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 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

The multi-level hierarchical pie chart shows the population of animals in a reserve forest. The correct conclusions from this information are:

(i) Butterflies are birds. (ii) There are more tigers in this forest than red ants. (iii) All reptiles in this forest are either snakes or crocodiles. (iv) Elephants are the largest mammals in this forest.

  1. (i) and (ii) only

  2. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

  3. (i), (iii) and (iv) only

  4. (i), (ii) and (iii) only
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

(i)    Bird section contains Butterfly also (Right) (ii)   Tiger section covers more area on pi-chart the red-ant so they are in large number (Right) (iii)  There are only two kind of reptiles are in pie-chart; snakes & crocodile (Right) (iv)  Pi-chart did not representing about the size of animals so we can’t say anything about size (wrong)

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, four statements are provided between an opening statement and a closing statement. The four statements are jumbled up and form a coherent paragraph when properly arranged. Select the alternative representing the proper and logical sequencing of these six taken together.

  1. Where other people found it acceptable to say that trees and cities fell or winter followed summer because gods were squabbling, some Greeks began to appeal to law. A. Even Zeus, the greatest of the gods, is subject to destiny. B. Things happened as they did because there were timeless, and unintended relationships between different and discoverable factors. C. At first that law was simply Destiny that nothing is allowed to grow too high means that everything has limit. D. But if Zeus does not or cannot, by his arbitrary choice, subvert that law, perhaps we can do without him.
  2. Other people found it easiest to defend particular stories by appeal to the chosen texts, some Greeks demanded reasons.

  1. DACB

  2. DBCA

  3. BCDA

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

First of all, let us try to find links in the para jumble to work out the answer. Statement 1 is a stationary statement given to us. Now, when we go through the rest of the statements, we find a mention of Zeus in two statements - A and D. So, they should occur together thereby eliminating choice (2). Also, Zeus has been introduced in statement A and then referred to in statement D. Therefore, the sequence should be A followed by D(A $ \to $ D). Keeping this in mind, we have only one answer choice i.e. (4). Moreover the word law is mentioned in the end of line 1. This is elaborated in line C. Hence only option beginning with C is option 4.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, four statements are provided between an opening statement and a closing statement. The four statements are jumbled up and form a coherent paragraph when properly arranged. Select the alternative representing the proper and logical sequencing of these six taken together.

  1. Like other social animals we signaled to each other, marked out our favourite routes, played with children established hierarchies and listened to the experienced elders. A. There were warriors then, and, gardeners, builders, weavers, nurses, cooks, craftsmen and magicians. B. Why brothers and sisters must no longer mate, why we age and die, and why there is anything? C. There were probably also people with a reputation for recounting marvels, bringing messages from the sky or from our ancestors. D. The earliest tales seek to explain why nonhuman animals no longer speak in human tongues, why the sky no longer rests upon the earth.
  2. Some told more elaborate stories to accommodate what seemed to be mistaken.

  1. DBAC

  2. BCDA

  3. ACBD

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

If we look at statements D & B, we find that D asks a question in its latter part and B further poses questions on the same lines. So, they should occur together in the same sequence D $ \to $B.  This leaves us with choices (1) & (4).  A and C also form a good link as both of them speak of the kinds of people found in the olden days. So, even they should occur with each other. Hence, (1) is the answer.

Multiple choice

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

When you take a fish out of the ocean and throw it on the bank – the misery and the suffering and the torture and the hankering and the effort to reach back to the oceans because it is where the fish belongs. Any suffering is simply indicative that you are not in communion with existence that the fish is not in the ocean. When a dewdrop slips from a lotus leaf into the ocean it does not find that it is part of the ocean, it finds it is the ocean. And to find it is the ultimate goal, the ultimate realization. There is nothing beyond it. I don’t want anybody to stand between the individual and existence.

You are here, every individual is here, and the whole existence is available.

According to you, what is the theme of the passage?

  1. Death is the truth of life.

  2. We suffer when we are not in tune with ourselves.

  3. When we are not in meditation, we are separated from our existence and that is our suffering.

  4. None of these

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

Two examples – “Fish” and “dew drops” – cited here support the theme of the passage, i.e. when we meditate, all the barriers of thoughts, emotions and sentiments drop and we feel ourselves in tune with whole; not only in tune, we become whole. In this light, (1) is ruled out. Of (2) and (3), (2) seems to denote half truth. Hence, (3) is the answer.

Multiple choice theme, main idea and purpose of a passage reading comprehension english
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

Once upon a time, I went for a week's holiday to the Continent with an Indian friend. We both enjoyed ourselves and were sorry when the week was over, but on parting our behaviour was absolutely different. He was plunged in despair. He felt that because the holiday was overall happiness was over until the world ended. He could not express his sorrow too much. But in me, the Englishman came out strong. I could not see what there was to make a fuss about. It wasn't as if we were parting forever or dying. 'Buck up', I said, 'do buck up'. He refused to buck up and I left him plunged in gloom. 


What is the author's intention in the passage?

  1. To contact the Indian character with the English character

  2. To show that an Indian is sorrowful

  3. To ridicule the Indian traditions

  4. To praise the Englishman
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The given passage shows the Indian as sorrowful and gloomy. Thus option B is the correct answer. Options B,C and D are incorrect.

Multiple choice capitalization punctuation english

william blake famously hoped, "to see a world in a grain of sand, / and heaven in a wild flower, / hold infinity in the palm of your hand / and eternity in an hour."

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. William blake famously hoped, "to see a world in a grain of sand, / and heaven in a wild flower, / hold infinity in the palm of your hand / and eternity in an hour."

  3. William Blake famously hoped, "To see a world in a grain of sand, / and heaven in a wild flower, / hold infinity in the palm of your hand / and eternity in an hour."

  4. William Blake famously hoped, "To see a world in a grain of sand, / And heaven in a wild flower, / Hold infinity in the palm of your hand / And eternity in an hour."
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
According to general rule, the first word of a sentence is always capitalized. Capitals are used for all proper nouns in a sentence, such as names of people.
The first letter of each beginning word in a line of poetry is capitalized. This is how poetry is distinguished from other art forms traditionally.
Thus, according to rules, the correct answer is Option D. The remaining options are incorrect.

Multiple choice writing a paragraph writing english

Identify the best topic sentence for the following paragraph:

Thousands of people are born each day. The population of the world has already exceeded seven billion. If the present growth rate remains unchecked, the world may soon face wide-spread starvation, poverty, and serious health problems. _________________________________ (topic sentence). 

  1. It is, therefore, predicted that most of the world's population will suffer from serious health problems in the near future.

  2. One of the most serious issues is the population boom in third world countries.

  3. The exponentially rising world population is the most important issue the world needs to address.

  4. We need to take active steps to curb the rising population.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The best topic sentence is Option C as it mentions, that the rising population is a global threat, in brief.  A topic sentence depicts the overall idea of the paragraph in brief and this option does it appropriately. Option A is incorrect as it only focuses on health problems. Option B is incorrect as it only focuses on the problem of third world countries. Option D is incorrect as it only mentions about finding a solution to this problem.

Multiple choice writing a paragraph writing english

Identify the topic sentence:

As a result of depleting oil reserves and increasing environmental concerns, radical developments in car design have emerged. To find an alternative to conventional gasoline engines, researchers are experimenting with different types of fuels and engines. An engine which uses diesel oil instead of gasoline has been in existence for many years. There is also the gas turbine engine, which can utilize fuels made from gasoline, diesel oil, kerosene and other petroleum distillates. Finally, many automobile manufacturers are testing methanol as a fuel. Hopefully, a breakthrough in these areas will relieve the overstretched oil market as well as the environment.

  1. As a result of depleting oil reserves and increasing environmental concerns, radical developments in car design have emerged.

  2. Finally, many automobile manufacturers are testing methanol as a fuel.

  3. Hopefully, a breakthrough in these areas will relieve the overstretched oil market as well as the environment.

  4. To find an alternative to conventional gasoline engines, researchers are experimenting with different types of fuels and engines.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The correct topic sentence is Option A. A topic sentence depicts the overall idea of the paragraph in brief. The paragraph is about finding alternate fuel options for locomotives due to declining oil reserves and the topic sentence mentions in appropriately. Options B and D are incorrect as they both depict one of the possibilities but not the overall idea. Option C is incorrect as it states a probable result but not the complete idea in brief.

Multiple choice writing a paragraph writing english

Select the best topic sentence for the given paragraph:

Since scientists can now work at the level of genes, animal breeding for desired features may soon become obsolete. Many people support genetic engineering, arguing that several genetic changes will be very beneficial and free of potential harm. They claim that as long as there are safeguards, humans would be foolish to not take advantage of genetic engineering. However, some people have seen the speed at which gene manipulation can get out of control, mixing species so that plant and animal are no longer discernible. They wish to turn back time. But can they?

  1. There are many cases where gene manipulation has gone out of hand.

  2. Whether people agree or not, genetic engineering has benefitted society in many ways.

  3. Bizarre hybrids are the biggest fear of people who do not support genetic engineering.

  4. Although it is still debatable whether genetic engineering will provide the benefits it promises without the dangers, it is definitely here to stay.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The best topic sentence is Option D as it depicts both the positive and negative of the genetic engineering procedure briefly. A topic sentence depicts the overall idea of the paragraph in brief and Option D does that appropriately. Options A and C are incorrect as they only focus on the negatives of the procedure. Option B is incorrect as it only mentions the positive of the procedure.

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 writing a paragraph writing english

Identify the topic sentence:

What do you prefer: oceans or lakes? Oceans and lakes have many similarities, but they also possess many differences. Both are water bodies, but oceans are very large bodies of salt water, while lakes are much smaller bodies of fresh water. Lakes are usually surrounded by land, while oceans surround continents. Both are inhabited by plants and animals. The ocean is home to the largest animals on the planet, whereas lakes support much smaller life-forms. Both are ideal places to visit and enjoy during your vacations.

  1. What do you prefer: oceans or lakes?

  2. Oceans and lakes have many similarities, but they also possess many differences.

  3. Both are ideal places to visit and enjoy during your vacations.

  4. Both are water bodies, but oceans are very large bodies of salt water, while lakes are much smaller bodies of fresh water.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The correct topic sentence is Option B. A topic sentence depicts the overall idea of the paragraph in brief and here Option B serves the purpose as the paragraph compares the lakes and oceans in various ways. Option A is incorrect as it introduces us to the paragraph but does not clearly mention the content in brief. Options C and D are incorrect as they only depict certain factors on which the lakes and oceans are compared and are a part of the paragraph but they do not suit the purpose of a topic sentence.

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.