Previous year questions · SSC Selection Post (Matriculation Level)

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

1030 English Language questions asked in past SSC Selection Post (Matriculation Level) papers, split into 103 timed practice sets — every question with its answer and explanation.

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

This page collects every English Language question that has appeared in past SSC Selection Post (Matriculation Level) papers on AajExam — 1030 questions in total, organised into 103 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 (Matriculation 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 (Matriculation 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 (Matriculation Level) previous-year papers are linked below as well.

English Language PYQs asked in SSC Selection Post (Matriculation Level)

A sample of 30 questions from the full bank of 1030. Try each one before opening the solution — the remaining questions are in the timed practice sets below.

Q1.Select the most appropriate synonym to replace the italicised word. It was a desolate wasteland except for some grazing sheep.
- A.cheerful
- B.lonely
- C.cordial
- D.festive
Show answer
Answer: B. lonely
'Desolate' (uninhabited / bleak) — synonym 'lonely'.
Q2.Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. Let us prayer.
- A.Let us be prayed.
- B.Let us be prayer.
- C.Let us praying.
- D.Let us pray.
Show answer
Answer: D. Let us pray.
After 'Let us', the verb takes the base/infinitive form: 'Let us pray'.
Q3.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice. Nirmala scored forty runs in the school cricket match.
- A.Forty runs scored by Nirmala in the school cricket match.
- B.Forty runs were scored by Nirmala in the school cricket match.
- C.Forty runs had been scored by Nirmala in the school cricket match.
- D.Forty runs was being scored by Nirmala in the school cricket match.
Show answer
Answer: B. Forty runs were scored by Nirmala in the school cricket match.
Past simple active 'scored' → past simple passive 'were scored'.
Q4.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Pull yourself together
- A.Calm down
- B.Stand by your opinion
- C.Pull your clothes
- D.Pull your hair
Show answer
Answer: A. Calm down
'Pull yourself together' = calm down / regain composure.
Q5.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Under the weather
- A.Feeling sick
- B.Rainy and cloudy weather
- C.Having bad weather
- D.Having good weather
Show answer
Answer: A. Feeling sick
'Under the weather' = feeling unwell / slightly sick.
Q6.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. CONQUER
- A.subdue
- B.crush
- C.overthrow
- D.surrender
Show answer
Answer: D. surrender
'Conquer' (defeat / win) — antonym 'surrender' (yield).
Q7.Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. A meal that is usually taken late in the morning that combines a late breakfast and an early lunch
- A.Lunch
- B.Snacks
- C.Brunch
- D.Breakfast
Show answer
Answer: C. Brunch
'Brunch' = a meal eaten in late morning, combining breakfast and lunch.
Q8.Substitute one word for the italicised expression. The death of the veteran leader was followed by a year of absence of Government in the whole of North India.
- A.anarchy
- B.calm
- C.harmony
- D.peace
Show answer
Answer: A. anarchy
'Anarchy' = absence of government / political disorder.
Q9.Read the passage about honey bees, and answer. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1. 'Honey bees... an important part of the ecosystem (1)__________ us.'
- A.within
- B.across
- C.around
- D.prior to
Show answer
Answer: C. around
'Around us' fits — bees are part of the ecosystem around (surrounding) us.
Q10.Read the passage about honey bees, and answer. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2. 'they are constantly exposed to many (2)_____________.'
- A.elements
- B.sunrays
- C.tasks
- D.threats
Show answer
Answer: D. threats
'Exposed to many threats' fits the context of diseases and parasites.
Q11.Read the passage on water and energy interdependence. The passage focusses on:
- A.different forms of energy
- B.high water consumption in the agriculture sector
- C.the interdependence of water and energy
- D.increased dependence on fossil fuels
Show answer
Answer: C. the interdependence of water and energy
Per passage: 'The interdependence of water and energy is evident' — the central theme. Option 3.
Q12.Read the passage on water and energy interdependence. Which of the following factors is likely to put further pressure on water sources?
- A.Change in crop patterns
- B.Recycling of water
- C.Checking water pollution
- D.Increase in world population
Show answer
Answer: D. Increase in world population
Per passage: 'world population of 9 billion by 2050 which will put further stress on the water sourcing and supply systems'. Option 4.
Q13.Read the passage on water and energy interdependence. Fossil-based energy is ________.
- A.human energy
- B.electrical energy
- C.stored solar energy
- D.mechanical energy
Show answer
Answer: C. stored solar energy
Per passage: 'the sun took 150 million years to store its energy in the fossil fuels' — fossil fuel = stored solar energy. Option 3.
Q14.Read the passage on water and energy interdependence. Economic water shortage occurs when ________.
- A.the sources of water dry up
- B.the supply of water is not adequate
- C.water resources are polluted
- D.existing water sources cannot be tapped
Show answer
Answer: D. existing water sources cannot be tapped
Per passage: 'economic water shortage (when existing water sources cannot be used because of a lack of investment in water-related infrastructure)'. Option 4.
Q15.In the passage about Sudha Murty, fill in blank No. 1. 'She did her MTech (1)________ computer science…'
- A.on
- B.of
- C.in
- D.at
Show answer
Answer: C. in
'MTech in computer science' is the standard collocation. Option 3.
Q16.In the passage about Sudha Murty, fill in blank No. 2. '…the chairperson of (2)________ Infosys Foundation.'
- A.one
- B.an
- C.the
- D.a
Show answer
Answer: C. the
Specific named foundation — definite article 'the'. Option 3.
Q17.In the passage about Sudha Murty, fill in blank No. 3. 'A prolific (3)________ in English and Kannada…'
- A.poet
- B.writer
- C.reader
- D.speaker
Show answer
Answer: B. writer
Sudha Murty writes novels, short stories, etc. → 'prolific writer'. Option 2.
Q18.In the passage about Sudha Murty, fill in blank No. 4. '…she (4)________ novels, technical books, travelogues…'
- A.writing
- B.will write
- C.write
- D.has written
Show answer
Answer: D. has written
Present perfect — she has produced multiple works over time → 'has written'. Option 4.
Q19.In the passage about Sudha Murty, fill in blank No. 5. '(5)________ books have been translated into all the major Indian languages.'
- A.Their
- B.My
- C.His
- D.Her
Show answer
Answer: D. Her
Subject is Sudha Murty (female) — possessive 'Her'. Option 4.
Q20.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. Fret
- A.Please
- B.Bother
- C.Disturb
- D.Worry
Show answer
Answer: A. Please
'Fret' (worry / be anxious) — antonym 'Please' (delight). Option 1.
Q21.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. Talkative
- A.Chatty
- B.Conversational
- C.Withdrawn
- D.Garrulous
Show answer
Answer: C. Withdrawn
'Talkative' (chatty) — antonym 'Withdrawn' (reserved / quiet). Option 3.
Q22.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. Reckless
- A.Wise
- B.Cautious
- C.Careless
- D.Thoughtful
Show answer
Answer: C. Careless
'Reckless' = careless / heedless. Option 3.
Q23.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Flex one's muscles
- A.beat someone physically with muscle strength
- B.show one's muscular strength
- C.give or make a show of one's strength
- D.show that one has more muscles than another
Show answer
Answer: C. give or make a show of one's strength
'Flex one's muscles' = make a show of one's strength/influence. Option 3.
Q24.Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. All the customers of a business.
- A.Clientele
- B.Leaders
- C.Workers
- D.Executives
Show answer
Answer: A. Clientele
'Clientele' = the entire body of customers of a business. Option 1.
Q25.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in reported speech. "Vidushi, you have grown even taller!" said Sana.
- A.Sana will exclaim to Vidushi that she was even taller.
- B.Sana exclaimed to Vidushi that she had grown even taller.
- C.Sana exclaims how even taller Vidushi had grown.
- D.Sana had exclaimed how Vidushi is growing even taller.
Show answer
Answer: B. Sana exclaimed to Vidushi that she had grown even taller.
Direct exclamation in past → 'exclaimed that … had grown'. Option 2.
Q26.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Full of hot air
- A.Nervous
- B.Self-important
- C.Hot-headed
- D.Energetic
Show answer
Answer: B. Self-important
'Full of hot air' = boastful / self-important / talking nonsense. Option 2.
Q27.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. Hamper
- A.Permit
- B.Push
- C.Facilitate
- D.Block
Show answer
Answer: D. Block
'Hamper' = hinder / block / obstruct. Option 4.
Q28.Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. To stay longer than necessary.
- A.Wander
- B.Stroll
- C.Digress
- D.Linger
Show answer
Answer: D. Linger
'Linger' = remain longer than necessary; be slow in leaving. Option 4.
Q29.Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. I am going to ________ my parrot from the cage.
- A.issue
- B.deliver
- C.release
- D.clear
Show answer
Answer: C. release
'Release the parrot' (let it free) is the natural collocation. Option 3.
Q30.Read the passage on water and energy interdependence. Which of the following CANNOT help to save water?
- A.Drip irrigation
- B.Dehydration
- C.Rainwater harvesting
- D.Preventing run-offs
Show answer
Answer: B. Dehydration
Drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, preventing run-offs are water-saving methods. 'Dehydration' (loss of water) does not save water — it's the problem itself. Option 2.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

1030 English Language questions from past SSC Selection Post (Matriculation Level) papers are available on AajExam, split into 103 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 (Matriculation 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 (Matriculation 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 (Matriculation Level) English Language practice sets

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

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

English Language PYQs asked in SSC Selection Post (Matriculation Level)

Q1.Select the most appropriate synonym to replace the italicised word. It was a desolate wasteland except for some grazing sheep.

Q2.Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. Let us prayer.

Q3.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice. Nirmala scored forty runs in the school cricket match.

Q4.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Pull yourself together

Q5.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Under the weather

Q6.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. CONQUER

Q7.Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. A meal that is usually taken late in the morning that combines a late breakfast and an early lunch

Q8.Substitute one word for the italicised expression. The death of the veteran leader was followed by a year of absence of Government in the whole of North India.

Q9.Read the passage about honey bees, and answer. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1. 'Honey bees... an important part of the ecosystem (1)__________ us.'

Q10.Read the passage about honey bees, and answer. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2. 'they are constantly exposed to many (2)_____________.'

Q11.Read the passage on water and energy interdependence. The passage focusses on:

Q12.Read the passage on water and energy interdependence. Which of the following factors is likely to put further pressure on water sources?

Q13.Read the passage on water and energy interdependence. Fossil-based energy is ________.

Q14.Read the passage on water and energy interdependence. Economic water shortage occurs when ________.

Q15.In the passage about Sudha Murty, fill in blank No. 1. 'She did her MTech (1)________ computer science…'

Q16.In the passage about Sudha Murty, fill in blank No. 2. '…the chairperson of (2)________ Infosys Foundation.'

Q17.In the passage about Sudha Murty, fill in blank No. 3. 'A prolific (3)________ in English and Kannada…'

Q18.In the passage about Sudha Murty, fill in blank No. 4. '…she (4)________ novels, technical books, travelogues…'

Q19.In the passage about Sudha Murty, fill in blank No. 5. '(5)________ books have been translated into all the major Indian languages.'

Q20.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. Fret

Q21.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. Talkative

Q22.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. Reckless

Q23.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Flex one's muscles

Q24.Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. All the customers of a business.

Q25.Select the option that expresses the given sentence in reported speech. "Vidushi, you have grown even taller!" said Sana.

Q26.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Full of hot air

Q27.Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. Hamper

Q28.Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words. To stay longer than necessary.

Q29.Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. I am going to ________ my parrot from the cage.

Q30.Read the passage on water and energy interdependence. Which of the following CANNOT help to save water?

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