SSC CGL MAINS (English) MODEL PAPER 2019
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination is one of the most competitive government job exams in India. The examination consists of four tiers, with Tier-II being the main examination. This document presents a comprehensive model paper for the English section of the SSC CGL Mains examination based on the 2019 pattern.
Overview of SSC CGL Mains English Section
The English section in SSC CGL Main Examination is designed to test candidates' understanding of the English language, including grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. In the 2019 pattern, this section carried 200 marks and had 200 questions to be completed in two hours.
| Topic | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 30-40 | 30-40 |
| Error Spotting | 20-25 | 20-25 |
| Sentence Improvement | 20-25 | 20-25 |
| Synonyms/Antonyms | 30-35 | 30-35 |
| One Word Substitution | 10-15 | 10-15 |
| Idioms and Phrases | 10-15 | 10-15 |
| Sentence Rearrangement | 15-20 | 15-20 |
| Cloze Test | 20-25 | 20-25 |
| Fill in the Blanks | 15-20 | 15-20 |
Sample Questions from SSC CGL MAINS (English) MODEL PAPER 2019
Reading Comprehension
The passage below is followed by questions. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:
Climate change poses one of the most significant challenges to sustainable development globally. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are already affecting ecosystems, human health, and economies. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has concluded that human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases, are the dominant cause of observed warming since the mid-20th century. To limit global warming to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels, substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are required. This transition requires a fundamental change in how we produce energy, use land, and design cities.
Q1: According to the passage, what is the main cause of climate change?
Q2: What temperature increase does the IPCC aim to limit global warming to?
Error Spotting
Q3: Find out the error in the following sentence, if any.
Neither the minister nor his colleagues (a)/ was present at the (b)/ meeting yesterday. (c)/ No Error (d)
Q4: Find out the error in the following sentence, if any.
One of the most (a)/ important aspect (b)/ of the plan is its feasibility. (c)/ No Error (d)
Sentence Improvement
Q5: The following sentence may contain an error. Choose the best alternative from the options.
"If he would have called me, I would have helped him."
Q6: The following sentence may contain an error. Choose the best alternative from the options.
"Not only he is intelligent but also hardworking."
Synonyms and Antonyms
Q7: Choose the word that best expresses the meaning of "Ephemeral":
- Permanent
- Transient
- Eternal
- Immortal
Q8: Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to "Repudiate":
- Accept
- Reject
- Deny
- Disown
One Word Substitution
Q9: A person who believes that pleasure is the chief good:
- Hedonist
- Misanthropist
- Ascetic
- Stoic
Q10: A person who dies for a cause:
- Martyr
- Volunteer
- Patriot
- Hero
Idioms and Phrases
Q11: "To keep the wolf from the door" means:
- To keep away from wild animals
- To avoid starvation
- To maintain security
- To live in the wilderness
Q12: "To bury the hatchet" means:
- To kill someone
- To end a quarrel
- To start a fight
- To hide a weapon
Sentence Rearrangement
Q13: Rearrange the following parts to form a meaningful sentence:
P. of water resources
Q. proper management
R. is essential for
S. sustainable development
The correct sequence is:
- PQRS
- QRSP
- RQSP
- QPRS
Q14: Rearrange the following parts to form a meaningful sentence:
P. many people
Q. despite the risks
R. continue to smoke
S. associated with it
The correct sequence is:
- PRQS
- PQSR
- PSRQ
- QRSP
Cloze Test
In the following passage, some words have been omitted. Choose the appropriate word from the options:
Technology has (15) the way we live, work, and communicate. The internet and smartphones have made information (16) at our fingertips. Social media platforms have (17) the way people interact with each other. While technology has brought many benefits, it has also created new (18). Privacy concerns, cybercrime, and digital addiction are some of the issues that (19) attention.
- Question 15: (a) transformed (b) transferred (c) translated (d) transpired
- Question 16: (a) available (b) accessible (c) reliable (d) viable
- Question 17: (a) changed (b) exchanged (c) challenged (d) charged
- Question 18: (a) possibilities (b) opportunities (c) challenges (d) abilities
- Question 19: (a) require (b) request (c) reject (d) reflect
Preparation Tips for SSC CGL English Section
Develop Reading Habits
Read English newspapers, magazines, and novels regularly to improve vocabulary, comprehension skills, and grammar awareness.
Master Grammar Fundamentals
Have a clear understanding of basic grammar rules including tenses, subject-verb agreement, articles, prepositions, and sentence structure.
Build Vocabulary Systematically
Learn new words daily, along with their synonyms, antonyms, and usage in sentences. Maintain a vocabulary notebook to revise regularly.
Practice Previous Year Papers
Solve previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern and identify recurring question types. This helps in better time management during the actual exam.
Focus on Error Spotting
Error spotting requires a keen eye for detail. Practice by identifying errors in newspaper articles, official documents, and written communications.
Understand Common Idioms and Phrases
Learn idioms and phrases that frequently appear in competitive exams. Try to understand their origins and contextual usage rather than just memorizing them.
Time Management Strategy for SSC CGL English Section
Effective time management is crucial for scoring well in the SSC CGL Mains English section. Here are some strategies:
- Allocate Specific Time for Each Section: Divide your total time among different question types based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Start with Familiar Topics: Begin with sections you are most comfortable with to build confidence and manage time effectively.
- Skip Time-Consuming Questions: If a question is taking too long, move on and return to it later if time permits.
- Practice Mock Tests: Regularly take timed practice tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Develop Quick Reading Skills: Learn to scan and skim passages effectively to answer comprehension questions quickly.
- Use Elimination Technique: For difficult questions, eliminate obviously incorrect options to improve guessing probability.
Success in SSC CGL Mains English section requires consistent practice, strategic preparation, and focus on both accuracy and speed. The model paper above provides insights into the question pattern and helps identify areas that need more attention during preparation.
