SSC Stenographer English Mini Mock Test 2026, Attempt Free Online Test I

 

How to Prepare English for SSC Stenographer 2026 Exam 

 Mini Mock test: What Does it Mean?

A Mini Mock Test is a short, exam-oriented test designed to stimulate a particular section or a limited portion of the actual examination.

SSC Stenographer English Syllabus:

For SSC Stenographer English, a mini mock test may consist of 20 - 40 questions covering topic such as:

• Spotting errors
• Fill in the blanks
• Synonyms and antonyms
• One word substitution
• Reading Comprehension
• Cloze test
• Articles and Prepositions
• Subject-Verb Agreement
• Direct and Indirect speech
• Active and Passive Voice 
• Idioms and phrases

Mini Mock Test vs Full Mock Test 

1 Mini Mock Test 

• Usually have 20 - 40 questions
• It takes less time.
• Focuses on selected topics.
• Helps us to identify weak topics.
• Useful for daily practice

2 Full Mock Test 

• Complete exam/ section
• Measures overall exam readiness 
• Takes considerably more time
• Covers the complete syllabus
• Full for exam stimulation

How many mock tests should a candidate take?

There is no magic number. Quality and analysis are more important than simplify counting tests.

A practical SSC CGL English strategy is:

• Initial stage: 2- 3 Mini Mocks per week 
• Middle stage: 3 - 4 Mini Mocks per week 
• Final stage: 4 - 6 Mini Mocks + 2 - 3 Full Mocks per week, depending on preparation level.

Most importantly:

Revision is necessary, but mock tests are mandatory.

A candidate who takes 50 mocks but never analyses mistakes may improve 

less than someone who takes 20 marks and carefully studies every mistake.

How should a candidate analyse the score?

After every Mock, maintain four figures:

• Attempted - How many questions did a candidate attempt?
• Correct - How many questions were c correct?
• Incorrect - How many questions were wrong?
• Unattempted - How many did a candidate leave?

Then classified every mistake:

• Time - pressure mistake: A candidate could not solve it within the available time.
• Application mistake: A candidate knew the rule but applied it incorrectly. 
• Careless mistake: A candidate knew the answer made an avoidable error.
• Conceptual mistake: A candidate did not know the rule.
• Vocabulary mistake: A candidate did not know the word and its meaning.

Don't feel depressed when you check the score; ask yourself:

Why did you lose these marks?

Your mock test is more valuable than the score itself.

⚠️ Point to Remember:

Important for SSC Stenographer Aspirants:

Revise the syllabus, but make mock tests a mandatary part of your preparation:

Don't just study more - test yourself regularly 

Let's know why mock test as well as revision is necessary:

📚 Revision: strengthens basic rules 

and memory.

📝 Mock Test: Improve speed, accuracy, time management and exam temperament.

Analysis of Mocks: Identifies mistakes and weak areas.

Revision + Mock + Analysis = Creates continuous improvement

Practice makes a candidate perfect!

So, practice consistently before the real exam 📝

A line graph clearly shows that revision is necessary but for better performance, 

"Mock Tests" are "Mandatory".

Revision + Mock Test = Better Exam Performance 

In this article, we are going to cover the most repeated SSC English PYQs, along with their correct answers and detailed explanation. These questions will help you revise important concepts, and understand the exam pattern, improve your accuracy before the exam.

📌 Save this blog and use it for revision during your SSC preparation.

🎯 Test your English Level with Repeated PYQs 

Challenge yourself with these carefully selected previous year questions and check how well you have prepared for the exams.

Follow this formula:

Revise + Practice + Analyze + Improve + Repeat 

•   Don't aim to attempt more questions,
•   Learn from every mistake and turn 
•   your weakness into strengths.

Overcome Grammar Fear with Practice 

Many SSC candidates juggle with grammar concepts. As a result, they may feel nervous at the time of exam and find it difficult to solve tricky multiple-choice questions.

Now the question is

How can you overcome this problem?

To strengthen your grammar and improve your exam performance:

• Revise grammar rules regularly.
• Take mock test regularly.
• Analyze your mistakes and understand why you made them.
• Revise your weak areas and practise similar questions again.
• Practice exercises as much as possible.

Don't be overconfident, if you know the rules 

Because knowing the rules is not sufficient.

Follow this pattern:

Practice + revision + mistakes + analysis = grammar mastery.

Keep learning, keep practicing & keep improving!

Free Mock Test for All Competitive Exams 

Test Your SSC English (Mini Test) with Repeated (PYQs) 

Subject -Verb Agreement requires a singular subject to take a singular verb and a plural subject take a plural verb.

Rule:

 When two subjects are joined together by 'Neither....nor' and ' Either....or', the verb agrees with the nearest subject (the second one)

First Subject: my boss (Singular)

  

Second Subject:  my colleagues (Plural)              

 

  1.  Neither my boss nor my colleagues ....... present in the meeting.

• (a)  is
• (b) am
• (c) are

 Ans: Neither my boss nor my colleagues are present in the meeting. 

Rule 

 Abstract nouns and uncountable nouns are considered as singular subjects, so make sure 
 we use a singular verb along with it.            

 Uncountable Noun: information

2. The information ....  true.        

•   (a) are 
•   (b) is        
  
•   (c) am    

Ans: The information is true.      

Here in this sentence, information is uncountable noun so in such type of sentences, we have to identify the subject.

 In the above sentence:

• The subject: information 
• So, information - singular noun, 
• we use a singular verb. 

Here are some examples of uncountable nouns:

• advice                                       
• news                                         
• furniture                                           
• knowledge                                       
• luggage                                                                             

Explanation: Collective noun is considered as a single unit, it takes a singular unit, it takes a singular verb.                

The members of jury .... going to give the verdict.

  (a) is

  (b) are

  (c) am

Subject:  members (plural)  

Prepositional phrase:  of jury       

So, the real subject - members, not jury (members - plural; we use plural verb).

Ans: The members of jury are going to give the verdict.

 

Members of + Collective Noun = Plural Verb 

    

Examples of: ' Members of'

The members of the committee are divided. The members of the team are sincere. 

         "The verb agrees with the noun before 'of', not after it.

The quality of these grapes is good.

A bunch of bananas costs Rs 70.

Subject: bunch = collective noun (singular) 

 Prepositional Phrase: of bananas                                                             

 Bunch is treated as one unit so, singular verb 'costs' is correct.       

Idiom/Phrase                                   

     To 'burn the midnight oil' 

•     A) To be lazy                
  
•     B)  To light a fire                     
  
•     C)  To work or study late into the night     

Ans: To work or study late into the night.

Sentence: During exams, she often burns the midnight oil to achieve good marks.

This idiom is commonly used to describe academic, creative or professional work done late at night.

Antonym (Select the word opposite in meaning)   

                                                                 

               Fragile            

•                A) Delicate
•               B) Weak  
•               C) Brittle 
•               D) Robust             

Ans: Antonym of Fragile is - Robust

Synonyms of Fragile are: Delicate, Brittle, Weak  

He eats healthy food to make himself robust.  

                                                            

Synonym (Select the word closest in meaning):

Lucrative    

                                           

        A) Profitable

         B)  Futile          

         C) Losing

         D) Fruitless            

Ans: Synonym of 'Lucrative' is - Profitable

Antonyms of ' Lucrative' are: Futile, Losing, Fruitless 

The tourism sector found a lucrative tourist attraction.

One Word Substitution:                          

 One who is skilled in many arts          

• A)  Creative    
• B) Versatile   
• C) Artisan     

Ans: C) Versatile            

Change the following Passive to Active Voice:                             

 Why should she be deprived of her liberty.  (Select the correct option) 

•   A) Why should she deprive of her liberty.
•   B)  Why she should be deprived of her liberty.                                  
•   C) Why should we deprive her of her liberty.                                     

Rule:  After modals (should, can, may, must), we use first form of the verb.

So, while forming active sentence always keep in mind:

should deprived (incorrect)

should deprive (correct) 

Ans: Why should we deprive her of her liberty. (Active Voice)     

 English Mini Practice Paper: (For SSC Aspirants Success)

1. The team have won the match.
2. The team has won the match.
3. The team are won the match.
4. The team were won the match.

Answer: 2 The team has won the match.

Explanation: "Team' is a collective noun and is treated as singular, so it takes the singular verb " has".

Select the correct preposition:

He is good ___ playing chess.

1. in
2. on
3. at
4. for 

Answer:   at

Explanation: "Good at" is the correct prepositional phrase to indicate proficiency in an activity.

Choose the correct sentence:

1. I did not see nobody at the party.
2. I did not see anybody at the party.
3. I did not see no one at the party.
4. I did not see someone at the party.

Answer: I did not see anybody at the party.

Explanation: Double negatives are not standard in English; "anybody" is used with " not".

Select the correct form of the adjective:

This is the ___ movie I have ever seen.

1. most interesting
2. more interesting 
3. interesting
4. is interesting

Answer: most interesting

Explanation: The superlative form " most interesting" is used to describe the highest degree.

Choose the correct sentence: 

1. I wish I was taller.
2. I wish I were taller.
3. I wish I am taller.
4. I wish I will be taller.

Answer: I wish I were taller

Explanation: The subjective mood is used for wishes, and "were" is the correct form for all subjects. 

Identify the sentence with the correct pronoun use:

1. Neither of the girls brought their notebooks.
2. Neither of the girls brought her notebooks.
3. Neither of the girls brought his notebooks.
4. Neither of the girls brought its notebooks.

Answer: Neither of the girls brought her notebooks.

Explanation: "Neither" is singular, so it pairs with the singular pronoun " her".

Choose the correct sentence:

1. She said that she will come tomorrow.
2. She said that she would come tomorrow.
3. She said that she would come the next day.
4. She said that she will come the next day.

Answer: She said that she would come she would come the next day.

Explanation: In reported speech, the future "will" changes to "would" and tomorrow to next day.

Identity the correctly punctuated sentence:

1. My brothers friend is coming over.
2. My brother's friend is coming over.
3. My brothers' friend is coming over.
4. My brother's friends is coming over.

Answer: My brother's friend is coming over.

Explanation: The possessive form of "brother" is "brother's" to indicate that the friend belongs to him.

Free Mini English Mock Test for SSC Steno 2026

Choose the correct article:

He is ___ honest man.

1. a
2. an
3. the 
4. no article

Answer: an

Explanation: "Honest" begins with a vowel sound, so we use " an".

Fill in the blank

The train arrived ___ time.

1. in
2. on
3. at
4. by

Answer: on

Explanation: The fixed expression is "on time" meaning punctual.

Choose the correct sentence:

1. The more you practise, the better you become.
2. The more you practice, better you become.
3. More you practise, the better you become.
4. The more you practises, the better you become.

Answer: The more you practice, the better you become.

Explanation: The standard comparative construction is " The more......, the better......

Choose the correct sentence:

1. The sceneries of Kashmir are beautiful.
2. The scenery of Kashmir is beautiful.
3. The scenery of Kashmir are beautiful.
4. The sceneries of Kashmir is beautiful.

Answer: The scenery of Kashmir is beautiful.

Explanation: Scenery is normally an uncountable noun, so we use singular "is".

Direct to Indirect speech:

 She said to me, "Do you know him?"

1. She asked me if I knew him.
2. She told me if I knew him.
3. She asked me that I knew him.
4. She said to me whether do I know him.

Answer: She asked me if I knew him.

Explanation: In yes/ no question becomes asked + if + whether + statement order: 

 She asked me if I knew him.

 "said to me" will change into asked 

Choose the correctly punctuated sentence:

1. Rahul said "I am ready".
2. Rahul said, "I am ready".
3. Rahul said " I am ready" .
4. Rahul, said, " I am ready".

Answer: Rahul said, "I am ready".

Explanation: A comma normally follows the reporting clause before the quotation:

           Rahul said, "I am ready".

Choose the correct sentence:

1. He is senior than me.
2. He is senior to me.
3. He is senior from me.
4. He is more senior than me.

Answer: to 

Explanation: Senior is followed by to, not "than" so the answer is: He is senior to me. 

Choose the correct word:

1. Advices
2. Advise
3. Advises
4. Advice 

Answer: Advice 

Explanation: Advice is an uncountable noun. We say, "some advice" not "some advises".

Choose the correct sentence:

1. No sooner did he arrive when it started raining.
2. No sooner had he arrived than it started raining.
3. No sooner he arrived than it is started raining.
4. No sooner had he arrived when it is started raining.

Answer: No sooner had he arrived than it is started raining.

Explanation: The correlative construction is "No sooner .... than" with past perfect: 

No sooner had he arrived than....".

Choose the correct meaning:

Sudama led luxurious life in the twinkling of an eye.

Meaning of the phrase," in the twinkling of an eye".

1. In no time 
2. Plentiful
3. Tough time
4. Gradually

Answer: In no time

Explanation: The phrase "in the twinkling of an eye" an idiom that means something happens very quickly. It is often used to describe a sudden change or event that occurs almost instantaneously, much like the brief moment it takes for an eye to blink or twinkle.

What is the meaning of, "At Daggers drawn"?

1. To be bitterly hostile towards each other.
2. To be very brave in a difficult situation.
3. To be working together on a project
4. To be ready for a tough competition.

Answer: To be bitterly hostile towards each other.

Explanation: The phrase 'at daggers drawn" is an idiomatic expression that means to be in a state of intense hostility aur conflict with someone. When two parties are"at daggers drawn" they are ready to fight or argue, indicating a relationship marked by tension. The phrase originates from the imaginary of individuals drawing daggers as a sign of readiness for battle, symbolising open hostility. It suggests a situation where reconciliation seems unlikely, and the parties are prepared for confrontation. This expression is often used to describe political rivals, or any adversaries embroiled in a bitter dispute.

Select the correctly spelled word to fill in the blank:

You have not ....... a parcel till now.

1. recive 
2. Received 
3. recived 
4. recivced 

Answer: received 

Spot the error:

Select the most appropriate option:

If he takes a taxi, he would catch the flight.

1. will 
2. Would have
3. Will have
4. will have been 

Answer: will

Explanation: The sentence is a first conditional, which is used to express a real possible situation in the future. It follows the structure: If + simple present, will + base verb.

Select the most appropriate homophone to complete the sentence:

She is ...... at four languages.

1. Adopt
2. Adapt
3. Adept

Answer: adept

Explanation: Adept means proficient

 (with adept, we use "at" preposition).

If we use proficient, we use "in" preposition.

Example: She is proficient in speaking four languages.

• Adopt means to take another person's child legally.
• Adapt means to change accordingly.

Select the correct direct speech for the following sentence:

The teacher ordered the student to do as he/she told him/ her.

1. The teacher tells the student, "Do as I told you".
2. The teachers said to the student, "Do as she/he told you".
3. The teacher said to the student," Do as I tell you".
4. The teacher said to the student, "Did as I tell you".

Answer: The teacher said to the student, " Do as I tell you".

Explanation: When converting indirect speech to direct speech, it's important to maintain the original intent and tense of the statement. The indirect sentence "The teacher ordered the student to do as he/she told him/her" implies a command in the present context. The direct speech should reflect this immediate command, which is best captured by "Do as I tell you. "Maintaining the present tense and the authoritative tone of the teacher's order. The other options either incorrectly shift the tense or do not align with the original meaning.

Select the correct collective noun for the group:

A __ of frog eggs is known as frogspawn.

1.  Group
2. Herd
3. Bunch 
4. Cluster

Answer: Cluster

Explanation: A cluster of frog eggs is known as frogspawn.

Identify the part of speech for the underlined word:

Practice the questions given in the mock test.

Verb 

Noun 

Adjective

Answer: Verb 

Explanation: Here, "Practice" functions as an imperative verb.

Choose the most appropriate meaning of the idiom: 

"Hit the nail on the head".

1. To be exactly right
2. To work very fast
3. To hit someone hard
4. To miss the point

Answer: To be exactly right

Explanation: The phrase "hit the nail on the head" is an idiom that means to describe or identify something accuracy. It originates the idea of a carpenter striking a nail perfectly to drive it into a surface. You hit the nail on the head; you address a problem or make a statement that is exactly right or perfectly appropriate. For example, if someone makes a comment that perfectly captures the essence of a discussion, you might say they have hit the nail on the head. This expression is often used to commend someone for their insight or correctness in a situation.

Select the most appropriate one-word substitution for the giving group of words:

A learning or scholarly person:

1. Ignorant
2. Uncivilized
3. Uncultured
4. Erudite

Answer: Erudite 

Antonyms of Erudite: 

• Uneducated
• Illiterate
• Uncivilized
• Uninformed
• Uncultured

Synonyms of Erudite:

• Well - read
• Wise
• Intellectual
• Well - versed 

Sentence: The leader delivered a scholarly speech as if he were an erudite person. 

Identity the segment in the sentence which contains grammatical error:

Each of the student have backpack.

1. Each of
2. the student
3. have backpack
4. no error

Answer: have backpack

Explanation: The subject each is singular, so, it requires a singular verb. Here, "has" is the correct singular form of the verb, not "have". Each is an indefinite pronoun that we always use singular. Even though it refers to multiple students, thus the singular verb" has" is used.

The sentence describes backpacks as individual items that each student possesses, we use the article "a" before "backpack' to indicate a singular noun.

The correct answer is:

 Each of the student has a backpack.

Choose the appropriate antonym for the word, "Validate".

• Reject 
• Discredit
• Deny
• Invalidate 

Answer: Invalidate 

Other Antonyms of Validate:

• Disapprove
• Justify 
• Contradict
• Refute

Synonyms of Validate:

• Verify 
• Approve
• Support 
• Justify

Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing for the English section in Competitive Exams 

What are the most important topics in the English section for competitive exams?

The English section of competitive exams often focuses on a variety of topics to assess a candidate's language proficiency and comprehension skills. Key areas typically include:

Reading comprehension: This section tests the ability to understand and analyze written passages. Questions often cover main ideas, themes, and inferences.

Grammar and Usage: Understanding the rules of grammar, including sentence structure, verb tenses, subject verb agreement, and punctuation is crucial.

Vocabulary: This includes synonyms antonyms and word meanings. Candidates may also encounter questions on word usage in context.

Sentence Rearrangement: This involves arranging a jumble set of sentences to form a coherent and meaningful paragraph.

Error Spotting and Correction: These questions require identifying and correcting errors in sentences or passages, focusing on grammatical and syntactical accuracy.

Cloze Tests: These assess the ability to fill in blanks within a passage using appropriate words, testing both vocabulary and contextual understanding.

By focusing on these areas, candidates can improve their performance in the English section of competitive exams.

What are the most common traps in Subject Verb Agreement questions?

Subject-verb agreement questions can often be tricky, primarily because they require a keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of grammatical rules. One common trap is the presence of intervening phrases or clauses that separate the subject from the verb, which can lead to confusion about which word the verb should agree with. For example, in the sentence "The bouquet of roses smells lovely," the verb "smells" agrees with "bouquet," not "roses." Another frequent pitfall is dealing with collective nouns, which can be singular or plural depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individuals. Additionally, subjects that are plural in form but singular in meaning, such as "news" or "mathematics," can lead to errors if not recognized. Indefinite pronouns, like "everyone" or "none," also pose challenges, as they often require singular verbs. Finally, compound subjects joined by "or" or "nor" require careful attention, as the verb should agree with the part of the subject closest to it. Recognizing these traps and understanding the nuances of subject-verb agreement can greatly improve accuracy in these questions.

How can I improve accuracy in time bound tests?

Improving accuracy in time bound tests requires a combination of strategic preparation and effective test taking techniques. First, familiarize yourself with the test format and types of questions you will encounter; this helps reduce surprises and enables you to allocate your time wisely. Practice with time mock tests to build speed and confidence. Analyze your mistakes and understand why you made them to avoid repeating them in the future. Develop a time management strategy, such as allotting a specific amount of time per question and moving on if you are stuck to ensure you cover all questions. Prioritize accuracy over speed initially- answer the questions you are confident about first and then return to the more challenging ones. During the test, maintain focus and remain calm; stress can lead to errors. Finally, ensure you good night sleep prior to the test day and maintain a healthy routine to keep your mind sharp.

If you find this article useful, share with your friends and fellow SSC aspirants so they can benefit from it too.