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
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Employment is closely connected with the economic and social development of a country. A growing economy can create new opportunities, but economic growth alone does not guarantee employment for everyone. The nature of available jobs, the skills of workers and the quality of education and training also play an important role. Many young people possess academic qualifications but lack practical skills required by employers. This gap between education and employment can make it difficult for businesses to find suitable workers while graduates struggle to find appropriate jobs. Skill development programmes, vocational education and practical training can help reduce this gap. At the same time, industries should work with educational institutions to understand changing requirements in the workplace. Governments can support this process by improving training facilities and encouraging entrepreneurship. Employment generation, therefore, requires cooperation among educational institutions, industries, governments and individuals. The ultimate goal should be to create productive and sustainable employment rather than merely increasing the number of jobs.

81. The word "vocational" in the passage most nearly means:
[A] Related to practical skills and a particular occupation
[B] Related only to academic research
[C] Related to political activities
[D] Related to entertainment
Correct Answer: Related to practical skills and a particular occupation
Explanation: Vocational education focuses on practical skills and training for a specific occupation or trade.
82. Which of the following is NOT suggested in the passage as a way to improve employment?
[A] Vocational education
[B] Practical training
[C] Skill development programmes
[D] Removing all educational institutions
Correct Answer: Removing all educational institutions
Explanation: The passage suggests skill development, vocational education and practical training, but does not suggest removing educational institutions.
83. What can be inferred from the passage?
[A] Education and industry should remain completely separate
[B] Closer cooperation between education and industry can improve employability
[C] Practical skills are less important than degrees
[D] Governments have no role in employment generation
Correct Answer: Closer cooperation between education and industry can improve employability
Explanation: The passage recommends cooperation between industries and educational institutions to understand changing workplace requirements.
84. Which of the following would be the most appropriate title for the passage?
[A] Education and Employment: Bridging the Skill Gap
[B] The Decline of Higher Education
[C] Why Industries Avoid Graduates
[D] The History of Vocational Education
Correct Answer: Education and Employment: Bridging the Skill Gap
Explanation: The passage mainly discusses the gap between education and employment and ways to bridge it through skills, training and cooperation.
Reading Passage 2
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Water is one of the most essential resources for human life, yet its availability is becoming increasingly uncertain in many parts of the world. Population growth, rapid urbanisation, industrial activity and changing patterns of rainfall have increased pressure on freshwater resources. In some regions, groundwater is being extracted faster than it can naturally be replenished. At the same time, polluted rivers and lakes reduce the amount of water that is actually safe for human use. Solving the water problem requires more than building new reservoirs or searching for additional sources. It requires careful management of existing resources. Rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation, wastewater treatment and the prevention of unnecessary consumption can significantly reduce pressure on freshwater supplies. Agriculture deserves particular attention because it accounts for a large share of water use in many countries. Farmers can adopt methods such as drip irrigation and better crop planning to reduce wastage. Individuals also have an important role to play by avoiding unnecessary consumption. Ultimately, water security depends on treating water not as an unlimited commodity but as a shared and valuable resource that must be managed responsibly.

85. What is the central idea of the passage?
[A] Water is an unlimited resource
[B] Water security requires responsible management and conservation
[C] Only farmers are responsible for water conservation
[D] Building more reservoirs is the only solution to water scarcity
Correct Answer: Water security requires responsible management and conservation
Explanation: The passage emphasizes that increasing pressure on freshwater resources requires conservation, efficient use and responsible management.
86. Why is groundwater becoming a concern in some regions?
[A] It is being extracted faster than it can naturally be replenished
[B] It is increasing because of rainfall
[C] It is no longer used by farmers
[D] It is naturally polluted everywhere
Correct Answer: It is being extracted faster than it can naturally be replenished
Explanation: The passage directly states that groundwater is being extracted faster than its natural replenishment in some regions.
87. The word "replenished" in the passage most nearly means:
[A] Used completely
[B] Filled or restored again
[C] Polluted permanently
[D] Transported elsewhere
Correct Answer: Filled or restored again
Explanation: Replenished means to fill, restore or supply something again after it has been used or reduced.
88. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a method of reducing pressure on freshwater resources?
[A] Rainwater harvesting
[B] Efficient irrigation
[C] Wastewater treatment
[D] Increasing unnecessary consumption
Correct Answer: Increasing unnecessary consumption
Explanation: The passage recommends preventing unnecessary consumption; increasing consumption would have the opposite effect.
89. What can be inferred about agriculture from the passage?
[A] It has little connection with water consumption
[B] Improving irrigation practices can contribute significantly to water conservation
[C] Agriculture should stop using water completely
[D] Farmers are the only people responsible for water security
Correct Answer: Improving irrigation practices can contribute significantly to water conservation
Explanation: The passage says agriculture uses a large share of water and suggests drip irrigation and better crop planning to reduce wastage.
90. Which of the following is the most appropriate title for the passage?
[A] Water: An Unlimited Resource
[B] Water Security and Responsible Conservation
[C] The Future of Agriculture
[D] Industrial Development and Urbanisation
Correct Answer: Water Security and Responsible Conservation
Explanation: The passage focuses on increasing pressure on water resources and the need for responsible conservation and management.