SSC CGL – SSC MTS 2016 Tier 1

Read the following passage and answer the questions given after it.<br><br> Radium is a white powder that looks like table salt. A pound of it is worth a thousand pounds of gold. Radium is very costly because it is so scarce. A mere pinch of it is worth a small fortune. There are only a few spoonfuls in all the world. But radium is so powerful that too much of it would be dangerous. If a pound or two could be gathered at one spot it would kill people who came near. Through radium, scientists hope to learn how to change one element into another. It would be interesting and profitable to change other metals into gold. But it would be worth more to man to learn how to get all the power from the atoms to do man's work.

Radium is considered dangerous because

Explanation: Radium is considered dangerous because it would kill people who come near to this chemical. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Read the following passage and answer the questions given after it.<br><br> Radium is a white powder that looks like table salt. A pound of it is worth a thousand pounds of gold. Radium is very costly because it is so scarce. A mere pinch of it is worth a small fortune. There are only a few spoonfuls in all the world. But radium is so powerful that too much of it would be dangerous. If a pound or two could be gathered at one spot it would kill people who came near. Through radium, scientists hope to learn how to change one element into another. It would be interesting and profitable to change other metals into gold. But it would be worth more to man to learn how to get all the power from the atoms to do man's work.

The antonym of 'scarce' is

Explanation: 'scarce' means (especially of food, money, or some other resource) insufficient for the demand. And 'abundant' means existing or available in large quantities; plentiful. So, the antonym of 'scarce' is 'abundant'

Read the following passage and answer the questions given after it.<br><br> Radium is a white powder that looks like table salt. A pound of it is worth a thousand pounds of gold. Radium is very costly because it is so scarce. A mere pinch of it is worth a small fortune. There are only a few spoonfuls in all the world. But radium is so powerful that too much of it would be dangerous. If a pound or two could be gathered at one spot it would kill people who came near. Through radium, scientists hope to learn how to change one element into another. It would be interesting and profitable to change other metals into gold. But it would be worth more to man to learn how to get all the power from the atoms to do man's work.

What is the main subject of discussion in the passage?

Explanation: Radium is the main subject of discussion in the passage. According to the passage Radium is a white powder that looks like table-salt, and Radium is very costly because it is so scarce.

Read the following passage and answer the questions given after it.<br><br> Radium is a white powder that looks like table salt. A pound of it is worth a thousand pounds of gold. Radium is very costly because it is so scarce. A mere pinch of it is worth a small fortune. There are only a few spoonfuls in all the world. But radium is so powerful that too much of it would be dangerous. If a pound or two could be gathered at one spot it would kill people who came near. Through radium, scientists hope to learn how to change one element into another. It would be interesting and profitable to change other metals into gold. But it would be worth more to man to learn how to get all the power from the atoms to do man's work.

The word 'fortune' here means

Explanation: The word 'fortune' means chance or luck as an arbitrary force affecting human affairs. So, The word 'fortune' here means wealth, which means an abundance of valuable possessions or money.

Read the following passage and answer the questions given after it.<br><br> Radium is a white powder that looks like table salt. A pound of it is worth a thousand pounds of gold. Radium is very costly because it is so scarce. A mere pinch of it is worth a small fortune. There are only a few spoonfuls in all the world. But radium is so powerful that too much of it would be dangerous. If a pound or two could be gathered at one spot it would kill people who came near. Through radium, scientists hope to learn how to change one element into another. It would be interesting and profitable to change other metals into gold. But it would be worth more to man to learn how to get all the power from the atoms to do man's work.

Why is radium very costly?

Explanation: Radium is very costly because it is so scarce. Scarce means something which is available in very small quantities. So, option A is the correct answer.

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

RECOLLECT

Explanation: Let's first see the meanings of the words:<br> Recollect = to remember (something) one has temporarily forgotten. <br> e.g. He could not quite recollect the reason. <br> Unite = come or bring together for a common purpose or action. <br> Assemble = (of people) gather together in one place for a common purpose. <br> Remember = have in or be able to bring to one's mind an awareness of (someone or something from the past). e.g. I remember the screech of the horn as the car came towards me. <br> Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

Grave

Explanation: 'Grave' is a hole dug in the ground to bury the dead. It is used as an allusive term for death. Therefore, the word 'dead' is the correct synonym for the given word.

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

ADVANCE

Explanation: Let us understand the meaning of the given words :-<br> Advance = bring forward for consideration or acceptance. e.g. 'Let's advance towards the station'<br> Give = cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense. <br> Change = make different; cause a transformation. <br> Proceed = move ahead; forward or travel onward in time or space. <br> e.g. 'You are allowed to proceed with the plan'<br> Bend = change direction. <br> Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word.

CAUTIOUS

Explanation: Let's first learn the meanings of the words:<br> Cautious = careful to avoid potential problems or dangers. <br> e.g. 'You must be very cautious when you're driving in the snow'<br> Inviting = offering the promise of an attractive or enjoyable experience. <br> Exude = (of a person) display (an emotion or quality) strongly and openly. <br> Careful = making sure of avoiding potential danger, mishap, or harm; cautious. <br> Daring = adventurous or audaciously bold. <br> e.g. 'Sonia stared up at him, not daring to hope he'd help her'<br> Hence, option D is the correct answer.

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word.

FLIPPANT

Explanation: Let us understand the meaning of given words :-<br> Flippant = not showing a serious or respectful attitude. <br> Earnest = resulting from or showing sincere and intense conviction. <br> Warm = having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat. <br> Urgent = compelling immediate action. <br> Busy = actively or fully engaged or occupied. <br> Hence, option D is the correct answer.

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word.

LETHAL

Explanation: Let us understand the meaning of the given words :- <br> Lethal = sufficient to cause death, very harmful or destructive. <br> Harmless = not able or likely to cause harm. <br> Good = having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified. <br> Secure = get by special effort. <br> Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

Karen sat at the table _________ a newspaper.

Explanation: In the sentence, 'reading' word will be used in the given space. 'Reading' is the action or skill of reading. Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Fill in the blank with the most suitable word.

Two _________ were sent to garrison the town

Explanation: 'troops' is a group of soldiers, especially a cavalry unit commanded by a captain, or an airborne unit. <br> So, 'troops' is the correct word for the sentence.

Fill in the blank with the most suitable word.

The Ambassador was better __________ than the other delegates.

Explanation: The sentence requires an adjective. Now, let's understand the meanings of the given words in order to know if they would fit in the sentence:<br> Presentable = clean, smart, or decent enough to be seen in public<br> Bred = (of a person or animal) reared in a specified environment or way<br> Prepare = make (something) ready for use or consideration<br> Thoughtful = absorbed in or involving thought<br> The sentence the Ambassador being better in some terms than the other delegates. The adjectives 'bred' and 'thoughtful' would not work here. The word 'prepare' is a verb and thus a misfit in the sentence. The adjective 'presentable' fits in the sentence grammatically as well as contextually.

Select the correct option to fill in the blank.

He aimed the blow _________ my left eye.

Explanation: The verb 'aim' is always followed by the preposition 'at'. Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

The river abounds ________ fish and crocodiles.

Explanation: The verb 'abound' is usually followed by the propositions 'with' and 'in'. Since only 'with' is given in options, it is the correct answer.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

The auditor was asked to _________ the accounts.

Explanation: Option 'check' will be used in the sentence. 'check' means examine (something) in order to determine its accuracy, quality, or condition, or to detect the presence of something.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

Every student had to abide _________the rules and regulations of the hostel.

Explanation: The verb 'abide' is followed by three prepositions which are 'by', 'in' and 'with'. Let's understand the meaning depicted by the verb with each of the preposition:<br> Abide by = to obey a law, rule, or promise, or do what it states<br> Abide in = to live in a place<br> Abide with = to remain faithful<br> As we can see that the sentence talks about the student following the rules and regulations of the hostel, the correct phrasal verb would be 'by'. Thus, option A is the correct answer.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

Coventry is _____________ Birmingham.

Explanation: Next takes preposition 'to' in order to indicate a place. 'Beside' and 'near' are also not appropriate to use here as they both are prepositions.<br> But, 'Nearby' is an adverb of place which means close at hand; not far away. <br> For example: <br> Two uniformed officers nearby turned their heads. <br> We do need such an adverb here to refer to the situation of the city. Thus, 'nearby' will be used in blank space to make the sentence meaningful. <br> Hence, option D is the correct answer.

Complete the sentence below by choosing the correct word that will fill in the blank.

To err is _________, to forgive divine.

Explanation: 'To err is human, to forgive is divine' is a phrase. It means that all people commit sins and make mistakes. God forgives them, and people are acting in a godlike (divine) way when they forgive other people. So, the correct word to be used in the sentence is 'human'.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

The village is _________ Sheffield in England. It's only six miles away.

Explanation: The second sentence of the question tells us the distance between the village and Sheffield. The word 'by' is used to mean 'next to' or 'beside'. Since the village is 6 miles away from Sheffield, so 'by' cannot be used. The word 'along' shows position and not distance between two objects, it cannot be used in the sentence. The second sentence tells us that the village is away from Sheffield, so 'before' cannot be used in the blank filed. The correct word to be used is 'near' as it means 'not very far away in distance'.

Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiom bold in the sentence.

Our manager is feared by everyone for he is <strong>as hard as nails.</strong>

Explanation: The idiom 'as hard as nails' means to be strict; to have no feelings or empathy for other people. Thus, option C is the correct answer.

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom/ phrase.

Talking over

Explanation: The phrase 'talk over' means to discuss a situation with someone, to find out their opinion or get advice before making a decision about it. Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Struck several bad patches

Explanation: The idiom 'struck several bad patches' means to face many professional difficulties while trying to achieve something.<br> Example: 'Their marriage struck several bad patches after her husband lost his job'<br> Hence, option B is the correct answer.

In question a sentence or a part of the sentence is underlined. Below are given alternatives to the bold part which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is required, blacken the circle corresponding to 'No improvement' in the Answer Sheet.

The hill is too high <strong>for climbing. </strong>

Explanation: Bold 'for climbing' is need to improvement, because here, ' to climb' will be used in the sentence. Because 'for' Used to indicate the use of something and 'to' Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward, or the direction of something. Clime means To move upward, especially by using the hands and feet: We climbed until we reached the shelter. The truck climbed the mountain highway.

In question a sentence or a part of the sentence is underlined. Below are given alternatives to the bold part which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is required, blacken the circle corresponding to 'No improvement' in the Answer Sheet.

I can always <strong>count on him</strong> in times of difficulty.

Explanation: 'count on him' is a (phrasal verb). Here, no improvement in the sentence because sentence is correct. count on someoneto depend on someone to do what you want or expect them to do for you

Identify the best way to improve the bold part of the given sentence. If there is no improvement required, select 'No improvement'.

The economic environment is of late <strong>conducive for</strong> major political changes.

Explanation: 'Conducive' is an adjective which means making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible. It is mostly followed by the preposition 'to'. Therefore, the correct option is B.

Identify the best way to improve the bold part of the given sentence. If there is no improvement required, select 'No improvement'.

My interest in Physics <strong>has decreased. </strong>

Explanation: The auxiliary verb 'has' is given in all the options. The only difference is of the main verbs. So, let's understand the meanings of the verbs and also the condition of their usage.<br> Decrease = to make or become smaller or fewer in size, amount, intensity, or degree. <br> Diminish = to reduce or be reduced in size or importance<br> Shorten = to make or become shorter. <br> Decease = to die<br> The correct verb to be used here is 'decrease' as it is also used for the degree or intensity of something. Like in the given sentence, the degree or intensity of person's interest has reduced. So, no improvement is required in the sentence. Hence, option D is the correct answer.

Identify the best way to improve the bold part of the given sentence. If there is no improvement required, select 'No improvement'.

There <strong>was a few drop</strong> of rain.

Explanation: Here, given underline word 'was a few drop' should replace with 'were a few drops' because 'was and were' are the past simple forms of the verb 'to be'. Generally, 'was' is used with singular pronouns (one subject), and 'were' is used with plural pronouns (more than one subject).

Choose the correct one word substitute for the following stem:

Made or done without previous preparation

Explanation: Impromptu = done without being planned or rehearsed. <br> Immediate = occurring or done at once; instant. <br> Urgent = requiring immediate action or attention. <br> Prompt = cause or bring about (an action or feeling). <br> Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.

A house where children with no parents are taken care of

Explanation: Hospital = an institution providing medical and surgical treatment and nursing care for sick or injured people<br> Nursery = a room in a house for the special use of young children. <br> Orphanage = a home for children whose parents are dead or unable to care for them<br> Creche = a nursery where babies and young children are cared for during the working day. <br> Hence, the correct answer is option C.

Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.

An uneducated person

Explanation: Illiterate is a person who is unable to read or write.<br> Clown is a comic entertainer, especially one in a circus, wearing a traditional costume and exaggerated make-up. <br> Instructor is a person who teaches something. <br> Joker is a person who is fond of joking. <br> So, the correct answer is 'illiterate'. Option C is the correct answer.

Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.

A person learning a trade under someone

Explanation: Let us understand the meaning of the given words :-<br> Secretary = a person employed by an individual or in an office to assist with correspondence, make appointments, and carry out administrative tasks. <br> Clerk = a person employed in an office or bank to keep records, accounts, and undertake other routine administrative duties. <br> Apprentice = a person who is learning a trade from a skilled employer, having agreed to work for a fixed period at low wages. <br> Assistant = a person who ranks below a senior person. <br> Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.

That which is unlawful

Explanation: <br>

Choose the correctly spelt word.

Explanation: Option A has the correctly spelt word. It refers to a tendency to see the worst aspect of thing.

Select the correctly spelt word.

Explanation: Option B has the correctly spelt word. 'Suppose' means assume that something is the case on the basis of evidence or probability but without proof or certain knowledge.

In this section, a word is spelled in four different ways. You are to identify the one which is correct. Choose the correct response (a), (b), (c) or (d) and indicate on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Explanation: Option A has the correctly spelt word. 'University' is an educational institution designed for instruction, examination, or both, of students in many branches of advanced learning, conferring degrees in various faculties, and often embodying colleges and similar institutions.

In this section, a word is spelled in four different ways. You are to identify the one which is correct. Choose the alternative bearing the correct spelling from (a), (b), (c) and (d).

Explanation: Correct spelling is Marriage . It is the formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife. Hence option C is the right answer.

In the following question, four words are given, out of which only one word is correctly spelled.

Explanation: Innumerable is the correct spelling. It means too many to be counted. Hence option C is the right answer.

Choose the correctly spelt word.

Explanation: Option A has the correctly spelt word. It is a formal promise or assurance (typically in writing) that certain conditions will be fulfilled, especially that a product will be repaired or replaced if not of a specified quality and durability.

In the sentence identify the segment which contains the grammatical error. If the sentence has no error, then select 'No error'.

I did not see Meenu since Monday.

Explanation: The sentence is grammatically incorrect and error lies in option A. The use of 'since Monday' indicates that the person has not seen Meenu from Monday till now, i.e. present day. It means that the sentence must be written in present tense and to denote the correct meaning of the sentence, we should use present perfect tense in the sentence.

In the following question, some part of the sentence have error and some have none. Find out which part of the sentence has an error. If the sentence is correct as it is, your answer is 'No error'.

While I was driving home (A)/ I heard some shocking news (B)/ at the radio. (C)/ No error

Explanation: The error is in part (C) of the sentence. The correct preposition is 'on' and not 'at'. Some aspirants are saying that the use of 'driving home' is incorrect and it should be 'driving to home'. Please note that 'drive home' is a verb which is the act of returning home by driving. See below example:<br> We got late while driving home after the party.

In the sentence, identify the segment which contains the grammatical error.

The old man is too weak too walk.

Explanation: Option C has the grammatically incorrect part. We need a preposition 'to' here in place of the adverb 'too'. Thus, replace 'too' with 'to' to make the sentence grammatically sound.

In the sentence identify the segment which contains the grammatical error. If the sentence has no error, then select 'No error'.

Everyone of us has to be very vigilant to safeguard our hardly won liberty.

Explanation: Here, 'our hard won liberty' will be used in place of 'our hardly won liberty' in the sentence. Hardly is defined as barely, scarcely or not likely. It has a negative meaning to it.

In the sentence, identify the segment which contains the grammatical error.

Yesterday, I met a man who was blind with the right eye.

Explanation: The error is in part (C) of the sentence. The use of prepositon 'with' is incorrect. The correct expression is 'blind in the right eye'. Therefore, preposition 'with' should be replaced by 'in'

In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If the sentence is free from error, select 'No error'.

The two first chapters of this book (1)/ are very interesting, (2)/ the remaining ones are boring. (3)/ No error (4)

Explanation: The error is in part (1) of the sentence. The error is regarding the order of adjectives. Whenever we represent any ordinals and numbers in a sentence then ordinal (first, second, third etc) is followed by numbers (one, two, four etc). So, part (1) must be written as 'first two'.

In the sentence, identify the segment which contains the grammatical error.

The manager is having his problems but we have ours as well.

Explanation: The sentence is grammatically incorrect and the error is in option A. The verb 'have' can work as a continuous and non-continuous verb depending upon its meaning. When we use it to mean 'experience', we can use it in continuous form. For example, I am having great fun now.<br> When we mean it to possess something, we cannot use it in continuous form. For example, I have a car. In this case, we cannot write it like I am having a car. <br> In the given sentence, 'have' is used to means to possess the problems. So, it cannot be used as 'having' and should be written as 'has'.

In the sentence, identify the segment which contains the grammatical error. If the sentence has no error, then select 'No error'.

The large balloons (A)/ I bought for Christmas (B)/ is very nice. (C)/ No error (D)

Explanation: The error is in part (C) of the sentence. It is because the subject of the sentence is 'large balloons' which is clearly in plural case. Therefore, it must be followed by a plural verb. It means using the auxiliary verb 'is' in part (C) is grammatically incorrect. Part (B) of the sentence uses the verb 'bought' which indicates that the sentence must be in past tense. So, the use of plural verb 'were' would be correct here.

In the sentence, identify the segment which contains the grammatical error.

Every member of the committee have been present at all the meetings.

Explanation: When the subject/doer of the sentence is singular then singular verb or singular auxiliary verb should be used. Same happens with plural subject if subject is plural its verb or auxiliary verb should also be plural. Thus, in the given sentence the subject 'every member' is singular so 'have' should be replaced by 'has'. Hence, option B is the correct answer.

In the sentence, identify the segment which contains the grammatical error. If the sentence has no error, then select 'No error'.

I will try to tell to you what you must do.

Explanation: Option B has the grammatically incorrect part. 'Tell to you' is an incorrect way of expresssion. 'Tell' never takes 'to' with it.