Reading Comprehension & Reasoning Quiz - Competitive Exams UGC_NET

Free practice quiz: Reading Comprehension & Reasoning (Competitive Exams UGC_NET). 72 multiple-choice questions with answers and explanations. Play online, no sign-up needed.

This Competitive Exams UGC_NET practice quiz has 72 multiple-choice questions on Reading Comprehension & Reasoning. Try the 5 sample questions below (tap an option to check yourself), then play the full quiz online. No sign-up needed.

Sample questions

1. In a passage arguing that social media algorithms amplify polarization, the author primarily supports the claim by:

   1. Citing personal anecdotes about online arguments
   2. Presenting statistical evidence linking algorithmic feeds to increased ideological segregation
   3. Comparing social media to traditional newspapers without data
   4. Defining polarization without explaining its causes
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Presenting statistical evidence linking algorithmic feeds to increased ideological segregation

2. In a passage, the author writes: 'This policy is a wolf in sheep's clothing.' The figurative meaning is that the policy:

   1. appears harmless but is harmful
   2. is expensive but necessary
   3. is beneficial but unpopular
   4. is popular but ineffective
   Show answer

   Answer: A. appears harmless but is harmful

3. Which of the following best describes the fallacy in the statement: 'You can't trust his opinion on climate policy because he's not a scientist'?

   1. Slippery slope
   2. Appeal to authority
   3. Straw man
   4. Ad hominem
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Ad hominem

4. A passage argues that 'artificial intelligence will lead to mass unemployment.' Which of the following is an assumption of this argument?

   1. Unemployment is always bad.
   2. AI is currently widespread.
   3. The economy will not create new jobs to replace those lost.
   4. AI will replace all human jobs.
   Show answer

   Answer: C. The economy will not create new jobs to replace those lost.

5. A passage argues that social media algorithms amplify polarization because they prioritize engagement over accuracy. The author primarily supports this claim by:

   1. Comparing social media to traditional newspapers
   2. Referencing research on engagement-driven recommendation systems
   3. Citing personal anecdotes about online arguments
   4. Appealing to the authority of technology CEOs
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Referencing research on engagement-driven recommendation systems

More questions in this quiz

Answers and explanations are in the full quiz.

1. A passage states: 'While urbanization boosts economic output, it often widens inequality unless accompanied by inclusive housing and transport policies.' Which inference is best supported?
2. Read the analogy: 'Critic is to review as auditor is to ______.'
3. A passage claims: 'Scientific consensus is not unanimity; it is the convergence of evidence from multiple independent lines of inquiry.' Which statement weakens this claim?
4. In a passage discussing 'the tragedy of the commons,' the author's main purpose is to:
5. Passage: 'Many believe that multitasking increases productivity. However, research shows that task-switching imposes cognitive costs, reducing overall efficiency.' The author's attitude toward multitasking is:
6. Which of the following is an assumption in the argument: 'Since the new teaching method improved test scores in one school, it should be adopted nationwide'?
7. A passage notes: 'The novelist's later works, though less popular, are more critically acclaimed.' What does 'though' signal?
8. In a passage arguing that AI will not replace teachers but will transform their roles, the author would most likely agree with which statement?
9. Passage: 'The ancient city's decline is often attributed solely to invasion. Yet archaeological evidence points to prolonged drought and administrative collapse before any invasion.' The author's main point is to:
10. Which of the following best describes the logical flaw in: 'All birds can fly. Penguins are birds. Therefore, penguins can fly.'?
11. A passage argues: 'If we value privacy, we must accept limits on data collection.' The contrapositive of this conditional is:
12. In a passage comparing two economic theories, the author uses the phrase 'on the one hand... on the other hand' primarily to:
13. A passage states: 'Correlation does not imply causation.' Which scenario best illustrates this?
14. A passage argues that standardized tests measure socioeconomic status more than intelligence. Which evidence would most strengthen this argument?
15. Which of the following is the best restatement of: 'Not all that glitters is gold'?
16. Passage: 'The study's sample was small and non-random; therefore, its findings should be treated with caution.' The reasoning here is based on:
17. A passage states: 'Innovation often emerges at the margins, not the center.' The author would most likely support:
18. In a passage, the author uses the word 'ubiquitous' to describe smartphones. This means smartphones are:
19. Which of the following arguments is deductively valid?
20. A passage discusses how 'fake news' spreads faster than truth. The author's tone is best described as:
21. Passage: 'While the new drug showed promise in trials, its long-term effects remain unknown.' The author's conclusion is that:
22. Which of the following best identifies the unstated premise in: 'She must be rich; she drives a luxury car.'?
23. In a passage that argues historical narratives are shaped by the victors, the author most likely intends to:
24. Which of the following is an example of an argument that uses circular reasoning?
25. A passage argues: 'If a society values innovation, it must tolerate failure.' The converse of this statement is:
26. In a passage, the author uses the metaphor 'a double-edged sword' to describe technology. The primary implication is that technology:
27. A passage states: 'The new policy reduced crime in the city. Therefore, it will reduce crime in every city.' This reasoning is flawed because it:
28. Which of the following is the negation of the statement 'All mammals live on land'?
29. In a passage, the author writes: 'The senator's speech was a mere footnote in the annals of history.' The word 'annals' most nearly means:
30. A passage argues that increased screen time leads to poor sleep. Which of the following, if true, would weaken this argument?
31. Which of the following best illustrates the straw man fallacy?
32. In a passage, the author states: 'The proposal is feasible, but its implementation would require significant resources.' The author's attitude is best described as:
33. A passage claims: 'Reading fiction improves empathy.' Which of the following is an unstated assumption of this claim?
34. Which of the following sentences uses the word 'sanction' correctly in the sense of 'penalty'?
35. A passage argues that 'the pen is mightier than the sword.' The author is primarily emphasizing:
36. Which of the following is the contrapositive of 'If it rains, the ground gets wet'?
37. In a passage, the author uses the phrase 'a Pyrrhic victory' to describe a business decision. This implies that the victory:
38. A passage states: 'The artist's work was avant-garde.' This means the work was:
39. A passage claims: 'The company's success is due to its innovative culture.' Which of the following would be the best evidence to support this claim?
40. In a passage, the author writes: 'The politician's promise was as empty as a drum.' This is an example of:
41. Which of the following is an example of an appeal to ignorance?
42. A passage states: 'The novel's protagonist is a quixotic figure.' This suggests the protagonist is:
43. In a passage, the author compares the mind to an iceberg. The comparison is used to illustrate that:
44. Which of the following best identifies the flaw in the argument: 'If we legalize marijuana, then soon all drugs will be legalized'?
45. A passage discusses the 'anchoring effect' in decision-making contexts and notes that negotiations often begin with extreme initial offers. The author's chief purpose is most likely to:
46. In a passage claiming that historical films teach more effectively than textbooks, the author would most likely agree that historical films should primarily be judged by:
47. A passage argues: 'Cities that invest in public transit attract more employers and thus more jobs.' Which of the following is an unstated assumption of this argument?
48. Read the analogy: 'Cartographer is to map as choreographer is to ______.'
49. A passage states: 'The proposal's supporters cite three economic studies, all funded by the same industry group.' The author is most likely raising a concern about:
50. Which of the following best illustrates the 'slippery slope' fallacy?
51. In a passage, the author writes: 'The new evidence does not prove the defendant innocent; it merely fails to prove him guilty.' This distinction reflects the principle that:
52. A passage compares two competing theories of language acquisition and concludes that neither fully explains the data. The author's stance is best described as:
53. Which of the following is the converse of the statement 'If a number is divisible by 4, then it is even'?
54. In a passage, the author uses the term 'Machiavellian' to describe a corporate strategy. This suggests the strategy is:
55. A passage claims: 'The decline in bee populations threatens global food security.' Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this claim?
56. Which of the following best restates the meaning of 'The exception proves the rule'?
57. A passage describes a study that found a link between coffee consumption and reduced heart disease risk, but notes that coffee drinkers also tend to exercise more. The author's main point is that:
58. In a passage, the author writes: 'The committee's decision was a tempest in a teapot.' This means the decision was:
59. A passage argues that 'standardized tests primarily measure test-taking ability rather than subject mastery.' Which of the following is an unstated premise in this argument?
60. Which of the following is an example of the 'genetic fallacy'?

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