SSC CHSL 2017 PYQs

Question 1

Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order.The white American underclass is in thrallP-and used heroin needlesQ-to a vicious, selfish cultureR-whose main products are miser

Accepted Answer

The sentence starts with 'The white American underclass is in thrall'. 'to a vicious, selfish culture' (R) logically follows. Then 'whose main products are misery' (Q) describes the culture's output, and 'and used heroin needles' (P) completes the list.

Question 2

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence.Look at this video clip in which (I, my friend and you) are enjoying a boat ride.

Accepted Answer

When multiple pronouns are used, the correct order is 2nd person, 3rd person, then 1st person (231 rule). Thus, 'you, my friend and I' is correct.

Question 3

What is the value of  tan 150°?

Accepted Answer

Use the identity tan(180° - θ) = -tan(θ). So, tan(150°) = tan(180° - 30°) = -tan(30°). Since tan(30°) = 1/√3, tan(150°) = -1/√3.

Question 4

One diagonal of a rhombus is half the other. If the length of the side of the rhombus is 10 cm, what is the area of the rhombus?

Accepted Answer

Let diagonals be d1 and d2. Given d1 = d2/2. For a rhombus, (d1/2)^2 + (d2/2)^2 = side^2. Substitute and solve for d1, d2. Area = (1/2)d1d2.

Question 5

If12x=192−112, what is the value of x?

Accepted Answer

Use the difference of squares formula, a² - b² = (a - b)(a + b). So, 19² - 11² = (19 - 11)(19 + 11) = 8 × 30 = 240. Then, 12x = 240, which means x = 240 / 12 = 20.

Question 6

Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order.Only a country not yet ridP-of its colonial hangoverQ-and controls, labels dissent as seditiousR-of a government that commands

Accepted Answer

The sentence starts with 'Only a country not yet rid'. 'P' ('of its colonial hangover') logically follows 'rid'. Then 'R' ('of a government that commands') describes the country, and 'Q' ('and controls, labels dissent as seditious') completes the thought.

Question 7

When 0.151515.....is converted into a fraction, then the result is

Accepted Answer

Let x = 0.151515... Multiply by 100: 100x = 15.151515... Subtract x from 100x: 99x = 15. So, x = 15/99, which simplifies to 5/33.

Question 8

P and Q can finish a work in 24 and 12 days respectively.  how many days can they complete 50% of the work if they work together?

Accepted Answer

P's 1-day work = 1/24, Q's 1-day work = 1/12. Together, (1/24 + 1/12) = 3/24 = 1/8 work per day. So, they complete 50% (1/2) of the work in (1/2) / (1/8) = 4 days.

Question 9

What is the value of sec -2π/3 ?

Accepted Answer

Use the identity sec(-θ) = sec(θ). So, sec(-2π/3) = sec(2π/3). Since 2π/3 = 120°, which is in the second quadrant, sec(120°) = -sec(60°) = -2.

Question 10

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence. One should get (trained) to prepare one's own breakfast.

Accepted Answer

The phrase 'get used to' means to become accustomed to something. 'Trained' implies formal instruction, which is not suitable here for preparing breakfast.

Question 11

Select the antonym of to lament

Accepted Answer

To lament means to express sorrow or regret. Its antonym is to laud, which means to praise highly. The other options are synonyms.

Question 12

Select the synonym of spartan

Accepted Answer

Spartan refers to someone brave, disciplined, and austere, like the ancient Spartans. Therefore, 'brave' is the closest synonym among the given options.

Question 13

Select the synonym of gregarious

Accepted Answer

Gregarious means fond of company; sociable. Affable means friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to. Thus, 'affable' is the closest synonym.

Question 14

Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order.But the most important thing is,P-I'll always beQ-even if we're apartR-with you

Accepted Answer

The sentence starts with 'But the most important thing is,' which needs a subject and verb. 'P-I'll always be' fits, followed by 'R-with you' to complete the thought, and 'Q-even if we're apart' as a concluding clause.

Question 15

Among three numbers, the first is twice the second and thrice the third. If the average of three numbers is 429, then what is the difference between the first and  the third number?

Accepted Answer

Let the numbers be x, y, z. x = 2y and x = 3z. So, y = x/2 and z = x/3. Average (x + x/2 + x/3)/3 = 429. Solving for x gives x = 702. The third number z = x/3 = 234. Difference = 702 - 234 = 468.

Question 16

A rice trader buys 16 quintals of rice for Rs 1,280. 18% rice  is lost in transportation. At what rate should he sell to earn 23% profit?

Accepted Answer

Calculate the cost price per quintal. Account for 18% loss in quantity. Then, determine the selling price per quintal to achieve a 23% profit on the original cost.

Question 17

If (1/4 of x) - (4/5 of 6/7) equals - 9/7, then value of x is

Accepted Answer

Set up the equation: (1/4)x - (24/35) = -9/7. Convert -9/7 to -45/35. Add 24/35 to both sides: (1/4)x = -21/35 = -3/5. Multiply by 4: x = -12/5 = -2.4.

Question 18

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.Mrs. Vaijanthi teaches us literature.

Accepted Answer

The active sentence 'Mrs. Vaijanthi teaches us literature' is in the simple present tense. Its passive form uses 'is/are + taught'. Option 4 correctly applies this structure.

Question 19

Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order.Developing countriesP-should question the rationaleQ-for such a registry aheadR-of a negotiated outcome on this issue

Accepted Answer

The sentence starts with 'Developing countries'. 'P' logically follows as 'should question the rationale'. 'Q' then specifies 'for such a registry ahead'. Finally, 'R' completes the thought 'of a negotiated outcome on this issue'.

Question 20

Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order.Amartya Sen lays claimP-to a history of writingQ-some of the finest research papersR-that have been published

Accepted Answer

The sentence starts with 'Amartya Sen lays claim'. 'P-to a history of writing' logically follows. Then 'Q-some of the finest research papers' specifies what was written. Finally, 'R-that have been published' describes the papers.