Reading Comprehension: SSC CGL Practice Questions
Q. 1 “…the unexpected windfall served as a powerful stimulus to innovation.” Here stimulus means:
Check Solution
Ans: A
Explanation: The sentence implies that the windfall *helped* or *caused* innovation to happen. Therefore, “stimulus” must mean something that encourages or promotes something.
Q. 2 According to the passage, what is a common cause of air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plains during October-November?
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Ans: D
Explanation: The question requires us to identify the primary source of air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plains during October-November based on information that is provided in the (missing) passage. Without the passage, we must rely on general knowledge. Crop residue burning in the North is a well-known major contributor to air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plains during October-November. Other options could contribute to the pollution but is unlikely to be the MOST common cause.
Q. 3 According to the passage, which body released a report on the impact of climate change on oceans and the cryosphere?
Check Solution
Ans: C
Explanation: The question asks about the body that released a report on climate change’s impact on oceans and the cryosphere. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is known for releasing reports on climate change.
Q. 4 According to the passage, which of the following is most likely to be perceived as a less serious threat compared to other types of pollution?
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Ans: A
Explanation: The question asks which type of pollution is perceived as the least serious. Without a passage, this is impossible to answer definitively. However, based on common knowledge and general environmental concerns, noise pollution is often less emphasized than air, water, and land pollution, which directly impact human health and ecosystem stability.
Q. 5 Based on the passage, what is the primary conclusion regarding the impact of brain training and test preparation on cognitive abilities?
Check Solution
Ans: A
Explanation: The question asks about the primary conclusion regarding brain training and test prep. Option D reflects the common scientific consensus: that these methods may improve specific skills but not necessarily overall intelligence or fundamental cognitive abilities. Options A, B and C are incorrect because they provide a definite answer that is not supported by the common scientific consensus.
Q. 6 Read the following passage and answer the questions given after it. The Amazon rainforest is a vast and biodiverse ecosystem, home to a multitude of plant and animal species. Its dense canopy, formed by towering trees, creates a unique environment with limited sunlight reaching the forest floor. This lack of sunlight influences the types of plants that can thrive in the understory, leading to a complex web of ecological interactions. The Amazon River, the lifeblood of the rainforest, provides a crucial source of water and nutrients, supporting a wide range of aquatic life. Deforestation, driven by agriculture, logging, and mining, poses a significant threat to the Amazon, leading to habitat loss and impacting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Indigenous communities, who have lived in the Amazon for centuries, play a vital role in protecting the rainforest and its biodiversity. Their traditional knowledge and practices are essential for sustainable management and conservation efforts. Climate change also exacerbates the challenges faced by the Amazon, increasing the risk of droughts, wildfires, and other extreme weather events. Conservation efforts focused on sustainable practices, reforestation, and combating deforestation are crucial for preserving the Amazon rainforest for future generations. Match the words with their meanings. a. Biodiverse 1. actions taken to protect the environment b. Exacerbates 2. having a wide variety of life c. Conservation 3. makes worse Question: Match the words from the passage with their correct meanings.
Check Solution
Ans: C
Explanation:
* **Biodiverse:** The passage describes the Amazon as a “vast and biodiverse ecosystem,” meaning it has a “wide variety of life.” Thus, biodiverse matches with meaning 2.
* **Exacerbates:** The passage states that “Climate change also exacerbates the challenges faced by the Amazon.” Exacerbates means “makes worse,” and hence, matches with meaning 3.
* **Conservation:** The passage mentions “Conservation efforts” are crucial for preserving the Amazon. Conservation refers to “actions taken to protect the environment,” fitting with meaning 1.
Q. 7 The key feature of a magnifying glass is its:
Check Solution
Ans: D
Explanation: The primary function of a magnifying glass is to enlarge the image of an object. While the curved shape and ability to focus light are necessary for this, the end result is image enlargement. The transparent material allows light to pass through, but doesn’t define the primary feature.
Q. 8 The main body of a typical scarecrow is often stuffed with:
Check Solution
Ans: B
Explanation: Scarecrows are traditionally stuffed with materials that are readily available and provide bulk. Straw is the most common material used to give the scarecrow its shape.
Q. 9 The primary purpose of using a projector in a movie theater is to:
Check Solution
Ans: B
Explanation: The primary function of a projector in a movie theater is to display the visual content. The other options are not the main purpose.
Q. 10 The word ‘prosperous’ most nearly means:
Check Solution
Ans: D
Explanation: The word “prosperous” means successful and wealthy. Therefore, the closest synonym among the options is “wealthy”.
Q. 11 What actions are being taken by the Australian government and other countries to combat the bushfires and provide aid?
Check Solution
Ans: B
Explanation: Option D accurately reflects the actions taken in response to the Australian bushfires. It describes government funding, international assistance, and the involvement of Australian services. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they misrepresent the situation.
Q. 12 What advantage did Darwin believe isolation and ill health provided him?
Check Solution
Ans: A
Explanation: The question asks about the advantage Darwin found in isolation and ill health. The correct answer highlights how this freed him from other responsibilities.
Q. 13 What is the primary concern raised by the IPCC report regarding the impact of cyclones in coastal areas?
Check Solution
Ans: C
Explanation: The IPCC reports consistently highlight the increasing risk to coastal areas due to climate change. This includes more intense cyclones, rising sea levels, and extreme rainfall, all of which contribute to a cascading impact. Option D accurately reflects this primary concern. Options A and C are incorrect, and B focuses on a limited aspect.
Q. 14 What is the primary goal of the Blind Opera troupe beyond performing plays?
Check Solution
Ans: C
Explanation: The question implies a deeper purpose beyond simple performance. Option D highlights community building and advocacy, which aligns with a broader goal. The other options are too narrow or focused on superficial aspects.
Q. 15 What negative impact of noise is mentioned regarding worker productivity?
Check Solution
Ans: C
Explanation: The question asks about the negative impact of noise on worker productivity. Option D directly states a decline in productivity related to noise levels. The other options suggest either positive effects or don’t directly relate to productivity.
Q. 16 Why did Ramlal consider sending Bholi to school?
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Ans: D
Explanation: The story indicates that Ramlal was primarily motivated by the Tehsildar’s order, which as a government representative he couldn’t disobey. While he might have hoped for some benefit for Bholi, his main concern was complying with the order and setting an example.
Q. 17 Why has the Maguri-Motapung wetlands been badly affected by the gas well blowout?
Check Solution
Ans: B
Explanation: The question asks about the impact of a gas well blowout on the Maguri-Motapung wetlands. A gas well blowout releases large quantities of oil and gas into the environment. The most direct impact of a gas well blowout is the release of oil into the water. Increased tourism, construction of dams, and fertilizer use are not typically direct results of or causes related to a gas well blowout.
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