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

Trance

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

The Road to Heaven

Once upon a time, there lived a famous saint. He was blessed with spiritual powers. The saint had a large following and needed to travel a lot to give sermons to his followers. Realizing the saint’s needs for comfort on such journeys, he was promptly provided with a palanquin and bearers by one of his wealthy disciples. The comfort of travelling in shade overruled all his moral arguments. His popularity and wealth grew. One day on such a journey, he was stopped by a very unkempt figure of a man. “I want to go to heaven,” the man said. “Stretch your arms upwards and look towards the sky. You will find the way to heaven”, the Sage said.
Many years passed and the saint had an even larger following. One day he was passing through the same way, when he saw the same man standing in the middle of the road with his hands stretched towards the sky. The man had grown a beard up to his knees and his clothes were torn but on approaching him, the sage saw a strange light in his eyes. The man was in a trance.  Soon a miracle happened. He started to rise above the ground. The sage ran and caught hold of the feet of the mad man.
Later the sage gave his last sermon and said that the road to God’s abode is not through reading scriptures.

  1. In a state of pain

  2. In a state of wonder

  3. In a state of shock

  4. In a state of dream

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

The man stands motionless with arms stretched toward the sky for years, and when the sage approaches, he sees "a strange light in his eyes" before the man begins levitating. In this mystical context, "trance" describes a dream-like state of deep spiritual absorption where the person becomes disconnected from ordinary awareness.

Multiple choice

Simpleton

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

The Auspicious Moment

Once upon a time, there lived an old couple. They were very simpleton and gullible people. They were stupid in many ways. One night, there was some noise in their house. The old couple wake up. The wife said, “Sounds as if there are thieves in the house, Should I shout for the neighbours for help.”
“No, no! Don’t be foolish, don’t you remember that we don’t do anything without checking the auspicious time. It is our family tradition for generations as our ancestors also have been doing it”, the husband said.
So they checked the time chart and the time for action was after six months. The couple went back to sleep and did not do anything. The thieves had a field day. They helped themselves to all they could lay their hands on and decamped.

  1. Easy to express

  2. Easy to fool

  3. Easy to understand

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

The passage describes the old couple as "simpleton" alongside "gullible" and "stupid" - they're so foolish they wait months for an "auspicious time" while thieves steal everything. In this context, "simpleton" means someone lacking good judgment who is easily fooled or tricked.

Multiple choice

Palanquin

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

The Road to Heaven

Once upon a time, there lived a famous saint. He was blessed with spiritual powers. The saint had a large following and needed to travel a lot to give sermons to his followers. Realizing the saint’s needs for comfort on such journeys, he was promptly provided with a palanquin and bearers by one of his wealthy disciples. The comfort of travelling in shade overruled all his moral arguments. His popularity and wealth grew. One day on such a journey, he was stopped by a very unkempt figure of a man. “I want to go to heaven,” the man said. “Stretch your arms upwards and look towards the sky. You will find the way to heaven”, the Sage said.
Many years passed and the saint had an even larger following. One day he was passing through the same way, when he saw the same man standing in the middle of the road with his hands stretched towards the sky. The man had grown a beard up to his knees and his clothes were torn but on approaching him, the sage saw a strange light in his eyes. The man was in a trance.  Soon a miracle happened. He started to rise above the ground. The sage ran and caught hold of the feet of the mad man.
Later the sage gave his last sermon and said that the road to God’s abode is not through reading scriptures.

  1. Stretcher

  2. Wooden box

  3. Framework

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

The saint receives "a palanquin and bearers" for comfortable travel in shade during his journeys. A palanquin is a traditional covered vehicle carried by people - essentially a mobile couch or portable seat that provided shade and comfort for wealthy or important people in historical times.

Multiple choice

Promptly

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

The Road to Heaven

Once upon a time, there lived a famous saint. He was blessed with spiritual powers. The saint had a large following and needed to travel a lot to give sermons to his followers. Realizing the saint’s needs for comfort on such journeys, he was promptly provided with a palanquin and bearers by one of his wealthy disciples. The comfort of travelling in shade overruled all his moral arguments. His popularity and wealth grew. One day on such a journey, he was stopped by a very unkempt figure of a man. “I want to go to heaven,” the man said. “Stretch your arms upwards and look towards the sky. You will find the way to heaven”, the Sage said.
Many years passed and the saint had an even larger following. One day he was passing through the same way, when he saw the same man standing in the middle of the road with his hands stretched towards the sky. The man had grown a beard up to his knees and his clothes were torn but on approaching him, the sage saw a strange light in his eyes. The man was in a trance.  Soon a miracle happened. He started to rise above the ground. The sage ran and caught hold of the feet of the mad man.
Later the sage gave his last sermon and said that the road to God’s abode is not through reading scriptures.

  1. Timely

  2. Willingly

  3. Readily

  4. Reluctantly

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

When the wealthy disciple realizes the saint needs comfortable transport, he provides "a palanquin and bearers" without delay. "Promptly" here means readily or quickly - the disciple responded immediately and generously to the saint's needs for comfort during his journeys.

Multiple choice

Decamped

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

The Auspicious Moment

Once upon a time, there lived an old couple. They were very simpleton and gullible people. They were stupid in many ways. One night, there was some noise in their house. The old couple wake up. The wife said, “Sounds as if there are thieves in the house, Should I shout for the neighbours for help.”
“No, no! Don’t be foolish, don’t you remember that we don’t do anything without checking the auspicious time. It is our family tradition for generations as our ancestors also have been doing it”, the husband said.
So they checked the time chart and the time for action was after six months. The couple went back to sleep and did not do anything. The thieves had a field day. They helped themselves to all they could lay their hands on and decamped.

  1. Went away

  2. Appeared

  3. Stayed over

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

After stealing everything they could, the thieves "decamped" - they left the scene. "Decamped" means to depart suddenly or leave a place, which makes perfect sense in this context: the thieves robbed the house and then quickly went away with their loot.

Multiple choice

Bearers

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

The Road to Heaven

Once upon a time, there lived a famous saint. He was blessed with spiritual powers. The saint had a large following and needed to travel a lot to give sermons to his followers. Realizing the saint’s needs for comfort on such journeys, he was promptly provided with a palanquin and bearers by one of his wealthy disciples. The comfort of travelling in shade overruled all his moral arguments. His popularity and wealth grew. One day on such a journey, he was stopped by a very unkempt figure of a man. “I want to go to heaven,” the man said. “Stretch your arms upwards and look towards the sky. You will find the way to heaven”, the Sage said.
Many years passed and the saint had an even larger following. One day he was passing through the same way, when he saw the same man standing in the middle of the road with his hands stretched towards the sky. The man had grown a beard up to his knees and his clothes were torn but on approaching him, the sage saw a strange light in his eyes. The man was in a trance.  Soon a miracle happened. He started to rise above the ground. The sage ran and caught hold of the feet of the mad man.
Later the sage gave his last sermon and said that the road to God’s abode is not through reading scriptures.

  1. Carriers

  2. Messengers

  3. Old men

  4. Horses

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

The saint receives "bearers" along with his palanquin - these are the people who physically carry the portable vehicle. In this historical context, bearers are carriers or porters who transport the palanquin and its passenger, providing the comfort of shade during journeys.

Multiple choice

Ancestors

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

The Auspicious Moment

Once upon a time, there lived an old couple. They were very simpleton and gullible people. They were stupid in many ways. One night, there was some noise in their house. The old couple wake up. The wife said, “Sounds as if there are thieves in the house, Should I shout for the neighbours for help.”
“No, no! Don’t be foolish, don’t you remember that we don’t do anything without checking the auspicious time. It is our family tradition for generations as our ancestors also have been doing it”, the husband said.
So they checked the time chart and the time for action was after six months. The couple went back to sleep and did not do anything. The thieves had a field day. They helped themselves to all they could lay their hands on and decamped.

  1. Forefathers

  2. Grand parents

  3. Relatives

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

Ancestors refers to people from previous generations in one's family line, particularly those who came before and established traditions. In the passage, the husband mentions their ancestors followed the tradition of checking auspicious time, meaning forefathers/previous generations. Forefathers is the correct synonym - grandparents are too specific (only two generations), relatives is too broad (includes lateral family), and descendents means future generations (opposite of ancestors).

Multiple choice

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

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

For those pursuing a bachelor’s degree in security, it is important to understand the basic components of crisis management. A bachelor’s degree in security suggests the degree holder has a comprehension of tactics and tools which would assist in the asset protection of an organisation. Much of that knowledge is likely to be focused on physical protection systems, liabilities, and security’s role in the organization.
Crisis management, sometimes referred to as incident management, is a field of study in which practitioners attempt to stop the emergency situation or at least reduce its negative impact. This mitigation comes via threat assessments, planning, training, incident response, and continuation of operational duties.
The continuum of services is essential to the emotional and financial well-being of an organization.

  1. strategies

  2. planning

  3. preparations

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

In security management, tactics refers to planned methods or strategies for achieving objectives - specifically the strategic approaches used in asset protection. While similar to planning, tactics encompasses the broader strategic methodology including both planning and execution. Strategies is the closest synonym meaning systematic plans or methods. Preparations and schemes are too narrow.

Multiple choice

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

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

For those pursuing a bachelor’s degree in security, it is important to understand the basic components of crisis management. A bachelor’s degree in security suggests the degree holder has a comprehension of tactics and tools which would assist in the asset protection of an organisation. Much of that knowledge is likely to be focused on physical protection systems, liabilities, and security’s role in the organization.
Crisis management, sometimes referred to as incident management, is a field of study in which practitioners attempt to stop the emergency situation or at least reduce its negative impact. This mitigation comes via threat assessments, planning, training, incident response, and continuation of operational duties.
The continuum of services is essential to the emotional and financial well-being of an organization.

  1. problems

  2. burdens

  3. responsibilities

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

In security management, liabilities refers to legal responsibilities and obligations the organization has - what it's accountable for. Responsibilities captures this meaning of duties and obligations. Problems and burdens are too vague, while accountabilities is a close synonym but responsibilities is more commonly used in this context of organizational duties.

Multiple choice

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

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

For those pursuing a bachelor’s degree in security, it is important to understand the basic components of crisis management. A bachelor’s degree in security suggests the degree holder has a comprehension of tactics and tools which would assist in the asset protection of an organisation. Much of that knowledge is likely to be focused on physical protection systems, liabilities, and security’s role in the organization.
Crisis management, sometimes referred to as incident management, is a field of study in which practitioners attempt to stop the emergency situation or at least reduce its negative impact. This mitigation comes via threat assessments, planning, training, incident response, and continuation of operational duties.
The continuum of services is essential to the emotional and financial well-being of an organization.

  1. infinity

  2. continuity

  3. range

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

Continuum means a continuous sequence or range where elements blend or progress gradually. The continuum of services refers to the full range or spectrum of services offered. Range correctly captures this meaning of the span/extent of services. Continuity is similar but means unbroken sequence, infinity means endlessness, and band is too narrow.

Multiple choice

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

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

For those pursuing a bachelor’s degree in security, it is important to understand the basic components of crisis management. A bachelor’s degree in security suggests the degree holder has a comprehension of tactics and tools which would assist in the asset protection of an organisation. Much of that knowledge is likely to be focused on physical protection systems, liabilities, and security’s role in the organization.
Crisis management, sometimes referred to as incident management, is a field of study in which practitioners attempt to stop the emergency situation or at least reduce its negative impact. This mitigation comes via threat assessments, planning, training, incident response, and continuation of operational duties.
The continuum of services is essential to the emotional and financial well-being of an organization.

  1. justification

  2. reduction

  3. relief

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

Mitigation in crisis management means reducing the severity or negative impact of something. The passage says mitigation comes via threat assessments, planning, etc., to reduce negative impact. Reduction is the closest synonym - reducing harm/impact. Justification means defending/validating, relief means easing discomfort, and restriction means limiting - none capture the meaning of making something less severe.

Multiple choice

Pounced

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

Once an old tiger found a gold bangle by the side of a marshy pool. He was too old to hunt; so he thought he would use the bangle as a bait to catch a man. Just then an old traveller was passing by on the opposite bank. The tiger spotted him and decided to have him for his dinner.
The tiger called the traveller and asked him to take the gold bangle, as he had no use for it. The traveller suspected that this may be a trick to get him.
"How can I trust you?" asked the traveller.
The tiger replied, "Don't you see I am old! My teeth are practically gone. My claws are blunt, and I cannot use them. I am now a vegetarian and have given up meat. Don't worry, come and take my gold bangle as a gift."
The traveller said, "When I get closer, my smell may change your mind."
"Don't be silly, have no fear. I am now leading the life of an ascetic. You are safe with me."
The traveller’s love for gold overcame his natural fear of the tiger.
"I think he is telling the truth,” the traveller said to himself. "I will wade across the pool and get the gold bangle. He seems to be a nice tiger."
As he started to wade through the marshy pool he got stuck in the quick sand and began to sink. The tiger shouted with a smile on his face, "Wait there, I am coming to rescue you."
Finally the tiger pounced upon the traveller and killed him.
That night the tiger had the greatest feast of his life.

  1. Hopped

  2. Attacked

  3. Bounced

  4. Ate

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

The word 'pounced' in this passage describes the tiger suddenly attacking the traveller after deceiving him. In the story, the tiger pretended to be harmless and offered to 'rescue' the traveller, but once the traveller was stuck, the tiger revealed his true nature by suddenly attacking. 'Attacked' correctly captures this predatory action - pouncing is how predators suddenly leap upon their prey to attack them.

Multiple choice

Feast

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

Once an old tiger found a gold bangle by the side of a marshy pool. He was too old to hunt; so he thought he would use the bangle as a bait to catch a man. Just then an old traveller was passing by on the opposite bank. The tiger spotted him and decided to have him for his dinner.
The tiger called the traveller and asked him to take the gold bangle, as he had no use for it. The traveller suspected that this may be a trick to get him.
"How can I trust you?" asked the traveller.
The tiger replied, "Don't you see I am old! My teeth are practically gone. My claws are blunt, and I cannot use them. I am now a vegetarian and have given up meat. Don't worry, come and take my gold bangle as a gift."
The traveller said, "When I get closer, my smell may change your mind."
"Don't be silly, have no fear. I am now leading the life of an ascetic. You are safe with me."
The traveller’s love for gold overcame his natural fear of the tiger.
"I think he is telling the truth,” the traveller said to himself. "I will wade across the pool and get the gold bangle. He seems to be a nice tiger."
As he started to wade through the marshy pool he got stuck in the quick sand and began to sink. The tiger shouted with a smile on his face, "Wait there, I am coming to rescue you."
Finally the tiger pounced upon the traveller and killed him.
That night the tiger had the greatest feast of his life.

  1. Banquet

  2. Carnival

  3. Meal

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

The word 'feast' in this context means a large, satisfying meal. The passage concludes by saying the tiger had 'the greatest feast of his life' after killing the traveller. In its simplest meaning, feast = an elaborate meal. While 'banquet' can also mean feast, 'meal' is the most direct and appropriate synonym here - it simply means food that was eaten, without the formal connotations of banquet or the celebration aspect of carnival.

Multiple choice

Suspected

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

Once an old tiger found a gold bangle by the side of a marshy pool. He was too old to hunt; so he thought he would use the bangle as a bait to catch a man. Just then an old traveller was passing by on the opposite bank. The tiger spotted him and decided to have him for his dinner.
The tiger called the traveller and asked him to take the gold bangle, as he had no use for it. The traveller suspected that this may be a trick to get him.
"How can I trust you?" asked the traveller.
The tiger replied, "Don't you see I am old! My teeth are practically gone. My claws are blunt, and I cannot use them. I am now a vegetarian and have given up meat. Don't worry, come and take my gold bangle as a gift."
The traveller said, "When I get closer, my smell may change your mind."
"Don't be silly, have no fear. I am now leading the life of an ascetic. You are safe with me."
The traveller’s love for gold overcame his natural fear of the tiger.
"I think he is telling the truth,” the traveller said to himself. "I will wade across the pool and get the gold bangle. He seems to be a nice tiger."
As he started to wade through the marshy pool he got stuck in the quick sand and began to sink. The tiger shouted with a smile on his face, "Wait there, I am coming to rescue you."
Finally the tiger pounced upon the traveller and killed him.
That night the tiger had the greatest feast of his life.

  1. Doubted

  2. Imagined

  3. Dreamt

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

The word 'suspected' in this passage means the traveller had doubts or mistrust about the tiger's intentions. When the tiger offered the gold bangle, the traveller 'suspected that this may be a trick' - meaning he doubted the tiger's sincerity and thought it might be a deception. 'Doubted' is the correct synonym as it perfectly captures this sense of uncertainty and mistrust. The traveller's suspicion turned out to be well-founded.

Multiple choice

Marshy

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

Once an old tiger found a gold bangle by the side of a marshy pool. He was too old to hunt; so he thought he would use the bangle as a bait to catch a man. Just then an old traveller was passing by on the opposite bank. The tiger spotted him and decided to have him for his dinner.
The tiger called the traveller and asked him to take the gold bangle, as he had no use for it. The traveller suspected that this may be a trick to get him.
"How can I trust you?" asked the traveller.
The tiger replied, "Don't you see I am old! My teeth are practically gone. My claws are blunt, and I cannot use them. I am now a vegetarian and have given up meat. Don't worry, come and take my gold bangle as a gift."
The traveller said, "When I get closer, my smell may change your mind."
"Don't be silly, have no fear. I am now leading the life of an ascetic. You are safe with me."
The traveller’s love for gold overcame his natural fear of the tiger.
"I think he is telling the truth,” the traveller said to himself. "I will wade across the pool and get the gold bangle. He seems to be a nice tiger."
As he started to wade through the marshy pool he got stuck in the quick sand and began to sink. The tiger shouted with a smile on his face, "Wait there, I am coming to rescue you."
Finally the tiger pounced upon the traveller and killed him.
That night the tiger had the greatest feast of his life.

  1. Dry

  2. Green

  3. Muddy

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

The word 'marshy' describes wet, soggy, muddy ground - typically a swamp or bog. In the passage, the traveller gets stuck in quicksand when trying to cross the 'marshy pool.' The term describes terrain that is soft, wet, and difficult to walk through. 'Muddy' is the correct answer as marshy areas are characterized by mud, wet soil, and water-saturated ground that makes them treacherous to walk through.