Reading Comprehension - English Questions and Answers

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

Imagine a laboratory so big that it is even bigger than India and China put together. Before I tell you what it is, you need to hear the story of how it came to be. Today's much advocated dream of "one world" was a reality over 200 million years ago. All the seven continents we have learnt about in Geography was one big land mass that eventually separated from each other over a period of millions of years and floated apart to look like what we see in the atlas, or Google Maps, today. From that supercontinent- Pangaea, there was a huge piece that drifted south and became what we now know as Antarctica. Antarctica's unique geological conditions make it a much coveted place of research and study. And this is why many countries have set up research stations to study what the continent has in store for them. India is one such. In fact, India with its two research stations-Maitri and Bharathi-joins the small and exclusive group of nine countries which have multiple bases in Antarctica. India's Antarctic Programme officially began in 1981 when the first expedition to the continent was launched. It was the third Indian expedition's 81-member team that set up of the first research station-Dakshin Gangotri.

Question-2 : There was a one-world-like situation' about 200 million years ago when

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

Imagine a laboratory so big that it is even bigger than India and China put together. Before I tell you what it is, you need to hear the story of how it came to be. Today's much advocated dream of "one world" was a reality over 200 million years ago. All the seven continents we have learnt about in Geography was one big land mass that eventually separated from each other over a period of millions of years and floated apart to look like what we see in the atlas, or Google Maps, today. From that supercontinent- Pangaea, there was a huge piece that drifted south and became what we now know as Antarctica. Antarctica's unique geological conditions make it a much coveted place of research and study. And this is why many countries have set up research stations to study what the continent has in store for them. India is one such. In fact, India with its two research stations-Maitri and Bharathi-joins the small and exclusive group of nine countries which have multiple bases in Antarctica. India's Antarctic Programme officially began in 1981 when the first expedition to the continent was launched. It was the third Indian expedition's 81-member team that set up of the first research station-Dakshin Gangotri.

Question-3 : Pangaea was —

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

Imagine a laboratory so big that it is even bigger than India and China put together. Before I tell you what it is, you need to hear the story of how it came to be. Today's much advocated dream of "one world" was a reality over 200 million years ago. All the seven continents we have learnt about in Geography was one big land mass that eventually separated from each other over a period of millions of years and floated apart to look like what we see in the atlas, or Google Maps, today. From that supercontinent- Pangaea, there was a huge piece that drifted south and became what we now know as Antarctica. Antarctica's unique geological conditions make it a much coveted place of research and study. And this is why many countries have set up research stations to study what the continent has in store for them. India is one such. In fact, India with its two research stations-Maitri and Bharathi-joins the small and exclusive group of nine countries which have multiple bases in Antarctica. India's Antarctic Programme officially began in 1981 when the first expedition to the continent was launched. It was the third Indian expedition's 81-member team that set up of the first research station-Dakshin Gangotri.

Question-4 : Which of the following is not true in the context of the passage?

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

Imagine a laboratory so big that it is even bigger than India and China put together. Before I tell you what it is, you need to hear the story of how it came to be. Today's much advocated dream of "one world" was a reality over 200 million years ago. All the seven continents we have learnt about in Geography was one big land mass that eventually separated from each other over a period of millions of years and floated apart to look like what we see in the atlas, or Google Maps, today. From that supercontinent- Pangaea, there was a huge piece that drifted south and became what we now know as Antarctica. Antarctica's unique geological conditions make it a much coveted place of research and study. And this is why many countries have set up research stations to study what the continent has in store for them. India is one such. In fact, India with its two research stations-Maitri and Bharathi-joins the small and exclusive group of nine countries which have multiple bases in Antarctica. India's Antarctic Programme officially began in 1981 when the first expedition to the continent was launched. It was the third Indian expedition's 81-member team that set up of the first research station-Dakshin Gangotri.

Question-5 : What was Pangaea?

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

Smartphones are very common today. But over use of the gadget causes eye problems like aching eyes, blurred vision, dry eyes from inadequate blinking, and headache from prolonged use.    If the user is already wearing spectacles or contact lenses, the problems tend to be worse since the eyes have to compensate for the optical aids apart from the strain. All this is due to the fact that most users tend to bring the phone close to the eye.   Texting and browsing the web on smartphones is the accepted norm and those who have multiple messages need to be on the phone for a prolonged period of time thus straining the eye still further.   Another hassle is using a smartphone while travelling. The jolts and shakes of travel-whether by car, bus or train-also increase the stress.

Question-1 : Over-use of smartphones affects, apart from eyes,

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

Smartphones are very common today. But over use of the gadget causes eye problems like aching eyes, blurred vision, dry eyes from inadequate blinking, and headache from prolonged use.    If the user is already wearing spectacles or contact lenses, the problems tend to be worse since the eyes have to compensate for the optical aids apart from the strain. All this is due to the fact that most users tend to bring the phone close to the eye.   Texting and browsing the web on smartphones is the accepted norm and those who have multiple messages need to be on the phone for a prolonged period of time thus straining the eye still further.   Another hassle is using a smartphone while travelling. The jolts and shakes of travel-whether by car, bus or train-also increase the stress.

Question-2 : Why do contact lenses compound the problem?

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

Smartphones are very common today. But over use of the gadget causes eye problems like aching eyes, blurred vision, dry eyes from inadequate blinking, and headache from prolonged use.    If the user is already wearing spectacles or contact lenses, the problems tend to be worse since the eyes have to compensate for the optical aids apart from the strain. All this is due to the fact that most users tend to bring the phone close to the eye.   Texting and browsing the web on smartphones is the accepted norm and those who have multiple messages need to be on the phone for a prolonged period of time thus straining the eye still further.   Another hassle is using a smartphone while travelling. The jolts and shakes of travel-whether by car, bus or train-also increase the stress.

Question-3 : Why do overuse of a visual gadget affect our eyes? 

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

Smartphones are very common today. But over use of the gadget causes eye problems like aching eyes, blurred vision, dry eyes from inadequate blinking, and headache from prolonged use.    If the user is already wearing spectacles or contact lenses, the problems tend to be worse since the eyes have to compensate for the optical aids apart from the strain. All this is due to the fact that most users tend to bring the phone close to the eye.   Texting and browsing the web on smartphones is the accepted norm and those who have multiple messages need to be on the phone for a prolonged period of time thus straining the eye still further.   Another hassle is using a smartphone while travelling. The jolts and shakes of travel-whether by car, bus or train-also increase the stress.

Question-4 : The jolts and shakes of travel-

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

Smartphones are very common today. But over use of the gadget causes eye problems like aching eyes, blurred vision, dry eyes from inadequate blinking, and headache from prolonged use.    If the user is already wearing spectacles or contact lenses, the problems tend to be worse since the eyes have to compensate for the optical aids apart from the strain. All this is due to the fact that most users tend to bring the phone close to the eye.   Texting and browsing the web on smartphones is the accepted norm and those who have multiple messages need to be on the phone for a prolonged period of time thus straining the eye still further.   Another hassle is using a smartphone while travelling. The jolts and shakes of travel-whether by car, bus or train-also increase the stress.

Question-5 : What is an accepted norm, as used in the passage? 

Directions (1-4) : Read the following passage carefully and answer each of the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

Nehru's was many-sided personality. He enjoyed reading and writing books as much as enjoyed fighting political and social evils or resisting tyranny. In him, the scientist and the humanist were held in perfect balance. While he kept looking at social problems from a scientific standpoint, he never forgot that we should nourish the total man. As a scientist, he refused to believe in a benevolent power interested in men's affairs; but, as self-proclaimed non-believer, he loved affirming his faith in life and the beauty of nature. Children he adored. Unlike Wordsworth, he did not see them trailing clouds of glory from their recent sojourn in heaven. He saw them as blossoms of promise and renewal, the only hope for mankind.

Question-1 : Nehru enjoyed-

Directions (1-4) : Read the following passage carefully and answer each of the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

Nehru's was many-sided personality. He enjoyed reading and writing books as much as enjoyed fighting political and social evils or resisting tyranny. In him, the scientist and the humanist were held in perfect balance. While he kept looking at social problems from a scientific standpoint, he never forgot that we should nourish the total man. As a scientist, he refused to believe in a benevolent power interested in men's affairs; but, as self-proclaimed non-believer, he loved affirming his faith in life and the beauty of nature. Children he adored. Unlike Wordsworth, he did not see them trailing clouds of glory from their recent sojourn in heaven. He saw them as blossoms of promise and renewal, the only hope for mankind.

Question-2 : In this passage, a benevolent power, interested in men's affairs means- 

Directions (1-4) : Read the following passage carefully and answer each of the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

Nehru's was many-sided personality. He enjoyed reading and writing books as much as enjoyed fighting political and social evils or resisting tyranny. In him, the scientist and the humanist were held in perfect balance. While he kept looking at social problems from a scientific standpoint, he never forgot that we should nourish the total man. As a scientist, he refused to believe in a benevolent power interested in men's affairs; but, as self-proclaimed non-believer, he loved affirming his faith in life and the beauty of nature. Children he adored. Unlike Wordsworth, he did not see them trailing clouds of glory from their recent sojourn in heaven. He saw them as blossoms of promise and renewal, the only hope for mankind.

Question-3 : Nehru thought that children-

Directions (1-4) : Read the following passage carefully and answer each of the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

Nehru's was many-sided personality. He enjoyed reading and writing books as much as enjoyed fighting political and social evils or resisting tyranny. In him, the scientist and the humanist were held in perfect balance. While he kept looking at social problems from a scientific standpoint, he never forgot that we should nourish the total man. As a scientist, he refused to believe in a benevolent power interested in men's affairs; but, as self-proclaimed non-believer, he loved affirming his faith in life and the beauty of nature. Children he adored. Unlike Wordsworth, he did not see them trailing clouds of glory from their recent sojourn in heaven. He saw them as blossoms of promise and renewal, the only hope for mankind.

Question-4 : A ‘many-sided personality’ means-

Directions (1-4) : Read the following passage carefully and answer each of the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

When my wife, daughter and I were travelling in a rented car through Nottingham, England, on our way to a cousin's home in the northern suburbs. I became thoroughly confused by the maza of circular and one way street. Finally, we spotted a policeman and pulled up to ask directions. We were surprised when he removed his tall helmet. Opened the back door and slid in beside our daughter. "It will be much easier to show you'. He explained, we went through a series of left and right turns, traffic and even short input up a one-way lane the wrong way. Twenty minutes latter we arrived at a entersection. 'Now you will be all right, announced our guide, 'Just Twin here, stay on the road for eight or nine kilmeters and you are there'. With that, he opened the door got out replaced his helmet and strode briskly off.

Question-1 : We expect policemen to be-

Directions (1-4) : Read the following passage carefully and answer each of the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

When my wife, daughter and I were travelling in a rented car through Nottingham, England, on our way to a cousin's home in the northern suburbs. I became thoroughly confused by the maza of circular and one way street. Finally, we spotted a policeman and pulled up to ask directions. We were surprised when he removed his tall helmet. Opened the back door and slid in beside our daughter. "It will be much easier to show you'. He explained, we went through a series of left and right turns, traffic and even short input up a one-way lane the wrong way. Twenty minutes latter we arrived at a entersection. 'Now you will be all right, announced our guide, 'Just Twin here, stay on the road for eight or nine kilmeters and you are there'. With that, he opened the door got out replaced his helmet and strode briskly off.

Question-2 : The 'tone' of narration in the paragraph is-

Directions (1-4) : Read the following passage carefully and answer each of the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

When my wife, daughter and I were travelling in a rented car through Nottingham, England, on our way to a cousin's home in the northern suburbs. I became thoroughly confused by the maza of circular and one way street. Finally, we spotted a policeman and pulled up to ask directions. We were surprised when he removed his tall helmet. Opened the back door and slid in beside our daughter. "It will be much easier to show you'. He explained, we went through a series of left and right turns, traffic and even short input up a one-way lane the wrong way. Twenty minutes latter we arrived at a entersection. 'Now you will be all right, announced our guide, 'Just Twin here, stay on the road for eight or nine kilmeters and you are there'. With that, he opened the door got out replaced his helmet and strode briskly off.

Question-3 : The word 'suburbs' means-

Directions (1-4) : Read the following passage carefully and answer each of the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

When my wife, daughter and I were travelling in a rented car through Nottingham, England, on our way to a cousin's home in the northern suburbs. I became thoroughly confused by the maza of circular and one way street. Finally, we spotted a policeman and pulled up to ask directions. We were surprised when he removed his tall helmet. Opened the back door and slid in beside our daughter. "It will be much easier to show you'. He explained, we went through a series of left and right turns, traffic and even short input up a one-way lane the wrong way. Twenty minutes latter we arrived at a entersection. 'Now you will be all right, announced our guide, 'Just Twin here, stay on the road for eight or nine kilmeters and you are there'. With that, he opened the door got out replaced his helmet and strode briskly off.

Question-4 : The writer was confused by-

Directions (1-4) : Read the following passage carefully and answer each of the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

Birju Maharaj, the living legend; choreographer Kumudini Lakhia, who ushered in an era of innovations in Kathak, Chitresh Das, a pioneer emigrant who settled in the Bay area 30 years ago and blazed a trail, firmly establishing Kathak among American dancers and the Indian diaspora; Anjani Ambegaonkar, another Jaipur gharana exponent, winner of the National Endowment Award for her outstanding contribution to the young exponents both from India and America ___ the conference had young scholars and critics and also senior writers and performers. Young Archana Joglekar, a Kathak dancer from Mumbai, who migrated to Princeton a few years ago said: 'I could not believe that this can happen in the US where Indian immigrants have come for better economic opportunities and incidentally have brought along with them classical dance tradition to retain their cultural Indian identity.

Question-1 : Which of the following is not true about Chitresh Das? 

Directions (1-4) : Read the following passage carefully and answer each of the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

Birju Maharaj, the living legend; choreographer Kumudini Lakhia, who ushered in an era of innovations in Kathak, Chitresh Das, a pioneer emigrant who settled in the Bay area 30 years ago and blazed a trail, firmly establishing Kathak among American dancers and the Indian diaspora; Anjani Ambegaonkar, another Jaipur gharana exponent, winner of the National Endowment Award for her outstanding contribution to the young exponents both from India and America ___ the conference had young scholars and critics and also senior writers and performers. Young Archana Joglekar, a Kathak dancer from Mumbai, who migrated to Princeton a few years ago said: 'I could not believe that this can happen in the US where Indian immigrants have come for better economic opportunities and incidentally have brought along with them classical dance tradition to retain their cultural Indian identity.

Question-2 : The economic immigrants are-

Directions (1-4) : Read the following passage carefully and answer each of the questions given below it in the context of the passage.

Birju Maharaj, the living legend; choreographer Kumudini Lakhia, who ushered in an era of innovations in Kathak, Chitresh Das, a pioneer emigrant who settled in the Bay area 30 years ago and blazed a trail, firmly establishing Kathak among American dancers and the Indian diaspora; Anjani Ambegaonkar, another Jaipur gharana exponent, winner of the National Endowment Award for her outstanding contribution to the young exponents both from India and America ___ the conference had young scholars and critics and also senior writers and performers. Young Archana Joglekar, a Kathak dancer from Mumbai, who migrated to Princeton a few years ago said: 'I could not believe that this can happen in the US where Indian immigrants have come for better economic opportunities and incidentally have brought along with them classical dance tradition to retain their cultural Indian identity.

Question-3 : National Endowment Award is given-