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Q2381.
Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words:
'Someone who assumes a false identity to deceive others'.
  1. AMimic
  2. BEmbezzler
  3. CImpostor
  4. DHypocrite
Show answer

Concept: Impostor = one who pretends to be someone else to deceive.

  1. Mimic = copies others for fun, not to deceive.
  2. Embezzler = steals money placed in his trust.
  3. Hypocrite = pretends to have virtues/beliefs, not a false identity.

Trick: 'False identity' → impostor; 'false virtue' → hypocrite.

Answer: (C) Impostor

अवधारणा: Impostor = धोखा देने के लिए किसी और का रूप धरने वाला।

  1. Mimic = मज़ाक में नकल करने वाला।
  2. Embezzler = सौंपे गए धन का गबन करने वाला।
  3. Hypocrite = झूठे गुण/विश्वास दिखाने वाला (ढोंगी)।

ट्रिक: झूठी पहचान → impostor; झूठा गुण → hypocrite।

उत्तर: (C) Impostor

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionOne-word substitution – ImpostorSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Q2382.
Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words:
'A society or system ruled by people who use their power to steal their country's resources'.
  1. APlutocracy
  2. BKleptomania
  3. COligarchy
  4. DKleptocracy
Show answer

Concept: Klepto (steal) + cracy (rule) = rule by thieves.

  1. Kleptocracy = rulers who loot national resources.
  2. Plutocracy = rule by the wealthy; Oligarchy = rule by a few.
  3. Kleptomania = compulsive urge to steal (a disorder).

Trick: '-cracy' means a system of rule → only Plutocracy, Kleptocracy fit; stealing → Kleptocracy.

Answer: (D) Kleptocracy

अवधारणा: Klepto (चोरी) + cracy (शासन) = चोरों का शासन।

  1. Kleptocracy = देश के संसाधन लूटने वाले शासक।
  2. Plutocracy = धनिकों का शासन; Oligarchy = कुछ लोगों का शासन।
  3. Kleptomania = चोरी करने की मानसिक बीमारी।

ट्रिक: '-cracy' = शासन प्रणाली; चोरी वाला → Kleptocracy।

उत्तर: (D) Kleptocracy

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionOne-word substitution – KleptocracySSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Q2383.
Choose the correct semantic fit:
The timely action was regarded as a ____ against rising tensions.
  1. Adeterrent
  2. Bdetention
  3. Cdetraction
  4. Dderision
Show answer

Concept: Deterrent = something that discourages or prevents.

  1. Timely action that checks rising tensions acts as a deterrent.
  2. Detention = confinement; detraction = belittling; derision = mockery.
  3. Only 'deterrent' fits 'a ____ against'.

Trick: Collocation: 'a deterrent against/to' is a fixed phrase.

Answer: (A) deterrent

अवधारणा: Deterrent = रोकने या हतोत्साहित करने वाली चीज़।

  1. समय पर उठाया कदम तनाव रोकता है → deterrent।
  2. Detention = हिरासत; detraction = निंदा; derision = उपहास।
  3. 'a ____ against' में केवल deterrent फिट।

ट्रिक: 'a deterrent against' एक प्रचलित संयोजन है।

उत्तर: (A) deterrent

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionVocabulary in context – deterrentSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Q2384.
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.
He drives (1)/ very reckless (2)/ on the highway, ignoring (3)/ all traffic rules. (4)
  1. A(1)
  2. B(2)
  3. C(3)
  4. D(4)
Show answer

Concept: A verb is modified by an adverb, not an adjective.

  1. 'drives' is a verb → needs adverb.
  2. 'reckless' (adjective) → 'recklessly'.
  3. Correct: He drives very recklessly on the highway.

Trick: Ask 'drives how?' – the answer word should usually end in -ly.

Answer: (B) (2)

अवधारणा: क्रिया की विशेषता क्रियाविशेषण (adverb) बताता है, विशेषण नहीं।

  1. 'drives' क्रिया है → adverb चाहिए।
  2. 'reckless' (adjective) → 'recklessly'।
  3. सही: He drives very recklessly on the highway।

ट्रिक: 'कैसे चलाता है?' – उत्तर वाला शब्द प्रायः -ly वाला होगा।

उत्तर: (B) (2)

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionError spotting – adjective vs adverbSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Q2385.
Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice.
They should have completed the assignment by now.
  1. AThe assignment should completed by now.
  2. BThe assignment should have been completed by now.
  3. CThe assignment must have completed by now.
  4. DThe assignment has been completed by now.
Show answer

Concept: should have + V3 (active) → should have been + V3 (passive).

  1. Object 'the assignment' becomes subject.
  2. should have completed → should have been completed.
  3. 'by them' may be dropped.

Trick: Passive of any perfect form needs 'been' – (A), (C) lack it; (D) loses 'should'.

Answer: (B) The assignment should have been completed by now.

अवधारणा: should have + V3 (active) → should have been + V3 (passive)।

  1. कर्म 'the assignment' कर्ता बनता है।
  2. should have completed → should have been completed।
  3. 'by them' छोड़ा जा सकता है।

ट्रिक: Perfect रूप के passive में 'been' ज़रूरी – (A), (C) में नहीं; (D) में 'should' गायब।

उत्तर: (B) The assignment should have been completed by now.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionPassive voice – modal perfectSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Q2386.
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.
So profound was the impact (1)/ of the new policy that it not only changed recruitment standards (2)/ but also reduced with overall efficiency (3)/ across departments. (4)
  1. A(1)
  2. B(2)
  3. C(3)
  4. D(4)
Show answer

Concept: 'Reduce' is transitive: it takes a direct object.

  1. 'reduced with overall efficiency' – 'with' is unwanted.
  2. Correct: 'but also reduced overall efficiency'.
  3. 'not only … but also' parallel structure is otherwise fine.

Trick: Ask 'reduced what?' – the object follows directly.

Answer: (C) (3)

अवधारणा: 'Reduce' सकर्मक क्रिया है, सीधे कर्म लेती है।

  1. 'reduced with overall efficiency' में 'with' अनावश्यक।
  2. सही: 'but also reduced overall efficiency'।
  3. बाकी 'not only … but also' संरचना ठीक है।

ट्रिक: 'reduced क्या?' – कर्म सीधे आता है, बीच में preposition नहीं।

उत्तर: (C) (3)

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionError spotting – 'reduce' without prepositionSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Q2387.
Select the option which contains the most appropriate HOMONYM of the word given in bold/underline.
The basilica was celebrated for its excellent acoustics and harmonious design.
  1. AThe archaeologist discovered the remains of an ancient Roman basilica.
  2. BThe composer wrote an oratorio to be performed inside the basilica.
  3. CThe botanist documented a rare basilica plant with jagged leaves.
  4. DDevotees assembled within the old basilica at twilight.
Show answer

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

  1. In the given sentence, 'basilica' = a large church/hall.
  2. (A), (B), (D) use the same church sense.
  3. (C) uses 'basilica' as the name of a plant – a different meaning, so it is the homonym.

Trick: Pick the option whose meaning differs from the rest – the odd sense is the homonym.

Answer: (C) The botanist documented a rare basilica plant with jagged leaves.

अवधारणा: समनाम (homonym) = एक ही शब्द, अलग अर्थ में।

  1. दिए वाक्य में 'basilica' = बड़ा गिरजाघर/भवन।
  2. (A), (B), (D) में भी यही अर्थ।
  3. (C) में 'basilica' एक पौधे का नाम है – अलग अर्थ, अतः homonym।

ट्रिक: जिस विकल्प का अर्थ बाकी से अलग हो, वही homonym।

उत्तर: (C) The botanist documented a rare basilica plant with jagged leaves.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionHomonym – basilicaSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Q2388.
Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice.
The findings are understood to have been verified by independent auditors.
  1. AIndependent auditors understood the findings to verify themselves.
  2. BIndependent auditors are understood to have verified the findings.
  3. CIt was understood that auditors have verified findings.
  4. DThe findings have been understood by auditors to verify them.
Show answer

Concept: Only the inner verb changes voice; the reporting frame 'are understood to' stays.

  1. Passive inner part: findings … to have been verified by auditors.
  2. Active: auditors … to have verified the findings.
  3. So: Independent auditors are understood to have verified the findings.

Trick: to have been + V3 (passive) ↔ to have + V3 (active).

Answer: (B) Independent auditors are understood to have verified the findings.

अवधारणा: केवल अंदर की क्रिया का वाच्य बदलता है; 'are understood to' वैसा ही रहता है।

  1. Passive: findings … to have been verified by auditors।
  2. Active: auditors … to have verified the findings।
  3. अतः: Independent auditors are understood to have verified the findings।

ट्रिक: to have been + V3 (passive) ↔ to have + V3 (active)।

उत्तर: (B) Independent auditors are understood to have verified the findings.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionActive voice – 'are understood to have been'SSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Q2389.
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underline/Bold segment in the given sentence.
He has been living in this city since five years.
  1. Asince five years
  2. Bfor five years
  3. Cby five years
  4. Dfrom five year
Show answer

Concept: 'Since' + point of time; 'for' + period of time.

  1. 'five years' is a duration.
  2. With perfect continuous tense: has been living for five years.
  3. 'since 2020' would be correct with since.

Trick: Can you put 'from … till now' with a date? → since. A length of time → for.

Answer: (B) for five years

अवधारणा: 'Since' + समय-बिंदु; 'for' + समय-अवधि।

  1. 'five years' एक अवधि है।
  2. Perfect continuous के साथ: has been living for five years।
  3. तारीख होती तो since: since 2020।

ट्रिक: तारीख/बिंदु → since; अवधि → for।

उत्तर: (B) for five years

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionSince vs forSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Q2390.
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: APPROPRIATE
  1. AExtraneous
  2. BIrrelevant
  3. CUnsuitable
  4. DFelicitous
Show answer

Concept: Appropriate = suitable, fitting.

  1. Felicitous = well chosen, apt – synonym.
  2. Extraneous, irrelevant, unsuitable – all opposite in sense.

Trick: Three options carry a negative 'not fitting' idea – the odd positive word is the synonym.

Answer: (D) Felicitous

अवधारणा: Appropriate = उपयुक्त, उचित।

  1. Felicitous = सटीक, उपयुक्त – समानार्थी।
  2. Extraneous, irrelevant, unsuitable – सब विपरीत भाव।

ट्रिक: तीन विकल्प 'अनुपयुक्त' भाव वाले हैं – अलग सकारात्मक शब्द ही उत्तर।

उत्तर: (D) Felicitous

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionSynonym – AppropriateSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Q2391.
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: TARDY
  1. ASwift
  2. BEfficient
  3. CPrompt
  4. DDilatory
Show answer

Concept: Tardy = late, slow to act.

  1. Dilatory = tending to delay – synonym.
  2. Swift, efficient, prompt = quick – antonyms.

Trick: 'Dilatory' shares root with 'delay' – easy to recall.

Answer: (D) Dilatory

अवधारणा: Tardy = देर से आने/करने वाला, सुस्त।

  1. Dilatory = टालमटोल करने वाला – समानार्थी।
  2. Swift, efficient, prompt = तेज़ – विलोम।

ट्रिक: 'Dilatory' को 'delay' से जोड़कर याद रखें।

उत्तर: (D) Dilatory

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionSynonym – TardySSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Q2392.
Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word: Dull
  1. ABoring
  2. BDim
  3. CRefulgent
  4. DTedious
Show answer

Concept: Dull = lacking brightness or interest.

  1. Refulgent = shining brightly – opposite of dull.
  2. Boring, dim, tedious all mean dull.

Trick: Three options are synonyms of the word – the remaining one is the antonym.

Answer: (C) Refulgent

अवधारणा: Dull = फीका, नीरस।

  1. Refulgent = तेज़ चमकता हुआ – dull का विलोम।
  2. Boring, dim, tedious – सब dull के समानार्थी।

ट्रिक: तीन विकल्प समानार्थी हों तो बचा हुआ ही विलोम।

उत्तर: (C) Refulgent

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionAntonym – DullSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Justice and equality, though often invoked together, are distinct yet interdependent ideals that form the backbone of any democratic society. Justice concerns itself with fairness — ensuring that individuals receive what they are due, based on merit, need, or equity. Equality, on the other hand, demands that all individuals be treated the same, without discrimination or privilege. However, absolute equality can sometimes undermine justice, just as rigid notions of justice may perpetuate inequality. For instance, providing identical resources to students from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds may appear equal but fails to be just, as it ignores contextual disadvantages. Hence, modern social theorists argue for "equity" — a dynamic balance that considers differences without abandoning fairness. Philosophers from Aristotle to Rawls have grappled with this tension. Aristotle viewed justice as giving each person their due, emphasizing proportional fairness rather than sameness. Centuries later, John Rawls introduced the "veil of ignorance" — a thought experiment suggesting that just principles are those chosen without knowing one’s social status. His theory underscored that true fairness must protect the least advantaged, not merely maintain formal equality. However, translating such philosophical ideals into public policy is rarely straightforward. Bureaucratic systems often reduce nuanced principles into rigid procedures, where equality is measured by uniform rules rather than outcomes. The digital age adds another layer to this debate. Algorithms used in hiring, lending, or law enforcement claim objectivity but often reproduce existing biases encoded in data. A recruitment system that screens candidates purely on "neutral" data may still discriminate against marginalized groups, revealing how equality in process does not always yield justice in result. Therefore, achieving a just society demands constant reflection — to move beyond mechanical equality and toward fairness rooted in empathy, adaptability, and moral imagination.
Q2393.
What main distinction does the passage draw between justice and equality?
  1. AJustice is about fairness, while equality ensures sameness in treatment.
  2. BEquality focuses on merit, while justice ignores it.
  3. CBoth are identical in democratic societies.
  4. DEquality is more important than justice.
Show answer

Concept: Locate the line that defines both terms.

  1. Justice = fairness, giving each person what is due (merit, need, equity).
  2. Equality = treating all the same, without discrimination.
  3. So the contrast is fairness vs sameness.

Trick: Definition questions are answered in the passage's first lines.

Answer: (A) Justice is about fairness, while equality ensures sameness in treatment.

अवधारणा: वह पंक्ति खोजें जहाँ दोनों शब्दों की परिभाषा है।

  1. न्याय = निष्पक्षता, हर व्यक्ति को उसका हक (योग्यता, आवश्यकता, समता)।
  2. समानता = सबके साथ एक जैसा व्यवहार।
  3. अंतर: निष्पक्षता बनाम एकरूपता।

ट्रिक: परिभाषा वाले प्रश्न का उत्तर गद्यांश की शुरुआती पंक्तियों में होता है।

उत्तर: (A) Justice is about fairness, while equality ensures sameness in treatment.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionRC – justice vs equalitySSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Justice and equality, though often invoked together, are distinct yet interdependent ideals that form the backbone of any democratic society. Justice concerns itself with fairness — ensuring that individuals receive what they are due, based on merit, need, or equity. Equality, on the other hand, demands that all individuals be treated the same, without discrimination or privilege. However, absolute equality can sometimes undermine justice, just as rigid notions of justice may perpetuate inequality. For instance, providing identical resources to students from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds may appear equal but fails to be just, as it ignores contextual disadvantages. Hence, modern social theorists argue for "equity" — a dynamic balance that considers differences without abandoning fairness. Philosophers from Aristotle to Rawls have grappled with this tension. Aristotle viewed justice as giving each person their due, emphasizing proportional fairness rather than sameness. Centuries later, John Rawls introduced the "veil of ignorance" — a thought experiment suggesting that just principles are those chosen without knowing one’s social status. His theory underscored that true fairness must protect the least advantaged, not merely maintain formal equality. However, translating such philosophical ideals into public policy is rarely straightforward. Bureaucratic systems often reduce nuanced principles into rigid procedures, where equality is measured by uniform rules rather than outcomes. The digital age adds another layer to this debate. Algorithms used in hiring, lending, or law enforcement claim objectivity but often reproduce existing biases encoded in data. A recruitment system that screens candidates purely on "neutral" data may still discriminate against marginalized groups, revealing how equality in process does not always yield justice in result. Therefore, achieving a just society demands constant reflection — to move beyond mechanical equality and toward fairness rooted in empathy, adaptability, and moral imagination.
Q2394.
Why does the author mention Aristotle and Rawls?
  1. ATo show how philosophers disagreed on democracy.
  2. BTo highlight historical and modern perspectives on justice.
  3. CTo criticize ancient philosophical theories.
  4. DTo argue that equality has always been superior to justice.
Show answer

Concept: Ask why the author brings in named thinkers.

  1. Aristotle (ancient): justice = proportional fairness.
  2. Rawls (modern): 'veil of ignorance', protect the least advantaged.
  3. Together they show old and new views of justice.

Trick: 'From Aristotle to Rawls' = a span of time → historical and modern perspectives.

Answer: (B) To highlight historical and modern perspectives on justice.

अवधारणा: लेखक ने इन दार्शनिकों का उल्लेख क्यों किया, यह देखें।

  1. अरस्तू (प्राचीन): न्याय = आनुपातिक निष्पक्षता।
  2. रॉल्स (आधुनिक): 'veil of ignorance', सबसे वंचित की रक्षा।
  3. दोनों मिलकर प्राचीन और आधुनिक दृष्टिकोण दिखाते हैं।

ट्रिक: 'From Aristotle to Rawls' = समय का विस्तार → ऐतिहासिक और आधुनिक दृष्टिकोण।

उत्तर: (B) To highlight historical and modern perspectives on justice.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionRC – purpose of examplesSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Justice and equality, though often invoked together, are distinct yet interdependent ideals that form the backbone of any democratic society. Justice concerns itself with fairness — ensuring that individuals receive what they are due, based on merit, need, or equity. Equality, on the other hand, demands that all individuals be treated the same, without discrimination or privilege. However, absolute equality can sometimes undermine justice, just as rigid notions of justice may perpetuate inequality. For instance, providing identical resources to students from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds may appear equal but fails to be just, as it ignores contextual disadvantages. Hence, modern social theorists argue for "equity" — a dynamic balance that considers differences without abandoning fairness. Philosophers from Aristotle to Rawls have grappled with this tension. Aristotle viewed justice as giving each person their due, emphasizing proportional fairness rather than sameness. Centuries later, John Rawls introduced the "veil of ignorance" — a thought experiment suggesting that just principles are those chosen without knowing one’s social status. His theory underscored that true fairness must protect the least advantaged, not merely maintain formal equality. However, translating such philosophical ideals into public policy is rarely straightforward. Bureaucratic systems often reduce nuanced principles into rigid procedures, where equality is measured by uniform rules rather than outcomes. The digital age adds another layer to this debate. Algorithms used in hiring, lending, or law enforcement claim objectivity but often reproduce existing biases encoded in data. A recruitment system that screens candidates purely on "neutral" data may still discriminate against marginalized groups, revealing how equality in process does not always yield justice in result. Therefore, achieving a just society demands constant reflection — to move beyond mechanical equality and toward fairness rooted in empathy, adaptability, and moral imagination.
Q2395.
According to the passage, what problem arises from bureaucratic implementation of justice?
  1. AIt becomes excessively fair.
  2. BIt simplifies complex ideas into rigid procedures.
  3. CIt eliminates inequality entirely.
  4. DIt prioritizes empathy over order.
Show answer

Concept: Find the sentence about bureaucratic systems.

  1. Passage: bureaucracies 'reduce nuanced principles into rigid procedures'.
  2. Equality gets measured by uniform rules, not outcomes.
  3. So complex ideas are over-simplified into fixed rules.

Trick: Match key words: 'nuanced → rigid' = 'complex → rigid procedures'.

Answer: (B) It simplifies complex ideas into rigid procedures.

अवधारणा: नौकरशाही वाला वाक्य खोजें।

  1. गद्यांश: नौकरशाही 'सूक्ष्म सिद्धांतों को कठोर प्रक्रियाओं में बदल देती है'।
  2. समानता परिणाम से नहीं, एक जैसे नियमों से मापी जाती है।
  3. यानी जटिल विचार कठोर नियम बन जाते हैं।

ट्रिक: मुख्य शब्द मिलाएँ: 'nuanced → rigid' = 'complex → rigid procedures'।

उत्तर: (B) It simplifies complex ideas into rigid procedures.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionRC – bureaucracy problemSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Justice and equality, though often invoked together, are distinct yet interdependent ideals that form the backbone of any democratic society. Justice concerns itself with fairness — ensuring that individuals receive what they are due, based on merit, need, or equity. Equality, on the other hand, demands that all individuals be treated the same, without discrimination or privilege. However, absolute equality can sometimes undermine justice, just as rigid notions of justice may perpetuate inequality. For instance, providing identical resources to students from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds may appear equal but fails to be just, as it ignores contextual disadvantages. Hence, modern social theorists argue for "equity" — a dynamic balance that considers differences without abandoning fairness. Philosophers from Aristotle to Rawls have grappled with this tension. Aristotle viewed justice as giving each person their due, emphasizing proportional fairness rather than sameness. Centuries later, John Rawls introduced the "veil of ignorance" — a thought experiment suggesting that just principles are those chosen without knowing one’s social status. His theory underscored that true fairness must protect the least advantaged, not merely maintain formal equality. However, translating such philosophical ideals into public policy is rarely straightforward. Bureaucratic systems often reduce nuanced principles into rigid procedures, where equality is measured by uniform rules rather than outcomes. The digital age adds another layer to this debate. Algorithms used in hiring, lending, or law enforcement claim objectivity but often reproduce existing biases encoded in data. A recruitment system that screens candidates purely on "neutral" data may still discriminate against marginalized groups, revealing how equality in process does not always yield justice in result. Therefore, achieving a just society demands constant reflection — to move beyond mechanical equality and toward fairness rooted in empathy, adaptability, and moral imagination.
Q2396.
What concern does the author raise about algorithms in modern systems?
  1. AThey always promote equality and justice.
  2. BThey remove all forms of bias.
  3. CThey can perpetuate hidden biases under the guise of neutrality.
  4. DThey are too costly to implement.
Show answer

Concept: Locate the 'digital age' part of the passage.

  1. Algorithms claim objectivity.
  2. But they reproduce biases already present in their data.
  3. A 'neutral' screening can still discriminate – hidden bias under neutrality.

Trick: Extreme words 'always', 'all' in (A), (B) make them wrong quickly.

Answer: (C) They can perpetuate hidden biases under the guise of neutrality.

अवधारणा: गद्यांश का 'digital age' वाला भाग देखें।

  1. एल्गोरिद्म निष्पक्ष होने का दावा करते हैं।
  2. पर डेटा में मौजूद पक्षपात दोहराते हैं।
  3. 'तटस्थ' चयन भी भेदभाव कर सकता है – तटस्थता की आड़ में छिपा पक्षपात।

ट्रिक: (A), (B) में 'always', 'all' जैसे चरम शब्द – तुरंत हटाएँ।

उत्तर: (C) They can perpetuate hidden biases under the guise of neutrality.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionRC – algorithms and biasSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Justice and equality, though often invoked together, are distinct yet interdependent ideals that form the backbone of any democratic society. Justice concerns itself with fairness — ensuring that individuals receive what they are due, based on merit, need, or equity. Equality, on the other hand, demands that all individuals be treated the same, without discrimination or privilege. However, absolute equality can sometimes undermine justice, just as rigid notions of justice may perpetuate inequality. For instance, providing identical resources to students from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds may appear equal but fails to be just, as it ignores contextual disadvantages. Hence, modern social theorists argue for "equity" — a dynamic balance that considers differences without abandoning fairness. Philosophers from Aristotle to Rawls have grappled with this tension. Aristotle viewed justice as giving each person their due, emphasizing proportional fairness rather than sameness. Centuries later, John Rawls introduced the "veil of ignorance" — a thought experiment suggesting that just principles are those chosen without knowing one’s social status. His theory underscored that true fairness must protect the least advantaged, not merely maintain formal equality. However, translating such philosophical ideals into public policy is rarely straightforward. Bureaucratic systems often reduce nuanced principles into rigid procedures, where equality is measured by uniform rules rather than outcomes. The digital age adds another layer to this debate. Algorithms used in hiring, lending, or law enforcement claim objectivity but often reproduce existing biases encoded in data. A recruitment system that screens candidates purely on "neutral" data may still discriminate against marginalized groups, revealing how equality in process does not always yield justice in result. Therefore, achieving a just society demands constant reflection — to move beyond mechanical equality and toward fairness rooted in empathy, adaptability, and moral imagination.
Q2397.
What is the passage's overall message regarding equality and justice?
  1. ASocieties must pursue fairness that adapts to context rather than mechanical equality.
  2. BJustice is less important than maintaining equal rules.
  3. CEquality should never be questioned.
  4. DPhilosophical reflection has no practical value.
Show answer

Concept: The conclusion sentence carries the central idea.

  1. Last line: move beyond mechanical equality.
  2. Seek fairness rooted in empathy, adaptability and moral imagination.
  3. = context-sensitive fairness over rigid sameness.

Trick: Main-idea questions: read the 'Therefore…' sentence at the end.

Answer: (A) Societies must pursue fairness that adapts to context rather than mechanical equality.

अवधारणा: निष्कर्ष वाला वाक्य मुख्य विचार बताता है।

  1. अंतिम पंक्ति: यांत्रिक समानता से आगे बढ़ें।
  2. सहानुभूति, अनुकूलन और नैतिक कल्पना पर आधारित निष्पक्षता अपनाएँ।
  3. = परिस्थिति के अनुसार निष्पक्षता, कठोर समानता नहीं।

ट्रिक: मुख्य विचार के लिए अंत का 'Therefore…' वाक्य पढ़ें।

उत्तर: (A) Societies must pursue fairness that adapts to context rather than mechanical equality.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionRC – overall messageSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Q2398.
Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence.
She said, "Honesty is the best policy."
  1. AShe said that honesty was the best policy.
  2. BShe said that honesty had been the best policy.
  3. CShe said that honesty is the best policy.
  4. DShe said honesty has been the best policy.
Show answer

Concept: Universal truths, proverbs and habitual facts keep their present tense.

  1. 'Honesty is the best policy' is a proverb/universal truth.
  2. So 'is' does not change to 'was'.
  3. She said that honesty is the best policy.

Trick: Sun rises in the east, honesty is the best policy – such facts never backshift.

Answer: (C) She said that honesty is the best policy.

अवधारणा: सार्वभौमिक सत्य, कहावतें और आदतन तथ्य वर्तमान काल में ही रहते हैं।

  1. 'Honesty is the best policy' एक कहावत/सार्वभौमिक सत्य है।
  2. इसलिए 'is' का 'was' नहीं होगा।
  3. She said that honesty is the best policy।

ट्रिक: सूर्य पूर्व में उगता है जैसे तथ्यों का काल कभी नहीं बदलता।

उत्तर: (C) She said that honesty is the best policy.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionReported speech – universal truthSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Q2399.
Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence.
The inspector said, "Who gave you permission to enter the premises?"
  1. AThe inspector asked who had given me permission to enter the premises.
  2. BThe inspector asked who gave me permission to enter the premises.
  3. CThe inspector said who had given me permission to enter the premises.
  4. DThe inspector questioned who gives me permission to enter.
Show answer

Concept: Questions: said → asked; past simple → past perfect; statement word order.

  1. Reporting verb 'said' → 'asked'.
  2. 'gave' → 'had given'; 'you' → 'me' (listener).
  3. The inspector asked who had given me permission to enter the premises.

Trick: Check three things in order: asked? backshift? pronoun? – only (A) passes all.

Answer: (A) The inspector asked who had given me permission to enter the premises.

अवधारणा: प्रश्न: said → asked; past simple → past perfect; वाक्य क्रम कथन जैसा।

  1. Reporting verb 'said' → 'asked'।
  2. 'gave' → 'had given'; 'you' → 'me' (सुनने वाला)।
  3. The inspector asked who had given me permission to enter the premises।

ट्रिक: क्रम से जाँचें: asked? काल-परिवर्तन? सर्वनाम? – तीनों केवल (A) में।

उत्तर: (A) The inspector asked who had given me permission to enter the premises.

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionReported speech – Wh-questionSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →
Q2400.
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. Reading books expands one's imagination and vocabulary.
2. It also helps develop empathy by exposing readers to different perspectives.
3. In a world dominated by technology, reading remains a timeless habit.
4. Therefore, cultivating a reading habit is beneficial for lifelong learning.
  1. A3-1-2-4
  2. B1-3-4-2
  3. C2-1-3-4
  4. D3-2-4-1
Show answer

Concept: Context → point → added point → conclusion.

  1. 3 sets the context (reading in a tech-dominated world).
  2. 1 gives a benefit; 2 'It also…' adds another.
  3. 4 'Therefore…' concludes.

Trick: 'Also' never opens a paragraph and 'Therefore' usually closes it → 3-1-2-4.

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

अवधारणा: संदर्भ → बात → अतिरिक्त बात → निष्कर्ष।

  1. 3 संदर्भ देता है (तकनीक के युग में पढ़ना)।
  2. 1 एक लाभ बताता है; 2 'It also…' दूसरा लाभ जोड़ता है।
  3. 4 'Therefore…' निष्कर्ष है।

ट्रिक: 'Also' से पैराग्राफ शुरू नहीं होता और 'Therefore' प्रायः अंत में → 3-1-2-4।

उत्तर: (A) 3-1-2-4

SSC CGLEnglish ComprehensionPara jumble – reading habitSSC CGL 2025 · 19 Sep Shift 1 →