Reading Comprehension - English Questions and Answers


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(Q1) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.

German statesman Otto von Bismarck once observed that politics is the art of the possible. This aphorism can be usefully extended to include planning. Planning should be done on the basis of whatever is available to you. This means to plan on the basis of what remains. Such planning can be termed as ‘planning based on remnants'.

In chalking out a course of action, people are generally obsessed with the concept of totality. They want to have things in totality and are reluctant to accept the fulfilment of their goals in any partial way. But thinking along these lines goes against the law of nature. The realistic formula in this regard is that if the total is not achievable, one should be content with achieving just a part. There are nations in many parts of the world which were eager to achieve things in totality, but failed in their ambition-even after a struggle lasting a hundred years.

Question: ‘Planning based on remnant's means

A

 planning for a better future

B

planning against all odds

C

planning should be realistic and not based on fantasy

D

planning should be done on the basis of what is available

(Q2) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.

German statesman Otto von Bismarck once observed that politics is the art of the possible. This aphorism can be usefully extended to include planning. Planning should be done on the basis of whatever is available to you. This means to plan on the basis of what remains. Such planning can be termed as ‘planning based on remnants'.

In chalking out a course of action, people are generally obsessed with the concept of totality. They want to have things in totality and are reluctant to accept the fulfilment of their goals in any partial way. But thinking along these lines goes against the law of nature. The realistic formula in this regard is that if the total is not achievable, one should be content with achieving just a part. There are nations in many parts of the world which were eager to achieve things in totality, but failed in their ambition-even after a struggle lasting a hundred years.

Question: What is the ‘concept of totality', as used in the passage?

A

One should start working after complete planning

B

One should obtain in total and not in partial

C

Planning should be that the success in politics be total

D

None of these

(Q3) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.

German statesman Otto von Bismarck once observed that politics is the art of the possible. This aphorism can be usefully extended to include planning. Planning should be done on the basis of whatever is available to you. This means to plan on the basis of what remains. Such planning can be termed as ‘planning based on remnants'.

In chalking out a course of action, people are generally obsessed with the concept of totality. They want to have things in totality and are reluctant to accept the fulfilment of their goals in any partial way. But thinking along these lines goes against the law of nature. The realistic formula in this regard is that if the total is not achievable, one should be content with achieving just a part. There are nations in many parts of the world which were eager to achieve things in totality, but failed in their ambition-even after a struggle lasting a hundred years.

Question: According to the author

A

the totality should be achieved

B

the totality is an idealistic approach which cannot be achieved

C

 if achieving total is not possible, one should be satisfied with its part

D

achieving part is more realistic and permanent than the total

(Q4) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.

German statesman Otto von Bismarck once observed that politics is the art of the possible. This aphorism can be usefully extended to include planning. Planning should be done on the basis of whatever is available to you. This means to plan on the basis of what remains. Such planning can be termed as ‘planning based on remnants'.

In chalking out a course of action, people are generally obsessed with the concept of totality. They want to have things in totality and are reluctant to accept the fulfilment of their goals in any partial way. But thinking along these lines goes against the law of nature. The realistic formula in this regard is that if the total is not achievable, one should be content with achieving just a part. There are nations in many parts of the world which were eager to achieve things in totality, but failed in their ambition-even after a struggle lasting a hundred years.

Question: What do you mean by the word 'Aphorism' as used in the passage?

A

A phrase that says something true or wise

B

An important promise to be met

C

A whole-hearted attempt according to a plan

D

None of these

(Q5) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.

German statesman Otto von Bismarck once observed that politics is the art of the possible. This aphorism can be usefully extended to include planning. Planning should be done on the basis of whatever is available to you. This means to plan on the basis of what remains. Such planning can be termed as ‘planning based on remnants'.

In chalking out a course of action, people are generally obsessed with the concept of totality. They want to have things in totality and are reluctant to accept the fulfilment of their goals in any partial way. But thinking along these lines goes against the law of nature. The realistic formula in this regard is that if the total is not achievable, one should be content with achieving just a part. There are nations in many parts of the world which were eager to achieve things in totality, but failed in their ambition-even after a struggle lasting a hundred years.

Question: The totality can

A

be achieved after a struggle

B

be achieved if one wishes

C

not be achieved by simple struggle

D

Not be achieved even after 100 years of struggle

(Q6) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

The Republic's annual honours list is often the subject of heated debate, with champions and detractors joining battle over the relative merits of the recipients of national awards. But no one would quarrel with the State, this year, for having honoured Rasipuram Krishanaswamy Laxman with a Padma Vibhushan. For Laxman, the creator of the silent but observant Common Man who has kept at least three generations of readers of The Times of India company at breakfast, is no friend of power and wealth, no respecter of the narcissism that can afflict the directors of the nation's destinies

Question: Who was 'Common Man' as used in the passage?

A

 R.K. Laxman, himself

B

An imaginary silent spectator created by Laxman

C

The men who used to visit Laxman and share their grief and anxiety

D

None of these

(Q7) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

The Republic's annual honours list is often the subject of heated debate, with champions and detractors joining battle over the relative merits of the recipients of national awards. But no one would quarrel with the State, this year, for having honoured Rasipuram Krishanaswamy Laxman with a Padma Vibhushan. For Laxman, the creator of the silent but observant Common Man who has kept at least three generations of readers of The Times of India company at breakfast, is no friend of power and wealth, no respecter of the narcissism that can afflict the directors of the nation's destinies

Question:What is a subject of heated debate?

A

Distribution of Republic Day Awards

B

The annual function of Republic Day

C

The tussle between champions and detractors

D

None of these

(Q8) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

The Republic's annual honours list is often the subject of heated debate, with champions and detractors joining battle over the relative merits of the recipients of national awards. But no one would quarrel with the State, this year, for having honoured Rasipuram Krishanaswamy Laxman with a Padma Vibhushan. For Laxman, the creator of the silent but observant Common Man who has kept at least three generations of readers of The Times of India company at breakfast, is no friend of power and wealth, no respecter of the narcissism that can afflict the directors of the nation's destinies

Question: According to the author, the honour of R.K. Laxman is

A

Controversial

B

to satisfy a particular group

C

to passify the edge of the Times of India by the government

D

 beyond doubt & controversy

(Q9) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

The Republic's annual honours list is often the subject of heated debate, with champions and detractors joining battle over the relative merits of the recipients of national awards. But no one would quarrel with the State, this year, for having honoured Rasipuram Krishanaswamy Laxman with a Padma Vibhushan. For Laxman, the creator of the silent but observant Common Man who has kept at least three generations of readers of The Times of India company at breakfast, is no friend of power and wealth, no respecter of the narcissism that can afflict the directors of the nation's destinies

Question: The cartoons of R.K. Laxman had the power

A

to win any award including Nobel Prize

B

to generate enormous wealth

C

to unite three generations of people at breakfast

D

 None of these

(Q10) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

The Republic's annual honours list is often the subject of heated debate, with champions and detractors joining battle over the relative merits of the recipients of national awards. But no one would quarrel with the State, this year, for having honoured Rasipuram Krishanaswamy Laxman with a Padma Vibhushan. For Laxman, the creator of the silent but observant Common Man who has kept at least three generations of readers of The Times of India company at breakfast, is no friend of power and wealth, no respecter of the narcissism that can afflict the directors of the nation's destinies

Question: What do you mean by the word Narcissism as used in the passage?

A

Self-praise

B

 Adaptability

C

Contactual

D

Congruent

(Q11) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

The GST Council's meeting this week did not conclude successfully as Centre and states were unable to reach a consensus on tax rates. In itself, this is not worrisome on account of the complexity of the subject. But the Centre's tax proposals appear untouched by the spirit of reform. GST is India's most ambitious tax reform and if structured well will benefit Indians in two ways: as consumers and job seekers. The structure and level of tax rates, therefore, is key to success. It means the current approach has to be improved upon. Today, the Centre's indirect tax structure is messier than states and characterised by a multiplicity of rates.

Question: The cause of disagreement at the GST council meeting was

A

on the issue of paying or not paying the tax

B

on the issue of common tax rates

C

on the issue of share of distribution of tax money

D

None of these

(Q12) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

The GST Council's meeting this week did not conclude successfully as Centre and states were unable to reach a consensus on tax rates. In itself, this is not worrisome on account of the complexity of the subject. But the Centre's tax proposals appear untouched by the spirit of reform. GST is India's most ambitious tax reform and if structured well will benefit Indians in two ways: as consumers and job seekers. The structure and level of tax rates, therefore, is key to success. It means the current approach has to be improved upon. Today, the Centre's indirect tax structure is messier than states and characterised by a multiplicity of rates.

Question: According to the author, the tax proposal-

A

is excellent and ahead of time

B

is an ordinary one and no one is its taker

C

is not in agreement with the spirit of reforms

D

is in perfect agreement with the spirit of reforms

(Q13) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

The GST Council's meeting this week did not conclude successfully as Centre and states were unable to reach a consensus on tax rates. In itself, this is not worrisome on account of the complexity of the subject. But the Centre's tax proposals appear untouched by the spirit of reform. GST is India's most ambitious tax reform and if structured well will benefit Indians in two ways: as consumers and job seekers. The structure and level of tax rates, therefore, is key to success. It means the current approach has to be improved upon. Today, the Centre's indirect tax structure is messier than states and characterised by a multiplicity of rates.

Question: A well organised GST will benifit-

A

only states

B

only the centre

C

only the common man

D

job aspirants

(Q14) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

The GST Council's meeting this week did not conclude successfully as Centre and states were unable to reach a consensus on tax rates. In itself, this is not worrisome on account of the complexity of the subject. But the Centre's tax proposals appear untouched by the spirit of reform. GST is India's most ambitious tax reform and if structured well will benefit Indians in two ways: as consumers and job seekers. The structure and level of tax rates, therefore, is key to success. It means the current approach has to be improved upon. Today, the Centre's indirect tax structure is messier than states and characterised by a multiplicity of rates.

Question: The success of GST lies in-

(A) fine structure of GST

(B) level of tax rates

(C) agreement at the GST council

A

Only A is true

B

Only B is true

C

Both A and B are true

D

Only B and C are true

(Q15) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

The GST Council's meeting this week did not conclude successfully as Centre and states were unable to reach a consensus on tax rates. In itself, this is not worrisome on account of the complexity of the subject. But the Centre's tax proposals appear untouched by the spirit of reform. GST is India's most ambitious tax reform and if structured well will benefit Indians in two ways: as consumers and job seekers. The structure and level of tax rates, therefore, is key to success. It means the current approach has to be improved upon. Today, the Centre's indirect tax structure is messier than states and characterised by a multiplicity of rates.

Question: How is GST different from old tax system?

A

It would have one rate while old tax had multiple rates

B

 It would have different rates while old tax had only one rate

C

It would be almost the same as the earlier one

D

None of these

(Q16) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

In this modern day, man is filled with doubts about the existence of God and is a victim of the existential fear of death. When the mind has to advance spiritually, such doubts are the strong hurdles that have to be overcome. Disbelief is like a disease that can turn harmful and external influences easily tend to loosen one's hold on spirituality. Realised souls such as Sri Ramakrishna have lived exemplary lives that have inspired many to tread the spiritual path. This preceptor typifies a special brand of democratic spirituality by which he is able to create the faith about the existence of God and enlighten us about the real purpose of life, pointed out Swami Yatatmananda in a lecture.

Question: What do you mean by the phrase "the existential fear of death?

A

Fear about death or accident

B

Fear about the existence of doubt

C

Existing fear about the victimisation

D

Fear about the death which is an absolute truth

(Q17) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

In this modern day, man is filled with doubts about the existence of God and is a victim of the existential fear of death. When the mind has to advance spiritually, such doubts are the strong hurdles that have to be overcome. Disbelief is like a disease that can turn harmful and external influences easily tend to loosen one's hold on spirituality. Realised souls such as Sri Ramakrishna have lived exemplary lives that have inspired many to tread the spiritual path. This preceptor typifies a special brand of democratic spirituality by which he is able to create the faith about the existence of God and enlighten us about the real purpose of life, pointed out Swami Yatatmananda in a lecture.

Question: For spiritual wisdom, it is imperative that —

A

doubts must occur so that we could longe for truth

B

a doubt must not exist in our mind about the existance of God

C

doubts and existance should co-exist

D

None of these

(Q18) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

In this modern day, man is filled with doubts about the existence of God and is a victim of the existential fear of death. When the mind has to advance spiritually, such doubts are the strong hurdles that have to be overcome. Disbelief is like a disease that can turn harmful and external influences easily tend to loosen one's hold on spirituality. Realised souls such as Sri Ramakrishna have lived exemplary lives that have inspired many to tread the spiritual path. This preceptor typifies a special brand of democratic spirituality by which he is able to create the faith about the existence of God and enlighten us about the real purpose of life, pointed out Swami Yatatmananda in a lecture.

Question: Realised souls have the potential-

A

 to inspire people to lead a spiritual life

B

to lead a lavish life

C

to mislead many people, because they are people of negative thoughts

D

None of these

(Q19) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

In this modern day, man is filled with doubts about the existence of God and is a victim of the existential fear of death. When the mind has to advance spiritually, such doubts are the strong hurdles that have to be overcome. Disbelief is like a disease that can turn harmful and external influences easily tend to loosen one's hold on spirituality. Realised souls such as Sri Ramakrishna have lived exemplary lives that have inspired many to tread the spiritual path. This preceptor typifies a special brand of democratic spirituality by which he is able to create the faith about the existence of God and enlighten us about the real purpose of life, pointed out Swami Yatatmananda in a lecture.

Question: By the term 'democratic spirituality', we mean-

A

universalisation of spirituality

B

spirituality accepted at will and consent

C

spirituality professed by the government

D

All of the above

(Q20) English » Reading Comprehension

Directions (1-5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

In this modern day, man is filled with doubts about the existence of God and is a victim of the existential fear of death. When the mind has to advance spiritually, such doubts are the strong hurdles that have to be overcome. Disbelief is like a disease that can turn harmful and external influences easily tend to loosen one's hold on spirituality. Realised souls such as Sri Ramakrishna have lived exemplary lives that have inspired many to tread the spiritual path. This preceptor typifies a special brand of democratic spirituality by which he is able to create the faith about the existence of God and enlighten us about the real purpose of life, pointed out Swami Yatatmananda in a lecture.

Question: Doubts create hurdle in the path of-

A

modern day

B

life

C

spirituality

D

submission