English Language

Reading Comprehension

7,656 Questions
All Explicit Fact Retrieval 2427 Inference and Logical Deduction 1147 Contextual Vocabulary Meaning 845 Main Idea and Title Selection 781 Cause and Effect Extraction 699 Synonym and Antonym Identification 692 Sentence Structure and Discourse Function 336 Author Tone and Perspective 194 Interpretation of Figurative Language 190 Passage Style and Organization 173 Pronoun Referent Identification 49

Reading Comprehension Questions

Multiple choice

What is a major point of difference between passage 1 and passage 2?

Answer the question based on the following passages.

Passage 1

            Wood was initially the sole heat energy provider. Later coal
            energized the western industry and finally came fuels like
            petroleum and natural gas to ignite the industrial sector. The
            triggered demand of energy has been due to boom in
(5)        modern luxuries like kitchen gadgets, air conditioners, heat
            pumps and the futuristic electric cars. So, to execute
            uninterrupted supply of energy, many coal fired and nuclear
            power plants have been set up. Even electric generators work
            with turbines to give hydroelectricity. Today electricity stands
(10)      distinctively as the most predominant energy provider. The
            oiling of kerosene lamps, hearth fires and cool iceboxes all are
            outdated. Now townships are planned near waterfalls so that
            easy energy can be obtained.
            Benjamin Franklin introduced the subject ‘electricity’ and Thomas
(15)      Edison brightened human life by inventing the first electric bulb.
            The electric charge was produced by the positive charge of
            protons and negative charge of electrons, both present in an atom.
            Their attraction to each other helps produce electrical charge.
            So the universally known principle of the attraction of opposites
(20)      helped produce electricity.

Passage 2

            Study of magnets acquaints us with the energy field which
            surrounds it, within which we feel the force of these magnets.
            A bar magnet pulls a piece of iron placed 2 cm away. If the
            potency is stronger it can make the iron almost dance to its
(5)        tune. Hence, if the attraction occurs, we can derive that the
            iron piece falls within the magnetic field. This comprehension
            of an energy field was difficult to relate in the past but for
            scientists today the concept stands clear that magnetic poles
            apply a force within a limit called its field. Even the molecules
(10)      of a liquid and air can be magnetized. Electric charge and
            magnetic charge both exert their force in a field. This electric
            field has both magnitude and direction represented by lines
            force or field lines, which begin on positive charges and
            terminate on negative charge. If electric energy could be
(15)      exploited for human use, can’t magnetic energy be not
            similarly used?

  1. Passage 1 deals with a form of energy in use; passage 2 with a form of energy that can be used.

  2. Passage 1 is about electrical charge; passage 2 about mechanical charge.

  3. Passage 2 deals with attraction; passage 1 with repulsion.

  4. Passage 1 deals with predominance of electricity in daily life; passage 2 deals with uses of magnetism.

  5. Passage 1 deals with attraction of opposites; passage 2 with attraction of similarly charged objects.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

If electric energy could be exploited for human use, can't magnetic energy be not similarly used?

Multiple choice

What is the marked difference between Passage 1 and Passage 2?

Answer the questions based on the following passages.

Passage 1                               

            Absurdity is a conjoining theme to existentialism. It is a
            concept which rises with a contrast between two aspects
            of human need and the fallacious quietness of the world.
            It’s true that mankind survives in a world that is and will
(5)        always be inimical and detached towards its requirements.
            The universe will never cater to humanity as the latter wants
            to. The non believers believe that people create legends or
            unrealistic pictures of God to fill this hollowness in an
            endeavor to satisfy their faith.
(10)      Basically absurdism is not an existentialist outlook. Its
            potent idea surfaces around the assumption that everything
            must have an intention which could give a reason to survive.
            But if every achieved height has a higher aim ahead, what
            is the purpose of the one that has been achieved? If all
(15)      mankind is a creation of the Almighty then who created HIM?
            So, all belief in God remains questionable, and his identity
            as absurd. Canaus suggested suicide the best reaction to
            absurdity though it was not very effective and potent in result.
            Critics support an altogether different philosophy. They
(20)      believe that instead of ending a purposeless life one
            should learn the art of coping with or retaliating against
            this lack of purpose and this should act as a motivation to
            mankind to live a life full of free will. Some consider this
            philosophy to be haughty because if the purpose of life
(25)      cannot be seen distinctly it does not mean that its existence
            is challenged.
            The absurdist drama’s role was not to dispirit the audience
            with adverse feelings but to give them a translucent picture
            of actuality so that they could comprehend their own
(30)      purpose in life. This theatre came after the Second World
            War. Its roots were embedded in existentialism. This form
            catered to the rationally inexplicable that is often called
            Absurd. This style caught the audience fascination a little
            too late because of its illogical approach. The plots often
(35)      diverged from the conventional structure and seemed to
            compass the same events, probably ending at the same
            argument it began with. The colloquy was nit witted and
            the scenic background was unacknowledgable.

Passage 2

            The existentialists showed undoubted love for life. They
            were cynically optimistic because of their inclination to their
            material pursuits. They had a centralized disposition,
            freedom of will and an attitude of self adjudgement, in
(5)        themselves. Sartre, Camus and Beckett all began from this
            philosophy but Beckett later took up as an absurdist. He
            called this world a mound of meaninglessness giving way
            to pessimism.
            But the question arises that if life is so meaningless then
(10)      why are we striving, why are we not resting ironically in
            death. If death is the ultimate motive, why is that we are
            undergoing so much stress. Sartre had no belief in deific
            element. He registered that no essences existed before
            mankind unlike the believers of God who think Almighty
(15)      primarily created the essences of the world and then
            created the human race. Hence existentialism believed
            ‘existence precedes essence’. Sartre being a rigid
            existentialist, believed the precedence of God’s presence
            to be a farce.
(20)      This is how existentialism gave way to Absurdity. If
            existentialists believe in the absence of God then there is
            no purpose or value left, which makes the world an
            unworthy, irrelevant, inanimate and vacant place called
            absurd. These ideas gained precedence when the society
(25)      was facing despondency of World War II. All belief in
            sanctity of life had been shattered.
            Existentialists agreed that all distress and devastations
            make life an ungratified experience. Slowly one loses the
            meaning of life. Hence existentialism helps one in his
(30)      journey and in scanning the real self and personal meaning
            of life. The existentialists did not want any power or beliefs
            overpower this motive because these could hamper
            individualism and suppress human desire. Existentialists
            believe that personal judgment predestined a person’s
(35)      fellowship either to an autocrat’s religion or to a secular
           free will.

 

  1. Passage 1 recommends end to life as a potent way out of absurdity; Passage 2 states love for life due to free will.

  2. Passage 1 ascertains love towards divinity; Passage 2 towards human free will and judgment.

  3. Absurdity slowly turned into existentialism as per Passage 1, but not influenced as per Passage 2.

  4. Passage 1 relates to rationale unexplained; Passage 2 explains these unexplained facts.

  5. They cater to the same subject matter.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Passage 2 basically contrasts the existentialist attitude to life with the absurdist view of life as detailed in passage 1.

Multiple choice

How can you relate 'cynically optimistic' (line 2) to existentialists, according to passage 2?

Answer the questions based on the following passages.

Passage 1                               

            Absurdity is a conjoining theme to existentialism. It is a
            concept which rises with a contrast between two aspects
            of human need and the fallacious quietness of the world.
            It’s true that mankind survives in a world that is and will
(5)        always be inimical and detached towards its requirements.
            The universe will never cater to humanity as the latter wants
            to. The non believers believe that people create legends or
            unrealistic pictures of God to fill this hollowness in an
            endeavor to satisfy their faith.
(10)      Basically absurdism is not an existentialist outlook. Its
            potent idea surfaces around the assumption that everything
            must have an intention which could give a reason to survive.
            But if every achieved height has a higher aim ahead, what
            is the purpose of the one that has been achieved? If all
(15)      mankind is a creation of the Almighty then who created HIM?
            So, all belief in God remains questionable, and his identity
            as absurd. Canaus suggested suicide the best reaction to
            absurdity though it was not very effective and potent in result.
            Critics support an altogether different philosophy. They
(20)      believe that instead of ending a purposeless life one
            should learn the art of coping with or retaliating against
            this lack of purpose and this should act as a motivation to
            mankind to live a life full of free will. Some consider this
            philosophy to be haughty because if the purpose of life
(25)      cannot be seen distinctly it does not mean that its existence
            is challenged.
            The absurdist drama’s role was not to dispirit the audience
            with adverse feelings but to give them a translucent picture
            of actuality so that they could comprehend their own
(30)      purpose in life. This theatre came after the Second World
            War. Its roots were embedded in existentialism. This form
            catered to the rationally inexplicable that is often called
            Absurd. This style caught the audience fascination a little
            too late because of its illogical approach. The plots often
(35)      diverged from the conventional structure and seemed to
            compass the same events, probably ending at the same
            argument it began with. The colloquy was nit witted and
            the scenic background was unacknowledgable.

Passage 2

            The existentialists showed undoubted love for life. They
            were cynically optimistic because of their inclination to their
            material pursuits. They had a centralized disposition,
            freedom of will and an attitude of self adjudgement, in
(5)        themselves. Sartre, Camus and Beckett all began from this
            philosophy but Beckett later took up as an absurdist. He
            called this world a mound of meaninglessness giving way
            to pessimism.
            But the question arises that if life is so meaningless then
(10)      why are we striving, why are we not resting ironically in
            death. If death is the ultimate motive, why is that we are
            undergoing so much stress. Sartre had no belief in deific
            element. He registered that no essences existed before
            mankind unlike the believers of God who think Almighty
(15)      primarily created the essences of the world and then
            created the human race. Hence existentialism believed
            ‘existence precedes essence’. Sartre being a rigid
            existentialist, believed the precedence of God’s presence
            to be a farce.
(20)      This is how existentialism gave way to Absurdity. If
            existentialists believe in the absence of God then there is
            no purpose or value left, which makes the world an
            unworthy, irrelevant, inanimate and vacant place called
            absurd. These ideas gained precedence when the society
(25)      was facing despondency of World War II. All belief in
            sanctity of life had been shattered.
            Existentialists agreed that all distress and devastations
            make life an ungratified experience. Slowly one loses the
            meaning of life. Hence existentialism helps one in his
(30)      journey and in scanning the real self and personal meaning
            of life. The existentialists did not want any power or beliefs
            overpower this motive because these could hamper
            individualism and suppress human desire. Existentialists
            believe that personal judgment predestined a person’s
(35)      fellowship either to an autocrat’s religion or to a secular
           free will.

 

  1. Their life's positivity came from their belief in free will and marked individuality.

  2. Mostly existentialists were insane in their mindless pursuit of optimism.

  3. They were the cheerful youth with an open mind.

  4. They believed industriousness to be the cornerstone of optimistic outlook.

  5. They believed in God and expected him to improve their destiny.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Essentialists believed in free will. So they were not pessimistic like absurdists. They enjoyed all material pursuits.

Multiple choice

Which of the following can be directly inferred from Passage 1?

Answer the questions based on the following passages.

Passage 1                               

            Absurdity is a conjoining theme to existentialism. It is a
            concept which rises with a contrast between two aspects
            of human need and the fallacious quietness of the world.
            It’s true that mankind survives in a world that is and will
(5)        always be inimical and detached towards its requirements.
            The universe will never cater to humanity as the latter wants
            to. The non believers believe that people create legends or
            unrealistic pictures of God to fill this hollowness in an
            endeavor to satisfy their faith.
(10)      Basically absurdism is not an existentialist outlook. Its
            potent idea surfaces around the assumption that everything
            must have an intention which could give a reason to survive.
            But if every achieved height has a higher aim ahead, what
            is the purpose of the one that has been achieved? If all
(15)      mankind is a creation of the Almighty then who created HIM?
            So, all belief in God remains questionable, and his identity
            as absurd. Canaus suggested suicide the best reaction to
            absurdity though it was not very effective and potent in result.
            Critics support an altogether different philosophy. They
(20)      believe that instead of ending a purposeless life one
            should learn the art of coping with or retaliating against
            this lack of purpose and this should act as a motivation to
            mankind to live a life full of free will. Some consider this
            philosophy to be haughty because if the purpose of life
(25)      cannot be seen distinctly it does not mean that its existence
            is challenged.
            The absurdist drama’s role was not to dispirit the audience
            with adverse feelings but to give them a translucent picture
            of actuality so that they could comprehend their own
(30)      purpose in life. This theatre came after the Second World
            War. Its roots were embedded in existentialism. This form
            catered to the rationally inexplicable that is often called
            Absurd. This style caught the audience fascination a little
            too late because of its illogical approach. The plots often
(35)      diverged from the conventional structure and seemed to
            compass the same events, probably ending at the same
            argument it began with. The colloquy was nit witted and
            the scenic background was unacknowledgable.

Passage 2

            The existentialists showed undoubted love for life. They
            were cynically optimistic because of their inclination to their
            material pursuits. They had a centralized disposition,
            freedom of will and an attitude of self adjudgement, in
(5)        themselves. Sartre, Camus and Beckett all began from this
            philosophy but Beckett later took up as an absurdist. He
            called this world a mound of meaninglessness giving way
            to pessimism.
            But the question arises that if life is so meaningless then
(10)      why are we striving, why are we not resting ironically in
            death. If death is the ultimate motive, why is that we are
            undergoing so much stress. Sartre had no belief in deific
            element. He registered that no essences existed before
            mankind unlike the believers of God who think Almighty
(15)      primarily created the essences of the world and then
            created the human race. Hence existentialism believed
            ‘existence precedes essence’. Sartre being a rigid
            existentialist, believed the precedence of God’s presence
            to be a farce.
(20)      This is how existentialism gave way to Absurdity. If
            existentialists believe in the absence of God then there is
            no purpose or value left, which makes the world an
            unworthy, irrelevant, inanimate and vacant place called
            absurd. These ideas gained precedence when the society
(25)      was facing despondency of World War II. All belief in
            sanctity of life had been shattered.
            Existentialists agreed that all distress and devastations
            make life an ungratified experience. Slowly one loses the
            meaning of life. Hence existentialism helps one in his
(30)      journey and in scanning the real self and personal meaning
            of life. The existentialists did not want any power or beliefs
            overpower this motive because these could hamper
            individualism and suppress human desire. Existentialists
            believe that personal judgment predestined a person’s
(35)      fellowship either to an autocrat’s religion or to a secular
           free will.

 

  1. Absurdism is an existentialist outlook that questions the 'being' of things.

  2. Mankind survives in an attached and an animated world which caters to its requirements.

  3. Anti-absurdists believe that a purposeless life should be a motivational factor for a free willed life.

  4. An absurdist drama's purpose was to show the picture of actuality which would be the generalization for the entire audience.

  5. The colloquy of an absurdirst drama was interspersed with scenic background that was appreciated by the audience.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

(C) can be directly inferred from paragraph 3 (lines 22-23).

Multiple choice

Inequality means

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

To a large degree, India embraced a system of socialism at the time it became Independent from the British. This system still continues today. Currently we find government-run or state-run companies and other organizations. Despite this, throughout the world, socialism has proven to be unsuccessful and has come to an end in many countries which have adopted it. While free market economies are certainly not problem-free, it is acknowledged that things are not equal. This inequality is certain, but rather than trying to remove it, working against it is more successful. In the recent past, the average yearly income for an Indian citizen has been steadily improving since 1980. This is a good sign for India and its economy.

  1. that things are equal

  2. that people are not the same

  3. that businesses are not the same

  4. that things are not equal
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect - This is the opposite meaning of inequality. Inequality means things that are not equal.
    2. Incorrect - This is similar in meaning, but inequality means that things are not equal.
    3. Incorrect - This is similar, but inequality means that things are not the same.
    1. Correct - This is what inequality means. Things are not equal.

Multiple choice

The yearly income of the average Indian citizen has been

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

To a large degree, India embraced a system of socialism at the time it became Independent from the British. This system still continues today. Currently we find government-run or state-run companies and other organizations. Despite this, throughout the world, socialism has proven to be unsuccessful and has come to an end in many countries which have adopted it. While free market economies are certainly not problem-free, it is acknowledged that things are not equal. This inequality is certain, but rather than trying to remove it, working against it is more successful. In the recent past, the average yearly income for an Indian citizen has been steadily improving since 1980. This is a good sign for India and its economy.

  1. declining since 1980

  2. rising sharply since 1980

  3. steadily improving since 1980

  4. a good sign for India and its economy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect - It has been steadily improving not declining.
    2. Incorrect - It has been steadily improving, not rising sharply.
    3. Correct - It has been rising sharply since 1980.
    1. Incorrect - It has been steadily improving, which is a good sign for India and its economy.

Multiple choice

According to the writer, how do free market economies deal with inequality?

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

To a large degree, India embraced a system of socialism at the time it became Independent from the British. This system still continues today. Currently we find government-run or state-run companies and other organizations. Despite this, throughout the world, socialism has proven to be unsuccessful and has come to an end in many countries which have adopted it. While free market economies are certainly not problem-free, it is acknowledged that things are not equal. This inequality is certain, but rather than trying to remove it, working against it is more successful. In the recent past, the average yearly income for an Indian citizen has been steadily improving since 1980. This is a good sign for India and its economy.

  1. They acknowledge it.

  2. They try to remove it.

  3. They know it is certain.

  4. They try to work against it.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect - This is true, but they try to work against it.
    2. Incorrect - They do not do this, but try to work against it.
    3. Incorrect - This is true, but they try to work against it.
    1. Correct - This is how they deal with inequality; they try to work against it.

Multiple choice

Which of the following sentences imparts the meaning – “special relationship” with the UK.

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

The British exercised power over their American colonies until the Revolutionary War in 1776. After or at independence, both the United States and India fought wars of succession, classified as civil or international wars depending upon which side won. The Civil War in the US in 1861 resulted in victory for the Union forces of the north and defeat for the Confederate forces of the south but it also resulted in a ½ million or more deaths. The partition of British Indian Empire in 1947 resulted in the separation of Pakistan in the west from India in the east but it also resulted in a ½ - 1 ½ million deaths and 12-14 million refugees as Hindus fled from Pakistan and as many Muslims fled from India. “The exchange of populations between the two new states took on the characteristics of what is today called ‘ethnic cleansing’”.
Britain was not involved in the Indian conflict as it was in the American Revolution 171 years earlier. Perhaps that is why India is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations whereas the US is not. Indeed, the present Secretary-General is Kamalesh Sharma, an Indian diplomat. Fifty-four sovereign states are currently members of this voluntary association. And the US should at long last consider joining the club given its “special relationship” with the UK.

  1. The United States and UK are close friends and allies.

  2. The UK and U.S. are sworn enemies.

  3. The UK rules the United States.

  4. The UK once ruled both the U.S. and India.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Correct – As used in the passage “special relationship” means that the U.S. and the UK are close friends and allies.
    2. Incorrect – This is not stated in the passage. In the passage “special relationship” means that the U.S. and UK are close friends and allies.
    3. Incorrect – At one point this was true prior to the U.S. becoming a nation, but this is not true now. Hence, this is incorrect.
    1. Incorrect – This is true, but this is not what special relationship means in the passage. In the passage, it means  that the U.S. and UK are close friends and allies.
Multiple choice

What was the Brahman finally obliged to believe?

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

For many months the Brahman led a double life; until one day, when he went as usual to his hiding-place, he saw at once that someone had been there before him. Eagerly he knelt down, full of fear to know exactly what had actually happened. All his care in concealing the hole which held all his riches had been wasted, for it was quite empty. The poor man could not believe his eyes. Then he felt round and round the hole, hoping that he was mistaken. At last he was obliged to believe the truth that there was no sign of his money and jewels. He became almost mad with misery. He began to run from tree to tree, peering among roots, and when there was nothing to be seen, he rushed back again to his empty hole, to look into it once more. Then he wept and tore at his hair, stamped and cried aloud to all the gods he believed in, making all kinds of promises of what he would do if they would give him back his treasures. No answer came, and he began to wonder who could have done such a terrible thing. It must have been one of the people of Sravasti; and he remembered he had noticed that a good many of them had looked into his bowl with longing eyes when they saw the money and precious stones in it. "What horrible, wicked people they are," he said to himself. "I hate them. I would like to hurt them as they have hurt me." As he thought this he got more and more angry, until he became quite worn out with giving way to his rage.

  1. That his hole was empty.

  2. The he was now poor.

  3. That there was no sign of his money and jewels.

  4. That his money and jewels were in a different hole.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect – This is true, but this is not what he was obliged to believe. Finally he had to believe that there was no sign of his money and jewels.
    2. Incorrect – This would most likely be true, but nothing is mentioned in the passage. He was obliged to believe that there was no sign of his money and jewels.
    3. Correct – He was obliged to believe that there was no sign of his money and jewels.
    1. Incorrect – This is not stated in the passage. He was obliged to believe that there was no sign of his money and jewels.
Multiple choice

What did the Brahman do for many months?

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

For many months the Brahman led a double life; until one day, when he went as usual to his hiding-place, he saw at once that someone had been there before him. Eagerly he knelt down, full of fear to know exactly what had actually happened. All his care in concealing the hole which held all his riches had been wasted, for it was quite empty. The poor man could not believe his eyes. Then he felt round and round the hole, hoping that he was mistaken. At last he was obliged to believe the truth that there was no sign of his money and jewels. He became almost mad with misery. He began to run from tree to tree, peering among roots, and when there was nothing to be seen, he rushed back again to his empty hole, to look into it once more. Then he wept and tore at his hair, stamped and cried aloud to all the gods he believed in, making all kinds of promises of what he would do if they would give him back his treasures. No answer came, and he began to wonder who could have done such a terrible thing. It must have been one of the people of Sravasti; and he remembered he had noticed that a good many of them had looked into his bowl with longing eyes when they saw the money and precious stones in it. "What horrible, wicked people they are," he said to himself. "I hate them. I would like to hurt them as they have hurt me." As he thought this he got more and more angry, until he became quite worn out with giving way to his rage.

  1. He went to his hiding place.

  2. He would kneel, full of fear.

  3. He led a double life.

  4. He wasted his time concealing his riches.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect – The passage states that he often went to the place where he hid his wealth, but specifically he led a double life.
    2. Incorrect – The passage states that he knelt, full of fear when he found that the hole where he kept his riches was empty. This is also not what he did for many months. What he did was to live a double life.
    3. Correct – He led a double life for many months according to the passage.
    1. Incorrect – The passage states that he wasted all the care in concealing his riches because the hole was empty. This is not what the passage states. The passage states that he led a double life.
Multiple choice

What is the meaning of concealing in the passage?

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

For many months the Brahman led a double life; until one day, when he went as usual to his hiding-place, he saw at once that someone had been there before him. Eagerly he knelt down, full of fear to know exactly what had actually happened. All his care in concealing the hole which held all his riches had been wasted, for it was quite empty. The poor man could not believe his eyes. Then he felt round and round the hole, hoping that he was mistaken. At last he was obliged to believe the truth that there was no sign of his money and jewels. He became almost mad with misery. He began to run from tree to tree, peering among roots, and when there was nothing to be seen, he rushed back again to his empty hole, to look into it once more. Then he wept and tore at his hair, stamped and cried aloud to all the gods he believed in, making all kinds of promises of what he would do if they would give him back his treasures. No answer came, and he began to wonder who could have done such a terrible thing. It must have been one of the people of Sravasti; and he remembered he had noticed that a good many of them had looked into his bowl with longing eyes when they saw the money and precious stones in it. "What horrible, wicked people they are," he said to himself. "I hate them. I would like to hurt them as they have hurt me." As he thought this he got more and more angry, until he became quite worn out with giving way to his rage.

  1. To seal something in a hole.

  2. To hide something.

  3. To collect riches.

  4. To waste time hiding something.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect - This is close, but specifically concealing means to hide.
    2. Correct - When we conceal something, we hide it from view.
    3. Incorrect - Concealing does not mean collecting riches, but to hide something.
    1. Incorrect - Concealing does not mean wasting time in hiding something, but hiding something.

Multiple choice

Which word means separation from?

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

The British exercised power over their American colonies until the Revolutionary War in 1776. After or at independence, both the United States and India fought wars of succession, classified as civil or international wars depending upon which side won. The Civil War in the US in 1861 resulted in victory for the Union forces of the north and defeat for the Confederate forces of the south but it also resulted in a ½ million or more deaths. The partition of British Indian Empire in 1947 resulted in the separation of Pakistan in the west from India in the east but it also resulted in a ½ - 1 ½ million deaths and 12-14 million refugees as Hindus fled from Pakistan and as many Muslims fled from India. “The exchange of populations between the two new states took on the characteristics of what is today called ‘ethnic cleansing’”.
Britain was not involved in the Indian conflict as it was in the American Revolution 171 years earlier. Perhaps that is why India is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations whereas the US is not. Indeed, the present Secretary-General is Kamalesh Sharma, an Indian diplomat. Fifty-four sovereign states are currently members of this voluntary association. And the US should at long last consider joining the club given its “special relationship” with the UK.

  1. succession

  2. partition

  3. exchange

  4. between
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect – Succession means to occur in a series, whereas partition means separation from.
    2. Correct – Partition means separation from.
    3. Incorrect – Exchange means to swap or trade, whereas partition means separation from.
    1. Incorrect – Between means something that connects two things or people, whereas partition means separation from.
Multiple choice

Why does the writer say that India embraced a system of socialism?

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

To a large degree, India embraced a system of socialism at the time it became Independent from the British. This system still continues today. Currently we find government-run or state-run companies and other organizations. Despite this, throughout the world, socialism has proven to be unsuccessful and has come to an end in many countries which have adopted it. While free market economies are certainly not problem-free, it is acknowledged that things are not equal. This inequality is certain, but rather than trying to remove it, working against it is more successful. In the recent past, the average yearly income for an Indian citizen has been steadily improving since 1980. This is a good sign for India and its economy.

  1. Because it is the system India adopted.

  2. Because India has government-run companies and organizations.

  3. Because socialism has been successful throughout the world.

  4. Because socialism has failed throughout the world.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect – This is true, but this is not the reason. The reason is that India has government run companies and organizations.
    2. Correct – This is the reason. India has government-run companies and organizations.
    3. Incorrect – The passage states the opposite nor is this the reason. The reason is that India has government-run companies and organizations.
    1. Incorrect – The passage states this, but this is not the reason. The reason is that India has government-run companies and organizations.
Multiple choice

The Brahman thought that it must have been

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

For many months the Brahman led a double life; until one day, when he went as usual to his hiding-place, he saw at once that someone had been there before him. Eagerly he knelt down, full of fear to know exactly what had actually happened. All his care in concealing the hole which held all his riches had been wasted, for it was quite empty. The poor man could not believe his eyes. Then he felt round and round the hole, hoping that he was mistaken. At last he was obliged to believe the truth that there was no sign of his money and jewels. He became almost mad with misery. He began to run from tree to tree, peering among roots, and when there was nothing to be seen, he rushed back again to his empty hole, to look into it once more. Then he wept and tore at his hair, stamped and cried aloud to all the gods he believed in, making all kinds of promises of what he would do if they would give him back his treasures. No answer came, and he began to wonder who could have done such a terrible thing. It must have been one of the people of Sravasti; and he remembered he had noticed that a good many of them had looked into his bowl with longing eyes when they saw the money and precious stones in it. "What horrible, wicked people they are," he said to himself. "I hate them. I would like to hurt them as they have hurt me." As he thought this he got more and more angry, until he became quite worn out with giving way to his rage.

  1. a thief who took his money and jewels

  2. a mistake and that he had placed his money and jewels in a different spot

  3. Sravasti who found and took his money and jewels

  4. one of the people from Sravasti who took his treasure
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect – He did not think this, but thought it was one of the people from Sravasti.
    2. Incorrect – He did not think this, but thought it was one of the people from Sravasti.
    3. Incorrect – He did not think this because Sravasti is a place. He thought it was one of the people from Sravasti.
    1. Correct – He thought it was one of the people from Sravastir.
Multiple choice

He became quite worn out with giving way to his rage. What is meant by the underlined phrase?

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

For many months the Brahman led a double life; until one day, when he went as usual to his hiding-place, he saw at once that someone had been there before him. Eagerly he knelt down, full of fear to know exactly what had actually happened. All his care in concealing the hole which held all his riches had been wasted, for it was quite empty. The poor man could not believe his eyes. Then he felt round and round the hole, hoping that he was mistaken. At last he was obliged to believe the truth that there was no sign of his money and jewels. He became almost mad with misery. He began to run from tree to tree, peering among roots, and when there was nothing to be seen, he rushed back again to his empty hole, to look into it once more. Then he wept and tore at his hair, stamped and cried aloud to all the gods he believed in, making all kinds of promises of what he would do if they would give him back his treasures. No answer came, and he began to wonder who could have done such a terrible thing. It must have been one of the people of Sravasti; and he remembered he had noticed that a good many of them had looked into his bowl with longing eyes when they saw the money and precious stones in it. "What horrible, wicked people they are," he said to himself. "I hate them. I would like to hurt them as they have hurt me." As he thought this he got more and more angry, until he became quite worn out with giving way to his rage.

  1. He was getting tired.

  2. He was becoming calm.

  3. He was getting very angry.

  4. He was feeling hatred.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect - He getting tired, but this was because he was getting very angry, which is what the phrase means.
    2. Incorrect - He was not getting calm. He was getting very angry, which is what the phrase means.
    3. Correct - The phrase means to become very angry.
    1. Incorrect - This is true, but this is not what the phrase means. The phrase means that he was getting very angry.