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 theme, main idea and purpose of a passage reading comprehension english

Read the passage and answer the question given below. 


It must be realized to make compulsory education a success, it is absolutely necessary to make it entirely free. India is a poor country and we cannot expect our people to pay directly for the education of their children. Even in rich countries like England and U.S.A. mas education is not only free but there are many additional facilities like mid-day meal for children, free medical service, and scholarship on a generous scale. Since education is a fundamental civil and human right and basic to the health of the body politics, funds must be found for the purpose whatever the cost of the scheme. If we consider educational and cultural activities to be important, funds will be forthcoming. What we have to do is to rearrange our priority. With this in view, we have to adopt a many-sided programme of national planning and economic and industrial reconstruction. If not there will always be arguments and statistics to prove that it is impossible to introduce free, compulsory and universal education in India.

Which of the following titles is the most suitable for the passage?

  1. Compulsory education in India.

  2. Mass education and people.

  3. Need for making compulsory education free.

  4. Education for national reconstruction.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Most often then not, the first sentence of a paragraph introduces the central issue that is discussed therein. Going by this logic, the central idea of the paragraph is compulsory education and how it needs to be free in order to be a complete success. So, we can conclude that the best title for the given passage would be option C as it encapsulates the main idea of the passage.

Multiple choice theme, main idea and purpose of a passage reading comprehension english
Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

What is to be the limit of forgiveness? It would probably have been allowed by many of the ancients that an unforgiving temper was not to be commended. They would have said, we are not to exact a penalty for every nice offence; we are to overlook somethings; we are to be blind sometimes. But they would have said at the same time, we must be careful to keep our self-respect, and to be on a level with the world. On the whole, they would have said, it is the part of a man fully to requite to his friends their benefits and to his enemies their injuries.


What is the underlying tone of the passage? 

  1. We must be forgiving in general.

  2. We must forgive our friends.

  3. There is no limit whatsoever to on duty to forgive.

  4. We must always punish the wrong doer.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The author is highlighting about the goodness and forgiving nature throughout the passage. Everybody commits mistake at some point of lives and the author is trying to say that we should not take every other action seriously because it will do more harm than good. Thus option A is the correct answer. Options  B,C and D are incorrect.

Multiple choice theme, main idea and purpose of a passage reading comprehension english

Directions for questions 96 to 100: The passage given below is followed by a set of five questions. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
in 776 BC the First Olympic Games were held at the foot of Mount Olympus to honour the Greeks chief God Zeus. The Greeks emphasized, physical fitness and strength in their education of youth. Therefore contests in running, jumping, discus and javelin throwing, boxing and horse and chariot racing were held in individual cities, and the winners competed every four years at Mount Olympus.Winners were greatly honoured by having poems sung about their deeds.Originally these were held as games of friendship. and any wars in progress were halted to allow the games to take place. The Greeks attached so much importance to these games that they calculated time in four-year cycles called Olympiads dating from 776 BC.
Which of the following contests was not held? 

  1. Discus throwing

  2. Skating

  3. Boxing

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

The passage lists running, jumping, discus, javelin, boxing, and horse/chariot racing. Skating is not mentioned as a Greek Olympic contest.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

Which of the following passages from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is an example of exposition?

  1. And then the chair was facing Frank, and he saw what was sitting in it. His walking stick fell to the floor with a clatter. He opened his mouth and let out a scream. He was screaming so loudly that he never heard the words the thing in the chair spoke as it raised a wand. There was a flash of green light, a rushing sound, and Frank Bryce crumpled. He was dead before he hit the floor.

  2. Harry was used to getting onto platform nine and three-quarters by now. It was a simple matter of walking straight through the apparently solid barrier dividing platforms nine and ten. The only tricky part was doing this in an unobtrusive way, so as to avoid attracting Muggle attention. They did it in groups today; Harry, Ron, and Hermione went first; they leaned casually against the barrier, chatting unconcernedly, and slide sideways through it and as they did so, platform nine and three-quarters materialized in front of them.

  3. There were rocks littering the lake bottom. He dived and snatched up a particularly jagged one and returned to the statue. He began to hack at the ropes binding Ron, and after several minutes hard work, they broke apart. Ron floated, unconscious, a few inches above the lake bottom, drifting a little in the ebb of the water.

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

An exposition introduces background information about events, settings and characters in a story.

An exposition helps the reader understand the story better, by describing a person or a scene.
Option B: This paragraph describes a scene where the character Harry, Ron and Hermione walk through platform nine and three-quarters. Hence this is an example of an exposition and option B is correct.
Options A and C: These passages contain significant plot actions 'Frank Bryce...was dead before he hit the floor' and 'Ron floated above the lake bottom...'
Expositions do not reveal plot actions, hence options A and C are wrong.
Option D is wrong because A and C are also wrong.

Multiple choice biology selection and evolution phylogeny cladistics speciation

Read the passage and answer the following question.
Cytochrome-c is a protein that scientists often use to compare the evolutionary relationships among species. There is one difference in the cytochrome-c sequence between humans and rhesus monkeys. There are ten differences between human and kangaroos.
What can infer about the relationship between these species?

  1. Humans and kangaroos have the same proteins coded in their genes

  2. Humans and kangaroos share a more recent ancestor than humans and rhesus monkeys

  3. Humans are not closely related to either kangaroos or rhesus monkeys.

  4. Humans and rhesus monkeys share a more recent ancestor than humans and kangaroos

  5. Rhesus monkeys and kangaroos share a more recent ancestor than humans and rhesus monkeys.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
The rhesus monkey and humans have the most similar amino acids in the haemoglobin protein. This shows that they share a more recent common ancestor than the other organisms do.
Multiple choice zoology variation examples of natural selection selection natural selection

Read the passage and answer the following question.

A total of 12 bird species having distinct diets, behavior, coloration and beak shapes inhabit a large volcanic island in the South Atlantic 500 miles from the Coast of Africa not found on the mainland. Two species are flightless herbivores. A bird found on the mainland is related to these bird species but it does not fly over water but can occasionally survive at sea in a storm. There are no reptiles, mammals or amphibians on the island, although there are many insect and plant species.

The evolution of two flightless bird species on the island indicates

  1. Flight improved the ability of the species to escape predators, but impaired food gathering on the ground.

  2. Flight originally evolved only to escape predators.

  3. Mimicry is a highly effective evolutionary strategy.

  4. The species had greater fitness without the ability to fly.

  5. Flight is not an effective means to escape predators.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

According to Charles Darwin, Natural selection is a tool of nature to impose the survival of the fittest. As some species fight to become the fittest, they adapt. Many organisms due to this, evolved, got adapted as they chose to survive in that habitat. Adaptation is the biggest drive to evolution and the pinpointed conclusion of the natural selection. 

So, the correct option is 'The species had greater fitness without the ability to fly'.

Multiple choice zoology variation examples of natural selection selection natural selection

Read the passage and answer the following question.

A total of 12 bird species having distinct diets, behavior, coloration and beak shapes inhabit a large volcanic island in the South Atlantic 500 miles from the Coast of Africa not found on the mainland. Two species are flightless herbivores. A bird found on the mainland is related to these bird species but it does not fly over water but can occasionally survive at sea in a storm. There are no reptiles, mammals or amphibians on the island, although there are many insect and plant species.

Two of the bird species on the island are herbivores that both inhabit the same species of tree and eat the fruit the tree produces year-round. Which of the following helps both species to inhabit the tree without competing for resources?

  1. One species lives in the top 30 percent of the tree and the other species lives in the lower 70 percent.

  2. One species is nocturnal and the other is active during the day.

  3. Reproductive isolation exists.

  4. The species have differing beak shapes.

  5. One species must become extinct.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

This phenomenon is called Resource partitioning. When the resources in a niche are limited, so as to avoid the competition species divide the resources accordingly.

According to R* rule of limited resources of ecology, If two species are living in a resource limiting space, the species which can survive in the lowest equilibrium of resource will only resist the extinction. Coexistence is only possible if each species have the low R* on that resource.
So, the answer is 'One species lives in the top 30 percent of the tree and the other species lives in the lower 70 percent'.

Multiple choice history europe in the middle ages feudal systems in europe peoples of the americas and oceania medieval america and decline of feudalism feudalism
"To William most glorious duke of the Aquitanians, bishop Fulbert the favor of his prayers. Asked to write something concerning of fealty, I have noted briefly for you on the authority of the books the things which follow. He who swears fealty to his lord ought always to have six things in memory; what is harmless, safe, honorable, useful, easy, practicable."

This passage describes__________________.

  1. The duties of serfs.

  2. The duties of vassals.

  3. The duties of the nobility.

  4. The duties of the clergy.

  5. The duties of a king.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The text describes an oath of fealty given by a vassal to his lord, outlining the expected ethical and practical commitments, such as being harmless, safe, and useful. This outlines the reciprocal duties of vassals in the feudal system.

Multiple choice ancient world history world history general knowledge

The trade with Roman brought large numbers of Roman gold coins to Southern India. In contrast with the Kushanas who melted down all Roman coins and reissued them in their own name,the rulers of South India did not do this but simply defaced the coins. A sharp cut across the face of the Roman emperor indicated that his sovereignty was not recognised but his coins were welcome and would be accepted according to their own intrinsic value.

Based on the passage answer the question given below.
Roman coins were reused in South India by a process of ________.

  1. Melting and reissued in the name of Roman rulers

  2. Defacing the coins by a sharp cut across the face of the Roman emperor only

  3. Melting and reused in the name of the rulers of South India

  4. Defacing the coins by a sharp cut across the face of the Roman Emperor and then melting them and reused
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The passage explicitly states that South Indian rulers did not melt the coins but instead defaced them with a sharp cut across the emperor's face to indicate that his sovereignty was not recognized.

Multiple choice introduction to ancient history and pre - historic period ancient indian history general knowledge

One of the remarkable achievements of the Neolithic Period was the invention of wheel. It brought a rapid progress in man's life. The wheel was used in horse-carts and bullock-carts that helped man a lot to carry heavy loads. Therefore, in this period transport became quite easy and quick.
The wheel was also used for spinning and weaving. It also helped in pottery. Man made beautiful pots to keep food grains and storing water.
The tools and weapons of the Neolithic Age better and sharper than the Paleolithic Age. Now a polished stone called celt was used to make tools. Some new developed tools like sickles, bows and arrows and improved axes were made in the Neolithic Age. These tools were used for various purposes like, the axe was used for various purposes like, the axe was used for cutting down trees, sickles to harvest the crops and arrows to kill animals.
Read the passage and answer the question.
What was the most significant discovery of the Neolithic Period?

  1. Invention of wheel

  2. Sharper tools

  3. Axes for cutting of trees

  4. Horse - carts
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
  • The term Neolithic Period refers to the last stage of the Stone Age. The Neolithic period is significant for its megalithic architecture, the spread of agricultural practices, pottery and the use of polished stone tools. 
  • The invention of the wheel came into being during the Neolithic age. It was not used for transportation, though, but rather as a potter's wheel. 
  • The combination of the wheel and axle made possible early forms of transportation, which became more sophisticated over time with the development of other technologies.
Multiple choice drama reading comprehension english

Prentice: My wife is talking of my secretary sir. She's been missing for some time.

Geraldine: I'm Geraldine Barclay. Looking for part-time secretarial work. I've been certified insane.

Rance (to Mrs Prentice): Ignore these random reflections. They're an essential factor in the patient's condition. (to Dr Prentice) Does she have the same name as your secretary?

Prentice: She's taken my secretary's name as her "nom-de-folie". Although morally reprehensible, there's little we can do legally, I'm afraid.

Rance (drying his hands): It seems a trifle capricious but the insane are famous for their wild ways.

Mrs Prentice: I shall contact the employment agency. Miss Barclay can't have vanished into thin air.

She goes into the hall. Dr Prentice pours himself a drink.

Prentice: My wife is unfamiliar with the habits of young women, sir. I've known many who could vanish into thin air. And some who took a delight in doing so.

Dr Rance puts on a white coat.

Rance: In my experience, young women vanish only at midnight and after a heavy meal.

The passage above belongs to a

  1. political enactment

  2. tragedy

  3. historical play

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

At the very beginning we are made aware that passage is a farce- someone who is certified as insane is looking for a secretarial job. Farce is a dramatic work that entertains using buffoonery, horseplay and highly improbable situations. All these characterize the given passage. So, the answer is option D. 

Multiple choice drama reading comprehension english

Read the passage given below and answer the question that follows:

Miss Prism.  Lady Bracknell, I admit with shame that I do not know.  I only wish I did.  The plain facts of the case are these.  On the morning of the day you mention, a day that is forever branded on my memory, I prepared, as usual, to take the baby out in its perambulator.  I had also with me a somewhat old, but capacious handbag in which I had intended to place the manuscript of a work of fiction that I had written during my few unoccupied hours.  In a moment of mental abstraction, for which I never can forgive myself, I deposited the manuscript in the bassinette and placed the baby in the handbag.

Jack.  [Who has been listening attentively.] 

But where did you deposit the handbag?

Miss Prism.  Do not ask me, Mr. Worthing.

Jack.  Miss Prism, this is a matter of no small importance to me.  I insist on knowing where you deposited the handbag that contained that infant.

Miss Prism.  I left it in the cloak-room of one of the larger railway stations in London.

Jack.  What railway station?

Miss Prism.  [Quite crushed.] 


Victoria.  The Brighton line.  [Sinks into a hair.]

Jack.  I must retire to my room for a moment.  Gwendolen, wait here for me.

Gwendolen.  If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.  [Exit Jack in great excitement.]

....

Gwendolen.  This suspense is terrible.  I hope it will last.  [Enter Jack with a handbag of black leather in his hand.]

Jack.  [Rushing over to Miss Prism.] 
Is this the hand-bag, Miss Prism?  Examine it carefully before you speak.  The happiness of more than one life depends on your answer.

Miss Prism.  [Calmly.]  It seems to be mine.  Yes, here is the injury it received through the upsetting of a Gower Street omnibus in younger and happier

days.  Here is the stain on the lining caused by the explosion of a temperance beverage, an incident that occurred at Leamington.  And here, on the lock, are my initials.  I had forgotten that in an extravagant mood I had had them placed there.  The bag is undoubtedly mine.  I am delighted to have it so unexpectedly restored to me.  It has been a great inconvenience being without it all these years.

Jack.  [In a pathetic voice.]  Miss Prism, more is restored to you than this handbag.  I was the baby you placed in it.

The passage above is taken from a __________.

  1. historical enactment

  2. tragedy

  3. farce

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

Farce is a dramatic work that uses humor and highly improbable situations to entertain the audience. The passage given here describes an improbable situation with humorous dialogues. So, the passage qualifies as a farce. Option C is the answer.

Multiple choice botany classical genetics incomplete dominance deviation from mendelism inheritance
Read the passage and answer the following question.
A certain species of bird has two feather variations displayed by males: a dull-colored one that blends into their preferred habitat and a brightly colored one that is very obvious. The adult females are dull colored. The predation rate for brightly colored adults is three times higher than for the dull-colored adults. In spite of this, the brightly colored plumage persists in the population. 
Which of the following is the correct explanation?

  1. Females prefer the brighter plumage and so mate with this phenotype more often.

  2. The dull plumage provides a selection advantage over the bright plumage.

  3. The adults with dull plumage require less energy investment to ensure their survival.

  4. Those brightly colored birds that do survive have more highly developed survival skills than those that do not survive.

  5. Dull-colored adult males are more lethargic than the brightly colored birds.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Dull plumage confers a survival advantage to birds by protecting them against predators while those having brighter plumage are easily spotted. However, brighter plumage helps male birds to attract female birds for mating and confers reproductive advantage. This leads to persistence of brighter plumage population despite its more chances to get captured by a predator. Thus, the correct answer is option A.

Multiple choice botany root - external morphology morphology of the root root system in plants root

Passage cells are found in

  1. Dicot stem

  2. Aerial root

  3. Monocot root

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

Passage cells are endodermal cells of older monocot roots, which have retained thin walls and casparian strips. They are not suberized and waterproof. They allow symplastic flow of solutes, such as calcium and magnesium into the stele.