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

Regular exercise is important for a healthy life. It keeps the body active and helps improve physical fitness. Walking, cycling, swimming and simple outdoor games are some useful forms of exercise. Exercise also helps reduce stress and improves sleep. People who exercise regularly are generally more energetic and confident. However, exercise does not mean that a person has to spend several hours in a gym. Even thirty minutes of moderate physical activity every day can be beneficial. Along with exercise, a balanced diet and adequate sleep are also necessary for good health.

41. What is the main idea of the passage?
[A] Exercise is useful only for athletes
[B] Regular exercise contributes to a healthy life
[C] Going to a gym is necessary for everyone
[D] Sleep is more important than exercise
Correct Answer: Regular exercise contributes to a healthy life
Explanation: The passage explains the benefits of regular exercise and its role in maintaining good health.
42. Which of the following is mentioned as a form of exercise?
[A] Reading
[B] Walking
[C] Sleeping
[D] Watching television
Correct Answer: Walking
Explanation: The passage specifically mentions walking, cycling, swimming and outdoor games as forms of exercise.
43. The word "adequate" in the passage means:
[A] Insufficient
[B] Sufficient or enough
[C] Unnecessary
[D] Excessive
Correct Answer: Sufficient or enough
Explanation: Adequate means sufficient or enough for a particular purpose.
44. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT necessary for good health?
[A] Regular exercise
[B] A balanced diet
[C] Adequate sleep
[D] Spending several hours in a gym
Correct Answer: Spending several hours in a gym
Explanation: The passage says that exercise does not require spending several hours in a gym.
45. What can be inferred from the passage?
[A] Only gym-based exercise is beneficial
[B] Small amounts of regular physical activity can also improve health
[C] Exercise eliminates the need for proper food
[D] People should exercise for several hours every day
Correct Answer: Small amounts of regular physical activity can also improve health
Explanation: The passage states that even thirty minutes of moderate physical activity every day can be beneficial.
Reading Passage 2
Read the passage carefully

Public transport plays an important role in reducing traffic congestion in cities. Buses, trains and other shared modes of transport can carry a large number of passengers at the same time. If more people choose public transport instead of private vehicles, the number of cars and motorcycles on roads may decrease. This can save fuel, reduce air pollution and make travelling more efficient. However, public transport must be reliable, safe, affordable and comfortable if people are to prefer it over private vehicles. Proper planning, regular maintenance and improved connectivity are therefore essential. Governments alone cannot solve urban transport problems; citizens must also develop the habit of using public transport whenever it is practical.

46. What is the primary purpose of the passage?
[A] To criticize private vehicles
[B] To explain the importance and requirements of public transport
[C] To describe different types of trains
[D] To encourage people to stop travelling
Correct Answer: To explain the importance and requirements of public transport
Explanation: The passage discusses how public transport can reduce congestion and pollution and explains what is required to make it effective.
47. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of public transport?
[A] Saving fuel
[B] Reducing air pollution
[C] Reducing traffic congestion
[D] Increasing the number of private vehicles
Correct Answer: Increasing the number of private vehicles
Explanation: The passage mentions saving fuel, reducing pollution and traffic congestion as benefits, but not increasing private vehicles.
48. The word "congestion" in the passage means:
[A] Free movement
[B] Overcrowding or excessive traffic
[C] Clean environment
[D] Public safety
Correct Answer: Overcrowding or excessive traffic
Explanation: Traffic congestion refers to a situation in which roads are crowded with vehicles and movement becomes slow.
49. What can be inferred from the passage?
[A] Improving public transport requires cooperation from both authorities and citizens
[B] Only citizens are responsible for traffic problems
[C] Private vehicles should be completely banned
[D] Public transport is always uncomfortable
Correct Answer: Improving public transport requires cooperation from both authorities and citizens
Explanation: The passage says governments need to improve transport systems while citizens should develop the habit of using public transport.
50. Which of the following would be the most appropriate title for the passage?
[A] The Problems of Travelling by Train
[B] Public Transport and Urban Mobility
[C] The History of Private Cars
[D] Why People Avoid Buses
Correct Answer: Public Transport and Urban Mobility
Explanation: The passage focuses broadly on public transport, its benefits and the conditions needed for effective urban mobility.