Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms and Antonyms are one of the frequently asked questions in the English part of the CGL exam.
Synonyms are the words that have approximately the same meaning, and they can be used interchangeably. On the flip side, antonyms are the words that are opposite in meaning.

Examples of synonyms:
Brave - Intrepid - Audacious
Coward - Pusillanimous - Trepid

Examples of antonyms:
Affluent - Indigent
Perennial - Seasonal

No wonder, a command over synonyms and antonyms requires you to have a strong command over vocabulary first! If you feel confident enough with your vocabulary, solving these types of questions shouldn't be a drudgery ;)

Now, let's discuss some of the questions on synonyms and antonyms that have previously been asked in the CGL exam...

[Year - 2014, Set - 333NJ4]
Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the given word (they are asking for - synonyms)

Q. EXTRICATE
A. Complicate   B. Pull   C. Free  D. Tie
The correct answer to this question is C. Why? Because extricate means to set someone/something free. Example - The parrot finally managed to extricate itself from the cage!
See, how important vocabulary is for solving these types of questions :)

Q. CREDIBLE
A. Believable  B. Worthy   C. Charming   D. Serious
The correct answer to this question is A. Because you extend your credit(money) to something which is credible! Example - This is a credible investment opportunity; credible company; etc

Q. OBSTREPEROUS
A. Awkward  B. Sullen  C. Unruly  D. Lazy
Now this may sound a difficult word to tackle, because it's not heard that frequently. You'll definitely need a superior vocabulary to tackle words like this! 
The correct answer to the above question is C.  Obstreperous means noisy and uncontrollable, as in a obstreperous child, obstreperous crowd, keep on adding....:)

Now, Antonyms (words opposite in meaning)...

Q. GROUP
A. Alone  B. Solitary  C. Singular  D. Individual
The question above may sound tricky because the options are very closely related to each other! The correct answer should be D. Think logically, we say - group task, individual task, but we never say alone task, solitary task or even singular task!

Q. ACQUIT
A. Smart  B. Condemn  C.  Despair  D. Mild
Acquit means to absolve or free someone from some crime/sin. So, the correct answer must be Condemn (option B), which means to criticize or blame someone for something horrible done!


Conclusion:
Solving synonyms and antonyms is easy, provided that you've mastered the required level of vocabulary. Keep building your vocabulary, you'll be good to go :)

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How to prepare vocabulary for SSC CGL?

Vocabulary building is a continuous process. You can't just build your vocabulary mere by going through words and that too, just one month before the exam. You need to prepare for vocabulary using the right approach and strategy - which is certainly not mugging up the words!

Here are a few powerful resources to help you build the vocabulary:

1. Regularly use vocabulary.com
If you're aiming a very strong grip on vocabulary, then trust me, vocabulary.com is the only place. The site uses quiz games to help you build a powerful vocabulary. The game is so addicting that while playing you don't even realize that you're also learning new powerful words side by side. And you know what? The best part is that you can't forget these words easily!

2. Complete Word power made easy by Norman Lewis at least once!
Couple vocabulary.com with Word power made easy by Norman Lewis, and you'll have your most powerful weapon against the English section of CGL exam. Even if you can't spare extra time for vocabulary.com, go through this book at least once, you'll be able to do at least 80% of the vocabulary based questions asked in the exam. I bet ;-)

3. Make newspaper reading a habit
As you build your vocabulary, while reading newspapers you'll notice that the words you've learnt frequently appear in newspaper articles and columns. What's the benefit? This will re-enforce what you've already learnt, helping you retain words permanently!

4. Use what you've learnt
Explore the opportunities to use the words that you've learnt, else you're guaranteed to forget them.

This concludes the right strategy to tackle vocabulary in cgl exam...

Your thoughts?
Did you find this guide useful? Have any other vocabulary building source that's worth sharing here? I look forward to your thoughts in the comments below :-)

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English in CGL exam - An overview

The Combined Graduate Level exam, often colloquially called CGL, has English test at both, Tier1 and Tier2 level. The exam aims at testing general English comprehension, vocabulary and grammatical skills of the aspiring candidates. Now, this test is justified especially for "young graduates" who are trying to get a job in a government department. The commission justly evaluates your communication skills in English, before you assume your dream seat in the office!

English section can be broadly divided into 4 sections:

1. Vocabulary

2. Grammar

3. Idioms and Phrases &

4. Reading Comprehension

The blog will focus on each one of these sections and will help you understand the necessary tips and tricks to achieve a high score!

And...Even if you feel that you're not that good at English, believe me, i'll help you realize your true potential. I believe that my explanation, combined with a very lucid presentation style will be beneficial to all of you!

May you all succeed,

Abhishek Raj 

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