Reading Comprehension MCQs

Civil Service Exam reading comprehension reviewer with original short passages on the environment, public service, study skills and disaster preparedness, with questions on main idea, details and inference.

1. 1

   Passage: "Mangrove forests grow along sheltered coasts where rivers meet the sea. Their tangled roots slow down waves and trap mud, which protects nearby villages from storm surges and erosion. Mangroves are also nurseries for fish and crabs, so fishing families depend on them. Yet many mangrove areas in the country were cleared for fishponds in past decades. Today, local governments and communities are replanting mangroves, but experts warn that seedlings must be planted only where mangroves naturally grow, or most of them will die." What is the main idea of the passage?

   AMangroves are important to coasts and communities and should be restored correctly.BStorm surges cannot be prevented.COnly experts should plant trees.DFishponds are more profitable than mangroves.

   Correct answer: A. Mangroves are important to coasts and communities and should be restored correctly.

   The passage explains why mangroves matter (protection from surges and erosion, fish nurseries), notes their loss, and ends with how they should be replanted. Only the first option covers the whole passage.

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2. 2

   Passage: "Mangrove forests grow along sheltered coasts where rivers meet the sea. Their tangled roots slow down waves and trap mud, which protects nearby villages from storm surges and erosion. Mangroves are also nurseries for fish and crabs, so fishing families depend on them. Yet many mangrove areas in the country were cleared for fishponds in past decades. Today, local governments and communities are replanting mangroves, but experts warn that seedlings must be planted only where mangroves naturally grow, or most of them will die." According to the passage, how do mangroves protect villages?

   ABy producing fresh waterBBy blocking rivers from reaching the seaCBy slowing down waves and trapping mudDBy attracting tourists

   Correct answer: C. By slowing down waves and trapping mud

   The second sentence states that the tangled roots "slow down waves and trap mud", which protects villages from storm surges and erosion. The other options are not mentioned.

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3. 3

   Passage: "Mangrove forests grow along sheltered coasts where rivers meet the sea. Their tangled roots slow down waves and trap mud, which protects nearby villages from storm surges and erosion. Mangroves are also nurseries for fish and crabs, so fishing families depend on them. Yet many mangrove areas in the country were cleared for fishponds in past decades. Today, local governments and communities are replanting mangroves, but experts warn that seedlings must be planted only where mangroves naturally grow, or most of them will die." Why do experts warn about where seedlings are planted?

   ASeedlings are too expensiveBSeedlings planted where mangroves do not naturally grow are likely to dieCReplanting is illegal in some areasDMangroves grow best in deep ocean water

   Correct answer: B. Seedlings planted where mangroves do not naturally grow are likely to die

   The last sentence says seedlings must be planted only where mangroves naturally grow, "or most of them will die". The warning is about survival, not cost or legality.

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4. 4

   Passage: "Mangrove forests grow along sheltered coasts where rivers meet the sea. Their tangled roots slow down waves and trap mud, which protects nearby villages from storm surges and erosion. Mangroves are also nurseries for fish and crabs, so fishing families depend on them. Yet many mangrove areas in the country were cleared for fishponds in past decades. Today, local governments and communities are replanting mangroves, but experts warn that seedlings must be planted only where mangroves naturally grow, or most of them will die." As used in the passage, the word "nurseries" means:

   APlaces where young fish and crabs growBHospitals for animalsCSchools for young childrenDPlant shops

   Correct answer: A. Places where young fish and crabs grow

   In context, mangroves are "nurseries for fish and crabs", meaning places where young sea creatures are sheltered as they grow. The everyday meaning, a place for small children, does not fit.

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5. 5

   Passage: "Barangay Malinis began a waste segregation programme last year. Each household now separates biodegradable waste, recyclables and residual waste. Biodegradable waste goes to a community composting area, while recyclables are sold to junk shops, and the income funds the barangay's tree-planting drive. As a result, the amount of garbage collected by the municipal truck fell by almost half within six months. Barangay officials say the programme succeeded because volunteers visited every household to explain it, instead of simply posting a notice." What was the main result of the programme?

   AThe garbage collected by the municipal truck fell by almost halfBHouseholds stopped producing wasteCJunk shops closed downDThe barangay built a new landfill

   Correct answer: A. The garbage collected by the municipal truck fell by almost half

   The passage states that the garbage collected by the municipal truck fell by almost half within six months. It does not say that waste stopped or that a landfill was built.

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6. 6

   Passage: "Barangay Malinis began a waste segregation programme last year. Each household now separates biodegradable waste, recyclables and residual waste. Biodegradable waste goes to a community composting area, while recyclables are sold to junk shops, and the income funds the barangay's tree-planting drive. As a result, the amount of garbage collected by the municipal truck fell by almost half within six months. Barangay officials say the programme succeeded because volunteers visited every household to explain it, instead of simply posting a notice." How is the income from selling recyclables used?

   ATo fund the barangay's tree-planting driveBTo pay volunteersCTo buy a garbage truckDTo build the composting area

   Correct answer: A. To fund the barangay's tree-planting drive

   The passage says recyclables are sold to junk shops "and the income funds the barangay's tree-planting drive". Careful reading of details like this is the key to such items.

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7. 7

   Passage: "Barangay Malinis began a waste segregation programme last year. Each household now separates biodegradable waste, recyclables and residual waste. Biodegradable waste goes to a community composting area, while recyclables are sold to junk shops, and the income funds the barangay's tree-planting drive. As a result, the amount of garbage collected by the municipal truck fell by almost half within six months. Barangay officials say the programme succeeded because volunteers visited every household to explain it, instead of simply posting a notice." According to barangay officials, why did the programme succeed?

   AThe municipal truck stopped collecting garbageBVolunteers visited every household to explain itCFines were imposed on householdsDA notice was posted in the barangay hall

   Correct answer: B. Volunteers visited every household to explain it

   The last sentence credits the volunteers who visited every household "instead of simply posting a notice". The passage contrasts personal explanation with a posted notice.

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8. 8

   Passage: "Barangay Malinis began a waste segregation programme last year. Each household now separates biodegradable waste, recyclables and residual waste. Biodegradable waste goes to a community composting area, while recyclables are sold to junk shops, and the income funds the barangay's tree-planting drive. As a result, the amount of garbage collected by the municipal truck fell by almost half within six months. Barangay officials say the programme succeeded because volunteers visited every household to explain it, instead of simply posting a notice." Which law does the barangay's programme put into practice?

   ARA 6713, the Code of ConductBRA 9262, the Anti-VAWC ActCRA 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management ActDRA 10121, the DRRM Act

   Correct answer: C. RA 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act

   Segregating biodegradable, recyclable and residual waste at the household level is the "segregation at source" required by RA 9003. This item links reading comprehension with General Information.

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9. 9

   Passage: "Many reviewees spend hours rereading notes, but research on learning shows that testing yourself is far more effective. When you try to recall an answer before checking it, your brain strengthens the path to that memory. Spacing your practice over several days also helps more than studying everything in one long session. A good plan, therefore, mixes short daily quizzes with regular review of the questions you got wrong." Which study method does the passage recommend?

   AMemorising answers without reviewing mistakesBStudying everything the night beforeCRereading notes for many hoursDTesting yourself and spacing practice over several days

   Correct answer: D. Testing yourself and spacing practice over several days

   The passage says self-testing is more effective than rereading and that spacing practice over several days helps more than one long session. Its final sentence combines both ideas.

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10. 10

    Passage: "Many reviewees spend hours rereading notes, but research on learning shows that testing yourself is far more effective. When you try to recall an answer before checking it, your brain strengthens the path to that memory. Spacing your practice over several days also helps more than studying everything in one long session. A good plan, therefore, mixes short daily quizzes with regular review of the questions you got wrong." What does the passage suggest happens when you try to recall an answer before checking it?

    AYou waste timeBYou become confusedCYour brain strengthens the path to that memoryDYou forget the answer faster

    Correct answer: C. Your brain strengthens the path to that memory

    The second sentence states that trying to recall an answer before checking it "strengthens the path to that memory". This is the principle behind active recall.

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12. 11

    Passage: "Many reviewees spend hours rereading notes, but research on learning shows that testing yourself is far more effective. When you try to recall an answer before checking it, your brain strengthens the path to that memory. Spacing your practice over several days also helps more than studying everything in one long session. A good plan, therefore, mixes short daily quizzes with regular review of the questions you got wrong." The word "therefore" in the last sentence shows that the sentence is:

    AA conclusion drawn from the previous ideasBA question to the readerCAn example of a new topicDA contrast to the previous ideas

    Correct answer: A. A conclusion drawn from the previous ideas

    "Therefore" introduces a conclusion based on what came before. The recommended plan follows from the earlier points about self-testing and spacing.

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13. 12

    Passage: "Many reviewees spend hours rereading notes, but research on learning shows that testing yourself is far more effective. When you try to recall an answer before checking it, your brain strengthens the path to that memory. Spacing your practice over several days also helps more than studying everything in one long session. A good plan, therefore, mixes short daily quizzes with regular review of the questions you got wrong." Which title best fits the passage?

    AHow to Write Good NotesBThe History of Learning ResearchCWhy Rereading Is the Best MethodDStudy Smarter: Test Yourself and Space Your Practice

    Correct answer: D. Study Smarter: Test Yourself and Space Your Practice

    The passage is about effective study habits, especially self-testing and spaced practice. The first title contradicts it and the others are about topics the passage does not discuss.

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14. 13

    Passage: "The office introduced an online appointment system for permit applications. Before the change, applicants lined up as early as five in the morning, and many had to return the next day. Now, applicants choose a time slot online and receive a reference number by text message. Walk-in applicants are still accepted, but they are served only after those with appointments. Some senior citizens complained that the system was difficult to use, so the office set up a help desk at the entrance." What problem did the online appointment system aim to solve?

    AA shortage of staffBLong queues and applicants having to return the next dayCHigh permit feesDLost documents

    Correct answer: B. Long queues and applicants having to return the next day

    The passage describes applicants lining up as early as five in the morning, with many having to return the next day. The new system was introduced to address this.

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15. 14

    Passage: "The office introduced an online appointment system for permit applications. Before the change, applicants lined up as early as five in the morning, and many had to return the next day. Now, applicants choose a time slot online and receive a reference number by text message. Walk-in applicants are still accepted, but they are served only after those with appointments. Some senior citizens complained that the system was difficult to use, so the office set up a help desk at the entrance." How are walk-in applicants treated under the new system?

    AThey are served firstBThey must pay an extra feeCThey are no longer acceptedDThey are served only after applicants with appointments

    Correct answer: D. They are served only after applicants with appointments

    The passage states that walk-in applicants are still accepted but are served only after those with appointments. Neither refusal nor an extra fee is mentioned.

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16. 15

    Passage: "The office introduced an online appointment system for permit applications. Before the change, applicants lined up as early as five in the morning, and many had to return the next day. Now, applicants choose a time slot online and receive a reference number by text message. Walk-in applicants are still accepted, but they are served only after those with appointments. Some senior citizens complained that the system was difficult to use, so the office set up a help desk at the entrance." Why did the office set up a help desk?

    ATo replace the online systemBTo sell application formsCBecause applicants lost their reference numbersDBecause some senior citizens found the system difficult to use

    Correct answer: D. Because some senior citizens found the system difficult to use

    The last sentence explains that some senior citizens complained the system was difficult, "so the office set up a help desk". "So" signals the cause-and-effect link.

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17. 16

    Passage: "The office introduced an online appointment system for permit applications. Before the change, applicants lined up as early as five in the morning, and many had to return the next day. Now, applicants choose a time slot online and receive a reference number by text message. Walk-in applicants are still accepted, but they are served only after those with appointments. Some senior citizens complained that the system was difficult to use, so the office set up a help desk at the entrance." It can be inferred from the passage that the office:

    AStopped serving senior citizensBCharges for appointmentsCIgnored complaints from the publicDTried to make its service faster while still helping those who struggle with technology

    Correct answer: D. Tried to make its service faster while still helping those who struggle with technology

    The office introduced appointments to cut waiting and, after complaints, added a help desk. Together these show an effort to improve service for everyone. The other options contradict the passage.

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18. 17

    Passage: "Typhoon preparedness begins long before a storm arrives. Families are advised to prepare a go-bag containing water, food that does not need cooking, a flashlight, a whistle, medicines and copies of important documents. They should also know the evacuation centre nearest their home and the safest route to reach it. When authorities order a pre-emptive evacuation, residents of high-risk areas should leave early, while roads are still passable, rather than wait until floodwaters rise." According to the passage, when does typhoon preparedness begin?

    AOnly when a signal is raisedBWhen the storm makes landfallCLong before a storm arrivesDAfter floodwaters rise

    Correct answer: C. Long before a storm arrives

    The first sentence states that typhoon preparedness "begins long before a storm arrives". The rest of the passage describes what to prepare in advance.

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19. 18

    Passage: "Typhoon preparedness begins long before a storm arrives. Families are advised to prepare a go-bag containing water, food that does not need cooking, a flashlight, a whistle, medicines and copies of important documents. They should also know the evacuation centre nearest their home and the safest route to reach it. When authorities order a pre-emptive evacuation, residents of high-risk areas should leave early, while roads are still passable, rather than wait until floodwaters rise." Which item is NOT mentioned as part of a go-bag?

    AA whistleBA portable stoveCA flashlightDCopies of important documents

    Correct answer: B. A portable stove

    The passage lists water, food that does not need cooking, a flashlight, a whistle, medicines and copies of documents. A stove is not mentioned, and the food listed is food that needs no cooking.

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20. 19

    Passage: "Typhoon preparedness begins long before a storm arrives. Families are advised to prepare a go-bag containing water, food that does not need cooking, a flashlight, a whistle, medicines and copies of important documents. They should also know the evacuation centre nearest their home and the safest route to reach it. When authorities order a pre-emptive evacuation, residents of high-risk areas should leave early, while roads are still passable, rather than wait until floodwaters rise." Why should residents of high-risk areas leave early during a pre-emptive evacuation?

    ATo get the best spot in the evacuation centreBBecause roads are still passable before floodwaters riseCTo avoid paying finesDBecause the evacuation centre closes early

    Correct answer: B. Because roads are still passable before floodwaters rise

    The passage advises leaving "early, while roads are still passable, rather than wait until floodwaters rise". Safety on the way to the evacuation centre is the reason.

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21. 20

    Passage: "Typhoon preparedness begins long before a storm arrives. Families are advised to prepare a go-bag containing water, food that does not need cooking, a flashlight, a whistle, medicines and copies of important documents. They should also know the evacuation centre nearest their home and the safest route to reach it. When authorities order a pre-emptive evacuation, residents of high-risk areas should leave early, while roads are still passable, rather than wait until floodwaters rise." As used in the passage, the word "pre-emptive" means:

    ADone after the danger has passedBDone only by volunteersCDone in advance to prevent harmDDone without any order

    Correct answer: C. Done in advance to prevent harm

    A pre-emptive evacuation takes place before the danger arrives, to prevent harm. The prefix "pre-" means before, a useful clue in vocabulary-in-context items.

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