NDA · General Ability Test — English
Reading comprehension passages with main idea and inference questions.
Study notes are still being prepared.
Don't wait — Shishya can teach you this topic right now, on demand.
Ask Shishya to teach this →Shishya is your personal tutor for this topic. Pick a starter or open a free chat.
Q1 · Comprehension · EASY
Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows: The Indian monsoon is a seasonal wind system that reverses direction twice a year. From June to September, moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rainfall to the Indian subcontinent. This summer monsoon is crucial for agriculture, as nearly 60% of India's farmland depends on it for irrigation. However, the monsoon is unpredictable. Some years bring floods, while others result in drought. Scientists have tried to predict monsoon patterns using various climate models, but accurate long-term forecasting remains a challenge. Despite its unpredictability, the monsoon has shaped Indian culture, economy, and civilization for thousands of years. What is the main idea of the passage?
Q2 · Comprehension · MEDIUM
Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows: Coral reefs are often called the rainforests of the sea. They cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but support approximately 25% of all marine species. These underwater ecosystems are built by tiny animals called coral polyps, which secrete calcium carbonate to form hard skeletons. Over thousands of years, these skeletons accumulate to create massive reef structures. Coral reefs provide food and shelter for countless organisms, protect coastlines from erosion, and support fishing industries. However, rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and overfishing are causing coral bleaching and reef degradation worldwide. Without urgent conservation efforts, many reefs may disappear within decades. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
Q3 · Comprehension · EASY
Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows: In 1947, India gained independence after nearly two centuries of British colonial rule. The freedom movement was marked by both violent and non-violent resistance. Mahatma Gandhi championed the philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa) and civil disobedience, organizing mass movements like the Salt March and Quit India Movement. Other leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose believed in armed struggle and formed the Indian National Army. Despite different approaches, all freedom fighters shared a common goal: to free India from foreign domination. The independence struggle not only ended colonial rule but also inspired liberation movements across Asia and Africa. According to the passage, what did all Indian freedom fighters have in common?
Q4 · Comprehension · MEDIUM
Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows: The development of artificial intelligence has raised important ethical questions. As machines become capable of tasks once thought to require human intelligence—such as diagnosing diseases, driving vehicles, and even creating art—society must grapple with issues of accountability and control. If an autonomous vehicle causes an accident, who is responsible: the manufacturer, the software developer, or the owner? Moreover, AI systems can perpetuate existing biases if trained on flawed data. For instance, facial recognition software has shown lower accuracy rates for people with darker skin tones. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, establishing ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks is essential to ensure these technologies benefit everyone equitably. What concern about AI is illustrated by the facial recognition example?
Q5 · Comprehension · HARD
Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows: The concept of sustainable development emerged in the late 20th century as a response to growing environmental degradation and social inequality. It is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This requires balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. Critics argue that the term is often used as mere rhetoric by governments and corporations that continue unsustainable practices. They point to continued deforestation, rising carbon emissions, and increasing wealth disparities as evidence that sustainability remains more an aspiration than a reality. Proponents, however, cite examples of renewable energy adoption, circular economy initiatives, and community-led conservation projects as proof that sustainable development is achievable when there is genuine political will and public engagement. Which of the following best describes the author's approach in this passage?