SSC Stenographer Reading Comprehension Questions with Answers & Explanations

Read the passage and answer the question. Habits are the small decisions we make so often that they become automatic. Researchers estimate that a large share of what we do each day is driven by habit rather than conscious choice. A habit has three parts: a cue that triggers it, a routine that follows, and a reward that makes the brain want to repeat it. Because of this loop, trying to break a bad habit through willpower alone often fails. A more effective approach is to keep the same cue and reward but replace the routine. Someone who snacks when bored, for example, might take a short walk when boredom strikes, which still offers a break and a small sense of pleasure. Good habits are also easier to build when they are small. Reading two pages a day feels effortless, yet over a year it adds up to several books. The key insight is that lasting change rarely comes from dramatic resolutions; it comes from small actions repeated consistently until they no longer require effort. According to the passage, what are the three parts of a habit?

1. AA decision, an action and a regret
2. BWillpower, effort and motivation
3. CA cue, a routine and a reward
4. DA goal, a plan and a result

Read the passage and answer the question. Habits are the small decisions we make so often that they become automatic. Researchers estimate that a large share of what we do each day is driven by habit rather than conscious choice. A habit has three parts: a cue that triggers it, a routine that follows, and a reward that makes the brain want to repeat it. Because of this loop, trying to break a bad habit through willpower alone often fails. A more effective approach is to keep the same cue and reward but replace the routine. Someone who snacks when bored, for example, might take a short walk when boredom strikes, which still offers a break and a small sense of pleasure. Good habits are also easier to build when they are small. Reading two pages a day feels effortless, yet over a year it adds up to several books. The key insight is that lasting change rarely comes from dramatic resolutions; it comes from small actions repeated consistently until they no longer require effort. Why does breaking a bad habit through willpower alone often fail?

1. ABecause habits cannot be changed at all
2. BBecause people do not want to change
3. CBecause willpower is only useful for good habits
4. DBecause the habit loop of cue and reward remains active

Read the passage and answer the question. Habits are the small decisions we make so often that they become automatic. Researchers estimate that a large share of what we do each day is driven by habit rather than conscious choice. A habit has three parts: a cue that triggers it, a routine that follows, and a reward that makes the brain want to repeat it. Because of this loop, trying to break a bad habit through willpower alone often fails. A more effective approach is to keep the same cue and reward but replace the routine. Someone who snacks when bored, for example, might take a short walk when boredom strikes, which still offers a break and a small sense of pleasure. Good habits are also easier to build when they are small. Reading two pages a day feels effortless, yet over a year it adds up to several books. The key insight is that lasting change rarely comes from dramatic resolutions; it comes from small actions repeated consistently until they no longer require effort. What does the passage suggest as a better way to change a bad habit?

1. AAvoid every situation that causes boredom
2. BRemove all rewards from one's life
3. CMake a dramatic new year resolution
4. DKeep the cue and reward but replace the routine

Read the passage and answer the question. Habits are the small decisions we make so often that they become automatic. Researchers estimate that a large share of what we do each day is driven by habit rather than conscious choice. A habit has three parts: a cue that triggers it, a routine that follows, and a reward that makes the brain want to repeat it. Because of this loop, trying to break a bad habit through willpower alone often fails. A more effective approach is to keep the same cue and reward but replace the routine. Someone who snacks when bored, for example, might take a short walk when boredom strikes, which still offers a break and a small sense of pleasure. Good habits are also easier to build when they are small. Reading two pages a day feels effortless, yet over a year it adds up to several books. The key insight is that lasting change rarely comes from dramatic resolutions; it comes from small actions repeated consistently until they no longer require effort. The example of "reading two pages a day" is used to show that

1. Abooks should be read slowly
2. Breading is the best habit of all
3. Csmall actions repeated consistently add up
4. Dlarge goals are easy to achieve

Read the passage and answer the question. Habits are the small decisions we make so often that they become automatic. Researchers estimate that a large share of what we do each day is driven by habit rather than conscious choice. A habit has three parts: a cue that triggers it, a routine that follows, and a reward that makes the brain want to repeat it. Because of this loop, trying to break a bad habit through willpower alone often fails. A more effective approach is to keep the same cue and reward but replace the routine. Someone who snacks when bored, for example, might take a short walk when boredom strikes, which still offers a break and a small sense of pleasure. Good habits are also easier to build when they are small. Reading two pages a day feels effortless, yet over a year it adds up to several books. The key insight is that lasting change rarely comes from dramatic resolutions; it comes from small actions repeated consistently until they no longer require effort. Which word is closest in meaning to "effortless" as used in the passage?

1. APointless
2. BCareful
3. CTiring
4. DEasy

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

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 moved to short-term storage
4. DThey are converted into dreams only

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. Why do students who sleep well after studying remember more?

1. ATheir memories are consolidated during sleep
2. BThey study for longer hours
3. CThey avoid all revision
4. DThey take more breaks during exams

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. Which effect of poor sleep is NOT mentioned in the passage?

1. APoorer decision-making
2. BImproved creativity
3. CReduced attention
4. DChanges in mood

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

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. BBank employees
3. CShopkeepers in large cities
4. DYoung students only

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. BNever
3. CBoth to send and to receive money
4. DOnly to receive money

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. ANever share a PIN or one-time password
2. BVerify the name before approving a payment
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. BCompletely negative
3. CBalanced and informative
4. DAngry and critical

Read the passage and answer the question. Habits are the small decisions we make so often that they become automatic. Researchers estimate that a large share of what we do each day is driven by habit rather than conscious choice. A habit has three parts: a cue that triggers it, a routine that follows, and a reward that makes the brain want to repeat it. Because of this loop, trying to break a bad habit through willpower alone often fails. A more effective approach is to keep the same cue and reward but replace the routine. Someone who snacks when bored, for example, might take a short walk when boredom strikes, which still offers a break and a small sense of pleasure. Good habits are also easier to build when they are small. Reading two pages a day feels effortless, yet over a year it adds up to several books. The key insight is that lasting change rarely comes from dramatic resolutions; it comes from small actions repeated consistently until they no longer require effort. According to the passage, what are the three parts of a habit?

1. AA goal, a plan and a result
2. BA cue, a routine and a reward
3. CWillpower, effort and motivation
4. DA decision, an action and a regret

Read the passage and answer the question. Habits are the small decisions we make so often that they become automatic. Researchers estimate that a large share of what we do each day is driven by habit rather than conscious choice. A habit has three parts: a cue that triggers it, a routine that follows, and a reward that makes the brain want to repeat it. Because of this loop, trying to break a bad habit through willpower alone often fails. A more effective approach is to keep the same cue and reward but replace the routine. Someone who snacks when bored, for example, might take a short walk when boredom strikes, which still offers a break and a small sense of pleasure. Good habits are also easier to build when they are small. Reading two pages a day feels effortless, yet over a year it adds up to several books. The key insight is that lasting change rarely comes from dramatic resolutions; it comes from small actions repeated consistently until they no longer require effort. Why does breaking a bad habit through willpower alone often fail?

1. ABecause people do not want to change
2. BBecause willpower is only useful for good habits
3. CBecause the habit loop of cue and reward remains active
4. DBecause habits cannot be changed at all

Read the passage and answer the question. Habits are the small decisions we make so often that they become automatic. Researchers estimate that a large share of what we do each day is driven by habit rather than conscious choice. A habit has three parts: a cue that triggers it, a routine that follows, and a reward that makes the brain want to repeat it. Because of this loop, trying to break a bad habit through willpower alone often fails. A more effective approach is to keep the same cue and reward but replace the routine. Someone who snacks when bored, for example, might take a short walk when boredom strikes, which still offers a break and a small sense of pleasure. Good habits are also easier to build when they are small. Reading two pages a day feels effortless, yet over a year it adds up to several books. The key insight is that lasting change rarely comes from dramatic resolutions; it comes from small actions repeated consistently until they no longer require effort. What does the passage suggest as a better way to change a bad habit?

1. AMake a dramatic new year resolution
2. BKeep the cue and reward but replace the routine
3. CAvoid every situation that causes boredom
4. DRemove all rewards from one's life

Read the passage and answer the question. Habits are the small decisions we make so often that they become automatic. Researchers estimate that a large share of what we do each day is driven by habit rather than conscious choice. A habit has three parts: a cue that triggers it, a routine that follows, and a reward that makes the brain want to repeat it. Because of this loop, trying to break a bad habit through willpower alone often fails. A more effective approach is to keep the same cue and reward but replace the routine. Someone who snacks when bored, for example, might take a short walk when boredom strikes, which still offers a break and a small sense of pleasure. Good habits are also easier to build when they are small. Reading two pages a day feels effortless, yet over a year it adds up to several books. The key insight is that lasting change rarely comes from dramatic resolutions; it comes from small actions repeated consistently until they no longer require effort. The example of "reading two pages a day" is used to show that

1. Areading is the best habit of all
2. Bbooks should be read slowly
3. Clarge goals are easy to achieve
4. Dsmall actions repeated consistently add up

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. ABarley
2. BMaize
3. CBasmati
4. DRagi

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