Comprehension Quiz: Test Your Reading Comprehension
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How good are you at reading comprehension? Want to test your reading skills? Take up this English comprehension quiz and check your skills! Basically, reading comprehension is the ability to understand the text. Here, you'll be provided with a few passages, and you'll have to give answers by carefully reading those passages. Do you think you can do so? Why don't you check it out? All the best!
Comprehension Questions and Answers
- 1.
The main point of this passage is that... Carbon tetrachloride is a colorless and inflammable liquid that can be produced by combining carbon disulfide and chlorine. This compound is widely used in industry today because of its effectiveness as a solvent as well as its use in the production of propellants. Despite its widespread use in industry, carbon tetrachloride has been banned for home use. In the past, carbon tetrachloride was a common ingredient in cleaning compounds that were used throughout the home, but it was found to be dangerous: when heated, it changes into a poisonous gas that can cause severe illness and even death if it is inhaled. Because of this dangerous characteristic, the United States revoked permission for the home use of carbon tetrachloride in 1970. The United States has taken similar action with various other chemical compounds.
- A.
Carbon tetrachloride can be very dangerous when it is heated.
- B.
The government banned carbon tetrachloride in 1970
- C.
Although carbon tetrachloride can legally be used in industry, it is not allowed in-home products.
- D.
Carbon tetrachloride used to be a regular part of cleaning compounds
Correct Answer
C. Although carbon tetrachloride can legally be used in industry, it is not allowed in-home products.Explanation
The passage highlights the contrast between the industrial use and the ban on home use of carbon tetrachloride due to its potential dangers. It emphasizes that while it is still used in industry, it is prohibited in home products to protect individuals from its harmful effects.Rate this question:
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- 2.
It is stated in the passage that when carbon tetrachloride is heated, it becomes...
- A.
Harmful
- B.
Colorless
- C.
A cleaning compound
- D.
Inflammable
Correct Answer
A. HarmfulExplanation
The passage states that when carbon tetrachloride is heated, it becomes harmful. This suggests that there are negative effects or risks associated with the heating process, indicating that it is not safe or beneficial. The word "harmful" implies that it can cause harm or damage to something or someone, highlighting the potential dangers of heating carbon tetrachloride.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The expression "point of view" could best be replaced by
- A.
Perspective
- B.
Sight
- C.
Circumstance
- D.
Trait
Correct Answer
A. PerspectiveExplanation
The expression "point of view" refers to an individual's particular way of seeing or interpreting a situation or event. The word "perspective" also conveys the same meaning, as it represents a person's viewpoint or outlook. Therefore, "perspective" is the best replacement for "point of view" in this context.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The word “inhaled” is closest in meaning to...
- A.
Warmed
- B.
Breathed in
- C.
Carelessly used
- D.
Blown
Correct Answer
B. Breathed inExplanation
The word "inhaled" refers to the action of taking in air or a substance into the lungs through breathing. This is the closest in meaning to "breathed in."Rate this question:
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- 5.
According to the passage, before 1970, carbon tetrachloride was...
- A.
Used by itself as a cleanser
- B.
Banned in industrial use
- C.
Often used as a component of cleaning products.
- D.
Not allowed in home cleaning products.
Correct Answer
C. Often used as a component of cleaning products.Explanation
The passage states that before 1970, carbon tetrachloride was "often used as a component of cleaning products." This means that it was commonly used as an ingredient in cleaning products, rather than being used by itself as a cleanser.Rate this question:
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- 6.
It can be inferred from the passage that one role of the U.S. government is to...
- A.
Regulate product safety
- B.
Prohibit any use of carbon tetrachloride
- C.
Instruct industry on cleaning methodologies
- D.
Ban the use of any chemicals
Correct Answer
A. Regulate product safetyExplanation
The passage suggests that one role of the U.S. government is to regulate product safety. This means that the government is responsible for implementing and enforcing rules and regulations to ensure that products being sold in the market are safe for consumers to use. This includes setting standards, conducting inspections, and taking necessary actions to protect the public from potential harm caused by unsafe products. The passage does not mention anything about prohibiting the use of carbon tetrachloride, instructing industry on cleaning methodologies, or banning the use of any chemicals, so these options are not supported by the passage.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The word “banned” is closest in meaning to...
- A.
Forbidden
- B.
Allowed
- C.
Suggested
- D.
Instituted
Correct Answer
A. ForbiddenExplanation
The word "banned" refers to something that is not allowed or prohibited. It suggests a restriction or prohibition on a certain action or item. Therefore, the word "forbidden" is the closest in meaning to "banned" as it also implies something that is not permitted or allowed.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The word “widely” could most easily be replaced by...
- A.
Grandly
- B.
Extensively
- C.
Largely
- D.
Hugely
Correct Answer
B. ExtensivelyExplanation
The word "widely" means to a great extent or in a broad manner. The word "extensively" has a similar meaning and can be used interchangeably with "widely" in this context. Both words convey the idea of something being done or happening over a large area or to a large degree. Therefore, "extensively" is the most suitable replacement for "widely" in this scenario.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The following paragraph most likely discusses... Whereas literature in the first half of the eighteenth century in America had been largely religious and moral in tone, by the latter half of the century, the revolutionary fervor that was coming to life in the colonies began to be reflected in the literature of the time, which in turn served to influence the population further. Although not all writers of this period supported the Revolution, the two best-known and most influential writers, Ben Franklin and Thomas Paine, strongly supported that cause. Ben Franklin first attained popular success through his writings in his brother's newspaper, the New England Current. In these articles, he used a simple style of language and common sense argumentation to defend the point of view of the farmer and the Leather Apron man. He continued with the same common-sense practicality and appealed to the common man with his work on Poor Richard's Almanac from 1733 until 1758. Firmly established in his popular acceptance by the people, Franklin wrote a variety of extremely effective articles and pamphlets about the colonist's revolutionary cause against England. Thomas Paine was an Englishman working as a magazine editor in Philadelphia at the time of the Revolution. His pamphlet Common Sense, which appeared in 1776, was a force in encouraging the colonists to declare their independence from England. Then, throughout the long and desperate war years, he published a series of Crisis papers (from 1776 until 1783) to encourage the colonists to continue with the struggle. The effectiveness of his writing was probably due to his emotional yet oversimplified depiction of the cause of the colonists against England as a classic struggle between good and evil.
- A.
How does literature influence the population
- B.
Religious and moral literature
- C.
Literature supporting the cause of the American Revolution
- D.
What made Thomas Paine's literature successful
Correct Answer
C. Literature supporting the cause of the American RevolutionExplanation
The paragraph discusses how the tone of American literature shifted from religious and moral themes in the early eighteenth century to revolutionary fervor in the latter half. It specifically highlights how prominent writers like Ben Franklin and Thomas Paine used their writings to support and influence the revolutionary cause against England. The emphasis is on the role of literature in supporting and promoting the American Revolution.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Ben Franklin first attained popular success through his writings in his brother's newspaper, the New England Current. In these articles, he used a simple style of language and common sense argumentation to defend the point of view of the farmer and the Leather Apron man. He continued with the same common-sense practicality and appealed to the common man with his work on Poor Richard's Almanac from 1733 until 1758. Firmly established in his popular acceptance by the people, Franklin wrote a variety of extremely effective articles and pamphlets about the colonist's revolutionary cause against England. The pronoun "he" in bold refers to...
- A.
Thomas Paine
- B.
Ben Franklin
- C.
Ben Franklin's brother
- D.
Poor Richard
Correct Answer
B. Ben FranklinExplanation
The pronoun "he" in the passage refers to Ben Franklin. This is evident from the context provided, as the passage discusses Ben Franklin's writings, his style of language, and his work on Poor Richard's Almanac. Additionally, the passage mentions that Franklin wrote articles and pamphlets about the colonists' revolutionary cause, further indicating that the pronoun "he" refers to Ben Franklin.Rate this question:
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- 11.
According to the passage, the tone of Poor Richard's Almanac is...
- A.
Pragmatic
- B.
Erudite
- C.
Theoretical
- D.
Scholarly
Correct Answer
A. PragmaticExplanation
The correct answer is pragmatic because the passage suggests that Poor Richard's Almanac provides practical advice and guidance to its readers. It emphasizes the importance of hard work, frugality, and practical knowledge for success in life. The tone of the almanac is practical and focused on real-world solutions rather than being theoretical or scholarly.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The word "desperate" could best be replaced by
- A.
Unending
- B.
Hopeless
- C.
Strategic
- D.
Combative
Correct Answer
B. HopelessExplanation
The word "desperate" means feeling or showing a sense of hopelessness or despair. Therefore, the best replacement for "desperate" would be "hopeless" as it conveys the same sense of lacking hope or being in a desperate situation.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Where in the passage does the author describe Thomas Paine's style of writing?
- A.
Lines 4-6
- B.
Lines 8-9
- C.
Lines 14-15
- D.
Lines 18-20
Correct Answer
D. Lines 18-20Explanation
The author describes Thomas Paine's style of writing in lines 18-20.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The word “revoked” could most easily be replaced by
- A.
Gave
- B.
Granted
- C.
Instituted
- D.
Took away
Correct Answer
D. Took awayExplanation
The word "revoked" means to officially cancel or withdraw something, usually a privilege or permission. The phrase "took away" has a similar meaning as it implies the act of removing or confiscating something. Therefore, "took away" is the most suitable replacement for "revoked" in this context.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The purpose of the passage is to...
- A.
Discuss American literature in the first half of the eighteenth century.
- B.
Give biographical data on two American writers.
- C.
Describe the literary influence during revolutionary America.
- D.
Explain which authors supported the Revolution.
Correct Answer
C. Describe the literary influence during revolutionary America.Explanation
The passage aims to describe the literary influence during revolutionary America. It does not focus on discussing American literature in the first half of the eighteenth century or providing biographical data on two American writers. While it may touch upon authors who supported the Revolution, the primary purpose is to explain the overall literary influence during this period.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which of the following is the best title for this passage? The locations of stars in the sky relative to one another do not appear to the naked eye to change, and as a result, stars are often considered to be fixed in position. Many unaware stargazers falsely assume that each star has its own permanent home in the nighttime sky. In reality, though, stars are always moving, but because of the tremendous distances between stars themselves and from stars to Earth, the changes are barely perceptible here. An example of a rather fast-moving star demonstrates why this misconception prevails; it takes approximately 200 years for a relatively rapid star-like Bernard's star to move a distance in the skies equal to the diameter of the Earth's moon. When the apparently negligible movement of the stars is contrasted with the movement of the planets, the stars are seemingly unmoving.
- A.
What the eye can see in the sky
- B.
Bernard's star
- C.
Planetary Movement
- D.
The Ever-moving stars
Correct Answer
D. The Ever-moving starsExplanation
The passage explains that while stars appear fixed in position to the naked eye, they are actually always moving. The example of Bernard's star moving a distance equal to the diameter of the Earth's moon over 200 years demonstrates how the movement of stars is barely perceptible. Therefore, the best title for this passage would be "The Ever-moving stars."Rate this question:
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- 17.
It is implied in the passage that...
- A.
Some writers in the American colonies supported England during the Revolution.
- B.
Franklin and Paine were the only writers to influence the Revolution.
- C.
Because Thomas Paine was an Englishman, he supported England against the colonies.
- D.
Authors who supported England did not remain in the colonies during the Revolution.
Correct Answer
A. Some writers in the American colonies supported England during the Revolution.Explanation
The passage implies that there were writers in the American colonies who supported England during the Revolution. This suggests that not all writers in the colonies were in favor of independence and that there was a diversity of opinions among the writers during that time.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The expression "naked eye" most probably refers to...
- A.
A telescope
- B.
A scientific method for observing stars
- C.
Unassisted vision
- D.
A camera with a powerful lens
Correct Answer
C. Unassisted visionExplanation
The phrase "naked eye" commonly refers to the ability to see something without the aid of any instruments or devices. In this context, it suggests that the expression is referring to unassisted vision, meaning the ability to see something with the human eye alone, without the use of a telescope, camera, or any other tool.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The word "perceptible" is closest in meaning to which of the following?
- A.
Noticeable
- B.
Persuasive
- C.
Conceivable
- D.
Astonishing
Correct Answer
A. NoticeableExplanation
The word "perceptible" means capable of being perceived or noticed. The word "noticeable" also means capable of being noticed or observed. Therefore, "noticeable" is the closest in meaning to "perceptible".Rate this question:
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- 20.
A "misconception" is closest in meaning to a (n)
- A.
idea
- B.
Proven fact
- C.
Erroneous belief
- D.
Theory
Correct Answer
C. Erroneous beliefExplanation
The word "misconception" refers to a belief or understanding that is incorrect or mistaken. It implies that the belief is not based on accurate information or evidence. Therefore, "erroneous belief" is the closest in meaning to "misconception".Rate this question:
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- 21.
The word "fervor" is closest in meaning to...
- A.
War
- B.
anxiety
- C.
Spirit
- D.
Action
Correct Answer
C. SpiritExplanation
The word "fervor" refers to intense passion or enthusiasm for something. "Spirit" is the closest in meaning to "fervor" as it also conveys a strong sense of energy, enthusiasm, or determination.Rate this question:
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- 22.
According to the passage, the distances between the stars and Earth are...
- A.
Barely perceptible
- B.
Huge
- C.
Fixed
- D.
Moderate
Correct Answer
B. HugeExplanation
The passage states that the distances between the stars and Earth are "huge". This implies that the distances are extremely large or vast.Rate this question:
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- 23.
The word "time" could best be replaced by
- A.
Hour
- B.
Period
- C.
Appointment
- D.
Duration
Correct Answer
B. PeriodExplanation
The word "time" could best be replaced by "period" because "period" refers to a specific length or portion of time, which can be used interchangeably with the word "time" in many contexts. "Hour" refers to a specific unit of time, "appointment" refers to a scheduled meeting or event, and "duration" refers to the length of time that something lasts. However, "period" is the most suitable replacement for "time" as it encompasses a broader sense of a specific timeframe or interval.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The passage states that in 200 years, Bernard's star can move...
- A.
Around Earth's moon
- B.
Next to the earth's moon
- C.
A distance equal to the distance from earth to the moon
- D.
A distance seemingly equal to the diameter of the moon
Correct Answer
D. A distance seemingly equal to the diameter of the moonExplanation
In the passage, it is mentioned that Bernard's star can move a distance seemingly equal to the diameter of the moon in 200 years. This means that the star can travel a distance that appears to be the same as the width of the moon. This suggests that the movement of Bernard's star is significant and can be observed from Earth.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Jan 21, 2025Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team
Expert Reviewed by
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Oct 07, 2016Quiz Created by
Irwanda Laory
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