English Reading Comprehension

Practice important English Reading Comprehension passages for JPSC, JSSC, JET, Jharkhand Police, SSC and other competitive examinations. Read each passage carefully and answer the questions based on the given passage.

Reading Passage 1

Read the passage carefully

Education is one of the most powerful tools for the development of a nation. It not only provides knowledge but also develops the ability to think, analyse and make responsible decisions. An educated person is generally better prepared to understand social problems and contribute to their solution. Education also helps people become aware of their rights and duties. However, the real purpose of education is not merely to obtain a degree or secure a job. It should develop character, confidence, discipline and a sense of responsibility. A society can progress rapidly when its citizens are educated, skilled and responsible. Therefore, investment in education is an investment in the future of the country.

1. What is the main idea of the passage?

[A] Education is useful only for getting a job

[B] Education contributes to individual and national development

[C] Only educated people can become successful

[D] Education is more important than employment

Correct Answer: Education contributes to individual and national development

Explanation: The passage mainly explains how education develops individuals and contributes to the progress of a nation.

2. According to the passage, education helps people to:

[A] Ignore social problems

[B] Understand social problems and contribute to their solution

[C] Focus only on their careers

[D] Avoid their responsibilities

Correct Answer: Understand social problems and contribute to their solution

Explanation: The passage states that education helps people understand social problems and contribute to solving them.

3. The word "merely" in the passage means:

[A] Only

[B] Usually

[C] Carefully

[D] Completely

Correct Answer: Only

Explanation: The word "merely" means only or simply.

4. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a quality that education should develop?

[A] Confidence

[B] Discipline

[C] Responsibility

[D] Physical strength

Correct Answer: Physical strength

Explanation: The passage mentions character, confidence, discipline and responsibility, but it does not mention physical strength.

5. What can be inferred from the passage?

[A] A nation cannot progress without responsible citizens

[B] Education has no connection with national development

[C] Only employment can improve society

[D] Degrees are more important than skills

Correct Answer: A nation cannot progress without responsible citizens

Explanation: The passage connects national progress with educated, skilled and responsible citizens. Therefore, responsible citizens are important for national development.

Reading Passage 2

Read the passage carefully

Forests are one of the most valuable natural resources of a country. They provide timber, fuel, fruits, medicinal plants and many other useful products. More importantly, forests help maintain ecological balance by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also prevent soil erosion and help in maintaining the water cycle. However, rapid urbanisation, illegal cutting of trees and uncontrolled industrial activities have reduced forest cover in many areas. Therefore, conservation of forests is essential not only for wildlife but also for human beings. People should be encouraged to plant trees and protect existing forests so that future generations can also benefit from them.

6. What is the main purpose of the passage?

[A] To describe different types of forests

[B] To explain the importance and conservation of forests

[C] To discuss the timber industry

[D] To explain the causes of urbanisation

Correct Answer: To explain the importance and conservation of forests

Explanation: The passage explains the importance of forests, the threats to them and the need for their conservation.

7. According to the passage, forests help in maintaining ecological balance by:

[A] Increasing industrial production

[B] Absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen

[C] Increasing urbanisation

[D] Reducing rainfall

Correct Answer: Absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen

Explanation: The passage specifically states that forests absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, thereby helping maintain ecological balance.

8. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a cause of reduction in forest cover?

[A] Rapid urbanisation

[B] Illegal cutting of trees

[C] Uncontrolled industrial activities

[D] Excessive rainfall

Correct Answer: Excessive rainfall

Explanation: The passage mentions rapid urbanisation, illegal cutting and uncontrolled industrial activities, but not excessive rainfall.

9. The word "conservation" in the passage means:

[A] Destruction

[B] Protection and careful management

[C] Expansion

[D] Removal

Correct Answer: Protection and careful management

Explanation: Conservation means protecting and carefully managing natural resources so that they are not destroyed or wasted.

10. What can be inferred from the passage?

[A] Forests are useful only for wildlife

[B] Human life is also dependent on healthy forests

[C] Industrial activities should be completely stopped

[D] Planting trees has no environmental benefit

Correct Answer: Human life is also dependent on healthy forests

Explanation: The passage says that forests are essential for human beings because they provide resources and help maintain ecological balance.