SSC-CGL 2025 English
Practice subject-wise previous year questions
Question 301
Comprehension
Choose the correct meaning of idiom: Hoist with one's own petard
A
To rise unexpectedlyB
To gain fame unfairlyC
To be ruined by one’s own deviceD
To be praised excessivelyQuestion 302
Comprehension
Select the correct spelling of a word meaning ‘a person who avoids work or effort’.
A
SluggardB
SluggurdC
SluggaredD
SlugardQuestion 303
Comprehension
Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word: Refulgent
A
RadiantB
GleamingC
DullD
ShiningQuestion 304
Comprehension
Choose the correct semantic fit: The regulatory intervention was regarded as a ______ to escalating hostilities between the rival factions.
A
deterrentB
detractionC
detentionD
deviationQuestion 305
Comprehension
Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: No sooner had the policy been announced (1)/ when the opposition not only criticized it (2)/ but also (3)/ demanded its immediate withdrawal. (4)
A
(1)B
(2)C
(3)D
(4)Question 306
Comprehension
Convert the sentence provided below from its passive voice structure to an active voice structure: The amendments are believed to have been approved by the regulatory authority last quarter .
A
The regulatory authority approved the amendments last quarter .B
The amendments were approved last quarter .C
The regulatory authority is believed to have approved the amendments last quarter .D
The regulatory authority has approved the amendments last quarter .Question 307
Comprehension
What central idea does the passage emphasize about authority and legitimacy? Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage: The relationship between authority and legitimacy is neither automatic nor absolute. Though frequently treated as interchangeable in political discourse, they operate within distinct philosophical frameworks. Authority refers to the recognized right to exe rcise power, often codified through constitutional or institutional mechanisms, whereas legitimacy is rooted in public consent and ethical justification. The tension between authority and legitimacy constitutes a persistent concern in political theory and civic governance. Institutions derive authority from legal mandates, electoral processes, or historical precedent, thereby ensuring procedural continuity and administrative order . However, legitimacy is contingent upon societal trust and normative approval, which may fluctuate over time. Regimes that maintain authority without sustaining legitimacy often encounter dissent, civil unrest, or moral criticism. Historical examples include governments that enacted discriminatory policies under lawful authority ye t faced widespread resistance for violating ethical norms. Conversely, reform movements —though initially lacking formal authority—may acquire legitimacy through collective endorsement and moral persuasion. This distinction reveals that authority does not i nvariably command legitimacy, and legitimacy can at times challenge established authority. Nevertheless, conflating the two concepts can undermine democratic balance. In pluralistic societies, diverse constituencies interpret legitimacy through varying cul tural, ideological, and historical lenses. If authority were to enforce a singular conception of legitimacy, it might suppress dissent and erode institutional neutrality. Contemporary debates surrounding surveillance, digital governance, and environmental regulation further illuminate this dynamic. Legal authorization may permit certain actions, yet public legitimacy may question their ethical ramifications. Therefore, a resilient political system must harmonize institutional authority with evolving standar ds of legitimacy, while citizens remain vigilant participants in shaping both.
A
Authority always guarantees legitimacyB
They are distinct and not always alignedC
Legitimacy is legally enforcedD
Authority replaces ethical standardsQuestion 308
Comprehension
Why does the author refer to reform movements lacking formal authority? Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage: The relationship between authority and legitimacy is neither automatic nor absolute. Though frequently treated as interchangeable in political discourse, they operate within distinct philosophical frameworks. Authority refers to the recognized right to exe rcise power, often codified through constitutional or institutional mechanisms, whereas legitimacy is rooted in public consent and ethical justification. The tension between authority and legitimacy constitutes a persistent concern in political theory and civic governance. Institutions derive authority from legal mandates, electoral processes, or historical precedent, thereby ensuring procedural continuity and administrative order . However, legitimacy is contingent upon societal trust and normative approval, which may fluctuate over time. Regimes that maintain authority without sustaining legitimacy often encounter dissent, civil unrest, or moral criticism. Historical examples include governments that enacted discriminatory policies under lawful authority ye t faced widespread resistance for violating ethical norms. Conversely, reform movements —though initially lacking formal authority—may acquire legitimacy through collective endorsement and moral persuasion. This distinction reveals that authority does not i nvariably command legitimacy, and legitimacy can at times challenge established authority. Nevertheless, conflating the two concepts can undermine democratic balance. In pluralistic societies, diverse constituencies interpret legitimacy through varying cul tural, ideological, and historical lenses. If authority were to enforce a singular conception of legitimacy, it might suppress dissent and erode institutional neutrality. Contemporary debates surrounding surveillance, digital governance, and environmental regulation further illuminate this dynamic. Legal authorization may permit certain actions, yet public legitimacy may question their ethical ramifications. Therefore, a resilient political system must harmonize institutional authority with evolving standar ds of legitimacy, while citizens remain vigilant participants in shaping both.
A
To criticize constitutional systemsB
To illustrate authority’s permanenceC
To demonstrate legitimacy emerging without official powerD
To argue against democratic governanceQuestion 309
Comprehension
What risk does the passage associate with conflating authority and legitimacy? Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage: The relationship between authority and legitimacy is neither automatic nor absolute. Though frequently treated as interchangeable in political discourse, they operate within distinct philosophical frameworks. Authority refers to the recognized right to exe rcise power, often codified through constitutional or institutional mechanisms, whereas legitimacy is rooted in public consent and ethical justification. The tension between authority and legitimacy constitutes a persistent concern in political theory and civic governance. Institutions derive authority from legal mandates, electoral processes, or historical precedent, thereby ensuring procedural continuity and administrative order . However, legitimacy is contingent upon societal trust and normative approval, which may fluctuate over time. Regimes that maintain authority without sustaining legitimacy often encounter dissent, civil unrest, or moral criticism. Historical examples include governments that enacted discriminatory policies under lawful authority ye t faced widespread resistance for violating ethical norms. Conversely, reform movements —though initially lacking formal authority—may acquire legitimacy through collective endorsement and moral persuasion. This distinction reveals that authority does not i nvariably command legitimacy, and legitimacy can at times challenge established authority. Nevertheless, conflating the two concepts can undermine democratic balance. In pluralistic societies, diverse constituencies interpret legitimacy through varying cul tural, ideological, and historical lenses. If authority were to enforce a singular conception of legitimacy, it might suppress dissent and erode institutional neutrality. Contemporary debates surrounding surveillance, digital governance, and environmental regulation further illuminate this dynamic. Legal authorization may permit certain actions, yet public legitimacy may question their ethical ramifications. Therefore, a resilient political system must harmonize institutional authority with evolving standar ds of legitimacy, while citizens remain vigilant participants in shaping both.
A
Institutional growthB
Administrative efficiencyC
Suppression of dissentD
Economic stagnationQuestion 310
Comprehension
What contemporary issue does the passage cite to highlight the authority–legitimacy tension? Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage: The relationship between authority and legitimacy is neither automatic nor absolute. Though frequently treated as interchangeable in political discourse, they operate within distinct philosophical frameworks. Authority refers to the recognized right to exe rcise power, often codified through constitutional or institutional mechanisms, whereas legitimacy is rooted in public consent and ethical justification. The tension between authority and legitimacy constitutes a persistent concern in political theory and civic governance. Institutions derive authority from legal mandates, electoral processes, or historical precedent, thereby ensuring procedural continuity and administrative order . However, legitimacy is contingent upon societal trust and normative approval, which may fluctuate over time. Regimes that maintain authority without sustaining legitimacy often encounter dissent, civil unrest, or moral criticism. Historical examples include governments that enacted discriminatory policies under lawful authority ye t faced widespread resistance for violating ethical norms. Conversely, reform movements —though initially lacking formal authority—may acquire legitimacy through collective endorsement and moral persuasion. This distinction reveals that authority does not i nvariably command legitimacy, and legitimacy can at times challenge established authority. Nevertheless, conflating the two concepts can undermine democratic balance. In pluralistic societies, diverse constituencies interpret legitimacy through varying cul tural, ideological, and historical lenses. If authority were to enforce a singular conception of legitimacy, it might suppress dissent and erode institutional neutrality. Contemporary debates surrounding surveillance, digital governance, and environmental regulation further illuminate this dynamic. Legal authorization may permit certain actions, yet public legitimacy may question their ethical ramifications. Therefore, a resilient political system must harmonize institutional authority with evolving standar ds of legitimacy, while citizens remain vigilant participants in shaping both.
A
Agricultural reformsB
Electoral fundingC
Digital governance and surveillanceD
Maritime trade policiesQuestion 311
Comprehension
. What is the author’s ultimate recommendation? Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage: The relationship between authority and legitimacy is neither automatic nor absolute. Though frequently treated as interchangeable in political discourse, they operate within distinct philosophical frameworks. Authority refers to the recognized right to exe rcise power, often codified through constitutional or institutional mechanisms, whereas legitimacy is rooted in public consent and ethical justification. The tension between authority and legitimacy constitutes a persistent concern in political theory and civic governance. Institutions derive authority from legal mandates, electoral processes, or historical precedent, thereby ensuring procedural continuity and administrative order . However, legitimacy is contingent upon societal trust and normative approval, which may fluctuate over time. Regimes that maintain authority without sustaining legitimacy often encounter dissent, civil unrest, or moral criticism. Historical examples include governments that enacted discriminatory policies under lawful authority ye t faced widespread resistance for violating ethical norms. Conversely, reform movements —though initially lacking formal authority—may acquire legitimacy through collective endorsement and moral persuasion. This distinction reveals that authority does not i nvariably command legitimacy, and legitimacy can at times challenge established authority. Nevertheless, conflating the two concepts can undermine democratic balance. In pluralistic societies, diverse constituencies interpret legitimacy through varying cultural, ideological, and historical lenses. If authority were to enforce a singular conception of legitimacy, it might suppress dissent and erode institutional neutrality. Contemporary debates surrounding surveillance, digital governance, and environmental regulation further illuminate this dynamic. Legal authorization may permit certain actions, yet public legitimacy may question their ethical ramifications. Therefore, a resilient political system must harmonize institutional authority with evolving standards of legitimacy, while citizens remain vigilant participants in shaping both.
A
Authority should override legitimacyB
Legitimacy must reject authorityC
Authority and legitimacy must be harmonizedD
Citizens should disengage from governanceQuestion 312
Comprehension
Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph: 1. This mechanism, integral to ecological balance, ensures nutrient recycling within ecosystems. 2. Decomposers break down organic matter into simpler substances. 3. These substances enrich the soil, promoting plant growth. 4. Over time, accumulated biomass undergoes gradual decomposition.
A
4, 2, 3, 1B
2, 3, 4, 1C
1, 4, 2, 3D
3, 2, 4, 1Question 313
Comprehension
Choose the correct one -word substitute for: ‘A system of governance in which rulers exploit public wealth for personal gain’.
A
PlutocracyB
AutocracyC
KleptocracyD
BureaucracyQuestion 314
Comprehension
A sentence is provided in direct speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in its corresponding indirect speech. She said, "Where have you kept the confidential files?"
A
She asked where I had kept the confidential files.B
She asked where had I kept the confidential files.C
She said where I have kept the confidential files.D
She questioned where did I keep the confidential files.Question 315
Comprehension
Rearrange the following sentences in correct order to make a logical passage. 1. This necessitates strategic planning and institutional coherence. 2. Policy reform frequently encounters bureaucratic inertia. 3. Transparent dialogue can mitigate resistance and foster cooperation. 4. Nevertheless, reform remains essential for systemic advancement.
A
2-4-1-3B
4-2-1-3C
3-1-2-4D
1-3-2-4Question 316
Comprehension
Change the following from active to passive: The committee might have revised the regulatory framework during the session.
A
The regulatory framework might revise by the committee during the session.B
The regulatory framework might be revised by the committee during the session.C
The regulatory framework might have been revised by the committee during the session.D
The regulatory framework has been revised by the committee during the session.Question 317
Comprehension
A sentence is provided in indirect speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in its corresponding direct speech. The consultant remarked that had the audit been conducted earlier, the discrepancies would have been detected.
A
"If the audit was conducted earlier, the discrepancies would have been detected," said the consultant.B
"If only the audit had been conducted earlier, the discrepancies were detected," he said.C
"Had the audit been conducted earlier, the discrepancies would have been detected," said the consultant.D
"Had we conduct the audit earlier, the discrepancies would be detected," said the consultant.Question 318
Comprehension
Choose the correct one-word substitution for: ‘A person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others’.
A
MimicB
ActorC
ImpostorD
SpectatorQuestion 319
Comprehension
A sentence is provided in direct speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in its corresponding indirect speech. He said, "Water boils at one hundred degrees Celsius."
A
He said that water boiled at one hundred degrees Celsius.B
He said that water boils at one hundred degrees Celsius.C
He said that water had boiled at one hundred degrees Celsius.D
He said that water has boiled at one hundred degrees Celsius.Question 320
Comprehension
Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence: The committee has been reviewing the draft policy since four days.
A
from four daysB
by four daysC
for four daysD
since four dayQuestion 321
Comprehension
Which of these is the correct spelling of a theory centered on utility and consequences?
A
UtilitarianismB
UtiliterianismC
UtilitarionismD
UtillitarianismQuestion 322
Comprehension
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: FELICITOUS
A
InappropriateB
AwkwardC
IncongruousD
SuitableQuestion 323
Comprehension
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: DILATORY
A
SluggishB
ImmediateC
ActiveD
ResoluteQuestion 324
Comprehension
Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: She delivered (1)/ a comprehensive overview of the proposal (2)/ but failed to substantiate her claims (3)/ with sufficient evidences. (4)/
A
(1)B
(2)C
(3)D
(4)Question 325
Comprehension
Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word: The basilica dominates the skyline with its ornate domes.
A
The historian studied the architecture of the ancient basilica.B
Tourists gathered inside the grand basilica at sunset.C
The chef garnished the dish with freshly chopped basilica leaves.D
The choir performed hymns within the basilica hall.