Previous year questions · SSC CHSL Tier-I

SSC CHSL Tier-I English Language — Previous Year Questions

380 English Language questions asked in past SSC CHSL Tier-I papers, split into 38 timed practice sets — every question with its answer and explanation.

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About SSC CHSL Tier-I English Language previous year questions

This page collects every English Language question that has appeared in past SSC CHSL Tier-I papers on AajExam — 380 questions in total, organised into 38 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 Language preparation you can do for SSC CHSL Tier-I: 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 Language 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 CHSL Tier-I 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 CHSL Tier-I previous-year papers are linked below as well.

English Language PYQs asked in SSC CHSL Tier-I

A sample of 30 questions from the full bank of 380. Try each one before opening the solution — the remaining questions are in the timed practice sets below.

Q1.Meaning of Pejorative
- A.Right
- B.Discussion
- C.Derogatory
- D.Complimentary
Show answer
Answer: C. Derogatory
Pejorative means derogatory.
Q2.Opposite of Decimate
- A.Preserve
- B.Destroy
- C.Execute
- D.Abate
Show answer
Answer: A. Preserve
Decimate means destroy; opposite is preserve.
Q3.Opposite of Adjure
- A.Order
- B.Require
- C.Advise
- D.Disclaim
Show answer
Answer: D. Disclaim
Opposite is disclaim.
Q4.Rearrange: Cities have P: intellectual stimulus Q: always provided R: and educational leadership
- A.PQR
- B.RQP
- C.QPR
- D.PRQ
Show answer
Answer: C. QPR
Correct order QPR.
Q5.Convert to passive: The watchman opened the gate.
- A.The gate opened the watchman
- B.The gate is being opened
- C.The gate was opened by the watchman
- D.The gate is opened
Show answer
Answer: C. The gate was opened by the watchman
Past tense passive → was opened.
Q6.Convert to indirect: He said, 'I am hungry.'
- A.He inform about hunger
- B.He says he was hungry
- C.He was feeling hungry
- D.He said that he was hungry
Show answer
Answer: D. He said that he was hungry
Correct indirect form.
Q7.Correct spelling
- A.Apeareance
- B.Appearrance
- C.Appearence
- D.Appearance
Show answer
Answer: B. Appearrance
Correct spelling: Appearance.
Q8.road less travelled ____ some off-the-track trek
- A.but
- B.or
- C.but also
- D.also
Show answer
Answer: B. or
'or' shows alternative.
Q9.How no internet ____ is what you need
- A.connectivity
- B.to connect
- C.connects
- D.connecting
Show answer
Answer: A. connectivity
Correct noun: connectivity.
Q10.leaving your watch and phone ____
- A.under
- B.below
- C.backside
- D.behind
Show answer
Answer: D. behind
Phrase: leaving behind.
Q11.Select the most appropriate option for blank number 3. (Refer to the passage in Q5)
- A.the
- B.a
- C.any
- D.many
Show answer
Answer: A. the
'The' denotes one/more things already mentioned or assumed of common knowledge. 'The virtual world' fits best.
Q12.Select the most appropriate option for blank number 4. (Refer to the passage in Q5)
- A.to take
- B.to taking
- C.taken
- D.takes
Show answer
Answer: A. to take
'To take' is correct as the infinitive acts as the object. The other forms are wrong: 'to taking' (infinitives don't take -ing), 'taken' (past participle), 'takes' (third-person singular).
Q13.Select the most appropriate option for blank number 5. (Refer to the passage in Q5)
- A.switch off
- B.switch in
- C.switch over
- D.switch up
Show answer
Answer: A. switch off
The writer's intention is to turn off the mobile, so 'switch off' is correct.
Q14.In the given sentence identify the segment which contains the grammatical error. When I met Akbar Padamsee, one of a pioneers of Indian art, he was 87 but still alert and active.
- A.but still alert and active
- B.When I met
- C.he was 87
- D.one of a pioneers of Indian art
Show answer
Answer: D. one of a pioneers of Indian art
The phrase must be 'one of the pioneers'. When using 'one of', the article 'the' is required, not 'a'.
Q15.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. SURVEILLANCE
- A.Neglect
- B.Vigilance
- C.Attack
- D.Endurance
Show answer
Answer: A. Neglect
'Surveillance' means supervising or following. The opposite is 'neglect'.
Q16.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. DEMOLISH
- A.Obstruct
- B.Abolish
- C.Cherish
- D.Construct
Show answer
Answer: D. Construct
'Demolish' means to destroy. The opposite is 'construct'.
Q17.Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select 'No improvement'. Lenovo has launched ThinkPad XI Fold, the world's first foldable laptop which is claimed to be (so durable as) its other devices.
- A.No improvement
- B.to be most durable as
- C.to be very durable as
- D.to be as durable as
Show answer
Answer: D. to be as durable as
'So + adjective + as' is for negatives. 'Most' is for superlatives. 'Very' isn't used with comparatives. 'As + adjective + as' is the correct comparative form.
Q18.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Stir up a hornet's nest
- A.Call for dialogue
- B.Lead a revolt
- C.Provoke trouble
- D.Destroy a nest
Show answer
Answer: C. Provoke trouble
'Stir up a hornet's nest' means to do something which causes a lot of controversy or produces a difficult situation.
Q19.Select the correct indirect form of the given sentence. "Do you attend the film festival at Goa every year?" he asked.
- A.He asked me if I attended the film festival at Goa every year.
- B.He is asking me if I attended the film festival at Goa every year.
- C.He had asked me if I was attending the film festival at Goa every year.
- D.He asks me if I attend the film festival at Goa every year.
Show answer
Answer: D. He asks me if I attend the film festival at Goa every year.
Reporting verb 'asked' (past), so reported speech shifts to past. Yes/no question takes connector 'if'. Do + attend → attended.
Q20.Given below are four jumbled sentences. Select the option that gives their correct order. A. The most well-known among them is the Purple Frog needing immediate protection. B. The Secret Life of Frogs is the first ever film on the Amphibians of India. C. The film has been shot extensively in the Western Ghats. D. It showcases unique species of frogs which are critically endangered.
- A.DCBA
- B.BCDA
- C.BCAD
- D.CBDA
Show answer
Answer: B. BCDA
B introduces the film. C adds info about the film. D follows with details. 'Them' in A refers to 'unique species of frogs' in D, so A follows D. Correct order: BCDA.
Q21.Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select 'No improvement'. It is reported that everyday India (witnessing the death) of over 2000 babies aged less than one year.
- A.India will be witness the death
- B.No improvement
- C.India witnesses the death
- D.India witness the death
Show answer
Answer: C. India witnesses the death
'Every day' indicates a habitual action, so simple present is needed. 'India witnesses the death' is correct.
Q22.Given below are four jumbled sentences. Select the option that gives their correct order. A. This test is conducted on the fully automated Driving Test Track designed by Maruti Suzuki. B. Each of these specific skills are to be tested and need to be completed successfully in under seven minutes by the candidate. C. It is a fully-automated track having six segments to test specific driving skills. D. The Regional Transport Offices of Delhi have recently introduced the new driving test.
- A.BADC
- B.DBAC
- C.DACB
- D.ADBC
Show answer
Answer: C. DACB
D introduces (RTOs new test). A talks about the test. C describes the track. B describes how skills are tested. Correct order: DACB.
Q23.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. GUILE
- A.Intuition
- B.Deceit
- C.Surfeit
- D.Sincerity
Show answer
Answer: B. Deceit
'Guile' means deceit. 'Intuition' = perception, 'surfeit' = excess, 'sincerity' = genuineness.
Q24.Select the word which means the same as the group of words given. That which is no longer useful
- A.Redundant
- B.Abundant
- C.Reluctant
- D.Dominant
Show answer
Answer: A. Redundant
'Redundant' means exceeding what is necessary or normal/useful.
Q25.Select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank in the given sentence. Padamse worked like a mathematician and was a true ______ who experimented with numerous mediums.
- A.adversary
- B.literary
- C.voluntary
- D.visionary
Show answer
Answer: D. visionary
'Visionary' is a person with great plans for the future, fitting the context of an experimenter.
Q26.Select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank in the given sentence. If the video clip of the murder had not been shared on social media, the world would likely have remained ______ of the tragedy.
- A.renowned
- B.recognised
- C.unaware
- D.unconfirmed
Show answer
Answer: C. unaware
'Unaware' means not knowing about something. Fits the context perfectly.
Q27.In the given sentence identify the segment which contains the grammatical error. Your skill lie in cheering up people who are stressed out, wound up or generally just annoyed.
- A.who are stressed out, wound up
- B.in cheering up people
- C.Your skill lie
- D.or generally just annoyed
Show answer
Answer: C. Your skill lie
Subject 'skill' is singular; verb should be 'lies', not 'lie'. 'Your skill lie' is the error.
Q28.Select the word which means the same as the group of words given. Something that is genuine
- A.Majestic
- B.Unreal
- C.Authentic
- D.Academic
Show answer
Answer: C. Authentic
'Authentic' means genuine.
Q29.Select the word which means the same as the group of words given. One whom it is impossible to defeat
- A.Cowardly
- B.Dissatisfied
- C.Inimitable
- D.Invincible
Show answer
Answer: D. Invincible
'Invincible' means someone who cannot be defeated and is unbeatable. 'Cowardly' = weak/gutless, 'Dissatisfied' = unhappy, 'Inimitable' = unique/matchless.
Q30.Given below are four jumbled sentences. Out of the given options, pick the one that gives their correct order. A. While the most common belief is that these traits remain fixed, research studies show otherwise! B. One such research study suggests that we can change our traits provided we want to change them. C. We all possess certain personality traits that set us apart from the rest. D. These traits, a mix of good and bad, define how we respond to situations and people.
- A.CBDA
- B.ACDB
- C.BCAD
- D.CDAB
Show answer
Answer: D. CDAB
C introduces personality traits, D continues with their types/impact, A explains the concept by quoting research, B further supports with the research finding. Order: CDAB.

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SSC CHSL Tier-I syllabus & pattern Full SSC CHSL Tier-I question papers All English Language practice

Frequently Asked Questions

How many SSC CHSL Tier-I English Language previous year questions are available?

380 English Language questions from past SSC CHSL Tier-I papers are available on AajExam, split into 38 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 CHSL Tier-I repeat questions from previous years?

Exact repeats do occur, but the more reliable pattern is conceptual: the same English Language 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 CHSL Tier-I 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 CHSL Tier-I English Language practice sets

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

About SSC CHSL Tier-I English Language previous year questions

English Language PYQs asked in SSC CHSL Tier-I

Q1.Meaning of Pejorative

Q2.Opposite of Decimate

Q3.Opposite of Adjure

Q4.Rearrange: Cities have P: intellectual stimulus Q: always provided R: and educational leadership

Q5.Convert to passive: The watchman opened the gate.

Q6.Convert to indirect: He said, 'I am hungry.'

Q7.Correct spelling

Q8.road less travelled ____ some off-the-track trek

Q9.How no internet ____ is what you need

Q10.leaving your watch and phone ____

Q11.Select the most appropriate option for blank number 3. (Refer to the passage in Q5)

Q12.Select the most appropriate option for blank number 4. (Refer to the passage in Q5)

Q13.Select the most appropriate option for blank number 5. (Refer to the passage in Q5)

Q14.In the given sentence identify the segment which contains the grammatical error. When I met Akbar Padamsee, one of a pioneers of Indian art, he was 87 but still alert and active.

Q15.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. SURVEILLANCE

Q16.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. DEMOLISH

Q17.Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select 'No improvement'. Lenovo has launched ThinkPad XI Fold, the world's first foldable laptop which is claimed to be (so durable as) its other devices.

Q18.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Stir up a hornet's nest

Q19.Select the correct indirect form of the given sentence. "Do you attend the film festival at Goa every year?" he asked.

Q21.Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select 'No improvement'. It is reported that everyday India (witnessing the death) of over 2000 babies aged less than one year.

Q23.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. GUILE

Q24.Select the word which means the same as the group of words given. That which is no longer useful

Q25.Select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank in the given sentence. Padamse worked like a mathematician and was a true ______ who experimented with numerous mediums.

Q26.Select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank in the given sentence. If the video clip of the murder had not been shared on social media, the world would likely have remained ______ of the tragedy.

Q27.In the given sentence identify the segment which contains the grammatical error. Your skill lie in cheering up people who are stressed out, wound up or generally just annoyed.

Q28.Select the word which means the same as the group of words given. Something that is genuine

Q29.Select the word which means the same as the group of words given. One whom it is impossible to defeat

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