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SSC CGL 2025 PYQs

Real previous year questions, subject-wise. Try the question, then open the answer and the explanation in Hindi & English – free, no login.

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1,200 questions in English Comprehension.

Q601.
Find the correctly spelled word.
  1. AParsimonious
  2. BParsemonious
  3. CParsimunius
  4. DParcimoneous
Show answer

Concept: Correct spelling: P-A-R-S-I-M-O-N-I-O-U-S (meaning: extremely careful with money, stingy).

  1. Root word: parsimony + -ous.
  2. B uses 'e' after pars-, C drops the 'o' and changes '-ious', D starts with 'parc-'.

Trick: Break it up: PARSI + MONI + OUS – keep 'parsimony' intact and add '-ous'.

Answer: (A) Parsimonious

अवधारणा: सही वर्तनी: Parsimonious (अर्थ: बहुत कंजूस, पैसे खर्च करने में अत्यधिक सावधान)।

  1. मूल शब्द parsimony + -ous।
  2. B में 'e', C में '-unius', D में 'parc-' – सब गलत।

ट्रिक: टुकड़ों में याद करें: PARSI + MONI + OUS।

उत्तर: (A) Parsimonious

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionSpelling – ParsimoniousSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Q602.
Choose the correct one-word substitute for:
'In ancient times, some societies followed a system of government where priests rule in the name of God.'
  1. APlutocracy
  2. BTheocracy
  3. CAutocracy
  4. DAristocracy
Show answer

Concept: Theo = God, -cracy = rule: government by priests in God's name.

  1. Plutocracy – rule of the rich (pluto = wealth).
  2. Autocracy – rule of one person with absolute power.
  3. Aristocracy – rule by a privileged noble class.

Trick: Learn the prefix: theo-God, pluto-wealth, auto-self, aristo-best/noble.

Answer: (B) Theocracy

अवधारणा: Theo = ईश्वर, -cracy = शासन: ईश्वर के नाम पर पुरोहितों का शासन।

  1. Plutocracy – धनिकों का शासन।
  2. Autocracy – एक व्यक्ति का निरंकुश शासन।
  3. Aristocracy – कुलीन वर्ग का शासन।

ट्रिक: उपसर्ग याद रखें: theo-ईश्वर, pluto-धन, auto-स्वयं, aristo-कुलीन।

उत्तर: (B) Theocracy

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionOne-word substitution – TheocracySSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Q603.
Choose the correct one-word substitute for:
'An inactive or harmless treatment that works because the person believes it will help.'
  1. APanacea
  2. BPlacebo
  3. CAntidote
  4. DPalliative
Show answer

Concept: Placebo – a dummy medicine that helps only because the patient believes in it.

  1. Panacea – a cure for all problems.
  2. Antidote – substance that neutralises a poison.
  3. Palliative – relieves symptoms without curing.

Trick: 'Placebo' is Latin for 'I shall please' – it pleases the mind, not the body.

Answer: (B) Placebo

अवधारणा: Placebo – नकली/निष्क्रिय दवा जो केवल रोगी के विश्वास से असर करती है।

  1. Panacea – हर रोग की दवा।
  2. Antidote – विष-नाशक।
  3. Palliative – केवल लक्षणों में आराम देने वाली।

ट्रिक: Placebo का लैटिन अर्थ 'मैं प्रसन्न करूँगा' – मन को, शरीर को नहीं।

उत्तर: (B) Placebo

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionOne-word substitution – PlaceboSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Q604.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
The manager handled the crisis so ____ that everyone praised his calmness.
  1. Aefficiently
  2. Befficiency
  3. Cefficient
  4. Defficacious
Show answer

Concept: A word that tells how an action is done must be an adverb.

  1. 'so ___' modifies the verb 'handled'.
  2. efficiently = adverb ✓; efficiency = noun; efficient, efficacious = adjectives.

Trick: Blank after 'so' + verb before it → look for the '-ly' word.

Answer: (A) efficiently

अवधारणा: क्रिया 'कैसे' हुई यह बताने के लिए क्रियाविशेषण (adverb) चाहिए।

  1. रिक्त स्थान क्रिया 'handled' को बताता है।
  2. efficiently = adverb ✓; efficiency = noun; efficient/efficacious = adjective।

ट्रिक: क्रिया के बाद 'so ___' हो तो '-ly' वाला शब्द चुनें।

उत्तर: (A) efficiently

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionParts of speech – adverbSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Q605.
Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange the sentences in the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph.
1. It helps them set clear goals and measure progress effectively.
2. Strategic planning is vital for organizational success.
3. It involves analyzing resources and assessing future opportunities.
4. Without a plan, companies may lose direction and efficiency.
  1. A2-3-1-4
  2. B3-2-1-4
  3. C2-1-3-4
  4. D1-3-2-4
Show answer

Concept: Start with the topic sentence; 'It' sentences must follow a clear noun.

  1. 2 introduces the subject (strategic planning).
  2. 3 defines what it involves; 1 gives its benefit.
  3. 4 ends with the result of not planning.

Trick: Sentences beginning with 'It' can never open a paragraph – this rules out B and D.

Answer: (A) 2-3-1-4

अवधारणा: पहले विषय-वाक्य रखें; 'It' वाले वाक्य किसी संज्ञा के बाद आते हैं।

  1. 2 – विषय का परिचय।
  2. 3 – इसमें क्या शामिल है; 1 – इसका लाभ।
  3. 4 – योजना न होने का परिणाम (निष्कर्ष)।

ट्रिक: 'It' से शुरू वाक्य पहला नहीं हो सकता – B, D तुरंत बाहर।

उत्तर: (A) 2-3-1-4

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionPara jumble – strategic planningSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Q606.
The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them contains an error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options.
She emphasized on (1)/ the need for (2)/ regular practice (3)/ to improve performance. (4)
  1. A(1)
  2. B(2)
  3. C(3)
  4. D(4)
Show answer

Concept: The verb 'emphasize' takes a direct object; no preposition follows it.

  1. Wrong: emphasized on the need.
  2. Right: She emphasized the need for regular practice …
  3. The noun form does take 'on': 'emphasis on'.

Trick: Verb – no 'on' (emphasize, discuss, stress); Noun – with 'on' (emphasis on, stress on).

Answer: (A) (1)

अवधारणा: 'emphasize' क्रिया के बाद सीधे कर्म आता है, 'on' नहीं।

  1. गलत: emphasized on the need।
  2. सही: She emphasized the need for regular practice।
  3. संज्ञा रूप में 'emphasis on' सही है।

ट्रिक: क्रिया – बिना 'on' (emphasize, discuss); संज्ञा – 'on' के साथ (emphasis on)।

उत्तर: (A) (1)

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionError spotting – 'emphasize on'SSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Q607.
Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice.
The company will launch the new product next month.
  1. AThe new product is launched next month.
  2. BThe new product will be launched next month.
  3. CThe new product has been launched next month.
  4. DThe new product will being launched next month.
Show answer

Concept: Simple future passive = will be + V3.

  1. Object 'the new product' becomes the subject.
  2. will launch → will be launched.
  3. A (present), C (present perfect), D ('will being') – wrong forms.

Trick: Keep the tense of the helping verb same – only add 'be' + V3.

Answer: (B) The new product will be launched next month.

अवधारणा: सामान्य भविष्य का कर्मवाच्य = will be + V3।

  1. कर्म 'the new product' कर्ता बनता है।
  2. will launch → will be launched।
  3. A, C, D में काल या रूप गलत।

ट्रिक: सहायक क्रिया का काल वही रखें – केवल 'be' + V3 जोड़ें।

उत्तर: (B) The new product will be launched next month.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionVoice – simple future to passiveSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Q608.
The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them contains an error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options.
Neither of the applicants (1)/ have submitted (2)/ the required documents (3)/ to the office in time. (4)
  1. A(1)
  2. B(2)
  3. C(3)
  4. D(4)
Show answer

Concept: 'Neither of + plural noun' is treated as singular.

  1. Subject = neither (one of two) → singular.
  2. have submitted → has submitted.
  3. Correct: Neither of the applicants has submitted …

Trick: Either of / Neither of / Each of / One of → singular verb.

Answer: (B) (2)

अवधारणा: 'Neither of + बहुवचन संज्ञा' एकवचन माना जाता है।

  1. कर्ता = neither (दोनों में से कोई नहीं) → एकवचन।
  2. have submitted → has submitted।
  3. सही: Neither of the applicants has submitted…

ट्रिक: Either of / Neither of / Each of / One of → एकवचन क्रिया।

उत्तर: (B) (2)

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionSubject–verb agreement – Neither ofSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Q609.
Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word:
The tableau of human suffering was etched into memory by the war artist.
  1. AThe group presented a silent tableau during the cultural program.
  2. BThe historian analyzed the tableau of events that followed the partition.
  3. CThe tableau consisted of symbolic figures and metaphorical elements.
  4. DThe cabinet's tableau was reorganized following the reshuffle.
Show answer

Concept: A homonym is the same word used with a different meaning.

  1. In the given sentence, tableau = a vivid scene/picture.
  2. A, B, C keep this 'scene/representation' sense.
  3. D uses it for the composition/line-up of a cabinet – a different meaning.

Yaad rakhein: Find the option where the word's sense changes – here it moves from 'scene' to 'set-up'.

Answer: (D) The cabinet's tableau was reorganized following the reshuffle.

अवधारणा: Homonym = एक ही शब्द, अलग अर्थ।

  1. दिए गए वाक्य में tableau = सजीव दृश्य/चित्र।
  2. A, B, C में यही 'दृश्य' वाला अर्थ है।
  3. D में मंत्रिमंडल की संरचना/सूची के अर्थ में – अर्थ बदल गया।

ट्रिक: वह विकल्प चुनें जहाँ शब्द का अर्थ बदल जाए।

उत्तर: (D) The cabinet's tableau was reorganized following the reshuffle.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionHomonym – tableauSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Q610.
Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice.
A detailed proposal was being examined by the review board.
  1. AThe review board examined a detailed proposal.
  2. BThe review board was examining a detailed proposal.
  3. CThe review board has examined a detailed proposal.
  4. DThe review board had examined a detailed proposal.
Show answer

Concept: Was/were being + V3 (passive) ↔ was/were + V-ing (active).

  1. Agent 'the review board' becomes the subject.
  2. was being examined → was examining.
  3. A (simple past), C (present perfect), D (past perfect) change the tense.

Trick: 'being' in passive ⇒ continuous tense in active.

Answer: (B) The review board was examining a detailed proposal.

अवधारणा: Was/were being + V3 (कर्मवाच्य) ↔ was/were + V-ing (कर्तृवाच्य)।

  1. 'the review board' कर्ता बनता है।
  2. was being examined → was examining।
  3. A, C, D में काल बदल गया।

ट्रिक: कर्मवाच्य में 'being' ⇒ कर्तृवाच्य में continuous काल।

उत्तर: (B) The review board was examining a detailed proposal.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionVoice – past continuous passive to activeSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Q611.
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underline/Bold segment in the given sentence.
She reverted back to her old habits despite her promises.
  1. Areverted again
  2. Breverted
  3. Creturned back
  4. Dreverted once more
Show answer

Concept: 'Revert' itself means 'return to an earlier state', so 'back' repeats the idea.

  1. Remove 'back': She reverted to her old habits.
  2. 'again', 'once more', 'returned back' are equally redundant.

Trick: Common redundant pairs: return back, revert back, repeat again, combine together.

Answer: (B) reverted

अवधारणा: 'Revert' का अर्थ ही 'पहले की स्थिति में लौटना' है, 'back' दोहराव है।

  1. सही: She reverted to her old habits।
  2. 'again', 'once more', 'returned back' भी अनावश्यक।

ट्रिक: आम पुनरुक्ति: return back, revert back, repeat again, combine together।

उत्तर: (B) reverted

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionRedundancy – revert backSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Directions (Qs. 87-91): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

The debate on environmental sustainability in India reflects the tension between economic aspirations and ecological realities. As one of the fastest-growing major economies, India faces the dual challenge of maintaining growth while mitigating environmental degradation. Government policies often highlight the rhetoric of green development, yet implementation remains inconsistent. Industrial expansion, urbanization, and energy demands continue to strain natural ecosystems. Air and water pollution, deforestation, and waste mismanagement have become defining features of modern India’s development narrative. The irony lies in the fact that while technological progress promises efficiency, it simultaneously accelerates ecological imbalance when pursued without ethical and environmental accountability. Rural communities, though less industrialized, face their own environmental dilemmas. Agricultural dependency makes them highly vulnerable to climate variability — erratic monsoons, declining groundwater levels, and soil infertility directly threaten livelihoods. The push for chemical-intensive farming has yielded short-term gains but at the cost of long-term sustainability. Meanwhile, urban centres confront a different crisis: unplanned construction, vehicular emissions, and mounting e-waste. The social consequences are profound — rising health issues, displacement of marginalized populations, and widening inequality between those who can "buy" clean air and those who cannot. Public awareness and activism have grown through digital media, judicial interventions, and youth-led climate movements. Yet, a significant portion of society still views environmental protection as secondary to economic growth. The cultural mindset that equates development solely with industrialization must evolve. Environmental stewardship should not be perceived as an obstacle but as an investment in the nation’s longevity. True sustainability, the author argues, requires a paradigm shift — from reactive regulation to proactive ecological consciousness. Without this transformation, India’s pursuit of progress risks undermining the very foundation it depends upon: a habitable planet.
Q612.
What core tension does the passage highlight in India's development model?
  1. AUrban versus rural employment
  2. BEconomic growth versus environmental sustainability
  3. CPopulation growth versus education
  4. DIndustrialization versus agriculture
Show answer

Concept: The central conflict is usually stated in the opening sentence.

  1. The first lines set economic aspirations against ecological realities.
  2. The rest of the passage illustrates this growth-versus-environment struggle.
  3. Other options are not discussed as the main tension.

Trick: Main-idea questions: read the first and last lines of the passage first.

Answer: (B) Economic growth versus environmental sustainability

अवधारणा: मुख्य संघर्ष प्रायः पहले वाक्य में ही बताया जाता है।

  1. शुरुआत में आर्थिक आकांक्षा बनाम पारिस्थितिक वास्तविकता की बात है।
  2. पूरा गद्यांश इसी विकास-बनाम-पर्यावरण द्वंद्व को समझाता है।

ट्रिक: मुख्य विचार के लिए पहला और अंतिम वाक्य पढ़ें।

उत्तर: (B) Economic growth versus environmental sustainability

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionRC – central ideaSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Directions (Qs. 87-91): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

The debate on environmental sustainability in India reflects the tension between economic aspirations and ecological realities. As one of the fastest-growing major economies, India faces the dual challenge of maintaining growth while mitigating environmental degradation. Government policies often highlight the rhetoric of green development, yet implementation remains inconsistent. Industrial expansion, urbanization, and energy demands continue to strain natural ecosystems. Air and water pollution, deforestation, and waste mismanagement have become defining features of modern India’s development narrative. The irony lies in the fact that while technological progress promises efficiency, it simultaneously accelerates ecological imbalance when pursued without ethical and environmental accountability. Rural communities, though less industrialized, face their own environmental dilemmas. Agricultural dependency makes them highly vulnerable to climate variability — erratic monsoons, declining groundwater levels, and soil infertility directly threaten livelihoods. The push for chemical-intensive farming has yielded short-term gains but at the cost of long-term sustainability. Meanwhile, urban centres confront a different crisis: unplanned construction, vehicular emissions, and mounting e-waste. The social consequences are profound — rising health issues, displacement of marginalized populations, and widening inequality between those who can "buy" clean air and those who cannot. Public awareness and activism have grown through digital media, judicial interventions, and youth-led climate movements. Yet, a significant portion of society still views environmental protection as secondary to economic growth. The cultural mindset that equates development solely with industrialization must evolve. Environmental stewardship should not be perceived as an obstacle but as an investment in the nation’s longevity. True sustainability, the author argues, requires a paradigm shift — from reactive regulation to proactive ecological consciousness. Without this transformation, India’s pursuit of progress risks undermining the very foundation it depends upon: a habitable planet.
Q613.
According to the passage, what is a key reason for environmental degradation despite policy initiatives?
  1. ALack of awareness among farmers
  2. BWeak implementation of green policies
  3. CDecline in population growth
  4. DOverdependence on foreign aid
Show answer

Concept: Look for the line contrasting policy with practice ('…yet…').

  1. Policies talk of green development, but carrying them out is uneven.
  2. So the gap is weak implementation.
  3. Farmers' awareness, population decline, foreign aid – not mentioned as causes.

Trick: 'Yet' or 'but' in a passage often marks the answer to a 'despite' question.

Answer: (B) Weak implementation of green policies

अवधारणा: नीति और व्यवहार में अंतर दिखाने वाली पंक्ति (…yet…) देखें।

  1. नीतियाँ हरित विकास की बात करती हैं, पर लागू करना असंगत है।
  2. अतः कारण – कमज़ोर कार्यान्वयन।
  3. अन्य विकल्पों का गद्यांश में उल्लेख नहीं।

ट्रिक: 'despite' वाले प्रश्न का उत्तर अक्सर 'yet/but' के बाद मिलता है।

उत्तर: (B) Weak implementation of green policies

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionRC – detail: why policies failSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Directions (Qs. 87-91): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

The debate on environmental sustainability in India reflects the tension between economic aspirations and ecological realities. As one of the fastest-growing major economies, India faces the dual challenge of maintaining growth while mitigating environmental degradation. Government policies often highlight the rhetoric of green development, yet implementation remains inconsistent. Industrial expansion, urbanization, and energy demands continue to strain natural ecosystems. Air and water pollution, deforestation, and waste mismanagement have become defining features of modern India’s development narrative. The irony lies in the fact that while technological progress promises efficiency, it simultaneously accelerates ecological imbalance when pursued without ethical and environmental accountability. Rural communities, though less industrialized, face their own environmental dilemmas. Agricultural dependency makes them highly vulnerable to climate variability — erratic monsoons, declining groundwater levels, and soil infertility directly threaten livelihoods. The push for chemical-intensive farming has yielded short-term gains but at the cost of long-term sustainability. Meanwhile, urban centres confront a different crisis: unplanned construction, vehicular emissions, and mounting e-waste. The social consequences are profound — rising health issues, displacement of marginalized populations, and widening inequality between those who can "buy" clean air and those who cannot. Public awareness and activism have grown through digital media, judicial interventions, and youth-led climate movements. Yet, a significant portion of society still views environmental protection as secondary to economic growth. The cultural mindset that equates development solely with industrialization must evolve. Environmental stewardship should not be perceived as an obstacle but as an investment in the nation’s longevity. True sustainability, the author argues, requires a paradigm shift — from reactive regulation to proactive ecological consciousness. Without this transformation, India’s pursuit of progress risks undermining the very foundation it depends upon: a habitable planet.
Q614.
What environmental issue primarily affects rural communities, as mentioned in the passage?
  1. AIndustrial pollution
  2. BE-waste generation
  3. CClimate variability impacting agriculture
  4. DTraffic congestion
Show answer

Concept: Match the problem to the group the passage links it with.

  1. Villages depend on farming, so erratic rain, falling groundwater and poor soil hit them.
  2. E-waste, vehicles and construction are listed as city problems.
  3. So rural issue = climate variability affecting agriculture.

Trick: Sort problems into 'rural' and 'urban' columns while reading – options become obvious.

Answer: (C) Climate variability impacting agriculture

अवधारणा: समस्या को उसी समूह से मिलाएँ जिससे गद्यांश जोड़ता है।

  1. गाँव खेती पर निर्भर; अनियमित मानसून, घटता भूजल, बंजर मिट्टी उन्हें प्रभावित करते हैं।
  2. ई-कचरा, वाहन, निर्माण – शहरी समस्याएँ।
  3. अतः उत्तर – कृषि पर जलवायु परिवर्तनशीलता का असर।

ट्रिक: पढ़ते समय समस्याओं को 'ग्रामीण' और 'शहरी' में बाँट लें।

उत्तर: (C) Climate variability impacting agriculture

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionRC – rural problemSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Directions (Qs. 87-91): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

The debate on environmental sustainability in India reflects the tension between economic aspirations and ecological realities. As one of the fastest-growing major economies, India faces the dual challenge of maintaining growth while mitigating environmental degradation. Government policies often highlight the rhetoric of green development, yet implementation remains inconsistent. Industrial expansion, urbanization, and energy demands continue to strain natural ecosystems. Air and water pollution, deforestation, and waste mismanagement have become defining features of modern India’s development narrative. The irony lies in the fact that while technological progress promises efficiency, it simultaneously accelerates ecological imbalance when pursued without ethical and environmental accountability. Rural communities, though less industrialized, face their own environmental dilemmas. Agricultural dependency makes them highly vulnerable to climate variability — erratic monsoons, declining groundwater levels, and soil infertility directly threaten livelihoods. The push for chemical-intensive farming has yielded short-term gains but at the cost of long-term sustainability. Meanwhile, urban centres confront a different crisis: unplanned construction, vehicular emissions, and mounting e-waste. The social consequences are profound — rising health issues, displacement of marginalized populations, and widening inequality between those who can "buy" clean air and those who cannot. Public awareness and activism have grown through digital media, judicial interventions, and youth-led climate movements. Yet, a significant portion of society still views environmental protection as secondary to economic growth. The cultural mindset that equates development solely with industrialization must evolve. Environmental stewardship should not be perceived as an obstacle but as an investment in the nation’s longevity. True sustainability, the author argues, requires a paradigm shift — from reactive regulation to proactive ecological consciousness. Without this transformation, India’s pursuit of progress risks undermining the very foundation it depends upon: a habitable planet.
Q615.
What irony does the author identify regarding technological progress?
  1. AIt reduces energy demand drastically
  2. BIt improves employment opportunities
  3. CIt promotes equality across classes
  4. DIt advances development but worsens ecological imbalance
Show answer

Concept: Irony = an outcome opposite to what is expected.

  1. Technology is expected to bring efficiency and progress.
  2. Without accountability, it speeds up ecological damage.
  3. So it advances development but worsens the ecological balance.

Trick: For 'irony' questions pick the option with two opposite effects joined by 'but'.

Answer: (D) It advances development but worsens ecological imbalance

अवधारणा: विडंबना = अपेक्षा के उलट परिणाम।

  1. तकनीक से दक्षता व प्रगति की उम्मीद।
  2. पर जवाबदेही के बिना यह पारिस्थितिक नुकसान बढ़ाती है।
  3. अतः विकास भी, पर्यावरण असंतुलन भी।

ट्रिक: 'irony' वाले प्रश्न में 'but' से जुड़े दो विपरीत प्रभाव वाला विकल्प चुनें।

उत्तर: (D) It advances development but worsens ecological imbalance

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionRC – irony of technologySSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Directions (Qs. 87-91): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

The debate on environmental sustainability in India reflects the tension between economic aspirations and ecological realities. As one of the fastest-growing major economies, India faces the dual challenge of maintaining growth while mitigating environmental degradation. Government policies often highlight the rhetoric of green development, yet implementation remains inconsistent. Industrial expansion, urbanization, and energy demands continue to strain natural ecosystems. Air and water pollution, deforestation, and waste mismanagement have become defining features of modern India’s development narrative. The irony lies in the fact that while technological progress promises efficiency, it simultaneously accelerates ecological imbalance when pursued without ethical and environmental accountability. Rural communities, though less industrialized, face their own environmental dilemmas. Agricultural dependency makes them highly vulnerable to climate variability — erratic monsoons, declining groundwater levels, and soil infertility directly threaten livelihoods. The push for chemical-intensive farming has yielded short-term gains but at the cost of long-term sustainability. Meanwhile, urban centres confront a different crisis: unplanned construction, vehicular emissions, and mounting e-waste. The social consequences are profound — rising health issues, displacement of marginalized populations, and widening inequality between those who can "buy" clean air and those who cannot. Public awareness and activism have grown through digital media, judicial interventions, and youth-led climate movements. Yet, a significant portion of society still views environmental protection as secondary to economic growth. The cultural mindset that equates development solely with industrialization must evolve. Environmental stewardship should not be perceived as an obstacle but as an investment in the nation’s longevity. True sustainability, the author argues, requires a paradigm shift — from reactive regulation to proactive ecological consciousness. Without this transformation, India’s pursuit of progress risks undermining the very foundation it depends upon: a habitable planet.
Q616.
What long-term solution does the author advocate for achieving sustainability?
  1. AStricter industrial regulations only
  2. BA shift toward ecological awareness and responsible mindset
  3. CIncreased foreign investment in energy
  4. DTemporary bans on urban construction
Show answer

Concept: The author's remedy appears near the end of the passage.

  1. He calls for moving from reacting with rules to building ecological consciousness in advance.
  2. Development should not mean industry alone – a mindset change is needed.
  3. 'Regulations only' and 'bans' are narrower than his view.

Trick: Options with 'only' or 'temporary' are usually too narrow for a long-term solution.

Answer: (B) A shift toward ecological awareness and responsible mindset

अवधारणा: लेखक का उपाय गद्यांश के अंत में है।

  1. नियमों पर प्रतिक्रिया के बजाय पहले से पर्यावरण-चेतना की ज़रूरत।
  2. विकास = केवल उद्योग – यह सोच बदलनी होगी।
  3. 'केवल नियम' या 'अस्थायी रोक' संकीर्ण विकल्प हैं।

ट्रिक: 'only' या 'temporary' वाले विकल्प दीर्घकालिक समाधान नहीं होते।

उत्तर: (B) A shift toward ecological awareness and responsible mindset

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionRC – author's solutionSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Q617.
Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence.
The guard said, "Who entered the premises last night?"
  1. AThe guard asked who entered the premises last night.
  2. BThe guard asked who had entered the premises the previous night.
  3. CThe guard said who entered the premises the previous night.
  4. DThe guard asked that who had entered the premises last night.
Show answer

Concept: Interrogative: said → asked; no 'that'; tense backshifts; time words change.

  1. entered (past) → had entered.
  2. last night → the previous night.
  3. Statement word order: who had entered …

Trick: Eliminate fast: C keeps 'said', D adds 'that', A keeps 'last night'.

Answer: (B) The guard asked who had entered the premises the previous night.

अवधारणा: प्रश्नवाचक: said → asked; 'that' नहीं; काल पीछे; समय-शब्द बदलें।

  1. entered → had entered।
  2. last night → the previous night।
  3. कथन क्रम: who had entered…

ट्रिक: जल्दी हटाएँ: C में 'said', D में 'that', A में 'last night'।

उत्तर: (B) The guard asked who had entered the premises the previous night.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionNarration – Wh-questionSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Q618.
Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence.
He said, "I didn't recognize her because I hadn't seen her for years."
  1. AHe said that he didn't recognize her because he hadn't seen her for years.
  2. BHe said that he hadn't recognized her because he hadn't seen her for years.
  3. CHe said that he hadn't recognized her because he didn't see her for years.
  4. DHe said that he didn't recognize her because he didn't see her for years.
Show answer

Concept: Past simple → past perfect; past perfect stays unchanged.

  1. didn't recognize → hadn't recognized.
  2. hadn't seen → hadn't seen (no further change).
  3. I → he; her stays her.

Trick: Past perfect is the 'last stop' – it never changes in indirect speech.

Answer: (B) He said that he hadn't recognized her because he hadn't seen her for years.

अवधारणा: Past simple → past perfect; past perfect वैसा ही रहता है।

  1. didn't recognize → hadn't recognized।
  2. hadn't seen → hadn't seen।
  3. I → he।

ट्रिक: Past perfect 'अंतिम स्टॉप' है – indirect में नहीं बदलता।

उत्तर: (B) He said that he hadn't recognized her because he hadn't seen her for years.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionNarration – backshift of past tensesSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Q619.
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: PALE
  1. ARadiant
  2. BCadaverous
  3. CLively
  4. DBright
Show answer

Concept: Pale = having little colour, whitish, wan.

  1. Cadaverous = very pale and thin, like a corpse – closest.
  2. Radiant, lively, bright suggest glow or energy – opposite sense.

Trick: Cadaver = dead body → cadaverous = corpse-like pale.

Answer: (B) Cadaverous

अवधारणा: Pale = फीका, पीला/सफ़ेद पड़ा हुआ।

  1. Cadaverous = शव जैसा पीला और दुबला – निकटतम।
  2. Radiant, lively, bright – चमक/जोश, उल्टा अर्थ।

ट्रिक: Cadaver = शव → cadaverous = शव जैसा पीला।

उत्तर: (B) Cadaverous

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionSynonym – PaleSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3
Q620.
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: SPARKLE
  1. ABlur
  2. BDim
  3. CCoruscate
  4. DFade
Show answer

Concept: Sparkle = shine with flashes of light, glitter.

  1. Coruscate = to flash or glitter – exact synonym.
  2. Blur, dim, fade all mean losing brightness – antonym-type words.

Trick: Three options share one meaning (less light); the odd one out is the answer.

Answer: (C) Coruscate

अवधारणा: Sparkle = चमकना, जगमगाना।

  1. Coruscate = चमक की चिंगारियाँ छोड़ना – सही समानार्थी।
  2. Blur, dim, fade – चमक कम होना, विपरीत अर्थ।

ट्रिक: तीन विकल्प एक ही (कम रोशनी) अर्थ के हैं – अलग वाला उत्तर है।

उत्तर: (C) Coruscate

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionSynonym – SparkleSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 3