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 writing a paragraph writing english

Identify the topic sentence:

The Badanga was an object of sheer horror, as his life's object was to challenge quiet villagers to a duel. As the then law of the land stood in the Teda tribe, a man who declined to accept a challenge from a Badanga forfeited all his worldly possessions, even his wife, over to the hands of his challenger. Therefore, the Badanga had any man he challenged at his mercy. If the Badanga slew him, the farmer's possessions became his, and if the poor fellow declined to fight, he lost all legal right to his property anyway. A Badanga would invite himself to any feast and contribute to the hilarity of the entertainment by killing in gory fashion any merrymaker who displeased him. He might even single one out to murder for no other reason than to practice his combat skills. 

  1. Therefore, the Badanga had any man he challenged at his mercy.

  2. He might even single one out to murder for no other reason than to practice his combat skills.

  3. The Badanga was an object of sheer horror, as his life's object was to challenge quiet villagers to a duel.

  4. If the Badanga slew him, the farmer's possessions became his, and if the poor fellow declined to fight, he lost all legal right to his property anyway.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The topic sentence is Option C. A topic sentence depicts the overall idea of the paragraph in brief and here, why the people feared the Badanga, has been mentioned appropriately. Options A, B and C are incorrect as they describe the various ways in which the Badanga worried the people and each of them are a part of the reasons why people feared them but these sentences do not provide an overview of the situation mentioned in the paragraph.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

Select the best exposition to introduce the given character:

Henry is a very silent child and does not have any friends. 

  1. Henry was a very silent child and did not have any friends.

  2. Once upon a time, there was a boy named Henry who was quiet and did not have any friends.

  3. Say hello to Henry. He is a quiet boy without any friends.

  4. Henry was not fond of people, and people seemed to leave him alone too.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
An exposition is a form of background information given to a character, plot or story, to provide more insight into that character or plot.
Option D: This option introduces the character by saying that 'Henry is a silent child and does not have any friends', without using the exact words again. So, the reader is able to understand the character better, by concluding that Henry does not like people, hence he does not have friends.
So, option D is correct.
Options A, B and C simply state the same words about the character again 'Henry was silent', 'without friends'. These words do not introduce the character 'Henry' or give more information about it. Hence options A, B and C are wrong.
Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

What is the setting of the following text?
(adapted from Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte)

On an afternoon in October, or the beginning of November - a fresh watery afternoon, when the turf and paths were rustling with moist, withered leaves, and the cold blue sky was half hidden by cloudsdark grey streamers, rapidly mounting from the west, and boding abundant rain. I requested my young lady to forego her ramble, because I was certain of showers. She refused; and I unwillingly donned a cloak, and took my umbrella to accompany her on a stroll to the bottom of the park. On one side of the road rose a high, rough bank, where hazels and stunted oaks, with their roots half exposed, held uncertain tenure: the soil was too loose for the latter; and strong winds had blown some nearly horizontal.

  1. Late October or early November, afternoon

  2. End of rainy season

  3. Windy day

  4. Winter afternoon
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Setting states the geographical location, culture and hour. and in the given passage mentions the setting is mentioned as "on an afternoon in October, or the beginning of November" which is pointed out in option A. Therefore option A is the correct answer.

The other options are incorrect because they are not supported by the given passage. 

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

Which of the following passages from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is an example of exposition?

  1. And then the chair was facing Frank, and he saw what was sitting in it. His walking stick fell to the floor with a clatter. He opened his mouth and let out a scream. He was screaming so loudly that he never heard the words the thing in the chair spoke as it raised a wand. There was a flash of green light, a rushing sound, and Frank Bryce crumpled. He was dead before he hit the floor.

  2. Harry was used to getting onto platform nine and three-quarters by now. It was a simple matter of walking straight through the apparently solid barrier dividing platforms nine and ten. The only tricky part was doing this in an unobtrusive way, so as to avoid attracting Muggle attention. They did it in groups today; Harry, Ron, and Hermione went first; they leaned casually against the barrier, chatting unconcernedly, and slide sideways through it and as they did so, platform nine and three-quarters materialized in front of them.

  3. There were rocks littering the lake bottom. He dived and snatched up a particularly jagged one and returned to the statue. He began to hack at the ropes binding Ron, and after several minutes hard work, they broke apart. Ron floated, unconscious, a few inches above the lake bottom, drifting a little in the ebb of the water.

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

An exposition introduces background information about events, settings and characters in a story.

An exposition helps the reader understand the story better, by describing a person or a scene.
Option B: This paragraph describes a scene where the character Harry, Ron and Hermione walk through platform nine and three-quarters. Hence this is an example of an exposition and option B is correct.
Options A and C: These passages contain significant plot actions 'Frank Bryce...was dead before he hit the floor' and 'Ron floated above the lake bottom...'
Expositions do not reveal plot actions, hence options A and C are wrong.
Option D is wrong because A and C are also wrong.

Multiple choice

How can the kaiyoshin of the univers 10 can wait two years to say his wish to shenlong?

  1. He practice all that two years

  2. He meditate

  3. He took a magical ring that can make the time go faster.

  4. He wahit the two years doing nothing.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Gowasu used the Time Ring to travel through time and wait for the two-year period. The Time Ring allows Kaioshins to navigate through different time periods effectively. This supernatural device bypasses normal time constraints.

Multiple choice

What was Orihime supposed to do in the Tanabata story?

  1. Marry a prince

  2. Grant wishes

  3. Weave beautiful clothes

  4. Weave gold for her father
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Orihime is the weaver princess in the Tanabata story, known for her skill in weaving beautiful clothes for the gods.

Multiple choice biology caskets of life observation of cells observing cells cell as structural and functional unit

Geeta was asked to prepare a temporary mount of onion peel and list the steps. While writing, she wrote the following steps, which may not be in proper sequence. The correct sequence would be
(i)   Add a few drops of safranin stain and transfer to a slide.
(ii)  Cover it with a coverslip.
(iii) Add a drop of glycerine.
(iv) Take out onion peel.
(v)  Keep the peel in water in a petri dish.

  1. i, ii, iii, iv, v

  2. iv, v, iii, ii, i

  3. iv, v, i, iii, ii

  4. v, iv, i, iii, ii
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Initially, onion peel has to be taken out.
Then, keep the onion peel in water in a petridish. This will remove the impurities sticked to onion peel. 
Then, add a few drops of safranine stain and transfer to a slide.
Then, add a drop of glycerine on onion peel. This step prevents the peel from drying out. 
Then, cover it with a cover slip for observing it under the microscope and to study the cell pattern. 

Multiple choice history new political formations in the eighteenth century causes of decline of the mughal empire decline of mughal empire downfall of mughal empire

"In the time of Sher Shah if an old woman travelled with basket full of gold on her head through a forest the robbers and the thieves dared not come near her." This statement shows that __________________________ .

  1. It was a reign of terror

  2. there was no robber and thief

  3. the gold had no value at that time

  4. they were afraid of the punishment inflicted to them by the strict administration of Sher Shah
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Sher Shah Suri was a benevolent ruler and was one of the most excellent administrators of medieval India. His administration was very efficient but a bit strict. Because of his strictness and impartiality in the decision, robbers and dacoits had a fear of severe punishment. Due to which there were no robbery and theft during his reign

Multiple choice history europe in the middle ages feudal systems in europe peoples of the americas and oceania medieval america and decline of feudalism feudalism
"To William most glorious duke of the Aquitanians, bishop Fulbert the favor of his prayers. Asked to write something concerning of fealty, I have noted briefly for you on the authority of the books the things which follow. He who swears fealty to his lord ought always to have six things in memory; what is harmless, safe, honorable, useful, easy, practicable."

This passage describes__________________.

  1. The duties of serfs.

  2. The duties of vassals.

  3. The duties of the nobility.

  4. The duties of the clergy.

  5. The duties of a king.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Multiple choice history greek, roman and american civilisations europe in the middle ages feudal systems in europe peoples of the americas and oceania

Here we shall gather the manifestation, the declaration, the account of the sowing and the dawning by the Framer and the Shaper, She Who Has Borne Children and He Who Has Begotten Sons, as they are called Creator of the Green Earth and Creator of the Blue Sky, as they are called. These collectively are evoked and given expression as the Midwife and the Patriarch, whose names are Xpiyacoc and Xmucane, the Protector and the Shelterer, Twice Midwife and Twice Patriarch, as they are called in Quich traditions. They gave voice to all things and accomplished their purpose in purity of being and in truth.
All then was measured and staked out into four divisions, doubling over and stretching the measuring cords of the womb of sky and the womb of earth. Thus were established the four corners, the four sides, as it is said, by the Framer and the Shaper, the Mother and the Father of life and all creation, the giver of breath and the giver of heart, they who give birth and give heart to the light everlasting, the child of light born of woman and the son of light born of man, they who are compassionate and wise in all thingsall that exists in the sky and on the earth, in the lakes and in the sea.

Based on this excerpt from the Popol Vuh, a sacred Mayan text, what can be inferred about gender relationships in Mayan society?

  1. The Mayans were a patriarchal society.

  2. The Mayans were a matriarchal society.

  3. The Mayans favored the roles of men over women.

  4. The Mayans favored the roles of women over men.

  5. The Mayans were relatively egalitarian.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Mayans were a patriarchal society.

Multiple choice history the middle ages europe in the middle ages feudal systems in europe medieval america and decline of feudalism

What did the priest tell people about what would happen when they die?

  1. Their souls would be tortured for their sins

  2. They will reincarnate after 3 days of their death if they lived a good life

  3. They will reincarnate after 3 days of their death

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

After the fall of the Roman empire in the fifth century, the Church appeared as the new dominant power of Europe. Like the Romans, they had their capital in Rome and they had their own emperor – the Pope. In the Middle Ages, almost everyone believed strictly in the doctrine of the Church, which meant they believed they were either going to heaven or hell when they died. The Medieval Church inherited and taught the doctrine of original sin, the belief that all human beings share in collective guilt as a result of the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden in the Fall of Humankind, together with an ongoing predisposition to disobey God. Mortal, or ‘deadly', sins were wrong acts committed consciously and deliberately. They, therefore, placed the soul in serious danger and the Church taught that, in normal circumstances, they could only be forgiven through the sacrament of penance and by confession to a priest. It was said that people who die with mortal sins in their hearts are condemned to hell for all eternity. Put another way, people who hide from God’s mercy and refuse communion with him are “left” alone for all eternity. Hence, Option A is correct. Among the rest, reincarnation was attributed only to the son of God, Jesus Christ, and no other mortals. Hence, these are incorrect. 


Multiple choice drama reading comprehension english

Prentice: My wife is talking of my secretary sir. She's been missing for some time.

Geraldine: I'm Geraldine Barclay. Looking for part-time secretarial work. I've been certified insane.

Rance (to Mrs Prentice): Ignore these random reflections. They're an essential factor in the patient's condition. (to Dr Prentice) Does she have the same name as your secretary?

Prentice: She's taken my secretary's name as her "nom-de-folie". Although morally reprehensible, there's little we can do legally, I'm afraid.

Rance (drying his hands): It seems a trifle capricious but the insane are famous for their wild ways.

Mrs Prentice: I shall contact the employment agency. Miss Barclay can't have vanished into thin air.

She goes into the hall. Dr Prentice pours himself a drink.

Prentice: My wife is unfamiliar with the habits of young women, sir. I've known many who could vanish into thin air. And some who took a delight in doing so.

Dr Rance puts on a white coat.

Rance: In my experience, young women vanish only at midnight and after a heavy meal.

The passage above belongs to a

  1. political enactment

  2. tragedy

  3. historical play

  4. farce
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

At the very beginning we are made aware that passage is a farce- someone who is certified as insane is looking for a secretarial job. Farce is a dramatic work that entertains using buffoonery, horseplay and highly improbable situations. All these characterize the given passage. So, the answer is option D. 

Multiple choice drama reading comprehension english

Read the passage and accordingly, fill in the blank:

Aegeon: Not know my voice! O time's extremity,
Not know my voice! O time's extremity,

Hast thou so crack'd and splitted my poor tongue
In seven short years, that here my only son
Knows not my feeble key of untuned cares?
Though now this grained face of mine be hid
In sap-consuming winter's drizzled snow,
And all the conduits of my blood froze up,
Yet hath my night of life some memory,
My wasting lamps some fading glimmer left,
My dull deaf ears a little use to hear:
All these old witnesses--I cannot err--
Tell me thou art my son Antipholus.

Antipholus of Ephesus: I never saw my father in my life.

Aegeon: But seven years since, in Syracusa, boy,
Thou know'st we parted: but perhaps, my son,
Thou shamest to acknowledge me in misery.

Antipholus of Ephesus: The duke and all that know me in the city
Can witness with me that it is not so
I ne'er saw Syracusa in my life.

Duke Solinus: I tell thee, Syracusian, twenty years
Have I been patron to Antipholus,
During which time he ne'er saw Syracusa:
I see thy age and dangers make thee dote.

Re-enter AEMILIA, with ANTIPHOLUS of Syracuse and DROMIO of Syracuse

Aemilia: Most mighty duke, behold a man much wrong'd

All gather to see them

Adriana: I see two husbands, or mine eyes deceive me.

Duke Solinus: One of these men is Genius to the other;
And so of these. Which is the natural man,
And which the spirit? who deciphers them?

Dromio of Syracuse: I, sir, am Dromio; command him away.

Dromio of Ephesus: I, sir, am Dromio; pray, let me stay.

The passage above is an extract from a ___________.

  1. tragedy

  2. farce

  3. political play

  4. historical enactment
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Farce is a comic dramatic work that uses exaggerations and highly improbable situations to entertain. The given passage is characterized by all these elements. So, the passage can be classified as a farce. Option B is the correct answer.

Multiple choice drama reading comprehension english

Enter BASSANIO, LORENZO, and GRATIANO

SALANIO

Here comes Bassanio, your most noble kinsman,
Gratiano and Lorenzo. Fare ye well:
We leave you now with better company.

SALARINO

I would have stay'd till I had made you merry,
If worthier friends had not prevented me.

What does the line 'Enter Bassanio, Lorenzo and Gratiano' indicate?

 

  1. stage direction

  2. aside

  3. soliloquy

  4. climax
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The line 'Enter Bassanio, Lorenzo and Gratiano' indicates that the characters are about to enter the scene of the play. Thus, it's a stage direction. Hence, Option A is correct and the other options are not.