Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions

Reading Comprehension passages also known as unseen passages are important because they help students develop and improve their reading skills.

Reading Comprehension passages are a valuable resource for assisting students in becoming better readers, writers, and critical thinkers.

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Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions

In this post, we present you the top 20 Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions. These passages are designed to challenge and improve your reading comprehension skills.


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #1


A recent investigation by scientists at the USA Geological Survey shows that strange animal behaviour might help predict future earthquakes. Investigators found such occurrences in a ten-kilometre radius of the epicentre of a fairly recent quake. Some birds screeched and flew about wildly, and dogs yelped and ran uncontrollably. Scientists believe that animals can perceive these environmental changes as early as several days before the mishap.

In 1976, after observing the animal behaviour, the Chinese were able to predict a devastating quake. Although hundreds of thousands of people were killed, the government was able to evacuate millions of others and thus keep the death toll at a lower level.

MCQ Questions and Answers

What can help predict future earthquakes according to a recent investigation?
a) Strange animal behaviour
b) Weather patterns
c) Earth’s magnetic field
d) Volcanic eruptions

Answer: a) Strange animal behaviour

What was the radius around the epicentre of a recent earthquake where strange animal behaviour was observed?
a) 10 km
b) 20 km
c) 5 km
d) 50 km

Answer: a) 10 km

What kind of animal behaviour was observed before a recent earthquake?
a) Birds screeching and flying about wildly
b) Dogs barking and lying down
c) Cats meowing and hiding
d) Fish swimming calmly

Answer: a) Birds screeching and flying about wildly

How long before the earthquake did animals perceive environmental changes according to scientists?
a) Several hours
b) Several days
c) Several minutes
d) Several weeks

Answer: b) Several days

What happened in China in 1976 after observing animal behaviour?
a) A devastating quake was predicted
b) A small earthquake occurred
c) No earthquake took place
d) A huge earthquake occurred without any prediction

Answer: a) A devastating quake was predicted


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #2


Radium is a white powder that has the appearance of table salt. A pound of it is worth a thousand pounds of gold. Radium is very expensive because it is very scarce. A pinch of it is worth a small fortune. There are only a few spoons in the world. But radium is so potent that excess amounts are dangerous. A pound or two gathered in one spot will kill anyone who approaches.

With radium, scientists hope to learn how to change one element into another. Changing other metals into gold will be attractive and profitable. But it would be more valuable to learn how to get all the energy from atoms to do human work.

MCQ Questions and Answers

What is radium?
A. A type of metal
B. A white powder that resembles table salt
C. A rare mineral
D. A valuable gemstone

Answer: B

How much is a pound of radium worth?
A. A few dollars
B. A few thousand dollars
C. A thousand pounds of gold
D. The value of a small fortune

Answer: C

What is the significance of radium?
A. It is used to make gold
B. It has the potential to change elements into another
C. It has a high market value
D. It is a valuable source of energy

Answer: B

 

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Can radium be dangerous if in excess amounts?
A. No, it is safe in any amount
B. It depends on how it is used
C. Yes, it can be deadly
D. It is only dangerous to certain individuals

Answer: C

What is the ultimate goal of scientists in studying radium?
A. To turn other metals into gold
B. To learn how to harness the energy from atoms
C. To increase its market value
D. To make perfumes and soaps

Answer: B


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #3


The Suez Canal is a man-made canal located in Egypt that connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. It was built in the mid-19th century to provide a shorter and more direct route for ships travelling between Europe and Asia. The Suez Canal is an important waterway for international trade, with over 50,000 ships passing through each year. It is also a major source of revenue for Egypt, as ships must pay a fee to use the canal. The Suez Canal is an engineering marvel and is considered one of the greatest achievements of the 19th century.

MCQ Questions and Answers

Where is the Suez Canal located?
a) Egypt
b) Mediterranean Sea
c) Red Sea
d) Europe

Answer: a) Egypt

What does the Suez Canal connect?
a) The Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea
b) The Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean
c) The Red Sea to the Indian Ocean
d) The Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean

Answer: a) The Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea

Why was the Suez Canal built?
a) To provide a shorter and more direct route for ships
b) To connect the two seas for recreational purposes
c) To create a new source of revenue
d) To boost tourism in the area

Answer: a) To provide a shorter and more direct route for ships

How many ships pass through the Suez Canal each year?
a) 50,000
b) 100,000
c) 25,000
d) 75,000

Answer: a) 50,000

What is the Suez Canal considered to be?
a) An engineering marvel
b) A tourist attraction
c) A minor waterway
d) A failure of the 19th century

Answer: a) An engineering marvel


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #4


“Science cannot reduce the magic of a sunset to arithmetic, nor can it express friendship with a formula,” noted Dr Lous Orr, an eminent medical researcher. He added, “Beyond science’s mastery of nature are insights into love and laughter, pain and loneliness, and truth and beauty”.

This distance of science from the human condition perhaps explains why most foreign tourists to Britain are predicted to visit the hallowed homes of playwrights, writers and poets, but choose to ignore the abodes where its leading scientists lived and worked.

MCQ Questions and Answers

Who noted the statement “Science cannot reduce the magic of a sunset to arithmetic, nor can it express friendship with a formula”?
a. J.M. Barrie
b. Dr Louis Orr
c. William Shakespeare
d. Charles Darwin

Answer: b. Dr Louis Orr

What is the main argument made by Dr Louis Orr in his statement?
a. Science is superior to other forms of expression
b. Science is incapable of expressing human emotions and experiences
c. Science is limited to understanding the physical world
d. Science is better at predicting natural phenomena

Answer: b. Science is incapable of expressing human emotions and experiences

According to the statement, why do most foreign tourists visit the homes of playwrights, writers, and poets in Britain?
a. They appreciate science
b. They are interested in the natural world
c. They are drawn to the human experience
d. They admire the beauty of nature

Answer: c. They are drawn to the human experience

What is Peter Pan, according to the statement?
a. A Scottish novelist
b. A mischievous boy who can fly
c. A character created by a playwright
d. A leading scientist

Answer: b. A mischievous boy who can fly

In which work did the character of Peter Pan first appear?
a. The Little White Bird
b. Peter and Wendy
c. Peter Pan or The Boy Who Didn’t Grow Up
d. None of the above

Answer: a. The Little White Bird


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #5


John did not think much about wealth or sources of inequality in life. It was his firm belief that if this world was not good then the Hereafter would be good and this belief sustained him. He was not like some of the other people he knew, who would sell their souls to the devil. He always thought of God before doing anything. He lived the life of an honest man. He did not marry but did not desire another man’s wife. He believed that women make men weak as described in the story of Samson and Delilah.

MCQ Questions and Answers

What was John’s perspective on wealth and sources of inequality in life?
a. He thought a lot about it and believed it was important
b. He didn’t think much about it and believed in the afterlife
c. He believed that wealth was the key to happiness
d. He believed that inequality was necessary for society to function

Answer: b. He didn’t think much about it and believed in the afterlife

How did John feel about people who would sell their souls to the devil?
a. He admired them
b. He was indifferent to them
c. He disapproved of them
d. He was envious of them

Answer: c. He disapproved of them

What was John’s approach to making decisions?
a. He always thought of God before doing anything
b. He always thought of the consequences before doing anything
c. He always thought of himself before doing anything
d. He always thought of others before doing anything

Answer: a. He always thought of God before doing anything

Was John married?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Not mentioned
d. Not sure

Answer: b. No

Why did John believe that women make men weak?
a. He believed it was written in the story of Samson and Delilah
b. He had a bad experience with a woman in the past
c. He thought that women were weaker than men
d. He believed that women were a distraction from spiritual pursuits

Answer: a. He believed it was written in the story of Samson and Delilah


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #6


It is not luck but labour that makes fortune, says an American writer, Sometimes something is waiting to happen: Labor with sharp eyes and strong will makes something happen. Fortune lies in bed and the postman wants to bring him news of the inheritance, labor turns to six o’clock and lays the foundation of skill with a busy pen and ringing hammer. Fortune moans, labour watches, fortune depends on chance, labour depends on character.

Fortune slides down into self-indulgence; Labor moves upward and aspires to freedom. Conviction, therefore, is the mother of good fortune. In other words, a man’s success in life will be proportional to his efforts, his art and his attention to the little things.

MCQ Questions and Answers

Who said, “It is not luck but labour that makes fortune”?
a. An American writer
b. An English writer
c. A French writer
d. A German writer

Answer: a. An American writer

According to the writer, what makes something happen?
a. Luck
b. Labour with sharp eyes and strong will
c. Chance
d. Self-indulgence

Answer: b. Labour with sharp eyes and strong will

What does the writer say about fortune and labour?
a. Fortune depends on chance and labour depends on luck
b. Fortune depends on chance and labour depends on character
c. Fortune depends on luck and labour depends on chance
d. Fortune depends on the character and labour depends on luck

Answer: b. Fortune depends on chance and labour depends on the character

What is the mother of good fortune according to the writer?
a. Conviction
b. Luck
c. Labour
d. Attention to the little things

Answer: a. Conviction

According to the writer, how is a man’s success in life determined?
a. By luck
b. By his efforts, art, and attention to the little things
c. By chance
d. By self-indulgence

Answer: b. By his efforts, art, and attention to the little things


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #7


Over the past 50 years, doctors around the world have adopted the practice of prescribing antibiotics at the first sign of a minor infection or treating patients with a handful of antibiotics. Nowadays it is not unusual that practitioners are prescribing multiple antibiotics without any real indication or relevance for such drug combinations.

Antibiotics have traditionally been known as miracle drugs, but there is growing evidence that they are overworked miracles, especially in countries like ours where there is easy access to over-the-counter drugs including antibiotics. We can’t imagine going back to the pre-antibiotic days. Yet the unbridled use of these agents is driving us in that direction.

MCQ Questions and Answers

How long has the practice of prescribing antibiotics at the first sign of a minor infection been in use?
a. The past 10 years
b. The past 20 years
c. The past 30 years
d. The past 50 years

Answer: d. The past 50 years

What is the common practice of practitioners prescribing antibiotics?
a. Prescribing multiple antibiotics without any real indication or relevance for such drug combinations
b. Prescribing antibiotics only when necessary
c. Prescribing single antibiotics for minor infections
d. Not prescribing antibiotics at all

Answer: a. Prescribing multiple antibiotics without any real indication or relevance for such drug combinations

How have antibiotics traditionally been known?
a. As miracle drugs
b. As dangerous drugs
c. As unnecessary drugs
d. As over-the-counter drugs

Answer: a. As miracle drugs

What is the growing evidence about antibiotics?
a. They are overworked miracles
b. They are not overworked
c. They are not miracles
d. They are not necessary

Answer: a. They are overworked miracles

What is the concern about the unbridled use of antibiotics?
a. It is driving us back to the pre-antibiotic days
b. It is not causing any concern
c. It is making antibiotics more effective
d. It is making antibiotics more affordable

Answer: a. It is driving us back to the pre-antibiotic days


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #8


A comet is a small, icy and dusty celestial body that orbits the Sun. It consists of a nucleus, which is the solid centre of the comet, and a coma, which is the cloud of gas and dust surrounding the nucleus. When a comet passes close to the Sun, the Sun’s heat expands the coma and creates a bright, glowing halo called a coma. Comets are often called “dirty snowballs” because they are composed of water, methane, and other volatiles. They are believed to be remnants of the early solar system and may provide insight into the formation and evolution of planets.

MCQ Questions and Answers

What is a comet?
a. A small, icy and dusty celestial body that orbits the Sun
b. A large, rocky and dusty celestial body that orbits the Sun
c. A small, icy and rocky celestial body that orbits the Sun
d. A large, rocky and gaseous celestial body that orbits the Sun

Answer: a. A small, icy and dusty celestial body that orbits the Sun

What does a comet consist of?
a. A nucleus and a coma
b. A nucleus and a halo
c. A coma and a halo
d. A nucleus and a tail

Answer: a. A nucleus and a coma

What is the coma?
a. The solid centre of the comet
b. The cloud of gas and dust surrounding the nucleus
c. The bright, glowing halo around the comet
d. The tail of the comet

Answer: b. The cloud of gas and dust surrounding the nucleus

What causes the bright, glowing halo around the comet?
a. The Sun’s heat expanding the coma
b. The Sun’s light reflecting off the coma
c. The collision of the comet with another celestial body
d. The eruption of the comet’s nucleus

Answer: a. The Sun’s heat expanding the coma

What are comets believed to be?
a. Remnants of the early solar system
b. Debris from other planetary systems
c. Extraterrestrial spacecraft
d. Artificial satellites

Answer: a. Remnants of the early solar system


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #9


A volcano is a mountain with an opening in the earth’s surface, through which molten rock, ash and gases can escape. Volcanoes are usually found along the edges of tectonic plates, where the Earth’s crust is being pulled apart or pushed together. There are three types of volcanoes: stratovolcanoes, shield volcanoes, and cinder cones. Stratovolcanoes are tall and cone-shaped, with steep sides and a crater at the top. Shield volcanoes are broad and flat, with gently sloping sides and a broad base. Cinder cones are small and cone-shaped, with steep sides and a hole at the top.

MCQ Questions and Answers

What is a volcano?
a. A mountain with an opening in the earth’s surface
b. A valley with an opening in the earth’s surface
c. A river with an opening in the earth’s surface
d. A lake with an opening in the earth’s surface

Answer: a. A mountain with an opening in the earth’s surface

Where are volcanoes usually found?
a. Along the edges of tectonic plates
b. In the middle of tectonic plates
c. Along the coastlines
d. In the desert

Answer: a. Along the edges of tectonic plates

What are the three types of volcanoes?
a. Stratovolcanoes, shield volcanoes, and cinder cones
b. Stratovolcanoes, shield volcanoes, and shield cones
c. Shield volcanoes, cinder cones, and shield cones
d. Stratovolcanoes, shield cones, and cinder cones

Answer: a. Stratovolcanoes, shield volcanoes, and cinder cones

What is the shape of a stratovolcano?
a. Tall and cone-shaped, with steep sides and a crater at the top
b. Broad and flat, with gently sloping sides and a broad base
c. Small and cone-shaped, with steep sides and a hole at the top
d. Tall and cone-shaped, with gently sloping sides and a crater at the top

Answer: a. Tall and cone-shaped, with steep sides and a crater at the top

What is the shape of a cinder cone?
a. Tall and cone-shaped, with steep sides and a crater at the top
b. Broad and flat, with gently sloping sides and a broad base
c. Small and cone-shaped, with steep sides and a hole at the top
d. Tall and cone-shaped, with gently sloping sides and a crater at the top

Answer: c. Small and cone-shaped, with steep sides and a hole at the top


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #10


Many years ago there lived a great king named Jahangir in India. He ruled a very large kingdom or empire. So he was called the emperor. The emperor wanted to be fair to all his subjects. He ordered his soldiers to build a big bell in front of the palace. He then sent troops to every part of the empire. They announced that if people had any complaints they could come to the palace and ring the bell. The emperor himself used to listen to their complaints. He would give them justice.

MCQ Questions and Answers

What was the name of the great king who lived many years ago in India?
a. Jahangir
b. Akbar
c. Shah Jahan
d. Aurangzeb

Answer: a. Jahangir

What was the title of the king?
a. King
b. Emperor
c. Maharaja
d. Sultan

Answer: b. Emperor

What did the emperor order his soldiers to do in front of the palace?
a. Build a big bell
b. Build a palace
c. Build a big wall
d. Build a big mosque

Answer: a. Build a big bell

How did the emperor ensure fairness to all his subjects?
a. By building a big bell in front of the palace
b. By sending troops to every part of the empire
c. By listening to complaints from the people
d. All of the above

Answer: d. All of the above

Who used to listen to the complaints of the people?
a. The emperor himself
b. The soldiers
c. The courtiers
d. The priests

Answer: a. The emperor himself


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #11


Great books don’t happen out of anywhere in the people who write them. They are an expression of their very original influence, the author’s life itself. And literature cannot be said to have served its true purpose until it is translated into the real life of the reader. It is a vast reservoir of real ideas and emotions. In a world devoid of literature, the broad, the noble and the generous would disappear and life would correspondingly degenerate because misconceptions and petty passions would not feel the upward pull of ideas and passions of genius.

Just by imagining a society without literature, it becomes clear that the function of literature is to raise the plain to the higher level of the summit. Literature exists so that where one man has lived subtly, ten thousand may subtly live hereafter. It is a way of life, it concerns living beings.

MCQ Questions and Answers

What does the author believe about the origin of great books?
a. They happen randomly
b. They are influenced by the author’s life
c. They are not original
d. They are not influenced by the author’s life

Answer: b. They are influenced by the author’s life

What is the purpose of literature according to the author?
a. To entertain
b. To degenerate life
c. To raise the plain to a higher level
d. To make people miserable

Answer: c. To raise the plain to a higher level

What would happen if there was no literature in the world according to the author?
a. The broad, noble and generous would disappear
b. Life would improve
c. Life would remain the same
d. Life would become more sophisticated

Answer: a. The broad, noble and generous would disappear

What is the function of literature according to the author?
a. To entertain
b. To provide ideas and emotions
c. To bring misconceptions and petty passions
d. To make people sad

Answer: b. To provide ideas and emotions

Why is literature a way of life according to the author?
a. Because it is not real
b. Because it is only about living beings
c. Because it is not important
d. Because it concerns living beings

Answer: d. Because it concerns living beings

What happens to the reader’s life when they read literature according to the author?
a. It remains the same
b. It becomes worse
c. It becomes higher
d. It becomes lower

Answer: c. It becomes higher

How does the author describe the effect of literature on society?
a. It degenerates life
b. It raises the plain to a higher level of the summit
c. It brings misconceptions and petty passions
d. It has no effect on society

Answer: b. It raises the plain to the higher level of the summit

Why does the author believe that literature is important?
a. Because it is a way of life
b. Because it is not real
c. Because it provides ideas and emotions
d. Because it is not important

Answer: a. Because it is a way of life

What does the author believe about a society without literature?
a. It would be sophisticated
b. It would correspondingly degenerate
c. It would be the same
d. It would be improved

Answer: b. It would correspondingly degenerate

What is the main idea the author is trying to convey about literature?
a. It is not important
b. It is a way of life that raises the plain to the higher level of the summit
c. It has no effect on society
d. It is not real

Answer: b. It is a way of life that raises the plain to a higher level of the summit


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #12


Public sector banks are witnessing a transitional period in India and are at a turning point, where they should remain healthy without abandoning their social responsibility. They have to perform risky experiments yet perform them innovatively so that it does not fail. They should venture into new areas that are rarely trodden by them and not miss any emerging opportunities.

It should be understood that the absence of any bad advance is no sign of an efficient banking system. It only indicates extreme conservatism. However, this is no guarantee of profit. There should be a balance between liquidity and risk. The sins of the past must be forgotten. Innovative and realistic strategies should be adopted without which banks will be in danger.

MCQ Questions and Answers

What is the current situation of public sector banks in India?
A. They are at a turning point
B. They are performing well
C. They are facing difficulties
D. They are declining

Answer: A. They are at a turning point

What is the goal of public sector banks in India?
A. To maintain social responsibility
B. To increase profits
C. To avoid risk
D. To focus on liquidity

Answer: A. To maintain social responsibility

What should public sector banks do to stay healthy?
A. Avoid risky experiments
B. Adopt innovative strategies
C. Stick to traditional methods
D. Forget the past

Answer: B. Adopt innovative strategies

What does the absence of bad advances indicate in a banking system?
A. Extreme conservatism
B. Efficient system
C. Profit guarantee
D. Inefficiency

Answer: A. Extreme conservatism

What is the purpose of education according to the passage?
A. To perform experiments
B. To achieve profit
C. To help answer the question of what the world is like and what one should be and do in it
D. To perform progress tests

Answer: C. To help answer the question of what the world is like and what one should be and do in it

What is the importance of disinterestedness in education according to the passage?
A. It is not important
B. It is essential for good education
C. It is not mentioned
D. It is only necessary for liberal education

Answer: B. It is essential for good education

How should public sector banks adopt strategies to remain healthy?
A. Conservatively
B. Riskily
C. Innovatively and realistically
D. Without forgetting the past

Answer: C. Innovatively and realistically

What is the relationship between liquidity and risk in the banking system according to the passage?
A. They are opposed to each other
B. They are not related
C. They need to be balanced
D. They are not mentioned

Answer: C. They need to be balanced

What is the effect of exams on the attitude towards education according to the passage?
A. They have a positive effect
B. They have no effect
C. They obscure the purpose of education
D. They are not mentioned

Answer: C. They obscure the purpose of education

What should public sector banks in India not miss?
A. Emerging opportunities
B. Traditional methods
C. Bad advances
D. The sins of the past

Answer: A. Emerging opportunities


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #13


Knowledge of grammar is essential for good speaking and writing, by which one’s mind is judged. Studying grammar is hard work: it has to be learned in its entirety, with no parts left out, and it demands a lot of thought and patience. But, once achieved, it can give a lifetime of joy and profit. Its study requires no physical hardship, no special room or expense.

If people spend their free time studying grammar, they can master it in a year. The author learned this in less than a year. Earning sixpence a day as a private soldier, he studied in his bed. Not being able to afford candles or oil, he read by the fire in winter (when it was his turn). If he could manage it this way, and without any outside encouragement, any young man, however poor or busy, could do it.

MCQ Questions and Answers

What is essential for good speaking and writing according to the author?
A. Knowledge of grammar
B. Patience
C. Physical hardship
D. Special room or expense

Answer: A. Knowledge of grammar

How does the author describe the study of grammar?
A. Easy and not demanding
B. Hard work with a lot of thought and patience
C. Physical hardship
D. No need for effort

Answer: B. Hard work with a lot of thought and patience

What can the study of grammar give a person?
A. A lifetime of joy and profit
B. Physical hardship
C. No benefits
D. Short term benefits

Answer: A. A lifetime of joy and profit

What does the study of grammar require?
A. No physical hardship or special room or expense
B. Physical hardship, special room and expense
C. No effort
D. Lots of money

Answer: A. No physical hardship or special room or expense

How long did it take the author to master grammar?
A. A lifetime
B. Less than a year
C. More than a year
D. Cannot be determined

Answer: B. Less than a year

How did the author study grammar?
A. By attending classes
B. By reading by the fire in winter
C. By using candles or oil
D. With outside encouragement

Answer: B. By reading by the fire in winter

What was the author’s job when he studied grammar?
A. A private soldier
B. A teacher
C. A student
D. Cannot be determined

Answer: A. A private soldier

How much did the author earn when he studied grammar?
A. More than sixpence a day
B. Less than sixpence a day
C. Sixpence a day
D. Cannot be determined

Answer: C. Sixpence a day

Where did the author study grammar?
A. In a special room
B. In his bed
C. In a library
D. In a school

Answer: B. In his bed

Can any young man master grammar according to the author?
A. No, only the wealthy and free individuals can
B. Yes, anyone can do it
C. No, only the author could do it
D. Cannot be determined

Answer: B. Yes, anyone can do it


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #14


Crude mineral oil comes out of the earth as a thick brown or black liquid with a strong odour. It is a complex mixture of many different substances, each with its own unique properties. Most of them are a combination of hydrogen and carbon in varying proportions. This type of hydrocarbon is found in other forms such as bitumen, asphalt and natural gas. Mineral oil originates from the carcasses of small animals and plants that live in the sea.

Over millions of years, these dead creatures build up huge deposits on the ocean floor, and ocean currents cover them with a blanket of sand and silt. As this material hardens, it becomes sedimentary rock and effectively shuts out oxygen, thus preventing the complete decomposition of the underlying marine deposits. Sedimentary rock layers are thicker and heavier. Their pressure generated heat, which converted the tiny bodies into crude oil in a process that continues today.

MCQ Questions and Answers

What is crude mineral oil?
A) A clear liquid
B) A black liquid
C) A green liquid

Answer: B) A black liquid

What is the origin of mineral oil?
A) Plants that grow on land
B) Small animals and plants that live in the sea
C) Small animals and plants that live on land

Answer: B) Small animals and plants that live in the sea

What happens to the deposits of dead creatures on the ocean floor over millions of years?
A) They are destroyed
B) They are covered by sand and silt
C) They are taken away by ocean currents

Answer: B) They are covered by sand and silt

What happens to the material that covers the deposits of dead creatures?
A) It remains soft
B) It becomes sedimentary rock
C) It decomposes

Answer: B) It becomes sedimentary rock

What prevents the complete decomposition of marine deposits?
A) Oxygen
B) Heat
C) The lack of oxygen

Answer: C) The lack of oxygen

What is the result of the pressure generated by the sedimentary rock layers?
A) They become lighter
B) They become thinner
C) They generate heat

Answer: C) They generate heat

What happens to the tiny bodies on the ocean floor over time?
A) They become fossil fuels
B) They become crude oil
C) They become a natural gas

Answer: B) They become crude oil

What are the properties of most of the substances in crude mineral oil?
A) They are a combination of hydrogen and carbon in varying proportions
B) They are a combination of nitrogen and oxygen in varying proportions
C) They are a combination of helium and hydrogen in varying proportions

Answer: A) They are a combination of hydrogen and carbon in varying proportions

What is crude oil made from?
A) Bitumen
B) Asphalt
C) Marine deposits

Answer: C) Marine deposits

Is the process of converting tiny bodies into crude oil still happening today?
A) No
B) Yes

Answer: B) Yes


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #15


Light like water is life. Extinguishing the light means extinguishing life. The sun is the source of this light. The sun is also a source of heat. Sun is responsible for food production. Sun evaporates sea and river water. Water vapour accumulates in the sky and condenses as clouds. The cloud then falls to earth as rain. Rain softens the soil and makes it suitable for growing food crops like rice, wheat, barley etc.

Rain irrigates the land. Sun helps keep us healthy by killing harmful germs. Nowadays solar energy is being used more and more. It is even used in cooking our food. When energy is becoming scarcer day by day, the sun can help us a lot.

MCQ Questions and Answers

What is the source of light and heat for Earth?
a) The sun
b) The moon
c) The stars
d) The planets

Answer: a) The sun

How does the sun help with food production?
a) By providing light for plants to photosynthesize
b) By evaporating water for irrigation
c) By killing harmful germs
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

How does rain help with growing food crops?
a) It softens the soil
b) It provides irrigation
c) It kills harmful germs
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

What is one current use of solar energy?
a) Cooking food
b) Generating electricity
c) Powering cars
d) All of the above

Answer: a) Cooking food

Why is solar energy becoming more popular?
a) It is a renewable energy source
b) It is becoming cheaper
c) Energy is becoming scarcer
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #16


Unity means togetherness, a state of living and working together as one person. It is an arrangement of parts to form a whole. Unity is collective power which should be distinguished from individual power. Unity breeds strength and prosperity. Nothing great can be done without a unit. Even simple tasks can be overwhelming for a single person.

MCQ Questions and Answers

What does unity mean?
a) Togetherness
b) Isolation
c) Conflict
d) Competition

Answer: a) Togetherness

How does unity relate to power?
a) Unity is a source of collective power
b) Unity is a source of individual power
c) Unity has no relation to power
d) Unity weakens the power

Answer: a) Unity is a source of collective power

What does unity bring about?
a) Strength and prosperity
b) Weakness and decline
c) Equality and fairness
d) Division and strife

Answer: a) Strength and prosperity

Why is unity important for completing tasks?
a) It allows for the division of labour
b) It creates a sense of cooperation
c) It makes tasks easier for a single person
d) It eliminates the need for teamwork

Answer: a) It allows for the division of labour

Can anything great be achieved without unity?
a) Yes
b) No

Answer: b) No


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #17


The habit of doing everything on time is called punctuality. This is not only a good habit but also a great quality. It is the key to success in human life. A man has to take the opportunity as it is presented to him. If he misses it due to lack of punctuality, he will never get it back and he will lose the chance of success. Punctuality is important because it prevents dangers, challenges and failures.

MCQ Questions and Answers

What is the habit of doing everything on time called?
a) Punctuality
b) Procrastination
c) Flexibility
d) Reliability

Answer: a) Punctuality

Why is punctuality considered a good quality?
a) It is the key to success
b) It is a sign of laziness
c) It is not important
d) It is not a habit

Answer: a) It is the key to success

Why is punctuality important for seizing opportunities?
a) It ensures that one is always on time for opportunities
b) It guarantees that opportunities will come at the right time
c) It eliminates the need for opportunities
d) It has no relation to opportunities

Answer: a) It ensures that one is always on time for opportunities

How does punctuality prevent dangers, challenges and failures?
a) It eliminates the risks associated with missed deadlines
b) It guarantees success
c) It removes obstacles
d) It has no relation to preventing dangers, challenges and failures

Answer: a) It eliminates the risks associated with missed deadlines

What is the outcome of a lack of punctuality?
a) Success
b) Loss of chance
c) Punishment
d) No effect

Answer: b) Loss of chance


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #18


Habits are second nature and are called correct. A person’s nature is the sum total of habits. If a person develops good habits, he develops good character. If he develops bad habits, his nature becomes bad. So he should try to develop good habits. Good habits make a man much better. They make him healthy, wealthy and wise.

Some good habits are waking up early, personal hygiene, abstinence from alcohol and telling the truth. Waking up early is very beneficial for people. Keeping clean is a good habit. It keeps a person free from diseases and contributes to his health.

MCQ Questions and Answers

What are habits considered to be?
a) Second nature
b) First Nature
c) Artificial
d) Unimportant

Answer: a) Second nature

How do habits affect a person’s character?
a) Good habits lead to good character, bad habits lead to bad character
b) Habits have no effect on the character
c) Bad habits lead to good character, good habits lead to bad character
d) Habits are not related to the character

Answer: a) Good habits lead to good character, bad habits lead to bad character

What are some examples of good habits?
a) Waking up early, personal hygiene, abstinence from alcohol, telling the truth
b) Staying up late, neglecting personal hygiene, excessive alcohol consumption, lying
c) Procrastination, disorganization, laziness, rudeness
d) Sleep in, eat junk food, smoke, watch too much TV

Answer: a) Waking up early, personal hygiene, abstinence from alcohol, telling the truth

How does waking up early benefit a person?
a) It gives them a head start on the day
b) It makes them tired
c) It has no effect
d) It makes them less productive

Answer: a) It gives them a head start on the day

How does personal hygiene contribute to a person’s health?
a) It keeps them free from diseases
b) It makes them ill
c) It has no effect
d) It makes them dirty

Answer: a) It keeps them free from diseases


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #19


Good health is the most important thing in our life. Wealth or education is of little use to a person suffering from ill health. So it can be said that health is wealth. A sick person always feels uncomfortable. Such a person can never be enlightened in life. Instead of becoming an asset, he becomes a liability to his family and even society. Again a diseased body makes the mind sick.

If a person is always suffering from various diseases, he loses his cheerfulness and becomes irritable, fearful and timid. A person should maintain good health to enjoy life and make the best of it. And to stay physically healthy, he should eat nutritious food and exercise.

MCQ Questions and Answers

What is the most important thing in life?
a) Good health
b) Wealth
c) Education
d) Fame

Answer: a) Good health

Why is a person suffering from ill health considered to be of little use?
a) They are unable to contribute to society
b) They are unable to enjoy life
c) They are a liability to their family
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

How does a sick person feel?
a) Comfortable
b) Discomfort

Answer: b) Discomfort

How does a diseased body affect the mind?
a) It makes it sick
b) It makes it healthy
c) It has no effect
d) It makes it stronger

Answer: a) It makes it sick

What are some ways to maintain good health?
a) Eating nutritious food and exercising
b) Eating junk food and being sedentary
c) Taking medication and avoiding physical activity
d) Smoking and drinking alcohol

Answer: a) Eating nutritious food and exercising


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #20


Life is short, but the work we are called to do is vast. So without wasting time, plan how to make the best use of available time. If the timing is not right, we will leave a lot of work undone when we leave the earth. There is a heavy price to pay for wasting time.

Lost time never comes back. Once gone, neither wealth nor prayers can bring it back. Through a good regimen lost health is regained; Lost wealth is regained through hard work. But time once lost is lost forever. Children should be trained to develop the habit of punctuality. They should be taught not to put off for tomorrow what should be done today.

MCQ Questions and Answers

Why is it important to plan how to make the best use of time?
a) Life is short and the work to be done is vast
b) Time is not important
c) Time is infinite
d) Time is not a valuable resource

Answer: a) Life is short and the work to be done is vast

What is the consequence of wasting time?
a) A lot of work is left undone
b) No consequence
c) More time is gained
d) Time is regained

Answer: a) A lot of work is left undone

Can lost time be regained through wealth or prayers?
a) Yes
b) No

Answer: b) No

What should children be trained to develop?
a) The habit of punctuality
b) The habit of procrastination
c) The habit of laziness
d) The habit of disorganization

Answer: a) The habit of punctuality

What should children be taught about completing tasks?
a) To put off for tomorrow what should be done today
b) To do what needs to be done today
c) To do as little as possible
d) To do nothing

Answer: b) To do what needs to be done today


Short Reading Passages With Multiple Choice Questions #21


“Manner” means outward behaviour. And a person who observes the etiquette of a good society and behaves politely with others is said to be well-behaved. Good behaviour is a virtue. They teach him to show respect to his superiors and elders and to be kind even to our enemies. Good manners make for social happiness. There is enough sadness in this world. We should not try to increase it with unnecessary profanity which is the essence of bad manners.

On the other hand, we can reduce human suffering through good behaviour. In this way, we can speak kindly to the person in distress. Thus good manners can remove the pinch of human suffering. They have been rightly called “surface religions,” because like true religions they are based on selfless mercy.

MCQ Questions and Answers

What does the word “manner” refer to?
a) Outward behaviour
b) Inner thoughts
c) Physical appearance
d) Speech

Answer: a) Outward behaviour

What is a well-behaved person described as?
a) Someone who observes the etiquette of good society and behaves politely with others
b) Someone who is rude and disrespectful to others
c) Someone who is indifferent to social etiquette
d) Someone who is selfish and inconsiderate

Answer: a) Someone who observes the etiquette of good society and behaves politely with others

Why is good behaviour considered a virtue?
a) It teaches respect for superiors and elders and kindness towards enemies
b) It promotes selfishness and rudeness
c) It has no impact on society
d) It is unimportant

Answer: a) It teaches respect for superiors and elders and kindness towards enemies

How do good manners contribute to social happiness?
a) They reduce human suffering
b) They increase human suffering
c) They have no impact on society
d) They promote rudeness and profanity

Answer: a) They reduce human suffering

How can good manners be described?
a) “Surface religions,” as they are based on selfless mercy
b) “Superficial customs,” as they are not important
c) “Bad manners,” as they are based on rudeness
d) “Individual beliefs,” as they do not affect society

Answer: a) “Surface religions,” as they are based on selfless mercy


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