English Language

English Reading Comprehension

2,692 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

What is the meaning of twinkled?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

The little fat man stood quietly leaning on his staff. “If you will treat me with courtesy,” he said, “I will save the city. Give me something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely. That is the only way to get a dragon to help you.”

  1. Shined

  2. Glitter

  3. Sparkle

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

The passage says 'their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.' Twinkled means to shine briefly with flickering light. Option A (Shined) is the intended answer as the past tense of shine, meaning the weapons reflected light.

Multiple choice

What did the dragons wear?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

The little fat man stood quietly leaning on his staff. “If you will treat me with courtesy,” he said, “I will save the city. Give me something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely. That is the only way to get a dragon to help you.”

  1. Gold and purple silk

  2. Yellow and green silk

  3. Black and white silk

  4. Blue and red silk
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Mandarin states directly in the passage: 'They [dragons] were gold and purple silk.' This describes what the dragons wore or were adorned in. Option A matches exactly what the Mandarin claimed about the dragons' appearance.

Multiple choice

As per the Mandarin, how did the dragons look like?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

The little fat man stood quietly leaning on his staff. “If you will treat me with courtesy,” he said, “I will save the city. Give me something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely. That is the only way to get a dragon to help you.”

  1. They are proud lords of the sky

  2. They are strong lords of the sky

  3. They are stupid lords of the sky

  4. They are cool lords of the sky
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Mandarin describes dragons as 'proud lords of the sky' - proud, noble rulers of the air. This is how he claimed they looked and behaved. Option A directly quotes the Mandarin's description.

Multiple choice

What is the meaning of yells?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

The little fat man stood quietly leaning on his staff. “If you will treat me with courtesy,” he said, “I will save the city. Give me something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely. That is the only way to get a dragon to help you.”

  1. Cry of anger

  2. Loud noise

  3. Cry of pain

  4. Cry of fear
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The passage mentions 'screams and yells from outside' when the enemy messenger arrives. 'Yells' in this context means loud cries or shouts, likely of warning or distress. Option A (Cry of anger) is the intended meaning - loud, urgent vocalizations.

Multiple choice

What rose high from their horse's hooves?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

The little fat man stood quietly leaning on his staff. “If you will treat me with courtesy,” he said, “I will save the city. Give me something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely. That is the only way to get a dragon to help you.”

  1. Dust

  2. Filth

  3. Soot

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

The passage states: 'Dust rose high from their horse's hooves.' As the Wild Horsemen rode across the plain, their horses' hooves kicking up the ground caused dust to rise. Option A (Dust) matches exactly what the text says rose from the hooves.

Multiple choice

What is the meaning of fierce?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

The little fat man stood quietly leaning on his staff. “If you will treat me with courtesy,” he said, “I will save the city. Give me something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely. That is the only way to get a dragon to help you.”

  1. Ferocious

  2. Savage

  3. Gentle

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

The Captain describes dragons as 'fierce and brave, like warriors.' Fierce means aggressive, violent, or ferocious - showing great intensity and power. Option A (Ferocious) is a close synonym meaning savagely fierce or violent.

Multiple choice

How did the Leader of the Merchant describe the Dragons?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

The little fat man stood quietly leaning on his staff. “If you will treat me with courtesy,” he said, “I will save the city. Give me something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely. That is the only way to get a dragon to help you.”

  1. They are comfortable

  2. They are cool

  3. They are angry

  4. They are happy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Leader of the Merchants describes dragons as 'rich and splendid' and specifically states they are 'as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants.' The phrase 'as comfortable as a pocketful of money' uses comfortable to mean at ease/wealthy, which is how merchants would feel. The other options (cool, angry, happy) are not mentioned in the passage.

Multiple choice

How many books did the wisest of wise refer to?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

The little fat man stood quietly leaning on his staff. “If you will treat me with courtesy,” he said, “I will save the city. Give me something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely. That is the only way to get a dragon to help you.”

  1. Forty-seven books

  2. Forty-two books

  3. Forty-eight books

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

The wisest of the Wise Men explicitly states: 'I can show it to you in forty-seven books.' This is the exact number mentioned in the passage when referring to his proof that dragons are the wisest creatures. The other numbers (42, 48, 40) are not mentioned in the text.

Multiple choice

What is the meaning of spears?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

The little fat man stood quietly leaning on his staff. “If you will treat me with courtesy,” he said, “I will save the city. Give me something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely. That is the only way to get a dragon to help you.”

  1. Assegai

  2. Harpoon

  3. Gaff

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

An assegai is a traditional spear used in southern Africa, specifically a slender-shafted spear with a pointed iron head. The other options are different tools: harpoon is for fishing, gaff is a hooked pole, and knife is a cutting tool. This tests vocabulary knowledge of weapon types.

Multiple choice

What is the meaning of brushing?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

The little fat man stood quietly leaning on his staff. “If you will treat me with courtesy,” he said, “I will save the city. Give me something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely. That is the only way to get a dragon to help you.”

  1. Cleaning

  2. Sweeping

  3. Wiping

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

In the context 'brushing grains of rice from his uniform,' brushing means removing or cleaning away the rice grains. The Captain is cleaning his uniform by brushing off the rice. While similar to wiping or dusting, cleaning is the general action being performed here. Sweeping is done with a broom on floors, not by hand on clothing.

Multiple choice

What did the little fat man repeatedly request?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

The little fat man stood quietly leaning on his staff. “If you will treat me with courtesy,” he said, “I will save the city. Give me something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely. That is the only way to get a dragon to help you.”

  1. Something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely

  2. Something to drink and something to eat and speak to me politely

  3. Something to speak and something to drink and something to eat politely

  4. Something to speak politely, something to eat and something to drink
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The little fat man says: 'Give me something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely.' Option B preserves this exact order: drink, eat, speak politely. Option A changes the order to eat, drink, speak. The passage specifies 'something to eat and something to drink' then 'speak to me politely.'

Multiple choice

What is the meaning of hooves?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

The little fat man stood quietly leaning on his staff. “If you will treat me with courtesy,” he said, “I will save the city. Give me something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely. That is the only way to get a dragon to help you.”

  1. Feet of the horse

  2. Walk somewhere

  3. Walk quickly

  4. Foot of the animal
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Hooves are the hard feet of horses and similar animals. The passage mentions 'dust rose high from their horse's hooves,' confirming the connection to horses. Option A correctly identifies hooves as horse feet. Option C and D mention walking, but hooves are the foot structure itself, not the action of walking. Option B is too general.

Multiple choice

Did the Mandarin see a dragon?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

The little fat man stood quietly leaning on his staff. “If you will treat me with courtesy,” he said, “I will save the city. Give me something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely. That is the only way to get a dragon to help you.”

  1. Certainly not

  2. Certainly yes

  3. Probably, but not certainly

  4. Can't say
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

When asked 'Have you ever seen one?' the Mandarin explicitly answers: 'Certainly not.' He admits he has never seen a dragon, only that 'everyone knows what they look like.' Option A directly quotes his denial. Options B, C, and D contradict the clear statement in the passage.

Multiple choice

Who came running to the palace?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

The little fat man stood quietly leaning on his staff. “If you will treat me with courtesy,” he said, “I will save the city. Give me something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely. That is the only way to get a dragon to help you.”

  1. A messenger

  2. A person

  3. A thief

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

The passage states: 'A messenger came running into the palace.' Option A correctly identifies that a messenger arrived. The messenger shouts 'My lords, the enemy is coming!' which shows he is delivering urgent news. Options B (person), C (thief), and D (robber) are incorrect descriptions of the messenger.

Multiple choice

What is the meaning of screams?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

The little fat man stood quietly leaning on his staff. “If you will treat me with courtesy,” he said, “I will save the city. Give me something to eat and something to drink and speak to me politely. That is the only way to get a dragon to help you.”

  1. Cry

  2. Say loudly

  3. High note

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

Screams are sharp, loud cries of fear, pain, or strong emotion - essentially cries. In the passage, 'screams and yells' indicate panic and alarm as the enemy approaches. Option A correctly identifies screams as cries. Option B 'say loudly' is too mild - screaming involves intense emotion, not just volume. Option C 'high note' refers to music. Option D describes an emotion, not the sound itself.