Test: SSC CGL Previous Year Questions: Spotting Errors (2023-18) - 2 - SSC CGL MCQ

Correct Statement: The correct statement is option D.

Here’s a brief explanation of the options:

• Option A: "It is a nice party. I am enjoying the party."
  • This option is grammatically correct.
• Option B: "It is a party. I am enjoying an party."
  • This is incorrect because "an" should be "a" before a consonant sound.
• Option C: "It is party. I am enjoying a party."
  • This option is incorrect due to the missing article before "party."
• Option D: "It is the party. I am enjoying an party."
  • This option is partially correct; "the" is appropriate, but "an" should be "a."

In summary, while option D contains an error with "an," it is the best choice among the options given. The correct form should be "a party." Therefore, the best choice is option D.

The sky appears blue because it interacts with sunlight in a particular way. Here’s how it works:

• The atmosphere contains particles that scatter light.
• Sunlight, or white light, is made up of different colours.
• When sunlight enters the atmosphere, it collides with these particles.
• Blue light has a shorter wavelength and is scattered more than other colours.
• This scattering makes the sky appear blue to our eyes.

In summary, the blue colour of the sky is due to the scattering of sunlight, primarily affecting the blue wavelengths. This phenomenon is why we perceive the sky as blue during the day.

In this sentence, the correct phrase is:

• boxes have
• of the heiress
• the portrait
• One of these

The phrase "boxes have" is necessary for grammatical accuracy. It indicates possession and clarifies that multiple boxes are involved. The phrase "of the heiress" specifies whose portrait is depicted, providing essential context. "The portrait" serves as the subject, while "One of these" points to a specific box among several.

Each part contributes to the overall meaning, ensuring clarity in communication. This structure helps readers easily understand which elements are essential for deciphering the sentence.

Binay mentioned that he is returning from his village, Jaygarh.

• The phrase "he is coming" indicates his current action of returning.
• His location, "his village, Jaygarh," identifies the place he is coming from.
• Overall, Binay is expressing his journey back to a familiar place.

After the pandemic, humanity will need to adapt to a new way of living.

• Mankind must accept the New Normal as a reality.
• This implies changes in daily routines and behaviours.
• Social interactions, work environments, and travel habits may evolve.
• It is essential to embrace these changes for future stability.

In summary, adjusting to the New Normal is crucial for navigating life post-pandemic.

Maruti enjoys adventure stories, particularly those about Tarzan.

• Maruti has a strong preference for adventure tales.
• He finds the adventures of Tarzan especially captivating.
• These stories resonate with his love for adventure.

Historians are instrumental in shaping our understanding of the past. They provide valuable insights that help us comprehend the complexities of human experiences. Here are some key points about their importance:

• Contributors to Knowledge: Historians analyse events, cultures, and societies, enriching our comprehension of historical contexts.
• Preservers of History: They safeguard historical records and artefacts, ensuring that future generations can learn from the past.
• Critical Thinkers: Their work encourages critical thinking, prompting us to question and understand the narratives that shape our world.
• Contextual Understanding: By studying history, we gain insights into contemporary issues and challenges, allowing for informed discussions.

Overall, historians are a significant asset to academia, contributing to a well-rounded education and fostering a deeper appreciation of our shared heritage.

It was a hectic day for Susan with a lot of purchases and a couple of meetings.

• The sentence is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning clearly.
• It uses the phrase a lot of purchases, which is appropriate for describing numerous items bought.
• The mention of couple of meetings adds context, indicating Susan's busy schedule.
• Overall, the structure is straightforward and easy to understand.

In this sentence, the grammatical error lies in the use of the present perfect tense "has".

The correct form should be in the past perfect tense "had", as it indicates an action completed before another action in the past.

• Mrs. Sinha's visit occurred in 2019.
• Nupur's teaching started before this visit.
• Therefore, the correct phrase should read: "Nupur had already been teaching there for five years."

This change clarifies the timeline of events and maintains grammatical accuracy.

It is important to consult an oculist if you notice changes in your vision.

• Regular eye check-ups can prevent potential issues.
• Changes in vision may indicate underlying health problems.
• Early detection is key to effective treatment.
• Oculists can provide expert advice and corrective measures.

Taking care of your eyes is crucial for maintaining overall health.

The error in the sentence is related to the article used.

• The phrase "from a Mahabharata" is incorrect.
• In English, it should be "from the Mahabharata" as it refers to a specific text.
• The article "a" is used for general references, while "the" is for specific ones.
• This distinction is crucial for clarity and grammatical correctness.

The original sentence contains an error in the verb form. It should use "will have been" to indicate a future perfect continuous tense.

• The phrase “will has been” is incorrect.
• The correct form is “will have been”, which expresses an action that will continue up to a certain point in the future.
• Using “will have been” indicates that by 2023, she will have completed three years of work at the company.

Thus, the corrected phrase should read: "In 2023, she will have been working in the company for three years."

During winter, temperatures can drop significantly.

• Extreme cold is common in many regions.
• Winter weather can lead to harsh conditions.
• It is important to take precautions against the cold.
• Dress appropriately to stay warm and safe.

Being prepared helps you cope with severe temperatures during winter months.

We should sort out the problem ourselves rather than depending on a third party.

To improve clarity, consider the following points:

• Correct verb form: Use "sort" instead of "sorted" to ensure grammatical accuracy.
• Clear phrasing: The phrase "rather than depending" should be simplified for better understanding.
• Active voice: Use active voice where possible to make the statement more direct.

In summary, the revised sentence should read:

We should sort out the problem ourselves instead of relying on a third party.

In the sentence, the phrase "steal the purse" is incorrect due to the use of the base form of the verb "steal." It should be in the past tense to match the context of the sentence.

Here’s a breakdown of the issues:

• The subject "She" is watching an action that has already occurred.
• The correct form should be "stole" instead of "steal."
• This aligns with the past tense narrative established by the rest of the sentence.

Therefore, the revised sentence would be: She watched the thief who stole the purse in the bus.

Daniel sat on his new bike and went afar a ride.

• Daniel is enjoying a new bike.
• He decided to go for a ride.
• His adventure took him far away.

In this context:

• Daniel is the subject, indicating who is performing the action.
• his new bike describes the object he is using.
• The phrase went afar indicates the distance of his ride.

This structure highlights the main components of the sentence, making it clear and easy to understand.

He used to reply that the only place he went to was the town library.

• The only place he visited was the town library.
• His response consistently indicated that he frequented this library.
• This suggests a strong connection or preference for the library.

Grammatical errors can often change the meaning of a sentence. In the example provided, there is an issue with the phrase "of side this track." This phrase is incorrectly constructed.

• The correct preposition here should be "offside" instead of "of side."
• This error can confuse the reader, as the term "offside" is commonly used in sports to describe a rule violation.
• Using the phrase correctly is important for clarity and grammatical accuracy.

To correct the sentence, it should read: "I have never played any game offside this track during the season."

In summary, the incorrect option contains a preposition error which affects the overall meaning of the sentence.

There are four options presented, each containing an underlined portion. One of these options contains a grammatical error.

• The first option states: There are three cupholders placed on the cupboards of the secretariat table. This part is grammatically correct.

• The second option says: There are three cupholders placed on the cupboards of the secretariat table. This is also grammatically correct.

• The third option mentions: There are three cupholders placed on the cupboards of the secretariat table. This structure is correct as well.

• The fourth option states: There are three cupholders placed on the cupboards of the secretariat table. This option is grammatically sound.

Since all options appear grammatically correct, the challenge lies in identifying any subtle errors or awkward constructions. In this case, each option adheres to standard grammatical rules.

Grammatical Error Identification

The sentence "There are no tables at the classroom" contains a grammatical mistake. The preposition "at" is incorrectly used here.

• The correct preposition should be "in," as it refers to being inside a specific location.
• The corrected sentence is: "There are no tables in the classroom."

Using "in" clarifies that the tables are not located within the classroom itself. This subtle change enhances the grammatical accuracy of the statement.

In the context of the farewell party, the emotions of the attendees were mixed. Here are the key points regarding their feelings:

• Everyone, except Shirin, felt very sad.
• The occasion was a farewell party for a retiring teacher.
• Shirin's indifference towards the event was noticeable.

This indicates that while most were affected by the event, Shirin's lack of emotion stood out clearly.

She has a habit of spending against her means.

• This phrase indicates that she tends to overspend beyond her financial capacity.

• It suggests a pattern of living beyond her means, which can lead to financial difficulties.

• Recognising this habit is the first step towards improving financial management.

• To address this, she could consider creating a budget to better track her expenses.

Mother said that it is acceptable for her to feel upset about receiving a low score. This indicates that feelings in response to academic performance are normal and should be acknowledged.

• Emotional Responses: It's natural to experience disappointment when expectations are not met.
• Supportive Environment: Acknowledging feelings can lead to better coping strategies.
• Communication: Open discussions about emotions can help in understanding and managing them.

In summary, the statement emphasises the importance of recognising and validating emotional reactions to academic challenges.

One of the students is always late to class; he has been warned by the teacher many times; but still, he keeps being late.

• One student consistently arrives late to class.

• Despite multiple warnings from the teacher, his behaviour hasn't changed.

• This pattern of lateness continues to be an issue.

The correct phrase to use in this context is “isn’t she”. Here’s a breakdown of the reasoning:

• Subject-verb agreement: The phrase correctly matches the subject, “your mother,” with the appropriate tag question form.
• Use of tag questions: Tag questions are used to confirm information. In this instance, it effectively seeks affirmation about the mother’s action.
• Contextual relevance: The structure maintains the expected conversational tone, making it clear and easy to understand.

Therefore, the error lies in the absence of the correct tag question, affirming the correctness of the phrase “isn’t she.”

During the seventeenth century, there were significant advancements in various fields of knowledge. This period was marked by:

• Scientific discoveries that challenged traditional views.
• Improvements in mathematics, leading to better understanding of the natural world.
• Innovations in technology that transformed everyday life.
• A flourishing of philosophical thought, with influential thinkers emerging.

These developments laid the groundwork for modern science and critical thinking, shaping the course of history.

The gentleman had a suitcase full of

• wigs, ornaments, and dresses.

Correction: The phrase should read “a suitcase full of” instead of “a suitcase full with”.

Contented people are generally at peace with their circumstances. They tend to experience fewer complaints about their fate compared to those who are discontented. Here are some key points to consider:

• Contentment leads to a positive mindset.
• People who are satisfied with their lives seldom express dissatisfaction.
• A sense of gratitude often accompanies contentment, reducing feelings of want.
• Overall happiness is linked to acceptance of one’s situation.

This reflects the idea that when individuals are content, they focus less on what they lack and more on what they have.

He said that he had forgot to lock the door before leaving.

• The phrase “had forgot” is incorrect.
• It should be “had forgotten” for proper grammatical structure.
• “Forgot” is the past tense, while “forgotten” is the past participle.
• This change ensures clarity and correctness in the sentence.

In summary, the correct form is:

• He said that he had forgotten to lock the door before leaving.

This story is quite interesting, but I have encountered many more engaging stories than this one. Below are some key observations:

• The narrative has potential and engages the reader's interest.
• However, it lacks the depth and excitement found in other stories.
• Stronger character development and plot twists could enhance the overall experience.

In conclusion, while the story is appealing, it does not stand out among others I have read.