English Language

English Reading Comprehension

3,503 Questions

English reading comprehension questions assess the ability to understand, analyze, and interpret written passages. Formats include paragraph rearrangement, cloze tests, and fact finding from text. Regular practice is essential for scoring well in the English sections of banking, SSC, and railway exams.

Passage based inferenceParagraph rearrangementCloze test fillingVocabulary replacementReading accuracy tests

English Reading Comprehension Questions

Multiple choice

Why does the author mention a dog’s bark?

Directions: Refer the following passage:

Most people can remember a phone number for up to thirty seconds. When this short amount of time elapses, however the numbers are erased from the memory. How did the information get there in the first place? Information that makes its way to the short term memory (STM) does so via the sensor storage area. The brain has a filter which only allows stimuli that is of immediate interest to pass on to the STM, also known as the working memory. There is much debate about the capacity and duration of the short term memory. The most accepted theory comes from George A.Miller, a cognitive psychologist who suggested that humans can remember approximately seven chunks of information. A chunk is defined as a meaningful unit of information, such as a word or name rather than just a letter or number. Modern theorists suggest that one can increase the capacity of short term memory chunking or classifying similar information together. By organizing information, one can optimize the STM, and improve the chances of a memory being passed onto long term storage. When making a conscious effort to memorize something, such as information for an exam, many people engage in “rote rehearsal”. By repeating something over and over again, one is able to keep a memory alive. Unfortunately, this type of memory maintenance only succeeds if there are no interruptions. As soon as the person stops rehearsing the information, it has the tendency to disappear. When a paper and pen are not handy, people often attempt to remember a phone number by repeating it aloud. If the doorbell rings or the dog barks to come in before a person has the opportunity to make a phone call, he will likely forget the number instantly. Therefore rote rehearsal is not an efficient way to pass information from the short term to long term memory. A better way is to practice “elaborate rehearsal “. This involves assigning semantic meaning to a piece of information so that it can be filed along with other pre – existing long term memories. Encoding information semantically also makes it more retrievable. Retrieving information can be done by recognition or recall. Humans can easily recall memories that are stored in the long term memory and used often; however, if a memory seems to be forgotten, it may eventually be retrieved by prompting. The more cues a person is given (such as pictures), the more likely a memory can be retrieved. This is why multiple choice tests are often used for subjects that require a lot of memorization.

  1. To give an example of a type of memory

  2. To provide a type of interruption

  3. To prove that dogs have better memories than humans

  4. To compare another sound that is loud like a doorbell

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Dog’s bark is metioned to provide a type of interruption.

Multiple choice

All of the following are mentioned as places in which memories are stored, except

Directions: Refer the following passage:

Most people can remember a phone number for up to thirty seconds. When this short amount of time elapses, however the numbers are erased from the memory. How did the information get there in the first place? Information that makes its way to the short term memory (STM) does so via the sensor storage area. The brain has a filter which only allows stimuli that is of immediate interest to pass on to the STM, also known as the working memory. There is much debate about the capacity and duration of the short term memory. The most accepted theory comes from George A.Miller, a cognitive psychologist who suggested that humans can remember approximately seven chunks of information. A chunk is defined as a meaningful unit of information, such as a word or name rather than just a letter or number. Modern theorists suggest that one can increase the capacity of short term memory chunking or classifying similar information together. By organizing information, one can optimize the STM, and improve the chances of a memory being passed onto long term storage. When making a conscious effort to memorize something, such as information for an exam, many people engage in “rote rehearsal”. By repeating something over and over again, one is able to keep a memory alive. Unfortunately, this type of memory maintenance only succeeds if there are no interruptions. As soon as the person stops rehearsing the information, it has the tendency to disappear. When a paper and pen are not handy, people often attempt to remember a phone number by repeating it aloud. If the doorbell rings or the dog barks to come in before a person has the opportunity to make a phone call, he will likely forget the number instantly. Therefore rote rehearsal is not an efficient way to pass information from the short term to long term memory. A better way is to practice “elaborate rehearsal “. This involves assigning semantic meaning to a piece of information so that it can be filed along with other pre – existing long term memories. Encoding information semantically also makes it more retrievable. Retrieving information can be done by recognition or recall. Humans can easily recall memories that are stored in the long term memory and used often; however, if a memory seems to be forgotten, it may eventually be retrieved by prompting. The more cues a person is given (such as pictures), the more likely a memory can be retrieved. This is why multiple choice tests are often used for subjects that require a lot of memorization.

  1. STM

  2. long term memory

  3. sensory storage area

  4. maintenance area

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

This is a place where all types of repairing work of memory is done or how much memory is allocated to a particular task is decided.

Multiple choice

Trump card means

Directions: Refer to the following passage:

The constitution guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to equality. Yet after 50 years of independence, just one perusal of the female infant mortality figures, the literacy rates and the employment opportunities for women is sufficient evidence that discrimination exists. Almost predictably, this gender, bias is evident in our political system as well. In the 13th Lok Sabha, there were only 43 women MPs out of a total of 543; it is not a surprising figure, for never has women representation in Parliament been more than 10 percent. Historically, the manifestos of major political parties have always encouraged women participation. It has been merely a charade. So, women organizations, denied a place on merit, opted for the last resort: a reservation of seats for women in parliament and State Assemblies. Parties, which look at everything with a vote bank in mind, seemed to endorse this. Alas, this was too a mirage. But there is another aspect also. At a time, when caste is the trump card, some politicians want the bill to include further quotas for women from among minorities and backward castes. There is more to it. A survey shows that there is a general antipathy towards the bill. It is actually a classic case of doublespeak: in public, politicians were endorsing women reservation but in the backrooms of Parliament, they were busy sabotaging it. The reasons are clear. Men just want to vacate their seats of power.

  1. a dead horse

  2. a tough situation

  3. a fraudulent card

  4. a valuable resource

  5. a lucky card
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Trump card means a valuable resource, specially a hidden one used in order to gain an advantage.

Multiple choice

According to the passage, how do memories get transferred to the STM?

Directions: Refer the following passage:

Most people can remember a phone number for up to thirty seconds. When this short amount of time elapses, however the numbers are erased from the memory. How did the information get there in the first place? Information that makes its way to the short term memory (STM) does so via the sensor storage area. The brain has a filter which only allows stimuli that is of immediate interest to pass on to the STM, also known as the working memory. There is much debate about the capacity and duration of the short term memory. The most accepted theory comes from George A.Miller, a cognitive psychologist who suggested that humans can remember approximately seven chunks of information. A chunk is defined as a meaningful unit of information, such as a word or name rather than just a letter or number. Modern theorists suggest that one can increase the capacity of short term memory chunking or classifying similar information together. By organizing information, one can optimize the STM, and improve the chances of a memory being passed onto long term storage. When making a conscious effort to memorize something, such as information for an exam, many people engage in “rote rehearsal”. By repeating something over and over again, one is able to keep a memory alive. Unfortunately, this type of memory maintenance only succeeds if there are no interruptions. As soon as the person stops rehearsing the information, it has the tendency to disappear. When a paper and pen are not handy, people often attempt to remember a phone number by repeating it aloud. If the doorbell rings or the dog barks to come in before a person has the opportunity to make a phone call, he will likely forget the number instantly. Therefore rote rehearsal is not an efficient way to pass information from the short term to long term memory. A better way is to practice “elaborate rehearsal “. This involves assigning semantic meaning to a piece of information so that it can be filed along with other pre – existing long term memories. Encoding information semantically also makes it more retrievable. Retrieving information can be done by recognition or recall. Humans can easily recall memories that are stored in the long term memory and used often; however, if a memory seems to be forgotten, it may eventually be retrieved by prompting. The more cues a person is given (such as pictures), the more likely a memory can be retrieved. This is why multiple choice tests are often used for subjects that require a lot of memorization.

  1. They revert from long term memory.

  2. They are filtered from the sensory storage area.

  3. They get chunked when they enter the brain.

  4. They enter via the nervous system.

  5. They enter via working memory.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Memories get transferred to the STM by filtration from the secondary storage area. 

Multiple choice

According to the passage, political parties mostly have ___________ in mind.

Directions: Refer to the following passage:

The constitution guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to equality. Yet after 50 years of independence, just one perusal of the female infant mortality figures, the literacy rates and the employment opportunities for women is sufficient evidence that discrimination exists. Almost predictably, this gender, bias is evident in our political system as well. In the 13th Lok Sabha, there were only 43 women MPs out of a total of 543; it is not a surprising figure, for never has women representation in Parliament been more than 10 percent. Historically, the manifestos of major political parties have always encouraged women participation. It has been merely a charade. So, women organizations, denied a place on merit, opted for the last resort: a reservation of seats for women in parliament and State Assemblies. Parties, which look at everything with a vote bank in mind, seemed to endorse this. Alas, this was too a mirage. But there is another aspect also. At a time, when caste is the trump card, some politicians want the bill to include further quotas for women from among minorities and backward castes. There is more to it. A survey shows that there is a general antipathy towards the bill. It is actually a classic case of doublespeak: in public, politicians were endorsing women reservation but in the backrooms of Parliament, they were busy sabotaging it. The reasons are clear. Men just want to vacate their seats of power.

  1. economic prosperity

  2. vote bank

  3. people's welfare

  4. patriotism

  5. money making business
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

As given clearly in the passage, political parties' main motive is to acquire maximum votes of the people. They don't care of the other things, like people's welfare, economic prosperity, etc.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the paragraph and answer the question that follows.

Most people don't know the true story of the little boy who came to be known as Douglas Craig. He was found wandering around the streets of Washington, D.C. He could not hear or speak. It is said that a man named Craig found the little boy and took him to Dr. E. M. Gallaudet at Gallaudet College. Dr. Gallaudet gave him the first name of Douglas, and the last name of Craig, after the man who found him. The little boy became Douglas Craig. Dr. Gallaudet placed Douglas in the Kendall School, and he stayed there until he was old enough to work. He spent his life working in and around the halls of Gallaudet. Douglas grew to become a tall, strong man. He had many duties, such as picking up mail at the post office, mowing grass, raking leaves, tending the flower beds, raising and lowering the heavy drop curtain on the stage for plays in the chapel, and carrying notes from the boys to the girls. Douglas actively sought a wife during his life at Gallaudet. It is said that he asked all of the black cooks in the college kitchen to marry him. For a time, he courted a black woman from Baltimore. Later in life, he married a black deaf woman from Washington.

What is the main idea of the story?

  1. Craig liked women.

  2. Gallaudet is the best place for an orphan to grow up.

  3. Craig was an orphan, and no one ever found out exactly what happened to his family.

  4. Craig, a man with an unusual background, worked at Gallaudet for many years.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

It is true that Craig like women, however, as a topic sentence that would be too narrow. It does not fully describe what the piece is about. Answer (B) is off the point. The passage is not about whether or not Gallaudet should take in orphans, it is about one specific orphan. Answer (C) is getting closer, but it is still not an adequate response. It is a true statement, but the passage does not focus on trying to figure out who his family was and what happened to them. It focuses on Craig's life after he got to Gallaudet. Therefore, the answer is (4). The passage focuses on all of Craig's unusual characteristics, and on the fact that he worked at Gallaudet for his entire life. Hence, (4) is the answer.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question the passage consists of six sentences. The first and the sixth sentences are given as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences have been removed and jumbled up. They are marked as P, Q, R, S. Arrange the sentences in their correct order after reading carefully.
S1. In the modern world the problem of the reliable water supply is extremely important because the water resources are widely exploited and water is used in different fields of human activities. P. This is happening because the water used in agriculture and industries is often impossible to recycle or filter to make it drinkable. Q. Nowadays water is used not only simply to provide people with the essential substance they consume to survive but it is also widely used in agriculture and different industries. R. In fact, the life of human beings is impossible without water. S: As a result, the water, being widely used, is naturally deteriorating in quality and decreasing in quantity. S6. In such a situation, the problem of scarcity of water as the vitally important product seems to be quite real.

  1. RPQS

  2. QPSR

  3. RQSP

  4. PRQS

  5. SRQP
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

This is the correct answer. The introductory sentence is about the effects of human activities on water resources the following sentence according to this option follows logically and is placed correctly, as it mentions the importance of water for human existence. The sentence that follows is also correct, as it tells us more about the uses of water. The next sentence also follows logically, as it describes the adverse effects on water, such as deteriorating quality and decreasing quantity. The following sentence is also logically placed, as it carries forward the statement with the information about the reasons, as to how the water quality is deteriorating, namely by usage in agriculture, which renders it difficult to reuse, recycle or filter. This leads us to the closing statement that sums up the situation logically. Thus, this option is correct.

Multiple choice

Directions: Spelunkers International offers exploring tours in eight caves: Abbott, Benny, Caeser, Dangerfield, Ewell, Fields, Guinness, and Hope (1) Class 1 spelunkers may not attempt cave Ewell, Fields or Hope (2) Class 2 spelunkers may not attempt Hope (3) Class 3 spelunkers may attempt any cave (4) Cave Caesar may be attempted only by spelunkers who have previously explored cave Benny (5) Cave Fields may be attempted only by spelunkers who have previously explored cave Ewell (6) Only two of caves Benny, Caeser, Ewell, Fields, and Hope may be attempted by any explorer in a single tour If x + y = 3 and y/x= 2 then y = ?

  1. 0

  2. 1/2

  3. 1

  4. 2

  5. 3/2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

To solve, substitute y = 2x into x + y = 3, giving x + 2x = 3, so 3x = 3 and x = 1. Therefore y = 2. The cave exploration rules at the beginning are completely irrelevant to this algebra question.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the appropriate option (1) - (4).

The dough is put into a mould

MASS PRODUCTION
Long ago goods were manufactured by craftsmen, who were skilled workmen. A craftsman was proud of each article he made. He spent a long time in making it and took great care over its manufacture, and people paid a high price for it when it was finished. All the luxurious Persian carpets, the beautiful Chinese pottery and the handmade laces of certain European countries were made this way. But these articles were bought only by the rich. Poorer people had to be satisfied with goods that were roughly and cheaply made.
When the population increased, there was a demand for goods of better quality. These goods had to be produced in factories and workshops where hundreds of workers were employed. The invention of the steam engine helped manufacturers by giving them cheaper power to work their machines. Machines took the place of men.
Production was increased. People were able to buy articles of good quality at low prices. The age of mass production means the manufacture of a large number of identical articles by the use of machinery. Cars, radios and cameras are examples of the many types of articles that are mass–produced today.
A conveyor belt plays a large part in mass production. By means of the conveyor belt which moves continuously, articles are conveyed from point to point during the various stages in their manufacture. A lot of time is saved in this way.
A visit to a factory is an interesting experience. Take, for example, a biscuit factory. The whole process of biscuit making is done by machinery. First of all, the ingredients such as flour, sugar, fat and water are put into a mixing machine. The mixture comes out of the mixing machine in the form of dough and is passed on to machine that processes the dough into moulds.
In these moulds the dough is given the shape of biscuits. Then the biscuits are carried by a conveyor belt to the oven. As they move through the oven they are slowly cooked. When they are cool, they are taken off the moving belt by workers and packed into boxes. The boxes are weighed, made airtight and wrapped. Then they are ready to leave the factory.

  1. after it is cooked

  2. before it is cooked

  3. when the ingredients are being mixed

  4. when it is not wet
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Hint: Para-5 �In these moulds the dough is given the shape of biscuits. Then the biscuits are carried by a conveyor belt to the oven.�

Multiple choice

Directions: The sentence below or part thereof has been underlined. The underlined part may have an error of grammar or diction. Select the option that best corrects the error, if any.

The experiments of Benjamin Franklin 200 years ago helped dispel superstitions and primitive ideas about thunder.

  1. Helped to dispel superstitions and primitive ideas about Thunder.

  2. Helping to dispelling superstitions about thunder.

  3. Helped, dispelled superstitions and primitive ideas about thunder

  4. Helping to dispel superstition and primitive ideas about thunder.

  5. Helped dispel superstitions and primitive ideas about thunder.

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

 (B), (C) and (D) have a wrong structure formation as regarding tense formations. Option (E) is just a repetition, hence (A) is the answer.

Multiple choice

Directions: Three sentences are given below and you have to identify which sentence is a fact and which is an opinion.

I When a black hole and a star are close, high-energy light is produced. II Scientists think that the smallest black hole is as small as just one atom. III The black hole in the center of our galaxy has a mass more than 1 million Suns together.

  1. I - opinion; II - opinion; III - fact

  2. I - opinion; II - fact; III - fact

  3. I - fact; II - fact; III - opinion

  4. I - fact; II - opinion; III - fact

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A fact is a statement that is true and can be proven. A fact is true and correct no matter what. An opinion, however, is a statement that holds an element of belief; it tells how someone feels. An opinion is not always true and cannot be proven. Statement I and III are facts that can be proven whereas in statement II word ‘think’ suggests that it is an opinion.

Multiple choice

Directions: Fill I, II, III and IV with P, Q, R and S to make a meaningful comprehension.

Once upon a time, there was a king, who was very lazy. He did not like to do anything. He waited (I) to serve him everything. He always used to lie in his bed. A time came when he really became inactive. He became so fat that he could not even (II) himself. He felt sick, doctors were called in to treat him. But, (III) him to become fit and fine. The king was a kind hearted and cordial person. All his subjects were (IV) the fact that their king was not well.

P. move around by Q. for his attendants R. sorry to learn about S. nothing could help

  1. QRPS

  2. SQRP

  3. SPRQ

  4. QPSR

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The correct option is 4.

Multiple choice

A new queen is created by

Directions: Read the given passage and answer the following question:

Honeybees live in colonies with one queen running the whole hive. Worker honeybees are all females and are the only bees most people ever see flying around outside of the hive. They forage for food, build the honeycombs, and protect the hive. Honeybees are important pollinators for flowers, fruits, and vegetables. They live on stored honey and pollen all winter and cluster into a ball to conserve warmth. All honeybees are social and cooperative insects. The queen's job is simple - she lays the eggs that will spawn the hive's next generation of bees. There is usually a single queen in a hive. If the queen dies, workers will create a new queen by feeding one of the worker females a special food called "royal jelly." This elixir enables the worker to develop into a fertile queen.

  1. selecting the healthiest of the bees

  2. the dying queen

  3. feeding a worker bee the royal jelly

  4. the oldest bees in the hive

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

If the queen dies, workers will create a new queen by feeding one of the worker females a special food called "royal jelly."

Multiple choice

In how many days students have to give their names?

Directions: A notice has been given. Read the notice and answer the following question.

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA, KOLKATA
NOTICE
30 October, 2015
Cultural Programme-Nepal Earthquake Victims
The school has decided to hold a Cultural Programme  to raise  funds  for Nepal Earthquake Victims on 15-11-2015. The students  are invited to submit their names for participation in different activities to their respective class teachers and the proceeds of the programme will be used for a noble cause. The details are given below:
Date: 15-11-2015
Time : 4pm-7pm
Venue: School Auditorium
Eligibility: Class I to Class 6
Last date for submitting names: Before 05-11-2015
Shelly
Cultural Secretary

  1. Five

  2. Fifteen

  3. Four

  4. Immediately

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The students have only five days as notice is given on 30th October, and they have to give names before 5th November, it means they have only five days.

Multiple choice

What do you understand by the terms 'Recto and Verso'?

  1. The end part and beginning part of the alimentary canal

  2. The reverse and front side of a body

  3. The right and the wrong

  4. The front and back sides of a leaf of paper
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Recto and Verso refer to the front and back sides of a leaf of paper, commonly used in manuscripts, books, and printing. Recto is the right-hand page (front), verso is the left-hand page (back).