Free Passage Reading MCQs with Answers

413 Passage Reading MCQs from English, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

Passage reading requires identifying the central idea, supporting facts, author's purpose, tone, sequence and conclusions supported by the text. Questions may also test inference, vocabulary in context, reference words and the difference between information stated directly and meaning implied by the passage.

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413 questions · page 19 of 21

  • A. Absurd
  • B. Cockamamy
  • C. Silly
  • D. Earnest

Explanation: Derisive means expressing contempt or ridicule, often through mocking or scornful language.

Correct answer: Earnest
  • A. Finicking
  • B. Demanding
  • C. Affable
  • D. Delicate

Explanation: Dainty means refined, elegant, and subtle in a pleasing way, often describing something or someone that is charmingly delicate or…

Correct answer: Delicate
  • A. Liberate
  • B. Seep
  • C. Disengage
  • D. Hamper

Explanation: Extricate means to free oneself or someone else from a difficult or complicated situation, often involving careful maneuvering or skillful…

Correct answer: Disengage
  • A. Brakes
  • B. Crossroads
  • C. Tires
  • D. Controls

Explanation: These are the components of a vehicle used to slow down or stop the car.

Correct answer: Brakes
  • A. Except
  • B. Excelled
  • C. Exceeded
  • D. Expected

Explanation: This means to go beyond or surpass. In this context, it means that the performance went beyond what was expected, which fits perfectly.

Correct answer: Exceeded
  • A. Seem
  • B. Seemed
  • C. Seeming
  • D. Seems

Explanation: This is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb, which correctly agrees with the singular subject "the earth."

Correct answer: Seems
  • A. Depart
  • B. Pour
  • C. Disturb
  • D. Feed

Explanation: This means to transfer a liquid from one container to another, which is a common action when serving tea. This fits the context perfectly.

Correct answer: Pour
  • A. Rise
  • B. Rises
  • C. Rose
  • D. Risen

Explanation: This is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb. It correctly matches the singular subject "the sun" and fits the context…

Correct answer: Rises
  • A. Bench
  • B. Order
  • C. Line
  • D. Accident

Explanation: This is the correct synonym. "Line" refers to a sequence of people or things waiting one behind the other, which is the same meaning as…

Correct answer: Line
  • A. Criticise
  • B. Lament
  • C. Praise
  • D. Oppose

Explanation: This means to express approval or admiration, which is the same as "laud."

Correct answer: Praise
  • A. Ooze
  • B. Exhaust
  • C. Absorb
  • D. Contain

Explanation: This means to slowly leak or seep out, which is a synonym for "exude" because it also describes something being released or emitted…

Correct answer: Ooze
  • A. Non-religious
  • B. Unpopular
  • C. Special
  • D. Notable

Explanation: This is a direct synonym for "secular," meaning not related to religion.

Correct answer: Non-religious
  • A. Tremble
  • B. Move
  • C. Tremendous
  • D. Pacify

Explanation: This means to shake involuntarily, which is a synonym for "quiver." Both describe a slight, rapid shaking or vibrating motion.

Correct answer: Tremble
  • A. Wave
  • B. Drift
  • C. Stump
  • D. Keep

Explanation: This means to be carried slowly by a current or air, which is a synonym for "waft." Both involve a gentle, floating movement through the…

Correct answer: Drift
  • A. Murder of a family member
  • B. Extermination of an entire race or nation
  • C. Assassination of a king
  • D. Self-destruction

Explanation: This accurately defines "genocide," as it involves the mass killing of people based on their race or nationality.

Correct answer: Extermination of an entire race or nation
  • A. Innocuousness
  • B. Aboriginals
  • C. Inequity
  • D. Accolades

Explanation: The sentence should read: "The villainous gang's hideout was a den of inequity that no one would dare to enter."Inequity means a state of…

Correct answer: Inequity
  • A. Wane
  • B. Ruminate
  • C. Expedite
  • D. Abrogate

Explanation: The sentence should read: "The deadline has been moved to this Friday, so we must expedite our efforts and complete the project earlier…

Correct answer: Expedite
  • A. Conferred
  • B. Withdrawn
  • C. Retailed
  • D. Discarded

Explanation: The sentence should read: "The queen conferred a title upon the man who saved her life."Conferred means to grant or bestow something, such…

Correct answer: Conferred
  • A. Alacrity
  • B. Obliviousness
  • C. Error
  • D. Precision

Explanation: The sentence should read: "The cause of the mishap was nothing else but his error in driving."Error refers to a mistake or fault, often…

Correct answer: Error
  • A. Adherence
  • B. Collusion
  • C. Brazeness
  • D. Sovereignty

Explanation: The sentence should read: "He would have been successful, but for his lack of adherence."Adherence means loyalty, commitment, or…

Correct answer: Adherence