UPSC Civil Services Reading Comprehension Questions with Answers & Explanations

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. ALess free time and more stress
2. BFewer friends
3. CHigher happiness and a stronger sense of purpose
4. DHigher salaries

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. CWriting software
4. DOrganising events

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 the cause is too popular
3. CIf they are paid too much
4. DIf they meet new people

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. The "cycle" mentioned at the end refers to

1. Athe yearly calendar of events
2. Bboth the giver and the receiver being better off
3. Cthe training programme for volunteers
4. Dvolunteers leaving and returning repeatedly

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. What is the main idea of the passage?

1. AVolunteering is a waste of time
2. BVolunteering benefits both volunteers and communities when well organised
3. COnly young people should volunteer
4. DHospitals do not need volunteers

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 cue, a routine and a reward
2. BA decision, an action and a regret
3. CA goal, a plan and a result
4. DWillpower, effort and motivation

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. AKeep the cue and reward but replace the routine
2. BMake a dramatic new year resolution
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. 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. CEasy
4. DTiring

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

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. ANever
2. BBoth to send and to receive money
3. COnly to receive money
4. DOnly to send 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. 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. BBalanced and informative
3. CCompletely negative
4. DAngry and critical

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. BAlong tropical and subtropical coastlines
3. CIn cold deserts
4. DIn the middle of oceans

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. BTheir dense roots slow down waves and reduce storm damage
3. CThey keep fishermen away from the sea
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. CYoung fish, crabs and shrimp grow among them
4. DChildren play in 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 store large amounts of carbon in their soil
2. BThey absorb salt from the air
3. CThey cool the sea water
4. DThey stop rainfall

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