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

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

What did the prisoner suffer the most during imprisonment?

Directions: In this Section you have six short passages. After each passage you will find several questions based pm the passage. First, read Passage- I, and answer the questions based on it then go on the other passages.
PASSAGE-IV

           

The prisoner awaited his chance. For three solid years he had schemed for this opportunity. Now that escape seemed so near at hand, those three years lost some of their monotony. But he would never forget the lashes, the close confinement, low diet, and worse still the metal strain of those black days. Suddenly the warden did what he had hopped. He stopped to unlock the lower padlock. With a dull thud he slumped forward with keys in his hands. Swiftly the prisoner seized his keys, unlocked the call, and ran into the courtyard. It took him four seconds to reach the ropelandder secretly placed thereby his and three more to jump into the waiting car to be whisked away to freedom. Even though he was guilty, the prisoner felt he had paid for his crime, for the man he had robbed three years ago was still a millionaire.

  1. Loss of freedom

  2. Mental strain

  3. Physical torture

  4. Absence from his family
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The passage mentions several hardships, but highlights 'worse still the metal strain of those black days.' This indicates that the mental (likely a typo for 'mental' in the text) strain was the most significant suffering.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and complete the sentence.

The services provided by Engineers India Limited include

Directions: In this Section you have six short passages. After each passage you will find several questions based pm the passage. First, read Passage- I, and answer the questions based on it then go on the other passages.
PASSAGE-II

            Engineers India Limited (EIL), a public sector undertaking was set up in 1965. It is the leading design and engineering company in the field of petroleum refineries, petrochemicals, oil and gas processing offshore structures and platforms, fertilizers, metallurgy, and power. The services provided by EIL include design, engineering, procurement construction management, commissioning services in the areas of environmental engineering, heat and mass transfer equipment, information technology materials and maintenance, risk analyses, energy conservation and advance control and optimization. It was to its credit over 4000 assignments including 250 major projects. EIL has exported its services to a number of countries in Asia and Africa.

  1. commissioning assistance

  2. financial help

  3. water harvesting

  4. export duty clearance
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The passage explicitly states that EIL's services include 'commissioning services.' Option A correctly captures this as 'commissioning assistance.' The other options (financial help, water harvesting, export duty clearance) are never mentioned in the passage about EIL's areas of operation.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

Engineers India Limited does not deal in which of the following areas?

Directions: In this Section you have six short passages. After each passage you will find several questions based pm the passage. First, read Passage- I, and answer the questions based on it then go on the other passages.
PASSAGE-II

            Engineers India Limited (EIL), a public sector undertaking was set up in 1965. It is the leading design and engineering company in the field of petroleum refineries, petrochemicals, oil and gas processing offshore structures and platforms, fertilizers, metallurgy, and power. The services provided by EIL include design, engineering, procurement construction management, commissioning services in the areas of environmental engineering, heat and mass transfer equipment, information technology materials and maintenance, risk analyses, energy conservation and advance control and optimization. It was to its credit over 4000 assignments including 250 major projects. EIL has exported its services to a number of countries in Asia and Africa.

  1. Construction management

  2. Environment management

  3. Heat and mass transfer equijpment

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

The passage comprehensively lists EIL's areas: petroleum refineries, petrochemicals, oil and gas processing, offshore structures, fertilizers, metallurgy, and power. It also mentions environmental engineering and heat/mass transfer equipment. Cement manufacture (option D) is the only area NOT mentioned in the passage, making it the correct answer for what EIL does NOT deal in.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

How many seconds did it take for the prisoner to regain his freedom?

Directions: In this Section you have six short passages. After each passage you will find several questions based pm the passage. First, read Passage- I, and answer the questions based on it then go on the other passages.
PASSAGE-IV

           

The prisoner awaited his chance. For three solid years he had schemed for this opportunity. Now that escape seemed so near at hand, those three years lost some of their monotony. But he would never forget the lashes, the close confinement, low diet, and worse still the metal strain of those black days. Suddenly the warden did what he had hopped. He stopped to unlock the lower padlock. With a dull thud he slumped forward with keys in his hands. Swiftly the prisoner seized his keys, unlocked the call, and ran into the courtyard. It took him four seconds to reach the ropelandder secretly placed thereby his and three more to jump into the waiting car to be whisked away to freedom. Even though he was guilty, the prisoner felt he had paid for his crime, for the man he had robbed three years ago was still a millionaire.

  1. Four

  2. Seven

  3. Twelve

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

The passage states: 'It took him four seconds to reach the ropelandder secretly placed thereby his and three more to jump into the waiting car.' Four seconds plus three seconds equals seven seconds total to regain freedom.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and complete the sentence.

Initially Krishnappa Jagannath raised Rs.65,000

Directions: In this section you have six short passages. After each passage you will find several questions based on the passage. First, read Passage- I, and answer the questions based on it then go on the other passages.
PASSAGE-I

As a farmer, I was determined that we should get on the computer bandwagon, says Krishnappa Jagannath , the 40-year old head of the Gram Panchayat who initiated the whole process three years ago. With tips from a computer-savvy brother in the US. Jagannath drew up a plan and convinced others of its merit. Within no time, he was able to raise Rs 65,000 from the public, enough for the purchase of two assembled Pentium II computers.

That was easy enough. But who would operate these machines? Jagannath decided that it had to be the villages themselves. He got in touch with a software company, which agreed to train the villages. Although wary initially, the people knew it was worth a try. As they realised it was not so difficult, more and more villages joined in. Those like TS. Shobha who showed a greater aptitude were sent for extensive training.

  1. as a loan from bank

  2. as a loan from Gram Panchayat

  3. from the public

  4. as a borrowing from his brother in the US
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The passage explicitly states: 'Within no time, he was able to raise Rs 65,000 from the public, enough for the purchase of two assembled Pentium II computers.' Option C directly matches this statement.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and complete the sentence.

T.S. Shobha was sent for extensive training because she

Directions: In this section you have six short passages. After each passage you will find several questions based on the passage. First, read Passage- I, and answer the questions based on it then go on the other passages.
PASSAGE-I

As a farmer, I was determined that we should get on the computer bandwagon, says Krishnappa Jagannath , the 40-year old head of the Gram Panchayat who initiated the whole process three years ago. With tips from a computer-savvy brother in the US. Jagannath drew up a plan and convinced others of its merit. Within no time, he was able to raise Rs 65,000 from the public, enough for the purchase of two assembled Pentium II computers.

That was easy enough. But who would operate these machines? Jagannath decided that it had to be the villages themselves. He got in touch with a software company, which agreed to train the villages. Although wary initially, the people knew it was worth a try. As they realised it was not so difficult, more and more villages joined in. Those like TS. Shobha who showed a greater aptitude were sent for extensive training.

  1. was a graduate

  2. showed a great aptitude for computers

  3. had a computer-savvy brother in the US

  4. was very influential
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The passage clearly states: 'Those like TS. Shobha who showed a greater aptitude were sent for extensive training.' Option B correctly identifies that she was selected because she showed great aptitude for computers, which aligns with the training context.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and complete the sentence.

Initially the major problem, which confronted the villagers' was

Directions: In this section you have six short passages. After each passage you will find several questions based on the passage. First, read Passage- I, and answer the questions based on it then go on the other passages.
PASSAGE-I

As a farmer, I was determined that we should get on the computer bandwagon, says Krishnappa Jagannath , the 40-year old head of the Gram Panchayat who initiated the whole process three years ago. With tips from a computer-savvy brother in the US. Jagannath drew up a plan and convinced others of its merit. Within no time, he was able to raise Rs 65,000 from the public, enough for the purchase of two assembled Pentium II computers.

That was easy enough. But who would operate these machines? Jagannath decided that it had to be the villages themselves. He got in touch with a software company, which agreed to train the villages. Although wary initially, the people knew it was worth a try. As they realised it was not so difficult, more and more villages joined in. Those like TS. Shobha who showed a greater aptitude were sent for extensive training.

  1. whether branded or assembled computers should be purchased

  2. arranging finance for purchase of computers

  3. as to who would operate the machines

  4. getting clearance from the Government authorities
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

After purchasing the computers, the passage states: 'But who would operate these machines? Jagannath decided that it had to be the villages themselves.' This clearly establishes that determining who would operate the machines was the initial major problem the villagers confronted.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and complete the sentence.

Externals

Directions: In this Section you have six short passages. After each passage you will find several questions based on the passage. First, read Passage- I, and answer the questions based on it then go on the other passages.
PASSAGE-III

Some people believe that they are masters of their own fate. Other people see themselves as pawans of a fate, believing that what happens to them in their lives is due to luck or chance. The first type, those who believe that they control their destinies, have been labeled internals, whereas the latter, who see their lives as being controlled by outside forces, have been called externals. Internals search more actively for information before making a decision, are more motivated to achieve, and make a greater attempt to control their environment. Externals, however, are more compliant and willing to follow directions. Therefore, internals do will on sophisticated tasks-which include most managerial and professional jobs-that require complex information processing and learning. In addition, internals are more suited to jobs that require initiative and independence of action, almost all successful salespeople, for instance are internals. In contrast, externals should do well on jobs that are well structured and routine and in which success depends heavily on complying with the directions of others.

  1. believe that destiny controls their lives

  2. bhat initiative and drive are important for career building

  3. opt for acquiring new skill sets

  4. relish handing complex information processing
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The passage defines externals as 'the latter, who see their lives as being controlled by outside forces.' Option A correctly captures this definition - externals believe destiny (an outside force) controls their lives. Options B, C, and D describe characteristics of internals, not externals.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and complete the sentence.

Externals perceive themselves

Directions: In this Section you have six short passages. After each passage you will find several questions based on the passage. First, read Passage- I, and answer the questions based on it then go on the other passages.
PASSAGE-III

Some people believe that they are masters of their own fate. Other people see themselves as pawans of a fate, believing that what happens to them in their lives is due to luck or chance. The first type, those who believe that they control their destinies, have been labeled internals, whereas the latter, who see their lives as being controlled by outside forces, have been called externals. Internals search more actively for information before making a decision, are more motivated to achieve, and make a greater attempt to control their environment. Externals, however, are more compliant and willing to follow directions. Therefore, internals do will on sophisticated tasks-which include most managerial and professional jobs-that require complex information processing and learning. In addition, internals are more suited to jobs that require initiative and independence of action, almost all successful salespeople, for instance are internals. In contrast, externals should do well on jobs that are well structured and routine and in which success depends heavily on complying with the directions of others.

  1. as having little control over organizational outcome

  2. as critical to the success of the organizational

  3. as those who can influence sales volumes

  4. as those who search frantically for more information

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

The passage states that externals 'see their lives as being controlled by outside forces' and 'are more compliant and willing to follow directions.' Option A correctly reflects this perception - they see themselves as having little control over organizational outcomes because they believe external forces control results. Options B, C, and D describe internals or other traits not attributed to externals.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

Which one of these is correct?

Directions: In this Section you have six short passages. After each passage you will find several questions based on the passage. First, read Passage- I, and answer the questions based on it then go on the other passages.
PASSAGE-III

Some people believe that they are masters of their own fate. Other people see themselves as pawans of a fate, believing that what happens to them in their lives is due to luck or chance. The first type, those who believe that they control their destinies, have been labeled internals, whereas the latter, who see their lives as being controlled by outside forces, have been called externals. Internals search more actively for information before making a decision, are more motivated to achieve, and make a greater attempt to control their environment. Externals, however, are more compliant and willing to follow directions. Therefore, internals do will on sophisticated tasks-which include most managerial and professional jobs-that require complex information processing and learning. In addition, internals are more suited to jobs that require initiative and independence of action, almost all successful salespeople, for instance are internals. In contrast, externals should do well on jobs that are well structured and routine and in which success depends heavily on complying with the directions of others.

  1. Internals seek jobs which call for more initiative.

  2. Internals seek jobs which are full of fun and enjoyment.

  3. Internals believe in receiving guidance and directions from superiors only.

  4. Internals believe in destiny.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The passage states: 'internals are more suited to jobs that require initiative and independence of action, almost all successful salespeople, for instance are internals.' Option A directly supports this - internals seek jobs calling for initiative. Options B (fun/enjoyment), C (guidance from superiors), and D (believe in destiny) contradict the passage's description of internals.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and complete the sentence.

Private sector can contribute to the economy because of

Directions: In this Section you have six short passages. After each passage you will find several questions based pm the passage. First, read Passage- I, and answer the questions based on it then go on the other passages.
PASSAGE-V
The Private sector has today reached a stage of development and expertise where it can make a massive contribution to the country’s further economic development. The majority of India’s entrepreneurs, large and small, are not not patriotic men who do not ask for special favors or large profits, nor do they seek monopolies or any concentration of wealth and power. What they want are the opportunities to exercise their initiative, their skills and their resources for the benefit of their stakeholders and above all, to be allowed to get on with the job. Yet, mistrust of the private sector, particularly in large scale industry, has been such as seriously to impede economic growth in the sixties and it now threatens to make it impossible for it to meet its targets in the correct Plan.

           

If we, in private enterprise, are to play our legitimate role in the decade to come, it is clear to me that we must prove to Government, to Parliament and do the public in general that we deserve to be trusted. There is also the opposition from socialists in our country who, though opposed to violence and regimentation of mistaken belief that private enterprise is incompatible with the achievements of socialist goals and that even if it were, Indian businessmen and industrialists do not believe in those goals or are unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices.

  1. market driven economy

  2. globalisation

  3. disinvestments policy

  4. the expertise it has acquired

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

The passage opens by stating: 'The Private sector has today reached a stage of development and expertise where it can make a massive contribution to the country's further economic development.' Option D directly captures this - the expertise the private sector has acquired enables its contribution. Options A (market driven economy), B (globalisation), and C (disinvestments policy) are not mentioned as reasons in the passage.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and complete the sentence.

The socialists oppose the private sector because

Directions: In this Section you have six short passages. After each passage you will find several questions based pm the passage. First, read Passage- I, and answer the questions based on it then go on the other passages.
PASSAGE-V
The Private sector has today reached a stage of development and expertise where it can make a massive contribution to the country’s further economic development. The majority of India’s entrepreneurs, large and small, are not not patriotic men who do not ask for special favors or large profits, nor do they seek monopolies or any concentration of wealth and power. What they want are the opportunities to exercise their initiative, their skills and their resources for the benefit of their stakeholders and above all, to be allowed to get on with the job. Yet, mistrust of the private sector, particularly in large scale industry, has been such as seriously to impede economic growth in the sixties and it now threatens to make it impossible for it to meet its targets in the correct Plan.

           

If we, in private enterprise, are to play our legitimate role in the decade to come, it is clear to me that we must prove to Government, to Parliament and do the public in general that we deserve to be trusted. There is also the opposition from socialists in our country who, though opposed to violence and regimentation of mistaken belief that private enterprise is incompatible with the achievements of socialist goals and that even if it were, Indian businessmen and industrialists do not believe in those goals or are unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices.

  1. it exploits the workers

  2. they think that entrepreneurs cannot achieve the socialist goals

  3. they believe in Marxist ideology

  4. they think that private sector should not be trusted
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The passage states socialists have 'the mistaken belief that private enterprise is incompatible with the achievements of socialist goals.' Option B accurately reflects this - they think entrepreneurs cannot achieve socialist goals because they view private enterprise as fundamentally incompatible with those goals. Option A (exploits workers) and C (Marxist ideology) are not mentioned, while D is a consequence, not the primary reason.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

What impended the economic growth in the sixties?

Directions: In this Section you have six short passages. After each passage you will find several questions based pm the passage. First, read Passage- I, and answer the questions based on it then go on the other passages.
PASSAGE-V
The Private sector has today reached a stage of development and expertise where it can make a massive contribution to the country’s further economic development. The majority of India’s entrepreneurs, large and small, are not not patriotic men who do not ask for special favors or large profits, nor do they seek monopolies or any concentration of wealth and power. What they want are the opportunities to exercise their initiative, their skills and their resources for the benefit of their stakeholders and above all, to be allowed to get on with the job. Yet, mistrust of the private sector, particularly in large scale industry, has been such as seriously to impede economic growth in the sixties and it now threatens to make it impossible for it to meet its targets in the correct Plan.

           

If we, in private enterprise, are to play our legitimate role in the decade to come, it is clear to me that we must prove to Government, to Parliament and do the public in general that we deserve to be trusted. There is also the opposition from socialists in our country who, though opposed to violence and regimentation of mistaken belief that private enterprise is incompatible with the achievements of socialist goals and that even if it were, Indian businessmen and industrialists do not believe in those goals or are unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices.

  1. The non-availability of the raw materials.

  2. Strikes and lock-outs in the industries.

  3. The faulty planning by the Government.

  4. The mistrust of the private sector by the Government.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The passage explicitly states that 'mistrust of the private sector, particularly in large scale industry, has been such as seriously to impede economic growth in the sixties.' This is the only factor mentioned in the passage that directly impeded growth. Raw materials (A), strikes (B), and faulty planning (C) are not mentioned as causes of growth impediment in the passage.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

Which one of the following is not correct? Internals

Directions: In this Section you have six short passages. After each passage you will find several questions based on the passage. First, read Passage- I, and answer the questions based on it then go on the other passages.
PASSAGE-III

Some people believe that they are masters of their own fate. Other people see themselves as pawans of a fate, believing that what happens to them in their lives is due to luck or chance. The first type, those who believe that they control their destinies, have been labeled internals, whereas the latter, who see their lives as being controlled by outside forces, have been called externals. Internals search more actively for information before making a decision, are more motivated to achieve, and make a greater attempt to control their environment. Externals, however, are more compliant and willing to follow directions. Therefore, internals do will on sophisticated tasks-which include most managerial and professional jobs-that require complex information processing and learning. In addition, internals are more suited to jobs that require initiative and independence of action, almost all successful salespeople, for instance are internals. In contrast, externals should do well on jobs that are well structured and routine and in which success depends heavily on complying with the directions of others.

  1. Have more confidence in their ability

  2. Are more enterprising

  3. Go in for routine jobs

  4. Are more inquisitive
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The passage clearly states that internals 'do well on sophisticated tasks' and 'are more suited to jobs that require initiative and independence of action.' In contrast, 'externals should do well on jobs that are well structured and routine.' Therefore, the statement that internals 'go in for routine jobs' is NOT correct according to the passage.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and complete the sentence.

The majority of Indian entrepreneurs want

Directions: In this Section you have six short passages. After each passage you will find several questions based pm the passage. First, read Passage- I, and answer the questions based on it then go on the other passages.
PASSAGE-V
The Private sector has today reached a stage of development and expertise where it can make a massive contribution to the country’s further economic development. The majority of India’s entrepreneurs, large and small, are not not patriotic men who do not ask for special favors or large profits, nor do they seek monopolies or any concentration of wealth and power. What they want are the opportunities to exercise their initiative, their skills and their resources for the benefit of their stakeholders and above all, to be allowed to get on with the job. Yet, mistrust of the private sector, particularly in large scale industry, has been such as seriously to impede economic growth in the sixties and it now threatens to make it impossible for it to meet its targets in the correct Plan.

           

If we, in private enterprise, are to play our legitimate role in the decade to come, it is clear to me that we must prove to Government, to Parliament and do the public in general that we deserve to be trusted. There is also the opposition from socialists in our country who, though opposed to violence and regimentation of mistaken belief that private enterprise is incompatible with the achievements of socialist goals and that even if it were, Indian businessmen and industrialists do not believe in those goals or are unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices.

  1. to monopolize the trade

  2. to concentrate wealth and power

  3. to exploit the workers

  4. the opportunity to use their talent and resources for the benefit of their stakeholder
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The passage states that Indian entrepreneurs 'are patriotic men who do not ask for special favors or large profits, nor do they seek monopolies or any concentration of wealth and power.' Instead, 'What they want are the opportunities to exercise their initiative, their skills and their resources for the benefit of their stakeholders.' Option D captures this accurately.