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.

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English Reading Comprehension Questions

Multiple choice

Which of these fits gap 22?

Directions: Complete this passage by selecting the most suitable option for the corresponding gap.

Yawning is an involuntary ______ (21) ______ in which your mouth opens up wide and you inhale deeply followed by exhaling. When you say involuntary, this means that you have no _____ (22) ____ over this action much like other reflexes such as blinking or sneezing. Yawns are not _____ (23) ______ only to human beings as all other animals do this. Although there is no _____ (24) _____ proof as to why we yawn, some researchers have a theory that yawning is a process used to cool our brains off.

  1. trust

  2. freedom

  3. restriction

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

Involuntary means something you did not specifically intend on doing or had no control over.

Multiple choice

Which of these fits gap 18?

Directions: Complete this passage by selecting the most suitable option for the corresponding gap.
All rocks ______ (17) _______ formed in the same way.
One kind of rock, called “sedimentary rock,” is formed by sediment. Sandstones and lime–stones are _____ (18) _______ sedimentary rocks.
Since they are ______ (19) _______ in layers which are called “strata,” these rocks are called “stratified” rocks.
The tiny particles of which such rocks are made are usually rounded, since the sharp edges and corners ______ (20) _____ worn off while the particles were being rolled along stream beds, washed by the waves, or blown by winds.

  1. called

  2. rare

  3. typical

  4. somewhat
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Sandstones and lime-stones are two particular examples of sediment rocks.

Multiple choice

Which of these fits gap 19?

Directions: Complete this passage by selecting the most suitable option for the corresponding gap.
All rocks ______ (17) _______ formed in the same way.
One kind of rock, called “sedimentary rock,” is formed by sediment. Sandstones and lime–stones are _____ (18) _______ sedimentary rocks.
Since they are ______ (19) _______ in layers which are called “strata,” these rocks are called “stratified” rocks.
The tiny particles of which such rocks are made are usually rounded, since the sharp edges and corners ______ (20) _____ worn off while the particles were being rolled along stream beds, washed by the waves, or blown by winds.

  1. taken in

  2. laid down

  3. pushed out

  4. pulled up
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

They lie or are laid down in a particular structure.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'rather' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option from each list according to the corresponding number in the passage.
A candle's beauty is not preatiness (1) of colour or shape, but rather (2) something else: "Not the best-looking thing, but the best-acting thing." A candle taps (3) all of the known laws of the universe.
The heat of the flame melts the wax and draws up (4) currents of air to cool the wax at the periphery, thus creating a cup (5) for the molten wax, which remains horizontal thanks (6) to gravity - "the same force of gravity which holds worlds together". Capillary action draws the melted wax up the wick from cup to flame, while the flame's heat triggers (7) a chemical reaction in the wax that sustains (8) the flame.

  1. truly

  2. mainly

  3. actually

  4. differently
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The real reason or the actual reason is being talked about.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'sustains' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option from each list according to the corresponding number in the passage.
A candle's beauty is not preatiness (1) of colour or shape, but rather (2) something else: "Not the best-looking thing, but the best-acting thing." A candle taps (3) all of the known laws of the universe.
The heat of the flame melts the wax and draws up (4) currents of air to cool the wax at the periphery, thus creating a cup (5) for the molten wax, which remains horizontal thanks (6) to gravity - "the same force of gravity which holds worlds together". Capillary action draws the melted wax up the wick from cup to flame, while the flame's heat triggers (7) a chemical reaction in the wax that sustains (8) the flame.

  1. replaces

  2. converts

  3. maintains

  4. neglects
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Here sustains means maintains, that is it helps in keeping the flame going.

Multiple choice

Which of these fits gap 21?

Directions: Complete this passage by selecting the most suitable option for the corresponding gap.
Gorilla, chimpanzee and orangutan are some of the animals which resemble man in many _____ (21) _____. Among these animals, chimpanzee has the _____ (22) _____ resemblance to man. In fact, the bone structure of all these animals has many similarities to that of man. Their constitution and the number of their teeth are _____ (23) ______ to ours. Like human beings, they too have wrinkles on their forehead. Their skulls are also like ours. Even their blood is similar to ours. _____ (24) ______ , they cannot speak like us.

  1. conditions

  2. respects

  3. types

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

In many areas or ways, the resemblance can be noted.

Multiple choice

Which of these fits gap 23?

Directions: Complete this passage by selecting the most suitable option for the corresponding gap.
Gorilla, chimpanzee and orangutan are some of the animals which resemble man in many _____ (21) _____. Among these animals, chimpanzee has the _____ (22) _____ resemblance to man. In fact, the bone structure of all these animals has many similarities to that of man. Their constitution and the number of their teeth are _____ (23) ______ to ours. Like human beings, they too have wrinkles on their forehead. Their skulls are also like ours. Even their blood is similar to ours. _____ (24) ______ , they cannot speak like us.

  1. more

  2. just like

  3. similar

  4. better
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

We cannot fit in 'just like' because of the used of the preposition 'to'. Hence, they are similar to ours.

Multiple choice

Which of these fits gap 22?

Directions: Complete this passage by selecting the most suitable option for the corresponding gap.
Gorilla, chimpanzee and orangutan are some of the animals which resemble man in many _____ (21) _____. Among these animals, chimpanzee has the _____ (22) _____ resemblance to man. In fact, the bone structure of all these animals has many similarities to that of man. Their constitution and the number of their teeth are _____ (23) ______ to ours. Like human beings, they too have wrinkles on their forehead. Their skulls are also like ours. Even their blood is similar to ours. _____ (24) ______ , they cannot speak like us.

  1. distant

  2. less

  3. most

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

Chimpanzee most nearly matches man.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'thanks' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option from each list according to the corresponding number in the passage.
A candle's beauty is not preatiness (1) of colour or shape, but rather (2) something else: "Not the best-looking thing, but the best-acting thing." A candle taps (3) all of the known laws of the universe.
The heat of the flame melts the wax and draws up (4) currents of air to cool the wax at the periphery, thus creating a cup (5) for the molten wax, which remains horizontal thanks (6) to gravity - "the same force of gravity which holds worlds together". Capillary action draws the melted wax up the wick from cup to flame, while the flame's heat triggers (7) a chemical reaction in the wax that sustains (8) the flame.

  1. recognition

  2. due

  3. because

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

'Thanks' to gravity here means it happens because of gravity. Therefore, 'due' will replace 'thanks'.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'triggers' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option from each list according to the corresponding number in the passage.
A candle's beauty is not preatiness (1) of colour or shape, but rather (2) something else: "Not the best-looking thing, but the best-acting thing." A candle taps (3) all of the known laws of the universe.
The heat of the flame melts the wax and draws up (4) currents of air to cool the wax at the periphery, thus creating a cup (5) for the molten wax, which remains horizontal thanks (6) to gravity - "the same force of gravity which holds worlds together". Capillary action draws the melted wax up the wick from cup to flame, while the flame's heat triggers (7) a chemical reaction in the wax that sustains (8) the flame.

  1. creates

  2. activates

  3. ceases

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

'Triggers' means starts up or activates.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'taps' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option from each list according to the corresponding number in the passage.
A candle's beauty is not preatiness (1) of colour or shape, but rather (2) something else: "Not the best-looking thing, but the best-acting thing." A candle taps (3) all of the known laws of the universe.
The heat of the flame melts the wax and draws up (4) currents of air to cool the wax at the periphery, thus creating a cup (5) for the molten wax, which remains horizontal thanks (6) to gravity - "the same force of gravity which holds worlds together". Capillary action draws the melted wax up the wick from cup to flame, while the flame's heat triggers (7) a chemical reaction in the wax that sustains (8) the flame.

  1. stops

  2. calls

  3. uses

  4. takes up
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The burning of a candle involves use of several laws of the universe.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'cup' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option from each list according to the corresponding number in the passage.
A candle's beauty is not preatiness (1) of colour or shape, but rather (2) something else: "Not the best-looking thing, but the best-acting thing." A candle taps (3) all of the known laws of the universe.
The heat of the flame melts the wax and draws up (4) currents of air to cool the wax at the periphery, thus creating a cup (5) for the molten wax, which remains horizontal thanks (6) to gravity - "the same force of gravity which holds worlds together". Capillary action draws the melted wax up the wick from cup to flame, while the flame's heat triggers (7) a chemical reaction in the wax that sustains (8) the flame.

  1. trophy

  2. beaker

  3. hollow

  4. piece
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The edges of a burning candle are a little raised and the centre is depressed as in a hollow.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'draws up' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option from each list according to the corresponding number in the passage.
A candle's beauty is not preatiness (1) of colour or shape, but rather (2) something else: "Not the best-looking thing, but the best-acting thing." A candle taps (3) all of the known laws of the universe.
The heat of the flame melts the wax and draws up (4) currents of air to cool the wax at the periphery, thus creating a cup (5) for the molten wax, which remains horizontal thanks (6) to gravity - "the same force of gravity which holds worlds together". Capillary action draws the melted wax up the wick from cup to flame, while the flame's heat triggers (7) a chemical reaction in the wax that sustains (8) the flame.

  1. obtains

  2. carries

  3. provides

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

It makes use of the currents of air to cool the wax at the periphery

Multiple choice

Which of these fits gap 18?

Directions: Complete this passage by selecting the most suitable option for the corresponding gap.
The word ‘petroleum’ _____ (17) _____ from the two Latin words ‘petra’ and ‘oleum’ meaning rock and oil respectively.
Intense pressure and heat inside the earth converted the decomposed plants and animals _______ (18) ______ petroleum.
Scientists have ______ (19) ______ in synthesising petrol by some artificial techniques also, but petrol prepared in this way is costlier.
It is found in many countries but mainly in Gulf countries, USA and Russia. In India, it is _____ (20) ______ found in Assam and Bombay High.

  1. into

  2. under

  3. towards

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

The decomposed plants and animals converted into petroleum.

Multiple choice

Which of these fits gap 20?

Directions: Complete this passage by selecting the most suitable option for the corresponding gap.
The word ‘petroleum’ _____ (17) _____ from the two Latin words ‘petra’ and ‘oleum’ meaning rock and oil respectively.
Intense pressure and heat inside the earth converted the decomposed plants and animals _______ (18) ______ petroleum.
Scientists have ______ (19) ______ in synthesising petrol by some artificial techniques also, but petrol prepared in this way is costlier.
It is found in many countries but mainly in Gulf countries, USA and Russia. In India, it is _____ (20) ______ found in Assam and Bombay High.

  1. least

  2. mostly

  3. maximally

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

The meaning that is intended to be conveyed here is that it is chiefly found in Assam and Bombay High. Therefore, mostly is the appropriate option here.