The Staff Selection Commission will release the official notification for recruiting the candidates for SSC CGL. There are 4 sections asked in the SSC CGL exam that are the English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and General Awareness. English and Quant are the 2 most Important Sections of the SSC CGL Exam since they are asked in the Tier-II exam too. For many candidates, it is still a question of how to prepare English for SSC CGL Tier I and Tier II exams. It takes a deep knowledge of English Grammar Rules and a good hold on Vocabulary to score brilliantly in SSC CGL English. So prepare strategically and follow the tips and tricks provided in this article to score high in the English Section easily. If you aren’t sure where to begin or are looking for a more focused style of learning, read on. This strategy on How to Prepare English for SSC CGL will help you make a detailed plan on preparing English.
Check out SSC CGL Apply Online process here.
How to Prepare English for SSC CGL 2023
The English section for the SSC CGL exam can be broadly divided into 4 parts and SSC CGL study materials can be reviewed by aspirants willing to appear for further examinations here in the linked post.
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Reading Comprehension
- Verbal Ability
SSC CGL English Topics
A brief outline of the paper pattern for English in the SSC CGL Exam is:
| Topics |
Subtopic |
| Vocabulary |
Synonyms & Antonyms |
| Fill in the blanks |
| Cloze test |
| Spellings |
| Idioms and Phrases |
| One-word substitution |
| Phrase Replacement |
| Grammar |
Phrase Replacement |
| Sentence correction/Error Spotting |
| Active-Passive Voice |
| Direct-indirect |
| Fill in the blanks |
| Reading Comprehension |
| Verbal Ability |
Sentence Jumbles |
| Para Jumbles |
SSC CGL English Preparation 2023
Improve your Vocabulary:
Let go through some ways through which you can enhance your vocabulary:
- Thesaurus: One of the easiest ways to memorize words is to go through Thesaurus. There are a lot of online thesauruses available in which a word and its opposite words can be found.
- Word List: Always keep a diary with you to jot down a few words every day, say 10-20, but keep in mind, you must go through the list frequently.
- Flashcards: Online Flashcards are used a lot these days. Mobile and Tablet users can download free flash cards available online. This may help you in learning or remembering new words.
Improve your English Grammar:
To attempt questions from the section – ‘English Language and Comprehension’, a proper understanding of Grammar Usage are required. These are the most common questions in all competitive exams and mostly can be seen in the form of questions like ‘spotting the errors. Finding an error in a sentence is a step-by-step process. Students must follow grammar rules while solving such types of questions.
Improve your Reading Comprehension Skills:
Nobody can master Reading Comprehension Overnight, but you can develop it inherently through a course of time. To become a pro in the reading comprehension part and to develop reading skills, it is very much required that you develop the habit of reading every day. Reading newspapers is a nice option but going through daily facts happening every day cannot solve the purpose alone. So it is better to prefer feature stories, opinion pieces in editorials, business magazines, etc., which can help you build your reading and comprehension skills quite faster.
Build a Proper Structure:
Follow a proper strategy and a timetable for all the sections of the question paper. Try investing at least 2 hours every day in the Reading Comprehension Section for better output.
Practice SSC CGL Previous Year Question Papers:
Try to attempt as many previous papers as you can. But remember the current structure of the exam and follow it, as the exam pattern keeps on changing from time to time.
Important Points For SSC CGL English Preparation
English Language and Comprehension cannot be mastered in a day. So, if you wish to score high in this section then plan strategically and follow the below tips:
Make reading a habit:
Read magazines and newspapers to improve your reading habits. Learn at least 10 new words and their meanings daily.
Know your weak areas and Focus on them:
First, try to focus on your weak areas and spend more time improving them by going through the
Practice Important Topics:
You can go through the chapter-wise analysis mentioned at the starting of the article and focus on the important topics first.
Regular Practice:
To improve your speed and accuracy, practice as many previous year papers and mock tests every day.
Read the complete question first:
Most of the students make the mistake of reading incomplete questions and arriving at incorrect answers eventually. Pay complete attention to the question asked carefully to understand what is being asked.
Rule of Elimination:
Use the method of elimination in confusing options and try to get answers by it.
Avoid any guess works:
Do not ever try guesswork. Guesswork generally leads to wrong answers and will increase negative marking. Also, don’t waste much time on one question and move onto the next if you are not sure about the correct answer.
Books for SSC CGL English Preparation
The table below shows the books that candidates can take reference to prepare for the English section in the SSC CGL exam. These books will help candidates cover most of the topics in the English language.
| Books Name |
Author/Publication |
| Objective General English |
SP Bakshi (Arihant) |
| Quick Learning Objective General English |
RS Aggarwal & Vikas Aggarwal |
| Objective English for Competitive Examinations |
H M Prasad |
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
Arun Sharma |
| Wren & Martin |
High School English Grammar and Composition |
| Perfect Competitive English |
V.K. Sinha |
| Competitive General English |
Kiran Prakashan |
| A Mirror of Common Errors |
Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh |
SSC CGL English Question for Preparation
Check out these English mcq questions to boost your preparation.These SSC CGL English MCQ have been meticulously prepared by our Testbook English expert, Pratibha Ma’am.
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. ‘No error’ as the answer.
Radhika looked on in amazement (1) as he combined (2) the three digits together in a direction (3) that looked very familiar (4). No error. (5)
1. Amazement
2. Combined
3. Direction
4. Familiar
5. No error
Que. 2
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. ‘No error’ as the answer.
The tales and descriptions (1) of that time without exception(2) speak only of the self sacrilegious, (3) patriotic description, despair, grief(4), and patriotic devotion of the countrymen. No error. (5)
1. Descriptions
2. Exception
3. Self-sacrilegious
4. Grief
5. No error
Que. 3
In the following sentence, four words printed in bold type are given. These are numbered (1), (2), (3), and (4). One of these words printed in bold might either be wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence.Find out the word that is inappropriate or wrongly spelt, if any. The number of the word is your answer. If the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and appropriate in the context of the sentence then mark (5) i.e. ‘All Correct’ as your answer.
A worker (1) usually does not leaf (2) for work until he has finished(3) all his household chores. (4)
1. worker
2. leaf
3. finished
4. chores
5. All correct
Que. 4
In the following sentence, four words printed in bold type are given. These are numbered (1), (2), (3), and (4). One of these words printed in bold might either be wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence.Find out the word that is inappropriate or wrongly spelt, if any. The number of the word is your answer. If the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and appropriate in the context of the sentence then mark (5) i.e. ‘All Correct’ as your answer.
The Professor(1) adapted (2) a new method (3) to solve the problem (4) in the text book.
1. professor
2. adapted
3. method
4. problem
5. All correct
Que. 5
In the following sentence, four words printed in bold type are given. These are numbered (1), (2), (3), and (4). One of these words printed in bold might either be wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word that is inappropriate or wrongly spelt, if any. The number of the word is your answer. If the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and appropriate in the context of the sentence then mark (5) i.e. ‘All Correct’ as your answer.
My friend (1) tried hard (2) to contact (3) the police (4) after the explosion.
1. friend
2. tried hard
3. contact
4. explosion
5. All correct
Que. 6
In the following sentence, four words printed in bold type are given. These are numbered (1), (2), (3), and (4). One of these words printed in bold might either be wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word that is inappropriate or wrongly spelt, if any. The number of the word is your answer. If the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and appropriate in the context of the sentence then mark (5) i.e. ‘All Correct’ as your answer.
The management (1) could not find the flaws (2) in the project (3) because it is a strenous (4) procedure.
1. management
2. find the flaws
3. project
4. strenous
5. All Correct
Que. 7
In the following sentence, four words printed in bold type are given. These are numbered (1), (2), (3), and (4). One of these words printed in bold might either be wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word that is inappropriate or wrongly spelt, if any. The number of the word is your answer. If the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and appropriate in the context of the sentence then mark (5) i.e. ‘All Correct’ as your answer.
Her ethiopian idea (1) was entertaining (2) but it was not acceptable (3) to everyone in the group. (4)
1. ethiopian idea
2. entertaining
3. acceptable
4. group
5. All Correct
Que. 8
In the following sentence, four words printed in bold type are given. These are numbered (1),(2),(3) and (4). One of these words printed in bold might either be wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word that is inappropriate or wrongly spelt ,if any. The number of the word is your answer. If the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and appropriate in the context of the sentence then mark (5) ie ‘All Correct’ as your answer.
The suspicion (1)/ was paralysed (2)/ as a consequence of the tortuous (3)/ interrogation (4). All correct. (5)
1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
5. 5
Que. 9
In the following sentence, four words printed in bold type are given. These are numbered (1),(2),(3) and (4). One of these words printed in bold might either be wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word that is inappropriate or wrongly spelt ,if any. The number of the word is your answer. If the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and appropriate in the context of the sentence then mark (5) ie ‘All Correct’ as your answer.
Water (1)/ borne (2)/ diseases are a major (3)/ concern (4)/ for people in this region. All correct. (5).
1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
5. 5
Que. 10
In the following sentence, four words printed in bold type are given. These are numbered (1),(2),(3) and (4). One of these words printed in bold might either be wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word that is inappropriate or wrongly spelt ,if any. The number of the word is your answer. If the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and appropriate in the context of the sentence then mark (5) ie ‘All Correct’ as your answer.
The company is assured (1)/ for a quantum (2)/ jump as it has ventured into Indian markets which have excellent (3)/ growth opportunities (4). All correct. (5)
1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
5.5
Que. 11
In the following sentence, a part of the sentence has been printed in bold. One of the bold parts is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there is no error in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. ‘No error’ as the answer.
The football player's fatuous move caused his team to loose the game and the league cup on the same day.
1. fatuous
2. caused
3. loose
4. league
5. All correct
Que. 12
In the following sentence, a part of the sentence has been printed in bold. One of the bold parts is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there is no error in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. ‘No error’ as the answer.
Since I do not believe my company’s cred that the job should come before the family, I am looking for a new work opportunity.
1. believe
2. cred
3. family
4. oppurtunity
5. All correct
Que. 13
In the following sentence, a part of the sentence has been printed in bold. One of the bold parts is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there is no error in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. ‘No error’ as the answer.
New members were cautioned to be heedful of the issues with the community that the bored has faced in the past.
1. cautioned
2. heedful
3. community
4. bored
5. All correct
Que. 14
In the following sentence, a part of the sentence has been printed in bold. One of the bold parts is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there is no error in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. ‘No error’ as the answer.
The mouldy home was uninhabitable and had to be demolished by the state to keep people from living there.
1. mouldy
2. uninhabitable
3. demolished
4. living
5. All correct
Que. 15
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. No error as the answer.
A voracious anti-war activist, my aunt travels across the country making speeches about the destruction caused by war.
1. Voracious
2. Activist
3. Making
4. Destruction
5. No error
Que. 16
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. No error as the answer.
Jamie is an acid supporter of any organization that is trying to improve the environment and promote green belts.
1. Acid
2. Supporter
3. Improve
4. Promote
5. No error
Que. 17
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. ‘No error’ as the answer.
In order to gain his confidence you have to appear to be trustful.
1. Gain
2. Confidence
3. Appear
4. Trustful
5. No error
Que. 18
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. ‘No error’ as the answer.
The mirage roles played by the committee must be understood carefully.
1. Mirage
2. Roles
3. Committee
4. Understood
5. No error
Que. 19
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. No error as the answer.
Several historical canons from the previous war are being exhibited at the museum.
1. Historical
2. Canons
3. Previous
4. Exhibited
5. No error
Que. 20
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. ‘No error’ as the answer.
The chicken breast needs to be gazed with the honey-mustard sauce before putting it in the oven.
1. Breast
2. Gazed
3. Sauce
4. Oven
5. No error
Que. 21
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. No error as the answer.
Desperate for peace and quiet, Amanda told the guffaw man sitting next to her to stop talking.
1. Desperate
2. Quiet
3. Guffaw
4. Next
5. No error
Que. 22
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. No error as the answer.
Since her son had already severed his hours of community service for the vandalism, Selena thought that the school’s additional punishment was gratuitous.
1. Severed
2. Vandalism
3. Punishment
4. Gratuitous 5. No error
Que. 23
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. No error as the answer.
The newspaper was sued for publishing a candor about a popular celebrity.
1. Sued
2. Publishing
3. Candor
4. Celebrity 5. No error
Que. 24
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. No error as the answer.
When trees are under stress, they are more susceptible to cancer and other fungal diseases.
1. Stress 2. Susceptible 3. Cancer 4. Diseases 5. No error
Que. 25
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. No error as the answer.
Belting out a canorous tune, the singer’s beautiful voice seemed to enthrall everyone around.
1. Belting
2. Canorous
3. Beautiful
4. Enthrall
5. No error
Que. 26
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. No error as the answer
A titled but pecuniary family they were so were partition respected by the town.
1. Titled
2. Pecuniary
3. Partition
4. Respected
5. No error
Que. 27
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. No error as the answerA
Embarrassed by his sister’s silly pranks, James screamed at her about her latest taper.
1. Embarassed
2. Silly
3. Pranks
4. Taper
5. No error
Que. 28
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. No error as the answer
Even though Cara is a math genius, she acts inane in class because she likes getting extra attention from the handsome math professor.
1. Genius
2. Inane
3. Extra
4. Handsome
5. No error
Que. 29
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. No error as the answer
Although Jake cannot inchoate anyone else for the robbery, he will not admit to committing the crime himself.
1. Inchoate
2. Robbery
3. Admit
4. Committing
5. No error
Que. 30
In the following sentence, four words or phrases have been printed in bold. One bold part in the sentence is not acceptable in Standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If there are no errors in the bold parts, mark (5) i.e. No error as the answer
Although I attempt to avoid the school bully, he always goes out of his way to be insidious to me.
1. Attempt
2. Avoid
3. Bully
4. Insidious
5. No error
Hopefully, this article on the SSC CGL was informative for all the SSC CGL aspirants. The candidates can also download this syllabus article as a PDF and use it for future reference. For preparation of such government job exams, the candidates can download the Testbook App. Aspirants also should check the status of their SSC CGL application here in the linked article.
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