26 Reading Comprehension (English) questions asked in DSSSB TGT / PGT previous year papers, each with the correct answer and explanation. Read them free on UTpaper, or attempt the full papers as timed online tests.
DAlott Comprehension: Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. “Any bicycle repair shop around? Can anyone share the location please?” That was a desperate appeal from a woman in our residents’ association’s WhatsApp group. Her child’s bicycle needed urgent mending. “There is one around 2 km away.” Soon came the first response. “No. The shop shut long ago, even before COVID,” someone else chipped in. Where have the bicycle repairers gone? The wayside mechanics who would do a gamut of works on your bicycles for a paltry sum have almost gone extinct. These days, only children use bicycles, and you know a mechanic needs regular customers to survive. There is a time in almost everyone’s life when they become proud owners of their first bicycle. And there comes a stage when we abandon the prized possession and graduate ourselves to a motorised vehicle. Unused and unattended, the bicycles rust and disintegrate and finally end up at scrap dealers. City roads in Kerala have now become totally unfriendly for bicycles. A cyclist is an odd man out on the chaotic road, an unwelcome disruptor among the automobiles arrogantly jostling for space. There are people out there who love to bicycle to their workplaces but dare not, dreading the reckless traffic on the way. Is speed synonymous with progress? The transition from bullock carts to bullet trains denotes mankind’s journey toward development. However, passion for speed and more speed could trigger a gasping race to nowhere. To find time to relish the fruits of development, the curve has to slow down and plateau somewhere. A bicycle is silent like a butterfly, easy like a true friend to possess and maintain. A bicycle symbolises fine balancing, not just on its narrow wheels but a balanced living. This simple carbon-free mode of transport helps the rider to be healthy and heal the habitat. People who cycle to work tend to be less stressed out at workplaces. Motorcyclists whiz past, hiding their heads and thoughts in full-face helmets. Car owners roll up their glasses and cocoon their mind and body from the outside world. A cyclist pedals under the open sky, opens up to friends and fellows on the way and forgets one’s own worries. It seems egalitarianism is part and parcel of the cycling culture.
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (D) Alott Comprehension: Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. “Any bicycle repair shop around? Can anyone share the location please?” That was a desperate appeal from a woman in our residents’ association’s WhatsApp group. Her child’s bicycle needed urgent mending. “There is one around 2 km away.” Soon came the first response. “No. The shop shut long ago, even before COVID,” someone else chipped in. Where have the bicycle repairers gone? The wayside mechanics who would do a gamut of works on your bicycles for a paltry sum have almost gone extinct. These days, only children use bicycles, and you know a mechanic needs regular customers to survive. There is a time in almost everyone’s life when they become proud owners of their first bicycle. And there comes a stage when we abandon the prized possession and graduate ourselves to a motorised vehicle. Unused and unattended, the bicycles rust and disintegrate and finally end up at scrap dealers. City roads in Kerala have now become totally unfriendly for bicycles. A cyclist is an odd man out on the chaotic road, an unwelcome disruptor among the automobiles arrogantly jostling for space. There are people out there who love to bicycle to their workplaces but dare not, dreading the reckless traffic on the way. Is speed synonymous with progress? The transition from bullock carts to bullet trains denotes mankind’s journey toward development. However, passion for speed and more speed could trigger a gasping race to nowhere. To find time to relish the fruits of development, the curve has to slow down and plateau somewhere. A bicycle is silent like a butterfly, easy like a true friend to possess and maintain. A bicycle symbolises fine balancing, not just on its narrow wheels but a balanced living. This simple carbon-free mode of transport helps the rider to be healthy and heal the habitat. People who cycle to work tend to be less stressed out at workplaces. Motorcyclists whiz past, hiding their heads and thoughts in full-face helmets. Car owners roll up their glasses and cocoon their mind and body from the outside world. A cyclist pedals under the open sky, opens up to friends and fellows on the way and forgets one’s own worries. It seems egalitarianism is part and parcel of the cycling culture.
Explanation
The correct spelling is 'Allot' (double l, single t), so 'Alott' is wrong.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
“Any bicycle repair shop around? Can anyone share the location please?”
That was a desperate appeal from a woman in our residents’ association’s WhatsApp group.
Her child’s bicycle needed urgent mending.
“There is one around 2 km away.” Soon came the first response.
“No. The shop shut long ago, even before COVID,” someone else chipped in.
Where have the bicycle repairers gone? The wayside mechanics who would do a gamut of
works on your bicycles for a paltry sum have almost gone extinct. These days, only children
use bicycles, and you know a mechanic needs regular customers to survive. There is a time in
almost everyone’s life when they become proud owners of their first bicycle. And there comes
a stage when we abandon the prized possession and graduate ourselves to a motorised
vehicle. Unused and unattended, the bicycles rust and disintegrate and finally end up at scrap
dealers.
City roads in Kerala have now become totally unfriendly for bicycles. A cyclist is an odd man
out on the chaotic road, an unwelcome disruptor among the automobiles arrogantly jostling
for space. There are people out there who love to bicycle to their workplaces but dare not,
dreading the reckless traffic on the way.
Is speed synonymous with progress? The transition from bullock carts to bullet trains
denotes mankind’s journey toward development. However, passion for speed and more speed
could trigger a gasping race to nowhere. To find time to relish the fruits of development, the
curve has to slow down and plateau somewhere.
A bicycle is silent like a butterfly, easy like a true friend to possess and maintain. A bicycle
symbolises fine balancing, not just on its narrow wheels but a balanced living. This simple
carbon-free mode of transport helps the rider to be healthy and heal the habitat. People who
cycle to work tend to be less stressed out at workplaces. Motorcyclists whiz past, hiding their
heads and thoughts in full-face helmets. Car owners roll up their glasses and cocoon their
mind and body from the outside world. A cyclist pedals under the open sky, opens up to
friends and fellows on the way and forgets one’s own worries. It seems egalitarianism is part
and parcel of the cycling culture.
Which of these advantages of a bicycle does the writer NOT mention in the passage?
AIt is an eco-friendly means of transport.
BIt symbolises balance in life.
CIt easily navigates in traffic jams.
DIt acts as stress buster.
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (C) It easily navigates in traffic jams.
Explanation
The passage mentions that cycling is carbon-free, symbolises balanced living and reduces stress, but says nothing about moving easily through traffic jams.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
“Any bicycle repair shop around? Can anyone share the location please?”
That was a desperate appeal from a woman in our residents’ association’s WhatsApp group.
Her child’s bicycle needed urgent mending.
“There is one around 2 km away.” Soon came the first response.
“No. The shop shut long ago, even before COVID,” someone else chipped in.
Where have the bicycle repairers gone? The wayside mechanics who would do a gamut of
works on your bicycles for a paltry sum have almost gone extinct. These days, only children
use bicycles, and you know a mechanic needs regular customers to survive. There is a time in
almost everyone’s life when they become proud owners of their first bicycle. And there comes
a stage when we abandon the prized possession and graduate ourselves to a motorised
vehicle. Unused and unattended, the bicycles rust and disintegrate and finally end up at scrap
dealers.
City roads in Kerala have now become totally unfriendly for bicycles. A cyclist is an odd man
out on the chaotic road, an unwelcome disruptor among the automobiles arrogantly jostling
for space. There are people out there who love to bicycle to their workplaces but dare not,
dreading the reckless traffic on the way.
Is speed synonymous with progress? The transition from bullock carts to bullet trains
denotes mankind’s journey toward development. However, passion for speed and more speed
could trigger a gasping race to nowhere. To find time to relish the fruits of development, the
curve has to slow down and plateau somewhere.
A bicycle is silent like a butterfly, easy like a true friend to possess and maintain. A bicycle
symbolises fine balancing, not just on its narrow wheels but a balanced living. This simple
carbon-free mode of transport helps the rider to be healthy and heal the habitat. People who
cycle to work tend to be less stressed out at workplaces. Motorcyclists whiz past, hiding their
heads and thoughts in full-face helmets. Car owners roll up their glasses and cocoon their
mind and body from the outside world. A cyclist pedals under the open sky, opens up to
friends and fellows on the way and forgets one’s own worries. It seems egalitarianism is part
and parcel of the cycling culture.
Select the synonym of ‘unfriendly’ as used in the passage.
AInhospitable
BEstranged
CAloof
DLonely
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) Inhospitable
Explanation
'Unfriendly' roads are roads that are hostile or unsuitable for cyclists, which is the meaning of 'inhospitable'.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
“Any bicycle repair shop around? Can anyone share the location please?”
That was a desperate appeal from a woman in our residents’ association’s WhatsApp group.
Her child’s bicycle needed urgent mending.
“There is one around 2 km away.” Soon came the first response.
“No. The shop shut long ago, even before COVID,” someone else chipped in.
Where have the bicycle repairers gone? The wayside mechanics who would do a gamut of
works on your bicycles for a paltry sum have almost gone extinct. These days, only children
use bicycles, and you know a mechanic needs regular customers to survive. There is a time in
almost everyone’s life when they become proud owners of their first bicycle. And there comes
a stage when we abandon the prized possession and graduate ourselves to a motorised
vehicle. Unused and unattended, the bicycles rust and disintegrate and finally end up at scrap
dealers.
City roads in Kerala have now become totally unfriendly for bicycles. A cyclist is an odd man
out on the chaotic road, an unwelcome disruptor among the automobiles arrogantly jostling
for space. There are people out there who love to bicycle to their workplaces but dare not,
dreading the reckless traffic on the way.
Is speed synonymous with progress? The transition from bullock carts to bullet trains
denotes mankind’s journey toward development. However, passion for speed and more speed
could trigger a gasping race to nowhere. To find time to relish the fruits of development, the
curve has to slow down and plateau somewhere.
A bicycle is silent like a butterfly, easy like a true friend to possess and maintain. A bicycle
symbolises fine balancing, not just on its narrow wheels but a balanced living. This simple
carbon-free mode of transport helps the rider to be healthy and heal the habitat. People who
cycle to work tend to be less stressed out at workplaces. Motorcyclists whiz past, hiding their
heads and thoughts in full-face helmets. Car owners roll up their glasses and cocoon their
mind and body from the outside world. A cyclist pedals under the open sky, opens up to
friends and fellows on the way and forgets one’s own worries. It seems egalitarianism is part
and parcel of the cycling culture.
What is the purpose of the conversation at the beginning the passage?
ANo particular purpose
BAn interesting way of introducing the topic of disappearing cycle mechanics.
CTo express anger against the disappearing cycle mechanics.
DTo bring to everyone’s notice the chaotic state of roads in Kerala.
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) An interesting way of introducing the topic of disappearing cycle mechanics.
Explanation
The WhatsApp exchange about a missing repair shop leads into the writer's question 'Where have the bicycle repairers gone?', so it introduces the topic.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
“Any bicycle repair shop around? Can anyone share the location please?”
That was a desperate appeal from a woman in our residents’ association’s WhatsApp group.
Her child’s bicycle needed urgent mending.
“There is one around 2 km away.” Soon came the first response.
“No. The shop shut long ago, even before COVID,” someone else chipped in.
Where have the bicycle repairers gone? The wayside mechanics who would do a gamut of
works on your bicycles for a paltry sum have almost gone extinct. These days, only children
use bicycles, and you know a mechanic needs regular customers to survive. There is a time in
almost everyone’s life when they become proud owners of their first bicycle. And there comes
a stage when we abandon the prized possession and graduate ourselves to a motorised
vehicle. Unused and unattended, the bicycles rust and disintegrate and finally end up at scrap
dealers.
City roads in Kerala have now become totally unfriendly for bicycles. A cyclist is an odd man
out on the chaotic road, an unwelcome disruptor among the automobiles arrogantly jostling
for space. There are people out there who love to bicycle to their workplaces but dare not,
dreading the reckless traffic on the way.
Is speed synonymous with progress? The transition from bullock carts to bullet trains
denotes mankind’s journey toward development. However, passion for speed and more speed
could trigger a gasping race to nowhere. To find time to relish the fruits of development, the
curve has to slow down and plateau somewhere.
A bicycle is silent like a butterfly, easy like a true friend to possess and maintain. A bicycle
symbolises fine balancing, not just on its narrow wheels but a balanced living. This simple
carbon-free mode of transport helps the rider to be healthy and heal the habitat. People who
cycle to work tend to be less stressed out at workplaces. Motorcyclists whiz past, hiding their
heads and thoughts in full-face helmets. Car owners roll up their glasses and cocoon their
mind and body from the outside world. A cyclist pedals under the open sky, opens up to
friends and fellows on the way and forgets one’s own worries. It seems egalitarianism is part
and parcel of the cycling culture.
What does the writer mean when he says, “It seems egalitarianism is part and parcel of
cycling culture”?
ACycling culture isolates the poor.
BCycling culture encourages the polarisation of the community.
CCycling promotes an elitist culture.
DCycling symbolises the removal of inequalities among people.
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (D) Cycling symbolises the removal of inequalities among people.
Explanation
Egalitarianism is the belief in equality of all people. The writer means cycling brings people together as equals and removes inequalities.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
When I was very little, I caught the travel bug. It started after my grandparents first brought
me to their home in France and I have now been to twenty-nine different countries. Each has
given me a unique learning experience.
At five, I marvelled at the Eiffel Tower in the City of Lights. When I was eight, I stood in the
heart of Piazza San Marco feeding hordes of pigeons, then glided down Venetian waterways
on sleek gondolas. At thirteen, I saw the ancient, megalithic structure of Stonehenge and
walked along the Great Wall of China, amazed that the thousand-year-old stones were still in
place.
It was through exploring cultures around the world that I first became interested in language.
It began with French, which taught me the importance of pronunciation. I remember once
asking a store owner in Paris where Rue des Pyramides was. But when I pronounced it PYR–
a–mides instead of pyr–A–mides, with more accent on the A, she looked at me bewildered.
In the eighth grade, I became fascinated with Spanish and aware of its similarities with
English through cognates. Baseball in Spanish, for example, is béisbol, which looks different
but sounds nearly the same. This was incredible to me as it made speech and comprehension
more fluid, and even today I find that cognates come to the rescue when I forget how to say
something in Spanish.
Then, in high school, I developed an enthusiasm for Chinese. As I studied Chinese at my
school, I marvelled how if just one stroke was missing from a character, the meaning is lost. I
loved how long words were formed by combining simpler characters, so Huǒ meaning fire
and Shān meaning mountain can be joined to create Huǒshān, which means volcano. I love
spending hours at a time practicing the characters and I can feel the beauty and rhythm as I
form them.
Identify the tone of the given passage.
ASad
BHypocritical
CNarrative and descriptive
DOptimistic
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (C) Narrative and descriptive
Explanation
The author narrates personal travel and language-learning experiences in order and describes places vividly, so the tone is narrative and descriptive.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
When I was very little, I caught the travel bug. It started after my grandparents first brought
me to their home in France and I have now been to twenty-nine different countries. Each has
given me a unique learning experience.
At five, I marvelled at the Eiffel Tower in the City of Lights. When I was eight, I stood in the
heart of Piazza San Marco feeding hordes of pigeons, then glided down Venetian waterways
on sleek gondolas. At thirteen, I saw the ancient, megalithic structure of Stonehenge and
walked along the Great Wall of China, amazed that the thousand-year-old stones were still in
place.
It was through exploring cultures around the world that I first became interested in language.
It began with French, which taught me the importance of pronunciation. I remember once
asking a store owner in Paris where Rue des Pyramides was. But when I pronounced it PYR–
a–mides instead of pyr–A–mides, with more accent on the A, she looked at me bewildered.
In the eighth grade, I became fascinated with Spanish and aware of its similarities with
English through cognates. Baseball in Spanish, for example, is béisbol, which looks different
but sounds nearly the same. This was incredible to me as it made speech and comprehension
more fluid, and even today I find that cognates come to the rescue when I forget how to say
something in Spanish.
Then, in high school, I developed an enthusiasm for Chinese. As I studied Chinese at my
school, I marvelled how if just one stroke was missing from a character, the meaning is lost. I
loved how long words were formed by combining simpler characters, so Huǒ meaning fire
and Shān meaning mountain can be joined to create Huǒshān, which means volcano. I love
spending hours at a time practicing the characters and I can feel the beauty and rhythm as I
form them.
Identify the most suitable title for the given passage.
AThe Beautiful World
BSolo Travellers
CTravel and Language
D7 Wonders of the World
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (C) Travel and Language
Explanation
The passage moves from travelling to many countries to learning French, Spanish and Chinese, so "Travel and Language" fits best.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
When I was very little, I caught the travel bug. It started after my grandparents first brought
me to their home in France and I have now been to twenty-nine different countries. Each has
given me a unique learning experience.
At five, I marvelled at the Eiffel Tower in the City of Lights. When I was eight, I stood in the
heart of Piazza San Marco feeding hordes of pigeons, then glided down Venetian waterways
on sleek gondolas. At thirteen, I saw the ancient, megalithic structure of Stonehenge and
walked along the Great Wall of China, amazed that the thousand-year-old stones were still in
place.
It was through exploring cultures around the world that I first became interested in language.
It began with French, which taught me the importance of pronunciation. I remember once
asking a store owner in Paris where Rue des Pyramides was. But when I pronounced it PYR–
a–mides instead of pyr–A–mides, with more accent on the A, she looked at me bewildered.
In the eighth grade, I became fascinated with Spanish and aware of its similarities with
English through cognates. Baseball in Spanish, for example, is béisbol, which looks different
but sounds nearly the same. This was incredible to me as it made speech and comprehension
more fluid, and even today I find that cognates come to the rescue when I forget how to say
something in Spanish.
Then, in high school, I developed an enthusiasm for Chinese. As I studied Chinese at my
school, I marvelled how if just one stroke was missing from a character, the meaning is lost. I
loved how long words were formed by combining simpler characters, so Huǒ meaning fire
and Shān meaning mountain can be joined to create Huǒshān, which means volcano. I love
spending hours at a time practicing the characters and I can feel the beauty and rhythm as I
form them.
Which word from the passage is the most appropriate synonym of the word ‘unbelievable ’?
AAmazed
BBewildered
CIncredible
DEnthusiasm
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (C) Incredible
Explanation
The author calls the cognate similarity "incredible", which means unbelievable.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
When I was very little, I caught the travel bug. It started after my grandparents first brought
me to their home in France and I have now been to twenty-nine different countries. Each has
given me a unique learning experience.
At five, I marvelled at the Eiffel Tower in the City of Lights. When I was eight, I stood in the
heart of Piazza San Marco feeding hordes of pigeons, then glided down Venetian waterways
on sleek gondolas. At thirteen, I saw the ancient, megalithic structure of Stonehenge and
walked along the Great Wall of China, amazed that the thousand-year-old stones were still in
place.
It was through exploring cultures around the world that I first became interested in language.
It began with French, which taught me the importance of pronunciation. I remember once
asking a store owner in Paris where Rue des Pyramides was. But when I pronounced it PYR–
a–mides instead of pyr–A–mides, with more accent on the A, she looked at me bewildered.
In the eighth grade, I became fascinated with Spanish and aware of its similarities with
English through cognates. Baseball in Spanish, for example, is béisbol, which looks different
but sounds nearly the same. This was incredible to me as it made speech and comprehension
more fluid, and even today I find that cognates come to the rescue when I forget how to say
something in Spanish.
Then, in high school, I developed an enthusiasm for Chinese. As I studied Chinese at my
school, I marvelled how if just one stroke was missing from a character, the meaning is lost. I
loved how long words were formed by combining simpler characters, so Huǒ meaning fire
and Shān meaning mountain can be joined to create Huǒshān, which means volcano. I love
spending hours at a time practicing the characters and I can feel the beauty and rhythm as I
form them.
Which word from the passage is the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word ‘ ordinary’?
AMarvelled
BFascinated
CUnique
DBewildered
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (C) Unique
Explanation
"Unique" (one of a kind, special) is the opposite of ordinary. The author says each country gave "a unique learning experience".
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
When I was very little, I caught the travel bug. It started after my grandparents first brought
me to their home in France and I have now been to twenty-nine different countries. Each has
given me a unique learning experience.
At five, I marvelled at the Eiffel Tower in the City of Lights. When I was eight, I stood in the
heart of Piazza San Marco feeding hordes of pigeons, then glided down Venetian waterways
on sleek gondolas. At thirteen, I saw the ancient, megalithic structure of Stonehenge and
walked along the Great Wall of China, amazed that the thousand-year-old stones were still in
place.
It was through exploring cultures around the world that I first became interested in language.
It began with French, which taught me the importance of pronunciation. I remember once
asking a store owner in Paris where Rue des Pyramides was. But when I pronounced it PYR–
a–mides instead of pyr–A–mides, with more accent on the A, she looked at me bewildered.
In the eighth grade, I became fascinated with Spanish and aware of its similarities with
English through cognates. Baseball in Spanish, for example, is béisbol, which looks different
but sounds nearly the same. This was incredible to me as it made speech and comprehension
more fluid, and even today I find that cognates come to the rescue when I forget how to say
something in Spanish.
Then, in high school, I developed an enthusiasm for Chinese. As I studied Chinese at my
school, I marvelled how if just one stroke was missing from a character, the meaning is lost. I
loved how long words were formed by combining simpler characters, so Huǒ meaning fire
and Shān meaning mountain can be joined to create Huǒshān, which means volcano. I love
spending hours at a time practicing the characters and I can feel the beauty and rhythm as I
form them.
The author was fascinated by which of the following when he was thirteen?
AAll the twenty-nine different countries he had visited
BGreat Wall of China
CEiffel Tower in the City of Lights
DPiazza San Marco
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) Great Wall of China
Explanation
At thirteen the author saw Stonehenge and walked along the Great Wall of China, amazed that the ancient stones were still in place.
Choose the most appropriate idiom for the given situation.
She prepared herself for hard work as her exams were near.
ADrag one's feet
BRoll up one's sleeves
CBack to square one
DHit the books Comprehension: Read the following passage and answer the questions given below. Thhe two main reasons of this chronic and unmanageable problem is rapidly ever increasing population and defective education system. Such a huge population, India finds it difficult to make any significant success in the areas of employment, alleviation of poverty and backwardness. Every sixth person in the world is an Indian. In other words, we are adding an Australia to our population every year or to Japan every ten years. Thhere are about 31 new babies every minute or 45,000 new people daily. T hus, every year there are about 16 million more people to feed, cloth, educate and give employment. Thhis prevailing trend of population growth is quite disturbing. Unemployment rate in India is showing an increasing trend since 2011 when it was 3.5 percent. Thhe same rose to 3.6 percent in 2012 and climbed to 3.7 percent last year.
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) Roll up one's sleeves
Explanation
"Roll up one's sleeves" means to prepare for hard work, which matches getting ready for upcoming exams.
Through this passage, the author’s main idea is to bring to your notice the
____________.
Apopulation growth of Japan and Australia
Blow population growth and its benefits
Crate of poverty in India and its cause
Dpopulation explosion in India and the resulting problems
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (D) population explosion in India and the resulting problems
Explanation
The passage focuses on India's rapid population growth (an Australia added every year, 16 million more people yearly) and the problems it causes, such as unemployment and poverty.
Comprehension:
Read the following passage and answer the questions given below.
Thhe two main reasons of this chronic and unmanageable problem is rapidly ever increasing
population and defective education system. Such a huge population, India finds it difficult to
make any significant success in the areas of employment, alleviation of poverty and
backwardness. Every sixth person in the world is an Indian. In other words, we are adding
an Australia to our population every year or to Japan every ten years. Thhere are about 31
new babies every minute or 45,000 new people daily. T hus, every year there are about 16
million more people to feed, cloth, educate and give employment. Thhis prevailing trend of
population growth is quite disturbing.
Unemployment rate in India is showing an increasing trend since 2011 when it was 3.5
percent. Thhe same rose to 3.6 percent in 2012 and climbed to 3.7 percent last year.
According to the passage, which of these problems cannot be successfully tackled
due to a large population?
I. Unemployment
II. Poverty
III. Backwardness
AOnly I
BOnly III
COnly II and III
DI, II and III Comprehension: Read the following passage and answer the questions given below. Thhe two main reasons of this chronic and unmanageable problem is rapidly ever increasing population and defective education system. Such a huge population, India finds it difficult to make any significant success in the areas of employment, alleviation of poverty and backwardness. Every sixth person in the world is an Indian. In other words, we are adding an Australia to our population every year or to Japan every ten years. Thhere are about 31 new babies every minute or 45,000 new people daily. T hus, every year there are about 16 million more people to feed, cloth, educate and give employment. Thhis prevailing trend of population growth is quite disturbing. Unemployment rate in India is showing an increasing trend since 2011 when it was 3.5 percent. Thhe same rose to 3.6 percent in 2012 and climbed to 3.7 percent last year.
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (D) I, II and III Comprehension: Read the following passage and answer the questions given below. Thhe two main reasons of this chronic and unmanageable problem is rapidly ever increasing population and defective education system. Such a huge population, India finds it difficult to make any significant success in the areas of employment, alleviation of poverty and backwardness. Every sixth person in the world is an Indian. In other words, we are adding an Australia to our population every year or to Japan every ten years. Thhere are about 31 new babies every minute or 45,000 new people daily. T hus, every year there are about 16 million more people to feed, cloth, educate and give employment. Thhis prevailing trend of population growth is quite disturbing. Unemployment rate in India is showing an increasing trend since 2011 when it was 3.5 percent. Thhe same rose to 3.6 percent in 2012 and climbed to 3.7 percent last year.
Explanation
The passage says India finds it difficult to make progress in "employment, alleviation of poverty and backwardness" due to its huge population, so all three are meant.
Comprehension:
Read the following passage and answer the questions given below.
Thhe two main reasons of this chronic and unmanageable problem is rapidly ever increasing
population and defective education system. Such a huge population, India finds it difficult to
make any significant success in the areas of employment, alleviation of poverty and
backwardness. Every sixth person in the world is an Indian. In other words, we are adding
an Australia to our population every year or to Japan every ten years. Thhere are about 31
new babies every minute or 45,000 new people daily. T hus, every year there are about 16
million more people to feed, cloth, educate and give employment. Thhis prevailing trend of
population growth is quite disturbing.
Unemployment rate in India is showing an increasing trend since 2011 when it was 3.5
percent. Thhe same rose to 3.6 percent in 2012 and climbed to 3.7 percent last year.
Choose the word that has the most nearly the same meaning as the word given.
Alleviation
AEradicate
BIndigenous
CIntensify
DImpressive Comprehension: Read the following passage and answer the questions given below. Thhe two main reasons of this chronic and unmanageable problem is rapidly ever increasing population and defective education system. Such a huge population, India finds it difficult to make any significant success in the areas of employment, alleviation of poverty and backwardness. Every sixth person in the world is an Indian. In other words, we are adding an Australia to our population every year or to Japan every ten years. Thhere are about 31 new babies every minute or 45,000 new people daily. T hus, every year there are about 16 million more people to feed, cloth, educate and give employment. Thhis prevailing trend of population growth is quite disturbing. Unemployment rate in India is showing an increasing trend since 2011 when it was 3.5 percent. Thhe same rose to 3.6 percent in 2012 and climbed to 3.7 percent last year.
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) Eradicate
Explanation
Alleviation means reducing or removing a problem; of the options, "eradicate" (remove completely) is closest in meaning.
Which of the following words is opposite in meaning to the word ‘extinct' as used in
the passage?
Aprevailing
Blost
Cobsolete
Ddefunct
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) prevailing
Explanation
"Extinct" means no longer existing; its opposite is "prevailing" (currently existing), a word used in the passage ("prevailing trend"). Lost, obsolete and defunct are synonyms of extinct.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Sacred trees form an important part of the ecological heritage of India. Most temples, towns, villages—and sometimes even Muslim dargahs—are associated with trees. Some plants are sacred to the individual deity; others are sacred to the place… Several plants have been worshipped in India from time immemorial. Wherever the tulsi grows—from the Indo-Gangetic plains to the shores of the Indian Ocean at Kanyakumari—it occupies a position of pride in the central courtyard of the house, tended to, carefully, by the housewife.
Apart from the elaborate myths connecting it to Krishna, the tulsi plant has several medicinal properties. To protect and revere this plant with so many medicinal properties, it was designated as sacred, a fitting tribute to its role in providing invaluable healthcare. The worship of plants is an ancient phenomenon in India. It is probably the oldest form of worship. The association of a single tree with a sacred sthala or sthana is reflected in the chaitya vriksha and sthala vriksha or literature and society.
When people turned to food production, the Mother Goddess or the Earth Mother became the chief deity. Fertility, creation, and the world of plants and animals became her blessings to her devotees. The worship of the tree was the adoration of her creative abilities, symbolising fertility so essential or the survival of the early people. Spirits—good or bad—were believed to reside in trees. If the trees were worshipped, then the resident spirits were pleased. As sacred forests were replaced by agriculture, a single tree was left and was designated as 'sacred' tree.
The earliest temples were little more than images placed under trees. Later, the tree and the image were enclosed by a fence made of wood, followed even by stone. Numerous references are made in literature to trees as abodes of gods.
SubQuestion No : 16
From the given options identify the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word as used in the passage.
Some plants are sacred to the individual *deity*; others are sacred to the place.
ASpirit
BCreator
COgre
DSanctity
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (C) Ogre
Explanation
"Deity" means a god. The most nearly opposite option is "ogre", a cruel monster or evil being, as opposed to a divine one.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Sacred trees form an important part of the ecological heritage of India.
Most temples, towns, villages—and sometimes even Muslim dargahs— are
associated with trees. Some plants are sacred to the individual deity;
others are sacred to the place… Several plants have been worshipped in
India from time immemorial. Wherever the tulsi grows—from the Indo-
Gangetic plains to the shores of the Indian Ocean at Kanyakumari— it
occupies a position of pride in the central courtyard of the house, tended
to, carefully, by the housewife.
Apart from the elaborate myths connecting it to Krishna, the tulsi plant has
several medicinal properties. To protect and revere this plant with so many
medicinal properties, it was designated as sacred, a fitting tribute to its
role in providing invaluable healthcare. The worship of plants is an ancient
phenomenon in India. It is probably the oldest form of worship. The
association of a single tree with a sacred sthala or sthana is reflected in
the chaitya vriksha and sthala vriksha or literature and society.
When people turned to food production, the Mother Goddess or the Earth
Mother became the chief deity. Fertility, creation, and the world of plants
and animals became her blessings to her devotees. The worship of the
tree was the adoration of her creative abilities, symbolising fertility so
essential or the survival of the early people. Spirits—good or bad—were
believed to reside in trees. If the trees were worshipped, then the resident
spirits were pleased. As sacred forests were replaced by agriculture, a
single tree was left and was designated as ‘sacred’ tree.
The earliest temples were little more than images placed under trees.
Later, the tree and the image were enclosed by a fence made of wood,
followed even by stone. Numerous references are made in literature to
trees as abodes of gods.
Which of the following options is NOT a fact?
AApart from the elaborate convictions connecting it to Krishna, the tulsi plant has several medicinal properties.
BWhen people overlooked food production, the Mother Goddess or the Earth Mother became the chief pagan symbol.
CRevered trees form an important part of the green heritage of India.
DThe worship of plants is an ancient uniqueness in India and probably the oldest form of worship.
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) When people overlooked food production, the Mother Goddess or the Earth Mother became the chief pagan symbol.
Explanation
The passage says that when people "turned to" food production, the Mother Goddess became the "chief deity". The option saying they "overlooked" food production and calls her a "pagan symbol" is not a fact from the passage.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Sacred trees form an important part of the ecological heritage of India.
Most temples, towns, villages—and sometimes even Muslim dargahs— are
associated with trees. Some plants are sacred to the individual deity;
others are sacred to the place… Several plants have been worshipped in
India from time immemorial. Wherever the tulsi grows—from the Indo-
Gangetic plains to the shores of the Indian Ocean at Kanyakumari— it
occupies a position of pride in the central courtyard of the house, tended
to, carefully, by the housewife.
Apart from the elaborate myths connecting it to Krishna, the tulsi plant has
several medicinal properties. To protect and revere this plant with so many
medicinal properties, it was designated as sacred, a fitting tribute to its
role in providing invaluable healthcare. The worship of plants is an ancient
phenomenon in India. It is probably the oldest form of worship. The
association of a single tree with a sacred sthala or sthana is reflected in
the chaitya vriksha and sthala vriksha or literature and society.
When people turned to food production, the Mother Goddess or the Earth
Mother became the chief deity. Fertility, creation, and the world of plants
and animals became her blessings to her devotees. The worship of the
tree was the adoration of her creative abilities, symbolising fertility so
essential or the survival of the early people. Spirits—good or bad—were
believed to reside in trees. If the trees were worshipped, then the resident
spirits were pleased. As sacred forests were replaced by agriculture, a
single tree was left and was designated as ‘sacred’ tree.
The earliest temples were little more than images placed under trees.
Later, the tree and the image were enclosed by a fence made of wood,
followed even by stone. Numerous references are made in literature to
trees as abodes of gods.
Identify the structure of the passage.
ADescriptive
BCause and Effect
CCompare and Contrast
DSequential
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) Descriptive
Explanation
The passage describes sacred trees, why they were worshipped and how tree shrines developed. It does not set out causes and effects or comparisons, so its structure is descriptive.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Sacred trees form an important part of the ecological heritage of India. Most temples, towns, villages—and sometimes even Muslim dargahs—are associated with trees. Some plants are sacred to the individual deity; others are sacred to the place… Several plants have been worshipped in India from time immemorial. Wherever the tulsi grows—from the Indo-Gangetic plains to the shores of the Indian Ocean at Kanyakumari—it occupies a position of pride in the central courtyard of the house, tended to, carefully, by the housewife.
Apart from the elaborate myths connecting it to Krishna, the tulsi plant has several medicinal properties. To protect and revere this plant with so many medicinal properties, it was designated as sacred, a fitting tribute to its role in providing invaluable healthcare. The worship of plants is an ancient phenomenon in India. It is probably the oldest form of worship. The association of a single tree with a sacred sthala or sthana is reflected in the chaitya vriksha and sthala vriksha or literature and society.
When people turned to food production, the Mother Goddess or the Earth Mother became the chief deity. Fertility, creation, and the world of plants and animals became her blessings to her devotees. The worship of the tree was the adoration of her creative abilities, symbolising fertility so essential or the survival of the early people. Spirits—good or bad—were believed to reside in trees. If the trees were worshipped, then the resident spirits were pleased. As sacred forests were replaced by agriculture, a single tree was left and was designated as 'sacred' tree.
The earliest temples were little more than images placed under trees. Later, the tree and the image were enclosed by a fence made of wood, followed even by stone. Numerous references are made in literature to trees as abodes of gods.
SubQuestion No : 19
From the given options identify the most appropriate synonym of the underlined word as used in the passage.
The worship of the tree was the *adoration* of her creative abilities, symbolising fertility so essential or the survival of the early people.
AVilification
BInfatuation
CGlorification
DAttachment
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (C) Glorification
Explanation
"Adoration" means deep love and worship. "Glorification", meaning praising or honouring, is the closest in meaning.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Sacred trees form an important part of the ecological heritage of India.
Most temples, towns, villages—and sometimes even Muslim dargahs— are
associated with trees. Some plants are sacred to the individual deity;
others are sacred to the place… Several plants have been worshipped in
India from time immemorial. Wherever the tulsi grows—from the Indo-
Gangetic plains to the shores of the Indian Ocean at Kanyakumari— it
occupies a position of pride in the central courtyard of the house, tended
to, carefully, by the housewife.
Apart from the elaborate myths connecting it to Krishna, the tulsi plant has
several medicinal properties. To protect and revere this plant with so many
medicinal properties, it was designated as sacred, a fitting tribute to its
role in providing invaluable healthcare. The worship of plants is an ancient
phenomenon in India. It is probably the oldest form of worship. The
association of a single tree with a sacred sthala or sthana is reflected in
the chaitya vriksha and sthala vriksha or literature and society.
When people turned to food production, the Mother Goddess or the Earth
Mother became the chief deity. Fertility, creation, and the world of plants
and animals became her blessings to her devotees. The worship of the
tree was the adoration of her creative abilities, symbolising fertility so
essential or the survival of the early people. Spirits—good or bad—were
believed to reside in trees. If the trees were worshipped, then the resident
spirits were pleased. As sacred forests were replaced by agriculture, a
single tree was left and was designated as ‘sacred’ tree.
The earliest temples were little more than images placed under trees.
Later, the tree and the image were enclosed by a fence made of wood,
followed even by stone. Numerous references are made in literature to
trees as abodes of gods.
Identify the most suitable title for the given passage.
ATrees and Their Medicinal Properties
BTrees – An Integral Part of Food Production
CTrees and Their Importance in India
DTrees – The Oldest Form Of Worship
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (D) Trees – The Oldest Form Of Worship
Explanation
The passage keeps returning to tree worship being ancient ("probably the oldest form of worship"), so the best title is "Trees – The Oldest Form Of Worship".
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
No matter where you work, sometimes subtle and sometimes very obvious competition is a
part and parcel of workplaces. In an environment where most workers are seeking good
appraisals, awards, promotions and reputation, fairness is not always on the minds of
those competing with each other.
I recall a story in elementary school about how to make a line smaller without cutting it. Thhe
answer to the challenge is drawing a bigger line beside the first line so that the one already
drawn looks smaller automatically. Thhe moral of the story is that in order to win over
others, you don’t necessarily need to cut them down. Instead, you can make yourself bigger
by being better at the job or earning credibility fairly. Competition is inevitable, but to outshine
others, one way is to do a better job or advance yourself by learning and demonstrating
skills.
Some people resort to unfair means. Thhey throw colleagues, take credit for others’ work,
gossip, backbite, go out of their way to please the bosses and do favours outside of work to
earn favours at work, etc. When many employees at work take this approach, the culture of
the place becomes toxic over time where it is hard for people to trust each other and
contribute to a team environment.
Some workers either get frustrated and disengaged and ‘quietly quit’, that is, they stop
caring about work without actually quitting and do the bare minimum to not get fired. Some
others simply leave. But quitting is not an option for everyone, especially when their income
supports the family. Thhere are extreme scenarios where people have ended their lives or
suffered chronic mental or other health problems because they are unable to cope.
Because job hopping is not easy and not always a solution for everyone, changing the toxic
culture is important.
A human resources department that truly supports employees and their well-being, a strong
leadership and psychological safety at work that allows employees to speak up when they
see something wrong without the fear of being reprimanded are some important
prerequisites to achieve a work culture that is conducive to equitable growth opportunities
for all. Such a work environment would also make the organisation productive.
Why does the writer refer to the story from his school days?
ATo bring out the power of competitions
BTo convey that one can win without defeating anyone
CTo find a clever solution to a problem
DTo establish the importance of creative thinking
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) To convey that one can win without defeating anyone
Explanation
The line story shows you can make yourself 'bigger' (better) instead of cutting others down. In other words, you can win without defeating or harming anyone.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
No matter where you work, sometimes subtle and sometimes very obvious competition is a
part and parcel of workplaces. In an environment where most workers are seeking good
appraisals, awards, promotions and reputation, fairness is not always on the minds of
those competing with each other.
I recall a story in elementary school about how to make a line smaller without cutting it. Thhe
answer to the challenge is drawing a bigger line beside the first line so that the one already
drawn looks smaller automatically. Thhe moral of the story is that in order to win over
others, you don’t necessarily need to cut them down. Instead, you can make yourself bigger
by being better at the job or earning credibility fairly. Competition is inevitable, but to outshine
others, one way is to do a better job or advance yourself by learning and demonstrating
skills.
Some people resort to unfair means. Thhey throw colleagues, take credit for others’ work,
gossip, backbite, go out of their way to please the bosses and do favours outside of work to
earn favours at work, etc. When many employees at work take this approach, the culture of
the place becomes toxic over time where it is hard for people to trust each other and
contribute to a team environment.
Some workers either get frustrated and disengaged and ‘quietly quit’, that is, they stop
caring about work without actually quitting and do the bare minimum to not get fired. Some
others simply leave. But quitting is not an option for everyone, especially when their income
supports the family. Thhere are extreme scenarios where people have ended their lives or
suffered chronic mental or other health problems because they are unable to cope.
Because job hopping is not easy and not always a solution for everyone, changing the toxic
culture is important.
A human resources department that truly supports employees and their well-being, a strong
leadership and psychological safety at work that allows employees to speak up when they
see something wrong without the fear of being reprimanded are some important
prerequisites to achieve a work culture that is conducive to equitable growth opportunities
for all. Such a work environment would also make the organisation productive.
Select the synonym of ‘subtle’ as used in the passage.
AT hin
BSophisticated
CDelicate
DImplied
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (D) Implied
Explanation
Here 'subtle' competition means competition that is not openly shown but implied or understated, as opposed to 'very obvious' competition.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
No matter where you work, sometimes subtle and sometimes very obvious competition is a
part and parcel of workplaces. In an environment where most workers are seeking good
appraisals, awards, promotions and reputation, fairness is not always on the minds of
those competing with each other.
I recall a story in elementary school about how to make a line smaller without cutting it. Thhe
answer to the challenge is drawing a bigger line beside the first line so that the one already
drawn looks smaller automatically. Thhe moral of the story is that in order to win over
others, you don’t necessarily need to cut them down. Instead, you can make yourself bigger
by being better at the job or earning credibility fairly. Competition is inevitable, but to outshine
others, one way is to do a better job or advance yourself by learning and demonstrating
skills.
Some people resort to unfair means. Thhey throw colleagues, take credit for others’ work,
gossip, backbite, go out of their way to please the bosses and do favours outside of work to
earn favours at work, etc. When many employees at work take this approach, the culture of
the place becomes toxic over time where it is hard for people to trust each other and
contribute to a team environment.
Some workers either get frustrated and disengaged and ‘quietly quit’, that is, they stop
caring about work without actually quitting and do the bare minimum to not get fired. Some
others simply leave. But quitting is not an option for everyone, especially when their income
supports the family. Thhere are extreme scenarios where people have ended their lives or
suffered chronic mental or other health problems because they are unable to cope.
Because job hopping is not easy and not always a solution for everyone, changing the toxic
culture is important.
A human resources department that truly supports employees and their well-being, a strong
leadership and psychological safety at work that allows employees to speak up when they
see something wrong without the fear of being reprimanded are some important
prerequisites to achieve a work culture that is conducive to equitable growth opportunities
for all. Such a work environment would also make the organisation productive.
Which of these is NOT a consequence of fierce competition at workplace?
AMental health problems
BRising one’s voice against unfairness
CSuicides
DDoing the bare minimum required
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) Rising one’s voice against unfairness
Explanation
The passage lists quiet quitting (doing the bare minimum), mental health problems and even suicides as outcomes. Speaking up against unfairness is presented as part of the remedy (psychological safety), not a consequence.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
No matter where you work, sometimes subtle and sometimes very obvious competition is a
part and parcel of workplaces. In an environment where most workers are seeking good
appraisals, awards, promotions and reputation, fairness is not always on the minds of
those competing with each other.
I recall a story in elementary school about how to make a line smaller without cutting it. Thhe
answer to the challenge is drawing a bigger line beside the first line so that the one already
drawn looks smaller automatically. Thhe moral of the story is that in order to win over
others, you don’t necessarily need to cut them down. Instead, you can make yourself bigger
by being better at the job or earning credibility fairly. Competition is inevitable, but to outshine
others, one way is to do a better job or advance yourself by learning and demonstrating
skills.
Some people resort to unfair means. Thhey throw colleagues, take credit for others’ work,
gossip, backbite, go out of their way to please the bosses and do favours outside of work to
earn favours at work, etc. When many employees at work take this approach, the culture of
the place becomes toxic over time where it is hard for people to trust each other and
contribute to a team environment.
Some workers either get frustrated and disengaged and ‘quietly quit’, that is, they stop
caring about work without actually quitting and do the bare minimum to not get fired. Some
others simply leave. But quitting is not an option for everyone, especially when their income
supports the family. Thhere are extreme scenarios where people have ended their lives or
suffered chronic mental or other health problems because they are unable to cope.
Because job hopping is not easy and not always a solution for everyone, changing the toxic
culture is important.
A human resources department that truly supports employees and their well-being, a strong
leadership and psychological safety at work that allows employees to speak up when they
see something wrong without the fear of being reprimanded are some important
prerequisites to achieve a work culture that is conducive to equitable growth opportunities
for all. Such a work environment would also make the organisation productive.
Which of the following would the writer NOT agree with?
AEqual opportunity for everyone to prove themselves
BFreedom of speech essential at workplace
CNot let personal preferences interfere in official matters
DAllowing bosses to have personal preferences
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (D) Allowing bosses to have personal preferences
Explanation
The writer wants equitable growth opportunities, fairness and freedom to speak up. He criticises pleasing bosses and doing favours, so he would not support bosses having personal preferences.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
No matter where you work, sometimes subtle and sometimes very obvious competition is a
part and parcel of workplaces. In an environment where most workers are seeking good
appraisals, awards, promotions and reputation, fairness is not always on the minds of
those competing with each other.
I recall a story in elementary school about how to make a line smaller without cutting it. Thhe
answer to the challenge is drawing a bigger line beside the first line so that the one already
drawn looks smaller automatically. Thhe moral of the story is that in order to win over
others, you don’t necessarily need to cut them down. Instead, you can make yourself bigger
by being better at the job or earning credibility fairly. Competition is inevitable, but to outshine
others, one way is to do a better job or advance yourself by learning and demonstrating
skills.
Some people resort to unfair means. Thhey throw colleagues, take credit for others’ work,
gossip, backbite, go out of their way to please the bosses and do favours outside of work to
earn favours at work, etc. When many employees at work take this approach, the culture of
the place becomes toxic over time where it is hard for people to trust each other and
contribute to a team environment.
Some workers either get frustrated and disengaged and ‘quietly quit’, that is, they stop
caring about work without actually quitting and do the bare minimum to not get fired. Some
others simply leave. But quitting is not an option for everyone, especially when their income
supports the family. Thhere are extreme scenarios where people have ended their lives or
suffered chronic mental or other health problems because they are unable to cope.
Because job hopping is not easy and not always a solution for everyone, changing the toxic
culture is important.
A human resources department that truly supports employees and their well-being, a strong
leadership and psychological safety at work that allows employees to speak up when they
see something wrong without the fear of being reprimanded are some important
prerequisites to achieve a work culture that is conducive to equitable growth opportunities
for all. Such a work environment would also make the organisation productive.
Select the option that describes the type of this passage.
ANarrative
BPersuasive
CArgumentative
DExpository
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (D) Expository
Explanation
The passage explains a workplace issue (unfair competition), its causes and effects, and possible remedies in an informative way. That makes it expository.
How to use these DSSSB TGT / PGT English questions
Every question here was asked in a real DSSSB TGT / PGT paper; the paper and shift are shown on the card, and the number opens the question on its own page. Try each one before tapping Show answer, then attempt the full DSSSB TGT / PGT papers as timed tests to check your speed under exam conditions.