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SSC Selection Post (Higher Secondary Level) English Language — Previous Year Questions

330 English Language questions asked in past SSC Selection Post (Higher Secondary Level) papers, split into 33 timed practice sets — every question with its answer and explanation.

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About SSC Selection Post (Higher Secondary Level) English Language previous year questions

This page collects every English Language question that has appeared in past SSC Selection Post (Higher Secondary Level) papers on AajExam — 330 questions in total, organised into 33 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 Selection Post (Higher Secondary Level): 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 Selection Post (Higher Secondary Level) 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 Selection Post (Higher Secondary Level) previous-year papers are linked below as well.

English Language PYQs asked in SSC Selection Post (Higher Secondary Level)

A sample of 30 questions from the full bank of 330. Try each one before opening the solution — the remaining questions are in the timed practice sets below.

Q1.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'. In the introductory session, the teacher asked me to what district I came from.
- A.to which district
- B.which district
- C.No substitution required
- D.what district
Show answer
Answer: B. which district
'Which district' is the natural interrogative form in reported speech context.
Q2.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in active voice. By whom have the problems been solved?
- A.Who solved the problems?
- B.Who solves the problems?
- C.Whose problems were solved?
- D.Who has solved the problems?
Show answer
Answer: D. Who has solved the problems?
Present-perfect passive 'have been solved' → active 'has solved'.
Q3.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in active voice. Rohit was taught classical music by the most renowned master in the state Sri Sanath Maharaj.
- A.The most renowned master in the state Sri Sanath Maharaj is teaching classical music to Rohit
- B.The classical music Rohit learnt was from the most renowned master in the state Sri Sanath Maharaj.
- C.The most renowned master in the state Sri Sanath Maharaj was taught classical music by Rohit.
- D.The most renowned master in the state Sri Sanath Maharaj taught classical music to Rohit
Show answer
Answer: D. The most renowned master in the state Sri Sanath Maharaj taught classical music to Rohit
Past simple passive 'was taught' → past simple active 'taught'.
Q4.Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence. All eyes turned to him because he was the only person who could stave off the impending war.
- A.draw
- B.invoke
- C.prevent
- D.provoke
Show answer
Answer: C. prevent
'Stave off' = avert / prevent / ward off.
Q5.Select the most appropriate synonym of the underlined word. The teacher corroborated the statement of the principal.
- A.disapproved
- B.disagreed
- C.criticised
- D.confirmed
Show answer
Answer: D. confirmed
'Corroborated' = confirmed / supported with evidence.
Q6.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word. Despite the criticism, the government did not rescind the policy.
- A.Reinstate
- B.Relegate
- C.Rewind
- D.Revoke
Show answer
Answer: A. Reinstate
'Rescind' (cancel / revoke) — antonym 'Reinstate' (restore / bring back).
Q7.Read the passage about a struggling shopkeeper, and answer. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1. 'as the railways (1)_________ more peddlers on the platforms.'
- A.were admitting
- B.had been admitted
- C.were admitted
- D.has been admitted
Show answer
Answer: A. were admitting
Past continuous active 'were admitting' fits the past-tense narrative.
Q8.Read the passage about a struggling shopkeeper, and answer. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2. 'my credit sales alone (2) _________.'
- A.have flourished
- B.are flourishing
- C.flourished
- D.has flourished
Show answer
Answer: C. flourished
Simple past 'flourished' matches the rest of the past-tense narrative.
Q9.Read the passage about a struggling shopkeeper, and answer. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3. 'there (3) __________ on the shelves all over the shop.'
- A.have been immense gaps
- B.was immense gaps
- C.has been immense gaps
- D.were immense gaps
Show answer
Answer: D. were immense gaps
Plural subject 'immense gaps' takes 'were' in past tense.
Q10.Read the passage about a struggling shopkeeper, and answer. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4. 'I (4) __________ the old stationmaster and porter'
- A.pleaded over
- B.pleaded on
- C.pleaded of
- D.pleaded with
Show answer
Answer: D. pleaded with
'Pleaded with' (someone) is the standard collocation.
Q11.Read the Time-management passage. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word 'laziness' given in the second paragraph.
- A.Indolent
- B.Inactive
- C.Industrious
- D.Lethargic
Show answer
Answer: C. Industrious
Antonym of 'laziness' = Industrious (hardworking). Option 3.
Q12.The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error. We must / take care / of one other / in times of crisis.
- A.take care
- B.in times of crisis
- C.We must
- D.of one other
Show answer
Answer: D. of one other
Should be 'one another' (more than two people), not 'one other'. Option 4.
Q13.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct speech. Bibiya asked the doctor if she could get the discharge in the morning.
- A.Bibiya asked the doctor, "Can I get the discharge in the morning?"
- B.Bibiya asked the doctor, "How can I get the discharge in the morning?"
- C.Bibiya asked the doctor, "Could I have got the discharge in the morning?"
- D.Bibiya asked the doctor, "If I can get the discharge in the morning?"
Show answer
Answer: A. Bibiya asked the doctor, "Can I get the discharge in the morning?"
Indirect → direct backshift: 'could' → 'can'; 'she' → 'I'. Option 1.
Q14.Select the option that will improve the underlined part of the given sentence. It is wrong to make accusations without will have any proof.
- A.without has any proof
- B.without being have any proof
- C.without to be have any proof
- D.without having any proof
Show answer
Answer: D. without having any proof
After preposition 'without', use gerund: 'without having any proof'. Option 4.
Q15.Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. Social organisation where males are heads of families
- A.Matriarchy
- B.Patriarchy
- C.Polygamy
- D.Hierarchy
Show answer
Answer: B. Patriarchy
'Patriarchy' = system where males are heads. Option 2.
Q16.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice. He ordered the police to pursue the robber and his gang.
- A.The police were ordered to pursue the robber and his gang.
- B.Order the police to pursue the robber gang.
- C.Pursue the robber and gang were the orders by police.
- D.The robber and gang were pursued.
Show answer
Answer: A. The police were ordered to pursue the robber and his gang.
Active 'He ordered the police' → passive 'The police were ordered'. Option 1.
Q17.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. Instant
- A.Immediate
- B.Precise
- C.Anticipated
- D.Gradual
Show answer
Answer: A. Immediate
'Instant' = Immediate. Option 1.
Q18.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word. The old man was not only infirm but also blind and was unable to move around by himself.
- A.Robust
- B.Diffident
- C.Anaemic
- D.Hospitable
Show answer
Answer: A. Robust
Antonym of 'infirm' (weak) = Robust (strong). Option 1.
Q19.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. I don't buy it
- A.Purchasing should be controlled
- B.Only good decisions can be agreed on
- C.I am not convinced
- D.I do not like to buy
Show answer
Answer: C. I am not convinced
'I don't buy it' = I'm not convinced. Option 3.
Q20.Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. Plastic pollution is _________ the oceans' ecosystem, but humanity doesn't take serious action against it.
- A.deciding
- B.aiming
- C.making
- D.affecting
Show answer
Answer: D. affecting
'Affecting the ecosystem' fits the context. Option 4.
Q21.Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word. Keen
- A.Insensitive
- B.Accurate
- C.Perceptive
- D.Subtle
Show answer
Answer: A. Insensitive
Antonym of 'Keen' (sharp/eager) = Insensitive (dull). Option 1.
Q22.Parts of the following sentence have been underlined and given as options. Select the option that contains a spelling error. How simple for the English businesman to word a cable that would be intelligible to Italian, Turkish and Chinese firms? If statesmen could discuss directly and accurately the problems.
- A.statesmen
- B.intelligible
- C.businesman
- D.firms
Show answer
Answer: C. businesman
'Businesman' is misspelled — correct is 'businessman'. Option 3.
Q23.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word from the following sentence. Artificial My uncle, who is a native of Australia, is a logical thinker and says that natural and unnatural stones both look beautiful in gold jewellery.
- A.Unnatural
- B.Native
- C.Natural
- D.Logical
Show answer
Answer: C. Natural
Antonym of 'Artificial' (man-made) = Natural. Option 3.
Q24.Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. Every cloud has a ______ lining.
- A.diffused
- B.silver
- C.blue
- D.grey
Show answer
Answer: B. silver
Standard proverb: 'silver lining'. Option 2.
Q25.Parts of the following sentence have been underlined and given as options. Select the option that contains a spelling error. It remains for us to apply the tools of selection, rejection or compresion in order to understand.
- A.compresion
- B.rejection
- C.selection
- D.understand
Show answer
Answer: A. compresion
'Compresion' is misspelled — correct is 'compression'. Option 1.
Q26.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct speech. Liam asked if we could proceed with the award ceremony.
- A.Liam said, "Can we proceed with the award ceremony?"
- B.Liam said, "Will we proceed with the award ceremony?"
- C.Liam said, "Should we proceed with the award ceremony?"
- D.Liam said, "Could we please proceed with the award ceremony?"
Show answer
Answer: A. Liam said, "Can we proceed with the award ceremony?"
Indirect 'could' → direct 'can'. Option 1.
Q27.Read the Bottled Water passage. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1. 'how much humans (1)___________ nature, reflecting the tremendous value they place on it'
- A.commodify
- B.satisfy
- C.glorify
- D.beautify
Show answer
Answer: C. glorify
Per response sheet, option 3 ('glorify').
Q28.Read the Bottled Water passage. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2. 'bottled water indicates (2)______________ for nature's complexities, displaying the irony'
- A.admiration
- B.contempt
- C.acceptance
- D.affectation
Show answer
Answer: B. contempt
Irony of 'mutual annihilation' implies negative sentiment → contempt. Option 2.
Q29.Read the Bottled Water passage. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3. 'mutual annihilation of humanity and the (3)___________'
- A.collections
- B.humans
- C.trash
- D.environment
Show answer
Answer: D. environment
'Annihilation of humanity and the environment' fits the eco-theme. Option 4.
Q30.Read the Bottled Water passage. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank number 4. 'The finest example is the (4)__________ of bottled water, which is the commercialisation of natural resources'
- A.corruption
- B.recycling
- C.recollecting
- D.sale
Show answer
Answer: D. sale
'Sale of bottled water = commercialisation'. Option 4.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many SSC Selection Post (Higher Secondary Level) English Language previous year questions are available?

330 English Language questions from past SSC Selection Post (Higher Secondary Level) papers are available on AajExam, split into 33 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 Selection Post (Higher Secondary Level) 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 Selection Post (Higher Secondary Level) 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 Selection Post (Higher Secondary Level) English Language practice sets

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

About SSC Selection Post (Higher Secondary Level) English Language previous year questions

English Language PYQs asked in SSC Selection Post (Higher Secondary Level)

Q1.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'. In the introductory session, the teacher asked me to what district I came from.

Q2.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in active voice. By whom have the problems been solved?

Q3.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in active voice. Rohit was taught classical music by the most renowned master in the state Sri Sanath Maharaj.

Q4.Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence. All eyes turned to him because he was the only person who could stave off the impending war.

Q5.Select the most appropriate synonym of the underlined word. The teacher corroborated the statement of the principal.

Q6.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word. Despite the criticism, the government did not rescind the policy.

Q7.Read the passage about a struggling shopkeeper, and answer. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1. 'as the railways (1)_________ more peddlers on the platforms.'

Q8.Read the passage about a struggling shopkeeper, and answer. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2. 'my credit sales alone (2) _________.'

Q9.Read the passage about a struggling shopkeeper, and answer. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3. 'there (3) __________ on the shelves all over the shop.'

Q10.Read the passage about a struggling shopkeeper, and answer. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4. 'I (4) __________ the old stationmaster and porter'

Q11.Read the Time-management passage. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word 'laziness' given in the second paragraph.

Q12.The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error. We must / take care / of one other / in times of crisis.

Q13.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct speech. Bibiya asked the doctor if she could get the discharge in the morning.

Q14.Select the option that will improve the underlined part of the given sentence. It is wrong to make accusations without will have any proof.

Q15.Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. Social organisation where males are heads of families

Q16.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice. He ordered the police to pursue the robber and his gang.

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

Q18.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word. The old man was not only infirm but also blind and was unable to move around by himself.

Q19.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. I don't buy it

Q20.Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. Plastic pollution is _________ the oceans' ecosystem, but humanity doesn't take serious action against it.

Q21.Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word. Keen

Q23.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word from the following sentence. Artificial My uncle, who is a native of Australia, is a logical thinker and says that natural and unnatural stones both look beautiful in gold jewellery.

Q24.Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. Every cloud has a ______ lining.

Q25.Parts of the following sentence have been underlined and given as options. Select the option that contains a spelling error. It remains for us to apply the tools of selection, rejection or compresion in order to understand.

Q26.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct speech. Liam asked if we could proceed with the award ceremony.

Q27.Read the Bottled Water passage. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1. 'how much humans (1)___________ nature, reflecting the tremendous value they place on it'

Q28.Read the Bottled Water passage. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2. 'bottled water indicates (2)______________ for nature's complexities, displaying the irony'

Q29.Read the Bottled Water passage. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3. 'mutual annihilation of humanity and the (3)___________'

Q30.Read the Bottled Water passage. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank number 4. 'The finest example is the (4)__________ of bottled water, which is the commercialisation of natural resources'

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