Reading Comprehension - English Questions and Answers

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

Those of us who already possess knives and use them as a matter of course at our meals can hardly understand the longing of an infant to be given the freedom of so perilous as instrument. Man has been defined as a tool-using animal, and there is no another tool that appeals to the imagination so strongly as a knife. It is through long months and years a forbidden thing, and all the more fascinating on that count. There is no glory in using a spoon. There is no honour in holding a fork in the right hand and in taking up on it little squares of meat that have been cut with a knife by some more privileged hand. Fork and spoon and little more than an extension of the fingers, and a spoon, at least, is so safe that it can be left in the hands of an infant in the cradle. But a knife is a danger against which constant warning is necessary something out of reach and waiting as a prize at the end of a long avenue of years.

Question: The ‘privileged hand' in this passage refers to

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

Those of us who already possess knives and use them as a matter of course at our meals can hardly understand the longing of an infant to be given the freedom of so perilous as instrument. Man has been defined as a tool-using animal, and there is no another tool that appeals to the imagination so strongly as a knife. It is through long months and years a forbidden thing, and all the more fascinating on that count. There is no glory in using a spoon. There is no honour in holding a fork in the right hand and in taking up on it little squares of meat that have been cut with a knife by some more privileged hand. Fork and spoon and little more than an extension of the fingers, and a spoon, at least, is so safe that it can be left in the hands of an infant in the cradle. But a knife is a danger against which constant warning is necessary something out of reach and waiting as a prize at the end of a long avenue of years.

Question: To the child, there is no glory in handling a spoon because

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

Those of us who already possess knives and use them as a matter of course at our meals can hardly understand the longing of an infant to be given the freedom of so perilous as instrument. Man has been defined as a tool-using animal, and there is no another tool that appeals to the imagination so strongly as a knife. It is through long months and years a forbidden thing, and all the more fascinating on that count. There is no glory in using a spoon. There is no honour in holding a fork in the right hand and in taking up on it little squares of meat that have been cut with a knife by some more privileged hand. Fork and spoon and little more than an extension of the fingers, and a spoon, at least, is so safe that it can be left in the hands of an infant in the cradle. But a knife is a danger against which constant warning is necessary something out of reach and waiting as a prize at the end of a long avenue of years.

Question: Adults cannot understand why a child finds knives so attractive because they

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

Those of us who already possess knives and use them as a matter of course at our meals can hardly understand the longing of an infant to be given the freedom of so perilous as instrument. Man has been defined as a tool-using animal, and there is no another tool that appeals to the imagination so strongly as a knife. It is through long months and years a forbidden thing, and all the more fascinating on that count. There is no glory in using a spoon. There is no honour in holding a fork in the right hand and in taking up on it little squares of meat that have been cut with a knife by some more privileged hand. Fork and spoon and little more than an extension of the fingers, and a spoon, at least, is so safe that it can be left in the hands of an infant in the cradle. But a knife is a danger against which constant warning is necessary something out of reach and waiting as a prize at the end of a long avenue of years.

Question: The child-

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

Those of us who already possess knives and use them as a matter of course at our meals can hardly understand the longing of an infant to be given the freedom of so perilous as instrument. Man has been defined as a tool-using animal, and there is no another tool that appeals to the imagination so strongly as a knife. It is through long months and years a forbidden thing, and all the more fascinating on that count. There is no glory in using a spoon. There is no honour in holding a fork in the right hand and in taking up on it little squares of meat that have been cut with a knife by some more privileged hand. Fork and spoon and little more than an extension of the fingers, and a spoon, at least, is so safe that it can be left in the hands of an infant in the cradle. But a knife is a danger against which constant warning is necessary something out of reach and waiting as a prize at the end of a long avenue of years.

Question: The knife fascinates a child all the more because it is

Directions (1-4): Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow by selecting the most appropriate option. 

The President of Earth glowered at the autocue and the television camera in the small presidential studio which was where he should have been right now instead of reading ridiculous public service emergency announcements.

It was his day off and he reckoned that the world and its wretched public service announcements should wait until tomorrow. Unfortunately, the world didn’t want to wait and the World Parliament had prepared this announcement for him to read, so he was glowering at everyone. The autocue started rolling and the President relaxed has scowling face and beamed into the television camera, exuding bonhomie to the billions who were watching as he read from the autocue.

Scientists are today investigating objects that are appearing across the world and which seem to present a degree of danger to anybody touching them. World scientists are advising that, under no circumstances should these objects be touched. A heavy metal object that is floating on a pond would be such an example. A tree growing out of concrete would be another. However, there is no guarantee that objects will always have this incongruity and scientists are advising the general public to proceed with great caution, especially when at home where unfamiliar objects may be more easily identified. After reading the announcement, the president of Earth leaned back in his presidential chair and gave his most reassuring smile. Well that’s it folks. Take care, while we get to the bottom of this. You can be sure we are working on it hard. So, bye for now, from your president, Goodbye!

The contradiction is conveyed in the phrase ridiculous public service emergency announcements by the word---

Directions (1-4): Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow by selecting the most appropriate option. 

The President of Earth glowered at the autocue and the television camera in the small presidential studio which was where he should have been right now instead of reading ridiculous public service emergency announcements.

It was his day off and he reckoned that the world and its wretched public service announcements should wait until tomorrow. Unfortunately, the world didn’t want to wait and the World Parliament had prepared this announcement for him to read, so he was glowering at everyone. The autocue started rolling and the President relaxed has scowling face and beamed into the television camera, exuding bonhomie to the billions who were watching as he read from the autocue.

Scientists are today investigating objects that are appearing across the world and which seem to present a degree of danger to anybody touching them. World scientists are advising that, under no circumstances should these objects be touched. A heavy metal object that is floating on a pond would be such an example. A tree growing out of concrete would be another. However, there is no guarantee that objects will always have this incongruity and scientists are advising the general public to proceed with great caution, especially when at home where unfamiliar objects may be more easily identified. After reading the announcement, the president of Earth leaned back in his presidential chair and gave his most reassuring smile. Well that’s it folks. Take care, while we get to the bottom of this. You can be sure we are working on it hard. So, bye for now, from your president, Goodbye!

The incongruity lies in-

Directions (1-4): Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow by selecting the most appropriate option. 

The President of Earth glowered at the autocue and the television camera in the small presidential studio which was where he should have been right now instead of reading ridiculous public service emergency announcements.

It was his day off and he reckoned that the world and its wretched public service announcements should wait until tomorrow. Unfortunately, the world didn’t want to wait and the World Parliament had prepared this announcement for him to read, so he was glowering at everyone. The autocue started rolling and the President relaxed has scowling face and beamed into the television camera, exuding bonhomie to the billions who were watching as he read from the autocue.

Scientists are today investigating objects that are appearing across the world and which seem to present a degree of danger to anybody touching them. World scientists are advising that, under no circumstances should these objects be touched. A heavy metal object that is floating on a pond would be such an example. A tree growing out of concrete would be another. However, there is no guarantee that objects will always have this incongruity and scientists are advising the general public to proceed with great caution, especially when at home where unfamiliar objects may be more easily identified. After reading the announcement, the president of Earth leaned back in his presidential chair and gave his most reassuring smile. Well that’s it folks. Take care, while we get to the bottom of this. You can be sure we are working on it hard. So, bye for now, from your president, Goodbye!

The expression exuding bonhomie means

Directions (1-4): Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow by selecting the most appropriate option. 

The President of Earth glowered at the autocue and the television camera in the small presidential studio which was where he should have been right now instead of reading ridiculous public service emergency announcements.

It was his day off and he reckoned that the world and its wretched public service announcements should wait until tomorrow. Unfortunately, the world didn’t want to wait and the World Parliament had prepared this announcement for him to read, so he was glowering at everyone. The autocue started rolling and the President relaxed has scowling face and beamed into the television camera, exuding bonhomie to the billions who were watching as he read from the autocue.

Scientists are today investigating objects that are appearing across the world and which seem to present a degree of danger to anybody touching them. World scientists are advising that, under no circumstances should these objects be touched. A heavy metal object that is floating on a pond would be such an example. A tree growing out of concrete would be another. However, there is no guarantee that objects will always have this incongruity and scientists are advising the general public to proceed with great caution, especially when at home where unfamiliar objects may be more easily identified. After reading the announcement, the president of Earth leaned back in his presidential chair and gave his most reassuring smile. Well that’s it folks. Take care, while we get to the bottom of this. You can be sure we are working on it hard. So, bye for now, from your president, Goodbye!

A word that can replace the phrase ‘get to the bottom of’ is-

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

When we speak of freedom of press, we usually mean it in a very technical sense. That is, we mean freedom from direction or censorship from the Government. In India, the press is free in its restricted sense. But the real restrictions on the press come from, (i) the advertisers from whom it gets its money, and (ii) the man or company who owns the newspaper. So even if an editor dares to support a public policy like, a ban on smoking in public places, he may always not be successful in pursuing this because his paper may be owned by a company which produces cigarettes. Such restrictions are often invisible unlike Government censorship and are worse.

Question-1 : In general, freedom of press means

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

When we speak of freedom of press, we usually mean it in a very technical sense. That is, we mean freedom from direction or censorship from the Government. In India, the press is free in its restricted sense. But the real restrictions on the press come from, (i) the advertisers from whom it gets its money, and (ii) the man or company who owns the newspaper. So even if an editor dares to support a public policy like, a ban on smoking in public places, he may always not be successful in pursuing this because his paper may be owned by a company which produces cigarettes. Such restrictions are often invisible unlike Government censorship and are worse.

Question-2 : The passage says that 

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

When we speak of freedom of press, we usually mean it in a very technical sense. That is, we mean freedom from direction or censorship from the Government. In India, the press is free in its restricted sense. But the real restrictions on the press come from, (i) the advertisers from whom it gets its money, and (ii) the man or company who owns the newspaper. So even if an editor dares to support a public policy like, a ban on smoking in public places, he may always not be successful in pursuing this because his paper may be owned by a company which produces cigarettes. Such restrictions are often invisible unlike Government censorship and are worse.

Question-3 : The restriction on free expression is —

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

When we speak of freedom of press, we usually mean it in a very technical sense. That is, we mean freedom from direction or censorship from the Government. In India, the press is free in its restricted sense. But the real restrictions on the press come from, (i) the advertisers from whom it gets its money, and (ii) the man or company who owns the newspaper. So even if an editor dares to support a public policy like, a ban on smoking in public places, he may always not be successful in pursuing this because his paper may be owned by a company which produces cigarettes. Such restrictions are often invisible unlike Government censorship and are worse.

Question-4 : In the opinion of the writer these restrictions imposed by the vested interests are

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

When we speak of freedom of press, we usually mean it in a very technical sense. That is, we mean freedom from direction or censorship from the Government. In India, the press is free in its restricted sense. But the real restrictions on the press come from, (i) the advertisers from whom it gets its money, and (ii) the man or company who owns the newspaper. So even if an editor dares to support a public policy like, a ban on smoking in public places, he may always not be successful in pursuing this because his paper may be owned by a company which produces cigarettes. Such restrictions are often invisible unlike Government censorship and are worse.

Question-5 : In this passage the writers’ intention is to bring to light

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

To sum up the whole, we should say that the aim of the Platonic philosophy was to exalt man into a God. The aim of the Baconian philosophy was to provide man with what he requires while he continues to be a man. The aim of Platonic philosophy was to raise us far above the vulgar wants. The aim of Baconian philosophy was to supply our vulgar wants. The former aim was noble; but the latter was attainable. Plato drew a good bow; he aimed at the stars; and therefore, though there was no want of strength of skill, the shot was thrown away. His arrow was indeed followed by a track of dazzling radiance; but it struck nothing. Bacon fixed his eye on a mark which was placed on earth and hit it in the white. The philosophy for Plato began with words and ended in words, noble words indeed, words such as were to be expected from the finest of human intellects exercising boundless dominion over the finest of languages.

Question: 1 - The above passage presents Platonic philosophy as:

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

To sum up the whole, we should say that the aim of the Platonic philosophy was to exalt man into a God. The aim of the Baconian philosophy was to provide man with what he requires while he continues to be a man. The aim of Platonic philosophy was to raise us far above the vulgar wants. The aim of Baconian philosophy was to supply our vulgar wants. The former aim was noble; but the latter was attainable. Plato drew a good bow; he aimed at the stars; and therefore, though there was no want of strength of skill, the shot was thrown away. His arrow was indeed followed by a track of dazzling radiance; but it struck nothing. Bacon fixed his eye on a mark which was placed on earth and hit it in the white. The philosophy for Plato began with words and ended in words, noble words indeed, words such as were to be expected from the finest of human intellects exercising boundless dominion over the finest of languages.

Question: 2 - The author in the above passage:

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

To sum up the whole, we should say that the aim of the Platonic philosophy was to exalt man into a God. The aim of the Baconian philosophy was to provide man with what he requires while he continues to be a man. The aim of Platonic philosophy was to raise us far above the vulgar wants. The aim of Baconian philosophy was to supply our vulgar wants. The former aim was noble; but the latter was attainable. Plato drew a good bow; he aimed at the stars; and therefore, though there was no want of strength of skill, the shot was thrown away. His arrow was indeed followed by a track of dazzling radiance; but it struck nothing. Bacon fixed his eye on a mark which was placed on earth and hit it in the white. The philosophy for Plato began with words and ended in words, noble words indeed, words such as were to be expected from the finest of human intellects exercising boundless dominion over the finest of languages.

Question: 3 - Which one of the following best reflects the underlying tone of the passage? 

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

To sum up the whole, we should say that the aim of the Platonic philosophy was to exalt man into a God. The aim of the Baconian philosophy was to provide man with what he requires while he continues to be a man. The aim of Platonic philosophy was to raise us far above the vulgar wants. The aim of Baconian philosophy was to supply our vulgar wants. The former aim was noble; but the latter was attainable. Plato drew a good bow; he aimed at the stars; and therefore, though there was no want of strength of skill, the shot was thrown away. His arrow was indeed followed by a track of dazzling radiance; but it struck nothing. Bacon fixed his eye on a mark which was placed on earth and hit it in the white. The philosophy for Plato began with words and ended in words, noble words indeed, words such as were to be expected from the finest of human intellects exercising boundless dominion over the finest of languages.

Question: 4 - Which of the following words in the passage confirm the exalted notions of man according to Plato?

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

To sum up the whole, we should say that the aim of the Platonic philosophy was to exalt man into a God. The aim of the Baconian philosophy was to provide man with what he requires while he continues to be a man. The aim of Platonic philosophy was to raise us far above the vulgar wants. The aim of Baconian philosophy was to supply our vulgar wants. The former aim was noble; but the latter was attainable. Plato drew a good bow; he aimed at the stars; and therefore, though there was no want of strength of skill, the shot was thrown away. His arrow was indeed followed by a track of dazzling radiance; but it struck nothing. Bacon fixed his eye on a mark which was placed on earth and hit it in the white. The philosophy for Plato began with words and ended in words, noble words indeed, words such as were to be expected from the finest of human intellects exercising boundless dominion over the finest of languages.

Question: 5 -  The reference to a bow and an arrow in the passage:

Directions (8-10) : Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.  

It is difficult to reconcile the ideas of different schools of thought on the question of education. Some people maintain that pupils at school should concentrate on a narrow range of subjects which will benefit them directly in their subsequent careers. Others contend that they should study a wide range of subjects so that they not only have the specialised knowledge necessary for their chosen careers but also sound general knowledge about the world they will have to work and live in. Supporters of the first theory state that the greatest contributions to civilisation are made by those who are expert in their trade or profession. Those on the other side say that, unless they have a broad general education, the experts will be too narrow in their outlook to have sympathy with their fellows or a proper sense of responsibility towards humanity as a whole.  

Question-8 : 'Schools of through' can be explained as: