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

Which of the following could replace 'eruption' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

What are Pimples?
Acne known as Pimples is a common disorder developed in teenagers and at times in young adults due to the inflammation of skin, as superficial skin eruption caused by the blockage of skin pores.

W hen dealing with the phenomenon of pimples it is usually youth pimples that come to mind. Youth pimples stand out from pimples in grown ups in that the latter variant is more likely to be accompanied by oily skin. Adults are considered to respond better to treatment with antibiotics than youths. The emergence of acne has its origin in the production of tallow in the skin on one hand, and in the fact that openings of the surface of the skin of sebaceous glands is stopped up, usually by horn cells (skin cells).

  1. upsurge

  2. outbreak

  3. explosion

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

Rupt is break as in rupture. Eruption is literally breaking outwards. Epidemic is spreading outwards (among people).

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'pores' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

What are Pimples?
Acne known as Pimples is a common disorder developed in teenagers and at times in young adults due to the inflammation of skin, as superficial skin eruption caused by the blockage of skin pores.

W hen dealing with the phenomenon of pimples it is usually youth pimples that come to mind. Youth pimples stand out from pimples in grown ups in that the latter variant is more likely to be accompanied by oily skin. Adults are considered to respond better to treatment with antibiotics than youths. The emergence of acne has its origin in the production of tallow in the skin on one hand, and in the fact that openings of the surface of the skin of sebaceous glands is stopped up, usually by horn cells (skin cells).

  1. perforations

  2. punctures

  3. fissures

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

Skin pores are the small openings or holes on the skin's surface where hair follicles and sebaceous glands release their contents. When these pores become blocked, acne develops. 'Openings' is the most accurate synonym for pores in this context, as it describes the functional nature of these surface apertures. 'Perforations,' 'punctures,' and 'fissures' don't describe the natural structure of pores.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'variant' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

What are Pimples?
Acne known as Pimples is a common disorder developed in teenagers and at times in young adults due to the inflammation of skin, as superficial skin eruption caused by the blockage of skin pores.

W hen dealing with the phenomenon of pimples it is usually youth pimples that come to mind. Youth pimples stand out from pimples in grown ups in that the latter variant is more likely to be accompanied by oily skin. Adults are considered to respond better to treatment with antibiotics than youths. The emergence of acne has its origin in the production of tallow in the skin on one hand, and in the fact that openings of the surface of the skin of sebaceous glands is stopped up, usually by horn cells (skin cells).

  1. deviation

  2. modification

  3. version

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

The passage compares youth pimples to adult pimples, noting that the latter 'variant' is more likely to have oily skin. Here 'variant' means a different form or type of the same condition. 'Version' perfectly captures this sense - adult acne is a different version of the same underlying condition, just with different characteristics. 'Deviation,' 'modification,' and 'event' don't convey this relationship.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'phenomenon' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

What are Pimples?
Acne known as Pimples is a common disorder developed in teenagers and at times in young adults due to the inflammation of skin, as superficial skin eruption caused by the blockage of skin pores.

W hen dealing with the phenomenon of pimples it is usually youth pimples that come to mind. Youth pimples stand out from pimples in grown ups in that the latter variant is more likely to be accompanied by oily skin. Adults are considered to respond better to treatment with antibiotics than youths. The emergence of acne has its origin in the production of tallow in the skin on one hand, and in the fact that openings of the surface of the skin of sebaceous glands is stopped up, usually by horn cells (skin cells).

  1. situation

  2. experience

  3. aspect

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

The passage discusses 'the phenomenon of pimples' - referring to acne as a particular observable occurrence or aspect in dermatology. 'Aspect' works well as a synonym here because it frames pimples as one facet or feature of the broader topic of skin health. 'Situation,' 'experience,' and 'trend' don't capture this sense of a distinct feature within a larger context.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'inflammation' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

What are Pimples?
Acne known as Pimples is a common disorder developed in teenagers and at times in young adults due to the inflammation of skin, as superficial skin eruption caused by the blockage of skin pores.

W hen dealing with the phenomenon of pimples it is usually youth pimples that come to mind. Youth pimples stand out from pimples in grown ups in that the latter variant is more likely to be accompanied by oily skin. Adults are considered to respond better to treatment with antibiotics than youths. The emergence of acne has its origin in the production of tallow in the skin on one hand, and in the fact that openings of the surface of the skin of sebaceous glands is stopped up, usually by horn cells (skin cells).

  1. blowing out

  2. irritation

  3. soreness

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

Inflammation is swelling due to infection.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'oily' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

What are Pimples?
Acne known as Pimples is a common disorder developed in teenagers and at times in young adults due to the inflammation of skin, as superficial skin eruption caused by the blockage of skin pores.

W hen dealing with the phenomenon of pimples it is usually youth pimples that come to mind. Youth pimples stand out from pimples in grown ups in that the latter variant is more likely to be accompanied by oily skin. Adults are considered to respond better to treatment with antibiotics than youths. The emergence of acne has its origin in the production of tallow in the skin on one hand, and in the fact that openings of the surface of the skin of sebaceous glands is stopped up, usually by horn cells (skin cells).

  1. slippery

  2. fatty

  3. radiant

  4. greasy

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

The passage contrasts adult pimples with youth pimples, noting that adults are more likely to have oily skin. 'Oily' describes skin that produces excess sebum, making it appear greasy or shiny. 'Greasy' is the closest synonym in this context.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'antibiotics' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

What are Pimples?
Acne known as Pimples is a common disorder developed in teenagers and at times in young adults due to the inflammation of skin, as superficial skin eruption caused by the blockage of skin pores.

W hen dealing with the phenomenon of pimples it is usually youth pimples that come to mind. Youth pimples stand out from pimples in grown ups in that the latter variant is more likely to be accompanied by oily skin. Adults are considered to respond better to treatment with antibiotics than youths. The emergence of acne has its origin in the production of tallow in the skin on one hand, and in the fact that openings of the surface of the skin of sebaceous glands is stopped up, usually by horn cells (skin cells).

  1. analgesics

  2. fungicides

  3. bactericides

  4. virus killing
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Antibiotics fight bacteria; fungicides fight fungus; analgesics are pain relievers.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'tallow' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

What are Pimples?
Acne known as Pimples is a common disorder developed in teenagers and at times in young adults due to the inflammation of skin, as superficial skin eruption caused by the blockage of skin pores.

W hen dealing with the phenomenon of pimples it is usually youth pimples that come to mind. Youth pimples stand out from pimples in grown ups in that the latter variant is more likely to be accompanied by oily skin. Adults are considered to respond better to treatment with antibiotics than youths. The emergence of acne has its origin in the production of tallow in the skin on one hand, and in the fact that openings of the surface of the skin of sebaceous glands is stopped up, usually by horn cells (skin cells).

  1. dead cells

  2. blubber

  3. grease

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

Tallow typically means animal fat, but in this dermatological context, it refers to sebum (skin oil) or the oily substance produced by sebaceous glands. 'Grease' best captures this meaning of a fatty, oily substance.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'sweep of things' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

Scientists want their work represented as science – but journalists want to communicate with the public, and the main tool they have at their disposal is the story. Science, on the other hand, is less concerned with narrative than with results. Scientists speak to other scientists through their work.  Reputations are based on careful accumulation of facts, and a professional reluctance to speculate. Out here among the populace, where, as the Jimmy Stewart character says in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, people “do most of the working and paying and living and dying,” we communicate in the language of story. Stories need beginnings, middles, and endings.  They need tension and drama and resolution. All of these are anathema to any particular bit of science. Science only proceeds as a story in the big historical sweep of things.

  1. fixation

  2. brush up

  3. adventure

  4. movement

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

In this context, 'sweep of things' refers to the large-scale historical movement or progression of science. The phrase describes how science only appears as a narrative story when viewed across the broad historical movement of time, not in individual fragments. 'Movement' best captures this sense of ongoing historical progression.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'accumulation' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

Scientists want their work represented as science – but journalists want to communicate with the public, and the main tool they have at their disposal is the story. Science, on the other hand, is less concerned with narrative than with results. Scientists speak to other scientists through their work.  Reputations are based on careful accumulation of facts, and a professional reluctance to speculate. Out here among the populace, where, as the Jimmy Stewart character says in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, people “do most of the working and paying and living and dying,” we communicate in the language of story. Stories need beginnings, middles, and endings.  They need tension and drama and resolution. All of these are anathema to any particular bit of science. Science only proceeds as a story in the big historical sweep of things.

  1. build up

  2. growth

  3. managing

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

Scientists build their reputations through careful compiling/gathering of facts over time. 'Accumulation' here refers to methodical collection and compilation of evidence. 'Compiling' best matches this meaning - gathering and organizing facts systematically. 'Build up' and 'growth' are too general, while 'managing' doesn't capture the collection aspect.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'speculate' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

Scientists want their work represented as science – but journalists want to communicate with the public, and the main tool they have at their disposal is the story. Science, on the other hand, is less concerned with narrative than with results. Scientists speak to other scientists through their work.  Reputations are based on careful accumulation of facts, and a professional reluctance to speculate. Out here among the populace, where, as the Jimmy Stewart character says in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, people “do most of the working and paying and living and dying,” we communicate in the language of story. Stories need beginnings, middles, and endings.  They need tension and drama and resolution. All of these are anathema to any particular bit of science. Science only proceeds as a story in the big historical sweep of things.

  1. wonder

  2. assume

  3. think

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

Scientists are reluctant to speculate - to make claims without evidence. In this context, 'speculate' means making uncertain claims or guesses beyond what facts support. 'Guess' best captures this meaning of venturing beyond proven facts. 'Wonder' and 'think' are too mild, while 'assume' suggests taking something as true without questioning.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'anathema' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

Scientists want their work represented as science – but journalists want to communicate with the public, and the main tool they have at their disposal is the story. Science, on the other hand, is less concerned with narrative than with results. Scientists speak to other scientists through their work.  Reputations are based on careful accumulation of facts, and a professional reluctance to speculate. Out here among the populace, where, as the Jimmy Stewart character says in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, people “do most of the working and paying and living and dying,” we communicate in the language of story. Stories need beginnings, middles, and endings.  They need tension and drama and resolution. All of these are anathema to any particular bit of science. Science only proceeds as a story in the big historical sweep of things.

  1. great unacceptability

  2. great fixation

  3. great curse

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

'Anathema' means something strongly disliked or forbidden. In this context, narrative elements like drama and tension are deeply incompatible with scientific method - they're something science fundamentally rejects. 'Great unacceptability' captures this meaning - something completely unacceptable. Options B, C, and D don't convey the strong opposition inherent in 'anathema'.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'resolution' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

Scientists want their work represented as science – but journalists want to communicate with the public, and the main tool they have at their disposal is the story. Science, on the other hand, is less concerned with narrative than with results. Scientists speak to other scientists through their work.  Reputations are based on careful accumulation of facts, and a professional reluctance to speculate. Out here among the populace, where, as the Jimmy Stewart character says in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, people “do most of the working and paying and living and dying,” we communicate in the language of story. Stories need beginnings, middles, and endings.  They need tension and drama and resolution. All of these are anathema to any particular bit of science. Science only proceeds as a story in the big historical sweep of things.

  1. decision

  2. motion

  3. enthusiasm

  4. conclusion

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

In the context of storytelling, 'resolution' refers to the ending or conclusion of a narrative arc. The passage discusses how stories require closure after building tension and drama. 'Conclusion' is the most appropriate replacement as it captures this sense of finality and resolution.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'populace' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

Scientists want their work represented as science – but journalists want to communicate with the public, and the main tool they have at their disposal is the story. Science, on the other hand, is less concerned with narrative than with results. Scientists speak to other scientists through their work.  Reputations are based on careful accumulation of facts, and a professional reluctance to speculate. Out here among the populace, where, as the Jimmy Stewart character says in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, people “do most of the working and paying and living and dying,” we communicate in the language of story. Stories need beginnings, middles, and endings.  They need tension and drama and resolution. All of these are anathema to any particular bit of science. Science only proceeds as a story in the big historical sweep of things.

  1. layout

  2. workforce

  3. public

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

In this context, 'populace' refers to ordinary people or the general public, specifically those outside the scientific community. The passage contrasts scientists with common people who communicate through stories. 'Public' is the best replacement as it directly refers to the general population.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'narrative' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

Scientists want their work represented as science – but journalists want to communicate with the public, and the main tool they have at their disposal is the story. Science, on the other hand, is less concerned with narrative than with results. Scientists speak to other scientists through their work.  Reputations are based on careful accumulation of facts, and a professional reluctance to speculate. Out here among the populace, where, as the Jimmy Stewart character says in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, people “do most of the working and paying and living and dying,” we communicate in the language of story. Stories need beginnings, middles, and endings.  They need tension and drama and resolution. All of these are anathema to any particular bit of science. Science only proceeds as a story in the big historical sweep of things.

  1. story

  2. description

  3. sequence

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

The passage contrasts 'narrative' with 'results' in scientific work. While scientists focus on factual outcomes, journalists need stories. Here, 'narrative' refers to the descriptive or explanatory framework - how science is communicated as a story rather than just data. 'Description' best captures this sense of explanatory framework.