Learn 86 questions from SSC MTS 2024 Shift 1

SSC MTS 2024 Shift 1 Questions

• The correct spelling is Circumference (ends in -ence).

Monolith: A large single upright block of stone.

Elliptical: Oval-shaped.

• Bulging means sticking out or expanding. 
• Contracting means shrinking or becoming smaller, making it the direct opposite.
• Swelling is a synonym, not an antonym.

• The sentence is a simple statement of quality, not a comparison.

• Heavier (Comparative) requires a "than" (e.g., heavier than wood).

• Heavy (Positive degree) is used when no direct comparison is being made.

• Principles refers to fundamental truths or propositions that serve as the foundation for a system of belief. 
• Sustainable development is built on specific "principles."

• When using quotation marks for Direct Speech, you do not use the word "that."

Incorrect: ...said to her mother that, "I...

Correct: ...said to her mother, "I...

Monika said to her mother that, "I am passed

Monika said to her mother, "I have passed

Monika said to her mother that, "she has passed

• The correct phrasal verb is "catch up with," which means to reach the same quality or standard as someone or something else. 
• "Catch out" means to trick someone or discover they are doing something wrong.

• Melancholy means a feeling of pensive sadness. 
• Cheerfulness (happiness/optimism) is its perfect opposite.

* Broke down: (Of a machine/vehicle) to stop functioning.

Broke up: Ended a relationship.

Broke out: Started suddenly (like a fire or war).

• When a sentence begins with a negative adverb like "Never," we use inversion (Verb + Subject). Since the sentence uses "seen" (past participle), we need the auxiliary "have."

Structure: Never + have + I + seen...

• The phrase "bedrock of" is an idiom meaning the fundamental principle or foundation on which something is based.

• * Brake: A device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle.

Break: To separate into pieces or a pause.

• The sentence requires an adjective to describe the subject "I."

Courage is a noun.

Courageous is the adjective form meaning "brave."

• The idiom is "Barking up the wrong tree." 
• It means to be pursuing a mistaken line of thought or course of action—in this case, complaining to the wrong department.

• Evaporation is the physical process by which a substance in a liquid state changes to a gaseous state (vapor) due to an increase in temperature and/or pressure.

• In the context of the water cycle, it specifically refers to the conversion of liquid water from surfaces like oceans, lakes, rivers, and even soil moisture into water vapor in the atmosphere.

•The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was launched on October 2, 2014, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

• Gandhi's relentless advocacy for cleanliness and sanitation was a primary inspiration for the mission. He believed that cleanliness was an essential aspect of societal well-being and a prerequisite for achieving self-rule (Swaraj).

• As per the Census of India conducted in 2011, Himachal Pradesh recorded the highest percentage of the Hindu population among all Indian states.

• Hema Rajagopalan, a distinguished Bharatanatyam Guru, was honored with the Nrithya Seva Ratna award in 2023.

• This prestigious award was presented by the Indian Fine Arts Akademi, San Diego.

• Right to Speak and Participate: Article 88 grants the Attorney-General for India and any Minister the right to speak in and take part in the proceedings of either House of Parliament, any joint sitting of the Houses, and any committee of Parliament of which he may be named a member.

• The premier training institution for Indian Police Service (IPS) officers is named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is widely regarded as the 'Patron Saint' of India's Civil Services due to his significant role in establishing the country's administrative framework post-independence.

• Purandara Dasa (c. 1494 , 1564) was a prominent Bhagavata and saint from the Prakriti tradition.

• He is widely recognized as the 'Karnataka Sangeeta Pitamaha', meaning the 'Father of Carnatic Music'.

• These are elements required in relatively large quantities for the growth and development of organisms.

• Essential macronutrients for plants include: Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Sulfur (S), Calcium (Ca), and Magnesium (Mg).

• Statement A correctly identifies C, H, O, N, P, and K as macronutrients. These are fundamental building blocks and play vital roles in metabolic processes.

• The campaign 'Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Sath', meaning 'One Date, One Hour, One Together', was launched to commemorate Gandhi Jayanti.

• This initiative aimed to mobilize citizens for a nationwide cleanliness drive, reflecting Mahatma Gandhi's emphasis on sanitation and cleanliness.

• The phenomenon observed in the given chemical equations is a displacement reaction.

• In a displacement reaction, a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its compound (usually in an aqueous solution).

Zinc and Lead are unstable in element form.

Copper compouncis break down under high pressure.

Copper is more reactive thar Zinc and Lead.

• Chloroplasts are unique among plant cell organelles because they contain their own circular DNA (cpDNA), separate from the nucleus.

• This endosymbiotic theory suggests that chloroplasts originated from free-living cyanobacteria that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

• Pioneering Figure: Rukmini Devi Arundale (1904-1986) was a globally renowned Indian dancer, choreographer, and teacher who played a pivotal role in the revival and popularization of Bharatanatyam.

• Revival of a Dance Form: In the early 20th century, Bharatanatyam, then known as Sadir, was often associated with temple dancers and faced societal stigma. Rukmini Devi, despite her upper-caste background, took a keen interest in the art form.

• The Great Stupa at Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a significant Buddhist monument in Madhya Pradesh, India.

• It is renowned for its elaborate gateways, known as Toranas, which are located at the cardinal points of the compass.

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Cycling Terminology: The Peloton</h3>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Definition and Significance</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>The term 'peloton' in cycling refers to the main, large group of riders in a road cycling race.</li>
 <li>Riders often form a tight pack within the peloton to conserve energy.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Aerodynamics and Energy Conservation</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>Riding in a peloton significantly reduces wind resistance. This is known as drafting or slipstreaming.</li>
 <li>By riding closely behind other cyclists, a rider can save up to 30-40% of their energy, as they are shielded from the direct force of the wind.</li>
 <li>This energy saving is crucial for endurance during long races and for being able to launch attacks or sprint at the finish.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Race Dynamics and Strategy</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>The peloton is where most of the race action happens. It's a dynamic environment where tactics are constantly employed.</li>
 <li>Teams often ride together within the peloton to protect their leader, control the pace, or set up attacks.</li>
 <li>Breakaway groups often form from riders who leave the peloton, attempting to gain an advantage.</li>
 <li>The peloton can 'chase down' breakaways if they are considered a threat to the overall race outcome.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Key Considerations for Competitive Exams</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>Understanding the peloton is fundamental to comprehending race tactics in professional road cycling events like the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España.</li>
 <li>Questions might relate to the aerodynamic advantages of drafting within the peloton or the strategic importance of controlling its pace.</li>
</ul>

A group of riders in a tight pack during a race

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Bhisham Sahani: The Visionary Behind 'Tamas'</h3>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">About the Author:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>Bhisham Sahani (1915-2003) was a prominent Indian writer, playwright, and actor.</li>
<li>He was a significant figure in Hindi literature, known for his realistic portrayal of social issues and human struggles.</li>
<li>Sahani was also actively involved in the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) and was a member of the Communist Party of India.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">'Tamas': A Landmark Novel</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>'Tamas' (meaning 'Darkness' or 'Ignorance') is considered one of the most impactful Hindi novels of the 20th century.</li>
<li>Published in 1973, it vividly depicts the communal riots and violence that erupted in India during the partition period.</li>
<li>The novel explores themes of religious hatred, political manipulation, and the loss of humanity.</li>
<li>'Tamas' was adapted into a critically acclaimed television film by Govind Nihalani in 1988, further amplifying its reach and impact.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Awards and Recognition:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>Bhisham Sahani received numerous accolades for his literary contributions.</li>
<li>He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1975 for 'Tamas'.</li>
<li>Other significant awards include the Lotus Prize for Literature (1957) and the Soviet Land Nehru Award (1984).</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Exam Relevance:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>Knowledge of renowned Hindi authors and their seminal works is crucial for sections on Indian Literature in various competitive exams.</li>
<li>Understanding the historical context and themes of significant novels like 'Tamas' can help answer questions related to Indian history, culture, and socio-political commentary.</li>
<li>Authors like Bhisham Sahani are frequently featured in general awareness and literary sections of competitive examinations.</li>
</ul>

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">One District, One Product (ODOP) Scheme</h3>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>The 'One District, One Product' (ODOP) initiative is a component of the 'Make in India' campaign, aiming to promote the balanced industrial development of all districts in the country.</li>
<li>It seeks to select at least one unique product or service from each district and encourage its development, production, and export.</li>
<li>The scheme aims to boost rural and regional economies by identifying and promoting local craftsmanship and resources.</li>
<li>As of July 2023, 137 unique products have been notified under the ODOP scheme.</li>
<li>These notified products are from a total of 713 districts across India.</li>
<li>The ODOP program is being implemented with convergence from various central and state government schemes to provide holistic support to the selected products.</li>
<li>The focus areas include sourcing of raw materials, logistics, common facility centers, branding, marketing, and skill development.</li>
<li>This initiative is crucial for achieving the objectives of increasing exports, generating employment, and fostering entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.</li>
</ul>

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Kanchenjunga's Altitude</h3><ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, stands at an impressive altitude of 8,598 metres (28,209 feet) above sea level.</li><li>It is located in the eastern Himalayas, on the border between Sikkim, India, and Nepal.</li><li>Kanchenjunga is the highest peak in India.</li><li>The mountain is part of the Great Himalayan Range.</li><li>Its name, 'Kanchenjunga', is believed to mean 'The Abode of the Five Treasures of Snow' in Tibetan, referring to the five associated peaks.</li><li>The first successful ascent of Kanchenjunga was on May 25, 1955, by George Band and Joe Brown.</li><li>For many years, it was considered the highest peak in the world before being surveyed and found to be shorter than Mount Everest and K2.</li><li>Kanchenjunga National Park (also known as Khangchendzonga National Park) in Sikkim is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its biodiversity and stunning mountain landscape.</li></ul>

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Census Act, 1948</h3>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>The Census Act was enacted in 1948.</li>
<li>This act was extended to the whole of India in the same year, 1948.</li>
<li>This legislation provides the legal framework for conducting the census in India.</li>
<li>The Act empowers the Central Government to appoint a Census Commissioner and other officers to carry out the census.</li>
<li>It also outlines the duties and responsibilities of every person in relation to the census.</li>
<li>The census, conducted under this act, is a vital source of demographic data for policy-making and planning.</li>
<li>The first census in India was conducted in 1872 under British rule, though it was not a synchronized nationwide effort.</li>
<li>The first synchronized census of India took place in 1881.</li>
<li>Post-independence, the Census Act of 1948 continues to govern the process.</li>
<li>The data collected through the census is crucial for delimitation of constituencies, allocation of resources, and understanding population trends.</li>
</ul>

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">C.K. Nayudu: India's Inaugural Test Captain</h3><ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>Full Name: Col. Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu (C.K. Nayudu)</li><li>Captaincy Debut: He had the distinction of captaining India in its very first Test match, played against England in Lord's, London, in 1932. This marked a significant milestone in Indian cricket history.</li><li>Test Career: Nayudu played 7 Test matches for India, scoring 350 runs at an average of 21.87, with a highest score of 81.</li><li>First-Class Record: Beyond his Test career, Nayudu was a prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket. He played 203 first-class matches, accumulating 11,744 runs with 22 centuries, averaging 37.63.</li><li>Notable Achievements:<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>He was the first Indian cricketer to be awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in 1956.</li><li>Nayudu is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian cricketers of his era, known for his aggressive batting style and strong leadership.</li><li>He was also instrumental in organizing cricket tours and promoting the sport in India during its nascent stages.</li></ul></li><li>Era: He played during the pre-independence era of Indian cricket, representing the country when it was still finding its feet on the international stage.</li></ul>

Correct Spelling: Spectacular (ending in -ar, not -or).

Meaning: Beautiful in a dramatic and eye-catching way.

Reason for Error: This is a common spelling mistake based on phonetics (sound). The suffix -ar is incorrectly replaced with -or, which is common in words like doctor or actor.

In this sentence, the word "gayer" (a comparative adjective) is grammatically incorrect.

Usage of Adjectives: You use a comparative adjective ("gayer") when comparing two people or groups. You use a superlative adjective ("gayest") when comparing three or more.

Context: The sentence is simply describing a general state of the students ("young... students were laughing and giggling"). It is not comparing them to another group of students.

Correct Usage: Therefore, the simple positive adjective "gay" (meaning cheerful or lighthearted in this context) should be used to describe the students.

In this sentence, the superlative adjective "greyest" is incorrect because of the context of the sentence.

Usage of Adjectives:

Positive Degree ("grey"): Describes a quality without comparison.

Comparative Degree ("greyer"): Compares two things.

Superlative Degree ("greyest" or "most grey"): Compares three or more things.

Context: The sentence describes the state of the sky after a storm. It is not comparing the sky after this specific storm to the sky after multiple other storms to determine which one was the absolute "greyest."

Correct Usage: The simple positive adjective "grey" is the correct choice to describe the appearance of the sky in this context.

The original sentence has a tense error in the phrase "will waiting".

Future Continuous Tense: To describe an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future, we use the Future Continuous Tense.

Formula: The formula for the future continuous tense is:
Subject + will/shall+ be + verb(-ing)

Your father should waiting for you when you reach home.

Your father will be waiting for you when you reach home.

Your father would waiting for you when you reach home.

Your father waiting for you when you reach home.

Word in Bold: Bleak

Meaning: Lacking in warmth, life, or kindliness; gloomy; hopeless; dreary.

Context: In the sentence, "The future looks bleak for the fishing industry," it means the future looks gloomy, discouraging, or unfavorable.

Synonym: Depressing fits this context best as it describes a situation that causes gloom or a lack of hope.

Given Word: Blend

Meaning: To mix or combine substances together so that they become a single smooth substance or combination.

Synonym: Mix is the direct synonym as it also means to combine or put together two or more substances

Incorrect Word: Gourrmet

Correct Spelling: Gourmet (spelled with a single 'r' in the middle).

Meaning: A connoisseur of good food; a person with a discerning palate.

Reason for Error: This is a common spelling mistake where the letter 'r' is doubled unnecessarily.

Context: The sentence is "Traditional medicines (TMs) make (1) natural products and are of great importance."

Grammar: The phrase "make use of" is an idiom meaning to utilize something.

Why 'B' is correct: "Make use of" fits grammatically and semantically to indicate that TMs utilize natural products.

Context: The sentence describes how traditional medicine systems have existed for a long time. It reads: "Such forms of medicine as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)... Unani (2) ______ and have been (3) ______ all over the world..."

Grammar: The sentence requires a verb in the past participle form to act as part of a passive construction following the list of subjects. The sentence structure indicates a passive voice meant to describe how these medicines have been treated over time.

Why 'D' is correct: "Employed" (meaning used) fits grammatically to show that these systems were put into use.

Context: "...and have been (3) ______ all over the world for hundreds or even thousands of years..."

Grammar: The sentence structure is "have been + [verb in past participle]". This forms the passive voice in the present perfect tense.

Why 'B' is correct: "Practised" (British English spelling) or "practiced" (American English spelling) is the past participle form of the verb "to practice". It indicates that these medicinal systems have been put into use over a long period.

Context: "...and they (4) ______ orderly-regulated systems of medicine."

Grammar: The subject of the sentence is "they" (referring to the various forms of traditional medicine mentioned earlier, which is plural). Therefore, the verb must be in the plural form to agree with the subject.

Why 'B' is correct: "Have" is the correct plural present tense verb to indicate possession or characteristic in this context (they possess or constitute orderly-regulated systems).

Why other options are incorrect:

Context: "...but they (5) ______ repository of human knowledge."

Grammar: The subject is "they," which refers back to the plural noun phrase "forms of medicine" (TCM, Ayurveda, etc.) mentioned earlier in the passage.

Why 'B' is correct: "Are" is the correct plural verb for the present tense to agree with the plural subject "they."

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