English Language : Reading Comprehension Sample Questions for SBI PO, SEBI Grade A, and IBPS PO

Suvarna C.

11 months ago

In the realm of competitive exams, the English Language section, and particularly Reading Comprehension (RC), holds paramount significance, especially in the context of Bank Exams. This section serves as a litmus test for candidates, assessing their linguistic prowess and analytical and critical thinking abilities. As banking and financial institutions increasingly operate globally, a profound command of the English language becomes indispensable for aspirants seeking a career in this sector.

The English Language section in Bank Exams is designed to evaluate candidates on various aspects such as grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. However, it is the Reading Comprehension segment that assumes a pivotal role. This component goes beyond mere language proficiency assessment; it challenges candidates to decipher complex passages, grasp intricate ideas, and draw logical inferences. Banking professionals are often required to deal with intricate documents, policy statements, and financial reports. Hence, the ability to comprehend and analyze written information efficiently becomes not just an asset but a prerequisite for success in the banking sector.

Moreover, the English Language section discriminates among candidates with similar quantitative and reasoning abilities. Banks seek individuals who can communicate effectively, whether written or verbal. Therefore, mastering this section can be a game-changer for aspirants aspiring to secure a competitive edge in Bank Exams. The English Language section, particularly Reading Comprehension, is the cornerstone for evaluating a candidate’s overall aptitude and suitability for a career in the dynamic and demanding banking field.

English Language: Importance in Bank Exams:

Reading comprehension is a high-scoring topic within the English Language section of banking and competitive exams, featuring prominently in both Prelims and Mains. Typically, candidates can expect 8 to 10 questions dedicated to this skill, making it a pivotal area for securing competitive success. The key to mastering this segment lies in consistent and targeted practice. In the competitive landscape of exams like SBI PO, SEBI Grade A, and IBPS PO, where time is of the essence, honing one’s ability to tackle these questions efficiently becomes imperative.

This article presents a set of moderate to difficult-level questions, offering aspirants an opportunity to refine their reading comprehension skills. This set, tailored to be solved within a time frame of 5 to 10 minutes, serves as a valuable practice resource for those preparing for upcoming banking examinations. The importance of adeptly handling English Language questions cannot be overstated, as it contributes to overall scores and reflects a candidate’s communication and analytical capabilities — crucial attributes in the competitive banking sector. Candidates can also check out ixamBee’s daily quizzes for regular practice. Detailed solutions provided at the end of the questions further enhance the learning experience, aiding aspirants in their journey towards success in these challenging exams.

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Sample English Comprehension Passages

Doctors in several hospitals across India are agitating for security after two interns in a Kolkata hospital were beaten up following the death of an old patient. The patient’s relatives were of the opinion that the death was because of doctors’ negligence.(3) While one must condone violence on doctors, it is also time for doctors in India to introspect.

(4) India is said to have one of the most corrupt medical system in the whole world. The situation has become so bad that patients today approach doctors with mixed feelings—of faith and fear, of hope and hostility.

While there are many upright doctors, no doubt, others have no ethics, some heartlessly fleecing patients, prescribing unnecessary drugs hand in glove with pharmaceutical companies, performing unnecessary operations. No wonder that a large section of Indians have no respect for doctors, a few even resorting to violence against them. (5) To regain social respect, doctors must remind themselves of their Hippocratic Oath and develop a spirit of service, entity with patients and sacrifice.

Q1. What is the theme of the passage?

a. The protest by doctors in Kolkata is not in good spirit

b. There are more cases of violence of doctors than medical negligence cases

c. Indian medical system is corrupt and beyond repair

d. Doctors in India are not acting ethically

e. None of these

Q2. What is the tone of the passage?

a. Ethical

b. Cynical

c. Belligerent

d. Introspective

e. Condescending

Q3. Against the sentence indicated as (3), in the passage, indicate which fragment of the sentence has an error as per choices below. Mark (e) if there is no error.

a. While one must condone

b. violence on doctors,

c. it is also time for doctors

e. in India to introspect

d. None of these

Q4. Against the sentence indicated as (4), in the passage, indicate which fragment of the sentence has an error as per choices below. Mark (e) if there is no error.

a. India is said

b. to have one of

c. the most corrupt medical system

d. in the whole world

e. None of these

Q5. Against the sentence indicated as (5), in the passage, indicate which fragment of the sentence has an error as per choices below. Mark (e) if there is no error.

a. To regain social respect,

b. doctors must remind themselves

c. of their Hippocratic Oath and

d. develop a spirit of service, entity with patients and sacrifice.

e. None of these

Answers:

Ans 1. (d)

When we talk of the theme, we need to see what is the underlying message of the author. What is that one sentence which will summarize the entire passage. Option (d) summarizes the entire passage as the passage talks of how doctors are resorting to several unethical actions. It does acknowledge the presence of good doctors too, but largely stresses on the absence of ethics and presence of corruption.

Ans 2. (a)

The best way to know about the tone of the passage is to understand what the author wants you to feel when you read the passage. The entire passage talks of the actions of the doctors – whether it is ethical or not. Cynical means “doubtful” and the author does not cast any doubt but has picked his side clearly. “Introspective” means to look within and search for answers, which does not fully encapsulate the passage. “Belligerent” means aggressive and “condescending”, means to talk down on someone, which are incorrect.

Ans 3. (a)

The word “condone” is used incorrectly as it means “to accept reluctantly any immoral behaviour”. “not condone” or “condemn” are the correct replacements for “condone” given in the passage.