Reading Comprehension Questions & Answers

Last Updated : 24 Jun, 2025

Comprehension passages are sure-shot scoring questions that are usually asked in competitive examinations. Candidates must practice questions on this topic to score well in the exams.

Reading Comprehension is a fundamental skill often tested as part of Verbal Ability in competitive examinations. It is especially important for Job seekers taking exams like SSC, RRB, Bank, Insurance, and other government exams as it constitutes a whole section for these tests. Practicing Reading Comprehension Questions and Answers thus has a big influence on an individual's overall score since it needs both skill and accuracy to solve them correctly.

Reading Comprehension Questions: Concepts

Reading Comprehension is an essential skill that involves being able to make sense of a passage quickly and accurately, both retaining and applying the information it contains. Different types of passages can come up on exams, such as narrative passages or passages involving more complex concepts.

Here, we have some comprehension practice questions along with the answers and reasoning. By practicing these questions, you can improve your comprehension skills so that you can ace those reading-based sections! So try to practice these questions and improve your knowledge on the topic.

Reading Comprehension Exercises & Worksheets

Reading Comprehension Exercise Set 1
Reading Comprehension Exercise Set 2
Reading Comprehension Exercise Set 3
Reading Comprehension Exercise Set 4
Reading Comprehension Exercise Set 5

Solved Questions on Reading Comprehension

The questions are to be answered by using the data given in the passage, even if it differs from real-life facts.

1. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow :

Mike and Morris lived in the same village. While Morris owned the largest jewelry shop in the village, Mike was a poor farmer. Both had large families with many sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. One fine day, Mike, tired of not being able to feed his family, decided to leave the village and move to the city where he was certain to earn enough to feed everyone. Along with his family, he left the village for the city. At night, they stopped under a large tree. There was a stream running nearby where they could freshen up themselves. He told his sons to clear the area below the tree, he told his wife to fetch water and he instructed his daughters-in-law to make up the fire and started cutting wood from the tree himself. They didn't know that in the branches of the tree, there was a thief hiding. He watched as Mike's family worked together and also noticed that they had nothing to cook. Mike's wife also thought the same and asked her husband " Everything is ready but what shall we eat?". Mike raised his hands to heaven and said " Don't worry. He is watching all of this from above. He will help us." The thief got worried as he had seen that the family was large and worked well together. Taking advantage of the fact that they did not know he was hiding in the branches, he decided to make a quick escape. He climbed down safely when they were not looking and ran for his life. But, he left behind the bundle of stolen jewels and money which dropped into Mike's lap. Mike opened it and jumped with joy when he saw the contents. The family gathered all their belongings and returned to the village. There was great excitement when they told everyone how they got rich. Morris thought that the tree was miraculous and this was a nice and quick way to earn some money. He ordered his family to pack some clothes and they set off as if on a journey. They also stopped under the same tree and Morris started commanding everyone as Mike had done. But no one in his family was willing to obey his orders. Being a rich family, they were used to having servants all around. So, the one who went to the river to fetch water enjoyed a nice bath. The one who went to get wood for fire went off to sleep. Morris's wife said " Everything is ready but what shall we eat ?" Morris raised his hands and said, " Don't worry. He is watching all of this from above. He will help us." As soon as he finished saying, the thief jumped down from the tree with a knife in hand. Seeing him, everyone started running around to save their lives. The thief stole everything they had and Morris and his family had to return to the village empty handed, having lost all their valuables that they had taken with them.

Question 1: Why did Mike and his family decide to rest under the thief's tree?

A) Being a large family, they knew that they could easily defeat the thief
B) It was a convenient spot for taking a halt at night
C) There was a stream nearby and wood enough to build a house
D) That was the only large tree that could shelter their large family

Solution: B) It was a convenient spot for taking a halt at night A is incorrect as they didn't know that a thief was hiding in the tree. C is incorrect as nothing has been mentioned in the passage about the amount of wood D is incorrect as nothing has been mentioned about the number of trees.

Question 2: Which of the following best describes Morris?

A) He was a rich businessman
B) He bullied his wife
C) He paid his servants well
D) He was greedy and imitated Mike

Solution : D) He was greedy and imitated Mike

Question 3: What did Mike mean when he said "He is watching all this from above"?

A) He had spotted the thief and wanted to scare him
B) He was telling his wife to have faith in god
C) It was just a warning for his family members to stick together
D) He was begging the thief to help his family

Solution: B) He was telling his wife to have faith in god

Question 4: Why did the thief return to the tree?

A) To wait for Mike to return
B) To set up a trap
C) To wait for Morris's family
D) Not mentioned in the passage

Solution : D) Not mentioned in the passage

Question 5: How did the fellow villagers react to Mike getting rich overnight?

A) They were jealous of him
B) They were very excited
C) They followed his example
D) They envied him

Solution: B) They were very excited

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2. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow :

Reading is a fundamental skill that plays a vital role in our lives. It's not just about deciphering words on a page but about the doors it opens, the knowledge it imparts, and the worlds it allows us to explore. Reading is an essential tool for learning, expanding our horizons, and fostering imagination.
When we read, we acquire knowledge. Whether it's reading textbooks, newspapers, or online articles, we gain information that helps us understand the world. Books, in particular, are a treasure trove of knowledge. They contain the wisdom of generations, the discoveries of great minds, and the stories of diverse cultures. Reading books can educate us on history, science, literature, and countless other subjects. It's like having a mentor, guiding us through the complexities of life.
Reading also broadens our horizons. It exposes us to different viewpoints, perspectives, and experiences. When we read about characters from various backgrounds or explore far-off lands through the pages of a novel, we step into their shoes and see the world from a different angle. This broadening of perspective fosters empathy and understanding, making us more tolerant and open-minded individuals.
Furthermore, reading fuels our imagination. Whether it's a fantasy novel, a science fiction story, or a compelling mystery, books transport us to other worlds and challenge us to envision the unimaginable. Our minds become the canvas, and words paint the pictures. It's a magical experience that ignites creativity and inspiration.
Moreover, reading is a skill that transcends academic boundaries. It's not just about scoring well on tests; it's about developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. A person who reads regularly is likely to have a broader vocabulary, better writing skills, and an improved ability to express their thoughts and ideas.
In our modern digital age, reading has taken on new forms. E-books and audiobooks have made it more accessible and convenient. With just a few clicks or taps, we can access a vast library of literature. However, there's something timeless and intimate about holding a physical book, flipping its pages, and smelling the scent of paper and ink.
In conclusion, reading is not just a hobby; it's a cornerstone of education, personal growth, and cultural enrichment. It empowers us with knowledge, broadens our perspectives, ignites our imagination, and equips us with essential skills. Whether we're reading for pleasure, information, or self-improvement, reading is a journey that enriches our lives and shapes us into more informed, empathetic, and creative individuals.

Question 1-What are some of the benefits of reading mentioned in the passage?

A) Acquiring knowledge
B) Physical exercise
C) Developing cooking skills
D) Enhancing video game proficiency

Solution: A) Acquiring knowledge. The passage clearly mentions that one of the benefits of reading is acquiring knowledge. The other options are not mentioned in the passage.

Question 2-How does reading broaden our horizons and foster empathy?

A) By encouraging isolation
B) By exposing us to different viewpoints and experiences
C) By promoting narrow-mindedness
D) By making us less tolerant

Solution: B) By exposing us to different viewpoints and experiences. The passage states that reading broadens horizons by exposing readers to different viewpoints and experiences, which fosters empathy. Options A, C, and D do not align with the passage's message.

Question 3-What role does reading play in developing critical thinking and communication skills?

A) It has no impact on critical thinking or communication skills
B) It broadens horizons but does not impact skills
C) It expands vocabulary, improves writing skills, and enhances communication abilities
D) It only helps with imagination but not critical thinking or communication

Solution: C) It expands vocabulary, improves writing skills, and enhances communication abilities. The passage explicitly mentions that reading helps in developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and better communication. Option C summarizes this point accurately.

Question 4-What are the advantages of reading physical books compared to digital formats?

A) Physical books are more expensive
B) Digital formats are more environmentally friendly
C) Physical books offer a timeless and intimate experience
D) Digital formats are easier to access

Solution: C) Physical books offer a timeless and intimate experience. The passage highlights that physical books offer a unique experience by allowing readers to hold and flip pages and enjoy the scent of paper and ink. Option C aligns with this description.

Question 5-How does reading enrich our lives and shape us as individuals, according to the passage?

A) Reading has no impact on personal growth
B) Reading makes us less informed and less creative
C) Reading empowers us with knowledge, broadens our perspectives, and equips us with essential skills, making us more informed, empathetic, and creative individuals
D) Reading only fosters creativity but not empathy

Solution: C) Reading empowers us with knowledge, broadens our perspectives, and equips us with essential skills, making us more informed, empathetic, and creative individuals. The passage states that reading enriches our lives by empowering us with knowledge, broadening our perspectives, and equipping us with essential skills, ultimately making us more informed, empathetic, and creative individuals. Option C accurately summarizes this point.

3. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow :

Once upon a time, in a quaint little village nestled in a picturesque valley, there lived a young girl named Lily. She was known for her adventurous spirit and her deep curiosity. One sunny afternoon, while exploring the woods that bordered the village, Lily stumbled upon a hidden clearing. In the center of this secret meadow, she found an old oak tree with a peculiar nook. In that nook, half-buried in the earth, was a mysterious locket, ornate and gleaming with intricate designs. Lily carefully unearthed it, and as she held it in her hand, she felt a strange connection to this forgotten piece of jewelry.
Back in her cottage, Lily examined the locket more closely. It was made of silver with a hint of gold, and its surface was adorned with delicate engravings of leaves and flowers. On the front, there was an image of a crescent moon, and on the back, an engraving read, "To the one who seeks the truth." The locket was sealed tightly, and Lily couldn't open it no matter how hard she tried.
Determined to solve the mystery, Lily embarked on a quest to find someone who could open the locket. She asked the village blacksmith, the wise old woman who lived on the hill, and even the town's mayor, but none of them could unlock its secrets. Feeling a bit discouraged, Lily spent her days reading about ancient relics and searching for clues in the library.
One day, while immersed in an old book about mystical lockets, Lily came across a passage that mentioned the existence of a "key of the heart." It said that this key could open the most stubborn of locks, but it was hidden within each person, waiting to be discovered. This newfound knowledge gave Lily a renewed sense of hope and determination.
The next morning, Lily decided to visit the village's recluse, an elderly woman rumored to have deep knowledge of the heart. The recluse lived in a remote cottage surrounded by a lush garden. Lily knocked on the door and explained her quest. The old woman listened attentively and finally agreed to help. She told Lily that the key to opening the locket was hidden within her heart and that she needed to meditate on her truest desires and intentions.
Lily followed the recluse's advice, sitting beneath the ancient oak tree where she had found the locket. She closed her eyes, focused on her heart's deepest desires, and as she did, she felt the locket warming in her hand. When she opened her eyes, she found the locket had sprung open, revealing a tiny, folded parchment inside. With trembling hands, she carefully unfolded it and read the message: "The truth lies in the journey, not the destination."
The mystery of the locket was solved, but Lily realized that the real treasure was the journey of self-discovery she had undertaken. She understood that her quest had led her to understand her heart's desires and the power of her own determination.

Question 1- What did Lily discover in the hidden clearing in the woods?

A) A hidden garden
B) An old oak tree
C) A mysterious book
D) A magic wand

Solution: B) An old oak tree. The passage mentions that Lily discovered an old oak tree in the hidden clearing.

Question 2- What was inscribed on the back of the mysterious locket?

A) "To the one who seeks adventure"
B) "To the one who seeks answers"
C) "To the one who seeks the truth"
D) "To the one who seeks gold"

Solution: C) "To the one who seeks the truth". The passage explicitly states that the locket had the inscription, "To the one who seeks the truth."

Question 3- Who did Lily seek help from in opening the locket?

A) The village blacksmith
B) The wise old woman on the hill
C) The town's mayor
D) All of the above

Solution: D) All of the above. Lily sought help from the village blacksmith, the wise old woman on the hill, and the town's mayor, as mentioned in the passage.

Question 4- What did Lily learn from the passage about mystical lockets?

A) The key to open them could be found in a library
B) The key to open them was hidden within each person
C) The key to open them was with the recluse in the village
D) The key to open them was made of silver and gold

Solution: B) The key to open them was hidden within each person. The passage mentions that the key to opening mystical lockets was hidden within each person, waiting to be discovered.

Question 5- What message was inside the locket, and what did Lily realize about it?

A) "The treasure is within"
B) "The journey is the destination"
C) "The truth is what you seek"
D) "The mystery is yet unsolved"

Solution: B) "The journey is the destination". The passage reveals that the message inside the locket was, "The truth lies in the journey, not the destination." Lily realized that the real treasure was the journey of self-discovery, not just the locket's opening.

4. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow :

In a quiet corner of the bustling city, there stood an old, dusty library. While most people hurried past, its unassuming exterior hid an incredible secret. The librarian, an elderly woman named Ms. Abernathy, was not an ordinary librarian; she was the guardian of a magical library.
One sunny afternoon, Sarah, an eighth-grader with an insatiable love for books, stumbled upon the library. She had always been drawn to stories of magic and adventure, and something about the library's unassuming facade piqued her curiosity. As she stepped inside, a small bell above the door tinkled, announcing her arrival. Ms. Abernathy greeted her with a warm smile, sensing Sarah's keen interest in books.
Sarah soon discovered the true enchantment of the library. Its shelves held volumes that could transport readers to other worlds. She found herself immersed in tales of knights and dragons, enchanted forests, and talking animals. These books had a way of making her feel like she was right there, part of the adventure.
As the weeks passed, Sarah spent hours at the library, delving into one captivating story after another. She uncovered a book about a boy who could fly, and as she read, she felt her feet lifting off the ground. She found herself soaring over the city, experiencing the thrill of flight. Another day, she read about a time-traveling watch, and suddenly, she was witnessing historical events unfold before her eyes.
One day, as Sarah was browsing the shelves, she noticed a book titled "The Lost Amulet of Althoria." The cover featured a golden amulet with a shimmering blue gem. Ms. Abernathy explained that this was a unique book—it was unfinished. No one knew how the story ended because no reader had ever returned the book. Sarah decided to take on the challenge.
She opened the book and was immediately drawn into a tale of a young adventurer, Alaric, on a quest to find the lost amulet. She felt herself journeying through dark forests, crossing treacherous rivers, and facing mythical creatures. The more she read, the deeper she became entangled in the story. It was as though she had become Alaric, feeling his determination and bravery.
As the days turned into weeks, Sarah's friends and family grew concerned. She had become so absorbed in the book that she neglected her usual activities. Ms. Abernathy gently reminded her to take breaks, but Sarah was determined to reach the end of the story.
Finally, one evening, as Sarah read the last page, she found herself standing in a clearing, facing an ornate door. Through the door, she saw a dazzling chamber with the lost amulet resting on a pedestal. With a deep breath, she opened the door and approached the amulet. As she touched it, a burst of blue light enveloped her, and she felt herself returning to the library.
When she opened her eyes, she was back among the dusty bookshelves, holding the book in her hands. Ms. Abernathy congratulated her on completing the unfinished story. Sarah had not only finished the tale but had also experienced an adventure unlike any other.
From that day on, Sarah continued to visit the magical library, understanding that the real magic was not just in the stories but in the way they made her feel and the adventures they allowed her to live.

Question 1- Where did Sarah discover the magical library?

A) In a bustling city square
B) In a hidden forest
C) Inside her school
D) At a friend's house

Solution: A) In a bustling city square. The passage mentions that the library was located in a quiet corner of the bustling city.

Question 2-What made Sarah's visits to the library so enchanting?

A) The library's beautiful architecture
B) The friendly librarian, Ms. Abernathy
C) The shelves filled with books that could transport readers to other worlds
D) The free snacks offered at the library

Solution: C) The shelves filled with books that could transport readers to other worlds. The passage describes how the books at the library had the power to transport readers to other worlds, making the visits enchanting.

Question 3- How did Sarah experience flight while reading a book?

A) She found a flying broomstick in one of the books
B) A magical spell was cast on her
C) She read a book about a boy who could fly
D) She used a time-traveling watch to fly

Solution: C) She read a book about a boy who could fly. The passage states that Sarah felt like she was flying when she read a book about a boy who could fly.

Question 4- What was unique about the book titled "The Lost Amulet of Althoria"?

A) It was a book about history
B) It was an incomplete story
C) It was a book about a famous amulet
D) It was written by Sarah's favorite author

Solution: B) It was an incomplete story. The passage mentions that the book "The Lost Amulet of Althoria" was unique because it was unfinished, and no one knew how the story ended.

Question 5- How did Sarah complete the story in "The Lost Amulet of Althoria"?

A) She met the author and asked for the ending
B) She found a different book with the same ending
C) She experienced the story by becoming the main character
D) Ms. Abernathy told her the ending

Solution: C) She experienced the story by becoming the main character. The passage describes how Sarah was drawn into the story and felt as though she had become the main character, Alaric, thus completing the story.

Idioms and Phrases - Verbal Ability Questions and Answers

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Reading Comprehension Questions & Answers

Reading Comprehension Questions: Concepts

Reading Comprehension Exercises & Worksheets

Solved Questions on Reading Comprehension

1. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow :

2. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow :

3. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow :

4. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow :

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