SSC CGL English Preparation 2020 for Tier 1 & 2

Before dwelling into the preparation strategy of SSC CGL English Preparation, a little insight into the context of English for SSC CGL is given in this post. Go through the article to know how to prepare English for SSC CGL and which books to be referred for preparation.

• Firstly, candidates should keep a major check on their Grammar Preparation. As without Grammar fluency, there would be a lack of clarity in the understanding of concepts
• Secondly, learning 3 new vocabulary words every day can help candidates to improve their quality of English Language
• Moreover, do not forget to form sentences using the recently learned vocabulary words
• Also, take more and more SSC CGL Quiz and Mock Tests sessions
• Furthermore, focus on Synonyms and Antonyms because they will be a huge help in the area of vocabulary as well

SSC CGL English Preparation 2020 – Most Expected Questions

Here is the list of most important and expected English Language questions for SSC CGL 2020. Candidates can practice these questions and watch our video lecture to know more about how to prepare for SSC CGL English. Check out the expert SSC CGL English Preparation Tips and crack the exam in one attempt.

1. Select the antonym of TENDER a. Soft; b. Warm; c. Gentle; d. Rough

2. Select the word which means the same as the sentence “A person without a settled home or regular work who wanders from place to place and lives by begging. a. truant; b. vagrant; c. itinerant; d. migrant

3. Select the wrongly spelt word a. examplify; b. exempt; c. example; d. exhale

4. Select the Synonym of Garrulous a. guttural; b. throaty; c. concise; d. talkative

5. Select the synonym of TILT a. support; b. straighten; c. cross; d. slant

6. Select meaning of the idiom “Lead Someone by the nose” a. to quarrel with someone; b. to dominate someone; c. to do the right thing; d. to force someone to talk the blame

7. Select the meaning of the sentence “Persons living at the same time” a. Contemporaries; b. compatriots; c. colleagues; d. cosmopolitans

8. Identify the grammatical error in the sentence “No sooner did he see the tiger when he ran as fast as he could” a. no sooner did; b. as fast as he could; c. he see the tiger; d. when he ran

9. Fill in the blank “Technology can be ________ and people seem to be more attached to screens than ever before. a. infatuated; b. contagious; c. addictive; d. incorrigible

10. Fill in the blank “The ship sailed smoothly owing to ______ winds.  a. tempestuous; b. favourable; c. boisterous; d. turbulent

SSC CGL Tier 1 & Tier 2 Weightage of Questions

Before starting the SSC CGL Preparation Strategy, candidates should make a list of important topics from which questions have been asked frequently in the English Language and Comprehension Section of the exam. Go through the table below to know the weight of questions asked in both the Tier 1 and Tier 2 exam.

SSC CGL English Syllabus Tier 1 and Tier 2 2020

SSC CGL Syllabus consists of Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams are based on online mode involving different subjects. Following are the tables highlighting the Syllabus as well as SSC CGL Exam Pattern

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam 2020

Check the pattern of question paper, the number of questions will be asked in the exam, maximum marks, and time duration of the Tier-II Exam 2020 in the table listed below.

SSC CGL English Preparation 2020

SSC CGL English Preparation is not that difficult as students perceive it to be. Therefore, just with some tips and tricks that we have brought for the candidates, it will be really simple for SSC CGL English Preparation.

• English is a subject that can prove to be a game-changer in most competitive exams especially SSC CGL where there is a separate paper of 200 marks in Tier 2 apart from the 50 marks allotted in tier 1.
• Moreover, it can balance the overall score of a candidate and can make up for a relatively poor performance in other subjects.
• Also, a majority of us students tend to give lesser importance to English assuming that we are competent enough and can easily ace it with minimum preparation
• Furthermore, such a move can turn out to be disastrous. Although this may be true for a handful of students. But the bigger picture is grim

Topic-wise tips – SSC CGL English Preparation Strategy 2020

Spotting Error

The following table clarifies the number of questions and total marks:

SSC CGL English Preparation: Tips & Tricks

• In order to solve questions on spotting errors, the first step a candidate should take is to read the complete sentence carefully. In most of the cases, it is easy to detect the error in the first go itself
• While reading the entire sentence, one must carefully check the subject-verb agreement
• If it is still not detectable or in case one is unsure of the correct answer, then the candidate must read each individual part of the sentence and closely examine which part consists of an error

Spotting Error Questions

Find out which part of the sentence has the error. If there is no error found, then select no error.

1. Which dress is best of the two that I have shown you? a. Which dress is best of; b. the two that I; c. have shown you?; d. No Error

2. David and me are like brothers but from different mothers. a. David and me are; b. like brothers but; c. from different mothers.; d. No error

3. We shall go out if it does not rains.  a. We shall; b. Go out; c. If it does not rains; d. No error

4. My elder brother asked me that what I was doing a. My elder brother; b. Asked me; c. That what I was doing; d. No error

5. You have to hear me out as I have a  good news for you a. You have to hear; b. me out as I have; c. a good news for you; d. No error

Fill in the blanks for SSC CGL English Preparation

The table below clears how many questions are there and marking scheme:

Tips & Tricks for SSC CGL English Preparation

• Firstly, read the statement carefully and choose the word from the options which is suitable for the answer
• Use the method of elimination by simultaneously checking which of the options best satisfies both the entries
• Also, you must ensure that the word you have inserted in the blank enables to read the sentence smoothly and correctly

Fill In The Blanks Questions

1. Once upon a time there _________ a man called Damocles a. lived; b. was lived; c. a lived; d. live

2. Four independent ________ testified to seeing him at the scene of the crime a. person; b. witness; c. spectator; d. attestant

3. He traveled all __________ the world when he was eighty years old. a. in; b. over; c. with; d. of

4. _______ by people’s perception it seems that democracy has succeeded in India. a. following; b. going; c. making; d. planned

5. Rina borrowed ___________ pencil from Sunita. a. a. b. an; c. the; d. none of the above

Synonyms

The following table clarifies the exam pattern for Synonyms in SSC CGL English:

Antonyms

The table below clarifies the exam pattern for Antonyms:

Tips & Tricks

• Learn at least 20 new English words daily. Note down the Meaning an example of each word you find unfamiliar or difficult to remember. This is the best way to cover Synonyms and Antonyms.
• Make shortcuts, tricks to make the learning of words easy, and try to use them in your daily life
• Must study all the Synonyms and Antonyms from the previous paper as you know that SSC usually repeats a lot of questions.

Synonyms & Anonyms Questions

1. Antonym of Eternal a. Usual; b. Active; c. Realistic; d. Temporary 2. Antonym of Enormous a. soft; b. average; c. tiny; d. weak 3. Antonym of Relinquish a. Abdicate; b. Renounce; c. Posses; d. Deny 4. Synonym of Repeal a. Sanction; b. Perpetuate; c. Pass; d. Cancel 5. Synonym of Ecstatic a. Animated; b. Bewildered; c. Enraptured; d. Illful 6. Synonym of Diligent a. progressive; b. Brilliant; c. Inventive; d. Hard-Working

Idioms/Phrases

The following table is for exam pattern for Idioms/Phrases:

Idioms/Phrases Questions

1. At one’s wit’s end; a. Perplexed; b. Clear Up; c. Explain; d. Enlighten

2. At one’s fingertips; a. To take revenge; b. Matter of shame; c. Complete knowledge; d. None of above

3. At the spur of the moment; a. Difficult Moment; b. Without Delay; c. Great Momen; d.Very Slow

4. All in all; a. Every person; b. Particular thing same in all; c. Call all at once; d. Most important

5. At close quarters; a. close examinations; b. live near to each other; c. live far to each other; d. in love

6. Apple Pie Order; a. In random order; b. Related to fruits packing; c. Related to dry fruit packing; d. In perfect order

One Word Substitution (OWS)

The number of questions and total marks for OWS is given below:

Tips & Tricks

• Sum up all the one-word substitutions and Idioms and phrases from the previous-year books and question papers. Learn them to score well in the English section in the upcoming SSC CGL Exam. Moreover, revise them every day
• Try to make sentences out of the idioms/phrases. This trick will help remember what was learned
• OWS is fun to learn. Try to put more interest in it and then revise. Also, try to use them in your daily life

One Word Substitution (OWS) Questions

1. Set in wrong time or period a. Apophthegm; b. Anarchist; c. Anachronistic; d. Annular

2. Maker of casks or barrels a. Colleiny; b. Cooper; c. Coeval; d. Clio

3. Divert money fraudulently to one’s own use a. Embeyyle; b. Emetic; c. Estivate; d. Exegesis

4. Showing a dislike of anything improper a. Adjudge; b. Prim; c. Dodge; d. Slack

5. To remove all objectionable matter a. Expurgate; b. Exotic; c. Misophonia; d. Cheapskate

6. Excessive publicity a. Pinion; b. Hype; c. Maraud; d. Subaltern

Spelling Mistakes

The following table tells the number of questions and total marks of the section Spelling Mistakes:

Tips & Tricks

• From this topic, a candidate can easily get all the marks in his/her pockets
• One only has to just learn some rules for spelling errors which is very important to have an understanding of the usage of spellings in English Grammar
• Practice spelling errors by telling anyone to dictate new words. Write them while they dictate it to you
• The more one practices reading the more new words come in contact. And then the need is to revise those new words and their meaning and spelling

Spelling Mistakes Questions

1. Which one of the following word is correctly spelled? a. Benefeted; b. Benifited; c. Benefited; d. Benefitted

2. Which one of the following word is correctly spelled? a. Manageble; b. Managable; c. Managaeble; d. Manageable

3. Which one of the following word is correctly spelled? a. Pessenger; b. passenger; c. Pasanger; d. Pesanger

4. Which one of the following word is correctly spelled? a. Psychopathologe; b. Psychopatheology; c. psychopathology; d. Psychaopathology

5. Which one of the following word is correctly spelled? a. Barbarien; b. Barberien; c. Barberian; d. Barbarian

SSC CGL Sentence Correction

Given below is the number of questions and marks for Sentence Correction:

Tips & Tricks

• Firstly, read the original sentence carefully and try to spot grammatical errors by identifying whether something seems wrong
• One must always look at every choice
• Even when the original sentence looks accurate, pay attention to the grammar that it tests and look through the choices systematically to see if any option provides a better alternative
• As one locates all the errors, eliminate all of the choices that contain that error
• Moreover, do not read each answer choice back into the sentence individually; that wastes time and invites inaccuracy
• Also, identify the differences among the choices and eliminate those that offer less effective or grammatically incorrect alternatives

Sentence Correction Questions

1. The small child does whatever his father was done. a. has done; b. did; c. does; d. had done; e. No correction required

2. There are not many men who are so famous that they are frequently referred to by their short names only a. initials; b. signatures; c. pictures; d. middle names; e. No correction required

3. The man to who I sold my house was a cheat. a. to whom I sell; b. to who I sell; c. who was sold to; d. to whom I sold; e. No correction required

4. They were all shocked at his failure in the competition. a. were shocked at all; b. had all shocked at; c. had all shocked by; d. had been all shocked on; e. No correction required

5. He is too important for tolerating any delay. a. to tolerate; b. to tolerating; c. at tolerating; d. with tolerating. e. No correction required

6. Why did you not threw the bag away? a. did you not throw; b. had you not threw; c. did you not thrown; d. you did not thrown, e. No correction required

Reading Comprehension

The following table tells the exam pattern of Reading Comprehension:

Tips & Tricks

• Identify the tone of the paragraph, it helps in answering questions very quickly
• Read questions first so that you know what you are looking for
• Read the first and the last paragraph twice and thoroughly

SSC CGL English Preparation Strategy

• Note down the syllabus topic wise in a notebook or a piece of paper and leave enough space beside each topic name. Classify each topic as weak, medium or strong based on your strengths and weaknesses
• Start with your weaknesses first. Go through your resources and gain additional clarity by browsing the internet. Improve your hold on each topic in a similar fashion
• After you are done with step 2 appear for mocks to further work on your weaknesses until and unless they become your strengths
• Make a separate notebook for vocabulary revision and start noting around 20 new words per day along with the meaning of the word and a sentence which clearly depicts the meaning of the word
• Make a separate notebook for grammar and note down important rules. Each rule must be accompanied by a relevant example because rote learning of rules will not help. It is only through examples that rules can be remembered. This notebook will be a compilation that will immensely help in last-minute revision
• Solving previous year papers is a must to gain an insight into the type of questions asked in SSC CGL
• Revise notes at least once or twice a week
• Practice topics like error correction, Para jumbles, sentence improvement, voice and narration on a regular basis

SSC CGL English Preparation Books

1. S.p. Bakshi ( Arihant Publication )

It is a treasure trove and one of the mandatory SSC CGL English books for preparation. It gives a comprehensive understanding of all topics in the syllabus.

1. Grammar by Wren and Martin

We strongly recommend this book for building a strong base in grammar. So, do not forget to practice especially from this book

1. Kiran’s previous year solved papers

Candidates must solve the previous year’s question papers thoroughly in order to have a fair idea on what and how to prepare for SSC CGL English. Also, how to manage the practice time

1. A mirror of common errors – Ashok Kumar Singh

• This book must be solved only after a basic idea of grammar rules is obtained from relevant sources
• The exercise questions will serve as a practice ground for the application of all the grammar rules learned until then
• Additional rules encountered must be noted down in the grammar notebook

SSC CGL English Preparation FAQ’s

1. what is the exam pattern of the English section in the SSC CGL Tier-2 Exam? 

A. The English section of the Tier 2 exam is an objective type that means questions are asked from English Language and Comprehension. A total of 200 questions are included in the English section and the exam is for 200 marks. The duration of the SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam is conducted for two hours.

2. How many sections are included under the English section in the SSC CGL Tier- 1 Exam?

A. A total of four sections are included under the English section in the SSc CGL Tier- 1 Exam. The questions are asked from all these four sections :

• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Comprehension
• Sentence Rearrangement

A total of 25 questions are asked from all these topics with the maximum marks of 50 marks. 3. What is the Syllabus for SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam? A.The syllabus of SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam contains four sections namely:

• General Intelligence & Reasoning
• General Awareness
• Quantitative Aptitude
• English Language and Comprehension

A total of 25 questions are asked from each section and the exam is conducted for 200 marks.

4. What are the Best SSC CGL English Preparation Books?

A. Candidates preparing for SSC CGL Exam can refer the following books for English preparation.

• S.p. Bakshi ( Arihant Publication ) – Gives a comprehensive understanding of all topics in the syllabus.
• Grammar by Wren and Martin – the best book for building a strong base in grammar.
• Kiran’s previous year solved papers – To know how to prepare and how to manage the practice time
• A mirror of common errors by Ashok Kumar Singh – It will serve as a practice ground for the application of all the grammar rules learned.

5. How to prepare for Synonyms and Antonyms under English Section for the SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam?

A. Learning at least 20 new English words daily and taking note of each word that you find unfamiliar or difficult to remember is one of the best ways to cover Synonyms and Antonyms. Candidates should make shortcuts and tricks to make the learning of words easy, and try to use them in your daily life. Start Practicing Synonyms and Antonyms from the Previous Year papers, as most of the questions will repeat in the exam.