Reading Comprehension Test

This is a free practice test with sample questions and answers on civil service exam reading comprehension. 

Direction: Read the passage then answer the questions that follow.

Science fiction is a type of story that draws inspiration from science and imagination. One of the grandmasters of science fiction, Isaac Asimov, often based his stories on a future where great advancements in technology are prevalent.

An example of this technology is the robot. From protagonists to antagonists, these mechanical characters breathe life into science fiction whether thrust into the main role or as a supporting act. More often than not, these automatons can do what human beings in the novels can – only better. These robots are stronger, faster, and more intelligent than their human counterparts. To balance these advantages, Asimov developed the Laws of Robotics; however, the more resourceful robots are able to find ways around these laws, which sometimes leads to disastrous results.

Though not all science fiction novels use robots in their storytelling, some, like Asimov, are quite successful in doing so. The appearance of robots can give off a different, vibrant luster to the genre.

Reading Comprehension

1. Which of the following best summarizes the relationship of the first sentence to the rest of the reading passage?

1.  arguments followed by conclusion
2.  definition followed by explanation
3.  specific example then general example
4.  objective then result
5.  evidence then conclusion

2. What is the author’s attitude towards robots in the reading passage?

1.  appreciative
2.  censuring
3.  disparaging
4.  selfish
5.  indifferent

3. As used in the reading passage, the word “luster” means

1.  flavor
2.  radiance
3.  emotion
4.  texture
5.  color

4. Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the reading passage?

1.  Robots are governed by the three laws of robotics.
2.  Isaac Asimov is the grandmaster of science fiction.
3.  Science fiction has a very strong following.
4.  Science fiction novels have protagonists and antagonists.
5.  Robotics plays an important role in science fiction.

5. All of the following are supported by the reading passage EXCEPT:

1.  Robots make science fiction more interesting.
2.  Robots in Asimov’s universe follow the three laws of robotics.
3.  Science fiction authors write about technology, but they do not like robots.
4.  Isaac Asimov is fond of writing about robots.
5.  Robots are better than humans in almost every way.

6. The reading passage suggests that

1.  Novelists often shun the use of robots and technologies because of lack of sufficient information.
2.  Many successful science fiction novels have robots in their stories.
3.  There are some science fiction novels which do not use robots as themes.
4.  Science fiction novels are more popular than historical romance novels.
5.  Isaac Asimov only writes stories involving robots

Direction: Read the passage then answer the questions which follow.

Harnessing the power of the sun so that it can be used as electricity by consumers is the kind of self-sustaining energy that the world needs, eliminating the dependence on fossil fuels and significantly lowering the pollution generated by its use. Unfortunately, people can hardly utilize the benefits of solar power because when the sun is at its peak, hardly anyone is there to make use of the power it stores.

This is where the creation of a solar battery, which sources electricity from solar panels, comes in. It is especially useful when electricity rates are down because the energy is stored for future use. That means in the evening, when the sun has set, the home can make use of the stored power in a solar battery when the utility rates are at their peak.

Thus, people accrue savings because they do not use power from the grid during peak hours. They may even make money by selling any excess power to the electric company. Furthermore, the solar battery protects people from power outages as it provides backup power supply. The solar battery is an incredible breakthrough because it offers independence from the utility grid, ensuring that people have more than enough power at all times.

1. What is the meaning of the word “accrue” as used in the reading passage?

1.  present
2.  amass
3.  dissipate
4.  disperse
5.  demand

2. What is the technique used in the reading passage?

1.  general observations, particular observations, alternative solutions
2.  report, personal reflections, conclusion
3.  arguments, questions, answers
4.  introduction, explanation, advantages
5.  supporting evidence, contrary evidence, generalization

3. It can be inferred from the reading passage that

1.  solar panels harness the sun’s energy.
2.  electric consumption is optimal when the sun is at its peak.
3.  the power of the sun can be used as electricity.
4.  solar batteries offer independence from the utility grid.
5.  having solar batteries is advantageous for homes.

4. What is the best title for the reading passage?

1.  How to Make Money from the Electric Company
2.  The Downfall of Electric Companies
3.  Solar Panels and the Future
4.  The Solar Battery and its Advantages
5.  Power Crisis and Outages

5. All of the following are supported by the reading passage EXCEPT:

1.  The solar battery is a device which can help with the problem of energy shortage.
2.  People are usually out when the sun is at its peak.
3.  The solar battery may be used at home as a backup power supply.
4.  Fossil fuels are no longer being used.
5.  Solar panels absorb energy from the sun.

6. What is the author’s tone regarding sustainable energy?

1.  passive
2.  indifferent
3.  aggressive
4.  supportive
5.  passionate

Direction: Read the passage then answers the questions which follow.

A selfie is a popular term coined to mean a photograph of one’s self. People usually take selfies by extending their arms far away from them as possible, then clicking on the device, such as a smartphone or a camera, with the same hand to take their picture. Other people make use of a selfie stick that increases the distance further to enable a much wider shot.

Contrary to popular belief, a selfie is not a new phenomenon. As a matter of fact, the very first selfie was taken in 1839 by a pioneering American photographer. It’s just that with the prevalence of smartphones, taking selfies has become easier, and posting those pictures on social media sites has made it more accessible.

There are many differing views regarding selfies. Critics point out that people who take selfies are after some sort of attention or want to put on a show. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some people say that taking selfies is just a way of spreading and sharing fun among friends and families as it is a means of keeping in touch. One thing is for sure, whether you are against it or not, selfies are not going away anytime soon.

1. What does the reading passage imply?

1.  There will be more professional photographers in the future.
2.  People will purchase more digital SLRs.
3.  Selfies will no longer be posted on social media.
4.  The first selfie was taken during the 1800s.
5.  Taking selfies is a trend in photography.

2. The word “pioneering” in the reading passage means

1.  original
2.  anomaly
3.  trend
4.  mistake
5.  confrontation

3. What is the author’s feeling towards selfies in the reading passage?

1.  prejudiced
2.  subjective
3.  annoyed
4.  impartial
5.  involved

4. What is the relationship of the last two sentences of the reading passage with each other?

1.  effect then cause
2.  general statement and evidence
3.  particular statement followed by examples
4.  conclusion followed by premises
5.  negative and positive opinions

5. What is the best title for the reading passage?

1.  Selfie and its Characteristics
2.  People Who Take Selfies
3.  The First Selfie
4.  The History and Popularity of Selfies
5.  Selfie and its Definition

6. All of the following are supported in the reading passage EXCEPT:

1.  People who take selfies usually post them on social media.
2.  Taking selfies is now easier than ever.
3.  Selfies can be taken with the help of friends.
4.  Selfies can be taken with the use of a selfie stick.
5.  Selfies are taken with a digital camera or a camera phone.

Direction: Read the passage then answer the questions that follow.

The Spratly Islands are a cluster of reefs and islands located in the South China Sea. They are situated near the coasts of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Southern Vietnam. Because these mostly uninhabitable islands are rich fishing grounds and may contain unexploited oil and natural gas resources, they have become the basis of territorial disputes among several Asian countries such as the Philippines, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan.

It is the right to gather and harness these resources, as well as the violation of exclusive economic zones, that has increased tensions among neighboring countries. China has made the largest claim, establishing its controversial nine-dash line that outlines the scope of its territories, foregoing the guidelines and agreements established by the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS), of which it is a signatory.

Smaller Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and the Philippines have taken offense to the aggressive tactics by their larger neighbor and have sought international intercession regarding their plight. While other countries have denounced China’s claim, most countries prefer to stay neutral and let the countries involved settle their differences on their own.

Yet the most glaring aspect that is often overlooked is China’s “cabbage” naval tactics on these islands. A cabbage, having so many layers, closely resembles their naval defense of the area, having fleets of ships patrolling their borders. This slow but long-term Chinese expansion in the area has been a cause for worry to the other regional players, and rightly so. This provocative move is a way for China to increase its control over the islands, in total disregard of the other countries’ claims of ownership.

Still, many are optimistic that a war may be prevented and that a peaceful resolution can be reached. Knowing the possible global impacts of war, such as the disruption of international trade and the loss of innocent lives, it is to the best interest of all parties involved to explore all diplomatic channels.

1. Which of the following best describes the development of the reading passage?

1.  effect then cause
2.  problem, major and minor points, examples
3.  advantages, disadvantages
4.  introduction of the topic, issues, suggestion
5.  problem, alternative solutions

2. The word “harness” in the reading passage means

1.  bind    
2.  utilize
3.  squander  
4.  contest
5.  preclude

3. Which of the following may be inferred from the reading passage?

1.  The Spratly Islands have a potentially high economic value.
2.  There is an ongoing territorial dispute over the Spratly Islands among the following Asian countries: China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
3.  The expansion of Chinese territory over the Spratly Islands has made the other claimants worry.
4.  China is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea.
5.  The Philippines filed for an arbitration case against China before the United Nations.

4. What is the best title for the reading passage?

1.  China and the Spratly Islands
2.  War Over the Spratly Islands
3.  The Spratly Islands and its Neighboring Asian Countries
4.  Territorial Disputes Over the Spratly Islands
5.  The Spratly Islands and the UNCLOS

5. All of the following are supported by the reading passage EXCEPT:

1.  The Spratly Islands are located in the South China Sea, near the coasts of Philippines, Malaysia, and Southern Vietnam.
2.  Increased US military presence in the South China Sea has agitated China and the other Asian countries staking a claim on the Spratly Islands.
3.  Although the Spratly Islands are mostly uninhabitable, they are rich fishing grounds and have unexploited oil and natural gas resources.
4.  China’s slow but long-term expansion of territory is a way for it to gain more control over the Spratly Islands.
5.  China established a controversial nine-dash line which is contrary to the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea.

6. What is the tone of the reading passage?

1.  hopeful
2.  caustic
3.  wistful
4.  cautionary
5.  ambivalent