Learn 86 questions from SSC MTS 2024 Shift 2

SSC MTS 2024 Shift 2 Questions

• Vindictive describes a strong desire for revenge or to hurt someone who has hurt you.
•  "Revengeful" is a direct synonym. "Vigilant" means watchful, "Righteous" means morally right, and "Venerable" means respected.

• We use "in" for large areas or regions like the countryside, a city, or a forest.
• "At" is used for specific points, while "on" refers to surfaces.

• The word "than" indicates a comparative degree. The comparative form of "merry" is "merrier." 
• Note that "more merrier" is grammatically incorrect because it uses two comparative markers (double comparison).

• To "look into" something means to investigate or examine it. 
• "Look out" usually means to be careful or to watch from a window, which doesn't fit the context of finding a "root cause."

• The sentence refers to an action starting "next Friday." 
• "Will be tracking" is the future continuous tense, which correctly describes an ongoing action in the future. Options A, B, and C use present or past tense forms.

From next Friday, the team of three members are tracking the animal.

Since last Friday, the team of three members had tracked the animal.

From next Friday, the team of three members have been tracking the animal.

From next Friday, the team of three members will be tracking the animal.

• Agility is the ability to move quickly and easily (nimbleness). 
• Stiffness is the opposite—the inability to move easily or flexibly.

• The idiom "Apple of one's eye" refers to someone or something that is cherished above all others.

• "All through" emphasizes that the action happened from the beginning to the end of the time period (the class). 
• While "during" is grammatically okay, "all through" is the most idiomatic way to express continuous action throughout a duration.

Reetu slept all through the history class.

Reetu slept all during the history class.

• The sentence "Ritika angrily spoke to Kartik after the meeting" is grammatically sound. The adverb "angrily" correctly modifies the verb "spoke."

• When referring to a person's speech or manner, "blunt" means being very direct to the point of being rude or insensitive.

• Exuberant means filled with energy, excitement, and cheerfulness. Repressed means restrained or inhibited, representing the lack of outward expression.

• The superlative degree uses "the + [adjective]-est." Option C is a comparative structure, and Option A is grammatically incorrect ("highest than").

No other mountain is highest than Mount Everest.

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.

Mount Everest is higher than any other mountain in the world.

Mount Everest is high mountain in the world.

• The correct spelling is devastating (with only one 's').

• Subject-Verb Agreement (Collective Nouns)
The word "Cattle" is a collective noun that is always treated as plural. Even though it doesn't end in 's', you must use a plural verb.

Incorrect: Cattle is...

Correct: Cattle are...

2. Tense Consistency
The second half of the sentence uses the word "attacked", which is in the past tense. To make the sentence logical, the first part should also reflect a past action (Past Continuous).

Incorrect: ...is grazing... when the tiger attacked.

Correct: ...was grazing... when the tiger attacked (if referring to one animal) or were grazing (for cattle).

• This question belongs to the English Language subject, specifically the Spelling Test or Vocabulary section. These questions are designed to test your attention to detail regarding common vowel placements and suffixes.

Word Breakdown:
The word comes from the root word Individual.

Individual (noun/adj)

+ ity (suffix used to form abstract nouns)

= Individuality (The quality that makes a person or thing different from others).

• This question is part of the English Language subject, specifically the Vocabulary or Cloze Test/Fill in the Blanks section. It tests your ability to choose a word that fits the context of the sentence (Contextual Usage).

Why "Frightened" is correct:
Context: The sentence mentions "loud thunder" and "children crying."

Logic: Thunder is a loud, sudden noise. Common human reactions to sudden loud noises include fear or being startled.

Meaning: To "frighten" means to make someone afraid or anxious. Therefore, frightened children crying is a logical cause-and-effect relationship.

• The phrase "When pigs fly" is used to describe something that is impossible. Since pigs do not have wings and it is physically impossible for them to fly, we use this expression to mockingly say that a specific event will never take place.

Example: "He said he will clean his room every day, but I think that will happen only when pigs fly." (He will never actually do it.)

Detailed Explanation
This question falls under the English Language subject, specifically the Idioms and Phrases section.

• This question is part of the English Language subject, specifically the Sentence Improvement or Sentence Correction section. It tests your knowledge of Verb Forms and Idiomatic Phrasing.

1. Why "pose to being" is wrong:
In English, the verb "pose" (when meaning to present a problem or danger) is followed by a specific structure. The construction "pose to being" is grammatically incorrect because the preposition "to" here should be followed by the base form of the verb (infinitive) or a noun, not the "ing" (gerund) form in this specific context.

2. Why "posed to be" is correct:
Tense: Since the sentence refers to the construction of a temple (likely a historical reference or a completed task by "masons"), the Past Tense ("posed") is the most logical fit.

Structure: "Posed to be" (meaning "turned out to be" or "presented itself as") is a standard way to describe a challenge.

Collocation: We often say something "posed a challenge" or "posed a threat." When adding a verb, "posed to be" functions correctly to identify the nature of the hurdle.

• The correct spelling is Complemented.

Sentence: "Rahul's personality is complemented by his confident looks."

Meaning: In this context, it means that his looks and personality go well together or complete each other.

Detailed Explanation
This question belongs to the English Language subject, specifically the Spelling Test or Confusing Words (Homophones) section.

The most common trap in English exams is the confusion between Complement and Compliment. They sound the same but have very different meanings:

1. Complement (with an 'e')
Meaning: Something that completes or brings to perfection.

Memory Trick: Think of the word Complete (both have an 'e').

Example: "The red wine complemented the steak."

2. Compliment (with an 'i')
Meaning: A polite expression of praise or admiration.

Memory Trick: When I give a compliment, it starts with an I.

Example: "She gave him a compliment on his new haircut."

• Enmity means a state or feeling of active opposition or hostility. In simple terms, it refers to being enemies.

Synonyms: Hostility, Animosity, Friction, Antagonism.

Antonyms: Friendship, Harmony, Amity, Goodwill.

Detailed Explanation
This question falls under the English Language subject, specifically the Vocabulary (Antonyms) section. Antonym questions test your ability to identify words with opposite meanings.

Why "Friendship" is correct:
Since "Enmity" represents a relationship of hatred and opposition, the direct opposite is a relationship of support and liking, which is "Friendship."

• This question is part of the English Language subject, specifically the Cloze Test section. This section tests your understanding of grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary in context.

Why "accompanied" is correct:
Passive Voice Construction: The sentence describes a "reversing wind" that is joined or followed by another event (changes in precipitation). In this structure, we use the Past Participle (V3) form to act as an adjective describing the wind.

The "By" Clue: The word "by" immediately following the blank is a major hint. In English, the structure is usually "Verb (V3) + by + Agent/Cause."

Example: "The singer was accompanied by a pianist."

Meaning: To be "accompanied by" means to happen at the same time as something else. The wind and the rain happen together.

• This question is part of the English Language subject, specifically the Cloze Test or Fill in the Blanks section. It tests your knowledge of Passive Voice and Infinitives.

Why "used to" is correct:
Passive Construction: The sentence says "the term... is now [blank] describe." This is a passive structure where "the term" is the subject receiving the action. In English, the structure "is/am/are + used + to + verb" means that something is utilized for a specific purpose.

Infinitive Purpose: The word "describe" is a base verb. The preposition "to" creates an infinitive (to describe), which explains the purpose of the term "monsoon."

Tense Consistency: The sentence uses "is now," indicating a current general fact/definition, which requires the past participle "used" to complete the passive voice.

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan</h3><ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.</li><li>Construction of the mausoleum began around 1632 AD and was completed in 1653 AD.</li><li>Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, reigned from 1628 to 1658.</li><li>He was the son of Emperor Jahangir and grandson of Emperor Akbar.</li><li>The Taj Mahal was built as a tomb for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631.</li><li>The complex is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles.</li><li>Key architects involved in the project are believed to include Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who is often credited as the chief architect.</li><li>The construction involved over 20,000 artisans and laborers from across the Mughal empire, Persia, and Central Asia.</li><li>The main mausoleum is built of white marble, inlaid with semi-precious stones.</li><li>The Taj Mahal complex also includes a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque, and a guest house.</li><li>It is located on the right bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, India.</li><li>The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous and recognizable structures in the world, attracting millions of visitors annually.</li></ul>

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Harappan Town Planning - Key Aspects</h3><h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Citadels in Harappan Civilization</h4><ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>The presence of a citadel, an elevated fortified area, is a common feature in many Harappan towns.</li><li>This area typically housed important public buildings and residences of the elite.</li><li>Examples include the citadels of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.</li><li>However, it's important to note that not *all* towns had a distinct citadel. Some smaller settlements might have lacked this feature.</li></ul><h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Religious Structures in Harappan Civilization</h4><ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>The existence of temples in every Harappan town is not substantiated by archaeological evidence.</li><li>While religious practices were integral to Harappan society, specific structures identifiable as temples are rare.</li><li>The Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro is often interpreted as a ritualistic structure, but its exact purpose is debated.</li><li>No widespread evidence points to universally present temples in each settlement.</li></ul><h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Building Materials in Harappan Civilization</h4><ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>The statement that every building was made of sandstone is incorrect.</li><li>The primary building material used across Harappan sites was baked bricks.</li><li>The quality and size of bricks varied, but baked bricks were consistently employed for construction.</li><li>While stone was used for certain structures and decorative elements, it was not the sole or even primary material for all buildings. For example, columns and some sculptural elements were made of stone.</li></ul>

The Completed Sentence:
"The term is also sometimes used to describe locally heavy but short-term rains."

Detailed Explanation
This question is part of the English Language subject, specifically the Cloze Test section. It focuses on the grammatical rule of the "To-infinitive."

• The Completed Sentence:
"...atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with annual latitudinal oscillation of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)..."

Detailed Explanation
This question is part of the English Language subject, specifically the Cloze Test or Vocabulary section. It tests your knowledge of Fixed Prepositions (also known as Collocations).

Why "with" is correct:
Fixed Collocation: In English, the word "Associated" is almost always followed by the preposition "with" when connecting two related things.

Example: "Smoking is associated with lung cancer."

Context: The passage is linking two scientific phenomena: (1) seasonal changes in circulation/precipitation and (2) the movement (oscillation) of the ITCZ. To show this relationship, "associated with" is the grammatically correct choice.

• The correct option to fill in blank number 4 is A). is used to.

The Completed Sentence:
"Usually, the term monsoon is used to refer to the rainy phase of a seasonally changing pattern..."

Detailed Explanation
This question falls under the English Language subject, specifically the Cloze Test or Sentence Structure section. It tests your understanding of Passive Voice and Subject-Verb Agreement.

Why "is used to" is correct:
Passive Voice: The "term monsoon" does not perform an action; instead, it receives the action of being used by people/scientists. Therefore, we need a passive construction: [Form of 'to be'] + Past Participle (V3).

Subject-Verb Agreement: The subject is "the term monsoon," which is singular. Thus, we must use the singular helping verb "is".

The Infinitive: The blank is followed by the verb "refer." The structure "is used + to + [base verb]" correctly expresses the purpose or function of the term.

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