English Passage Reading and Comprehension in Bank exams
In the English language section of bank exams, solving passage reading comprehension surpasses simple question-answering; it entails understanding the text, conducting critical analysis, and extracting essential information. Passages often cover diverse topics such as Economics, Finance, Current Affairs, and more. Answering these questions reflects a candidate’s general awareness and knowledge about various subjects relevant to banking. Answering comprehension questions often involves analyzing and interpreting information from the given passages. Banks seek candidates with strong analytical skills to make sound decisions. Reading comprehension tests the candidate’s ability to understand and communicate ideas effectively. These questions assess the ability to make logical inferences based on given information.
So, we can say that, English Reading Comprehension questions in bank exams serve as a comprehensive way to evaluate a candidate’s language skills, critical thinking abilities, and suitability for roles that demand effective communication and analytical skill within the banking sector.
In today’s article, I have provided 1 set (5 questions) of moderate to difficult level of Reading Comprehension questions which is expected to be solved in 5 to 10 minutes. These questions will be helpful in the upcoming examinations of SBI PO, SEBI Grade A, and IBPS PO exams.
Reading comprehension is one of the scoring topics in the English language section. You can easily find at least 8 to 10 questions in the Prelims as well as Mains of any banking or competitive examinations. Practice is the only way to conquer this topic. Answers with detailed solutions have been provided at the end of the questions. Let’s look at the paragraph below:
Passage
You can seek investment advice from both banks and individual wealth managers. Banks, however, have historically proven to be highly controversial as wealth managers. (3) A sales culture (i) driven by profit maximization and commissions has often come at the (ii) products of clients. Most of the large banks have been (iii) seen to patronize the (iv) expense of their subsidiaries (asset management companies and insurance companies). However, banks are ideally placed to cater to the all-round needs of a client. (4) On the one hand, Wealth managers today need to look at all the aspects of a customer’s (i) investment well-being and not restrict themselves to a particular (ii) financial or insurance offering. With a (iii) significant shift in the (iv) regulatory landscape and risk-return matrix, some practices have become must-have for wealth managers. These include an established framework of sound processes for understanding the risk preferences of clients and doing the due diligence in choosing products, particularly when the products are from the group entities of the distributor. Wealth managers must also ensure focus on balanced performance metrics (non-revenue centric) for their relationship managers, safeguarding fair client outcomes.(5) Established banks are, however, ideally (i) unique to deliver the above outcomes, especially given the significant (ii) focus on compliance and reputation, and the scale and (iii) stability they provide. Also, given the (iv) placed 360-degree view they have of the client, banks are able to tailor multiple solutions to meet clients’ needs fully.
1. What is the theme of the passage?
- Banks have a dicey approach while approaching clients for investments as they focus only on profit.
- Banks and Wealth Mangers meet needs of investors in different ways, with banks outperforming wealth managers.
- Wealth managers have a dire need of introducing certain “best practices” of the industry
- Non-revenue centric metrics are going to be the deciding factor between Banks and wealth managers
- None of these
2. What is the tone of the passage?
- Analytical
- Critical
- One-sided
- Indignant
- Dissatisfied
3. Against the sentences indicated as (3), in the passage, there are four words marked (i), (ii), (iii), (iv). One pair of these words needs to be interchanged to impart the correct meaning. Choose the option that conveys the replacement of words. If the words are already in the right places, choose option (e).
- (i)-(ii)
- (ii)-(iii)
- (ii)-(iv)
- (i)-(iv)
- None of these
4. Against the sentences indicated as (4), in the passage, there are four words marked (i), (ii), (iii), (iv). One pair of these words needs to be interchanged to impart the correct meaning. Choose the option that conveys the replacement of words. If the words are already in the right places, choose option (e).
- (i)-(iii)
- (i)-(ii)
- (iii)-(iv)
- (ii)-(iv)
- None of these
5. Against the sentences indicated as (5), in the passage, there are four words marked (i), (ii), (iii), (iv). One pair of these words needs to be interchanged to impart the correct meaning. Choose the option that conveys the replacement of words. If the words are already in the right places, choose option (e).
- (i)-(iii)
- (i)-(ii)
- (iii)-(iv)
- (i)-(iv)
- None of these
Answers:
Ans 1. (2)
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 (b) summarizes the entire passage as the passage talks of both, banks and wealth managers. In the last para, it indicates that banks are positioned to meet the objectives that wealth managers need to achieve.
Ans 2. (3)
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 takes the side of banks. The 1st para introduces the problem, the 2nd problem informs the various aspects that wealth managers need to do and the 3rd para again supports the banks. Hence, the passage takes the side of banks.
Ans 3. (3)
For the word marked (iv), “patronize the expense” is incorrect as “patronize” means “to put down” and one cannot “put down” an expense. The best position for “expense” is at (ii) as we talk about “expense of clients” and the other phrase will be “products of the subsidiaries”. Hence, (ii) and (iv) need to be replaced with each other.
Ans 4. (2)
to look at all the aspects of a customer’s (i) investment well-being and not restrict themselves to a particular (ii) financial or insurance offering. For the word marked (i), “customer’s investment well-being” doesn’t make sense as “investment well being” is incorrect. The best replacement is at (ii) after which we will have “customer’s financial well being” and “particular investment or insurance offering”. Hence, (i) and (ii) need to be replaced with each other.
Ans 5. (4)
In (iv), “given the placed 360-degree view” is incorrect as the word “placed” is replacing “360-degree view”. The best replacement is at (i) after which we will have “are, however, ideally placed to deliver” and “Also, given the unique 360-degree view”. Hence, (i) and (iv) need to be replaced with each other.
Smart tips and methods for solving English Reading Comprehension Questions
Here are some tips and methods to effectively tackle English language Reading Comprehension questions in bank exams:
1. Skim the passage: Begin by quickly reading through the passage to grasp the main idea and structure. Pay attention to topic sentences, headings, and the conclusion to understand the flow of the text.
2. Identify keywords: While reading, underline or mentally note down important keywords, phrases, and ideas. This helps in retaining crucial information and answering questions more accurately.
3. Focus on the questions: Read the questions before delving deep into the passage. This gives you an idea of what information to look for while reading, saving time and guiding your focus.
4. Analyze question types: Comprehension questions can vary – from factual ones to those requiring inference or deduction. Identify the type of question being asked to approach it accordingly.
5. Refer back to the text: For every answer, refer back to the passage. Even if you think you know the answer, confirm it by finding the relevant section in the passage.
6. Practice regularly: Regular practice of reading comprehension passages is essential. It enhances your speed, comprehension skills, and familiarity with various types of texts.
7. Improve vocabulary: A good vocabulary helps in understanding complex texts. Work on building your vocabulary through consistent reading and learning new words.
8. Avoid assumptions: Base your answers solely on the information provided in the passage. Avoid making assumptions or bringing in external knowledge.
9. Eliminate incorrect options: If you’re unsure about an answer, eliminate obviously incorrect options to increase your chances of selecting the right one.
Remember, practice and familiarity with various types of passages are key to improving your reading comprehension skills for bank exams. You can also attempt Free Full-length Mock Tests for various examinations like SSC, IBPS RRB, UPSC, RBI Grade B, SEBI, NABARD, and more.
Conclusion
Reading comprehension might seem daunting at first, but with consistent practice and the right approach, you can navigate even the most challenging passages. Remember, these exams assess your ability to not just read, but to truly understand and analyze written information.
ixamBee provides you the required study resources to excel in the English language reading comprehension section for all the major bank exams like the SBI PO, IBPS PO, SEBI Grade A and more. Utilize our Practice Reading Comprehension Questions and Answers and Reading Comprehension Solved Example PDF to unlock your full potential in English Reading Comprehension for any upcoming competitive exams. Wish you Good Luck!
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