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

Directions: Choose the correct answer for the following according to the reading passage.

The Rolls Royce Company, we can understand from the passage,

THE AGE OF THE CLASSIC CARS
The 1920s saw the emergence of the great European producers—Austin, Morris, Singer, Fiat, and Citroën. Universal motor transportation, that is, transportation for all, was a long way off, but the idea of the small car was made real in the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino. These two cars were modelled on the Italian Ettore Bugatti's tiny Bébé Peugeot of 1911, which was to have a very deep effect.
The decade 1925–35 was notable not only for the appearance of many new small automobiles but also for the building of many ultra-large ones. The years from 1925 to 1942 are remembered by collectors of automobiles as the classic years, a period that saw the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seemed unlikely to reach again.
The first name in this field was Rolls-Royce, founded in 1904. Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car, called the Twenty, and it has throughout its history produced fast models in addition to its regular line—e.g., after World War II, the Continental, built under the Bentley Motors Ltd. label.
Other motorcars of this type included the Hispano-Suiza of Spain and France; the Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, Talbot (Darracq), and Voisin of France; the Duesenberg, Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow of the United States; the Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz of Germany; the Belgian Minerva; and the Italian Isotta-Fraschini. These were costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000; fast (90 to 130 miles per hour); as comfortable as the state of the art would allow; and limited in luxury only by the purse of the purchaser. The great custom coach (made according to the demands of the customer) builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines, were able to meet any thing that their clients asked, and were prepared to satisfy any request, whether for upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood.
The most expensive standard automobile of which there exists convincing record was the Type 41 Bugatti, produced in the 1920s by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian of extraordinary gifts who built cars in France, most of them racing and sports types, from 1909 to 1939. The Type 41 Bugatti, also called La Royale, was cataloged at a chassis price of 500,000 francs, about $20,000. Only six of the cars were built.

The market collapse of 1929 ended the era of the really luxurious motorcar. After World War II even Rolls-Royce abandoned its policy of producing a standard chassis with custom-made bodies and offered a standard sedan that could be bought straight off the showroom floor.
  1. was involved only in manufacturing the body of their car.

  2. had the body manufactured by others, but made the chassis by themselves.

  3. was concerned about making the car available to the ordinary people.

  4. made both body and chassis by themselves.

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

The passage states that 'Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car, called the Twenty.' It then describes how 'The great custom coach builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines' would create custom bodies. This clearly indicates that Rolls-Royce made the chassis themselves but had bodies made by custom coach builders.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and choose the option that replaces the following.

Cloth used for covering a seat

THE AGE OF THE CLASSIC CARS
The 1920s saw the emergence of the great European producers—Austin, Morris, Singer, Fiat, and Citroën. Universal motor transportation, that is, transportation for all, was a long way off, but the idea of the small car was made real in the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino. These two cars were modelled on the Italian Ettore Bugatti's tiny Bébé Peugeot of 1911, which was to have a very deep effect.
The decade 1925–35 was notable not only for the appearance of many new small automobiles but also for the building of many ultra-large ones. The years from 1925 to 1942 are remembered by collectors of automobiles as the classic years, a period that saw the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seemed unlikely to reach again.
The first name in this field was Rolls-Royce, founded in 1904. Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car, called the Twenty, and it has throughout its history produced fast models in addition to its regular line—e.g., after World War II, the Continental, built under the Bentley Motors Ltd. label.
Other motorcars of this type included the Hispano-Suiza of Spain and France; the Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, Talbot (Darracq), and Voisin of France; the Duesenberg, Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow of the United States; the Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz of Germany; the Belgian Minerva; and the Italian Isotta-Fraschini. These were costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000; fast (90 to 130 miles per hour); as comfortable as the state of the art would allow; and limited in luxury only by the purse of the purchaser. The great custom coach (made according to the demands of the customer) builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines, were able to meet any thing that their clients asked, and were prepared to satisfy any request, whether for upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood.
The most expensive standard automobile of which there exists convincing record was the Type 41 Bugatti, produced in the 1920s by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian of extraordinary gifts who built cars in France, most of them racing and sports types, from 1909 to 1939. The Type 41 Bugatti, also called La Royale, was cataloged at a chassis price of 500,000 francs, about $20,000. Only six of the cars were built.

The market collapse of 1929 ended the era of the really luxurious motorcar. After World War II even Rolls-Royce abandoned its policy of producing a standard chassis with custom-made bodies and offered a standard sedan that could be bought straight off the showroom floor.
  1. Umbrella

  2. Upholstery

  3. Lettuce

  4. Mattress

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

Upholstery is the cloth or material used to cover seats and furniture. The passage mentions 'upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons' as an example of the luxury features that custom coach builders could provide. This directly relates to the definition of upholstery as seat covering material. The other options (umbrella, lettuce, mattress) are unrelated to seat coverings.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the correct answer for the following according to the reading passage.

From the passage we can understand that the car was mostly

THE AGE OF THE CLASSIC CARS
The 1920s saw the emergence of the great European producers—Austin, Morris, Singer, Fiat, and Citroën. Universal motor transportation, that is, transportation for all, was a long way off, but the idea of the small car was made real in the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino. These two cars were modelled on the Italian Ettore Bugatti's tiny Bébé Peugeot of 1911, which was to have a very deep effect.
The decade 1925–35 was notable not only for the appearance of many new small automobiles but also for the building of many ultra-large ones. The years from 1925 to 1942 are remembered by collectors of automobiles as the classic years, a period that saw the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seemed unlikely to reach again.
The first name in this field was Rolls-Royce, founded in 1904. Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car, called the Twenty, and it has throughout its history produced fast models in addition to its regular line—e.g., after World War II, the Continental, built under the Bentley Motors Ltd. label.
Other motorcars of this type included the Hispano-Suiza of Spain and France; the Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, Talbot (Darracq), and Voisin of France; the Duesenberg, Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow of the United States; the Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz of Germany; the Belgian Minerva; and the Italian Isotta-Fraschini. These were costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000; fast (90 to 130 miles per hour); as comfortable as the state of the art would allow; and limited in luxury only by the purse of the purchaser. The great custom coach (made according to the demands of the customer) builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines, were able to meet any thing that their clients asked, and were prepared to satisfy any request, whether for upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood.
The most expensive standard automobile of which there exists convincing record was the Type 41 Bugatti, produced in the 1920s by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian of extraordinary gifts who built cars in France, most of them racing and sports types, from 1909 to 1939. The Type 41 Bugatti, also called La Royale, was cataloged at a chassis price of 500,000 francs, about $20,000. Only six of the cars were built.

The market collapse of 1929 ended the era of the really luxurious motorcar. After World War II even Rolls-Royce abandoned its policy of producing a standard chassis with custom-made bodies and offered a standard sedan that could be bought straight off the showroom floor.
  1. owned by the rich and the middle classes.

  2. owned by the rich only.

  3. built for individual owners who had different ideas about how a car should be.

  4. designed by individual owners.

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

The passage emphasizes that custom coach builders 'were able to meet any thing that their clients asked, and were prepared to satisfy any request.' This shows that cars were built according to individual customer specifications - whether for 'upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood.' The phrase 'made according to the demands of the customer' further supports that these were custom-built for individual owners with specific ideas about their ideal car.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and choose the option that replaces the following.

With fine amenities

THE AGE OF THE CLASSIC CARS
The 1920s saw the emergence of the great European producers—Austin, Morris, Singer, Fiat, and Citroën. Universal motor transportation, that is, transportation for all, was a long way off, but the idea of the small car was made real in the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino. These two cars were modelled on the Italian Ettore Bugatti's tiny Bébé Peugeot of 1911, which was to have a very deep effect.
The decade 1925–35 was notable not only for the appearance of many new small automobiles but also for the building of many ultra-large ones. The years from 1925 to 1942 are remembered by collectors of automobiles as the classic years, a period that saw the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seemed unlikely to reach again.
The first name in this field was Rolls-Royce, founded in 1904. Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car, called the Twenty, and it has throughout its history produced fast models in addition to its regular line—e.g., after World War II, the Continental, built under the Bentley Motors Ltd. label.
Other motorcars of this type included the Hispano-Suiza of Spain and France; the Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, Talbot (Darracq), and Voisin of France; the Duesenberg, Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow of the United States; the Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz of Germany; the Belgian Minerva; and the Italian Isotta-Fraschini. These were costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000; fast (90 to 130 miles per hour); as comfortable as the state of the art would allow; and limited in luxury only by the purse of the purchaser. The great custom coach (made according to the demands of the customer) builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines, were able to meet any thing that their clients asked, and were prepared to satisfy any request, whether for upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood.
The most expensive standard automobile of which there exists convincing record was the Type 41 Bugatti, produced in the 1920s by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian of extraordinary gifts who built cars in France, most of them racing and sports types, from 1909 to 1939. The Type 41 Bugatti, also called La Royale, was cataloged at a chassis price of 500,000 francs, about $20,000. Only six of the cars were built.

The market collapse of 1929 ended the era of the really luxurious motorcar. After World War II even Rolls-Royce abandoned its policy of producing a standard chassis with custom-made bodies and offered a standard sedan that could be bought straight off the showroom floor.
  1. Luxurious

  2. Trance

  3. Urban

  4. Majestic

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

The passage describes these classic cars as 'costly machines' that were 'as comfortable as the state of the art would allow; and limited in luxury only by the purse of the purchaser.' The phrase 'limited in luxury only by the purse' indicates they had fine amenities and luxurious features. Examples given include 'upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood' - all representing fine amenities. 'Luxurious' is the word that best captures having fine amenities.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and choose the option that best relates to underlined word(s).

These were costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000.

THE AGE OF THE CLASSIC CARS
The 1920s saw the emergence of the great European producers—Austin, Morris, Singer, Fiat, and Citroën. Universal motor transportation, that is, transportation for all, was a long way off, but the idea of the small car was made real in the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino. These two cars were modelled on the Italian Ettore Bugatti's tiny Bébé Peugeot of 1911, which was to have a very deep effect.
The decade 1925–35 was notable not only for the appearance of many new small automobiles but also for the building of many ultra-large ones. The years from 1925 to 1942 are remembered by collectors of automobiles as the classic years, a period that saw the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seemed unlikely to reach again.
The first name in this field was Rolls-Royce, founded in 1904. Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car, called the Twenty, and it has throughout its history produced fast models in addition to its regular line—e.g., after World War II, the Continental, built under the Bentley Motors Ltd. label.
Other motorcars of this type included the Hispano-Suiza of Spain and France; the Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, Talbot (Darracq), and Voisin of France; the Duesenberg, Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow of the United States; the Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz of Germany; the Belgian Minerva; and the Italian Isotta-Fraschini. These were costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000; fast (90 to 130 miles per hour); as comfortable as the state of the art would allow; and limited in luxury only by the purse of the purchaser. The great custom coach (made according to the demands of the customer) builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines, were able to meet any thing that their clients asked, and were prepared to satisfy any request, whether for upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood.
The most expensive standard automobile of which there exists convincing record was the Type 41 Bugatti, produced in the 1920s by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian of extraordinary gifts who built cars in France, most of them racing and sports types, from 1909 to 1939. The Type 41 Bugatti, also called La Royale, was cataloged at a chassis price of 500,000 francs, about $20,000. Only six of the cars were built.

The market collapse of 1929 ended the era of the really luxurious motorcar. After World War II even Rolls-Royce abandoned its policy of producing a standard chassis with custom-made bodies and offered a standard sedan that could be bought straight off the showroom floor.
  1. The Twenty

  2. The Fiat

  3. The sedan

  4. The Bebe

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and choose the option that best relates to underlined word(s).

The great custom coach builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines were able to meet any thing that their clients asked.

THE AGE OF THE CLASSIC CARS
The 1920s saw the emergence of the great European producers—Austin, Morris, Singer, Fiat, and Citroën. Universal motor transportation, that is, transportation for all, was a long way off, but the idea of the small car was made real in the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino. These two cars were modelled on the Italian Ettore Bugatti's tiny Bébé Peugeot of 1911, which was to have a very deep effect.
The decade 1925–35 was notable not only for the appearance of many new small automobiles but also for the building of many ultra-large ones. The years from 1925 to 1942 are remembered by collectors of automobiles as the classic years, a period that saw the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seemed unlikely to reach again.
The first name in this field was Rolls-Royce, founded in 1904. Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car, called the Twenty, and it has throughout its history produced fast models in addition to its regular line—e.g., after World War II, the Continental, built under the Bentley Motors Ltd. label.
Other motorcars of this type included the Hispano-Suiza of Spain and France; the Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, Talbot (Darracq), and Voisin of France; the Duesenberg, Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow of the United States; the Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz of Germany; the Belgian Minerva; and the Italian Isotta-Fraschini. These were costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000; fast (90 to 130 miles per hour); as comfortable as the state of the art would allow; and limited in luxury only by the purse of the purchaser. The great custom coach (made according to the demands of the customer) builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines, were able to meet any thing that their clients asked, and were prepared to satisfy any request, whether for upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood.
The most expensive standard automobile of which there exists convincing record was the Type 41 Bugatti, produced in the 1920s by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian of extraordinary gifts who built cars in France, most of them racing and sports types, from 1909 to 1939. The Type 41 Bugatti, also called La Royale, was cataloged at a chassis price of 500,000 francs, about $20,000. Only six of the cars were built.

The market collapse of 1929 ended the era of the really luxurious motorcar. After World War II even Rolls-Royce abandoned its policy of producing a standard chassis with custom-made bodies and offered a standard sedan that could be bought straight off the showroom floor.
  1. Bebe Peugeot

  2. Custom Coach Builders

  3. Chassis

  4. Machines

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

In the sentence, the pronoun 'their' refers to the 'great custom coach builders of England.' These builders worked on behalf of their clients (the wealthy customers who commissioned the custom cars). The builders were 'able to meet any thing that their clients asked' - meaning they could fulfill any request from the customers they served. Option B correctly identifies that the custom coach builders are the ones whose clients are being referred to.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and choose the option that replaces the following.

The highest or best point

THE AGE OF THE CLASSIC CARS
The 1920s saw the emergence of the great European producers—Austin, Morris, Singer, Fiat, and Citroën. Universal motor transportation, that is, transportation for all, was a long way off, but the idea of the small car was made real in the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino. These two cars were modelled on the Italian Ettore Bugatti's tiny Bébé Peugeot of 1911, which was to have a very deep effect.
The decade 1925–35 was notable not only for the appearance of many new small automobiles but also for the building of many ultra-large ones. The years from 1925 to 1942 are remembered by collectors of automobiles as the classic years, a period that saw the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seemed unlikely to reach again.
The first name in this field was Rolls-Royce, founded in 1904. Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car, called the Twenty, and it has throughout its history produced fast models in addition to its regular line—e.g., after World War II, the Continental, built under the Bentley Motors Ltd. label.
Other motorcars of this type included the Hispano-Suiza of Spain and France; the Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, Talbot (Darracq), and Voisin of France; the Duesenberg, Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow of the United States; the Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz of Germany; the Belgian Minerva; and the Italian Isotta-Fraschini. These were costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000; fast (90 to 130 miles per hour); as comfortable as the state of the art would allow; and limited in luxury only by the purse of the purchaser. The great custom coach (made according to the demands of the customer) builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines, were able to meet any thing that their clients asked, and were prepared to satisfy any request, whether for upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood.
The most expensive standard automobile of which there exists convincing record was the Type 41 Bugatti, produced in the 1920s by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian of extraordinary gifts who built cars in France, most of them racing and sports types, from 1909 to 1939. The Type 41 Bugatti, also called La Royale, was cataloged at a chassis price of 500,000 francs, about $20,000. Only six of the cars were built.

The market collapse of 1929 ended the era of the really luxurious motorcar. After World War II even Rolls-Royce abandoned its policy of producing a standard chassis with custom-made bodies and offered a standard sedan that could be bought straight off the showroom floor.
  1. Peak

  2. Asian

  3. Lark

  4. Axis

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

The passage describes the period 1925-1942 as 'the classic years' that saw 'the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seemed unlikely to reach again.' In this context, 'peak' means the highest or best point of development. The question asks for 'The highest or best point,' which is the definition of 'peak.' The other options (Asian, Lark, Axis) are unrelated words that don't match the meaning.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and choose the option that replaces the following.

To leave a place or to stop doing something and not finish it

THE AGE OF THE CLASSIC CARS
The 1920s saw the emergence of the great European producers—Austin, Morris, Singer, Fiat, and Citroën. Universal motor transportation, that is, transportation for all, was a long way off, but the idea of the small car was made real in the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino. These two cars were modelled on the Italian Ettore Bugatti's tiny Bébé Peugeot of 1911, which was to have a very deep effect.
The decade 1925–35 was notable not only for the appearance of many new small automobiles but also for the building of many ultra-large ones. The years from 1925 to 1942 are remembered by collectors of automobiles as the classic years, a period that saw the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seemed unlikely to reach again.
The first name in this field was Rolls-Royce, founded in 1904. Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car, called the Twenty, and it has throughout its history produced fast models in addition to its regular line—e.g., after World War II, the Continental, built under the Bentley Motors Ltd. label.
Other motorcars of this type included the Hispano-Suiza of Spain and France; the Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, Talbot (Darracq), and Voisin of France; the Duesenberg, Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow of the United States; the Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz of Germany; the Belgian Minerva; and the Italian Isotta-Fraschini. These were costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000; fast (90 to 130 miles per hour); as comfortable as the state of the art would allow; and limited in luxury only by the purse of the purchaser. The great custom coach (made according to the demands of the customer) builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines, were able to meet any thing that their clients asked, and were prepared to satisfy any request, whether for upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood.
The most expensive standard automobile of which there exists convincing record was the Type 41 Bugatti, produced in the 1920s by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian of extraordinary gifts who built cars in France, most of them racing and sports types, from 1909 to 1939. The Type 41 Bugatti, also called La Royale, was cataloged at a chassis price of 500,000 francs, about $20,000. Only six of the cars were built.

The market collapse of 1929 ended the era of the really luxurious motorcar. After World War II even Rolls-Royce abandoned its policy of producing a standard chassis with custom-made bodies and offered a standard sedan that could be bought straight off the showroom floor.
  1. Abandon

  2. Forget

  3. Ill

  4. Accept

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

The question asks for a synonym of 'to leave a place or to stop doing something and not finish it.' 'Abandon' means exactly that - to give up on something completely or leave it behind. 'Forget' is about memory loss, not voluntary leaving. 'Ill' means sick, which is unrelated. 'Accept' is the opposite - to agree to take something.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and choose the option that best relates to underlined word(s).

These two cars were modeled on the Italian Ettore Bugatti's tiny Bébé Peugeot of 1911, which was to have a very deep effect.

THE AGE OF THE CLASSIC CARS
The 1920s saw the emergence of the great European producers—Austin, Morris, Singer, Fiat, and Citroën. Universal motor transportation, that is, transportation for all, was a long way off, but the idea of the small car was made real in the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino. These two cars were modelled on the Italian Ettore Bugatti's tiny Bébé Peugeot of 1911, which was to have a very deep effect.
The decade 1925–35 was notable not only for the appearance of many new small automobiles but also for the building of many ultra-large ones. The years from 1925 to 1942 are remembered by collectors of automobiles as the classic years, a period that saw the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seemed unlikely to reach again.
The first name in this field was Rolls-Royce, founded in 1904. Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car, called the Twenty, and it has throughout its history produced fast models in addition to its regular line—e.g., after World War II, the Continental, built under the Bentley Motors Ltd. label.
Other motorcars of this type included the Hispano-Suiza of Spain and France; the Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, Talbot (Darracq), and Voisin of France; the Duesenberg, Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow of the United States; the Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz of Germany; the Belgian Minerva; and the Italian Isotta-Fraschini. These were costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000; fast (90 to 130 miles per hour); as comfortable as the state of the art would allow; and limited in luxury only by the purse of the purchaser. The great custom coach (made according to the demands of the customer) builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines, were able to meet any thing that their clients asked, and were prepared to satisfy any request, whether for upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood.
The most expensive standard automobile of which there exists convincing record was the Type 41 Bugatti, produced in the 1920s by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian of extraordinary gifts who built cars in France, most of them racing and sports types, from 1909 to 1939. The Type 41 Bugatti, also called La Royale, was cataloged at a chassis price of 500,000 francs, about $20,000. Only six of the cars were built.

The market collapse of 1929 ended the era of the really luxurious motorcar. After World War II even Rolls-Royce abandoned its policy of producing a standard chassis with custom-made bodies and offered a standard sedan that could be bought straight off the showroom floor.
  1. Austin Seven and Fiat Topolino

  2. Fast cars

  3. Smart cars

  4. Cute cars

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

The underlined word 'These' refers to the two specific cars mentioned in the previous sentence - the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino. The passage states 'the idea of the small car was made real in the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino.' Option A correctly identifies these two cars. 'Fast cars', 'Smart cars', and 'Cute cars' are not mentioned together in this context.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and choose the option that replaces the following.

Made according to the demand of (customers)

THE AGE OF THE CLASSIC CARS
The 1920s saw the emergence of the great European producers—Austin, Morris, Singer, Fiat, and Citroën. Universal motor transportation, that is, transportation for all, was a long way off, but the idea of the small car was made real in the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino. These two cars were modelled on the Italian Ettore Bugatti's tiny Bébé Peugeot of 1911, which was to have a very deep effect.
The decade 1925–35 was notable not only for the appearance of many new small automobiles but also for the building of many ultra-large ones. The years from 1925 to 1942 are remembered by collectors of automobiles as the classic years, a period that saw the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seemed unlikely to reach again.
The first name in this field was Rolls-Royce, founded in 1904. Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car, called the Twenty, and it has throughout its history produced fast models in addition to its regular line—e.g., after World War II, the Continental, built under the Bentley Motors Ltd. label.
Other motorcars of this type included the Hispano-Suiza of Spain and France; the Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, Talbot (Darracq), and Voisin of France; the Duesenberg, Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow of the United States; the Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz of Germany; the Belgian Minerva; and the Italian Isotta-Fraschini. These were costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000; fast (90 to 130 miles per hour); as comfortable as the state of the art would allow; and limited in luxury only by the purse of the purchaser. The great custom coach (made according to the demands of the customer) builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines, were able to meet any thing that their clients asked, and were prepared to satisfy any request, whether for upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood.
The most expensive standard automobile of which there exists convincing record was the Type 41 Bugatti, produced in the 1920s by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian of extraordinary gifts who built cars in France, most of them racing and sports types, from 1909 to 1939. The Type 41 Bugatti, also called La Royale, was cataloged at a chassis price of 500,000 francs, about $20,000. Only six of the cars were built.

The market collapse of 1929 ended the era of the really luxurious motorcar. After World War II even Rolls-Royce abandoned its policy of producing a standard chassis with custom-made bodies and offered a standard sedan that could be bought straight off the showroom floor.
  1. Turning point

  2. Custom made

  3. Supply

  4. Produce

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

The phrase 'made according to the demand of (customers)' describes something created specifically to meet individual requirements. 'Custom made' means exactly this - made to order according to specifications. 'Turning point' means a moment of change. 'Supply' refers to providing goods. 'Produce' is a general verb for making things, not specifically to customer demand.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and choose the option that replaces the following.

Somebody's Looks

THE AGE OF THE CLASSIC CARS
The 1920s saw the emergence of the great European producers—Austin, Morris, Singer, Fiat, and Citroën. Universal motor transportation, that is, transportation for all, was a long way off, but the idea of the small car was made real in the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino. These two cars were modelled on the Italian Ettore Bugatti's tiny Bébé Peugeot of 1911, which was to have a very deep effect.
The decade 1925–35 was notable not only for the appearance of many new small automobiles but also for the building of many ultra-large ones. The years from 1925 to 1942 are remembered by collectors of automobiles as the classic years, a period that saw the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seemed unlikely to reach again.
The first name in this field was Rolls-Royce, founded in 1904. Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car, called the Twenty, and it has throughout its history produced fast models in addition to its regular line—e.g., after World War II, the Continental, built under the Bentley Motors Ltd. label.
Other motorcars of this type included the Hispano-Suiza of Spain and France; the Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, Talbot (Darracq), and Voisin of France; the Duesenberg, Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow of the United States; the Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz of Germany; the Belgian Minerva; and the Italian Isotta-Fraschini. These were costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000; fast (90 to 130 miles per hour); as comfortable as the state of the art would allow; and limited in luxury only by the purse of the purchaser. The great custom coach (made according to the demands of the customer) builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines, were able to meet any thing that their clients asked, and were prepared to satisfy any request, whether for upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood.
The most expensive standard automobile of which there exists convincing record was the Type 41 Bugatti, produced in the 1920s by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian of extraordinary gifts who built cars in France, most of them racing and sports types, from 1909 to 1939. The Type 41 Bugatti, also called La Royale, was cataloged at a chassis price of 500,000 francs, about $20,000. Only six of the cars were built.

The market collapse of 1929 ended the era of the really luxurious motorcar. After World War II even Rolls-Royce abandoned its policy of producing a standard chassis with custom-made bodies and offered a standard sedan that could be bought straight off the showroom floor.
  1. Glance

  2. Smart

  3. Appearance

  4. Gait

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

The phrase 'Somebody's looks' refers to physical appearance or outward appearance. 'Appearance' means exactly this - how someone or something looks outwardly. 'Glance' is a quick look. 'Smart' means intelligent. 'Gait' refers to manner of walking.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and choose the option that replaces the following.

To appear

THE AGE OF THE CLASSIC CARS
The 1920s saw the emergence of the great European producers—Austin, Morris, Singer, Fiat, and Citroën. Universal motor transportation, that is, transportation for all, was a long way off, but the idea of the small car was made real in the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino. These two cars were modelled on the Italian Ettore Bugatti's tiny Bébé Peugeot of 1911, which was to have a very deep effect.
The decade 1925–35 was notable not only for the appearance of many new small automobiles but also for the building of many ultra-large ones. The years from 1925 to 1942 are remembered by collectors of automobiles as the classic years, a period that saw the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seemed unlikely to reach again.
The first name in this field was Rolls-Royce, founded in 1904. Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car, called the Twenty, and it has throughout its history produced fast models in addition to its regular line—e.g., after World War II, the Continental, built under the Bentley Motors Ltd. label.
Other motorcars of this type included the Hispano-Suiza of Spain and France; the Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, Talbot (Darracq), and Voisin of France; the Duesenberg, Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow of the United States; the Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz of Germany; the Belgian Minerva; and the Italian Isotta-Fraschini. These were costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000; fast (90 to 130 miles per hour); as comfortable as the state of the art would allow; and limited in luxury only by the purse of the purchaser. The great custom coach (made according to the demands of the customer) builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines, were able to meet any thing that their clients asked, and were prepared to satisfy any request, whether for upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood.
The most expensive standard automobile of which there exists convincing record was the Type 41 Bugatti, produced in the 1920s by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian of extraordinary gifts who built cars in France, most of them racing and sports types, from 1909 to 1939. The Type 41 Bugatti, also called La Royale, was cataloged at a chassis price of 500,000 francs, about $20,000. Only six of the cars were built.

The market collapse of 1929 ended the era of the really luxurious motorcar. After World War II even Rolls-Royce abandoned its policy of producing a standard chassis with custom-made bodies and offered a standard sedan that could be bought straight off the showroom floor.
  1. Smug

  2. Flourish

  3. Emerge

  4. Smite

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

The phrase 'to appear' means to come into view or become visible. 'Emerge' means exactly this - to come forth into view or become apparent. The passage uses 'emergence' in the first sentence. 'Smug' means overly self-satisfied. 'Flourish' means to grow well or make dramatic gestures. 'Smite' means to strike forcefully.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and choose the option that replaces the following.

An automobile

THE AGE OF THE CLASSIC CARS
The 1920s saw the emergence of the great European producers—Austin, Morris, Singer, Fiat, and Citroën. Universal motor transportation, that is, transportation for all, was a long way off, but the idea of the small car was made real in the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino. These two cars were modelled on the Italian Ettore Bugatti's tiny Bébé Peugeot of 1911, which was to have a very deep effect.
The decade 1925–35 was notable not only for the appearance of many new small automobiles but also for the building of many ultra-large ones. The years from 1925 to 1942 are remembered by collectors of automobiles as the classic years, a period that saw the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seemed unlikely to reach again.
The first name in this field was Rolls-Royce, founded in 1904. Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car, called the Twenty, and it has throughout its history produced fast models in addition to its regular line—e.g., after World War II, the Continental, built under the Bentley Motors Ltd. label.
Other motorcars of this type included the Hispano-Suiza of Spain and France; the Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, Talbot (Darracq), and Voisin of France; the Duesenberg, Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow of the United States; the Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz of Germany; the Belgian Minerva; and the Italian Isotta-Fraschini. These were costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000; fast (90 to 130 miles per hour); as comfortable as the state of the art would allow; and limited in luxury only by the purse of the purchaser. The great custom coach (made according to the demands of the customer) builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines, were able to meet any thing that their clients asked, and were prepared to satisfy any request, whether for upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood.
The most expensive standard automobile of which there exists convincing record was the Type 41 Bugatti, produced in the 1920s by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian of extraordinary gifts who built cars in France, most of them racing and sports types, from 1909 to 1939. The Type 41 Bugatti, also called La Royale, was cataloged at a chassis price of 500,000 francs, about $20,000. Only six of the cars were built.

The market collapse of 1929 ended the era of the really luxurious motorcar. After World War II even Rolls-Royce abandoned its policy of producing a standard chassis with custom-made bodies and offered a standard sedan that could be bought straight off the showroom floor.
  1. Droll

  2. Trolley

  3. Sedan

  4. Plane

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

The phrase 'an automobile' refers to a car or motor vehicle. 'Sedan' is a specific type of automobile - a closed car body with two or four doors. The passage mentions 'limousine and large sedan bodies.' 'Droll' means amusing. 'Trolley' is a rail vehicle. 'Plane' is an aircraft.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and choose the option that replaces the following.

Elephant's teeth

THE AGE OF THE CLASSIC CARS
The 1920s saw the emergence of the great European producers—Austin, Morris, Singer, Fiat, and Citroën. Universal motor transportation, that is, transportation for all, was a long way off, but the idea of the small car was made real in the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino. These two cars were modelled on the Italian Ettore Bugatti's tiny Bébé Peugeot of 1911, which was to have a very deep effect.
The decade 1925–35 was notable not only for the appearance of many new small automobiles but also for the building of many ultra-large ones. The years from 1925 to 1942 are remembered by collectors of automobiles as the classic years, a period that saw the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seemed unlikely to reach again.
The first name in this field was Rolls-Royce, founded in 1904. Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car, called the Twenty, and it has throughout its history produced fast models in addition to its regular line—e.g., after World War II, the Continental, built under the Bentley Motors Ltd. label.
Other motorcars of this type included the Hispano-Suiza of Spain and France; the Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, Talbot (Darracq), and Voisin of France; the Duesenberg, Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow of the United States; the Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz of Germany; the Belgian Minerva; and the Italian Isotta-Fraschini. These were costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000; fast (90 to 130 miles per hour); as comfortable as the state of the art would allow; and limited in luxury only by the purse of the purchaser. The great custom coach (made according to the demands of the customer) builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines, were able to meet any thing that their clients asked, and were prepared to satisfy any request, whether for upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood.
The most expensive standard automobile of which there exists convincing record was the Type 41 Bugatti, produced in the 1920s by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian of extraordinary gifts who built cars in France, most of them racing and sports types, from 1909 to 1939. The Type 41 Bugatti, also called La Royale, was cataloged at a chassis price of 500,000 francs, about $20,000. Only six of the cars were built.

The market collapse of 1929 ended the era of the really luxurious motorcar. After World War II even Rolls-Royce abandoned its policy of producing a standard chassis with custom-made bodies and offered a standard sedan that could be bought straight off the showroom floor.
  1. Ivory

  2. Flora

  3. Wendy

  4. Trunk

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

The phrase 'Elephant's teeth' is a clue pointing to ivory, which comes from elephant tusks (teeth). The passage mentions 'ivory buttons' as a luxury material option. 'Ivory' is the correct answer. 'Flora' means plant life. 'Wendy' is a name. 'Trunk' can refer to elephant nose or car storage, not teeth.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and choose the option that replaces the following.

Something that is costly

THE AGE OF THE CLASSIC CARS
The 1920s saw the emergence of the great European producers—Austin, Morris, Singer, Fiat, and Citroën. Universal motor transportation, that is, transportation for all, was a long way off, but the idea of the small car was made real in the Austin Seven and the Fiat Topolino. These two cars were modelled on the Italian Ettore Bugatti's tiny Bébé Peugeot of 1911, which was to have a very deep effect.
The decade 1925–35 was notable not only for the appearance of many new small automobiles but also for the building of many ultra-large ones. The years from 1925 to 1942 are remembered by collectors of automobiles as the classic years, a period that saw the rise of the luxurious fast motorcar to a peak it seemed unlikely to reach again.
The first name in this field was Rolls-Royce, founded in 1904. Most Rolls-Royce chassis are designed for limousine and large sedan bodies, but the firm once made a comparatively light car, called the Twenty, and it has throughout its history produced fast models in addition to its regular line—e.g., after World War II, the Continental, built under the Bentley Motors Ltd. label.
Other motorcars of this type included the Hispano-Suiza of Spain and France; the Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, Talbot (Darracq), and Voisin of France; the Duesenberg, Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow of the United States; the Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz of Germany; the Belgian Minerva; and the Italian Isotta-Fraschini. These were costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000; fast (90 to 130 miles per hour); as comfortable as the state of the art would allow; and limited in luxury only by the purse of the purchaser. The great custom coach (made according to the demands of the customer) builders of England who made bodies for Rolls-Royce machines, were able to meet any thing that their clients asked, and were prepared to satisfy any request, whether for upholstery in matched ostrich hide with ivory buttons or for a dashboard in rosewood.
The most expensive standard automobile of which there exists convincing record was the Type 41 Bugatti, produced in the 1920s by Ettore Bugatti, an Italian of extraordinary gifts who built cars in France, most of them racing and sports types, from 1909 to 1939. The Type 41 Bugatti, also called La Royale, was cataloged at a chassis price of 500,000 francs, about $20,000. Only six of the cars were built.

The market collapse of 1929 ended the era of the really luxurious motorcar. After World War II even Rolls-Royce abandoned its policy of producing a standard chassis with custom-made bodies and offered a standard sedan that could be bought straight off the showroom floor.
  1. Frugal

  2. Expensive

  3. Sell

  4. Afford

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

The phrase 'something that is costly' describes something expensive or high-priced. 'Expensive' means exactly this - costing a lot of money. The passage describes cars as 'costly machines, priced roughly from $7,500 to $40,000.' 'Frugal' means thrifty or economical (opposite meaning). 'Sell' is a verb. 'Afford' means to have money for something.