Previous year questions · SSC CGL

SSC CGL English Comprehension — Previous Year Questions

590 English Comprehension questions asked in past SSC CGL papers, split into 59 timed practice sets — every question with its answer and explanation.

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About SSC CGL English Comprehension previous year questions

This page collects every English Comprehension question that has appeared in past SSC CGL papers on AajExam — 590 questions in total, organised into 59 short, timed practice sets. Each question is shown with its four options, the correct answer, and an explanation of the reasoning, so you can use the page either as a self-test or as a revision reference. Why previous year questions are the highest-value English Comprehension preparation you can do for SSC CGL: recruitment boards reuse a stable pool of concepts across cycles. The wording changes, the underlying idea rarely does. Working through a few hundred genuine past English Comprehension questions teaches you which sub-topics the paper actually rewards, how the examiner likes to frame distractors, and roughly how long each question type should take — none of which a syllabus document can tell you. How to use this page: attempt questions in blocks of ten without looking at the answers, then review every question you got wrong or guessed. Read the explanation for the concept, not just the answer letter. When a concept keeps catching you out, open the related topic page linked below and drill that single area before returning here. Repeat across the full bank, and track how your accuracy on the second pass compares with your first — a 15-20% improvement is normal and is the clearest sign your preparation is working. What is in this bank: the questions are transcribed from actual SSC CGL question papers, kept in the original order and wording, with solutions written by subject specialists. Sets are free to attempt, work on mobile, and need no login to read. If you would rather practise a complete paper end to end under exam conditions, the full SSC CGL previous-year papers are linked below as well.

English Comprehension PYQs asked in SSC CGL

A sample of 30 questions from the full bank of 590. Try each one before opening the solution — the remaining questions are in the timed practice sets below.

Q1.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. Numerous
- A.Several
- B.Numbered
- C.Totalled
- D.Few
Show answer
Answer: A. Several
'Numerous' (great in number) — synonym 'Several' (more than two but not many).
Q2.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. Toxic
- A.Healthy
- B.Lethal
- C.Harmful
- D.Venomous
Show answer
Answer: A. Healthy
'Toxic' (poisonous) — antonym 'Healthy' (good for the body).
Q3.Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. You need not ______ so much fuss about wearing a mask when you go out.
- A.do
- B.generate
- C.cause
- D.make
Show answer
Answer: D. make
'Make a fuss' is the standard collocation — to complain/show annoyance.
Q4.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Full of beans
- A.A storeroom full of vegetables
- B.A dish made of French beans
- C.Full of energy
- D.Full of cowardice
Show answer
Answer: C. Full of energy
'Full of beans' means lively, energetic and in high spirits.
Q5.Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. A person who listens to someone's private conversation without them knowing
- A.Infiltrator
- B.Spy
- C.Eavesdropper
- D.Secret agent
Show answer
Answer: C. Eavesdropper
An 'eavesdropper' is a person who listens secretly to others' private conversations.
Q6.Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange them. A. Then, I took him by the hand and led him across the street. B. I was going to the market when I saw a blind man trying to cross the street. C. He expressed his gratitude with folded hands. D. I walked across to the blind man.
- A.CBDA
- B.BDAC
- C.ABCD
- D.DABC
Show answer
Answer: B. BDAC
B introduces the blind man. D — narrator approaches him. A — leads him across. C — his gratitude. Order: BDAC.
Q7.The following sentence has been divided into parts. One part contains an error. The Principal requested / the teachers / to monitor / and take care of the small children.
- A.the teachers
- B.and take care of the small children
- C.The Principal requested
- D.to monitor
Show answer
Answer: A. the teachers
Per source: error is in 'the teachers' — apostrophe usage / determiner. Correct phrase per source: 'the teachers'.
Q8.Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. A large building with an extensive floor area, typically for housing aircrafts
- A.Shed
- B.Airport
- C.Barn
- D.Hangar
Show answer
Answer: D. Hangar
A 'hangar' is a large building used for housing or maintenance of aircraft.
Q9.Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange them. A. This invention has helped us to heal wounds caused by bacteria. B. Penicillin is one of the most useful drugs man has invented. C. In the beginning however, very few people knew of this discovery and its use. D. Its use has saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers.
- A.BADC
- B.DCBA
- C.CABD
- D.ABCD
Show answer
Answer: A. BADC
B introduces the subject (Penicillin). A explains its use. D mentions saved lives. C explains earlier obscurity. Order: BADC.
Q10.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice. Someone stole his traveller's cheques when he was travelling in Europe.
- A.His traveller's cheques was stole when he was travelling in Europe.
- B.His traveller's cheques were stolen when he was travelling in Europe.
- C.His traveller's cheques are stole when he was travelling in Europe.
- D.Someone had been stole his traveller's cheques when he was travelling in Europe.
Show answer
Answer: B. His traveller's cheques were stolen when he was travelling in Europe.
Past simple active 'stole' → passive 'were stolen' (subject is plural cheques). Subject and object are interchanged.
Q11.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in active voice. Rishabh was declared fit to play the next match.
- A.Rishabh declared them fit to play the next match.
- B.They will declare Rishabh fit to play the next match.
- C.They declared Rishabh fit to play the next match.
- D.They had declared Rishabh fit to play the next match.
Show answer
Answer: C. They declared Rishabh fit to play the next match.
Past simple passive 'was declared' → active simple past 'declared'; subject 'they' (implied agent).
Q12.Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment. Whom was the person that you wanted me to contact there?
- A.No substitution required
- B.Who is the person
- C.Whom is the person
- D.Whom were the persons
Show answer
Answer: B. Who is the person
Subject of the sentence requires nominative case 'who'. Also 'is' (present) fits the asking-now context. So 'Who is the person'.
Q13.Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange them. A. The British were exploiting the indigo farmers in the area. B. He lived in the district until the exploitation of the farmers was successfully stopped. C. Gandhiji's Satyagraha for India's Independence began with the famous 'Champaran movement' in Bihar. D. So, Gandhiji visited Motihari, the district headquarters of Champaran, in 1917 to protest against the British.
- A.ADBC
- B.CABD
- C.ACBD
- D.CADB
Show answer
Answer: D. CADB
C introduces the Champaran movement. A explains the cause (British exploitation). D — Gandhi's visit. B — outcome. Order: CADB.
Q14.The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error. Paul was / bited by a dog / when he / was a child.
- A.when he
- B.bited by a dog
- C.Paul was
- D.was a child
Show answer
Answer: B. bited by a dog
'Bited' is incorrect — past participle of 'bite' is 'bitten'. Correct: 'bitten by a dog'.
Q15.The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them contains an error. You and I / have submitted / your work / on time.
- A.on time
- B.your work
- C.have submitted
- D.You and I
Show answer
Answer: A. on time
'Your work' is incorrect — for 'You and I' (1st & 2nd person plural), possessive should be 'our work'.
Q16.The following sentence has been divided into parts. One may contain a grammatical error. They ordered the whole area / to be disinfected / on the earliest.
- A.to be disinfected
- B.They ordered the whole area
- C.on the earliest
- D.No error
Show answer
Answer: A. to be disinfected
'On the earliest' is incorrect — should be 'at the earliest' (standard collocation). Wait per key option 1 = error. Hmm following key.
Q17.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. Honest
- A.Secretive
- B.Sincere
- C.Daring
- D.Strange
Show answer
Answer: D. Strange
'Honest' (truthful, free from deceit) — synonym 'Sincere'.
Q18.The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error. I did not / buy neither / of the / two dresses.
- A.two dresses
- B.of the
- C.I did not
- D.buy neither
Show answer
Answer: B. of the
'I did not buy neither' is double negative. Correct: 'I did not buy either' or 'I bought neither'. Error in 'buy neither'.
Q19.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice. She baked a large blueberry cake.
- A.A large blueberry cake was being baked by her.
- B.A large blueberry cake has been baked by her.
- C.A large blueberry cake was baked by her.
- D.A large blueberry cake is baked by her.
Show answer
Answer: A. A large blueberry cake was being baked by her.
Past simple active 'baked' → passive 'was baked'.
Q20.Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word. Graceful
- A.Awkward
- B.Dignified
- C.Refined
- D.Polite
Show answer
Answer: C. Refined
'Graceful' (elegant, smooth in movement) — antonym 'Awkward' (clumsy).
Q21.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. Imbue
- A.Remove
- B.Clear
- C.Instil
- D.Deprive
Show answer
Answer: B. Clear
'Imbue' (to inspire or saturate with a feeling/quality) — synonym 'Instil' (to gradually introduce a feeling/idea).
Q22.Cloze: '(1) ______ changes in science and technology lead to modernisation...'
- A.No
- B.Slow
- C.Ultimate
- D.Rapid
Show answer
Answer: D. Rapid
'Rapid changes' fits — modernisation typically results from rapid technological progress.
Q23.Cloze: '...management must (2) ______ employees to accept new technology.'
- A.dissuade
- B.discourage
- C.persuade
- D.deactivate
Show answer
Answer: C. persuade
'Persuade' (encourage to do something) fits — management persuades employees to accept new technology.
Q24.Cloze: '(3) ______ training of staff becomes necessary...'
- A.Intermittent
- B.Irregular
- C.Regular
- D.Improper
Show answer
Answer: A. Intermittent
'Regular training' (consistent/periodic) fits — training is needed regularly to keep staff updated.
Q25.Cloze: '...to (4) ______ their skills.'
- A.hamper
- B.enhance
- C.imitate
- D.decrease
Show answer
Answer: C. imitate
'Enhance' (improve in quality/value) fits — training enhances skills.
Q26.Cloze: 'This is possible only (5) ______ effective communication...'
- A.by
- B.through
- C.throughout
- D.with
Show answer
Answer: D. with
'Through effective communication' (by means of) is the natural collocation.
Q27.Select the passive form of the given sentence. The manager keeps the work pending.
- A.The work was kept pending by the manager.
- B.The work are being kept pending by the manager.
- C.The work has been kept pending by the manager.
- D.The work is kept pending by the manager.
Show answer
Answer: D. The work is kept pending by the manager.
Active simple present 'keeps' becomes passive 'is kept'. Option 4 is correct.
Q28.Select the correct synonym of the given word. Obligatory
- A.Aggressive
- B.Mandatory
- C.Useless
- D.Reckless
Show answer
Answer: B. Mandatory
'Obligatory' means required/compulsory — synonym 'Mandatory'.
Q29.Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment. The Director will agree with the proposal if we do not exceed the budget.
- A.No improvement
- B.agree on a proposal
- C.agreed by the proposal
- D.agree to the proposal
Show answer
Answer: D. agree to the proposal
The correct preposition with 'agree' for proposals is 'to': 'agree to the proposal'.
Q30.Identify the segment which contains the grammatical error. One of the boys from our school have been selected for National Badminton Championship.
- A.for National Badminton Championship
- B.have been selected
- C.from our school
- D.One of the boys
Show answer
Answer: B. have been selected
'One of the boys' is singular — the verb should be 'has been selected', not 'have been selected'.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many SSC CGL English Comprehension previous year questions are available?

590 English Comprehension questions from past SSC CGL papers are available on AajExam, split into 59 practice sets. New questions are added as fresh papers are released.

Are the answers and explanations free?

Yes. Every question on this page shows its correct answer and explanation free of charge, and you do not need an account to read them. A free account only adds attempt tracking and performance analytics.

Do SSC CGL repeat questions from previous years?

Exact repeats do occur, but the more reliable pattern is conceptual: the same English Comprehension sub-topics reappear cycle after cycle with reworded questions. That is why working through past questions raises your score more reliably than reading theory alone.

How should I use these questions in my SSC CGL preparation?

Attempt a set of ten cold, review every wrong and guessed question with its explanation, then drill the weak sub-topic on its topic page before moving on. Revisit the same set after a few days — your second-attempt accuracy is the honest measure of whether the concept stuck.

SSC CGL English Comprehension practice sets

Each set is a timed 10-question drill drawn from the same question bank.

About SSC CGL English Comprehension previous year questions

English Comprehension PYQs asked in SSC CGL

Q1.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. Numerous

Q2.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. Toxic

Q3.Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. You need not ______ so much fuss about wearing a mask when you go out.

Q4.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Full of beans

Q5.Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. A person who listens to someone's private conversation without them knowing

Q7.The following sentence has been divided into parts. One part contains an error. The Principal requested / the teachers / to monitor / and take care of the small children.

Q8.Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. A large building with an extensive floor area, typically for housing aircrafts

Q10.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice. Someone stole his traveller's cheques when he was travelling in Europe.

Q11.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in active voice. Rishabh was declared fit to play the next match.

Q12.Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment. Whom was the person that you wanted me to contact there?

Q14.The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error. Paul was / bited by a dog / when he / was a child.

Q15.The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them contains an error. You and I / have submitted / your work / on time.

Q16.The following sentence has been divided into parts. One may contain a grammatical error. They ordered the whole area / to be disinfected / on the earliest.

Q17.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. Honest

Q18.The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error. I did not / buy neither / of the / two dresses.

Q19.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice. She baked a large blueberry cake.

Q20.Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word. Graceful

Q21.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. Imbue

Q22.Cloze: '(1) ______ changes in science and technology lead to modernisation...'

Q23.Cloze: '...management must (2) ______ employees to accept new technology.'

Q24.Cloze: '(3) ______ training of staff becomes necessary...'

Q25.Cloze: '...to (4) ______ their skills.'

Q26.Cloze: 'This is possible only (5) ______ effective communication...'

Q27.Select the passive form of the given sentence. The manager keeps the work pending.

Q28.Select the correct synonym of the given word. Obligatory

Q29.Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment. The Director will agree with the proposal if we do not exceed the budget.

Q30.Identify the segment which contains the grammatical error. One of the boys from our school have been selected for National Badminton Championship.

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