reading comprehension Questions

Read the given paragraph and choose the correct answer for the question given below.
Helping others physically, by removing their physical needs, is indeed a good thing, but spiritual help is more substantial, as it is more far reaching because the need is greater. It is only with the knowledge of the spirit that the faculty of want is annihilated forever, so helping man spiritually is the best help that can be extended to him. He who gives spiritual knowledge is the greatest benefactor of mankind. A spiritually strong man can be powerful in every other respect, if he so wishes. Until there is spiritual strength in man, even physical needs cannot be well satisfied. Next to spiritual comes intellectual help. The gift of knowledge is far higher than that of food and clothes, it is even higher than giving life to a man, because real life of a man consists of knowledge. Ignorance is death, knowledge is life.

According to the author, ignorance is ________ and knowledge is ________.

Read the given paragraph and choose the correct answer for the question given below.
Helping others physically, by removing their physical needs, is indeed a good thing, but spiritual help is more substantial, as it is more far reaching because the need is greater. It is only with the knowledge of the spirit that the faculty of want is annihilated forever, so helping man spiritually is the best help that can be extended to him. He who gives spiritual knowledge is the greatest benefactor of mankind. A spiritually strong man can be powerful in every other respect, if he so wishes. Until there is spiritual strength in man, even physical needs cannot be well satisfied. Next to spiritual comes intellectual help. The gift of knowledge is far higher than that of food and clothes, it is even higher than giving life to a man, because real life of a man consists of knowledge. Ignorance is death, knowledge is life.

According to the author, which of the following is a far higher gift than food and clothes, or even of life?

Read the given paragraph and choose the correct answer for the question given below.
Helping others physically, by removing their physical needs, is indeed a good thing, but spiritual help is more substantial, as it is more far reaching because the need is greater. It is only with the knowledge of the spirit that the faculty of want is annihilated forever, so helping man spiritually is the best help that can be extended to him. He who gives spiritual knowledge is the greatest benefactor of mankind. A spiritually strong man can be powerful in every other respect, if he so wishes. Until there is spiritual strength in man, even physical needs cannot be well satisfied. Next to spiritual comes intellectual help. The gift of knowledge is far higher than that of food and clothes, it is even higher than giving life to a man, because real life of a man consists of knowledge. Ignorance is death, knowledge is life.

What according to the author is the highest good that one can do?

Read the given paragraph and choose the correct answer for the question given below.
Helping others physically, by removing their physical needs, is indeed a good thing, but spiritual help is more substantial, as it is more far reaching because the need is greater. It is only with the knowledge of the spirit that the faculty of want is annihilated forever, so helping man spiritually is the best help that can be extended to him. He who gives spiritual knowledge is the greatest benefactor of mankind. A spiritually strong man can be powerful in every other respect, if he so wishes. Until there is spiritual strength in man, even physical needs cannot be well satisfied. Next to spiritual comes intellectual help. The gift of knowledge is far higher than that of food and clothes, it is even higher than giving life to a man, because real life of a man consists of knowledge. Ignorance is death, knowledge is life.

What does the word 'annihilated' mean in the context of the above passage?

Read the given paragraph and choose the correct answer for the question given below.
Helping others physically, by removing their physical needs, is indeed a good thing, but spiritual help is more substantial, as it is more far reaching because the need is greater. It is only with the knowledge of the spirit that the faculty of want is annihilated forever, so helping man spiritually is the best help that can be extended to him. He who gives spiritual knowledge is the greatest benefactor of mankind. A spiritually strong man can be powerful in every other respect, if he so wishes. Until there is spiritual strength in man, even physical needs cannot be well satisfied. Next to spiritual comes intellectual help. The gift of knowledge is far higher than that of food and clothes, it is even higher than giving life to a man, because real life of a man consists of knowledge. Ignorance is death, knowledge is life.

How can the faculty of want be destroyed forever?

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is a continuous process that circulates water throughout the Earth's systems. It involves the movement of water between the (1) ______ the water bodies and the land. The cycle consists of several key stages, each playing a crucial role in maintaining Earth's water balance.
At the heart of the water cycle is the process of (2) ______. This is where water from oceans, lakes and rivers is heated by the sun and turns into water vapour. This water vapour then rises into the atmosphere, where it cools and condenses to form clouds. When these clouds become heavy enough, they release their moisture through (3) ______ which can fall as rain or other forms of precipitation.
When precipitation falls onto the land, it can take different paths. Some of it may evaporate back into the air, while some may be taken up by plants and released back into the atmosphere through a process called (4) ______. The rest of the water may flow over the land's surface, gathering in streams and rivers that eventually lead back to the oceans, completing the cycle.
The water cycle is essential for maintaining Earth's ecosystems and supporting life. It helps distribute fresh water to various regions, replenishes water sources, and plays a role in regulating (5) ______ temperatures. Understanding the water cycle is crucial for addressing water scarcity and managing natural resources effectively.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Our failure to control one of the most common of all ailments sometimes seems ridiculous. Medical science regularly practises transplant surgery and has rid whole countries of such killing diseases as Typhus and the Plague. But the problem of the common cold is unusually difficult and much has yet to be done to solve it. It is known that a cold is caused by one of a number of viral infections that affect the lining of the nose and other passages leading to the lungs, but the confusing variety of viruses makes studying and remedy very difficult. It was shown in 1960 that many typical colds in adults are caused by one or the other of a family of viruses known as rhinoviruses, yet there still remain many colds for which no virus has as yet been isolated.
There is also the difficulty that, because they are so much smaller than the bacteria which cause many other infections, viruses cannot be seen with ordinary microscopes. Nor can they be cultivated easily in the bacteriologist's laboratory, since they only grow within the living cells of animals or plants. An important recent step forward, however, is the development of the technique of tissue culture, in which bits of animal tissue are enabled to go on living and to multiply independently of the body. This has greatly aided virus research and has led to the discovery of a large number of viruses. Their existence had previously been not only unknown but even unsuspected. The fact that we can catch a cold repeatedly creates another difficulty. Usually, a virus strikes only once and leaves the victim immune to further attacks. Still, we do not gain immunity from colds. It seems, therefore, that we are likely to have to suffer colds for some time yet.

Which of the following is the most appropriate summary of the given passage?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Our failure to control one of the most common of all ailments sometimes seems ridiculous. Medical science regularly practises transplant surgery and has rid whole countries of such killing diseases as Typhus and the Plague. But the problem of the common cold is unusually difficult and much has yet to be done to solve it. It is known that a cold is caused by one of a number of viral infections that affect the lining of the nose and other passages leading to the lungs, but the confusing variety of viruses makes studying and remedy very difficult. It was shown in 1960 that many typical colds in adults are caused by one or the other of a family of viruses known as rhinoviruses, yet there still remain many colds for which no virus has as yet been isolated.
There is also the difficulty that, because they are so much smaller than the bacteria which cause many other infections, viruses cannot be seen with ordinary microscopes. Nor can they be cultivated easily in the bacteriologist's laboratory, since they only grow within the living cells of animals or plants. An important recent step forward, however, is the development of the technique of tissue culture, in which bits of animal tissue are enabled to go on living and to multiply independently of the body. This has greatly aided virus research and has led to the discovery of a large number of viruses. Their existence had previously been not only unknown but even unsuspected. The fact that we can catch a cold repeatedly creates another difficulty. Usually, a virus strikes only once and leaves the victim immune to further attacks. Still, we do not gain immunity from colds. It seems, therefore, that we are likely to have to suffer colds for some time yet.

Medical science has not done anything yet to solve the problem of the common cold because:

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Our failure to control one of the most common of all ailments sometimes seems ridiculous. Medical science regularly practises transplant surgery and has rid whole countries of such killing diseases as Typhus and the Plague. But the problem of the common cold is unusually difficult and much has yet to be done to solve it. It is known that a cold is caused by one of a number of viral infections that affect the lining of the nose and other passages leading to the lungs, but the confusing variety of viruses makes studying and remedy very difficult. It was shown in 1960 that many typical colds in adults are caused by one or the other of a family of viruses known as rhinoviruses, yet there still remain many colds for which no virus has as yet been isolated.
There is also the difficulty that, because they are so much smaller than the bacteria which cause many other infections, viruses cannot be seen with ordinary microscopes. Nor can they be cultivated easily in the bacteriologist's laboratory, since they only grow within the living cells of animals or plants. An important recent step forward, however, is the development of the technique of tissue culture, in which bits of animal tissue are enabled to go on living and to multiply independently of the body. This has greatly aided virus research and has led to the discovery of a large number of viruses. Their existence had previously been not only unknown but even unsuspected. The fact that we can catch a cold repeatedly creates another difficulty. Usually, a virus strikes only once and leaves the victim immune to further attacks. Still, we do not gain immunity from colds. It seems, therefore, that we are likely to have to suffer colds for some time yet.

Select the most suitable title for the given passage.

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Our failure to control one of the most common of all ailments sometimes seems ridiculous. Medical science regularly practises transplant surgery and has rid whole countries of such killing diseases as Typhus and the Plague. But the problem of the common cold is unusually difficult and much has yet to be done to solve it. It is known that a cold is caused by one of a number of viral infections that affect the lining of the nose and other passages leading to the lungs, but the confusing variety of viruses makes studying and remedy very difficult. It was shown in 1960 that many typical colds in adults are caused by one or the other of a family of viruses known as rhinoviruses, yet there still remain many colds for which no virus has as yet been isolated.
There is also the difficulty that, because they are so much smaller than the bacteria which cause many other infections, viruses cannot be seen with ordinary microscopes. Nor can they be cultivated easily in the bacteriologist's laboratory, since they only grow within the living cells of animals or plants. An important recent step forward, however, is the development of the technique of tissue culture, in which bits of animal tissue are enabled to go on living and to multiply independently of the body. This has greatly aided virus research and has led to the discovery of a large number of viruses. Their existence had previously been not only unknown but even unsuspected. The fact that we can catch a cold repeatedly creates another difficulty. Usually, a virus strikes only once and leaves the victim immune to further attacks. Still, we do not gain immunity from colds. It seems, therefore, that we are likely to have to suffer colds for some time yet.

The most appropriate synonym of the word 'isolated' is:

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Our failure to control one of the most common of all ailments sometimes seems ridiculous. Medical science regularly practises transplant surgery and has rid whole countries of such killing diseases as Typhus and the Plague. But the problem of the common cold is unusually difficult and much has yet to be done to solve it. It is known that a cold is caused by one of a number of viral infections that affect the lining of the nose and other passages leading to the lungs, but the confusing variety of viruses makes studying and remedy very difficult. It was shown in 1960 that many typical colds in adults are caused by one or the other of a family of viruses known as rhinoviruses, yet there still remain many colds for which no virus has as yet been isolated.
There is also the difficulty that, because they are so much smaller than the bacteria which cause many other infections, viruses cannot be seen with ordinary microscopes. Nor can they be cultivated easily in the bacteriologist's laboratory, since they only grow within the living cells of animals or plants. An important recent step forward, however, is the development of the technique of tissue culture, in which bits of animal tissue are enabled to go on living and to multiply independently of the body. This has greatly aided virus research and has led to the discovery of a large number of viruses. Their existence had previously been not only unknown but even unsuspected. The fact that we can catch a cold repeatedly creates another difficulty. Usually, a virus strikes only once and leaves the victim immune to further attacks. Still, we do not gain immunity from colds. It seems, therefore, that we are likely to have to suffer colds for some time yet.

Identify the most suitable inference from the given passage.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is a continuous process that circulates water throughout the Earth's systems. It involves the movement of water between the (1) ______ the water bodies and the land. The cycle consists of several key stages, each playing a crucial role in maintaining Earth's water balance.
At the heart of the water cycle is the process of (2) ______. This is where water from oceans, lakes and rivers is heated by the sun and turns into water vapour. This water vapour then rises into the atmosphere, where it cools and condenses to form clouds. When these clouds become heavy enough, they release their moisture through (3) ______ which can fall as rain or other forms of precipitation.
When precipitation falls onto the land, it can take different paths. Some of it may evaporate back into the air, while some may be taken up by plants and released back into the atmosphere through a process called (4) ______. The rest of the water may flow over the land's surface, gathering in streams and rivers that eventually lead back to the oceans, completing the cycle.
The water cycle is essential for maintaining Earth's ecosystems and supporting life. It helps distribute fresh water to various regions, replenishes water sources, and plays a role in regulating (5) ______ temperatures. Understanding the water cycle is crucial for addressing water scarcity and managing natural resources effectively.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is a continuous process that circulates water throughout the Earth's systems. It involves the movement of water between the (1) ______ the water bodies and the land. The cycle consists of several key stages, each playing a crucial role in maintaining Earth's water balance.
At the heart of the water cycle is the process of (2) ______. This is where water from oceans, lakes and rivers is heated by the sun and turns into water vapour. This water vapour then rises into the atmosphere, where it cools and condenses to form clouds. When these clouds become heavy enough, they release their moisture through (3) ______ which can fall as rain or other forms of precipitation.
When precipitation falls onto the land, it can take different paths. Some of it may evaporate back into the air, while some may be taken up by plants and released back into the atmosphere through a process called (4) ______. The rest of the water may flow over the land's surface, gathering in streams and rivers that eventually lead back to the oceans, completing the cycle.
The water cycle is essential for maintaining Earth's ecosystems and supporting life. It helps distribute fresh water to various regions, replenishes water sources, and plays a role in regulating (5) ______ temperatures. Understanding the water cycle is crucial for addressing water scarcity and managing natural resources effectively.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is a continuous process that circulates water throughout the Earth's systems. It involves the movement of water between the (1) ______ the water bodies and the land. The cycle consists of several key stages, each playing a crucial role in maintaining Earth's water balance.
At the heart of the water cycle is the process of (2) ______. This is where water from oceans, lakes and rivers is heated by the sun and turns into water vapour. This water vapour then rises into the atmosphere, where it cools and condenses to form clouds. When these clouds become heavy enough, they release their moisture through (3) ______ which can fall as rain or other forms of precipitation.
When precipitation falls onto the land, it can take different paths. Some of it may evaporate back into the air, while some may be taken up by plants and released back into the atmosphere through a process called (4) ______. The rest of the water may flow over the land's surface, gathering in streams and rivers that eventually lead back to the oceans, completing the cycle.
The water cycle is essential for maintaining Earth's ecosystems and supporting life. It helps distribute fresh water to various regions, replenishes water sources, and plays a role in regulating (5) ______ temperatures. Understanding the water cycle is crucial for addressing water scarcity and managing natural resources effectively.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is a continuous process that circulates water throughout the Earth's systems. It involves the movement of water between the (1) ______ the water bodies and the land. The cycle consists of several key stages, each playing a crucial role in maintaining Earth's water balance.
At the heart of the water cycle is the process of (2) ______. This is where water from oceans, lakes and rivers is heated by the sun and turns into water vapour. This water vapour then rises into the atmosphere, where it cools and condenses to form clouds. When these clouds become heavy enough, they release their moisture through (3) ______ which can fall as rain or other forms of precipitation.
When precipitation falls onto the land, it can take different paths. Some of it may evaporate back into the air, while some may be taken up by plants and released back into the atmosphere through a process called (4) ______. The rest of the water may flow over the land's surface, gathering in streams and rivers that eventually lead back to the oceans, completing the cycle.
The water cycle is essential for maintaining Earth's ecosystems and supporting life. It helps distribute fresh water to various regions, replenishes water sources, and plays a role in regulating (5) ______ temperatures. Understanding the water cycle is crucial for addressing water scarcity and managing natural resources effectively.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.
[Same Passage as Above]

What is the passage based upon?

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.
[Same Passage as Above]

“Lycomedes’ eyes had caught on one of these, like a fish snagged by a line.” What can be inferred from this statement?

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.
[Same Passage as Above]

Why was Odysseus distributing the gifts?

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.
[Same Passage as Above]

“He was holding the earrings up to his ears now, turning them this way and that, pursing his lips, playing at girlishness.”
What do you infer as the most probable reason for Achilles’ behaviour?

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.
When the dance had finished, Odysseus stood, his voice raised for all to hear. “We are truly honoured by your performance; not everyone can say that they have seen the dancers of Scyros. As tokens of our admiration we have brought gifts for you and your king.” A murmur of excitement. Luxuries did not come often to Scyros; no one here had the money to buy them.
You are too kind.” Lycomedes’ face was flushed with genuine pleasure; he had not expected this generosity. The servants brought trunks forth at Odysseus’ signal and began unloading them on the long tables. I saw the glitter of silver, the shine of glass and gems. All of us, men and women both, leaned towards them, eager to see.
‘Please, take what you like,’ Odysseus said. The girls moved swiftly to the tables, and I watched them fingering the bright trinkets: perfumes in delicate glass bottles stoppered with a bit of wax; mirrors with carved ivory for handles; bracelets of twisted gold; ribbons, dyed deep in purples and reds. Among these were a few things I assumed were meant for Lycomedes and his counsellors: leather-bound shields, carved spear hafts, and silvered swords with supple kidskin sheathes. Lycomedes’ eyes had caught on one of these, like a fish snagged by a line. Odysseus stood near, presiding benevolently.
Achilles kept to the back, drifting slowly along the table. He paused to dab some perfume on his slender wrists, stroke the smooth handle of a mirror. He lingered a moment over a pair of earrings, blue stones set in silver wire.
A movement at the far end of the hall caught my eye. Diomedes had crossed the chamber and was speaking with one of his servants, who nodded and left through the large double doors. Whatever it was could not be important; Diomedes seemed half-asleep, his eyes heavy-lidded and bored.
I looked back to Achilles. He was holding the earrings up to his ears now, turning them this way and that, pursing his lips, playing at girlishness. It amused him, and the corner of his mouth curved up. His eyes flicked around the hall, catching for a moment on my face. I could not help myself. I smiled.

Which word in the passage is OPPOSITE in meaning to ‘advanced’?

Read the given passage and answer the question that follow.
[Same Passage as above]

Identify the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word 'ambitious'.

Read the given passage and answer the question that follow.
[Same Passage as above]

Identify the structure of the passage.

Read the given passage and answer the question that follow.
[Same Passage as above]

How many states met the RPO target in 2019-20?

Read the given passage and answer the question that follow.
[Same Passage as above]

Select the correct full form of RPO?

Read the given passage and answer the question that follow.
Prime Minister Modi has recently declared Modhera, Gujarat as India's first 24x7 solar-powered village. It is an important marker in India's ambitious renewable energy vision. The aim is to increase installed capacity by more than three-fold to 500 GW by 2030. The commercial viability of solar power will have a say in realising this goal. Presently, India's electricity sector displays a dichotomy, representing the challenges facing the renewable sector.
Thermal power contributed 75%-85% of the power generated over the last three financial years. Its installed capacity, however, dipped from 62.3% to 59.6% over the same period. During the same phase, solar power installed capacity increased from 9.4% to 12.8% among renewables, its share in a generation increased. Therefore, among available sources of renewable energy, it's solar power that holds the brightest promise. Renewable energy consumption gets a big push from the Government of India in the form of legally binding purchases called Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO). Despite this boost, renewables struggle to meet generation targets because states which have an incentive to keep costs low often fail to meet their RPO. A March 2021 parliamentary committee report showed that only four states met their entire RPO target in 2019-20.
Solar power trajectory is delicately poised despite the Government's move to increase the share of RPO till 2030. An increase in important tariff this year on inputs such as solar modules to boost domestic industry will in the near future push up project costs and, thereby, power tariffs. This is at odds with a separate move to nudge discoms to maintain financial discipline. Moreover, the renewable space itself is set to get more competitive with the advent of green hydrogen. The renewable energy is set for a churn with a complex set of factors at play.

Select the most appropriate title for the passage.

Read the following passage and answer the question given below.
A little bird was flying South for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and ______ to the ground into a large field.
While she was ______ there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on her. As the frozen bird lay there in the ______ of cow dung, she began to realize how warm she was.
The dung was actually ______ her out! She lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.
A ______ cat heard the bird singing and discovered the bird under the cow dung. The cat dug her out and ate her.

Identify the phrasal verb/word which fits in the blank labelled as 5 and gives correct meaning.

Read the following passage and answer the question given below.
A little bird was flying South for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and ______ to the ground into a large field.
While she was ______ there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on her. As the frozen bird lay there in the ______ of cow dung, she began to realize how warm she was.
The dung was actually ______ her out! She lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.
A ______ cat heard the bird singing and discovered the bird under the cow dung. The cat dug her out and ate her.

Choose the word from the given options which fits in the blank labelled 4 and gives correct meaning.

Read the following passage and answer the question given below.
A little bird was flying South for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and ______ to the ground into a large field.
While she was ______ there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on her. As the frozen bird lay there in the ______ of cow dung, she began to realize how warm she was.
The dung was actually ______ her out! She lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.
A ______ cat heard the bird singing and discovered the bird under the cow dung. The cat dug her out and ate her.

Choose the word from the given options which fits in the blank labelled 3 and gives correct meaning.

Read the following passage and answer the question given below.
A little bird was flying South for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and ______ to the ground into a large field.
While she was ______ there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on her. As the frozen bird lay there in the ______ of cow dung, she began to realize how warm she was.
The dung was actually ______ her out! She lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.
A ______ cat heard the bird singing and discovered the bird under the cow dung. The cat dug her out and ate her.

Choose the word from the given options which fits in the blank labelled 2 and gives correct meaning.

Read the following passage and answer the question given below.
A little bird was flying South for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and ______ to the ground into a large field.
While she was ______ there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on her. As the frozen bird lay there in the ______ of cow dung, she began to realize how warm she was.
The dung was actually ______ her out! She lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.
A ______ cat heard the bird singing and discovered the bird under the cow dung. The cat dug her out and ate her.

Choose the word from the given options which fits in the blank labelled 1 and gives correct meaning.