SSC CPO Reading Comprehension Questions with Answers & Explanations

Read the passage and answer the question. Millets are a group of small-grained cereals such as jowar, bajra and ragi that have been grown in India for thousands of years. They are hardy crops that can grow in poor soil with little water, which makes them well suited to dry regions. Nutritionally, millets are rich in fibre and minerals like iron and calcium, and many of them release sugar into the blood more slowly than polished rice or refined wheat. Despite these advantages, millet consumption declined over several decades as diets shifted towards rice and wheat. In recent years, however, there has been renewed interest in millets, both for their health benefits and because they need less water than many other crops. The United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets, an idea proposed by India. Encouraging farmers to grow millets and consumers to eat them could improve nutrition and help agriculture adapt to a changing climate. Which of the following is mentioned as a millet in the passage?

1. ABasmati
2. BBarley
3. CRagi
4. DMaize

Read the passage and answer the question. Millets are a group of small-grained cereals such as jowar, bajra and ragi that have been grown in India for thousands of years. They are hardy crops that can grow in poor soil with little water, which makes them well suited to dry regions. Nutritionally, millets are rich in fibre and minerals like iron and calcium, and many of them release sugar into the blood more slowly than polished rice or refined wheat. Despite these advantages, millet consumption declined over several decades as diets shifted towards rice and wheat. In recent years, however, there has been renewed interest in millets, both for their health benefits and because they need less water than many other crops. The United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets, an idea proposed by India. Encouraging farmers to grow millets and consumers to eat them could improve nutrition and help agriculture adapt to a changing climate. Why are millets well suited to dry regions?

1. AThey must be grown under shade
2. BThey grow only in cold climates
3. CThey need heavy irrigation
4. DThey can grow in poor soil with little water

Read the passage and answer the question. Millets are a group of small-grained cereals such as jowar, bajra and ragi that have been grown in India for thousands of years. They are hardy crops that can grow in poor soil with little water, which makes them well suited to dry regions. Nutritionally, millets are rich in fibre and minerals like iron and calcium, and many of them release sugar into the blood more slowly than polished rice or refined wheat. Despite these advantages, millet consumption declined over several decades as diets shifted towards rice and wheat. In recent years, however, there has been renewed interest in millets, both for their health benefits and because they need less water than many other crops. The United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets, an idea proposed by India. Encouraging farmers to grow millets and consumers to eat them could improve nutrition and help agriculture adapt to a changing climate. Which nutrient is NOT mentioned as being found in millets?

1. ACalcium
2. BFibre
3. CVitamin C
4. DIron

Read the passage and answer the question. Millets are a group of small-grained cereals such as jowar, bajra and ragi that have been grown in India for thousands of years. They are hardy crops that can grow in poor soil with little water, which makes them well suited to dry regions. Nutritionally, millets are rich in fibre and minerals like iron and calcium, and many of them release sugar into the blood more slowly than polished rice or refined wheat. Despite these advantages, millet consumption declined over several decades as diets shifted towards rice and wheat. In recent years, however, there has been renewed interest in millets, both for their health benefits and because they need less water than many other crops. The United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets, an idea proposed by India. Encouraging farmers to grow millets and consumers to eat them could improve nutrition and help agriculture adapt to a changing climate. Which year was declared the International Year of Millets?

1. A2020
2. B2018
3. C2023
4. D2025

Read the passage and answer the question. Millets are a group of small-grained cereals such as jowar, bajra and ragi that have been grown in India for thousands of years. They are hardy crops that can grow in poor soil with little water, which makes them well suited to dry regions. Nutritionally, millets are rich in fibre and minerals like iron and calcium, and many of them release sugar into the blood more slowly than polished rice or refined wheat. Despite these advantages, millet consumption declined over several decades as diets shifted towards rice and wheat. In recent years, however, there has been renewed interest in millets, both for their health benefits and because they need less water than many other crops. The United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets, an idea proposed by India. Encouraging farmers to grow millets and consumers to eat them could improve nutrition and help agriculture adapt to a changing climate. According to the passage, why did millet consumption decline?

1. ADiets shifted towards rice and wheat
2. BMillets were banned
3. CMillets lost all their nutrients
4. DMillets became very expensive to import

Read the passage and answer the question. For a long time, sleep was thought of as a period when the brain simply switched off. Modern research shows the opposite: during sleep, the brain is busy organising what we learned during the day. In deep sleep, memories are replayed and moved from short-term storage to longer-term networks, making them more stable. This is why students who sleep well after studying tend to remember more than those who stay awake all night. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, affects attention, mood and decision-making. Even one night of poor sleep can make it harder to concentrate the next day, and repeated loss of sleep has been linked to health problems. For learners, the lesson is clear. Instead of sacrificing sleep to study a few more hours, spreading study across days and sleeping seven to eight hours a night is likely to produce better results. What was the older belief about sleep mentioned in the passage?

1. AThe brain simply switched off during sleep
2. BSleep was needed only by children
3. CThe brain worked harder during sleep than during the day
4. DSleep was harmful to memory

Read the passage and answer the question. For a long time, sleep was thought of as a period when the brain simply switched off. Modern research shows the opposite: during sleep, the brain is busy organising what we learned during the day. In deep sleep, memories are replayed and moved from short-term storage to longer-term networks, making them more stable. This is why students who sleep well after studying tend to remember more than those who stay awake all night. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, affects attention, mood and decision-making. Even one night of poor sleep can make it harder to concentrate the next day, and repeated loss of sleep has been linked to health problems. For learners, the lesson is clear. Instead of sacrificing sleep to study a few more hours, spreading study across days and sleeping seven to eight hours a night is likely to produce better results. What happens to memories during deep sleep?

1. AThey are replayed and made more stable
2. BThey are permanently erased
3. CThey are converted into dreams only
4. DThey are moved to short-term storage

Read the passage and answer the question. Over the past decade, digital payments have transformed how people in India buy and sell. A shopkeeper who once accepted only cash can now receive money instantly through a mobile phone by displaying a simple QR code. For customers, this means not having to carry exact change; for small businesses, it creates a record of transactions that can help them obtain loans. However, the shift has also brought new challenges. Fraudsters use fake calls and messages to trick people into sharing their PINs or approving payment requests. Older citizens and first-time smartphone users are especially vulnerable. Experts advise a few simple rules: never share a PIN or one-time password, remember that a PIN is needed only to send money and never to receive it, and verify the name of the person before approving any payment. With awareness, the convenience of digital payments can be enjoyed safely. What benefit of digital payments for small businesses is mentioned?

1. AThey get free mobile phones
2. BThey can avoid all customers who pay cash
3. CThey no longer need to pay taxes
4. DA transaction record that can help them obtain loans

Read the passage and answer the question. Over the past decade, digital payments have transformed how people in India buy and sell. A shopkeeper who once accepted only cash can now receive money instantly through a mobile phone by displaying a simple QR code. For customers, this means not having to carry exact change; for small businesses, it creates a record of transactions that can help them obtain loans. However, the shift has also brought new challenges. Fraudsters use fake calls and messages to trick people into sharing their PINs or approving payment requests. Older citizens and first-time smartphone users are especially vulnerable. Experts advise a few simple rules: never share a PIN or one-time password, remember that a PIN is needed only to send money and never to receive it, and verify the name of the person before approving any payment. With awareness, the convenience of digital payments can be enjoyed safely. Who are described as especially vulnerable to fraud?

1. AOlder citizens and first-time smartphone users
2. BYoung students only
3. CBank employees
4. DShopkeepers in large cities

Read the passage and answer the question. Over the past decade, digital payments have transformed how people in India buy and sell. A shopkeeper who once accepted only cash can now receive money instantly through a mobile phone by displaying a simple QR code. For customers, this means not having to carry exact change; for small businesses, it creates a record of transactions that can help them obtain loans. However, the shift has also brought new challenges. Fraudsters use fake calls and messages to trick people into sharing their PINs or approving payment requests. Older citizens and first-time smartphone users are especially vulnerable. Experts advise a few simple rules: never share a PIN or one-time password, remember that a PIN is needed only to send money and never to receive it, and verify the name of the person before approving any payment. With awareness, the convenience of digital payments can be enjoyed safely. According to the passage, when is a PIN required?

1. AOnly to send money
2. BOnly to receive money
3. CBoth to send and to receive money
4. DNever

Read the passage and answer the question. Over the past decade, digital payments have transformed how people in India buy and sell. A shopkeeper who once accepted only cash can now receive money instantly through a mobile phone by displaying a simple QR code. For customers, this means not having to carry exact change; for small businesses, it creates a record of transactions that can help them obtain loans. However, the shift has also brought new challenges. Fraudsters use fake calls and messages to trick people into sharing their PINs or approving payment requests. Older citizens and first-time smartphone users are especially vulnerable. Experts advise a few simple rules: never share a PIN or one-time password, remember that a PIN is needed only to send money and never to receive it, and verify the name of the person before approving any payment. With awareness, the convenience of digital payments can be enjoyed safely. Which of the following is NOT one of the safety rules mentioned?

1. AVerify the name before approving a payment
2. BNever share a PIN or one-time password
3. CUse only cash for large purchases
4. DRemember that receiving money needs no PIN

Read the passage and answer the question. Over the past decade, digital payments have transformed how people in India buy and sell. A shopkeeper who once accepted only cash can now receive money instantly through a mobile phone by displaying a simple QR code. For customers, this means not having to carry exact change; for small businesses, it creates a record of transactions that can help them obtain loans. However, the shift has also brought new challenges. Fraudsters use fake calls and messages to trick people into sharing their PINs or approving payment requests. Older citizens and first-time smartphone users are especially vulnerable. Experts advise a few simple rules: never share a PIN or one-time password, remember that a PIN is needed only to send money and never to receive it, and verify the name of the person before approving any payment. With awareness, the convenience of digital payments can be enjoyed safely. The tone of the passage is best described as

1. AHumorous
2. BAngry and critical
3. CBalanced and informative
4. DCompletely negative

Read the passage and answer the question. Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow along tropical and subtropical coastlines, where land meets the sea. They have adapted to survive in salty water and in soil that is low in oxygen. Many mangroves have special roots that rise above the mud to take in air, while others filter salt out of the water they absorb. These forests play an important role for both nature and people. Their dense roots slow down waves and reduce the damage caused by storms and tidal surges, protecting coastal villages. They also act as nurseries for fish, crabs and shrimp, which supports local fishing communities. In addition, mangroves store large amounts of carbon in their soil, helping to slow climate change. Despite these benefits, mangrove forests have been cleared in many places for farms, ports and housing. Protecting and replanting them is now seen as one of the most cost-effective ways to defend coasts. Where do mangroves usually grow?

1. AOn high mountains
2. BIn the middle of oceans
3. CIn cold deserts
4. DAlong tropical and subtropical coastlines

Read the passage and answer the question. Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow along tropical and subtropical coastlines, where land meets the sea. They have adapted to survive in salty water and in soil that is low in oxygen. Many mangroves have special roots that rise above the mud to take in air, while others filter salt out of the water they absorb. These forests play an important role for both nature and people. Their dense roots slow down waves and reduce the damage caused by storms and tidal surges, protecting coastal villages. They also act as nurseries for fish, crabs and shrimp, which supports local fishing communities. In addition, mangroves store large amounts of carbon in their soil, helping to slow climate change. Despite these benefits, mangrove forests have been cleared in many places for farms, ports and housing. Protecting and replanting them is now seen as one of the most cost-effective ways to defend coasts. How do mangroves protect coastal villages?

1. AThey block all sunlight from the coast
2. BThey keep fishermen away from the sea
3. CTheir dense roots slow down waves and reduce storm damage
4. DThey produce fresh drinking water

Read the passage and answer the question. Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow along tropical and subtropical coastlines, where land meets the sea. They have adapted to survive in salty water and in soil that is low in oxygen. Many mangroves have special roots that rise above the mud to take in air, while others filter salt out of the water they absorb. These forests play an important role for both nature and people. Their dense roots slow down waves and reduce the damage caused by storms and tidal surges, protecting coastal villages. They also act as nurseries for fish, crabs and shrimp, which supports local fishing communities. In addition, mangroves store large amounts of carbon in their soil, helping to slow climate change. Despite these benefits, mangrove forests have been cleared in many places for farms, ports and housing. Protecting and replanting them is now seen as one of the most cost-effective ways to defend coasts. Why are mangroves called "nurseries"?

1. AThey are grown in plant nurseries
2. BThey provide timber for schools
3. CChildren play in them
4. DYoung fish, crabs and shrimp grow among them

Read the passage and answer the question. Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow along tropical and subtropical coastlines, where land meets the sea. They have adapted to survive in salty water and in soil that is low in oxygen. Many mangroves have special roots that rise above the mud to take in air, while others filter salt out of the water they absorb. These forests play an important role for both nature and people. Their dense roots slow down waves and reduce the damage caused by storms and tidal surges, protecting coastal villages. They also act as nurseries for fish, crabs and shrimp, which supports local fishing communities. In addition, mangroves store large amounts of carbon in their soil, helping to slow climate change. Despite these benefits, mangrove forests have been cleared in many places for farms, ports and housing. Protecting and replanting them is now seen as one of the most cost-effective ways to defend coasts. According to the passage, how do mangroves help with climate change?

1. AThey cool the sea water
2. BThey absorb salt from the air
3. CThey stop rainfall
4. DThey store large amounts of carbon in their soil

Read the passage and answer the question. Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow along tropical and subtropical coastlines, where land meets the sea. They have adapted to survive in salty water and in soil that is low in oxygen. Many mangroves have special roots that rise above the mud to take in air, while others filter salt out of the water they absorb. These forests play an important role for both nature and people. Their dense roots slow down waves and reduce the damage caused by storms and tidal surges, protecting coastal villages. They also act as nurseries for fish, crabs and shrimp, which supports local fishing communities. In addition, mangroves store large amounts of carbon in their soil, helping to slow climate change. Despite these benefits, mangrove forests have been cleared in many places for farms, ports and housing. Protecting and replanting them is now seen as one of the most cost-effective ways to defend coasts. What is the main idea of the passage?

1. AMangroves are harmful to fishing
2. BMangroves grow only in India
3. CMangroves should be replaced by ports
4. DMangroves are valuable ecosystems that need protection

Read the passage and answer the question. Volunteering is often seen as something people do only to help others, but research suggests that volunteers benefit too. People who regularly give their time to a cause report higher levels of happiness and a stronger sense of purpose. Volunteering also helps people build new skills, from organising events to communicating with strangers, which can be useful in their careers. For young people in particular, it offers a chance to explore interests and meet people from different backgrounds. Communities gain as well: schools, hospitals and disaster-relief efforts often depend on volunteers to function. However, volunteering works best when it is well organised. Volunteers need clear roles, basic training and appreciation for their efforts; otherwise they may lose interest. When these conditions are met, volunteering creates a cycle in which both the giver and the receiver are better off. According to the passage, what do regular volunteers report?

1. AFewer friends
2. BHigher salaries
3. CLess free time and more stress
4. DHigher happiness and a stronger sense of purpose

Read the passage and answer the question. Volunteering is often seen as something people do only to help others, but research suggests that volunteers benefit too. People who regularly give their time to a cause report higher levels of happiness and a stronger sense of purpose. Volunteering also helps people build new skills, from organising events to communicating with strangers, which can be useful in their careers. For young people in particular, it offers a chance to explore interests and meet people from different backgrounds. Communities gain as well: schools, hospitals and disaster-relief efforts often depend on volunteers to function. However, volunteering works best when it is well organised. Volunteers need clear roles, basic training and appreciation for their efforts; otherwise they may lose interest. When these conditions are met, volunteering creates a cycle in which both the giver and the receiver are better off. Which skill is given as an example of what volunteers can learn?

1. APlaying music
2. BRepairing cars
3. COrganising events
4. DWriting software

Read the passage and answer the question. Volunteering is often seen as something people do only to help others, but research suggests that volunteers benefit too. People who regularly give their time to a cause report higher levels of happiness and a stronger sense of purpose. Volunteering also helps people build new skills, from organising events to communicating with strangers, which can be useful in their careers. For young people in particular, it offers a chance to explore interests and meet people from different backgrounds. Communities gain as well: schools, hospitals and disaster-relief efforts often depend on volunteers to function. However, volunteering works best when it is well organised. Volunteers need clear roles, basic training and appreciation for their efforts; otherwise they may lose interest. When these conditions are met, volunteering creates a cycle in which both the giver and the receiver are better off. Why might volunteers lose interest?

1. AIf they lack clear roles, training and appreciation
2. BIf they are paid too much
3. CIf they meet new people
4. DIf the cause is too popular