English Language

English Reading Comprehension

2,692 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.

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English Reading Comprehension Questions

Multiple choice
  1. He is always late for his school.

  2. He is a sincere and hard working student.

  3. He is kind and helpful to others.

  4. He often gets scolded by his teachers.

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

Had he been otherwise, he wouldn't have offered help to the old man.

Multiple choice

It could be assumed from the passage that Cabot was forced to return before reaching Iceland in 1496 because

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

JOHN CABOT

Nobody remembers much about John Cabot, trader and mariner, lost at sea. He lived at the time of Columbus and was a citizen of the city-state of Venice in Italy. He traded in spices and was an expert mariner. Following Columbus, he wanted to find a north-western route to Asia, but he was one up on Columbus in his knowledge of geography. He assumed that it would take a shorter time to reach Asia by a western sea route if he selected higher northern latitudes. In 1496, he set sail from Ireland under English royal sanction, but was forced to return after reaching Iceland. In 1497, he set sail again with a better ship, the Matthew, and ultimately succeeded in reaching Newfoundland. In 1498, he again set sail for America with a fleet of five ships, out of which one returned to harbour under distress. There has been no further news of the remaining four ships and John Cabot was marked as lost at sea. Everybody forgot about him for about a century, until the British remembered that when John Cabot had reached Newfoundland in 1497, he had done so, under a royal grant. The grant had allowed him to claim unknown lands for the English Crown. So, John Cabot, lost at sea, became important again for the English to stake their claims for the New World. Everybody remembers him for the English claims to North America, but we remember him for his brave spirit of exploration.
  1. his ship was not in very good condition

  2. he was out of supplies and rations

  3. he was out of money and required English grant

  4. he was asked by the English government to return

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

Since he was on the British lands and did not have the permission from them to travel further.

Multiple choice

From the last lines of the passage it can be assumed that people will remember you if

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

JOHN CABOT

Nobody remembers much about John Cabot, trader and mariner, lost at sea. He lived at the time of Columbus and was a citizen of the city-state of Venice in Italy. He traded in spices and was an expert mariner. Following Columbus, he wanted to find a north-western route to Asia, but he was one up on Columbus in his knowledge of geography. He assumed that it would take a shorter time to reach Asia by a western sea route if he selected higher northern latitudes. In 1496, he set sail from Ireland under English royal sanction, but was forced to return after reaching Iceland. In 1497, he set sail again with a better ship, the Matthew, and ultimately succeeded in reaching Newfoundland. In 1498, he again set sail for America with a fleet of five ships, out of which one returned to harbour under distress. There has been no further news of the remaining four ships and John Cabot was marked as lost at sea. Everybody forgot about him for about a century, until the British remembered that when John Cabot had reached Newfoundland in 1497, he had done so, under a royal grant. The grant had allowed him to claim unknown lands for the English Crown. So, John Cabot, lost at sea, became important again for the English to stake their claims for the New World. Everybody remembers him for the English claims to North America, but we remember him for his brave spirit of exploration.
  1. the government needs a favour out of you

  2. you take risk and make brave efforts

  3. you make discovery and do not claim fame for it

  4. you are lost at sea

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

Because ” we remember him for his brave spirit of exploration”.

Multiple choice

What was the mistake that the woodcutter realised?

Directions: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the question that follows.

There once was a poor woodcutter. One day while working, he felt tired and sat down under a tree to rest for a while. A little bird flying about happened to see the woodcutter and felt sad at his miserable condition. "I must help him," thought the bird, and perched beside the woodcutter.
As the woodcutter dozed off, the little bird laid a golden egg near him and flew away. When the woodcutter woke up, he was surprised to see the golden egg. He quickly picked it up and slipped it in his pocket. Then he bundled the logs he had chopped that day and carried them to the market.
The woodcutter told the shopkeeper how he had dozed off and found a golden egg when he woke up. The shopkeeper, a cunning man, lured him into exchanging the egg for a single gold coin. The innocent woodcutter accepted. The shopkeeper also told him that if he could bring the bird that laid the golden egg, he could get five gold coins. Promising to bring the bird, the woodcutter went home.
The next day, he went to the same tree where he had found the golden egg and sat down, pretending to sleep. The little bird came again and perched beside him.
Just then, the woodcutter sprang up and caught the bird. "Now I shall sell you to the shopkeeper for five gold coins!" said the woodcutter. "But one golden egg is a hundred times more valuable than five gold coins, don't you know that?" screeched the bird. "The shopkeeper has made a fool of you!"
The woodcutter realized his mistake. "I am sorry I got greedy and harmed you," he said.
But by then the bird had fallen to the ground. "My end is near," she moaned, "I come from the family of Lucky Birds. We bring luck to men, but we are destined to die if ever caught by humans."
The woodcutter heard this and wept bitterly. He asked, "Is there any way I can help you?"
The bird said, "When I die, pluck a feather from my wing and show it to the fire; you'll be transported to my home. Give my feather to my family and tell them the truth." Saying this, the Lucky Bird died.
The woodcutter did as he was told.
In an instant, he found himself amidst the Lucky Bird's family. He showed them the feather and narrated his story to them. "Oh, we must act fast!" said the Father Bird. He kept the Lucky Bird's feather on the ground and began to hop around it. After ten rounds, the Father Bird touched the feather. And lo! The Lucky Bird's lifeless body was transported there.
The Mother Bird and the Sister Birds then brought some green leaves and grass that could raise the dead, and stuffed them into the Lucky Bird's beak. In no time, the Lucky Bird opened her eyes.
The woodcutter was ecstatic to see her alive again. The Lucky Bird then spoke, "Luck appears and disappears; and so do we Lucky Birds. But we don't stay with those who are greedy." The woodcutter cried, "I have lost you because of my foolishness!" "Don’t be disheartened, friend!" said the Lucky Bird.
The woodcutter returned home with a heavy heart, but with the hope that the Lucky Bird would return someday.

  1. That he had sold the bird's gift for less than its value

  2. That the shopkeeper had fooled him and lured him into selling the bird's gift at a loss

  3. That he had not realised the true value of the bird's gift

  4. That he had gotten greedy and harmed the bird

  5. That he did not know which green leaves and grass to use to raise the dead

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

Option 4 is correct as the woodcutter realised his mistake of getting greedy and harming the bird. 

Multiple choice

How did the bird try to help the woodcutter?

Directions: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the question that follows.

There once was a poor woodcutter. One day while working, he felt tired and sat down under a tree to rest for a while. A little bird flying about happened to see the woodcutter and felt sad at his miserable condition. "I must help him," thought the bird, and perched beside the woodcutter.
As the woodcutter dozed off, the little bird laid a golden egg near him and flew away. When the woodcutter woke up, he was surprised to see the golden egg. He quickly picked it up and slipped it in his pocket. Then he bundled the logs he had chopped that day and carried them to the market.
The woodcutter told the shopkeeper how he had dozed off and found a golden egg when he woke up. The shopkeeper, a cunning man, lured him into exchanging the egg for a single gold coin. The innocent woodcutter accepted. The shopkeeper also told him that if he could bring the bird that laid the golden egg, he could get five gold coins. Promising to bring the bird, the woodcutter went home.
The next day, he went to the same tree where he had found the golden egg and sat down, pretending to sleep. The little bird came again and perched beside him.
Just then, the woodcutter sprang up and caught the bird. "Now I shall sell you to the shopkeeper for five gold coins!" said the woodcutter. "But one golden egg is a hundred times more valuable than five gold coins, don't you know that?" screeched the bird. "The shopkeeper has made a fool of you!"
The woodcutter realized his mistake. "I am sorry I got greedy and harmed you," he said.
But by then the bird had fallen to the ground. "My end is near," she moaned, "I come from the family of Lucky Birds. We bring luck to men, but we are destined to die if ever caught by humans."
The woodcutter heard this and wept bitterly. He asked, "Is there any way I can help you?"
The bird said, "When I die, pluck a feather from my wing and show it to the fire; you'll be transported to my home. Give my feather to my family and tell them the truth." Saying this, the Lucky Bird died.
The woodcutter did as he was told.
In an instant, he found himself amidst the Lucky Bird's family. He showed them the feather and narrated his story to them. "Oh, we must act fast!" said the Father Bird. He kept the Lucky Bird's feather on the ground and began to hop around it. After ten rounds, the Father Bird touched the feather. And lo! The Lucky Bird's lifeless body was transported there.
The Mother Bird and the Sister Birds then brought some green leaves and grass that could raise the dead, and stuffed them into the Lucky Bird's beak. In no time, the Lucky Bird opened her eyes.
The woodcutter was ecstatic to see her alive again. The Lucky Bird then spoke, "Luck appears and disappears; and so do we Lucky Birds. But we don't stay with those who are greedy." The woodcutter cried, "I have lost you because of my foolishness!" "Don’t be disheartened, friend!" said the Lucky Bird.
The woodcutter returned home with a heavy heart, but with the hope that the Lucky Bird would return someday.

  1. By giving the woodcutter a gold coin

  2. By giving the woodcutter five gold coins

  3. By giving the woodcutter a golden egg

  4. By giving the woodcutter a golden feather

  5. By giving the woodcutter green leaves and grass that could raise the dead

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

Option 3 is the correct answer as the bird laid a golden egg to help the woodcutter. 

Multiple choice

Why did the bird fall to the ground?

Directions: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the question that follows.

There once was a poor woodcutter. One day while working, he felt tired and sat down under a tree to rest for a while. A little bird flying about happened to see the woodcutter and felt sad at his miserable condition. "I must help him," thought the bird, and perched beside the woodcutter.
As the woodcutter dozed off, the little bird laid a golden egg near him and flew away. When the woodcutter woke up, he was surprised to see the golden egg. He quickly picked it up and slipped it in his pocket. Then he bundled the logs he had chopped that day and carried them to the market.
The woodcutter told the shopkeeper how he had dozed off and found a golden egg when he woke up. The shopkeeper, a cunning man, lured him into exchanging the egg for a single gold coin. The innocent woodcutter accepted. The shopkeeper also told him that if he could bring the bird that laid the golden egg, he could get five gold coins. Promising to bring the bird, the woodcutter went home.
The next day, he went to the same tree where he had found the golden egg and sat down, pretending to sleep. The little bird came again and perched beside him.
Just then, the woodcutter sprang up and caught the bird. "Now I shall sell you to the shopkeeper for five gold coins!" said the woodcutter. "But one golden egg is a hundred times more valuable than five gold coins, don't you know that?" screeched the bird. "The shopkeeper has made a fool of you!"
The woodcutter realized his mistake. "I am sorry I got greedy and harmed you," he said.
But by then the bird had fallen to the ground. "My end is near," she moaned, "I come from the family of Lucky Birds. We bring luck to men, but we are destined to die if ever caught by humans."
The woodcutter heard this and wept bitterly. He asked, "Is there any way I can help you?"
The bird said, "When I die, pluck a feather from my wing and show it to the fire; you'll be transported to my home. Give my feather to my family and tell them the truth." Saying this, the Lucky Bird died.
The woodcutter did as he was told.
In an instant, he found himself amidst the Lucky Bird's family. He showed them the feather and narrated his story to them. "Oh, we must act fast!" said the Father Bird. He kept the Lucky Bird's feather on the ground and began to hop around it. After ten rounds, the Father Bird touched the feather. And lo! The Lucky Bird's lifeless body was transported there.
The Mother Bird and the Sister Birds then brought some green leaves and grass that could raise the dead, and stuffed them into the Lucky Bird's beak. In no time, the Lucky Bird opened her eyes.
The woodcutter was ecstatic to see her alive again. The Lucky Bird then spoke, "Luck appears and disappears; and so do we Lucky Birds. But we don't stay with those who are greedy." The woodcutter cried, "I have lost you because of my foolishness!" "Don’t be disheartened, friend!" said the Lucky Bird.
The woodcutter returned home with a heavy heart, but with the hope that the Lucky Bird would return someday.

  1. Because its egg was sold at less than its value

  2. Because the woodcutter had hit the bird

  3. Because the shopkeeper made a fool of the woodcutter

  4. Because it was fated to die if captured by a human

  5. Because the woodcutter was weeping bitterly

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

Option 4 is correct. The bird came from a family of lucky birds. It brought luck to humans but was destined to die if caught by humans. 

Multiple choice

Which of the following words is nearly the same in meaning to the word ‘sprang’ as given in the passage?

Directions: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the question that follows.

There once was a poor woodcutter. One day while working, he felt tired and sat down under a tree to rest for a while. A little bird flying about happened to see the woodcutter and felt sad at his miserable condition. "I must help him," thought the bird, and perched beside the woodcutter.
As the woodcutter dozed off, the little bird laid a golden egg near him and flew away. When the woodcutter woke up, he was surprised to see the golden egg. He quickly picked it up and slipped it in his pocket. Then he bundled the logs he had chopped that day and carried them to the market.
The woodcutter told the shopkeeper how he had dozed off and found a golden egg when he woke up. The shopkeeper, a cunning man, lured him into exchanging the egg for a single gold coin. The innocent woodcutter accepted. The shopkeeper also told him that if he could bring the bird that laid the golden egg, he could get five gold coins. Promising to bring the bird, the woodcutter went home.
The next day, he went to the same tree where he had found the golden egg and sat down, pretending to sleep. The little bird came again and perched beside him.
Just then, the woodcutter sprang up and caught the bird. "Now I shall sell you to the shopkeeper for five gold coins!" said the woodcutter. "But one golden egg is a hundred times more valuable than five gold coins, don't you know that?" screeched the bird. "The shopkeeper has made a fool of you!"
The woodcutter realized his mistake. "I am sorry I got greedy and harmed you," he said.
But by then the bird had fallen to the ground. "My end is near," she moaned, "I come from the family of Lucky Birds. We bring luck to men, but we are destined to die if ever caught by humans."
The woodcutter heard this and wept bitterly. He asked, "Is there any way I can help you?"
The bird said, "When I die, pluck a feather from my wing and show it to the fire; you'll be transported to my home. Give my feather to my family and tell them the truth." Saying this, the Lucky Bird died.
The woodcutter did as he was told.
In an instant, he found himself amidst the Lucky Bird's family. He showed them the feather and narrated his story to them. "Oh, we must act fast!" said the Father Bird. He kept the Lucky Bird's feather on the ground and began to hop around it. After ten rounds, the Father Bird touched the feather. And lo! The Lucky Bird's lifeless body was transported there.
The Mother Bird and the Sister Birds then brought some green leaves and grass that could raise the dead, and stuffed them into the Lucky Bird's beak. In no time, the Lucky Bird opened her eyes.
The woodcutter was ecstatic to see her alive again. The Lucky Bird then spoke, "Luck appears and disappears; and so do we Lucky Birds. But we don't stay with those who are greedy." The woodcutter cried, "I have lost you because of my foolishness!" "Don’t be disheartened, friend!" said the Lucky Bird.
The woodcutter returned home with a heavy heart, but with the hope that the Lucky Bird would return someday.

  1. Leapt

  2. Released

  3. Allowed

  4. Forgave

  5. Arose

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

The woodcutter leapt up or jumped up to catch the bird. Other words are incorrect as per the context. Arose means to get up, but sprang in the context means to leap or act swiftly and suddenly. Arose does not give this sense of swiftness and suddenness. So, it is incorrect.

Multiple choice

Why did Wunzh wrestle daily with the Sky Stranger?

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

Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts so that he may see a vision of the Spirit that is to be his guide through life.

On the first day he walked in the woods looking about and filling his mind with images of growing things, so that he might see them in his dreams. He saw how plants grew, and knew that some were for food and others for healing. His heart was filled with longing to do something for his people.

"Truly," thought he, "the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we owe our lives. Could He not make it easier for us to get our food other than by hunting and fishing? I must seek an answer in my vision."

So Wunzh returned to his lodge where he fasted and slept. On the third day he became weak and faint. Soon he saw a young brave coming down from the sky. He was clad in garments of green and yellow. On his head was a tuft of green plumes and his motions were graceful and swaying.

"I am sent to you,"said the Sky stranger, "by that Great Spirit. He has seen your fast­ing, and knows how you wish to do good for your people. Arise and wrestle with me, for only by overcom­ing me, may you learn the secret." Thus, the two wrestled daily.

On the third day, Wunzh, though fainter in body, grew stronger in mind and will. He was determined to win or perish in the attempt. He exerted all his powers, and soon prevailed, overcoming the stranger. 

The conquered one said, "You have wrestled manfully and met your trial well. Tomorrow I shall come once more. You must wrestle with me one last time. Should you prevail, you will strip off my garments, clean the ground of roots and weeds, and bury me in that spot. When you have done so, leave my body there. Come often to the place, and see whether I have come to life.”

"Be careful not to let weeds or grass grow on my grave. If you do all this, you will learn how to benefit your people." Having said this, the stranger disappeared.

The next day, the stranger came again. Although Wunzh had fasted seven days, he felt a new power arise within. He grasped the stranger and threw him down. He took his garments, and, finding him dead, buried him, and did all that he was directed.

Daily he visited, and pulled out weeds and grass. He kept the ground soft and moist. Very soon, to his wonder, he saw green plumes coming up from the ground. 

Weeks passed by. One day Wunzh went to the grave and there in the place where the stranger had been buried, stood a tall and graceful plant, with golden, silken hair, crowned by nodding green plumes. Its stalk was covered with waving leaves, and there grew from its sides many ears of corn wrapped in green husks.

The boy shouted joyously, "This is Mondawmin, my friend, who has turned into the Indian Corn! We need no longer depend on hunting, so long as this gift is planted and cared for. The Great Spirit has heard my voice and has sent us this food."

  1. He was training to be a mighty warrior.

  2. It was required of him as a part of his secret.

  3. The Great Spirit told him to wrestle with Sky Stranger.

  4. He wanted to learn the secret of helping his people.

  5. He wanted to wear the Stranger’s garments.

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

(1) is incorrect– Wunzh was not wrestling with him daily to become a warrior, but to learn the secret of how to help his people. (2) is incorrect– This is true, but this is not the reason. The reason is to learn the secret of how to help his people. (3) is incorrect– This is true, but this is not the reason. The reason is to learn the secret of how to help his people. (4) is correct – This is the reason. Wunzh wanted to do something for his people. He started fasting so that he could find a way to help his people. The Stranger had told Wunzh that if Wunzh wrestled with him and overcame him, he would get to know the secret to help his people. (5) is incorrect– This is not correct. The reason is to learn the secret of how to help his people.

Multiple choice

Why was the Sky Stranger called the Indian Corn?

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

Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts so that he may see a vision of the Spirit that is to be his guide through life.

On the first day he walked in the woods looking about and filling his mind with images of growing things, so that he might see them in his dreams. He saw how plants grew, and knew that some were for food and others for healing. His heart was filled with longing to do something for his people.

"Truly," thought he, "the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we owe our lives. Could He not make it easier for us to get our food other than by hunting and fishing? I must seek an answer in my vision."

So Wunzh returned to his lodge where he fasted and slept. On the third day he became weak and faint. Soon he saw a young brave coming down from the sky. He was clad in garments of green and yellow. On his head was a tuft of green plumes and his motions were graceful and swaying.

"I am sent to you,"said the Sky stranger, "by that Great Spirit. He has seen your fast­ing, and knows how you wish to do good for your people. Arise and wrestle with me, for only by overcom­ing me, may you learn the secret." Thus, the two wrestled daily.

On the third day, Wunzh, though fainter in body, grew stronger in mind and will. He was determined to win or perish in the attempt. He exerted all his powers, and soon prevailed, overcoming the stranger. 

The conquered one said, "You have wrestled manfully and met your trial well. Tomorrow I shall come once more. You must wrestle with me one last time. Should you prevail, you will strip off my garments, clean the ground of roots and weeds, and bury me in that spot. When you have done so, leave my body there. Come often to the place, and see whether I have come to life.”

"Be careful not to let weeds or grass grow on my grave. If you do all this, you will learn how to benefit your people." Having said this, the stranger disappeared.

The next day, the stranger came again. Although Wunzh had fasted seven days, he felt a new power arise within. He grasped the stranger and threw him down. He took his garments, and, finding him dead, buried him, and did all that he was directed.

Daily he visited, and pulled out weeds and grass. He kept the ground soft and moist. Very soon, to his wonder, he saw green plumes coming up from the ground. 

Weeks passed by. One day Wunzh went to the grave and there in the place where the stranger had been buried, stood a tall and graceful plant, with golden, silken hair, crowned by nodding green plumes. Its stalk was covered with waving leaves, and there grew from its sides many ears of corn wrapped in green husks.

The boy shouted joyously, "This is Mondawmin, my friend, who has turned into the Indian Corn! We need no longer depend on hunting, so long as this gift is planted and cared for. The Great Spirit has heard my voice and has sent us this food."

  1. This was how Wunzh referred to him.

  2. He taught Wunzh how to grow Indian Corn.

  3. He brought the secret of Indian Corn from the Great Spirit.

  4. He turned into Indian Corn after his body was buried and his grave tended to by Wunzh.

  5. His garments resembled the corn plant.

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

(1) is incorrect– This is what Wunzh called him at the end after it was discovered that the Sky Stranger turned into Indian Corn. (2) is incorrect– This is true; however, this is not the reason why he is called Indian Corn. It is because he turned into Indian Corn after his body was buried and his grave tended to by Wunzh. (3) is incorrect– This is true, but this is not the reason. The reason is because he turned into Indian Corn after his body was buried and his grave tended to by Wunzh. (4) is correct – This is the reason why he is called Indian Corn because he turned into Indian Corn after Wunzh buried his body and tended his grave. (5) is incorrect– This is true. His garments did resemble the corn plant, but this is not the correct answer. He is called Indian Corn because that is what he became after Wunzh buried his body and tended to his grave.

Multiple choice

Which of the following tasks was Wunzh required to do after conquering the Sky Stranger?

A. Take off the garments and bury the body of the Sky Stranger B. Keep the grave free from weeds and grass C. Keep the ground of the grave dry

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

Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts so that he may see a vision of the Spirit that is to be his guide through life.

On the first day he walked in the woods looking about and filling his mind with images of growing things, so that he might see them in his dreams. He saw how plants grew, and knew that some were for food and others for healing. His heart was filled with longing to do something for his people.

"Truly," thought he, "the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we owe our lives. Could He not make it easier for us to get our food other than by hunting and fishing? I must seek an answer in my vision."

So Wunzh returned to his lodge where he fasted and slept. On the third day he became weak and faint. Soon he saw a young brave coming down from the sky. He was clad in garments of green and yellow. On his head was a tuft of green plumes and his motions were graceful and swaying.

"I am sent to you,"said the Sky stranger, "by that Great Spirit. He has seen your fast­ing, and knows how you wish to do good for your people. Arise and wrestle with me, for only by overcom­ing me, may you learn the secret." Thus, the two wrestled daily.

On the third day, Wunzh, though fainter in body, grew stronger in mind and will. He was determined to win or perish in the attempt. He exerted all his powers, and soon prevailed, overcoming the stranger. 

The conquered one said, "You have wrestled manfully and met your trial well. Tomorrow I shall come once more. You must wrestle with me one last time. Should you prevail, you will strip off my garments, clean the ground of roots and weeds, and bury me in that spot. When you have done so, leave my body there. Come often to the place, and see whether I have come to life.”

"Be careful not to let weeds or grass grow on my grave. If you do all this, you will learn how to benefit your people." Having said this, the stranger disappeared.

The next day, the stranger came again. Although Wunzh had fasted seven days, he felt a new power arise within. He grasped the stranger and threw him down. He took his garments, and, finding him dead, buried him, and did all that he was directed.

Daily he visited, and pulled out weeds and grass. He kept the ground soft and moist. Very soon, to his wonder, he saw green plumes coming up from the ground. 

Weeks passed by. One day Wunzh went to the grave and there in the place where the stranger had been buried, stood a tall and graceful plant, with golden, silken hair, crowned by nodding green plumes. Its stalk was covered with waving leaves, and there grew from its sides many ears of corn wrapped in green husks.

The boy shouted joyously, "This is Mondawmin, my friend, who has turned into the Indian Corn! We need no longer depend on hunting, so long as this gift is planted and cared for. The Great Spirit has heard my voice and has sent us this food."

  1. Only A

  2. Only B

  3. Only C

  4. Both A and B

  5. Both B and C

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

(1) is incorrect– This is true, but he was also required to keep the grave free of weeds and grass. Hence, this is an incorrect answer. (2) is incorrect– This is true, but he was also required to take off his garments and bury the body. Hence, this is incorrect. (3) is incorrect– The opposite is stated in the passage. It also states that Wunzh was required to take off the Sky Stranger's garments, bury his body and then keep the grave free from weeds and grass. (4) is correct – The passage states that Wunzh was required to take off the Sky Stranger's garments, bury his body and then keep the grave free from weeds and grass. (5) is incorrect– Statement B is correct, but C is incorrect. Hence, it is a wrong answer. 

Multiple choice

According to the passage, which of the following sentences is true?

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

Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts so that he may see a vision of the Spirit that is to be his guide through life.

On the first day he walked in the woods looking about and filling his mind with images of growing things, so that he might see them in his dreams. He saw how plants grew, and knew that some were for food and others for healing. His heart was filled with longing to do something for his people.

"Truly," thought he, "the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we owe our lives. Could He not make it easier for us to get our food other than by hunting and fishing? I must seek an answer in my vision."

So Wunzh returned to his lodge where he fasted and slept. On the third day he became weak and faint. Soon he saw a young brave coming down from the sky. He was clad in garments of green and yellow. On his head was a tuft of green plumes and his motions were graceful and swaying.

"I am sent to you,"said the Sky stranger, "by that Great Spirit. He has seen your fast­ing, and knows how you wish to do good for your people. Arise and wrestle with me, for only by overcom­ing me, may you learn the secret." Thus, the two wrestled daily.

On the third day, Wunzh, though fainter in body, grew stronger in mind and will. He was determined to win or perish in the attempt. He exerted all his powers, and soon prevailed, overcoming the stranger. 

The conquered one said, "You have wrestled manfully and met your trial well. Tomorrow I shall come once more. You must wrestle with me one last time. Should you prevail, you will strip off my garments, clean the ground of roots and weeds, and bury me in that spot. When you have done so, leave my body there. Come often to the place, and see whether I have come to life.”

"Be careful not to let weeds or grass grow on my grave. If you do all this, you will learn how to benefit your people." Having said this, the stranger disappeared.

The next day, the stranger came again. Although Wunzh had fasted seven days, he felt a new power arise within. He grasped the stranger and threw him down. He took his garments, and, finding him dead, buried him, and did all that he was directed.

Daily he visited, and pulled out weeds and grass. He kept the ground soft and moist. Very soon, to his wonder, he saw green plumes coming up from the ground. 

Weeks passed by. One day Wunzh went to the grave and there in the place where the stranger had been buried, stood a tall and graceful plant, with golden, silken hair, crowned by nodding green plumes. Its stalk was covered with waving leaves, and there grew from its sides many ears of corn wrapped in green husks.

The boy shouted joyously, "This is Mondawmin, my friend, who has turned into the Indian Corn! We need no longer depend on hunting, so long as this gift is planted and cared for. The Great Spirit has heard my voice and has sent us this food."

  1. Wunzh was a man who sought a vision.

  2. Wunzh wanted to do something for his people.

  3. Wunzh sought answers to his question in the woods.

  4. Wunzh easily defeated the Sky Stranger.

  5. Mondawmin is not associated with the Indian Corn, but is a young brave.

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

The passage states that Wunzh was a boy, not a man. Hence, option 1 is incorrect. Option 2 is correct. The passage states that Wunzh wanted to do something for his people, which was to find a new way of obtaining food. It is stated in the passage, "His heart was filled with longing to do something for his people." Option 3 is incorrect – The passage states that Wunzh went to the woods to fill his mind with images of growing things so that he can see them in his dreams. Option 4 is incorrect – The passage does not state that he easily defeated the Sky Stranger, but that he had to find new strength in order to overcome his struggle with the Sky Stranger. Option 5 is incorrect – The passage relates Mondawmin and the Indian Corn. So, the given statement is not true.  

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

Brave

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

Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts so that he may see a vision of the Spirit that is to be his guide through life.

On the first day he walked in the woods looking about and filling his mind with images of growing things, so that he might see them in his dreams. He saw how plants grew, and knew that some were for food and others for healing. His heart was filled with longing to do something for his people.

"Truly," thought he, "the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we owe our lives. Could He not make it easier for us to get our food other than by hunting and fishing? I must seek an answer in my vision."

So Wunzh returned to his lodge where he fasted and slept. On the third day he became weak and faint. Soon he saw a young brave coming down from the sky. He was clad in garments of green and yellow. On his head was a tuft of green plumes and his motions were graceful and swaying.

"I am sent to you,"said the Sky stranger, "by that Great Spirit. He has seen your fast­ing, and knows how you wish to do good for your people. Arise and wrestle with me, for only by overcom­ing me, may you learn the secret." Thus, the two wrestled daily.

On the third day, Wunzh, though fainter in body, grew stronger in mind and will. He was determined to win or perish in the attempt. He exerted all his powers, and soon prevailed, overcoming the stranger. 

The conquered one said, "You have wrestled manfully and met your trial well. Tomorrow I shall come once more. You must wrestle with me one last time. Should you prevail, you will strip off my garments, clean the ground of roots and weeds, and bury me in that spot. When you have done so, leave my body there. Come often to the place, and see whether I have come to life.”

"Be careful not to let weeds or grass grow on my grave. If you do all this, you will learn how to benefit your people." Having said this, the stranger disappeared.

The next day, the stranger came again. Although Wunzh had fasted seven days, he felt a new power arise within. He grasped the stranger and threw him down. He took his garments, and, finding him dead, buried him, and did all that he was directed.

Daily he visited, and pulled out weeds and grass. He kept the ground soft and moist. Very soon, to his wonder, he saw green plumes coming up from the ground. 

Weeks passed by. One day Wunzh went to the grave and there in the place where the stranger had been buried, stood a tall and graceful plant, with golden, silken hair, crowned by nodding green plumes. Its stalk was covered with waving leaves, and there grew from its sides many ears of corn wrapped in green husks.

The boy shouted joyously, "This is Mondawmin, my friend, who has turned into the Indian Corn! We need no longer depend on hunting, so long as this gift is planted and cared for. The Great Spirit has heard my voice and has sent us this food."

  1. Adventurous

  2. Coward

  3. Warrior

  4. Unafraid

  5. Bold

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

In the passage, "brave" refers to the warrior who challenges Wunzh to a fight. Rest of the options do not fit the context of the passage.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

Power

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

Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts so that he may see a vision of the Spirit that is to be his guide through life.

On the first day he walked in the woods looking about and filling his mind with images of growing things, so that he might see them in his dreams. He saw how plants grew, and knew that some were for food and others for healing. His heart was filled with longing to do something for his people.

"Truly," thought he, "the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we owe our lives. Could He not make it easier for us to get our food other than by hunting and fishing? I must seek an answer in my vision."

So Wunzh returned to his lodge where he fasted and slept. On the third day he became weak and faint. Soon he saw a young brave coming down from the sky. He was clad in garments of green and yellow. On his head was a tuft of green plumes and his motions were graceful and swaying.

"I am sent to you,"said the Sky stranger, "by that Great Spirit. He has seen your fast­ing, and knows how you wish to do good for your people. Arise and wrestle with me, for only by overcom­ing me, may you learn the secret." Thus, the two wrestled daily.

On the third day, Wunzh, though fainter in body, grew stronger in mind and will. He was determined to win or perish in the attempt. He exerted all his powers, and soon prevailed, overcoming the stranger. 

The conquered one said, "You have wrestled manfully and met your trial well. Tomorrow I shall come once more. You must wrestle with me one last time. Should you prevail, you will strip off my garments, clean the ground of roots and weeds, and bury me in that spot. When you have done so, leave my body there. Come often to the place, and see whether I have come to life.”

"Be careful not to let weeds or grass grow on my grave. If you do all this, you will learn how to benefit your people." Having said this, the stranger disappeared.

The next day, the stranger came again. Although Wunzh had fasted seven days, he felt a new power arise within. He grasped the stranger and threw him down. He took his garments, and, finding him dead, buried him, and did all that he was directed.

Daily he visited, and pulled out weeds and grass. He kept the ground soft and moist. Very soon, to his wonder, he saw green plumes coming up from the ground. 

Weeks passed by. One day Wunzh went to the grave and there in the place where the stranger had been buried, stood a tall and graceful plant, with golden, silken hair, crowned by nodding green plumes. Its stalk was covered with waving leaves, and there grew from its sides many ears of corn wrapped in green husks.

The boy shouted joyously, "This is Mondawmin, my friend, who has turned into the Indian Corn! We need no longer depend on hunting, so long as this gift is planted and cared for. The Great Spirit has heard my voice and has sent us this food."

  1. Strength

  2. Authority

  3. Weight

  4. Warrant

  5. Impedance

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

(1) is correct – Power as used in the passage is suggesting strength. Here, Wunzh found new strength to overcome his opponent despite being weak from fasting for seven days. (2) is incorrect– Authority cannot be used to throw a person down while wrestling, but new found strength can, which is what the passage is stating when it says Wunzh felt a new power arise within. (3) is incorrect– Weight is a physical characteristic or it can refer to how strong a support is for a given argument. Since Wunzh was wrestling, weight could not be used in this context. The passage is suggesting that Wunzh found new strength despite being weakened from seven days of fasting. (4) is incorrect– Warrant is related to authority and this could not be used in a wrestling match. The passage is implying with the word 'power' that Wunzh found new strength. (5) is incorrect– Impedance means to hold back or impede the flow such as the flow of power; however, Wunzh found new power or strength despite being weakened by fasting.

Multiple choice

How could the woodcutter be transported to the bird’s home?

Directions: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the question that follows.

There once was a poor woodcutter. One day while working, he felt tired and sat down under a tree to rest for a while. A little bird flying about happened to see the woodcutter and felt sad at his miserable condition. "I must help him," thought the bird, and perched beside the woodcutter.
As the woodcutter dozed off, the little bird laid a golden egg near him and flew away. When the woodcutter woke up, he was surprised to see the golden egg. He quickly picked it up and slipped it in his pocket. Then he bundled the logs he had chopped that day and carried them to the market.
The woodcutter told the shopkeeper how he had dozed off and found a golden egg when he woke up. The shopkeeper, a cunning man, lured him into exchanging the egg for a single gold coin. The innocent woodcutter accepted. The shopkeeper also told him that if he could bring the bird that laid the golden egg, he could get five gold coins. Promising to bring the bird, the woodcutter went home.
The next day, he went to the same tree where he had found the golden egg and sat down, pretending to sleep. The little bird came again and perched beside him.
Just then, the woodcutter sprang up and caught the bird. "Now I shall sell you to the shopkeeper for five gold coins!" said the woodcutter. "But one golden egg is a hundred times more valuable than five gold coins, don't you know that?" screeched the bird. "The shopkeeper has made a fool of you!"
The woodcutter realized his mistake. "I am sorry I got greedy and harmed you," he said.
But by then the bird had fallen to the ground. "My end is near," she moaned, "I come from the family of Lucky Birds. We bring luck to men, but we are destined to die if ever caught by humans."
The woodcutter heard this and wept bitterly. He asked, "Is there any way I can help you?"
The bird said, "When I die, pluck a feather from my wing and show it to the fire; you'll be transported to my home. Give my feather to my family and tell them the truth." Saying this, the Lucky Bird died.
The woodcutter did as he was told.
In an instant, he found himself amidst the Lucky Bird's family. He showed them the feather and narrated his story to them. "Oh, we must act fast!" said the Father Bird. He kept the Lucky Bird's feather on the ground and began to hop around it. After ten rounds, the Father Bird touched the feather. And lo! The Lucky Bird's lifeless body was transported there.
The Mother Bird and the Sister Birds then brought some green leaves and grass that could raise the dead, and stuffed them into the Lucky Bird's beak. In no time, the Lucky Bird opened her eyes.
The woodcutter was ecstatic to see her alive again. The Lucky Bird then spoke, "Luck appears and disappears; and so do we Lucky Birds. But we don't stay with those who are greedy." The woodcutter cried, "I have lost you because of my foolishness!" "Don’t be disheartened, friend!" said the Lucky Bird.
The woodcutter returned home with a heavy heart, but with the hope that the Lucky Bird would return someday.

  1. By holding a feather from the bird's wing

  2. By holding the dead bird

  3. By throwing the dead bird in fire

  4. By throwing the bird's feather into the fire.

  5. By taking ten rounds of the bird's body

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

Option 4 is correct. The bird told the woodcutter that he should pluck a feather from its wing, then show it to fire and he will be transported to the bird's home. 

Multiple choice

What was Wunzh looking for in his vision?

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

Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts so that he may see a vision of the Spirit that is to be his guide through life.

On the first day he walked in the woods looking about and filling his mind with images of growing things, so that he might see them in his dreams. He saw how plants grew, and knew that some were for food and others for healing. His heart was filled with longing to do something for his people.

"Truly," thought he, "the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we owe our lives. Could He not make it easier for us to get our food other than by hunting and fishing? I must seek an answer in my vision."

So Wunzh returned to his lodge where he fasted and slept. On the third day he became weak and faint. Soon he saw a young brave coming down from the sky. He was clad in garments of green and yellow. On his head was a tuft of green plumes and his motions were graceful and swaying.

"I am sent to you,"said the Sky stranger, "by that Great Spirit. He has seen your fast­ing, and knows how you wish to do good for your people. Arise and wrestle with me, for only by overcom­ing me, may you learn the secret." Thus, the two wrestled daily.

On the third day, Wunzh, though fainter in body, grew stronger in mind and will. He was determined to win or perish in the attempt. He exerted all his powers, and soon prevailed, overcoming the stranger. 

The conquered one said, "You have wrestled manfully and met your trial well. Tomorrow I shall come once more. You must wrestle with me one last time. Should you prevail, you will strip off my garments, clean the ground of roots and weeds, and bury me in that spot. When you have done so, leave my body there. Come often to the place, and see whether I have come to life.”

"Be careful not to let weeds or grass grow on my grave. If you do all this, you will learn how to benefit your people." Having said this, the stranger disappeared.

The next day, the stranger came again. Although Wunzh had fasted seven days, he felt a new power arise within. He grasped the stranger and threw him down. He took his garments, and, finding him dead, buried him, and did all that he was directed.

Daily he visited, and pulled out weeds and grass. He kept the ground soft and moist. Very soon, to his wonder, he saw green plumes coming up from the ground. 

Weeks passed by. One day Wunzh went to the grave and there in the place where the stranger had been buried, stood a tall and graceful plant, with golden, silken hair, crowned by nodding green plumes. Its stalk was covered with waving leaves, and there grew from its sides many ears of corn wrapped in green husks.

The boy shouted joyously, "This is Mondawmin, my friend, who has turned into the Indian Corn! We need no longer depend on hunting, so long as this gift is planted and cared for. The Great Spirit has heard my voice and has sent us this food."

  1. A way to improve hunting methods for his people

  2. A spiritual experience with the Great Spirit

  3. A different way of obtaining food

  4. The strength to vanquish his enemies

  5. The knowledge regarding how plants grow

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

(1) is incorrect– This is not what Wunzh was interested in, but in finding a different way of obtaining food. (2) is incorrect– This is not what Wunzh was interested in, but in finding a different way of obtaining food. (3) is correct – Wunzh was interested in discovering a different way of obtaining food for his people. (4) is incorrect– He was not interested in vanquishing his enemies, but in finding a different way of obtaining food for his people. (5) is incorrect– He was not interested in learning how to grow plants, but in finding a different way of obtaining food for his people.