Reading Comprehension Questions

Multiple choice

Why was the king angry with the children?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.
The King of Kanchi set off to conquer Karnat. He was victorious in battle. The elephants were laden with sandalwood, ivory, gold and precious stones taken from the conquered kingdom of Karnat. They would be a part of the victory parade for his subjects. On his way back home he stopped at a temple, finished his prayers to the goddess and turned to leave. Around his neck was a garland of scarlet hibiscus and as was the custom for all, his forehead was anointed with red sandal paste. His Minister and the court jester were his only companions. At one spot, in a mango grove by the wayside, they spied some children play. The King said, “Let me go and see what they are playing.”
The children had lined up two rows of clay dolls and were playing warriors and battles. The King asked, “Who is fighting whom ?” They said, “Karnat is at battle with Kanchi.” The King asked, “Who is winning and who is the loser ?” The children puffed their chests up and said, “Karnat will win and Kanchi will lose.” The Minister froze in disbelief, the King was furious and the jester burst into laughter.
The King was soon joined by his troops and the children were still immersed in their game. The King commanded, “Cane them hard.” The children’s parents came running from the nearby village and said, “They are naive, it was just a game, please grant them pardon.” The King called his commander and ordered, “Teach these children and the village a lesson so that they never forget the King of Kanchi.” He went back to his camp.
That evening the Commander stood before the King. He bowed low in shame and said, “Your Majesty, with the exception of hyenas and vultures, all lie silent in the village.” The Minister said, “His Majesty’s honour has been saved.” The priest said, “The goddess has blessed our King.” The jester said, “Your Highness, please grant me leave to go now.” The King asked, “But why?” The jester said, “I cannot kill, I cannot maim, I can only laugh at God’s gift of life.” Trembling in the face of the king’s anger he bravely continued, “If I stay in your Majesty’s court, I shall become like you and I shall forget how to laugh.”

  1. Because the game they were playing was dangerous

  2. They had lied to him

  3. They did not recognize him as king

  4. They had unknowingly insulted him

  5. They were rude to him

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

The King was furious because the children claimed that Kanchi would lose, which he perceived as an insult to his victory.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is true in the context of the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.
The King of Kanchi set off to conquer Karnat. He was victorious in battle. The elephants were laden with sandalwood, ivory, gold and precious stones taken from the conquered kingdom of Karnat. They would be a part of the victory parade for his subjects. On his way back home he stopped at a temple, finished his prayers to the goddess and turned to leave. Around his neck was a garland of scarlet hibiscus and as was the custom for all, his forehead was anointed with red sandal paste. His Minister and the court jester were his only companions. At one spot, in a mango grove by the wayside, they spied some children play. The King said, “Let me go and see what they are playing.”
The children had lined up two rows of clay dolls and were playing warriors and battles. The King asked, “Who is fighting whom ?” They said, “Karnat is at battle with Kanchi.” The King asked, “Who is winning and who is the loser ?” The children puffed their chests up and said, “Karnat will win and Kanchi will lose.” The Minister froze in disbelief, the King was furious and the jester burst into laughter.
The King was soon joined by his troops and the children were still immersed in their game. The King commanded, “Cane them hard.” The children’s parents came running from the nearby village and said, “They are naive, it was just a game, please grant them pardon.” The King called his commander and ordered, “Teach these children and the village a lesson so that they never forget the King of Kanchi.” He went back to his camp.
That evening the Commander stood before the King. He bowed low in shame and said, “Your Majesty, with the exception of hyenas and vultures, all lie silent in the village.” The Minister said, “His Majesty’s honour has been saved.” The priest said, “The goddess has blessed our King.” The jester said, “Your Highness, please grant me leave to go now.” The King asked, “But why?” The jester said, “I cannot kill, I cannot maim, I can only laugh at God’s gift of life.” Trembling in the face of the king’s anger he bravely continued, “If I stay in your Majesty’s court, I shall become like you and I shall forget how to laugh.”

  1. The king stopped at the temple to see what else could be plundered

  2. The people of the village to which the children belonged developed great respect for the king

  3. The Commander was ashamed at having obeyed the king's orders to cane the children

  4. The jester was unhappy that the king had defeated the army of Karnat

  5. The children had shown disrespect to the goddess by playing so close to the temple

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

The text states the Commander 'bowed low in shame' when reporting the destruction of the village, indicating his remorse.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the word which is most nearly the SAME in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

leave

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.
The King of Kanchi set off to conquer Karnat. He was victorious in battle. The elephants were laden with sandalwood, ivory, gold and precious stones taken from the conquered kingdom of Karnat. They would be a part of the victory parade for his subjects. On his way back home he stopped at a temple, finished his prayers to the goddess and turned to leave. Around his neck was a garland of scarlet hibiscus and as was the custom for all, his forehead was anointed with red sandal paste. His Minister and the court jester were his only companions. At one spot, in a mango grove by the wayside, they spied some children play. The King said, “Let me go and see what they are playing.”
The children had lined up two rows of clay dolls and were playing warriors and battles. The King asked, “Who is fighting whom ?” They said, “Karnat is at battle with Kanchi.” The King asked, “Who is winning and who is the loser ?” The children puffed their chests up and said, “Karnat will win and Kanchi will lose.” The Minister froze in disbelief, the King was furious and the jester burst into laughter.
The King was soon joined by his troops and the children were still immersed in their game. The King commanded, “Cane them hard.” The children’s parents came running from the nearby village and said, “They are naive, it was just a game, please grant them pardon.” The King called his commander and ordered, “Teach these children and the village a lesson so that they never forget the King of Kanchi.” He went back to his camp.
That evening the Commander stood before the King. He bowed low in shame and said, “Your Majesty, with the exception of hyenas and vultures, all lie silent in the village.” The Minister said, “His Majesty’s honour has been saved.” The priest said, “The goddess has blessed our King.” The jester said, “Your Highness, please grant me leave to go now.” The King asked, “But why?” The jester said, “I cannot kill, I cannot maim, I can only laugh at God’s gift of life.” Trembling in the face of the king’s anger he bravely continued, “If I stay in your Majesty’s court, I shall become like you and I shall forget how to laugh.”

  1. holiday

  2. transfer

  3. exit

  4. permission

  5. farewell

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

In the context of 'grant me leave to go', 'leave' means permission to depart.

Multiple choice

What excuse was given for the children's' behaviour?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.
The King of Kanchi set off to conquer Karnat. He was victorious in battle. The elephants were laden with sandalwood, ivory, gold and precious stones taken from the conquered kingdom of Karnat. They would be a part of the victory parade for his subjects. On his way back home he stopped at a temple, finished his prayers to the goddess and turned to leave. Around his neck was a garland of scarlet hibiscus and as was the custom for all, his forehead was anointed with red sandal paste. His Minister and the court jester were his only companions. At one spot, in a mango grove by the wayside, they spied some children play. The King said, “Let me go and see what they are playing.”
The children had lined up two rows of clay dolls and were playing warriors and battles. The King asked, “Who is fighting whom ?” They said, “Karnat is at battle with Kanchi.” The King asked, “Who is winning and who is the loser ?” The children puffed their chests up and said, “Karnat will win and Kanchi will lose.” The Minister froze in disbelief, the King was furious and the jester burst into laughter.
The King was soon joined by his troops and the children were still immersed in their game. The King commanded, “Cane them hard.” The children’s parents came running from the nearby village and said, “They are naive, it was just a game, please grant them pardon.” The King called his commander and ordered, “Teach these children and the village a lesson so that they never forget the King of Kanchi.” He went back to his camp.
That evening the Commander stood before the King. He bowed low in shame and said, “Your Majesty, with the exception of hyenas and vultures, all lie silent in the village.” The Minister said, “His Majesty’s honour has been saved.” The priest said, “The goddess has blessed our King.” The jester said, “Your Highness, please grant me leave to go now.” The King asked, “But why?” The jester said, “I cannot kill, I cannot maim, I can only laugh at God’s gift of life.” Trembling in the face of the king’s anger he bravely continued, “If I stay in your Majesty’s court, I shall become like you and I shall forget how to laugh.”

  1. They were disobedient to their parent's wishes

  2. They were unaware of the true facts of the battle

  3. They were upset that their army had lost

  4. They were in the habit of lying

  5. None of these

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

The parents excuse the children by saying they are 'naive' and that 'it was just a game', implying they didn't understand the gravity of their actions.

Multiple choice

Why did the king anoint his head with red sandal paste?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.
The King of Kanchi set off to conquer Karnat. He was victorious in battle. The elephants were laden with sandalwood, ivory, gold and precious stones taken from the conquered kingdom of Karnat. They would be a part of the victory parade for his subjects. On his way back home he stopped at a temple, finished his prayers to the goddess and turned to leave. Around his neck was a garland of scarlet hibiscus and as was the custom for all, his forehead was anointed with red sandal paste. His Minister and the court jester were his only companions. At one spot, in a mango grove by the wayside, they spied some children play. The King said, “Let me go and see what they are playing.”
The children had lined up two rows of clay dolls and were playing warriors and battles. The King asked, “Who is fighting whom ?” They said, “Karnat is at battle with Kanchi.” The King asked, “Who is winning and who is the loser ?” The children puffed their chests up and said, “Karnat will win and Kanchi will lose.” The Minister froze in disbelief, the King was furious and the jester burst into laughter.
The King was soon joined by his troops and the children were still immersed in their game. The King commanded, “Cane them hard.” The children’s parents came running from the nearby village and said, “They are naive, it was just a game, please grant them pardon.” The King called his commander and ordered, “Teach these children and the village a lesson so that they never forget the King of Kanchi.” He went back to his camp.
That evening the Commander stood before the King. He bowed low in shame and said, “Your Majesty, with the exception of hyenas and vultures, all lie silent in the village.” The Minister said, “His Majesty’s honour has been saved.” The priest said, “The goddess has blessed our King.” The jester said, “Your Highness, please grant me leave to go now.” The King asked, “But why?” The jester said, “I cannot kill, I cannot maim, I can only laugh at God’s gift of life.” Trembling in the face of the king’s anger he bravely continued, “If I stay in your Majesty’s court, I shall become like you and I shall forget how to laugh.”

  1. As a mark of celebration to show he had been victorious

  2. It was the usual practice for all devotees at the temple

  3. To show other devotees that he was king

  4. The priest requested him to do so

  5. To show his soldiers that he had visited the temple

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

The text explicitly states: 'as was the custom for all, his forehead was anointed with red sandal paste.' This indicates it was a standard practice for visitors at the temple.

Multiple choice
  1. Let us reverse this environmental degradation.

  2. It is a 'touch-me-not' situation.

  3. They are all interdependent.

  4. Let us help save ecology.

  5. We are courting irreversible disaster.

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

This is the only option that continues the negative tone of the argument. Environment includes everything on earth. 'Touch one adversely and all suffer.' We shall definitely be courting trouble if we do so.

Multiple choice
  1. The cross breeds are hardy and resistant to disease by nature.

  2. Yet the dream of white revolution is far away.

  3. A number of common breeds are gradually becoming extinct.

  4. Though cross breeds are robust and have good milk yield, they are not suitable as draft animals.

  5. Artificial insemination has played havoc with the native breeds.

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

True genetic characteristics of native breeds find continuation in the given option. The option concludes the argument.

Multiple choice
  1. I & III

  2. II & III

  3. III only

  4. I, II & III

  5. I and II

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

Statement III is correct as the police should take appropriate additional measures before the festive season starts.

Multiple choice
  1. I or III

  2. II or III

  3. I & II

  4. III

  5. II

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

In referring to alumni, the option continues the flow of the argument. Statement II correctly correlates the improvement and amendment to education and experience of the alumni.

Multiple choice
  1. the school wastes a lot of time after the academics, in sports and recreation

  2. the large volume of homework assigned to students prevents them from sleeping on time

  3. sleep is an individual requirement and can vary from person to person

  4. they would be forced to seek the option of night schools that in any case give better results than day schools

  5. the students don't want to get out of bed while it is still dark

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

The students can sleep early only if they are able to finish their homework well in time.

Multiple choice
  1. Appearances are often deceptive.

  2. What can't be cured must be endured.

  3. Empty vessels create more noise.

  4. You can't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

  5. Let's not get hold of the wrong end of the stick.

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

Charge them only if you can prove your charges. Don't start with the conviction and move toward the charges. Let us not jump the gun.

Multiple choice
  1. we have per force to disregard the natural traits superiority theory

  2. it is likely that some of these children will never reach their full potential

  3. it is probable that genetic traits recur in different successive generations

  4. it is likely that some children who are genetically athletic, will not get intensive training to maximize their potential

  5. it would be best to impart intensive training to all children at an early age

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

This is the most logical continuation. The preceding sentence refers to a limitation. (4) refers to the effect of this limitation.

Multiple choice
  1. That's why companies have full-fledged departments just to manage how they are perceived by different groups of people inside and outside them.

  2. The moral of the story is: Do something wrong if you want to, but do not get caught.

  3. Even within the corporate world, hardly anybody had any inking of what it was up to.

  4. Such examples are aplenty.

  5. Home Trade was not the only one of its kind.

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

The filler has to be something which links together the previous and the forthcoming thread of thought. This is done very well by option (3).

Multiple choice
  1. any effluent that is to be made subject to controls can actually cause ecological and environmental damage

  2. current environmental damage is reversible and the stringent controls will make it happen

  3. any controls that are implemented will be strictly enforced

  4. the controls are qualitative, not quantitative

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

The decision was to control all effluents, even though… This option clearly identifies that controls on harmless effluents would be excessively stringent.

Multiple choice
  1. satellite townships have developed.

  2. the mushrooming of the slums is witnessed.

  3. the best of talent lives and works.

  4. enterprise and industry thrives.

  5. all the treasures of industry, science and art have been accumulated.

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

This fits in syntactically and logically. It continues in the same tone as 'have been' of the passage. Also, it continues the optimistic and developmental tone of the passage and gives a complete picture of prosperity and growth.