BKSB Reading Comprehension Skills Questions and Answers

Question 1

Read the following passage and answer the question below.

'The local council has announced plans to pedestrianise the town centre. The scheme, set to begin next month, will involve closing High Street to all traffic between 8 am and 6 pm from Monday to Saturday. A spokesperson stated, 'This initiative aims to reduce pollution, improve safety for shoppers, and create a more pleasant environment for everyone.' However, some local business owners have expressed concern that the restrictions will deter customers who drive into town.'

What is the main purpose of this passage?

Accepted Answer

To inform residents and visitors about the upcoming changes to the town centre.

Answer

To argue against the pedestrianisation of the town centre.

Answer

To advertise new shopping opportunities in the town centre.

Answer

To profile the local council members.

Question 2

Which of the following reading techniques is most effective for quickly finding a specific date in a lengthy historical document?

Accepted Answer

Scanning

Answer

Skimming

Answer

Close reading

Answer

Summarising

Question 3

A student reads an email from their college with the subject line 'URGENT: Library Closure This Weekend'. To get a quick overview of the main points, such as which days and times the closure affects, which reading strategy should they use first?

Accepted Answer

Skimming the email to understand the general message and key details.

Answer

Close reading the entire email line by line.

Answer

Summarising the email for a friend.

Answer

Scanning the email for keywords like 'Saturday' and 'Sunday'.

Question 4

Read the sentence: 'Despite the weather forecast predicting clear skies, Sarah packed her umbrella; she had a feeling it might rain.' What can you infer from this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Sarah is relying on her intuition rather than the official forecast.

Answer

Sarah always trusts the weather forecast.

Answer

Sarah's umbrella was broken.

Answer

Sarah is going on a long journey.

Question 5

Which of the following is the best definition of a 'main idea' in a passage?

Accepted Answer

The author's single most important point or message.

Answer

An interesting detail or fact mentioned in the text.

Answer

A summary of the first paragraph only.

Answer

A personal opinion the reader forms about the text.

Question 6

A manager receives a 20-page report on quarterly sales figures. They need to prepare for a meeting in 10 minutes and must quickly understand the report's overall findings and conclusions. Which of the following is the most efficient approach?

Accepted Answer

Read the title, introduction, subheadings, and the concluding summary.

Answer

Read the entire report word-for-word.

Answer

Scan the document for every instance of the word 'profit'.

Answer

Ask a colleague to explain the report.