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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.

Q161.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
After weeks of resistance, the smaller company had to ____ to the demands of the larger corporation.
  1. Aknuckle out
  2. Bknuckle down
  3. Cknuckle up
  4. Dknuckle under
Show answer

Concept: Choose the phrasal verb meaning 'to give in'.

  1. Knuckle under = to submit or yield to pressure/authority.
  2. Context: after resisting for weeks, the company finally gave in → 'knuckle under'.
  3. Knuckle down = start working seriously.

Trick: Under = below someone's power ⇒ submit; Down = get down to work.

Answer: (D) knuckle under

अवधारणा: 'हार मान लेना' अर्थ वाला phrasal verb चुनें।

  1. Knuckle under = दबाव या सत्ता के आगे झुक जाना।
  2. संदर्भ: हफ़्तों विरोध के बाद कंपनी को झुकना पड़ा → 'knuckle under'।
  3. Knuckle down = गंभीरता से काम में लग जाना।

ट्रिक: Under = किसी के अधीन ⇒ झुकना; Down = काम में जुट जाना।

उत्तर: (D) knuckle under

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionPhrasal verb – knuckle underSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 3
Q162.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
Scarcely had the alarm sounded ____ the building was evacuated.
  1. Athat
  2. Bwhen
  3. Cas soon as
  4. Dthen
Show answer

Concept: Fixed pairs: scarcely/hardly … when; no sooner … than.

  1. The sentence starts with 'Scarcely had…', so the partner is 'when'.
  2. Similar: Hardly had we reached the station when the train left.

Trick: Words with 'ly' (scarcely, hardly) take 'when'; the comparative 'sooner' takes 'than'.

Answer: (B) when

अवधारणा: तय जोड़े: scarcely/hardly … when; no sooner … than।

  1. वाक्य 'Scarcely had…' से शुरू है, अतः साथी 'when'।
  2. उदाहरण: Hardly had we reached the station when the train left.

ट्रिक: 'ly' वाले शब्द (scarcely, hardly) के साथ 'when'; तुलनात्मक 'sooner' के साथ 'than'।

उत्तर: (B) when

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionConjunction – Scarcely … whenSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 3
Q163.
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.
The novice programmer made (1)/ a blunder mistake (2)/ in the coding, which (3)/ crashed the entire system. (4)
  1. A(1)
  2. B(2)
  3. C(3)
  4. D(4)
Show answer

Concept: Avoid using two words with the same meaning together.

  1. 'Blunder' itself means a big mistake, so 'blunder mistake' is redundant – error in part (2).
  2. Correct: …made a blunder in the coding…

Yaad rakhein: Similar redundancies: return back, repeat again, revert back, final conclusion.

Answer: (B) (2)

अवधारणा: एक ही अर्थ के दो शब्द साथ प्रयोग न करें।

  1. 'Blunder' का अर्थ ही बड़ी गलती है, अतः 'blunder mistake' दोहराव है – भाग (2) में त्रुटि।
  2. सही: …made a blunder in the coding…

याद रखें: ऐसे दोहराव: return back, repeat again, revert back, final conclusion।

उत्तर: (B) (2)

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionError spotting – redundancySSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 3
Q164.
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
The analyst insisted that the latest forecasting model was superior than the one used last year.
  1. Amore superior than the one
  2. Bsuperior to the one
  3. Csuperior then the one
  4. Dsuperior over the one
Show answer

Concept: Latin comparatives (superior, inferior, senior, junior, prior, prefer) take 'to', not 'than'.

  1. 'superior than' ✗ → 'superior to' ✓.
  2. 'More superior' is a double comparative ✗.
  3. Correct: …was superior to the one used last year.

Trick: Words ending in '-ior' are followed by 'to'.

Answer: (B) superior to the one

अवधारणा: Latin तुलनात्मक शब्द (superior, inferior, senior, junior, prior) के बाद 'than' नहीं, 'to' आता है।

  1. 'superior than' ✗ → 'superior to' ✓।
  2. 'More superior' दोहरा तुलनात्मक है ✗।
  3. सही: …was superior to the one used last year.

ट्रिक: '-ior' से ख़त्म होने वाले शब्दों के बाद 'to' लगता है।

उत्तर: (B) superior to the one

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionComparatives – superior toSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 3
Q165.
Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence.
He explained that he had been waiting for the bus for an hour.
  1. AHe explained, "I had been waiting for the bus since an hour."
  2. BHe explained, "I was waiting for the bus for an hour."
  3. CHe explained, "I have been waiting for the bus for an hour."
  4. DHe explained, "I had waited for the bus for an hour."
Show answer

Concept: Undo the backshift: past perfect continuous ← present perfect continuous.

  1. 'he had been waiting' → 'I have been waiting'.
  2. 'for an hour' stays (duration takes 'for', not 'since').
  3. Direct: He explained, "I have been waiting for the bus for an hour."

Trick: When converting back, move the tense one step forward: had been → have been.

Answer: (C) He explained, "I have been waiting for the bus for an hour."

अवधारणा: Backshift उल्टा करें: past perfect continuous ← present perfect continuous।

  1. 'he had been waiting' → 'I have been waiting'।
  2. 'for an hour' वही रहेगा (अवधि के साथ 'for', 'since' नहीं)।
  3. Direct: He explained, "I have been waiting for the bus for an hour."

ट्रिक: वापस बदलते समय tense एक कदम आगे करें: had been → have been।

उत्तर: (C) He explained, "I have been waiting for the bus for an hour."

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionNarration – indirect to directSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 3
Q166.
Select the option which contains the most appropriate HOMONYM of the word given in bold/underline.
The researcher noted a minute organism under the microscope.
  1. AShe recorded every minute of the experiment in her logbook.
  2. BThe minute details of the cell structure were fascinating.
  3. CThe assistant examined another minute specimen.
  4. DThe microscope revealed a minute variation in colour.
Show answer

Concept: Homonym: same spelling, different meaning.

  1. In the given sentence minute (my-NYOOT) = very tiny (adjective).
  2. (B), (C), (D) use the same 'tiny' sense.
  3. (A) 'every minute of the experiment' = 60 seconds (noun, MIN-it) – a different meaning.

Trick: Ask 'tiny or time?' – the option meaning time is the homonym.

Answer: (A) She recorded every minute of the experiment in her logbook.

अवधारणा: Homonym: एक जैसी वर्तनी, अलग अर्थ।

  1. दिए गए वाक्य में minute = बहुत छोटा/सूक्ष्म (विशेषण)।
  2. (B), (C), (D) में भी यही 'सूक्ष्म' अर्थ है।
  3. (A) 'every minute of the experiment' = 60 सेकंड (संज्ञा) – अलग अर्थ।

ट्रिक: पूछें 'छोटा या समय?' – जहाँ समय वाला अर्थ हो वही homonym।

उत्तर: (A) She recorded every minute of the experiment in her logbook.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionHomonym – minuteSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 3
Q167.
Change the following from active to passive:
The team has not submitted any documents yet.
  1. ADocuments have not been submitted by any team yet.
  2. BNo document has been submitted by the team yet.
  3. CNo team submitted any documents yet.
  4. DEvery team will have submitted the documents yet.
Show answer

Concept: Present perfect passive = has/have been + V3; 'not … any' → 'no'.

  1. Object 'any documents' becomes subject 'No document'.
  2. has not submitted → has been submitted (negation moved to 'No').
  3. No document has been submitted by the team yet.

Trick: Keep the agent 'the team' unchanged – (A) and (C) change it to 'any/no team' ✗.

Answer: (B) No document has been submitted by the team yet.

अवधारणा: Present perfect passive = has/have been + V3; 'not … any' → 'no'।

  1. Object 'any documents' विषय बनकर 'No document' हो जाता है।
  2. has not submitted → has been submitted (नकार 'No' में चला गया)।
  3. No document has been submitted by the team yet.

ट्रिक: कर्ता 'the team' नहीं बदलता – (A), (C) में 'any/no team' कर दिया ✗।

उत्तर: (B) No document has been submitted by the team yet.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionVoice – negative present perfectSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 3
Q168.
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
The researcher would have written and publish several reports in his early thirties if he had not fallen sick.
  1. Apublished several report
  2. Bpublish several reports
  3. Cpublishing several reports
  4. Dpublished several reports
Show answer

Concept: 'would have' + past participle (V3); verbs joined by 'and' share the same form.

  1. 'would have written and ___' → second verb also V3: published.
  2. 'several' needs a plural noun: reports.
  3. Correct: would have written and published several reports.

Trick: Check both parts: verb form (published) + number (reports) – only (D) satisfies both.

Answer: (D) published several reports

अवधारणा: 'would have' के बाद V3; 'and' से जुड़ी क्रियाएँ एक ही रूप में।

  1. 'would have written and ___' → दूसरी क्रिया भी V3: published।
  2. 'several' के बाद बहुवचन संज्ञा: reports।
  3. सही: would have written and published several reports।

ट्रिक: दो बातें जाँचें: क्रिया रूप (published) + वचन (reports) – दोनों केवल (D) में।

उत्तर: (D) published several reports

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionVerb form – parallel past participlesSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 3
Q169.
Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence.
He said, "Does anyone speak French?"
  1. AHe enquired if anyone spoke French.
  2. BHe enquired if anyone speaks French.
  3. CHe enquired that if anyone spoke French.
  4. DHe enquired does anyone speak French.
Show answer

Concept: Yes/no question → reporting verb 'asked/enquired' + if/whether + statement order + backshift.

  1. 'Does anyone speak' → 'if anyone spoke' (present → past).
  2. No 'that' before 'if'; no question form.
  3. He enquired if anyone spoke French.

Trick: Helping verb do/does disappears and the main verb shifts to past: speak → spoke.

Answer: (A) He enquired if anyone spoke French.

अवधारणा: Yes/No प्रश्न → enquired/asked + if/whether + सामान्य वाक्य क्रम + tense पीछे।

  1. 'Does anyone speak' → 'if anyone spoke' (present → past)।
  2. 'if' से पहले 'that' नहीं; प्रश्नवाचक रूप नहीं।
  3. He enquired if anyone spoke French.

ट्रिक: सहायक do/does हट जाता है और मुख्य क्रिया past बनती है: speak → spoke।

उत्तर: (A) He enquired if anyone spoke French.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionNarration – yes/no questionSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 3
Q170.
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. They perform a vital role in local economies and food security.
2. Small-scale fisheries are often overlooked in global ocean management.
3. However, they face increasing threats from overfishing and climate change.
4. Recognizing their importance is crucial for sustainable ocean governance.
  1. A3-1-2-4
  2. B1-4-3-2
  3. C4-3-1-2
  4. D2-1-3-4
    Cloze Test
Show answer

Concept: Intro → importance → contrast ('However') → conclusion.

  1. 2 names the topic (small-scale fisheries) – opener.
  2. 1 ('They perform a vital role') explains their value.
  3. 3 ('However … threats') gives the contrast; 4 concludes with the need to recognise them → 2-1-3-4.

Trick: A sentence starting with 'They' or 'However' can never open; only (D) starts with 2.

Answer: (D) 2-1-3-4 Cloze Test

अवधारणा: परिचय → महत्व → विरोध ('However') → निष्कर्ष।

  1. 2 विषय (small-scale fisheries) बताता है – शुरुआत।
  2. 1 ('They perform a vital role') उनका महत्व बताता है।
  3. 3 ('However … threats') विरोध; 4 निष्कर्ष → 2-1-3-4।

ट्रिक: 'They' या 'However' से शुरू वाक्य पहला नहीं हो सकता; केवल (D) 2 से शुरू है।

उत्तर: (D) 2-1-3-4 Cloze Test

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionPara jumble – small-scale fisheriesSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 3
Directions (Qs. 96-100): In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Personal discipline is often misunderstood as a rigid set of rules, but in practice it is a flexible system that helps individuals (96) ____ their behaviour toward meaningful objectives. Unlike external enforcement, discipline grows strongest when driven by intrinsic motivation. People who manage their time intentionally often find that even small routines can produce significant change over extended periods. However, many struggle because they view discipline as punishment rather than a strategic tool. This misunderstanding prevents them from recognising its deeper value. True discipline is closely linked to the habit of deliberate reflection, a practice that allows one to assess choices without harsh judgment. Such reflection helps cultivate a sense of (97) ____ poise, especially in moments of uncertainty. When individuals learn to pause and observe their impulses, they gain clarity rather than reacting impulsively. Yet reflection alone is insufficient; it must be paired with purposeful action. Without consistent effort, even the most insightful intentions can (98) ____ into inactivity. Moreover, the long-term process of self-regulation requires emotional steadiness. This is where sustained (99) ____ fortitude becomes indispensable, enabling individuals to remain committed despite obstacles. Ultimately, discipline is less about restriction and more about intentional alignment with one’s values, achieved through repeated choices that (100) ____ personal growth.
Q171.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (96).
  1. Asteer
  2. Bsteered
  3. Csteering
  4. Dsteers
Show answer

Concept: After 'help + object', use the bare infinitive (base form).

  1. Structure: helps individuals ___ their behaviour.
  2. Base form needed → steer (= direct/guide).
  3. steered/steering/steers don't fit after 'help someone'.

Trick: Same rule for make/let/help: let him go, made me laugh, helped her steer.

Answer: (A) steer

अवधारणा: 'help + object' के बाद मूल क्रिया (bare infinitive) आती है।

  1. संरचना: helps individuals ___ their behaviour।
  2. मूल रूप चाहिए → steer (= दिशा देना)।
  3. steered/steering/steers 'help someone' के बाद उपयुक्त नहीं।

ट्रिक: make/let/help के बाद यही नियम: let him go, made me laugh, helped her steer।

उत्तर: (A) steer

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionCloze – help + object + base verbSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 3
Directions (Qs. 96-100): In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Personal discipline is often misunderstood as a rigid set of rules, but in practice it is a flexible system that helps individuals (96) ____ their behaviour toward meaningful objectives. Unlike external enforcement, discipline grows strongest when driven by intrinsic motivation. People who manage their time intentionally often find that even small routines can produce significant change over extended periods. However, many struggle because they view discipline as punishment rather than a strategic tool. This misunderstanding prevents them from recognising its deeper value. True discipline is closely linked to the habit of deliberate reflection, a practice that allows one to assess choices without harsh judgment. Such reflection helps cultivate a sense of (97) ____ poise, especially in moments of uncertainty. When individuals learn to pause and observe their impulses, they gain clarity rather than reacting impulsively. Yet reflection alone is insufficient; it must be paired with purposeful action. Without consistent effort, even the most insightful intentions can (98) ____ into inactivity. Moreover, the long-term process of self-regulation requires emotional steadiness. This is where sustained (99) ____ fortitude becomes indispensable, enabling individuals to remain committed despite obstacles. Ultimately, discipline is less about restriction and more about intentional alignment with one’s values, achieved through repeated choices that (100) ____ personal growth.
Q172.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the word 'poised' as highlighted in the passage.
  1. Aagitation
  2. Bbalance and composure
  3. Cstrictness
  4. Dconfusion
Show answer

Concept: Use surrounding clues to fix the meaning.

  1. Poise = calm balance and self-control.
  2. Context: pausing, observing impulses and gaining clarity in uncertainty – a calm state.
  3. Agitation and confusion are opposite; strictness doesn't fit.

Trick: A 'poised' dancer is balanced – think balance + calmness.

Answer: (B) balance and composure

अवधारणा: आसपास के शब्दों से अर्थ तय करें।

  1. Poise = शांत संतुलन और आत्म-नियंत्रण।
  2. संदर्भ: अनिश्चितता में रुककर आवेगों को देखना और स्पष्टता पाना – शांत अवस्था।
  3. Agitation, confusion विपरीत हैं; strictness उपयुक्त नहीं।

ट्रिक: 'Poised' नर्तक संतुलित होता है – संतुलन + शांति सोचें।

उत्तर: (B) balance and composure

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionWord meaning in context – poiseSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 3
Directions (Qs. 96-100): In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Personal discipline is often misunderstood as a rigid set of rules, but in practice it is a flexible system that helps individuals (96) ____ their behaviour toward meaningful objectives. Unlike external enforcement, discipline grows strongest when driven by intrinsic motivation. People who manage their time intentionally often find that even small routines can produce significant change over extended periods. However, many struggle because they view discipline as punishment rather than a strategic tool. This misunderstanding prevents them from recognising its deeper value. True discipline is closely linked to the habit of deliberate reflection, a practice that allows one to assess choices without harsh judgment. Such reflection helps cultivate a sense of (97) ____ poise, especially in moments of uncertainty. When individuals learn to pause and observe their impulses, they gain clarity rather than reacting impulsively. Yet reflection alone is insufficient; it must be paired with purposeful action. Without consistent effort, even the most insightful intentions can (98) ____ into inactivity. Moreover, the long-term process of self-regulation requires emotional steadiness. This is where sustained (99) ____ fortitude becomes indispensable, enabling individuals to remain committed despite obstacles. Ultimately, discipline is less about restriction and more about intentional alignment with one’s values, achieved through repeated choices that (100) ____ personal growth.
Q173.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (98).
  1. Adissolve
  2. Bdissolving
  3. Cdissolves
  4. Ddissolved
Show answer

Concept: A modal (can, may, will…) is always followed by the base form.

  1. Structure: intentions can ___ into inactivity.
  2. Base form → dissolve (= fade away).
  3. dissolving/dissolves/dissolved cannot follow 'can'.

Trick: Modal + V1 always – the only plain base form in the options is the answer.

Answer: (A) dissolve

अवधारणा: Modal (can, may, will…) के बाद हमेशा मूल क्रिया आती है।

  1. संरचना: intentions can ___ into inactivity।
  2. मूल रूप → dissolve (= धीरे-धीरे मिट जाना)।
  3. dissolving/dissolves/dissolved 'can' के बाद नहीं आते।

ट्रिक: Modal + V1 हमेशा – विकल्पों में जो सादा मूल रूप है वही उत्तर।

उत्तर: (A) dissolve

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionCloze – modal + base verbSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 3
Directions (Qs. 96-100): In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Personal discipline is often misunderstood as a rigid set of rules, but in practice it is a flexible system that helps individuals (96) ____ their behaviour toward meaningful objectives. Unlike external enforcement, discipline grows strongest when driven by intrinsic motivation. People who manage their time intentionally often find that even small routines can produce significant change over extended periods. However, many struggle because they view discipline as punishment rather than a strategic tool. This misunderstanding prevents them from recognising its deeper value. True discipline is closely linked to the habit of deliberate reflection, a practice that allows one to assess choices without harsh judgment. Such reflection helps cultivate a sense of (97) ____ poise, especially in moments of uncertainty. When individuals learn to pause and observe their impulses, they gain clarity rather than reacting impulsively. Yet reflection alone is insufficient; it must be paired with purposeful action. Without consistent effort, even the most insightful intentions can (98) ____ into inactivity. Moreover, the long-term process of self-regulation requires emotional steadiness. This is where sustained (99) ____ fortitude becomes indispensable, enabling individuals to remain committed despite obstacles. Ultimately, discipline is less about restriction and more about intentional alignment with one’s values, achieved through repeated choices that (100) ____ personal growth.
Q174.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the word 'fortitude' as highlighted in the passage.
  1. Aemotional weakness
  2. Bphysical speed
  3. Cmental strength and courage
  4. Dcasual indifference
Show answer

Concept: Find the meaning from how the passage uses the word.

  1. Fortitude = mental strength and courage in difficulty.
  2. Passage: it helps people 'remain committed despite obstacles'.
  3. Weakness, speed and indifference don't match.

Trick: Fortitude ↔ 'fort' – a strong fortress of the mind.

Answer: (C) mental strength and courage

अवधारणा: अनुच्छेद में शब्द के प्रयोग से अर्थ निकालें।

  1. Fortitude = कठिनाई में मानसिक दृढ़ता और साहस।
  2. अनुच्छेद: यह लोगों को 'बाधाओं के बावजूद प्रतिबद्ध' रखता है।
  3. Weakness, speed, indifference मेल नहीं खाते।

ट्रिक: Fortitude ↔ 'fort' (क़िला) – मन का मज़बूत क़िला।

उत्तर: (C) mental strength and courage

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionWord meaning in context – fortitudeSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 3
Directions (Qs. 96-100): In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Personal discipline is often misunderstood as a rigid set of rules, but in practice it is a flexible system that helps individuals (96) ____ their behaviour toward meaningful objectives. Unlike external enforcement, discipline grows strongest when driven by intrinsic motivation. People who manage their time intentionally often find that even small routines can produce significant change over extended periods. However, many struggle because they view discipline as punishment rather than a strategic tool. This misunderstanding prevents them from recognising its deeper value. True discipline is closely linked to the habit of deliberate reflection, a practice that allows one to assess choices without harsh judgment. Such reflection helps cultivate a sense of (97) ____ poise, especially in moments of uncertainty. When individuals learn to pause and observe their impulses, they gain clarity rather than reacting impulsively. Yet reflection alone is insufficient; it must be paired with purposeful action. Without consistent effort, even the most insightful intentions can (98) ____ into inactivity. Moreover, the long-term process of self-regulation requires emotional steadiness. This is where sustained (99) ____ fortitude becomes indispensable, enabling individuals to remain committed despite obstacles. Ultimately, discipline is less about restriction and more about intentional alignment with one’s values, achieved through repeated choices that (100) ____ personal growth.
Q175.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (100).
  1. Aare nourishing
  2. Bnourish
  3. Cwere nourishing
  4. Dhas nourished
Show answer

Concept: In a relative clause the verb agrees with the antecedent noun.

  1. Clause: repeated choices that ___ personal growth – 'that' = choices (plural).
  2. Passage speaks of a general truth → simple present plural: nourish.
  3. 'has nourished' is singular; past continuous doesn't suit a general statement.

Trick: General truth + plural subject = plain V1 (no -s).

Answer: (B) nourish

अवधारणा: Relative clause में क्रिया अपने पूर्ववर्ती संज्ञा से मेल खाती है।

  1. Clause: repeated choices that ___ personal growth – 'that' = choices (बहुवचन)।
  2. सामान्य सत्य की बात → simple present बहुवचन: nourish।
  3. 'has nourished' एकवचन है; past continuous सामान्य कथन में नहीं।

ट्रिक: सामान्य सत्य + बहुवचन कर्ता = सादा V1 (बिना -s)।

उत्तर: (B) nourish

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionCloze – subject–verb agreementSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 3
Q176.
Fill in the blank with the correctly spelt word.
The ____ of the novel was appreciated by critics and readers alike.
  1. Anarrative
  2. Bnarative
  3. Cnerritive
  4. Dnaritivve
Show answer

Concept: Correct spelling: N-A-R-R-A-T-I-V-E (two r's, one t, ends in -ive).

  1. 'Narrative' = a story or an account of events; it fits 'the ___ of the novel'.
  2. 'narative' drops one r; 'nerritive' and 'naritivve' change vowels and letters.

Trick: Link it to 'narrate' (double r) + -ive → narrative.

Answer: (A) narrative

अवधारणा: सही वर्तनी: N-A-R-R-A-T-I-V-E (दो r, एक t, अंत में -ive)।

हल:

  1. 'Narrative' = कहानी या घटनाओं का वर्णन; 'the ___ of the novel' में सही बैठता है।
  2. 'narative' में एक r कम; 'nerritive', 'naritivve' में स्वर व अक्षर बदले हुए।

ट्रिक: 'narrate' (दो r) + -ive = narrative — ऐसे याद रखें।

उत्तर: (A) narrative

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionSpelling – narrativeSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 2
Q177.
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word:
ACQUISITIVE
  1. AGreedy
  2. BGenerous
  3. CSelfless
  4. DBenevolent
Show answer

Concept: Acquisitive = excessively eager to get and own things (money, property).

  1. Greedy = wanting more than one needs — same sense.
  2. Generous, Selfless, Benevolent all mean giving to others — opposite sense.

Trick: Acquisitive comes from 'acquire' (to get) — the one who always wants to get is greedy.

Answer: (A) Greedy

अवधारणा: Acquisitive = चीज़ें (धन, संपत्ति) पाने को अत्यधिक उत्सुक, यानी लालची।

हल:

  1. Greedy = लालची — समान अर्थ।
  2. Generous, Selfless, Benevolent = उदार/परोपकारी — विपरीत अर्थ।

ट्रिक: Acquisitive, 'acquire' (प्राप्त करना) से बना है — हमेशा पाने की चाह = लालच।

उत्तर: (A) Greedy

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionSynonym – acquisitiveSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 2
Q178.
Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word:
APOCRYPHAL
  1. ASpurious
  2. BAuthentic
  3. CDubious
  4. DQuestionable
Show answer

Concept: Apocryphal = (of a story) widely told but probably not true; of doubtful origin.

  1. Opposite: Authentic = genuine, proven true.
  2. Spurious, Dubious, Questionable are close in meaning to apocryphal — they are synonyms, not antonyms.

Trick: When three options mean the same thing, they are synonyms of the word; the odd one out is the antonym.

Answer: (B) Authentic

अवधारणा: Apocryphal = ऐसी कहानी जो प्रचलित तो है पर शायद सच नहीं; संदिग्ध।

हल:

  1. विलोम: Authentic = प्रामाणिक, सच्चा।
  2. Spurious, Dubious, Questionable का अर्थ apocryphal जैसा ही — ये पर्याय हैं, विलोम नहीं।

ट्रिक: तीन विकल्प एक ही अर्थ वाले हों तो वे पर्याय हैं; अलग वाला ही विलोम है।

उत्तर: (B) Authentic

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionAntonym – apocryphalSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 2
Q179.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Break the bank
  1. ASpend all one's money
  2. BWin a lottery
  3. CSave a lot of money
  4. DBorrow from a bank
Show answer

Concept: 'Break the bank' = to cost too much / use up all one's money.

  1. Example: Buying a phone shouldn't break the bank (shouldn't cost all your money).
  2. It is about overspending — not winning, saving or borrowing.

Yaad rakhein: Mostly used in the negative: 'It won't break the bank' = it's affordable.

Answer: (A) Spend all one's money

अवधारणा: 'Break the bank' = बहुत महँगा पड़ना / सारा पैसा खर्च हो जाना।

हल:

  1. उदाहरण: Buying a phone shouldn't break the bank (फ़ोन लेने में सारी जमा-पूँजी नहीं जानी चाहिए)।
  2. इसका संबंध अधिक खर्च से है — जीतना, बचाना या उधार लेना नहीं।

याद रखें: प्रायः नकारात्मक रूप में: 'It won't break the bank' = यह सस्ता/किफ़ायती है।

उत्तर: (A) Spend all one's money

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionIdiom – break the bankSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 2
Q180.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Lay it on the line
  1. ATo relax completely
  2. BTo play a game carefully
  3. CTo speak frankly and honestly
  4. DTo hide the truth
Show answer

Concept: 'Lay it on the line' = to say something clearly and honestly, without hiding anything.

  1. Example: The manager laid it on the line — targets must be met.
  2. 'Hide the truth' is the opposite; relaxing and playing carefully are unrelated.

Yaad rakhein: Similar idioms: 'call a spade a spade', 'speak one's mind', 'not mince words'.

Answer: (C) To speak frankly and honestly

अवधारणा: 'Lay it on the line' = बिना छिपाए साफ़-साफ़ और ईमानदारी से कहना।

हल:

  1. उदाहरण: The manager laid it on the line — targets must be met.
  2. 'सच छिपाना' इसका उल्टा है; आराम करना या सावधानी से खेलना असंबंधित।

याद रखें: समान मुहावरे: 'call a spade a spade', 'speak one's mind', 'not mince words'।

उत्तर: (C) To speak frankly and honestly

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionIdiom – lay it on the lineSSC CGL 2025 · 25 Sep Shift 2