Reading Comprehension (RC) for English is one of the most important topics in almost every competitive exam, including SSC, Bank, CAT, CUET, and Railway exams. It tests a candidate’s ability to understand, analyze, and interpret a given passage and then answer questions based on it. RC is not only a test of reading speed but also comprehension, vocabulary, and logical reasoning. With consistent RC practice sets, strategies, and rules, candidates can improve accuracy and save time during exams.
What Is Reading Comprehension in English?
Reading Comprehension involves a passage followed by a set of questions. These questions can be direct (factual), inference-based, vocabulary-oriented, or tone-based. For example, aspirants may be asked to identify the main idea, meaning of a word in context, or conclusion from the passage. Mastering these types requires both strong language skills and exam-oriented techniques.
Importance of RC in Competitive Exams
In SSC CGL, Bank PO, CAT, and CUET exams, RC carries a significant weightage. For Bank and CAT exams, nearly one-third of the English section consists of RC. Similarly, SSC and Railway exams frequently test comprehension passages to check reasoning ability and vocabulary. Therefore, practicing RC for English with PDF sets and solved examples is a must for success.
Types of RC Questions
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Direct Questions – Based on facts from the passage.
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Inference Questions – Require logical interpretation.
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Vocabulary Questions – Synonyms, antonyms, or contextual meanings.
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Main Idea / Title – Identifying the central theme.
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Tone & Style – Understanding the author’s viewpoint.
Strategies & Rules to Ace RC
To score well, candidates must follow proven RC strategies:
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Skimming and Scanning – Skim for the main idea and scan for keywords.
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Time Management – Set a timer while solving RC practice sets.
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Build Vocabulary – Use editorials, newspapers, and word lists.
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Avoid Assumptions – Stick to the passage, don’t add outside knowledge.
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Practice Daily – Solve at least one RC PDF set daily to improve speed.
RC Practice Sets & Free PDFs
Many online platforms provide Reading Comprehension PDF for SSC, Bank, CAT, and CUET exams. These sets include passages of varying difficulty with answers and explanations. Practicing with these resources builds confidence and enhances accuracy in real exams.
Time Management Tips
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Read questions first, then the passage, for faster scanning.
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Highlight keywords in the passage for quick reference.
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Allocate equal time across questions to avoid rushing at the end.
Reading Comprehension for English is not just about reading but about understanding deeply and answering smartly. With the right RC strategies, practice sets, free PDFs, vocabulary building, and time management techniques, aspirants can master this section for exams like SSC CGL, Bank, CAT, CUET, and Railway. Consistent practice and smart preparation will ensure high accuracy and better scores.
Reading Comprehension (RC) – 50 Questions with Answers & Explanations
PASSAGE 1
The Internet has transformed the way people communicate. Emails, instant messages, and video calls have replaced traditional letters. While the internet has made communication faster, it has also reduced face-to-face interactions.
Q1. According to the passage, what has replaced traditional letters?
a) Newspapers
b) Emails and instant messages
c) Televisions
d) Books
Answer: b) Emails and instant messages
Explanation: The passage clearly mentions emails, instant messages, and video calls replacing letters.
Q2. What is one drawback of the internet mentioned here?
a) Increase in literacy rate
b) Reduction in face-to-face interactions
c) Improvement in technology
d) Cheaper communication
Answer: b) Reduction in face-to-face interactions
Explanation: The negative impact highlighted is less personal interaction.
PASSAGE 2
Global warming is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century. Rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and unpredictable weather patterns are its major consequences. Immediate steps are needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Q3. What is the main idea of the passage?
a) Benefits of technology
b) Effects of pollution on animals
c) Challenges posed by global warming
d) Advantages of industrialization
Answer: c) Challenges posed by global warming
Explanation: The whole passage discusses consequences of global warming.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a consequence of global warming?
a) Melting glaciers
b) Rising sea levels
c) Unpredictable weather
d) Rising temperatures
Answer: b) Rising sea levels
Explanation: Sea levels are an indirect effect but not explicitly mentioned in the passage.
PASSAGE 3
Books are considered the best companions of human beings. They not only give knowledge but also inspire and guide us. In today’s digital world, though e-books are popular, printed books still hold a special place.
Q5. Why are books called the best companions?
a) They help in earning money
b) They inspire, guide, and provide knowledge
c) They increase social status
d) They can be used anytime
Answer: b) They inspire, guide, and provide knowledge
Explanation: Passage directly says books provide knowledge, inspiration, and guidance.
Q6. What is the author’s view on printed books?
a) They are outdated
b) They hold a special place despite e-books
c) They should be replaced
d) They are harmful
Answer: b) They hold a special place despite e-books
Explanation: Printed books are still valued even with digital alternatives.
PASSAGE 4
India is an agricultural country. A majority of its population depends on farming for livelihood. However, irregular monsoons and lack of modern techniques often affect productivity.
Q7. What is India mainly described as?
a) Industrial country
b) Agricultural country
c) Developing country
d) Trading country
Answer: b) Agricultural country
Explanation: Passage begins with “India is an agricultural country.”
Q8. What problem do Indian farmers face?
a) Too many factories
b) Irregular monsoons and lack of technology
c) Political instability
d) Lack of demand for crops
Answer: b) Irregular monsoons and lack of technology
Explanation: These two reasons are clearly given in the passage.
PASSAGE 5
Discipline is the backbone of success. Without discipline, even the most talented individuals cannot achieve much. It helps in time management and builds a sense of responsibility.
Q9. According to the passage, what is the backbone of success?
a) Intelligence
b) Discipline
c) Wealth
d) Hard work
Answer: b) Discipline
Explanation: First line directly says discipline is the backbone of success.
Q10. How does discipline help an individual?
a) By giving strength
b) By building responsibility and managing time
c) By creating opportunities
d) By increasing knowledge
Answer: b) By building responsibility and managing time
Explanation: Passage mentions time management + sense of responsibility.
PASSAGE 1
Education is not merely the process of learning facts but the training of the mind to think. In today’s world, where information is available at the click of a button, the role of education has become even more significant. True education lies not in memorizing data but in the ability to analyze, question, and apply knowledge in real-life situations. Unfortunately, the current system often emphasizes rote learning, where students are rewarded for reproducing information rather than understanding concepts. If this continues, we will produce degree holders but not problem solvers, which is a serious concern for the future.
Q1. What is the main idea of the passage?
a) Students should memorize facts.
b) True education means critical thinking and application.
c) Technology is harmful to education.
d) Degrees are useless.
Answer: b) True education means critical thinking and application.
Explanation: The passage stresses that education should focus on analysis and application, not rote memorization.
Q2. According to the author, what is wrong with the current system?
a) Lack of technology
b) Too much emphasis on rote learning
c) Shortage of teachers
d) Expensive education
Answer: b) Too much emphasis on rote learning
Explanation: Passage clearly criticizes rote learning practices.
Q3. Which of the following best describes “degree holders but not problem solvers”?
a) Educated people with practical skills
b) People with certificates but no real abilities
c) Illiterate farmers
d) Professionals with jobs
Answer: b) People with certificates but no real abilities
Explanation: The author means graduates lack problem-solving ability.
Q4. What does the passage suggest about information availability today?
a) It makes education unnecessary
b) It makes critical thinking more important
c) It discourages students from studying
d) It improves memorization
Answer: b) It makes critical thinking more important
Explanation: Since facts are easily available, the role of education shifts to analysis.
Q5. Which word is closest in meaning to rote?
a) Logical
b) Mechanical
c) Creative
d) Analytical
Answer: b) Mechanical
Explanation: Rote learning means mechanical repetition without understanding.
PASSAGE 2
The rise of social media has dramatically changed the way people interact. It has connected individuals across continents, allowing them to share ideas instantly. However, it has also created echo chambers, where people are exposed only to opinions similar to their own. This leads to polarization and intolerance of differing views. While social media has democratized communication, it has also raised concerns about misinformation, mental health, and declining interpersonal skills.
Q6. What is the main concern highlighted in the passage?
a) Expensive internet services
b) Impact of social media on society
c) Growth of technology companies
d) Decline of newspapers
Answer: b) Impact of social media on society
Explanation: The passage focuses on both positive and negative effects of social media.
Q7. What are “echo chambers” in the context of social media?
a) A place where sound echoes
b) Platforms where diverse opinions are debated
c) Spaces where only similar opinions are reinforced
d) Groups where arguments are avoided
Answer: c) Spaces where only similar opinions are reinforced
Explanation: Passage defines echo chambers as limited exposure to similar views.
Q8. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a negative effect of social media?
a) Misinformation
b) Mental health issues
c) Polarization
d) Improvement in knowledge
Answer: d) Improvement in knowledge
Explanation: Passage only mentions harmful effects, not improvement in knowledge.
Q9. What does “democratized communication” mean here?
a) Restricted communication
b) Free and accessible communication for everyone
c) Communication controlled by governments
d) Expensive communication
Answer: b) Free and accessible communication for everyone
Explanation: The term indicates open communication for all.
Q10. Tone of the author in this passage is:
a) Only critical
b) Balanced – both positive and negative
c) Fully optimistic
d) Humorous
Answer: b) Balanced – both positive and negative
Explanation: Author shows both benefits (connection, access) and problems (polarization, misinformation).