SSC CPO (SI Delhi Police & CAPF) English Language — Previous Year Questions

About SSC CPO (SI Delhi Police & CAPF) English Language previous year questions

English Language PYQs asked in SSC CPO (SI Delhi Police & CAPF)

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.

1. Q1.Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom. The office management was in dire straits after the financial crash. To be extremely happy In a very bad situation Being direct or fair To walk on already trodden paths Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.

   • A.Puzzled
   • B.Nasal
   • C.Councel
   • D.Embezzlement
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Nasal

   . Price of the stocks = Rs. 1000 According to the question: 130 80 Final value of stock = 1000    Rs.1040  cot A = [[IMG:image37.png]]33Option (4) is correct. 3 3 From given option, P2  1

2. Q2.Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. Lasting for a very short time

   • A.Eternal
   • B.Ephemeral
   • C.Blasphemy
   • D.Chronology
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Chronology

   . 100 100 Upon checking option (4), 2P Put the value of P, Using LCM × HCF = Number 1 × Number 2  660 × 5 = 55 × Number 2 3300  Number 2 = 55  60

3. Q3.Select the most appropriate idiom that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. Do you believe that you have a possibility of getting that job?

   • A.spill the beans
   • B.snow job
   • C.stand a chance
   • D.shoot the breeze
   Show answer

   Answer: B. snow job

   . (sec A  tan A)2 1 2P sec2 A  tan2 A  2sec A  tan A 1 = 2 (sec A  tan A) sec2 A  sec2 A 1 2sec A tan A 1 = 2 (sec A  tan A) 2sec A(sec A  tan A) = 2 (sec A  tan A) = sec A

4. Q4.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. Aggravate

   • A.Annoy
   • B.Mitigate
   • C.Enhance
   • D.Satisfy
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Mitigate

   . 17 cmC R 17 cm Hence, option (4) is correct.

5. Q5.Choose the idiom that can best substitute the underlined part of the given sentence. Shelley ignored her father’s wish of studying arts and instead took admission in commerce.

   • A.Blew over
   • B.Big fish
   • C.Bid defiance to
   • D.Beyond the pale
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Beyond the pale

   . 2 (sin 1° × sec 89°) + 3(cos 11° × cosec 79°) + 5(tan 21° × tan 69°) = 2(sin (90 – 89)  sec 89°) + 3(cos (90 – 79°)  cosec 79°) + 5(tan (90 – 69)° × tan 69°) = 2 (cos 89°  sec 89°) + 3(sin 79°  cosec 79°) + 5 (cos 69°  tan 69°) = 2 + 3 + 5 = 10

6. Q6.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Get your act together To ruin one’s plans To organise yourself so that you can do something properly To get the conversation going To understand something complicated Identify from the given options the word most similar in meaning to the underlined word according to its meaning in the following sentence. He is a person who holds old fashioned opinions.

   • A.obsolete
   • B.ancient
   • C.antique
   • D.senior citizen
   Show answer

   Answer: C. antique

   . Length of 1st iron bar = 20 m Length of 2nd iron bar = 30 m Length of 3rd iron bar = 40 m According to the question: Length of each piece = HCF (20, 30, 40) = 10 m 20 30 40 So, the total number of pieces = [[IMG:image38.png]]  [[IMG:image39.png]]  [[IMG:image40.png]]  9 A B P Q As both triangle are congruent. So, AC = PR = 8 cm In ABC, using Pythagoras,  AB2 = BC2 – AC2 AB2 = 172 – 82 AB2

7. Q7.Mr. Khanna and family / have visit / Manali during / the summer vacation.

   • A.have visit
   • B.Mr. Khanna and family
   • C.the summer vacation.
   • D.Manali during
   Show answer

   Answer: A. have visit

   . According to the given pi chart: The total number of students having specialisation in CSE, ECE anc CIVIL = 6700  22 10  8  2680

8. Q8.Select the most appropriate idiom for the given situation. He started with an online company and became a millionaire. Then, he sold it and invested in the share market and earned more money. Now, he has invested in the transportation industry and is generating huge wealth. What does he have? As genuine as a three-dollar bill Midas touch Rule of thumb Sticky fingers The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them may contain an error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options. If you don’t find any error, mark ‘No error’ as your answer. There was no other book / in the English language / which is as interesting as this one. There was no other book in the English language No error which is as interesting as this one Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. Very attractive and easy to feel love for

   • A.Flamboyant
   • B.Adorable
   • C.Mysterious
   • D.Laudable
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Laudable

   . 10 10 10 8x4x3x8x4x3xR 8x 4x 3x 8x 4x 3x

9. Q9.Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined word. He uses one of the finest ingredients in his cooking.

   • A.Components
   • B.Mixtures
   • C.Culinary
   • D.Preparations
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Components

   . 100 As shown in diagram, longest side will be opposite to the largest angle. So, longest side = PQ and shortest side = QR Q

10. Q10.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. Abhor

    • A.Occupy
    • B.Despise
    • C.Danger
    • D.Love
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Danger

    . A In ABC, A = 180° – (90° + 45°) A = 45° Let AB = BC = x cm Using Pythagoras in ABC, 90° 4 cm45° 4 cm Given that the LCM and HCF of two numbers are 1105 and 5. Let the 1st number = x According to the question: P 17x = 1105  x = 65 Using, LCM × HCF = 1st number × 2nd number  1105 × 5 = 65 × 2nd number  2nd number = 1105 5  85 65 AC2 = AB2 + BC2  42 = x2 + x2 B C 146. Option (3) is corre

11. Q11.Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. Profitable, yielding financial gain

    • A.Ludicrous
    • B.Lucrative
    • C.Luddite
    • D.Lugger
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Lucrative

    . This question tests a student’s vocabulary. Emulate means to match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation. Example: “Most rulers wished to emulate Alexander the Great.” The antonym of emulate is neglect. Bash is to strike violently. Spoilt means to diminish or destroy the value or quality of something.

12. Q12.Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. Some people are in the habit of sharing and bull story on unsuitable occasions.

    • A.Fox
    • B.Wolf
    • C.Cock
    • D.Rooster
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Wolf

    . This question tests a student’s vocabulary. One who does a thing for pleasure not as a profession is known as amateur. Example: “It takes five years for a top amateur to become a real Tour de France rider.” Ascetic means characterised by severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons.

13. Q13.Select the most appropriate synonym to replace the italicised word. Colossal granite obelisks were erected by only a few kings.

    • A.Gigantic
    • B.Lilliputian
    • C.Minute
    • D.Minuscule
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Gigantic

    . This question tests a student’s vocabulary. Resume means to begin again or continue after a pause or interruption. Example: “A day later, normal service was resumed.” Cease means come to an end. The antonym of resume is to cease. Usher means to show or guide (someone) somewhere, or mark the start of something new. Example: “A waiter ushered me to a table.” Presume means to suppose that something

14. Q14.Choose the correct meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence. With two toddlers to handle and no house help at her disposal, Shilpa can never put her house in apple-pie order.

    • A.Completely messy
    • B.Smell-proof
    • C.Completely arranged
    • D.Ready for guests
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Completely arranged

    . The given sentence is grammatically correct.

15. Q15.Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. When the weather is hot, I will like to eat ice cream.

    • A.I shall like to eat
    • B.I liked to eat
    • C.I like to eat
    • D.I should like to eat
    Show answer

    Answer: A. I shall like to eat

    . The incorrectly spelled word is “Abcission.” It should be abscission. Abscission means the natural detachment of parts of a plant, typically dead leaves and ripe fruit. Abstruse means difficult to understand; obscure. Example: “An abstruse philosophical inquiry.” An “incision” is a surgical cut made in skin or flesh. Example: “A block of marble delicately decorated with incisions.” Abyssal means

16. Q16.Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. One who takes a dark view of things

    • A.Pedant
    • B.Periscope
    • C.Polyglot
    • D.Pessimist
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Periscope

    . This question tests a student’s vocabulary. Dull means lacking brightness, vividness, or sheen. The antonym of dull is bright.

17. Q17.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word. His explanation is always concise.

    • A.Frank
    • B.Precise
    • C.Lengthy
    • D.Intelligent
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Frank

    . This question tests a student’s understanding of phrases and idioms. Take a risk means to try to do something for which there is a high probability of a negative or unfortunate outcome.

18. Q18.Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No substitution required’. As Simon had already been to the park, he lead the way for the other children.

    • A.leading the way
    • B.lead away
    • C.led the way
    • D.No substitution required
    Show answer

    Answer: D. No substitution required

    . This question tests a student’s understanding of phrases and idioms. “Make up means to invent a story or plan. Potter about means to move around without hurrying, and in a relaxed and pleasant way. Example: “She enjoyed making up tall tales.” Put down means record something in writing. Example: “He’s putting a few thoughts down on paper.” Pull together means to cooperate in a task or undertaking

19. Q19.Comprehension: Read the passage carefully and answer the following question. Reservation is a part of (1 4) action, which seeks to bring equality. The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019, seeks to provide for the advancement of ‘economically weaker sections’ of citizens. Article 15 of the Constitution 2 discrimination against any citizen on the grounds of race, religion, caste, sex or place of birth. However, the government may make special provisions for the 3 of socially and educationally backward classes or for Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes. The Bill seeks to amend Article 15 to additionally permit the government to provide for the advancement of ‘economically weaker sections’. Further, up to 10% of the seats may be 4 for such sections for admission in educational institutions. Such reservation will not apply to minority educational institutions. Identify a suitable title for the passage above. Prohibition of discrimination Article 15 Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill 2019 Reservation for Equality

    • A.effective
    • B.ineffective
    • C.directive
    • D.corrective
    Show answer

    Answer: B. ineffective

    . This question tests a student’s understanding of phrases and idioms. Cutting corners means economise on time, money, materials or effort, perhaps unwisely to do something in a cheap and easy way. Example: It is certainly not a sensible move to cut corners with national security.

20. Q20.Comprehension: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. A broad definition of wetlands (1) ecosystems such as lakes and rivers, underground aquifers, swamps, coral reefs, and many others; but also, human-made artificial sites (2) fishponds or reservoirs. Though they cover only around 6 per cent of the Earth’s land surface, 40 per cent of all plant and animal species live or breed in them. Wetlands are also vital for human wellbeing and security. More than a billion people across the world depend on them for their livelihoods, about one in eight people on Earth. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), these ecosystems are also the unsung heroes of the climate crisis. In fact, they (3) more carbon than any other ecosystem, with peatlands alone storing twice (4) all the world’s forests. And inland wetland ecosystems absorb excess water and help prevent floods and drought, something critical to help communities adapt to a changing climate. In the words of Leticia Carvalho, Principal Coordinator for Marine and Freshwater at UNEP, healthy wetlands ‘punch above their weight in terms of benefits’. The theme for the very first World Day is “Wetlands Action for People and Nature”. It serves as an urgent call to act and to invest financial, human, and political capital, to save the world’s wetlands from disappearing altogether - and to restore those areas already lost. Wetlands are disappearing three times (5) forests and are Earth’s most threatened ecosystem. In just 50 years - since 1970 - 35 per cent of the world’s wetlands have evaporated.

    • A.leave out
    • B.omit
    • C.excludes
    • D.includes
    Show answer

    Answer: D. includes

    . This question tests a student’s understanding of idioms and phrases. To call it a day means to decide or agree to stop doing something. Example: “After three marriages, many men would have been more than ready to call it a day.”

21. Q21.Select the most appropriate option to fill blank 3.

    • A.have
    • B.has
    • C.store
    • D.stored
    Show answer

    Answer: D. stored

    . This question tests a student’s understanding of idioms and phrases. Blue blood means noble birth. Example: “Blue blood is no guarantee of any particular merit, competence, or expertise.”

22. Q22.Select the most appropriate option to fill blank 4.

    • A.as long as
    • B.as much as
    • C.as such as
    • D.as more as
    Show answer

    Answer: C. as such as

    . This question tests a student’s understanding of idioms and phrases. To make matters worse is a common idiom that means to make an already bad, unpleasant, or difficult situation even more so. Example: To make matters worse, it started to rain.

23. Q23.Select the most appropriate option to fill blank 5.

    • A.faster than
    • B.fastest than
    • C.much than
    • D.more than
    Show answer

    Answer: B. fastest than

    . The incorrectly spelled word is Pharoh. It should be Pharaoh. Pharaoh is the vernacular term often used for the monarchs of ancient Egypt, who ruled from the First Dynasty (c. 3150 BC) until the annexation of Egypt by the Roman Empire in 30 BC. Strategy means a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim. Fulfilment means the achievement of something desired, promised, or predi

24. Q24.If three numbers are in the ratio of 1 : 3 : 7, and their LCM is 336, then their HCF is:

    
    • A.16
    • B.18
    • C.10
    • D.12
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 16

    . OMPQ and ONRS Hence, 16 75 600 75 is the correct answer. PM = MQ = 48  24 and 2 40

25. Q25.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. BE ON THE BREADLINE Having plenty of money Find a successful way of making money Earn a lot of money very easily Be very poor Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.

    • A.Auxiliary
    • B.Aclaim
    • C.Believe
    • D.Absence
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Aclaim

    . 7% for 3 years at simple interest = 21%. → PN = SN = MN = 22 2  20 [[IMG:image78.png]]P 48 M Q Compound interest for 2 years will be 7 + 7 + 7  7 100 × 7 = 14.49% And for third year = 14.49 + 7 + 7 × 14.49 = 21.49 100 + 1.01 = 22.50% So, compound interest for 3 years at 7% will be 22.50% Difference = 22.50% – 21% = 1.50% So, 1.50% of 6500 = 97.5 Let OM = x then ON = 22 – x In triangle PMO w

26. Q26.The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error. “Mrs. Pooja is / very busy at / the moment.” / “All right. I had been waiting.” the moment.” “All right. I had been waiting.” very busy at 4. “Mrs. Pooja is Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. The lease of our house has run down.

    • A.run into
    • B.run apart
    • C.run out
    • D.run up to
    Show answer

    Answer: C. run out

    . a + b + c = 10 a2 + b2 + c2 + 2(ab + bc + ac) = 100 38 + 2(ab + bc + ac) = 100 → ab + bc + ca = 162  2 81 Now consider (a – b)2 + (b – c)2 + (c – a)2 = a2 + b2 – 2ab + b2 + c2 – 2bc + c2 + a2 – 2ca = 2(a2 + b2 + c2) – 2(ab + bc + ca) = 2(38) – 2(31) = 2(7) = 14 Hence, 14 is the correct Answer.

27. Q27.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. Radiant

    • A.Dismal
    • B.Frowning
    • C.Glowing
    • D.Depressing
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Glowing

    . Total = 10.4 + 13 + 15.6 + 21.6 + 18.8 = 79.4 Average = 79.4  15.88 5 Hence, 15.88 is the correct answer.

28. Q28.Select the most appropriate synonym of the bracketed word to fill in the blank. All the (delicate) things were kept/packed in a different box while shifting to a new place.

    • A.Crude
    • B.Durable
    • C.Coarse
    • D.Fragile
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Fragile

    . We know that Ratios of areas two triangles = (Ratio of sides of triangle)2 64  24 580 = 2380 Total production from 2014 to 2016 by B = 750 + 520 + 144 x2 1170 = 2440 Total production from 2014 to 2016 by C = 630 + 1280 + 650 = 2560 Total of A + D = 4720 And Total of B + C = 5000 The difference is 280. Hence, 280 is the correct Answer.

29. Q29.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. Annoy

    • A.Graze
    • B.Mystify
    • C.Employ
    • D.Satisfy
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Graze

    . → 64x2 = 144 × 24 → x2 = 144  24 64 Hence, 36 is the correct Answer.

30. Q30.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice. She blew the candles on the cake. The candles on the cake were blew by her. The candles on the cake were blown by her. The candles on the cake were being blown by her. The candles on the cake is blown by her. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. Assiduous

    • A.Belligerent
    • B.Meticulous
    • C.Idle
    • D.Idyllic
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Idyllic

    . Volume of cylinder = mr2h Height = 18  5  5 18 → x = 36 Distance = speed × Time = 3 × 54 = 162 Volume of water flowing in pipe = mr2h Now, new speed is 54 + 27 = 81 km/h Now, time = 162  2 hours. 22 → 7  49 4  5  192.5 81 Hence, 2 hour is the correct answer.

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