Reading Comprehension Practice

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageThe explanation of the mystery was really simple enough. The bewildered boys had been following a scientist who had just discovered how to make the human body transparent.
Griffin, the scientist, had carried out some experiment after experiment to prove that the human body could become invisible. Finally when he swallowed certain rare drugs and his body became as transparent as a sheet of glass.
Griffin was also a lawless person. He once set fire to his landlord's house. To get away without being seen he had to remove his clothes. Then he became a homeless wanderer, without clothes, without money but quite invisible until he happened to step in some mud and left footprints as he walked.

Which one of the following four statements about Griffin is true?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.
Passage
The two boys started in surprise at the fresh muddy imprints of a pair of bare feet. What was a barefooted man doing on the steps of a house, in the middle of London? And where was the man?
As they gazed, a remarkable sight met their eyes. A fresh footmark appeared from nowhere!
Further footprints followed, one after another descending the steps and progressing down the street. The boys followed, fascinated, until the muddy impressions became fainter and fainter and at last disappeared altogether.

Which one of the following statements is true?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

Passage
The two boys started in surprise at the fresh muddy imprints of a pair of bare feet. What was a barefooted man doing on the steps of a house, in the middle of London? And where was the man?
As they gazed, a remarkable sight met their eyes. A fresh footmark appeared from nowhere!
Further footprints followed, one after another descending the steps and progressing down the street. The boys followed, fascinated, until the muddy impressions became fainter and fainter and at last disappeared altogether.

Where did the two boys see the fresh muddy footprints?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageThe explanation of the mystery was really simple enough. The bewildered boys had been following a scientist who had just discovered how to make the human body transparent.
Griffin, the scientist, had carried out some experiment after experiment to prove that the human body could become invisible. Finally when he swallowed certain rare drugs and his body became as transparent as a sheet of glass.
Griffin was also a lawless person. He once set fire to his landlord's house. To get away without being seen he had to remove his clothes. Then he became a homeless wanderer, without clothes, without money but quite invisible until he happened to step in some mud and left footprints as he walked.

Which one of the following four statements about Griffin is NOT true?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

Passage
The two boys started in surprise at the fresh muddy imprints of a pair of bare feet. What was a barefooted man doing on the steps of a house, in the middle of London? And where was the man?
As they gazed, a remarkable sight met their eyes. A fresh footmark appeared from nowhere!
Further footprints followed, one after another descending the steps and progressing down the street. The boys followed, fascinated, until the muddy impressions became fainter and fainter and at last disappeared altogether.

What was strange about these footprints?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageThe explanation of the mystery was really simple enough. The bewildered boys had been following a scientist who had just discovered how to make the human body transparent.
Griffin, the scientist, had carried out some experiment after experiment to prove that the human body could become invisible. Finally when he swallowed certain rare drugs and his body became as transparent as a sheet of glass.
Griffin was also a lawless person. He once set fire to his landlord's house. To get away without being seen he had to remove his clothes. Then he became a homeless wanderer, without clothes, without money but quite invisible until he happened to step in some mud and left footprints as he walked.

Although a great scientist and inventor, Griffin was rather a lawless person. Which one of these things proves that he was lawless?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.
Passage
The two boys started in surprise at the fresh muddy imprints of a pair of bare feet. What was a barefooted man doing on the steps of a house, in the middle of London? And where was the man?
As they gazed, a remarkable sight met their eyes. A fresh footmark appeared from nowhere!
Further footprints followed, one after another descending the steps and progressing down the street. The boys followed, fascinated, until the muddy impressions became fainter and fainter and at last disappeared altogether.

What remarkable sight did the boys see?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageThe explanation of the mystery was really simple enough. The bewildered boys had been following a scientist who had just discovered how to make the human body transparent.
Griffin, the scientist, had carried out some experiment after experiment to prove that the human body could become invisible. Finally when he swallowed certain rare drugs and his body became as transparent as a sheet of glass.
Griffin was also a lawless person. He once set fire to his landlord's house. To get away without being seen he had to remove his clothes. Then he became a homeless wanderer, without clothes, without money but quite invisible until he happened to step in some mud and left footprints as he walked.

Why were the boys bewildered?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageWe inhabit a divided world. On the one hand the rich are critical of our continuing poverty, on the other, they warn us against their own methods. We do no wish to impoverish the environment any further and yet we cannot for a moment forget the grim poverty of large numbers of people. Are not poverty and need the greatest polluters? For instance, unless we are in a position to provide employment and purchasing power for the daily necessities of the tribal people and those who live in or around jungles, we cannot prevent them from combing the forest for food and livelihood, from poaching and from despoiling the vegetation.
When they themselves feel, deprived how can we urge the preservation of animals? How can we speak to those who live in villages and in slums about keeping the oceans, the rivers and the air clean when their own lives are contaminated at the source? The environment cannot be improved in conditions of poverty. Nor can poverty be eradicated without the use of science and technology.

Which of the following four statements is true?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageOn the afternoon of the following day a wagon stopped before a Belgian Refugee Camp in Holland. Slowly and stiffly a small boy slid to the ground. He had been picked up just over the border by a friendly farmer and driven to camp. He was dirty, untidy and footsore. Very kindly the ladies' committee received him. He was placed at a table and a bowl of hot soup was set before him. He ate awkwardly with his left hand. His right hand held something beneath his coat.
The women tried to get his story, but he remained strangely silent. He seemed to be examining to faces of the women. Not for an hour, not until there was a faint stirring in his coat, did he disclose his burden. Then going to her whom he had chosen as most to be trusted, he opened his coat. In a dirty towel lay a naked, miserably thin, three-day-old baby. The woman at once took the tiny bundle lovingly. It was only then that boy relaxed and allowed himself to be taken to bed.

How did he reach the Belgian Refugee Camp?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageWe inhabit a divided world. On the one hand the rich are critical of our continuing poverty, on the other, they warn us against their own methods. We do no wish to impoverish the environment any further and yet we cannot for a moment forget the grim poverty of large numbers of people. Are not poverty and need the greatest polluters? For instance, unless we are in a position to provide employment and purchasing power for the daily necessities of the tribal people and those who live in or around jungles, we cannot prevent them from combing the forest for food and livelihood, from poaching and from despoiling the vegetation.
When they themselves feel, deprived how can we urge the preservation of animals? How can we speak to those who live in villages and in slums about keeping the oceans, the rivers and the air clean when their own lives are contaminated at the source? The environment cannot be improved in conditions of poverty. Nor can poverty be eradicated without the use of science and technology.

Which one of the following statements is NOT true?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

Passage

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageOn the afternoon of the following day a wagon stopped before a Belgian Refugee Camp in Holland. Slowly and stiffly a small boy slid to the ground. He had been picked up just over the border by a friendly farmer and driven to camp. He was dirty, untidy and footsore. Very kindly the ladies' committee received him. He was placed at a table and a bowl of hot soup was set before him. He ate awkwardly with his left hand. His right hand held something beneath his coat.
The women tried to get his story, but he remained strangely silent. He seemed to be examining to faces of the women. Not for an hour, not until there was a faint stirring in his coat, did he disclose his burden. Then going to her whom he had chosen as most to be trusted, he opened his coat. In a dirty towel lay a naked, miserably thin, three-day-old baby. The woman at once took the tiny bundle lovingly. It was only then that boy relaxed and allowed himself to be taken to bed.

How was he received at the camp?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

Passage
The two boys started in surprise at the fresh muddy imprints of a pair of bare feet. What was a barefooted man doing on the steps of a house, in the middle of London? And where was the man?
As they gazed, a remarkable sight met their eyes. A fresh footmark appeared from nowhere!
Further footprints followed, one after another descending the steps and progressing down the street. The boys followed, fascinated, until the muddy impressions became fainter and fainter and at last disappeared altogether.

What happened to the footprints in the end?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageThe explanation of the mystery was really simple enough. The bewildered boys had been following a scientist who had just discovered how to make the human body transparent.
Griffin, the scientist, had carried out some experiment after experiment to prove that the human body could become invisible. Finally when he swallowed certain rare drugs and his body became as transparent as a sheet of glass.
Griffin was also a lawless person. He once set fire to his landlord's house. To get away without being seen he had to remove his clothes. Then he became a homeless wanderer, without clothes, without money but quite invisible until he happened to step in some mud and left footprints as he walked.

When the scientist had succeeded in his experiment the advantage was�

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageThe drama of birth passed, the midwife grew restless. She became conscious of the outer world. There were high excited voices, wagons clattered over stones, She turned to the window. Neighbours with carts piled high with household possessions hurried by. They called out to her.
For a moment the woman hesitated. She looked at the mother on the bed with the infant in her arms, the excitement of the outside world seized her. Quickly she left the room. The small boy knelt as his mother's bedside, his little face against hers. Softly he kissed the pale cheek. The boy's heart had become a man's. He tried by touch and look to speak his love, his admiration. His mother smiled at him as she soothed the baby, glad to be free from pain. But presently the noise of the departing townspeople reached her ears. She stirred uneasily and fear crept into her eyes. Passionately she held her little one to her.

Which one of the following statements about the small boy is NOT true?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageWe inhabit a divided world. On the one hand the rich are critical of our continuing poverty, on the other, they warn us against their own methods. We do no wish to impoverish the environment any further and yet we cannot for a moment forget the grim poverty of large numbers of people. Are not poverty and need the greatest polluters? For instance, unless we are in a position to provide employment and purchasing power for the daily necessities of the tribal people and those who live in or around jungles, we cannot prevent them from combing the forest for food and livelihood, from poaching and from despoiling the vegetation.
When they themselves feel, deprived how can we urge the preservation of animals? How can we speak to those who live in villages and in slums about keeping the oceans, the rivers and the air clean when their own lives are contaminated at the source? The environment cannot be improved in conditions of poverty. Nor can poverty be eradicated without the use of science and technology.

Why do the tribal people and those who live in or around jungles comb the forest?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageThe drama of birth passed, the midwife grew restless. She became conscious of the outer world. There were high excited voices, wagons clattered over stones, She turned to the window. Neighbours with carts piled high with household possessions hurried by. They called out to her.
For a moment the woman hesitated. She looked at the mother on the bed with the infant in her arms, the excitement of the outside world seized her. Quickly she left the room. The small boy knelt as his mother's bedside, his little face against hers. Softly he kissed the pale cheek. The boy's heart had become a man's. He tried by touch and look to speak his love, his admiration. His mother smiled at him as she soothed the baby, glad to be free from pain. But presently the noise of the departing townspeople reached her ears. She stirred uneasily and fear crept into her eyes. Passionately she held her little one to her.

Which one of the following four statements about midwife is true?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageThe drama of birth passed, the midwife grew restless. She became conscious of the outer world. There were high excited voices, wagons clattered over stones, She turned to the window. Neighbours with carts piled high with household possessions hurried by. They called out to her.
For a moment the woman hesitated. She looked at the mother on the bed with the infant in her arms, the excitement of the outside world seized her. Quickly she left the room. The small boy knelt as his mother's bedside, his little face against hers. Softly he kissed the pale cheek. The boy's heart had become a man's. He tried by touch and look to speak his love, his admiration. His mother smiled at him as she soothed the baby, glad to be free from pain. But presently the noise of the departing townspeople reached her ears. She stirred uneasily and fear crept into her eyes. Passionately she held her little one to her.

The boy loved her mother dearly. Which actions of his showed this fact?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageWe inhabit a divided world. On the one hand the rich are critical of our continuing poverty, on the other, they warn us against their own methods. We do no wish to impoverish the environment any further and yet we cannot for a moment forget the grim poverty of large numbers of people. Are not poverty and need the greatest polluters? For instance, unless we are in a position to provide employment and purchasing power for the daily necessities of the tribal people and those who live in or around jungles, we cannot prevent them from combing the forest for food and livelihood, from poaching and from despoiling the vegetation.
When they themselves feel, deprived how can we urge the preservation of animals? How can we speak to those who live in villages and in slums about keeping the oceans, the rivers and the air clean when their own lives are contaminated at the source? The environment cannot be improved in conditions of poverty. Nor can poverty be eradicated without the use of science and technology.

We can uproot the poverty�

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageOn the afternoon of the following day a wagon stopped before a Belgian Refugee Camp in Holland. Slowly and stiffly a small boy slid to the ground. He had been picked up just over the border by a friendly farmer and driven to camp. He was dirty, untidy and footsore. Very kindly the ladies' committee received him. He was placed at a table and a bowl of hot soup was set before him. He ate awkwardly with his left hand. His right hand held something beneath his coat.
The women tried to get his story, but he remained strangely silent. He seemed to be examining to faces of the women. Not for an hour, not until there was a faint stirring in his coat, did he disclose his burden. Then going to her whom he had chosen as most to be trusted, he opened his coat. In a dirty towel lay a naked, miserably thin, three-day-old baby. The woman at once took the tiny bundle lovingly. It was only then that boy relaxed and allowed himself to be taken to bed.

What was the condition of the little boy when he reached the camp?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageOn the afternoon of the following day a wagon stopped before a Belgian Refugee Camp in Holland. Slowly and stiffly a small boy slid to the ground. He had been picked up just over the border by a friendly farmer and driven to camp. He was dirty, untidy and footsore. Very kindly the ladies' committee received him. He was placed at a table and a bowl of hot soup was set before him. He ate awkwardly with his left hand. His right hand held something beneath his coat.
The women tried to get his story, but he remained strangely silent. He seemed to be examining to faces of the women. Not for an hour, not until there was a faint stirring in his coat, did he disclose his burden. Then going to her whom he had chosen as most to be trusted, he opened his coat. In a dirty towel lay a naked, miserably thin, three-day-old baby. The woman at once took the tiny bundle lovingly. It was only then that boy relaxed and allowed himself to be taken to bed.

What was the condition of the little baby when he reached the camp?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageThe drama of birth passed, the midwife grew restless. She became conscious of the outer world. There were high excited voices, wagons clattered over stones, She turned to the window. Neighbours with carts piled high with household possessions hurried by. They called out to her.
For a moment the woman hesitated. She looked at the mother on the bed with the infant in her arms, the excitement of the outside world seized her. Quickly she left the room. The small boy knelt as his mother's bedside, his little face against hers. Softly he kissed the pale cheek. The boy's heart had become a man's. He tried by touch and look to speak his love, his admiration. His mother smiled at him as she soothed the baby, glad to be free from pain. But presently the noise of the departing townspeople reached her ears. She stirred uneasily and fear crept into her eyes. Passionately she held her little one to her.

The midwife grew restless. How do you know that she was restless?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageThe drama of birth passed, the midwife grew restless. She became conscious of the outer world. There were high excited voices, wagons clattered over stones, She turned to the window. Neighbours with carts piled high with household possessions hurried by. They called out to her.
For a moment the woman hesitated. She looked at the mother on the bed with the infant in her arms, the excitement of the outside world seized her. Quickly she left the room. The small boy knelt as his mother's bedside, his little face against hers. Softly he kissed the pale cheek. The boy's heart had become a man's. He tried by touch and look to speak his love, his admiration. His mother smiled at him as she soothed the baby, glad to be free from pain. But presently the noise of the departing townspeople reached her ears. She stirred uneasily and fear crept into her eyes. Passionately she held her little one to her.

When the drama of birth passed, the midwife grew restless because�

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageThe drama of birth passed, the midwife grew restless. She became conscious of the outer world. There were high excited voices, wagons clattered over stones, She turned to the window. Neighbours with carts piled high with household possessions hurried by. They called out to her.
For a moment the woman hesitated. She looked at the mother on the bed with the infant in her arms, the excitement of the outside world seized her. Quickly she left the room. The small boy knelt as his mother's bedside, his little face against hers. Softly he kissed the pale cheek. The boy's heart had become a man's. He tried by touch and look to speak his love, his admiration. His mother smiled at him as she soothed the baby, glad to be free from pain. But presently the noise of the departing townspeople reached her ears. She stirred uneasily and fear crept into her eyes. Passionately she held her little one to her.

How did the small boy show his love to her mother?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageOn the afternoon of the following day a wagon stopped before a Belgian Refugee Camp in Holland. Slowly and stiffly a small boy slid to the ground. He had been picked up just over the border by a friendly farmer and driven to camp. He was dirty, untidy and footsore. Very kindly the ladies' committee received him. He was placed at a table and a bowl of hot soup was set before him. He ate awkwardly with his left hand. His right hand held something beneath his coat.
The women tried to get his story, but he remained strangely silent. He seemed to be examining to faces of the women. Not for an hour, not until there was a faint stirring in his coat, did he disclose his burden. Then going to her whom he had chosen as most to be trusted, he opened his coat. In a dirty towel lay a naked, miserably thin, three-day-old baby. The woman at once took the tiny bundle lovingly. It was only then that boy relaxed and allowed himself to be taken to bed.

When a wagon stopped before a Belgian Refugee Camp in Holland�

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageWe inhabit a divided world. On the one hand the rich are critical of our continuing poverty, on the other, they warn us against their own methods. We do no wish to impoverish the environment any further and yet we cannot for a moment forget the grim poverty of large numbers of people. Are not poverty and need the greatest polluters? For instance, unless we are in a position to provide employment and purchasing power for the daily necessities of the tribal people and those who live in or around jungles, we cannot prevent them from combing the forest for food and livelihood, from poaching and from despoiling the vegetation.
When they themselves feel, deprived how can we urge the preservation of animals? How can we speak to those who live in villages and in slums about keeping the oceans, the rivers and the air clean when their own lives are contaminated at the source? The environment cannot be improved in conditions of poverty. Nor can poverty be eradicated without the use of science and technology.

What kind of world do we inhabit?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageOn the afternoon of the following day a wagon stopped before a Belgian Refugee Camp in Holland. Slowly and stiffly a small boy slid to the ground. He had been picked up just over the border by a friendly farmer and driven to camp. He was dirty, untidy and footsore. Very kindly the ladies' committee received him. He was placed at a table and a bowl of hot soup was set before him. He ate awkwardly with his left hand. His right hand held something beneath his coat.
The women tried to get his story, but he remained strangely silent. He seemed to be examining to faces of the women. Not for an hour, not until there was a faint stirring in his coat, did he disclose his burden. Then going to her whom he had chosen as most to be trusted, he opened his coat. In a dirty towel lay a naked, miserably thin, three-day-old baby. The woman at once took the tiny bundle lovingly. It was only then that boy relaxed and allowed himself to be taken to bed.

Whom did he give his little baby sister?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

PassageWe inhabit a divided world. On the one hand the rich are critical of our continuing poverty, on the other, they warn us against their own methods. We do no wish to impoverish the environment any further and yet we cannot for a moment forget the grim poverty of large numbers of people. Are not poverty and need the greatest polluters? For instance, unless we are in a position to provide employment and purchasing power for the daily necessities of the tribal people and those who live in or around jungles, we cannot prevent them from combing the forest for food and livelihood, from poaching and from despoiling the vegetation.
When they themselves feel, deprived how can we urge the preservation of animals? How can we speak to those who live in villages and in slums about keeping the oceans, the rivers and the air clean when their own lives are contaminated at the source? The environment cannot be improved in conditions of poverty. Nor can poverty be eradicated without the use of science and technology.

The tribal people comb the forest for�