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.

One of the great delusions of modern times is the prevailing belief that we are more civilized than our ancestors. At no other period in the history of mankind has the word 'civilization' been so often misused and misunderstood. It is not in the abundance of material alone that civilization lies. Neither does it consist of the advances of scientific knowledge, however amazing that may be. The inventions and discoveries of science have undoubtedly brought unheard of blessings and comforts to us. But they are not civilization. What we have failed to see is that civilization is a special way of human behaviour, of thought and feeling. The essential quality of civilization lies in the spirit of man, in his attitude to himself, to his fellowmen and to life as a whole. Looking everywhere around us today, you will find that man has made no progress since the dawn of history, in his attitude towards his fellowmen. On all the highest pillars in the cities of the world, you will find the figure of a conqueror or a general soldier. We know far more about our killers and destroyers than about our saviours and saints. The heroes of war are the heroes of the world.   

Question: 3 - What is civilization according to the author?

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

One of the great delusions of modern times is the prevailing belief that we are more civilized than our ancestors. At no other period in the history of mankind has the word 'civilization' been so often misused and misunderstood. It is not in the abundance of material alone that civilization lies. Neither does it consist of the advances of scientific knowledge, however amazing that may be. The inventions and discoveries of science have undoubtedly brought unheard of blessings and comforts to us. But they are not civilization. What we have failed to see is that civilization is a special way of human behaviour, of thought and feeling. The essential quality of civilization lies in the spirit of man, in his attitude to himself, to his fellowmen and to life as a whole. Looking everywhere around us today, you will find that man has made no progress since the dawn of history, in his attitude towards his fellowmen. On all the highest pillars in the cities of the world, you will find the figure of a conqueror or a general soldier. We know far more about our killers and destroyers than about our saviours and saints. The heroes of war are the heroes of the world.   

Question: 4 - Who are the heroes of the world?

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

One of the great delusions of modern times is the prevailing belief that we are more civilized than our ancestors. At no other period in the history of mankind has the word 'civilization' been so often misused and misunderstood. It is not in the abundance of material alone that civilization lies. Neither does it consist of the advances of scientific knowledge, however amazing that may be. The inventions and discoveries of science have undoubtedly brought unheard of blessings and comforts to us. But they are not civilization. What we have failed to see is that civilization is a special way of human behaviour, of thought and feeling. The essential quality of civilization lies in the spirit of man, in his attitude to himself, to his fellowmen and to life as a whole. Looking everywhere around us today, you will find that man has made no progress since the dawn of history, in his attitude towards his fellowmen. On all the highest pillars in the cities of the world, you will find the figure of a conqueror or a general soldier. We know far more about our killers and destroyers than about our saviours and saints. The heroes of war are the heroes of the world.   

Question: 5 - Who should be our heroes?   

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

In our approach to life, be it pragmatic or otherwise, a basic fact that confronts us squarely and unmistakably is the desire for peace, security and happiness. Different forms of life at different levels of existence make up the teeming denizens of this earth of ours. And, no matter whether they belong to the higher groups such as human beings or to the lower groups such as animals, all beings primarily seek peace, comfort and security. Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to a man. Even the lowliest insect strives for protection against dangers that threaten its life. Just as each one of us wants to live and not to die, so do all other creatures.

Question: 1 - The basic desire that confronts all of us is the desire for:

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

In our approach to life, be it pragmatic or otherwise, a basic fact that confronts us squarely and unmistakably is the desire for peace, security and happiness. Different forms of life at different levels of existence make up the teeming denizens of this earth of ours. And, no matter whether they belong to the higher groups such as human beings or to the lower groups such as animals, all beings primarily seek peace, comfort and security. Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to a man. Even the lowliest insect strives for protection against dangers that threaten its life. Just as each one of us wants to live and not to die, so do all other creatures.

Question: 2 - By the teeming denizens of earth the author means:

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

In our approach to life, be it pragmatic or otherwise, a basic fact that confronts us squarely and unmistakably is the desire for peace, security and happiness. Different forms of life at different levels of existence make up the teeming denizens of this earth of ours. And, no matter whether they belong to the higher groups such as human beings or to the lower groups such as animals, all beings primarily seek peace, comfort and security. Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to a man. Even the lowliest insect strives for protection against dangers that threaten its life. Just as each one of us wants to live and not to die, so do all other creatures.

Question: 3 - Which according to the passage are the lower groups of life form:

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

In our approach to life, be it pragmatic or otherwise, a basic fact that confronts us squarely and unmistakably is the desire for peace, security and happiness. Different forms of life at different levels of existence make up the teeming denizens of this earth of ours. And, no matter whether they belong to the higher groups such as human beings or to the lower groups such as animals, all beings primarily seek peace, comfort and security. Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to a man. Even the lowliest insect strives for protection against dangers that threaten its life. Just as each one of us wants to live and not to die, so do all other creatures.

Question: 4 - As per the writer every living thing:

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

In our approach to life, be it pragmatic or otherwise, a basic fact that confronts us squarely and unmistakably is the desire for peace, security and happiness. Different forms of life at different levels of existence make up the teeming denizens of this earth of ours. And, no matter whether they belong to the higher groups such as human beings or to the lower groups such as animals, all beings primarily seek peace, comfort and security. Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to a man. Even the lowliest insect strives for protection against dangers that threaten its life. Just as each one of us wants to live and not to die, so do all other creatures.

Question: 5 - The author's main aim here is to make us realize that: 

Directions (11-13) : Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.  

A poor Arab, travelling in the desert, was thirsty and tired, when he saw a spring. With a grateful heart he drank the water which he felt was extraordinarily sweet. He filled his leather bottle with the pure water, and continued on his way.   After many days he arrived at Baghdad. Securing an audience with the potentate, he gravely presented him with the leather bottle of water. It was the only gift he had.   The Caliph received the gift with great pleasure. Pouring some of the water into the goblet, he drank it, and then, thanking the poor Arab, rewarded him generously for his gift.   All the courtiers pressed forward, eager to taste the wonderful water. But the Caliphdenied them the privilege, even to his favourites.   When the Arab had departed with a happy heart, the Caliph explained why he had acted so strangely. The water in the leather bottle, because of its long storage, had become impure and foul tasting. He knew that if the others had tasted the water, they would have shown their disgust, and the poor man's feelings would have been wounded.  

Question-11 : The Arab gave the Caliph ______________ water to drink without knowing.

Directions (11-13) : Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.  

A poor Arab, travelling in the desert, was thirsty and tired, when he saw a spring. With a grateful heart he drank the water which he felt was extraordinarily sweet. He filled his leather bottle with the pure water, and continued on his way.   After many days he arrived at Baghdad. Securing an audience with the potentate, he gravely presented him with the leather bottle of water. It was the only gift he had.   The Caliph received the gift with great pleasure. Pouring some of the water into the goblet, he drank it, and then, thanking the poor Arab, rewarded him generously for his gift.   All the courtiers pressed forward, eager to taste the wonderful water. But the Caliphdenied them the privilege, even to his favourites.   When the Arab had departed with a happy heart, the Caliph explained why he had acted so strangely. The water in the leather bottle, because of its long storage, had become impure and foul tasting. He knew that if the others had tasted the water, they would have shown their disgust, and the poor man's feelings would have been wounded.  

Question-12 : The Caliph __________ the wonderful water which was presented by the poor Arab.

Directions (11-13) : Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.  

A poor Arab, travelling in the desert, was thirsty and tired, when he saw a spring. With a grateful heart he drank the water which he felt was extraordinarily sweet. He filled his leather bottle with the pure water, and continued on his way.   After many days he arrived at Baghdad. Securing an audience with the potentate, he gravely presented him with the leather bottle of water. It was the only gift he had.   The Caliph received the gift with great pleasure. Pouring some of the water into the goblet, he drank it, and then, thanking the poor Arab, rewarded him generously for his gift.   All the courtiers pressed forward, eager to taste the wonderful water. But the Caliphdenied them the privilege, even to his favourites.   When the Arab had departed with a happy heart, the Caliph explained why he had acted so strangely. The water in the leather bottle, because of its long storage, had become impure and foul tasting. He knew that if the others had tasted the water, they would have shown their disgust, and the poor man's feelings would have been wounded.  

Question-13 : The Caliph knew that others would shown their _________ once they've tasted the water.

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.

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), the centrepiece legislation of the United Progressive Alliance’s inclusive economic growth agenda, shows promise of being mainstreamed into national policy-making for two reasons. The first is the political goodwill that governments, at the Centre and in the States, stand to gain from implementing schemes that guarantee employment and cash incomes for the poor. The economic dynamics that flow from this is the second and more important reason. The NREGA refashions the Keynesian approach of using public works to stimulate effective demand to the realities of a developing country by its focussed intervention to benefit the rural poor.

Question-1 : NREGA gives —

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

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), the centrepiece legislation of the United Progressive Alliance’s inclusive economic growth agenda, shows promise of being mainstreamed into national policy-making for two reasons. The first is the political goodwill that governments, at the Centre and in the States, stand to gain from implementing schemes that guarantee employment and cash incomes for the poor. The economic dynamics that flow from this is the second and more important reason. The NREGA refashions the Keynesian approach of using public works to stimulate effective demand to the realities of a developing country by its focussed intervention to benefit the rural poor.

Question-2 : NREGA develops political goodwill because —

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

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), the centrepiece legislation of the United Progressive Alliance’s inclusive economic growth agenda, shows promise of being mainstreamed into national policy-making for two reasons. The first is the political goodwill that governments, at the Centre and in the States, stand to gain from implementing schemes that guarantee employment and cash incomes for the poor. The economic dynamics that flow from this is the second and more important reason. The NREGA refashions the Keynesian approach of using public works to stimulate effective demand to the realities of a developing country by its focussed intervention to benefit the rural poor.

Question-3 : What is the second feature of NREGA about it being streamlined into national policy making?

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

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), the centrepiece legislation of the United Progressive Alliance’s inclusive economic growth agenda, shows promise of being mainstreamed into national policy-making for two reasons. The first is the political goodwill that governments, at the Centre and in the States, stand to gain from implementing schemes that guarantee employment and cash incomes for the poor. The economic dynamics that flow from this is the second and more important reason. The NREGA refashions the Keynesian approach of using public works to stimulate effective demand to the realities of a developing country by its focussed intervention to benefit the rural poor.

Question-4 : The focussed motive of the Keynesian approach is —