SSC CGL English Quick Revision
Three questions
1. What the ancient philosophers believed about the nature of reality (1)/ and the purpose of human existence (2)/ remain a subject of intense debate (3)/ among contemporary thinkers. (4) SSC CGL 2025
A. (1) B. (2) C. (3) D. (4)
2. The committee has postponed (1)/ the announcement until (2)/ further informations is received (3)/ from the regional offices. (4) SSC CGL 2025
A. (1) B. (2) C. (3) D. (4)
3. PUSILLANIMOUS SSC CGL 2025
A. Brave B. Courageous C. Cowardly D. Bold
4. Wary SSC CGL 2013
A. rash B. blame C. daring D. decorate
5. Throw caution to the wind. SSC CGL 2025
A. To destroy evidence of a past crime B. to do something without worrying about the risk or negative results C. To make a dramatic entrance D. To sever all connections with friends
6. To upset the applecart SSC CGL 2025
A. To knock over a fruit stand B. To spoil a plan or disturb a situation C. To organise things neatly D. To make a pleasant surprise
Answers
1. C — **Rule: Noun Clause as Singular Subject**
* **C is correct:** The entire noun clause ('What the ancient philosophers believed about the nature of reality and the purpose of human existence') functions as a single noun clause subject, taking a singular verb. Change plural 'remain' to singular **remains**.
* **Other options:** (1), (2), and (4) form correct prepositional phrases and modifier structures.
2. C — **Rule: Uncountable Nouns**
* **(3) is correct:** **Information** is an uncountable noun and does not take a plural form (*informations*). Replace with **further information is received**.
* **(1):** *has postponed* is correct Present Perfect tense usage.
3. C — **Synonyms (Vocabulary)**
**Pusillanimous** means lacking courage or resolution; timid, faint-hearted, or cowardly.
Option meanings:
- **Cowardly**: Lacking courage; easily frightened (exact synonym).
- **Brave**: Ready to face and endure danger or pain (antonym).
- **Courageous**: Possessing or showing courage (antonym).
- **Bold**: Showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous (antonym).
Therefore, **Cowardly** is the most appropriate synonym.
**Memory Tip:** Break the word down: *pusillus* (very small/petty) + *animus* (spirit/mind) = having a 'small mind/weak spirit' → faint-hearted or cowardly.
4. A — **Antonym (Opposite meaning)**
**Wary** means being cautious, watchful, and alert to possible danger or harm.
* **Rash** means acting hurriedly without thinking or without considering the consequences (careless / reckless).
Since **wary** means being careful and **rash** means being careless, **rash** is the exact opposite (antonym).
**Meanings of other options:**
* **Blame:** to hold someone responsible for a fault or wrong
* **Daring:** adventurous or brave
* **Decorate:** to make something look more attractive
5. B — **Idiom:** Throw caution to the wind
- **Meaning:** To act recklessly or do something without worrying about the danger, risk, or negative consequences.
- **Why Option B is correct:** Option B accurately describes the act of proceeding without fear of the risks involved.
**Example:**
- He threw caution to the wind and invested all his savings in the new venture.
**Memory Tip:**
- Think of "caution" (carefulness) being thrown into the wind to blow away—leaving you to act boldly without care or fear.
**Option Breakdown:**
- **(A) To destroy evidence of a past crime:** Incorrect; does not match the phrase.
- **(B) to do something without worrying about the risk or negative results:** Correct.
- **(C) To make a dramatic entrance:** Incorrect.
- **(D) To sever all connections with friends:** Incorrect.
6. B — **Idiom Meaning: Upset the applecart**
The idiom **"to upset the applecart"** means to ruin, spoil, or disrupt a well-laid plan, arrangement, or orderly situation.
Idioms have a **figurative meaning**, not a literal one:
- **(A) To knock over a fruit stand:** Incorrect. This is a literal trap based on the word 'applecart'.
- **(B) To spoil a plan or disturb a situation:** **Correct.** It accurately defines disrupting an existing arrangement or plan.
- **(C) To organise things neatly:** Incorrect. This represents the opposite idea.
- **(D) To make a pleasant surprise:** Incorrect. Upsetting the applecart creates disruption and trouble, not a pleasant surprise.
**Example:** We had planned a quiet weekend, but unannounced guests arrived and upset the applecart.
**Memory Tip:** Imagine a neat cart full of apples being tipped over—all the careful arrangement is ruined instantly.