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

“I had borne the cross gallantly until that day ...” What does the word ‘cross’ refer to in this passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions by selecting the most appropriate options.

The most memorable experience of my life was an inci­dent that occurred some thirty years ago when I was in the secondary school. In those days, the speech­making and prize-giving day was always a great event. It was always a day when the results of the promotion examinations were announced to the students after weeks of suspense.
The afternoon commenced with all students taking their seats in the large hall, and the members of staff, led by the principal, filing in. There were also three guests, each of them an important figure in the town. The principal and the dignitaries made speeches admonishing the students to work hard in order to attain their goal. Then the prize-giving commenced. Soon, it was the turn of my class. For the overall best student, my name was called. This was not unexpected, the position having become almost identified with me. Amidst the clap­ping, I stood up and moved towards the principal whose outstretched hand held a fat book. I was already before him when he peered through his heavy spectacles, surveyed my figure and held back the book. There was a sudden silence. Students were amazed at this turn of events. Then he ex­plained: “You will have prize when you pay your outstanding fees.”
l stood there, almost petrified. Had I been warned of this disgrace, I would simply not have stood up, let alone bothering to go forward. There I was - the sorry focus of attention. l wished my legs would refuse their function but they did no such thing. On the other hand, they refused to beat a retreat, at least, for those burning seconds. Then sud­denly spontaneously, the students started clapping and hail­ing me. Thus, my return .journey was more loudly cheered than the outward journey.
For the prize in English, my name was also called. Of course I sat still, but the students hailed on. 'The prize was kept. For Mathematics, it was the same drama. Somehow, the students' behaviour saved the day for me.
Poorly clothed, in torn tennis shoes and being a debtor, I was the talk of the school. The little fee I had paid that year was earned through doing menial jobs at weekends, supple­mented with donations from some school mates. Father's financial difficulties had been aggravated by a protracted court case. He had no alternative but to ask me to withdraw from school and look for a job. This one I had refused to do.

I had borne the cross gallantly until that day when the principal's action threatened to kill whatever courage remained in me. It ordered the tears to gush out to flood my sad face, but the ovation forced the spring to remain dry. I had the loudest ovation that day: the students' response to my plight was my own prize.

  1. The ignominy of not being able to pay the fees

  2. The inability to receive the prize

  3. The disgrace felt by the author in front of his schoolmates

  4. The overwhelming support of his school mates
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The 'cross' metaphorically represents a burden or hardship the author had been carrying. In context, this refers to 'the ignominy of not being able to pay the fees' - the shame and humiliation of being a debtor unable to pay school fees, which the author had borne until the principal's public action.

Multiple choice

The writer talks about a few hurdles a tenant must face before he actually gets a roof over his head. What is the first hurdle he must cross before he is given a proper hearing by the landlord?

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

Tenants are usually the accursed lot. They are forced by the circumstance to live in a house they do not own, for which they have to cough up a sizeable chunk of their hard earned money. But their travail does not end with just paying the rent. In fact, it begins from there. Of course, there are quite a few tenants who give a torrid time to their landlords. But such cases are more an exception than rule. A tenant is always at the mercy of his landlord or landlady. Landlords, it would seem, like to keep their tenants on a tenterhook.
Relation between a tenant and his landlord is rarely, if ever, a very cordial one. It may begin on a cordial note. But certainly does not end on the same note. Sometimes the process gets reversed too. But such occasions are few. For, if it did not begin on a cordial note, the deal would never be struck. The word cordial however is not appropriate here, because cordiality begins with the tenant and ends with him. It is not for him to expect that the landlord would return cordiality. It is the tenant who needs a roof over his head. The landlord can afford to ignore a number of tenants even for an indefinite period of time.
So, a prospective tenant makes a cautious approach to his prospective landlord who subjects him to a grilling interview before deciding to condescend a proper hearing. The prospective tenant answers every question in great trepidation, for he does not know which answer of his may disqualify him. The prospective landlord extracts every bit of information about his hapless victim, but reveals very little about himself. If the prospective tenant crosses the first hurdle successfully and unscathed, he then faces another crucial area of settling the rent. If this hurdle is also crossed successfully and without being bruised, then he faces the most crucial one. That is the area of do’s and don’ts.
These do’s and don’ts are like Ten Commandments. The tenant has no choice but to follow them meticulously. While listing all those do’s and don’ts here may not be desirable, we can afford to take a look at some of the queer conditions that bind a tenant to what may be called a tether post. One of such conditions must relate to rational (it is rationed, actually) use of water. At the time of striking a deal, water would usually not pose any problem at all and would hardly be a matter of discussion then. But once the house is occupied and the advance rent is paid, water becomes a perennial problem which is resolved always at the cost of the poor tenant. The poor tenant has no choice but to acquiesce to whatever arrangement is made, for he cannot afford to change house so quickly yet again. Besides, he can never be sure he will not be meted out the same or worse treatment elsewhere. So he stays put. If he has small children, he is specifically asked to keep them restrained. They must not make noise, nor must they pluck flowers, if there are any in the close vicinity. They must not dare to socialize with the landlord or his family. Landlords are a class apart. They would not approve of too many guests, or of parties. Ceremonies of all kinds are best avoided. Tenants must lead as sedate a life as can be possible.

 

  1. A prospective tenant must reveal everything about himself.

  2. He must accept all conditions without any question.

  3. He must settle the matter of rent beforehand.

  4. He must subject himself to a grilling interview.

  5. He must accept the covenants of do's and don'ts.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

This is our answer. As the writer says, 'the landlord subjects him to a grilling interview before deciding to condescend a proper hearing.'

Multiple choice

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank (i) with the best option from those given.

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank with the best option from those given.

There was a time when scientists were in ____(i)_____ of what was known as the philosopher's stone which was believed to _____(ii)_____ metals into gold just with a touch. They also tried to discover the elixir (something that can make people live for ever) of life. This was an imaginary medicine _____(iii)_______ making people _____(iv)_______. This period was called the age of the _____(v)_____.

  1. look

  2. search

  3. need

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

Search means to look at or examine (a person, object, etc.) carefully in order to find something concealed.

Multiple choice

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank (iv) with the best option from those given.

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank with the best option from those given.

There was a time when scientists were in ____(i)_____ of what was known as the philosopher's stone which was believed to _____(ii)_____ metals into gold just with a touch. They also tried to discover the elixir (something that can make people live for ever) of life. This was an imaginary medicine _____(iii)_______ making people _____(iv)_______. This period was called the age of the _____(v)_____.

  1. rich

  2. immortal

  3. happy

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

Immortal means 'not mortal; not liable or subject to death; undying'

Multiple choice

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank (iii) with the best option from those given.

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank with the best option from those given.

There was a time when scientists were in ____(i)_____ of what was known as the philosopher's stone which was believed to _____(ii)_____ metals into gold just with a touch. They also tried to discover the elixir (something that can make people live for ever) of life. This was an imaginary medicine _____(iii)_______ making people _____(iv)_______. This period was called the age of the _____(v)_____.

  1. meant to

  2. made for

  3. capable of

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

Option 1 and 4 are grammatically unfit here. 'Capable of' tells about the ability of the medicine. Here, ability and not purpose is emphasised. So, option 3 is correct.

Multiple choice

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank (ii) with the best option from those given.

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank with the best option from those given.

There was a time when scientists were in ____(i)_____ of what was known as the philosopher's stone which was believed to _____(ii)_____ metals into gold just with a touch. They also tried to discover the elixir (something that can make people live for ever) of life. This was an imaginary medicine _____(iii)_______ making people _____(iv)_______. This period was called the age of the _____(v)_____.

  1. take

  2. make

  3. modify

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

Here, 'turn' means to change.

Multiple choice

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank (v) with the best option from those given.

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank with the best option from those given.

There was a time when scientists were in ____(i)_____ of what was known as the philosopher's stone which was believed to _____(ii)_____ metals into gold just with a touch. They also tried to discover the elixir (something that can make people live for ever) of life. This was an imaginary medicine _____(iii)_______ making people _____(iv)_______. This period was called the age of the _____(v)_____.

  1. scientist

  2. alchemist

  3. gold

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

Alchemy is a form of chemistry and speculative philosophy practiced in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and concerned principally with discovering methods for transmuting baser metals into gold and with finding a universal solvent and an elixir of life. An alchemist is a person who practices alchemy.

Multiple choice

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank (iv) with the best option from those given.

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank with the best option from those given.

Gorilla, chimpanzee and orangutan are some of the animals which resemble man in many _____ (i) _____. Among these animals, chimpanzee has the _____ (ii) _____ 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 _____ (iii) ______ to ours. Like human beings, they too have _____ (iv) ______  on their forehead. Their skulls are also like ours. Even their blood is _____ (v) _____ to ours. However, they cannot speak like us.

  1. eyes

  2. hair

  3. wrinkles

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

The passage describes physical similarities between humans and great apes. The context mentions features visible on the forehead that both species share. Great apes, like humans, have expressive facial skin including wrinkles on their foreheads. Eyes cannot be on the forehead, hair is present but not the focus, and the brain is internal - not a surface feature.

Multiple choice

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank (ii) with the best option from those given.

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank with the best option from those given.

Gorilla, chimpanzee and orangutan are some of the animals which resemble man in many _____ (i) _____. Among these animals, chimpanzee has the _____ (ii) _____ 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 _____ (iii) ______ to ours. Like human beings, they too have _____ (iv) ______  on their forehead. Their skulls are also like ours. Even their blood is _____ (v) _____ to ours. However, 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

Among great apes, chimpanzees are humans' closest living relatives, sharing approximately 98% of DNA. The blank requires a superlative form comparing resemblance levels. Closest is the correct superlative of close. Most would work with a base adjective like similar (most similar), but closest is the proper form when the root word is close.

Multiple choice

Directions: Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (i).

Directions: Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer to the numbered blank.

Kangaroos are animals _____(i)______ only in Australia. They are called marsupial animals because they are the only mammals that _____(ii)______ their young ones in a pouch outside their bellies. They are very powerful animals. Kangaroos _____(iii)______strong and long hind legs. They use these to hop. They use their long and _____(iv)_____ tails to balance their bodies while _____(v)_____.

  1. born

  2. found

  3. left

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

In the context of the passage, 'found' is the correct word because it indicates where kangaroos exist geographically - they are found only in Australia. 'Born' would imply they originate only there (which is true but doesn't fit the context of location), while 'left' and 'taken' don't make sense in this context of geographical distribution.

Multiple choice

Directions: Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (iii).

Directions: Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer to the numbered blank.

Kangaroos are animals _____(i)______ only in Australia. They are called marsupial animals because they are the only mammals that _____(ii)______ their young ones in a pouch outside their bellies. They are very powerful animals. Kangaroos _____(iii)______strong and long hind legs. They use these to hop. They use their long and _____(iv)_____ tails to balance their bodies while _____(v)_____.

  1. create

  2. have

  3. use

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

'Have' is the correct verb to complete the sentence structure 'Kangaroos have strong and long hind legs.' The sentence is describing a physical attribute that kangaroos possess. 'Create' doesn't make sense as they don't create their legs. 'Use' would require 'use' to 'hop' which doesn't fit grammatically. 'Display' is not appropriate for describing possession of a physical characteristic.

Multiple choice

Directions: Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (v).

Directions: Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer to the numbered blank.

Kangaroos are animals _____(i)______ only in Australia. They are called marsupial animals because they are the only mammals that _____(ii)______ their young ones in a pouch outside their bellies. They are very powerful animals. Kangaroos _____(iii)______strong and long hind legs. They use these to hop. They use their long and _____(iv)_____ tails to balance their bodies while _____(v)_____.

  1. hopping

  2. springing

  3. jumping

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

'Hopping' is the correct action because kangaroos use their tails specifically to balance while hopping, which is their primary mode of locomotion. The sentence 'They use these to hop' earlier in the passage directly references this movement. While 'bouncing' and 'jumping' are similar, 'hopping' is the specific term for kangaroo movement. 'Springing' is not typically used to describe kangaroo locomotion.

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (i).

Directions: The following passage has some blanks, each of which has been numbered.

There are two ____ (i)____ sources of energy, renewable and non-renewable. ____(ii)____ electric power is a major energy source. This is electricity generated by turbines turned by water. Solar energy is energy ____(iii)____ from the sun. Sun is a very important energy source. Renewable energy sources are clean and ____ (iv)____. They can be ____ (v)____ too

  1. various

  2. different

  3. types

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

'Different' is the correct word choice because the sentence contrasts two distinct categories of energy sources - renewable and non-renewable. While 'various,' 'types,' and 'many' are grammatically possible, they don't properly convey the contrast between the two categories. 'Different' emphasizes the distinction between these two types.

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (iii).

Directions: The following passage has some blanks, each of which has been numbered.

There are two ____ (i)____ sources of energy, renewable and non-renewable. ____(ii)____ electric power is a major energy source. This is electricity generated by turbines turned by water. Solar energy is energy ____(iii)____ from the sun. Sun is a very important energy source. Renewable energy sources are clean and ____ (iv)____. They can be ____ (v)____ too

  1. enabled

  2. given

  3. derived

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

'Derived' is the correct verb meaning energy obtained or drawn from the sun. We say solar energy is derived from the sun. 'Given' is too passive - energy isn't simply given; it's extracted or obtained. 'Enabled' doesn't make sense in this context. 'Took' is incorrect grammar and meaning - we don't say energy is 'took' from a source.

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word(s) and fill blank (iv).

Directions: The following passage has some blanks, each of which has been numbered.

There are two ____ (i)____ sources of energy, renewable and non-renewable. ____(ii)____ electric power is a major energy source. This is electricity generated by turbines turned by water. Solar energy is energy ____(iii)____ from the sun. Sun is a very important energy source. Renewable energy sources are clean and ____ (iv)____. They can be ____ (v)____ too

  1. clear

  2. non-polluting

  3. endless

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

The sentence discusses renewable energy sources being 'clean and ____'. Since the context emphasizes environmental benefits, 'non-polluting' is the logical choice - it directly states that renewables don't produce harmful emissions or pollutants. While 'clear' and 'important' are positive, they don't complete the environmental comparison as effectively.