We are watching" becomes "they were watching"
  • Pronoun "We" is changed to "they" to match the subject in indirect speech.
  • Verb "are watching" is changed to "were watching" to follow the rule of tense backshifting in indirect speech.
  • Reporting verb:
  • The reporting verb "said" remains unchanged.
  • Rules of Indirect Speech:
  • Present continuous tense ("are watching") in direct speech is converted to past continuous tense ("were watching") in indirect speech.
  • The pronoun and verb changes align with the perspective of the reporting clause.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "They said that they were watching a movie."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "They said that they had watched a movie."
  • Incorrect tense: "had watched" implies a past perfect action that does not match the context of the original sentence.
  • Option 3: "They said that they watched a movie."
  • Incorrect tense: "watched" changes the meaning to a simple past action, which does not match the ongoing action in the original sentence.
  • Option 4: "They said that they are watching a movie."
  • Incorrect tense: "are watching" does not follow the rule of tense backshifting in indirect speech.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 728

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

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

She ________ watching that movie.

  1. AOption (a)

    has

  2. BOption (b)

    having

  3. COption (c)

    is

  4. DOption (d)

    have

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

is

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'is'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence is in the present continuous tense, which describes an action happening now.
  • The structure of present continuous tense is: Subject + is/am/are + verb + ing.
  • Here, the subject is "She", so the correct helping verb is "is".
  • Options 1, 2, and 4 do not correctly fit this tense structure.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Complete Sentence: "She is watching that movie."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "has" is used in perfect tense, not suitable here.
  • Option 2: "having" is a participle form and cannot be used alone as a main verb.
  • Option 4: "have" is incorrect with the singular subject "She".
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 729

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

Choose the correct direct speech form of the following sentence.

Sobhit said that he could speak more fluently than Rahul.

  1. AOption (a)

    Sobhit said, "I can speak most fluently than Rahul."

  2. BOption (b)

    Sobhit said, "I can speak more fluentlier than Rahul."

  3. COption (c)

    Sobhit said, "I can speak more fluently than Rahul."

  4. DOption (d)

    Sobhit said, "I can spoke more fluently than Rahul."

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Sobhit said, "I can speak more fluently than Rahul."

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • Indirect Speech: Sobhit said that he could speak more fluently than Rahul.
  • Key Conversions:
  • "he could speak" becomes "I can speak"
  • Pronoun "he" changes to "I" in direct speech.
  • Verb "could" is converted to "can" to match the present tense of direct speech.
  • "more fluently than Rahul" remains unchanged.
  • The comparison and structure remain the same.
  • Punctuation and Format:
  • Direct speech is enclosed in quotation marks.
  • Starts with a capital letter "I" and ends with a period "."
  • Reporting clause precedes the quoted speech.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence: "I can speak more fluently than Rahul," said Sobhit.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "I can speak most fluently than Rahul," said Sobhit.
  • Incorrect comparative form "most fluently" used instead of "more fluently."
  • Option 2: "I can speak more fluentlier than Rahul," said Sobhit.
  • Incorrect word "fluentlier" used; "fluently" is the correct form.
  • Option 4: "I can spoke more fluently than Rahul," said Sobhit.
  • Incorrect verb tense "spoke" used; "can speak" is correct.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 730

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

The idiom 'Token strike' implies:

  1. AOption (a)

    No protest

  2. BOption (b)

    Warning strike

  3. COption (c)

    Heavy protest

  4. DOption (d)

    Silent protest

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Warning strike

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 2, i.e. Warning strike.

Key Points

  • The idiom "Token strike" refers to a brief and symbolic protest action, usually intended as a warning rather than a full-fledged strike. (प्रतीकात्मक हड़ताल)
  • Example: The workers initiated a token strike to draw attention to their demands for better working conditions.
  • Warning strike refers to a short-duration strike meant to signal dissatisfaction or to warn employers of possible future action. (चेतावनी हड़ताल)
  • Example: The union called for a warning strike to pressurize the management to address their grievances.
  • Hence, the idiom "Token strike" aligns with the concept of a "Warning strike."

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2.

Additional Information

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

  • No protest (कोई विरोध नहीं): Indicates a situation where no action or demonstration is taken.
  • Example: Despite the unfair policies, there was no protest from the employees.
  • Heavy protest (जोरदार विरोध): Refers to a large-scale and intense protest.
  • Example: The citizens staged a heavy protest against the new taxation laws.
  • Silent protest (मूक विरोध): A form of protest where participants remain silent to express their discontent.
  • Example: The activists organized a silent protest to oppose deforestation in the area.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 731

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

What does the idiom 'Bury the hatchet' mean?

  1. AOption (a)

    Fight again

  2. BOption (b)

    Hide weapons

  3. COption (c)

    Ignore a problem

  4. DOption (d)

    Make peace

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Make peace

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 4 i.e. Make peace.

Key Points

  • The idiom "Bury the hatchet" means to stop fighting or arguing and make peace with someone. (झगड़ा या बहस खत्म करके सुलह करना)
  • Example: After years of rivalry, the two neighbors decided to bury the hatchet and work together for the community.
  • The correct meaning of "Make peace" is to resolve differences and establish harmony. (शांति बनाना)
  • Example: The two countries signed a treaty to make peace after decades of conflict.
  • Hence, the idiom 'Bury the hatchet' is synonymous with 'Make peace'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4 i.e. Make peace.

Additional Information

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

  • Fight again (फिर से लड़ाई करना): To resume a conflict or argument.
  • Example: Despite attempts at reconciliation, the two friends decided to fight again over the same issue.
  • Hide weapons (हथियार छुपाना): To conceal arms or tools used for combat.
  • Example: The thieves decided to hide weapons before the police arrived.
  • Ignore a problem (किसी समस्या की अनदेखी करना): To avoid addressing an issue or challenge.
  • Example: Ignoring a problem will only make it worse in the long run.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 732

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

Choose the correct sequence to form a meaningful sentence:

(A) playing

(B) children

(C) were

(D) in the park

  1. AOption (a)

    CBAD

  2. BOption (b)

    BDCA

  3. COption (c)

    BCAD

  4. DOption (d)

    BACD

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

BCAD

Why this answer is correct

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

 

Key Points

  • The sentence begins with the subject "children," which is correctly indicated by part (B).
  • Following the subject, "were" (BC) continues the logical sequence, making it clear what the children were doing.
  • The next part, "playing in the park," continues the sentence logically, indicated by (CAD).
  • Ending with "in the park" (D) completes the meaningful sentence by specifying the location.

Therefore, the correct answer is BCAD.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1 (CBAD): This option starts with "were children playing in the park," which makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.
  • Option 2 (BDCA): This option starts with "children playing were in the park," which disrupts the logical flow.
  • Option 4 (BACD): This option starts with "children were playing in the park," which makes sense but skips the proper sequence.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 733

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

Select the synonym of Recalcitrant.

  1. AOption (a)

    ​Loyal

  2. BOption (b)

    Disobedient

  3. COption (c)

    Submissive

  4. DOption (d)

    Supportive

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Disobedient

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Disobedient.

Key Points

  • The word "Recalcitrant" refers to someone or something that is resistant to authority or control; stubbornly disobedient or uncooperative. (अवज्ञाकारी या हठी)
  • Example: The recalcitrant child refused to follow the teacher's instructions, causing disruptions in the classroom.
  • "Disobedient" means not following rules or instructions, showing a lack of willingness to comply with authority. (अवज्ञाकारी)
  • Example: The disobedient employee ignored the manager's orders and completed the task incorrectly.
  • Thus, "Disobedient" is a synonym for "Recalcitrant."

Therefore, the correct answer is: Disobedient.

Additional Information

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

  • Loyal (वफादार): Showing firm and constant support or allegiance to someone or something.
  • Example: The dog was loyal to its owner and never left his side.
  • Submissive (आज्ञाकारी): Ready to conform to the authority or will of others; meekly obedient or passive.
  • Example: She was submissive to her parents' rules and never questioned their decisions.
  • Supportive (सहायक): Providing encouragement or emotional help.
  • Example: His supportive friends helped him through the difficult times.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 734

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.

Mathematics is essential in daily life.

P: Calculating discounts helps in shopping.

Q: Managing time also involves math skills.

R: From money to measurements, it is everywhere.

S: Even cooking depends on ratios and quantities. 6. So, learning math has practical value.

  1. AOption (a)

    QRSP

  2. BOption (b)

    PRSQ

  3. COption (c)

    RPSQ

  4. DOption (d)

    RPQS

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

RPQS

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

  • The first sentence introduces the importance of mathematics in daily life: "Mathematics is essential in daily life."
  • R comes first as it explains the broad applicability of mathematics in daily activities:
  • "From money to measurements, it is everywhere."
  • P follows as it provides a specific example of using math while shopping:
  • "Calculating discounts helps in shopping."
  • Q comes next as it discusses another important aspect of math in managing time:
  • "Managing time also involves math skills."
  • S follows as it highlights the use of mathematics in cooking:
  • "Even cooking depends on ratios and quantities."
  • The concluding sentence ties the paragraph together, emphasizing the practical value of learning math: "So, learning math has practical value."
  • The correct sequence is RPQS.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Mathematics is essential in daily life. From money to measurements, it is everywhere. Calculating discounts helps in shopping. Managing time also involves math skills. Even cooking depends on ratios and quantities. So, learning math has practical value."

SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 735

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.

  1. It started raining in the evening.

P: People ran to shelters.

Q: Water collected on roads.

R: Traffic moved slowly.

S: Many opened their umbrellas. 6. It was a heavy shower.

  1. AOption (a)

    SRPQ

  2. BOption (b)

    QPRS

  3. COption (c)

    PQRS

  4. DOption (d)

    PSRQ

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

PQRS

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • The paragraph begins with the statement "It started raining in the evening." This introduces the main event of the passage.
  • P comes first as it describes the immediate reaction of the people to the rain:
  • "People ran to shelters."
  • Q follows as it describes the environmental consequence of the rain:
  • "Water collected on roads."
  • R comes next as it describes the impact on traffic due to waterlogging:
  • "Traffic moved slowly."
  • S comes last as it provides additional detail about people using umbrellas during the rain:
  • "Many opened their umbrellas."
  • The final sentence, "It was a heavy shower," concludes the passage effectively.
  • The correct sequence is PQRS.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"It started raining in the evening. People ran to shelters. Water collected on roads. Traffic moved slowly. Many opened their umbrellas. It was a heavy shower."

SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 736

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

Choose the part of the sentence that contains an error:

She does not know to swim.

  1. AOption (a)

    She does not

  2. BOption (b)

    know to swim

  3. COption (c)

    swim

  4. DOption (d)

    No error

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

know to swim

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • The primary issue in the sentence is the incorrect construction of the phrase "know to swim."
  • The verb "know" should be followed by "how to" when referring to the ability to perform an action.
  • The correct phrase should be "know how to swim," ensuring grammatical correctness and clarity.
  • Thus, the error is located in Option 2.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "She does not know how to swim."

SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 737

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

Choose the best one-word substitute for:

"An inscription written on stone in the memory of a deceased person."

  1. AOption (a)

    ​Epigraph

  2. BOption (b)

    Epitaph

  3. COption (c)

    Memoir

  4. DOption (d)

    Autograph

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Epitaph

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Epitaph.

Key Points

  • The word "Epigraph" refers to an inscription or short quote at the beginning of a book, chapter, or document that suggests its theme. (शिलालेख या लेख)
  • Example: The epigraph at the beginning of the novel set the tone for the entire story.
  • "Epitaph" is a short text written on a tombstone or plaque in memory of the deceased. It often honors and commemorates the individual. (समाधिलेख)
  • Example: The epitaph on his tombstone read, "Here lies a man who loved and was loved."

Therefore, the correct answer is: Epitaph.

Additional Information

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

  • Epigraph (शिलालेख): An inscription on a building, statue, or coin, or a quote at the beginning of a text suggesting its theme.
  • Example: The epigraph on the wall was a dedication to the founders of the institution.
  • Memoir (संस्मरण): A written account of someone's personal experiences.
  • Example: She published a memoir detailing her years as an artist in Paris.
  • Autograph (हस्ताक्षर): A person's signature, especially that of a celebrity.
  • Example: The fan waited for hours to get the singer's autograph on her poster.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 738

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

Choose the correct option that replaces the underline word/phrase in the following sentence:

Sujata put in the best dress for the party

  1. AOption (a)

    put off

  2. BOption (b)

    put across

  3. COption (c)

    put on

  4. DOption (d)

    put out

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

put on

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • The phrasal verb "put in" is incorrectly used in this sentence.
  • The correct phrasal verb to indicate wearing something is "put on."
  • Phrasal verbs have specific meanings, and using the wrong one can change the intended meaning of the sentence.
  • Thus, the phrase "put in" must be replaced with "put on" to ensure the sentence is grammatically correct and meaningful.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence: "Sujata put on the best dress for the party."

 

Additional Information

  • Put off – Means to postpone or delay something. This does not fit the context of the sentence.
  • Put across – Means to communicate or explain something clearly. This is not relevant to the sentence.
  • Put out – Means to extinguish something (like a fire) or to inconvenience someone. This does not suit the sentence context.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 739

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

What does the idiom 'Get to the point' mean?

  1. AOption (a)

    Speak directly

  2. BOption (b)

    Interrupt

  3. COption (c)

    Avoid the matter

  4. DOption (d)

    Speak indirectly

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Speak directly

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. Speak directly.

Key Points

  • The idiom "Get to the point" means to communicate clearly and directly, without unnecessary details or digressions. (मुद्दे पर आना)
  • Example: The meeting is running long, so please get to the point and share your main idea.
  • "Speak directly" means to talk in a straightforward, clear, and concise manner, addressing the main subject without unnecessary elaboration. (सीधे बात करना)
  • Example: When giving feedback, it’s better to speak directly rather than beating around the bush.
  • Hence, the idiom 'Get to the point' aligns with 'Speak directly'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1 - Speak directly.

Additional Information

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

  • Interrupt (बात काटना): To stop someone from speaking by saying or doing something.
  • Example: Please don’t interrupt when someone else is speaking.
  • Avoid the matter (मुद्दे को टालना): To deliberately refrain from addressing the subject at hand.
  • Example: He tried to avoid the matter by changing the topic.
  • Speak indirectly (अप्रत्यक्ष रूप से बात करना): To communicate in a roundabout way without addressing the issue directly.
  • Example: Instead of speaking indirectly, it’s better to be honest and transparent.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Aug, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language and Comprehension
View full paper

Question 740

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

Select the most appropriate option to improve the bold part of the sentence.

She did her work very good.

  1. AOption (a)

    ​very well

  2. BOption (b)

    too well

  3. COption (c)

    quite good

  4. DOption (d)

    really great

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

​very well

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

  • The word "good" is an adjective, while "well" is an adverb.
  • In this sentence, "very good" is incorrectly used to describe the verb "did," which requires an adverb.
  • The correct usage is "very well" to describe how the work was done.
  • The replacement ensures grammatical accuracy and clarity.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Correct Sentence: "She did her work very well."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 2: "too well" – This implies that the work was done excessively well, which changes the intended meaning.
  • Option 3: "quite good" – This is incorrect because it uses the adjective "good" instead of the required adverb.
  • Option 4: "really great" – Similar to Option 3, this uses an adjective instead of an adverb, making it grammatically incorrect.

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.