Free BKSB Reading and Comprehension Skills Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following passage and answer the question below. 'The new city-wide recycling program has been a resounding success. In the first six months, the amount of waste sent to landfills has decreased by 30%. Residents have embraced the new system, with over 80% of households participating regularly. The initiative has not only benefited the environment but has also created 15 new jobs in the sorting and processing facility.' What is the main purpose of this passage?
- To persuade readers to recycle more.
- To inform readers about the success of the recycling program. (Correct answer)
- To complain about the cost of the new recycling program.
- To compare the city's recycling program to others.
Correct answer: To inform readers about the success of the recycling program.
The passage provides factual information and statistics about the positive outcomes of the new recycling program, such as the reduction in landfill waste and job creation. Its primary goal is to inform.
Question 2: Which of the following sentences contains a fact, rather than an opinion?
- The new library is the most beautiful building in the town.
- Everyone should visit the historical museum at least once.
- The council meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM on Tuesday. (Correct answer)
- Summer is clearly the best season of the year.
Correct answer: The council meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM on Tuesday.
A fact is a statement that can be proven true. The time and day of a meeting can be verified. The other statements are subjective judgments or beliefs (opinions).
Question 3: A memo to employees states: 'To enhance workplace efficiency, the new software will be installed this weekend. All staff are required to attend a mandatory training session on Monday morning from 9 AM to 11 AM. Please come prepared to learn the new system.' What can be inferred from this memo?
- Employees are unhappy about the new software.
- The company is struggling financially.
- The old software was not effective enough. (Correct answer)
- Monday's training session is optional for senior staff.
Correct answer: The old software was not effective enough.
The memo states the new software is being installed to 'enhance workplace efficiency,' which implies that the previous system was lacking in this area. The other options are not supported by the information given.
Question 4: The instructions were 'explicit', so the team was able to assemble the equipment without any issues. What is the meaning of the word 'explicit' in this context?
- Vague and unclear
- Brief and to the point
- Stated clearly and in detail (Correct answer)
- Difficult to understand
Correct answer: Stated clearly and in detail
The word 'explicit' means to state something in a clear and detailed way, leaving no room for confusion. The context that the team had 'no issues' supports this meaning.
Question 5: Read the following sentence: 'The wind, a relentless and howling beast, battered the small cottage throughout the night.' What is the tone of this sentence?
- Joyful and celebratory
- Humorous and light-hearted
- Calm and peaceful
- Tense and dramatic (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Tense and dramatic
The author uses powerful, descriptive words like 'relentless,' 'howling beast,' and 'battered' to create a sense of drama, danger, and intensity. This creates a tense tone.
Question 6: Which of the following is the most effective way to identify the main idea of a paragraph?
- Read only the last sentence of the paragraph.
- Count the number of times each word is used.
- Look for a topic sentence that summarizes the key point. (Correct answer)
- Focus on the shortest sentence in the paragraph.
Correct answer: Look for a topic sentence that summarizes the key point.
The main idea of a paragraph is often stated in a single sentence called the topic sentence. This sentence usually appears at or near the beginning of the paragraph and summarises the point the author is trying to make.
Read the following passage and answer the question below.
'The new city-wide recycling program has been a resounding success.
In the first six months, the amount of waste sent to landfills has decreased by 30%.
Residents have embraced the new system, with over 80% of households participating regularly.
The initiative has not only benefited the environment but has also created 15 new jobs in the sorting and processing facility.'
What is the main purpose of this passage?