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 6 of 21

  • A. commencement
  • B. height
  • C. pinnacle
  • D. level

Explanation: Zenith is the time at which something is most powerful or at its pinnacle.

Correct answer: pinnacle
  • A. Gave up
  • B. Sold
  • C. Reinvested into
  • D. Auctioned

Explanation: 'The word "abdicated" means to renounce or give up a high office or responsibility, such as a monarch giving up their crown.

Correct answer: Gave up
  • A. Whos
  • B. Whose
  • C. Who's
  • D. Whos'

Explanation: The contraction of 'who is' is 'who's'.The apostrophe is always placed where the letter has been removed.

Correct answer: Who's
  • A. Hindered
  • B. Extort
  • C. Free
  • D. Encumbered

Explanation: 'Unburdened' means someone who is not burdened.

Correct answer: Free
  • A. Breed
  • B. Civilization
  • C. Origin
  • D. Culture

Explanation: Ilk: a type of person or thing similar to one already referred to. Breed: to be of some the heritage or nature.

Correct answer: Breed
  • A. Brainy
  • B. Intellectual
  • C. Cautious
  • D. Oaf

Explanation: Dunce: a person who is slow at learning; a stupid person. Oaf: a man who is rough or clumsy and unintelligent.

Correct answer: Oaf
  • A. Lull
  • B. Longing
  • C. Heretical
  • D. Veneration

Explanation: Hiatus: a pause or break in continuity during an activity. Lull: a temporary interval of quiet or lack of activity.

Correct answer: Lull
  • A. Shocks
  • B. Shield
  • C. Support
  • D. Window

Explanation: Buffer: a person or thing that reduces a shock or that forms a barrier. Shield: a person or thing providing protection.

Correct answer: Shield
  • A. Clear
  • B. Spacious
  • C. Convenient
  • D. Strained

Explanation: Encumber: restrict in such a way that free action or movement is difficult. Strain: to tie up something, limiting movement.

Correct answer: Strained
  • A. Harass
  • B. Helpmate
  • C. Hellish
  • D. Hefty

Explanation: Hector: talk to (someone) in a bullying way.Harass: make someone a subject to aggressive pressure or intimidation.Helpmate: a helpful…

Correct answer: Harass
  • A. Focal point
  • B. Success
  • C. Hinterland
  • D. Politics

Explanation: Nexus: a central or focal point, and a connection or series of connections linking two or more things.

Correct answer: Focal point
  • A. Skulk
  • B. Deviate
  • C. Eternize
  • D. Perish

Explanation: Perpetuate: make (something) continue forever.Eternize: cause to live or last forever.Skulk: keep out of sight.Deviate: departing from…

Correct answer: Eternize
  • A. Local
  • B. Old
  • C. Venerable
  • D. Foreign

Explanation: August: respected and impressive. Venerable: held in a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character.

Correct answer: Venerable
  • A. Appreciate
  • B. Burlesque
  • C. Approve
  • D. Annoy

Explanation: Lampoon: publicly criticize (someone or something) by using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm.Burlesque: parody or imitate in an absurd or…

Correct answer: Burlesque
  • A. Arround
  • B. Arond
  • C. Arund
  • D. Around

Explanation: We are asked to select an option that is accurate. Here opt D is the right choice because the correct spelling for the given word is…

Correct answer: Around

116. Juxtaposition

  • A. Contrast
  • B. Wit
  • C. Image
  • D. Freedom

Explanation: Correct answer is A. Option A is correct because "contrast" is the most suitable synonym for the word "juxtaposition." Juxtaposition…

Correct answer: Contrast
  • A. Practical
  • B. Emotion
  • C. Dispassionate
  • D. Realistic

Explanation: Correct answer is B. This option is correct because "emotion" is an accurate synonym for "sentiment." Emotion refers to feelings or strong…

Correct answer: Emotion
  • A. Block headed
  • B. Smart
  • C. Wise
  • D. Agile

Explanation: The word dunce means a person who is slow at learning.

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

Explanation: The term genocide refers to the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of…

Correct answer: Extermination of an entire race or nation
  • A. Criticise
  • B. Lament
  • C. Praise
  • D. Oppose

Explanation: "laud" specifically means to express praise or admiration, making "Praise" the correct option here.

Correct answer: Praise