Free Passage Reading MCQs with Answers

1. Read the passage: "Antibiotic resistance grows when antibiotics are prescribed for viral infections, which they cannot cure. Each unnecessary course kills sensitive bacteria and leaves resistant ones to multiply." The main idea is that

• A. antibiotics are dangerous drugs
• B. unnecessary prescribing selects for resistant bacteria
• C. viral infections are more serious than bacterial ones
• D. antibiotics should never be prescribed

Explanation: The passage explains a mechanism: pointless courses remove the sensitive bacteria and leave the resistant ones with no competition. It does not claim antibiotics are dangerous in themselves or that they should never be used, both of which overstate the argument. Main idea questions reward the option that covers the whole passage without exaggerating it.

2. Read the passage: "Antibiotic resistance grows when antibiotics are prescribed for viral infections, which they cannot cure." It can be inferred that

• A. viruses are unaffected by antibiotics
• B. all bacteria are now resistant
• C. doctors never prescribe correctly
• D. antibiotics cure most viral illnesses

Explanation: The clause which they cannot cure states directly that antibiotics do not work against viruses, so the inference is close to the text. The other options overstate what is written, and a valid inference must follow from the passage rather than extend beyond it. Watch for absolute words such as all and never in wrong options.

3. Read the passage: "Although vaccination campaigns have reduced measles worldwide, outbreaks still occur where coverage falls below the level needed for herd immunity." The tone of the passage is best described as

• A. informative
• B. sarcastic
• C. humorous
• D. hostile

Explanation: The passage states facts and a condition without emotive language or judgement, which is the mark of an informative or expository tone. Sarcasm and hostility would require loaded wording. Tone questions are answered from word choice, not from the subject matter.