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 'comprehension' 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.

For those pursuing a bachelor’s degree in security, it is important to understand the basic components of crisis management. A bachelor’s degree in security suggests the degree holder has a comprehension of tactics and tools which would assist in the asset protection of an organisation. Much of that knowledge is likely to be focused on physical protection systems, liabilities, and security’s role in the organization.
Crisis management, sometimes referred to as incident management, is a field of study in which practitioners attempt to stop the emergency situation or at least reduce its negative impact. This mitigation comes via threat assessments, planning, training, incident response, and continuation of operational duties.
The continuum of services is essential to the emotional and financial well-being of an organization.

  1. passage

  2. understanding

  3. capacity

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

Comprehension means the ability to understand something. In the passage, a degree in security suggests the holder has comprehension (understanding) of tactics and tools. Understanding is the correct synonym. Passage is incorrect (not what comprehension means), capacity means ability/potential, and direction means guidance - none capture the meaning of grasping or comprehending information.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'criticises' 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.

You come across a number of people every day and many of them turn out to be difficult fellows. It is quite likely that you yourself are a tough nut to crack. How do you know whether somebody is a tough fellow or not? Just look around and spot those who are more demanding, aggressive, authoritative, intimidating, and unwilling to follow through or who are never happy. Such people are always there at your workplace and in your neighbourhood.  Handling such people may not be easy, but there are certain tactics one can adopt to win over such people.

First of all, give a patient hearing to them and understand what they have to say. If you are able to maintain your cool and stay polite and keep your conversation precise and to the point, even the toughest people won't get a chance to behave negatively. If the person whom you are talking to criticises you or passes sarcastic remarks on you, ensure that you focus on finding a solution and do not accept his inappropriate and indecent behaviour.

  1. probes

  2. examines

  3. rebukes

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

In the passage, 'criticises' is used in the context of someone expressing disapproval of you inappropriately. Rebukes means to express sharp disapproval, which fits this context of inappropriate behavior. Probes or examines suggest investigation, while restricts means to limit - none capture the disapproval aspect.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'precise' 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.

You come across a number of people every day and many of them turn out to be difficult fellows. It is quite likely that you yourself are a tough nut to crack. How do you know whether somebody is a tough fellow or not? Just look around and spot those who are more demanding, aggressive, authoritative, intimidating, and unwilling to follow through or who are never happy. Such people are always there at your workplace and in your neighbourhood.  Handling such people may not be easy, but there are certain tactics one can adopt to win over such people.

First of all, give a patient hearing to them and understand what they have to say. If you are able to maintain your cool and stay polite and keep your conversation precise and to the point, even the toughest people won't get a chance to behave negatively. If the person whom you are talking to criticises you or passes sarcastic remarks on you, ensure that you focus on finding a solution and do not accept his inappropriate and indecent behaviour.

  1. desired

  2. accurate

  3. short

  4. specific

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

In the context of keeping a conversation 'precise', the word means being exact and concise. 'Short' is the best synonym among the choices provided as it conveys the idea of being to the point.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace ‘tough nut to crack’ 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.

You come across a number of people every day and many of them turn out to be difficult fellows. It is quite likely that you yourself are a tough nut to crack. How do you know whether somebody is a tough fellow or not? Just look around and spot those who are more demanding, aggressive, authoritative, intimidating, and unwilling to follow through or who are never happy. Such people are always there at your workplace and in your neighbourhood.  Handling such people may not be easy, but there are certain tactics one can adopt to win over such people.

First of all, give a patient hearing to them and understand what they have to say. If you are able to maintain your cool and stay polite and keep your conversation precise and to the point, even the toughest people won't get a chance to behave negatively. If the person whom you are talking to criticises you or passes sarcastic remarks on you, ensure that you focus on finding a solution and do not accept his inappropriate and indecent behaviour.

  1. strong

  2. inflexible

  3. repulsive

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

 Someone who is a tough nut to crack is generally obdurate or inflexible. Hence the answeris correct.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'tactics' 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.

You come across a number of people every day and many of them turn out to be difficult fellows. It is quite likely that you yourself are a tough nut to crack. How do you know whether somebody is a tough fellow or not? Just look around and spot those who are more demanding, aggressive, authoritative, intimidating, and unwilling to follow through or who are never happy. Such people are always there at your workplace and in your neighbourhood.  Handling such people may not be easy, but there are certain tactics one can adopt to win over such people.

First of all, give a patient hearing to them and understand what they have to say. If you are able to maintain your cool and stay polite and keep your conversation precise and to the point, even the toughest people won't get a chance to behave negatively. If the person whom you are talking to criticises you or passes sarcastic remarks on you, ensure that you focus on finding a solution and do not accept his inappropriate and indecent behaviour.

  1. threats

  2. devices

  3. strategies

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

In the passage, 'tactics' refers to methods one can adopt to handle difficult people. Strategies means planned methods or approaches, which is the closest synonym. Threats, devices, or declarations don't capture the sense of deliberate methods for dealing with challenging interpersonal situations.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'sarcastic' 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.

You come across a number of people every day and many of them turn out to be difficult fellows. It is quite likely that you yourself are a tough nut to crack. How do you know whether somebody is a tough fellow or not? Just look around and spot those who are more demanding, aggressive, authoritative, intimidating, and unwilling to follow through or who are never happy. Such people are always there at your workplace and in your neighbourhood.  Handling such people may not be easy, but there are certain tactics one can adopt to win over such people.

First of all, give a patient hearing to them and understand what they have to say. If you are able to maintain your cool and stay polite and keep your conversation precise and to the point, even the toughest people won't get a chance to behave negatively. If the person whom you are talking to criticises you or passes sarcastic remarks on you, ensure that you focus on finding a solution and do not accept his inappropriate and indecent behaviour.

  1. ironical

  2. mocking

  3. saddened

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

In the passage, 'sarcastic' describes inappropriate remarks someone might make. Mocking means ridiculing or making fun of someone, which fits the context of inappropriate, hurtful comments. Ironical can be a synonym but often implies contradiction rather than ridicule, while saddened is an emotion and nodding is an action.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'intimidating' 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.

You come across a number of people every day and many of them turn out to be difficult fellows. It is quite likely that you yourself are a tough nut to crack. How do you know whether somebody is a tough fellow or not? Just look around and spot those who are more demanding, aggressive, authoritative, intimidating, and unwilling to follow through or who are never happy. Such people are always there at your workplace and in your neighbourhood.  Handling such people may not be easy, but there are certain tactics one can adopt to win over such people.

First of all, give a patient hearing to them and understand what they have to say. If you are able to maintain your cool and stay polite and keep your conversation precise and to the point, even the toughest people won't get a chance to behave negatively. If the person whom you are talking to criticises you or passes sarcastic remarks on you, ensure that you focus on finding a solution and do not accept his inappropriate and indecent behaviour.

  1. oppressive

  2. scary

  3. threatening

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

In the passage, 'intimidating' describes people who make others feel fearful or submissive. Threatening means creating fear or indicating harm, which captures this sense. Oppressive is about unjust exercise of power, scary is a general fear, and approachable means easy to talk to - opposite of the intended meaning.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'patient' 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.

You come across a number of people every day and many of them turn out to be difficult fellows. It is quite likely that you yourself are a tough nut to crack. How do you know whether somebody is a tough fellow or not? Just look around and spot those who are more demanding, aggressive, authoritative, intimidating, and unwilling to follow through or who are never happy. Such people are always there at your workplace and in your neighbourhood.  Handling such people may not be easy, but there are certain tactics one can adopt to win over such people.

First of all, give a patient hearing to them and understand what they have to say. If you are able to maintain your cool and stay polite and keep your conversation precise and to the point, even the toughest people won't get a chance to behave negatively. If the person whom you are talking to criticises you or passes sarcastic remarks on you, ensure that you focus on finding a solution and do not accept his inappropriate and indecent behaviour.

  1. disgusting

  2. long suffering

  3. tolerant

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

The phrase 'give a patient hearing' means to listen attentively and with patience. In this context, the author advises listening to difficult people without reacting impulsively. 'Tolerant' is the closest synonym among the options - it means showing patience and willingness to allow others to express themselves, which matches the advice to maintain cool and stay polite while hearing someone out.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'aggressive' 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.

You come across a number of people every day and many of them turn out to be difficult fellows. It is quite likely that you yourself are a tough nut to crack. How do you know whether somebody is a tough fellow or not? Just look around and spot those who are more demanding, aggressive, authoritative, intimidating, and unwilling to follow through or who are never happy. Such people are always there at your workplace and in your neighbourhood.  Handling such people may not be easy, but there are certain tactics one can adopt to win over such people.

First of all, give a patient hearing to them and understand what they have to say. If you are able to maintain your cool and stay polite and keep your conversation precise and to the point, even the toughest people won't get a chance to behave negatively. If the person whom you are talking to criticises you or passes sarcastic remarks on you, ensure that you focus on finding a solution and do not accept his inappropriate and indecent behaviour.

  1. violent

  2. argumentative

  3. cultured

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

The passage describes difficult people as 'demanding, aggressive, authoritative, intimidating.' In this workplace context, 'aggressive' refers to people who are overly forceful, pushy, or hostile in pursuing their demands. 'Assertive' is the best replacement - while it can mean confidently forceful, it's the only option that captures the essence of being pushy without the extreme connotation of 'violent.' 'Argumentative' focuses only on verbal conflict rather than the general aggressive demeanor.

Multiple choice

Feast

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

Once an old tiger found a gold bangle by the side of a marshy pool. He was too old to hunt; so he thought he would use the bangle as a bait to catch a man. Just then an old traveller was passing by on the opposite bank. The tiger spotted him and decided to have him for his dinner.
The tiger called the traveller and asked him to take the gold bangle, as he had no use for it. The traveller suspected that this may be a trick to get him.
"How can I trust you?" asked the traveller.
The tiger replied, "Don't you see I am old! My teeth are practically gone. My claws are blunt, and I cannot use them. I am now a vegetarian and have given up meat. Don't worry, come and take my gold bangle as a gift."
The traveller said, "When I get closer, my smell may change your mind."
"Don't be silly, have no fear. I am now leading the life of an ascetic. You are safe with me."
The traveller’s love for gold overcame his natural fear of the tiger.
"I think he is telling the truth,” the traveller said to himself. "I will wade across the pool and get the gold bangle. He seems to be a nice tiger."
As he started to wade through the marshy pool he got stuck in the quick sand and began to sink. The tiger shouted with a smile on his face, "Wait there, I am coming to rescue you."
Finally the tiger pounced upon the traveller and killed him.
That night the tiger had the greatest feast of his life.

  1. Banquet

  2. Carnival

  3. Meal

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

The word 'feast' in this context means a large, satisfying meal. The passage concludes by saying the tiger had 'the greatest feast of his life' after killing the traveller. In its simplest meaning, feast = an elaborate meal. While 'banquet' can also mean feast, 'meal' is the most direct and appropriate synonym here - it simply means food that was eaten, without the formal connotations of banquet or the celebration aspect of carnival.

Multiple choice

Marshy

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

Once an old tiger found a gold bangle by the side of a marshy pool. He was too old to hunt; so he thought he would use the bangle as a bait to catch a man. Just then an old traveller was passing by on the opposite bank. The tiger spotted him and decided to have him for his dinner.
The tiger called the traveller and asked him to take the gold bangle, as he had no use for it. The traveller suspected that this may be a trick to get him.
"How can I trust you?" asked the traveller.
The tiger replied, "Don't you see I am old! My teeth are practically gone. My claws are blunt, and I cannot use them. I am now a vegetarian and have given up meat. Don't worry, come and take my gold bangle as a gift."
The traveller said, "When I get closer, my smell may change your mind."
"Don't be silly, have no fear. I am now leading the life of an ascetic. You are safe with me."
The traveller’s love for gold overcame his natural fear of the tiger.
"I think he is telling the truth,” the traveller said to himself. "I will wade across the pool and get the gold bangle. He seems to be a nice tiger."
As he started to wade through the marshy pool he got stuck in the quick sand and began to sink. The tiger shouted with a smile on his face, "Wait there, I am coming to rescue you."
Finally the tiger pounced upon the traveller and killed him.
That night the tiger had the greatest feast of his life.

  1. Dry

  2. Green

  3. Muddy

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

The word 'marshy' describes wet, soggy, muddy ground - typically a swamp or bog. In the passage, the traveller gets stuck in quicksand when trying to cross the 'marshy pool.' The term describes terrain that is soft, wet, and difficult to walk through. 'Muddy' is the correct answer as marshy areas are characterized by mud, wet soil, and water-saturated ground that makes them treacherous to walk through.

Multiple choice

Bait

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

Once an old tiger found a gold bangle by the side of a marshy pool. He was too old to hunt; so he thought he would use the bangle as a bait to catch a man. Just then an old traveller was passing by on the opposite bank. The tiger spotted him and decided to have him for his dinner.
The tiger called the traveller and asked him to take the gold bangle, as he had no use for it. The traveller suspected that this may be a trick to get him.
"How can I trust you?" asked the traveller.
The tiger replied, "Don't you see I am old! My teeth are practically gone. My claws are blunt, and I cannot use them. I am now a vegetarian and have given up meat. Don't worry, come and take my gold bangle as a gift."
The traveller said, "When I get closer, my smell may change your mind."
"Don't be silly, have no fear. I am now leading the life of an ascetic. You are safe with me."
The traveller’s love for gold overcame his natural fear of the tiger.
"I think he is telling the truth,” the traveller said to himself. "I will wade across the pool and get the gold bangle. He seems to be a nice tiger."
As he started to wade through the marshy pool he got stuck in the quick sand and began to sink. The tiger shouted with a smile on his face, "Wait there, I am coming to rescue you."
Finally the tiger pounced upon the traveller and killed him.
That night the tiger had the greatest feast of his life.

  1. Trap

  2. Charge

  3. Cover

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

The word 'bait' means something used to lure or entice, especially to trap prey. In the passage, the old tiger decides to 'use the bangle as a bait to catch a man' - he plans to use the gold bangle to attract the greedy traveller, just as fishermen use bait to catch fish. The bangle serves as temptation/trap. 'Trap' is the correct answer because bait is fundamentally a trapping mechanism - something attractive used to lure victims into danger.

Multiple choice

United

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

Once there was a farmer. He had five sons. All of them were selfish and quarrelsome. The farmer advised them not to quarrel, but in vain. When he was about to die, he asked his sons to bring a bundle of sticks. Then he asked them one by one to break the bundle. They tried hard but could not break the bundle.
After that the farmer untied the bundle. Again he asked his sons one by one to break the sticks. The youngest son got up and broke the sticks quite easily.
“You”, said the farmer, “could not break the sticks, when they were united. Your younger brother could break them when they were not united. Thus none can harm you, when you stand together. Know that “Union is Strength.”
Thus the old farmer asked his sons “to be united like the bundle of sticks and always to remember that united they stand divided they fall.”

  1. Fixed

  2. Banded

  3. Movable

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

The farmer demonstrates that when the sticks are 'united' - bound together in a bundle - they become unbreakable, whereas individual sticks can be easily broken. In this context, 'banded' means tied or joined together in a group, which captures the essence of strength through unity that the fable illustrates.

Multiple choice

Divided

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

Once there was a farmer. He had five sons. All of them were selfish and quarrelsome. The farmer advised them not to quarrel, but in vain. When he was about to die, he asked his sons to bring a bundle of sticks. Then he asked them one by one to break the bundle. They tried hard but could not break the bundle.
After that the farmer untied the bundle. Again he asked his sons one by one to break the sticks. The youngest son got up and broke the sticks quite easily.
“You”, said the farmer, “could not break the sticks, when they were united. Your younger brother could break them when they were not united. Thus none can harm you, when you stand together. Know that “Union is Strength.”
Thus the old farmer asked his sons “to be united like the bundle of sticks and always to remember that united they stand divided they fall.”

  1. Criticised

  2. Separated

  3. Distributed

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

The phrase 'united they stand, divided they fall' contrasts two states. While 'united' means joined together, 'divided' in this context means separated or split apart. The farmer teaches that when his sons are separated (divided), they become vulnerable and can be harmed, much like individual sticks that can be broken easily.

Multiple choice

Quarrelsome

Directions: Read the passage and select appropriate contextual meanings for the words underlined.

Once there was a farmer. He had five sons. All of them were selfish and quarrelsome. The farmer advised them not to quarrel, but in vain. When he was about to die, he asked his sons to bring a bundle of sticks. Then he asked them one by one to break the bundle. They tried hard but could not break the bundle.
After that the farmer untied the bundle. Again he asked his sons one by one to break the sticks. The youngest son got up and broke the sticks quite easily.
“You”, said the farmer, “could not break the sticks, when they were united. Your younger brother could break them when they were not united. Thus none can harm you, when you stand together. Know that “Union is Strength.”
Thus the old farmer asked his sons “to be united like the bundle of sticks and always to remember that united they stand divided they fall.”

  1. Inclined to fight

  2. Friendly

  3. Hard to please

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

The farmer's sons are described as selfish and 'quarrelsome' - they constantly fight among themselves despite their father's advice. In this context, 'quarrelsome' means having a tendency to argue or fight, which perfectly describes sons who are always in conflict. Friendly is the opposite, while sensitive and hard-to-please don't capture the active fighting nature.