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SSC CGL 2025 PYQs

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1,200 questions in English Comprehension.

Q841.
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word:
STUBBORN
  1. AIntransigent
  2. BWilling
  3. CCompliant
  4. DSubmissive
Show answer

Concept: Stubborn = firmly refusing to change one's opinion.

  1. Intransigent = refusing to agree or compromise — same meaning.
  2. Willing, compliant, submissive = ready to obey — opposite sense.

Trick: Three options mean 'obedient' — the lone different word is the synonym. Related words: obstinate, adamant, obdurate.

Answer: (A) Intransigent

अवधारणा: Stubborn = ज़िद्दी, अपनी बात से न हटने वाला।

  1. Intransigent = समझौता न करने वाला, अड़ियल — समानार्थी।
  2. Willing, compliant, submissive = आज्ञाकारी — विपरीत अर्थ।

ट्रिक: तीन विकल्प 'आज्ञाकारी' अर्थ के हैं — अलग वाला ही उत्तर। अन्य समानार्थी: obstinate, adamant, obdurate।

उत्तर: (A) Intransigent

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionSynonym – StubbornSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 3
Q842.
Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word:
UGLINESS
  1. AVileness
  2. BPulchritude
  3. CGrotesque
  4. DBlemish
Show answer

Concept: Ugliness = being unpleasant to look at.

  1. Pulchritude = beauty — the opposite.
  2. Vileness (nastiness), grotesque (strangely ugly) and blemish (a mark/flaw) are all on the 'ugly' side.

Trick: When three options are clearly negative, the unfamiliar word is likely the antonym. Pulchritude ↔ pulchritudinous (beautiful).

Answer: (B) Pulchritude

अवधारणा: Ugliness = कुरूपता।

  1. Pulchritude = सुंदरता — विलोम।
  2. Vileness (घृणित होना), grotesque (विचित्र-कुरूप), blemish (दाग/दोष) — सब नकारात्मक, ugliness के निकट।

ट्रिक: तीन विकल्प स्पष्ट नकारात्मक हों तो अनजान शब्द प्रायः विलोम होता है।

उत्तर: (B) Pulchritude

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionAntonym – UglinessSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 3
Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

In the evolving theatre of human creativity, the contest between originality and imitation has long animated debates about authenticity and value. Originality, often romanticized as the spark of divine inspiration, is revered as the lifeblood of artistic and intellectual progress. The original creator, unshackled by precedent, is celebrated as a pioneer who redefines the boundaries of the possible. Yet, imitation — frequently dismissed as parasitic mimicry — possesses its own quiet genius. To imitate with discernment is to study the anatomy of excellence; it is the apprenticeship through which mastery often gestates. The Renaissance, after all, flourished not through isolation but through reinterpretation. However, the fetishization of originality in modern culture risks estranging creators from the continuum of human knowledge. Every so-called innovation is, in essence, an echo refracted through time — an evolution rather than an eruption. Conversely, blind imitation breeds stagnation, where the act of creation devolves into mechanical repetition devoid of insight. The truth lies in equilibrium: originality must converse with tradition even as it challenges it. The most profound works, whether in art, science, or thought, emerge not from rebellion alone but from synthesis — where imitation provides the scaffolding and originality raises the edifice. In this delicate dialectic, creativity becomes less an act of invention and more an act of intelligent remembrance, where the past is neither idolized nor ignored but transmuted into something enduringly new.
Q843.
Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?
  1. ACynical
  2. BAnalytical
  3. CSentimental
  4. DDidactic
Show answer

Concept: Tone = the author's attitude in presenting ideas.

  1. The author compares originality and imitation, lists the strengths and weaknesses of each and reaches a balanced view (synthesis).
  2. Not cynical (no mockery), not sentimental (no emotion), not didactic (no moral preaching to the reader).

Trick: 'Yet', 'however', 'conversely', 'the truth lies in equilibrium' — weighing both sides = analytical.

Answer: (B) Analytical

अवधारणा: Tone = विचार रखते समय लेखक का दृष्टिकोण।

  1. लेखक originality और imitation की तुलना करता है, दोनों के गुण-दोष बताता है और संतुलित निष्कर्ष (synthesis) पर पहुँचता है।
  2. न व्यंग्य (cynical), न भावुकता (sentimental), न उपदेश (didactic)।

ट्रिक: 'Yet', 'However', 'Conversely' जैसे शब्द = दोनों पक्षों का विश्लेषण ⇒ Analytical।

उत्तर: (B) Analytical

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionReading comprehension – toneSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 3
Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

In the evolving theatre of human creativity, the contest between originality and imitation has long animated debates about authenticity and value. Originality, often romanticized as the spark of divine inspiration, is revered as the lifeblood of artistic and intellectual progress. The original creator, unshackled by precedent, is celebrated as a pioneer who redefines the boundaries of the possible. Yet, imitation — frequently dismissed as parasitic mimicry — possesses its own quiet genius. To imitate with discernment is to study the anatomy of excellence; it is the apprenticeship through which mastery often gestates. The Renaissance, after all, flourished not through isolation but through reinterpretation. However, the fetishization of originality in modern culture risks estranging creators from the continuum of human knowledge. Every so-called innovation is, in essence, an echo refracted through time — an evolution rather than an eruption. Conversely, blind imitation breeds stagnation, where the act of creation devolves into mechanical repetition devoid of insight. The truth lies in equilibrium: originality must converse with tradition even as it challenges it. The most profound works, whether in art, science, or thought, emerge not from rebellion alone but from synthesis — where imitation provides the scaffolding and originality raises the edifice. In this delicate dialectic, creativity becomes less an act of invention and more an act of intelligent remembrance, where the past is neither idolized nor ignored but transmuted into something enduringly new.
Q844.
The author suggests that imitation can serve as -
  1. AAn obstacle to genuine creativity
  2. BA foundational process for achieving mastery
  3. CA meaningless repetition of prior work
  4. DA complete replacement for originality
Show answer

Concept: Find the line where the author praises imitation.

  1. The passage calls careful imitation an 'apprenticeship' leading to mastery and says it gives the 'scaffolding'.
  2. So imitation is a base on which skill is built.
  3. (A) and (C) are the views the author argues against; (D) goes too far.

Trick: 'Apprenticeship' and 'scaffolding' both mean a foundation stage.

Answer: (B) A foundational process for achieving mastery

अवधारणा: गद्यांश में वह पंक्ति खोजें जहाँ लेखक अनुकरण की प्रशंसा करता है।

  1. लेखक समझदारी भरे अनुकरण को 'apprenticeship' (प्रशिक्षण काल) कहता है, जिससे mastery आती है, और उसे 'scaffolding' (ढाँचा) भी कहता है।
  2. अर्थात अनुकरण कौशल की नींव है।
  3. (A), (C) वे मत हैं जिनका लेखक खंडन करता है; (D) अतिशयोक्ति है।

ट्रिक: 'Apprenticeship' और 'scaffolding' दोनों = आधार/नींव।

उत्तर: (B) A foundational process for achieving mastery

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionReading comprehension – role of imitationSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 3
Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

In the evolving theatre of human creativity, the contest between originality and imitation has long animated debates about authenticity and value. Originality, often romanticized as the spark of divine inspiration, is revered as the lifeblood of artistic and intellectual progress. The original creator, unshackled by precedent, is celebrated as a pioneer who redefines the boundaries of the possible. Yet, imitation — frequently dismissed as parasitic mimicry — possesses its own quiet genius. To imitate with discernment is to study the anatomy of excellence; it is the apprenticeship through which mastery often gestates. The Renaissance, after all, flourished not through isolation but through reinterpretation. However, the fetishization of originality in modern culture risks estranging creators from the continuum of human knowledge. Every so-called innovation is, in essence, an echo refracted through time — an evolution rather than an eruption. Conversely, blind imitation breeds stagnation, where the act of creation devolves into mechanical repetition devoid of insight. The truth lies in equilibrium: originality must converse with tradition even as it challenges it. The most profound works, whether in art, science, or thought, emerge not from rebellion alone but from synthesis — where imitation provides the scaffolding and originality raises the edifice. In this delicate dialectic, creativity becomes less an act of invention and more an act of intelligent remembrance, where the past is neither idolized nor ignored but transmuted into something enduringly new.
Q845.
What does the author imply by "fetishization of originality"?
  1. ASociety's excessive glorification of originality at the expense of learning from the past
  2. BThe rejection of innovation in favor of traditional methods
  3. CThe belief that imitation alone leads to mastery
  4. DThe effort to balance creativity with discipline
Show answer

Concept: 'Fetishization' = treating something with excessive, almost blind worship.

  1. The author says this over-worship of originality may cut creators off from the long chain of past knowledge.
  2. So it means praising originality too much while ignoring learning from the past.
  3. (B), (C), (D) do not match this warning.

Trick: Read the line right after the phrase — it states the harm: separation from the past.

Answer: (A) Society's excessive glorification of originality at the expense of learning from the past

अवधारणा: 'Fetishization' = किसी चीज़ की अंधी, अत्यधिक पूजा।

  1. लेखक कहता है कि originality की ऐसी अति-प्रशंसा रचनाकारों को अतीत के ज्ञान की परंपरा से अलग कर सकती है।
  2. अर्थात अतीत से सीखने की कीमत पर मौलिकता का अति-गुणगान।
  3. (B), (C), (D) इस चेतावनी से मेल नहीं खाते।

ट्रिक: वाक्यांश के ठीक बाद का हिस्सा पढ़ें — वहीं इसका नुकसान बताया है।

उत्तर: (A) Society's excessive glorification of originality at the expense of learning from the past

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionReading comprehension – meaning of a phraseSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 3
Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

In the evolving theatre of human creativity, the contest between originality and imitation has long animated debates about authenticity and value. Originality, often romanticized as the spark of divine inspiration, is revered as the lifeblood of artistic and intellectual progress. The original creator, unshackled by precedent, is celebrated as a pioneer who redefines the boundaries of the possible. Yet, imitation — frequently dismissed as parasitic mimicry — possesses its own quiet genius. To imitate with discernment is to study the anatomy of excellence; it is the apprenticeship through which mastery often gestates. The Renaissance, after all, flourished not through isolation but through reinterpretation. However, the fetishization of originality in modern culture risks estranging creators from the continuum of human knowledge. Every so-called innovation is, in essence, an echo refracted through time — an evolution rather than an eruption. Conversely, blind imitation breeds stagnation, where the act of creation devolves into mechanical repetition devoid of insight. The truth lies in equilibrium: originality must converse with tradition even as it challenges it. The most profound works, whether in art, science, or thought, emerge not from rebellion alone but from synthesis — where imitation provides the scaffolding and originality raises the edifice. In this delicate dialectic, creativity becomes less an act of invention and more an act of intelligent remembrance, where the past is neither idolized nor ignored but transmuted into something enduringly new.
Q846.
What is meant by the phrase "an echo refracted through time"?
  1. AEvery creative idea carries traces of the ideas that came before it.
  2. BInnovation always replaces the traditions of the past.
  3. CModern art rejects all historical influences.
  4. DTime weakens the value of older creative works.
Show answer

Concept: An echo is an earlier sound coming back; 'refracted' means bent or changed.

  1. So every 'new' idea is an earlier idea returning in a changed form.
  2. The author adds 'an evolution rather than an eruption' — growth from the past, not a sudden break.
  3. (B), (C), (D) suggest replacing or rejecting the past — opposite of the author's view.

Trick: Echo = something that came before ⇒ choose the option with 'traces of earlier ideas'.

Answer: (A) Every creative idea carries traces of the ideas that came before it.

अवधारणा: Echo = पहले की आवाज़ का लौटना; 'refracted' = मुड़ा/बदला हुआ।

  1. अर्थात हर 'नया' विचार पुराने विचार का बदला हुआ रूप है।
  2. लेखक इसे 'evolution' (क्रमिक विकास) कहता है, अचानक विस्फोट नहीं।
  3. (B), (C), (D) अतीत को नकारते हैं — लेखक के मत के विपरीत।

ट्रिक: Echo = पहले से मौजूद ⇒ 'पुराने विचारों के अंश' वाला विकल्प चुनें।

उत्तर: (A) Every creative idea carries traces of the ideas that came before it.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionReading comprehension – figurative phraseSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 3
Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

In the evolving theatre of human creativity, the contest between originality and imitation has long animated debates about authenticity and value. Originality, often romanticized as the spark of divine inspiration, is revered as the lifeblood of artistic and intellectual progress. The original creator, unshackled by precedent, is celebrated as a pioneer who redefines the boundaries of the possible. Yet, imitation — frequently dismissed as parasitic mimicry — possesses its own quiet genius. To imitate with discernment is to study the anatomy of excellence; it is the apprenticeship through which mastery often gestates. The Renaissance, after all, flourished not through isolation but through reinterpretation. However, the fetishization of originality in modern culture risks estranging creators from the continuum of human knowledge. Every so-called innovation is, in essence, an echo refracted through time — an evolution rather than an eruption. Conversely, blind imitation breeds stagnation, where the act of creation devolves into mechanical repetition devoid of insight. The truth lies in equilibrium: originality must converse with tradition even as it challenges it. The most profound works, whether in art, science, or thought, emerge not from rebellion alone but from synthesis — where imitation provides the scaffolding and originality raises the edifice. In this delicate dialectic, creativity becomes less an act of invention and more an act of intelligent remembrance, where the past is neither idolized nor ignored but transmuted into something enduringly new.
Q847.
From the author's perspective, true creativity arises when -
  1. AOriginality is pursued in isolation from imitation
  2. BTradition is preserved without modification
  3. CThe old and the new are synthesized into meaningful innovation
  4. DThe creator rejects all prior influence
Show answer

Concept: The main idea is usually in the closing lines.

  1. The author says great works come from 'synthesis' — imitation as the base, originality building on it.
  2. The past is to be transformed into something new, neither worshipped nor ignored.
  3. (A) and (D) are isolation/rejection; (B) is mere preservation — all rejected by the author.

Trick: Balanced passages end with a 'middle path' — pick the option that combines both sides.

Answer: (C) The old and the new are synthesized into meaningful innovation

अवधारणा: मुख्य विचार प्रायः गद्यांश के अंत में होता है।

  1. लेखक के अनुसार श्रेष्ठ रचनाएँ 'synthesis' (समन्वय) से बनती हैं — अनुकरण आधार और मौलिकता उस पर निर्माण।
  2. अतीत को न पूजना, न नकारना, बल्कि नए रूप में ढालना।
  3. (A), (D) अलगाव/अस्वीकार; (B) केवल संरक्षण — लेखक तीनों को नकारता है।

ट्रिक: संतुलित गद्यांश का निष्कर्ष 'बीच का रास्ता' होता है — दोनों पक्ष जोड़ने वाला विकल्प चुनें।

उत्तर: (C) The old and the new are synthesized into meaningful innovation

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionReading comprehension – author's conclusionSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 3
Q848.
Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence:
James is good in mathematics, especially when it comes to solving complex problems under time constraints.
  1. Ais better in
  2. Bis good at
  3. Cis good for
  4. Dis best at
Show answer

Concept: For skill or ability in a subject or activity, use 'good at'.

  1. 'good in mathematics' → 'good at mathematics'.
  2. 'good for' = beneficial (Exercise is good for health).
  3. 'better'/'best' need a comparison, which the sentence does not have.

Yaad rakhein: good/bad/clever/expert at; weak in; good for (benefit); good to (kind to someone).

Answer: (B) is good at

अवधारणा: किसी विषय या काम में निपुणता बताने के लिए 'good at' आता है।

  1. 'good in mathematics' → 'good at mathematics'
  2. 'good for' = लाभदायक (Exercise is good for health)।
  3. 'better'/'best' के लिए तुलना चाहिए, जो वाक्य में नहीं है।

याद रखें: good/bad/clever/expert at; weak in; good for (लाभ); good to (किसी के प्रति दयालु)।

उत्तर: (B) is good at

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionPrepositions – good atSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 3
Q849.
Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence.
He said, "We have been waiting here for an hour."
  1. AHe said they were waiting there for an hour.
  2. BHe said they have been waiting there for an hour.
  3. CHe said they had been waiting there for an hour.
  4. DHe said they had waiting there for an hour.
Show answer

Concept: With a past reporting verb (said), tenses shift one step back.

  1. have been waiting → had been waiting.
  2. We → they; here → there.
  3. He said they had been waiting there for an hour.

Trick: Only 'have/has' changes to 'had'; 'been waiting' stays — (B) forgets the shift, (D) drops 'been'.

Answer: (C) He said they had been waiting there for an hour.

अवधारणा: Reporting verb past (said) हो तो tense एक कदम पीछे जाता है।

  1. have been waiting → had been waiting
  2. We → they; here → there
  3. He said they had been waiting there for an hour.

ट्रिक: केवल 'have' बदलकर 'had' होता है, 'been waiting' वैसा ही रहता है।

उत्तर: (C) He said they had been waiting there for an hour.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionDirect to indirect – present perfect continuousSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 3
Q850.
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. Urban planning must therefore integrate green spaces, efficient public transport, and affordable housing.
2. Rapid urbanization presents challenges such as congestion, pollution, and strain on infrastructure.
3. Cities that plan proactively can become more livable and resilient to social and environmental stresses.
4. Addressing these issues requires coordinated policy, community engagement, and long-term vision.
  1. A2, 1, 4, 3
  2. B2, 4, 1, 3
  3. C1, 3, 2, 4
  4. D3, 2, 1, 4
Show answer

Concept: Problem → what is needed → specific plan → outcome.

  1. 2 states the problem: congestion, pollution, strain.
  2. 4 'these issues' points back to 2 and gives the general need.
  3. 1 'therefore' gives the specific planning steps; 3 ends with the benefit for cities.

Trick: 'these issues' (4) must come right after the issues are listed (2) ⇒ 2-4 pair appears only in (B).

Answer: (B) 2, 4, 1, 3

अवधारणा: समस्या → आवश्यकता → ठोस योजना → परिणाम।

  1. 2 समस्या बताता है: भीड़, प्रदूषण, ढाँचे पर दबाव।
  2. 4 'these issues' से 2 की ओर संकेत करता है।
  3. 1 'therefore' से ठोस कदम; 3 में शहरों को मिलने वाला लाभ।

ट्रिक: 'these issues' (4) तुरंत 2 के बाद आएगा — 2-4 जोड़ी केवल (B) में।

उत्तर: (B) 2, 4, 1, 3

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionPara jumble – urbanizationSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 3
Q851.
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word:
Talkative
  1. AReserved
  2. BGarrulous
  3. CSilent
  4. DObey
Show answer

Concept: Synonym = word with the same meaning.

  1. Talkative = one who talks a lot.
  2. Garrulous = given to long, often trivial talk → same sense.
  3. Reserved and Silent are opposites; Obey is unrelated.

Yaad rakhein: Similar words: loquacious, chatty, voluble, verbose.

Answer: (B) Garrulous

अवधारणा: Synonym = समान अर्थ वाला शब्द।

  1. Talkative = बहुत बोलने वाला।
  2. Garrulous = बहुत अधिक (अक्सर बेकार की) बातें करने वाला → समान अर्थ।
  3. Reserved, Silent विलोम हैं; Obey (आज्ञा मानना) असंबंधित।

याद रखें: इसी अर्थ के शब्द: loquacious, chatty, voluble, verbose।

उत्तर: (B) Garrulous

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionSynonym – TalkativeSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 2
Q852.
Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word.
Intermittent
  1. AIrregular
  2. BPeriodic
  3. CIncessant
  4. DOccasional
Show answer

Concept: Antonym = opposite meaning.

  1. Intermittent = stopping and starting, not continuous.
  2. Incessant = never stopping, continuous → opposite.
  3. Irregular, Periodic, Occasional all carry the 'on-and-off' idea.

Trick: Three options share one sense – the odd one out is usually the antonym.

Answer: (C) Incessant

अवधारणा: Antonym = विपरीत अर्थ।

  1. Intermittent = रुक-रुक कर होने वाला।
  2. Incessant = लगातार, बिना रुके → विलोम।
  3. Irregular, Periodic, Occasional – सब 'कभी-कभी' वाले अर्थ के।

ट्रिक: तीन विकल्प एक जैसे अर्थ के हों, तो अलग वाला ही विलोम होता है।

उत्तर: (C) Incessant

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionAntonym – IntermittentSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 2
Q853.
Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word.
Bland
  1. APiquant
  2. BInsipid
  3. CTasteless
  4. DDull
Show answer

Concept: Antonym = opposite meaning.

  1. Bland = mild, without strong taste or interest.
  2. Piquant = pleasantly sharp/spicy, stimulating → opposite.
  3. Insipid, Tasteless, Dull are synonyms of bland.

Yaad rakhein: Food words: piquant, tangy, zesty (strong) vs bland, insipid, vapid (weak).

Answer: (A) Piquant

अवधारणा: Antonym = विपरीत अर्थ।

  1. Bland = फीका, बिना तीखे स्वाद का।
  2. Piquant = चटपटा, तीखा-स्वादिष्ट → विलोम।
  3. Insipid, Tasteless, Dull – bland के समानार्थी।

याद रखें: तेज़ स्वाद: piquant, tangy, zesty; फीका: bland, insipid, vapid।

उत्तर: (A) Piquant

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionAntonym – BlandSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 2
Q854.
Choose the correct meaning of idiom:
Taking wheat to a farmer is like carrying coals to Newcastle.
  1. AProvide something where it is already abundant
  2. BSeek advice from experts
  3. CComplain without cause
  4. DTravel without direction
Show answer

Concept: Idiom meaning: doing something pointless by supplying what is already plenty.

  1. Newcastle (England) was a major coal-producing city.
  2. Bringing coal there – or wheat to a farmer – is useless, as they already have plenty.
  3. So it means providing something where it is already abundant.

Trick: Hindi parallel: 'उल्टे बाँस बरेली को' – Bareilly already had bamboo.

Answer: (A) Provide something where it is already abundant

अवधारणा: मुहावरे का अर्थ – जहाँ चीज़ पहले से भरपूर हो वहीं ले जाना (व्यर्थ काम)।

  1. Newcastle (इंग्लैंड) कोयले का बड़ा केंद्र था।
  2. वहाँ कोयला ले जाना या किसान को गेहूँ देना व्यर्थ है।
  3. अर्थ: जहाँ पहले से बहुतायत हो, वहीं कुछ देना।

ट्रिक: हिंदी समतुल्य: 'उल्टे बाँस बरेली को'।

उत्तर: (A) Provide something where it is already abundant

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionIdiom – carry coals to NewcastleSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 2
Q855.
Choose the correct meaning of idiom:
Employees must toe the line at work.
  1. AFollow the leader exactly
  2. BJoin the military
  3. CTo obey rules or authority strictly
  4. DOppose popular opinion
Show answer

Concept: Idiom meaning: to conform to rules or orders.

  1. Toe the line = accept and obey the rules/authority without protest.
  2. In the sentence: employees must follow office rules strictly.
  3. 'Follow the leader exactly' is too narrow; the idiom is about rules/discipline.

Trick: Don't confuse with 'tow' – the idiom is 'toe' (place toes on the start line).

Answer: (C) To obey rules or authority strictly

अवधारणा: मुहावरे का अर्थ – नियमों/आदेशों का पालन करना।

  1. Toe the line = बिना विरोध के नियम या अधिकार मानना।
  2. वाक्य में: कर्मचारियों को कार्यस्थल के नियम सख़्ती से मानने चाहिए।
  3. 'Follow the leader' संकीर्ण अर्थ है; मुहावरा अनुशासन के बारे में है।

ट्रिक: वर्तनी 'toe' है, 'tow' नहीं।

उत्तर: (C) To obey rules or authority strictly

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionIdiom – toe the lineSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 2
Q856.
Which is the correct spelling?
  1. AAutonomy
  2. BAutunamy
  3. CAutonomme
  4. DAutonaomy
Show answer

Concept: Greek auto (self) + nomos (law) → auto-nomy.

  1. Correct: A-U-T-O-N-O-M-Y = self-rule, independence.
  2. Errors: 'Autunamy' (u, a), 'Autonomme' (double m), 'Autonaomy' (extra a).

Trick: Same ending as astronomy, economy, taxonomy: -nomy.

Answer: (A) Autonomy

अवधारणा: ग्रीक auto (स्वयं) + nomos (नियम) → auto-nomy।

  1. सही: A-U-T-O-N-O-M-Y = स्वायत्तता।
  2. गलत: 'Autunamy', 'Autonomme' (दोहरा m), 'Autonaomy' (अतिरिक्त a)।

ट्रिक: astronomy, economy, taxonomy की तरह अंत: -nomy।

उत्तर: (A) Autonomy

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionSpelling – AutonomySSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 2
Q857.
Spot the correct spelling.
  1. ACircadeon
  2. BCircadian
  3. CCircadeen
  4. DCircadijon
Show answer

Concept: Latin circa (about) + dies (day) → circa-dian.

  1. Correct: C-I-R-C-A-D-I-A-N – relating to the 24-hour body cycle.
  2. Other options spoil the '-dian' ending (-deon, -deen, -dijon).

Trick: Remember 'circa + dian' like 'Indian' ending.

Answer: (B) Circadian

अवधारणा: Latin circa (लगभग) + dies (दिन) → circa-dian।

  1. सही: C-I-R-C-A-D-I-A-N – 24 घंटे के जैविक चक्र से संबंधित।
  2. अन्य विकल्पों में '-dian' अंत बिगड़ा है।

ट्रिक: 'circa + dian' – 'Indian' जैसा अंत याद रखें।

उत्तर: (B) Circadian

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionSpelling – CircadianSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 2
Q858.
Choose the correct one-word substitute for: The note was impossible to read'.
  1. AIllegible
  2. BReadable
  3. CInvisible
  4. DUnutterable
Show answer

Concept: Writing that cannot be read = illegible.

  1. Il- (not) + legible (readable) → illegible.
  2. Invisible = cannot be seen; Unutterable = cannot be spoken/expressed; Readable = opposite.

Yaad rakhein: Legible/illegible → handwriting; eligible → qualified. Don't mix them.

Answer: (A) Illegible

अवधारणा: जो लिखावट पढ़ी न जा सके = illegible।

  1. Il- (नहीं) + legible (पढ़ने योग्य) → illegible।
  2. Invisible = दिखाई न दे; Unutterable = कहा न जा सके; Readable = विपरीत।

याद रखें: Legible/illegible → लिखावट; eligible → योग्य। दोनों अलग हैं।

उत्तर: (A) Illegible

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionOne-word – IllegibleSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 2
Q859.
Choose the correct one-word substitute for: He stood at the edge of a deep and seemingly bottomless chasm.
  1. ACrevasse
  2. BCrater
  3. CAbyss
  4. DTrench
Show answer

Concept: A very deep, seemingly endless gap = abyss.

  1. Abyss = a bottomless-looking deep pit or chasm.
  2. Crevasse = crack in a glacier; Crater = bowl-shaped hole (volcano/meteor); Trench = long narrow ditch.

Yaad rakhein: 'Abyssal zone' = the deepest part of the ocean floor.

Answer: (C) Abyss

अवधारणा: बहुत गहरी, अथाह-सी खाई = abyss।

  1. Abyss = अथाह गहरा गड्ढा/खाई।
  2. Crevasse = हिमनद की दरार; Crater = कटोरे जैसा गड्ढा; Trench = लंबी संकरी खाई।

याद रखें: 'Abyssal zone' = समुद्र तल का सबसे गहरा भाग।

उत्तर: (C) Abyss

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionOne-word – AbyssSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 2
Q860.
Choose the correct phrasal verb:
After reviewing all the evidence, the committee could not ____ a final decision.
  1. Adraw up
  2. Bbring in
  3. Cmake up
  4. Darrive at
Show answer

Concept: Collocation: arrive at / reach / come to a decision.

  1. 'Arrive at a decision' = finally reach it after discussion ✓.
  2. Draw up = prepare a document/plan; bring in = introduce (a law) or deliver a verdict; make up = invent/form (one's mind).

Trick: decision → arrive at / reach / come to / take / make – never 'draw up'.

Answer: (D) arrive at

अवधारणा: Collocation: arrive at / reach / come to a decision।

  1. 'Arrive at a decision' = चर्चा के बाद निर्णय पर पहुँचना ✓।
  2. Draw up = दस्तावेज़ तैयार करना; bring in = कानून लाना/फ़ैसला सुनाना; make up = गढ़ना/मन बनाना।

ट्रिक: decision के साथ: arrive at / reach / come to / take / make।

उत्तर: (D) arrive at

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionPhrasal verb – arrive atSSC CGL 2025 · 16 Sep Shift 2