[ CSE 35 ] CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION REVIEWER XXXV - Reading Comprehension

Civil Service Reviewer

Instructions:

Please answer each question to the best of your ability. Each question is multiple choice, and only one answer per question is correct. Select the most appropriate answer from the options provided. There are 20 questions in total.

When you have completed all questions, click the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page to see your score. Good luck!

1. Passage: The rainforest is one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. It is home to thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else. Rainforests help regulate the Earth’s climate and play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide. However, these ecosystems are under threat due to deforestation, which is often driven by logging, agriculture, and urban expansion.

Question: What is one significant role of rainforests as mentioned in the passage?

A) Regulating the Earth's climate.
B) Providing wood for furniture.
C) Hosting tourism activities.
D) Creating urban areas.

2. Passage: The Industrial Revolution marked a significant shift in human history, characterized by the rise of factories, increased production, and technological advancements. These changes transformed societies, created new jobs, and led to the growth of cities. However, the revolution also brought challenges such as labor exploitation, pollution, and the rise of inequality.

Question: According to the passage, which of the following was a negative impact of the Industrial Revolution?

A) Increased job creation
B) Labor exploitation
C) Urban growth
D) Technological advancements

3. Passage: Marine biologists have discovered that coral reefs are some of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, despite existing in nutrient-poor waters. The symbiotic relationship between corals and algae is key to this productivity. Algae live inside coral tissues, providing them with energy through photosynthesis, while corals offer algae a safe environment and access to sunlight.

Question: What is the primary reason coral reefs are productive according to the passage?

A) They receive ample nutrients from the ocean.
B) They have a symbiotic relationship with algae.
C) They are located in warm waters.
D) They are free from predators.

4. Passage: Ancient Egyptian society was highly structured, with a pharaoh at the top of the social pyramid. Beneath the pharaoh were priests, nobles, and administrators who helped manage the kingdom. The middle class included skilled workers like artisans and scribes, while the lower class was primarily composed of farmers and laborers.

Question: Who was at the top of the social hierarchy in Ancient Egypt?

A) Nobles
B) Priests
C) Pharaoh
D) Farmers

5. Passage: The Great Wall of China, built over centuries, served as a defense mechanism against invasions and raids. Stretching over 13,000 miles, it stands as a testament to the strength and determination of the Chinese people. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination, symbolizing China's historical and cultural heritage.

Question: What was the original purpose of the Great Wall of China?

A) To promote tourism
B) To defend against invasions
C) To separate different regions of China
D) To support cultural exchanges

6. Passage: Known for its picturesque scenery and cultural richness, Italy has a long history of art, architecture, and innovation. The Italian Renaissance, which began in the 14th century, produced some of the most celebrated works in painting, sculpture, and literature. This era marked a revival of classical learning and set new standards in artistic expression.

Question: When did the Italian Renaissance begin?

A) In the 14th century
B) In the 10th century
C) In the 18th century
D) In the 19th century

7. Passage: Space exploration has provided humanity with new perspectives on Earth and the universe. The Apollo missions were a pivotal moment in space history, allowing humans to land on the moon for the first time. Today, efforts are focused on exploring Mars and distant asteroids, aiming to understand the conditions of other planets and the potential for extraterrestrial life.

Question: Which celestial body did the Apollo missions allow humans to explore?

A) Mars
B) The Moon
C) Jupiter
D) Saturn

8. Passage: The Arctic is home to unique ecosystems that support polar bears, seals, and a variety of seabirds. This region is experiencing some of the fastest warming due to climate change, leading to melting ice and threats to wildlife habitats. Indigenous communities in the Arctic also face challenges as they depend on ice for transportation and hunting.

Question: What is one impact of climate change on the Arctic mentioned in the passage?

A) Expansion of ice
B) More abundant wildlife
C) Melting ice
D) Increased population of polar bears

9. Passage: William Shakespeare is one of the most influential writers in the English language. His plays, such as "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," and "Macbeth," explore complex themes of love, ambition, and betrayal. These works have been adapted into countless films, books, and performances, maintaining their relevance across generations.

Question: Which theme is NOT mentioned as a focus in Shakespeare's works in the passage?

A) Ambition
B) Love
C) Humor
D) Betrayal

10. Passage: Nelson Mandela is widely remembered for his role in ending apartheid in South Africa. Imprisoned for 27 years, Mandela's commitment to justice and equality inspired a movement that ultimately led to his election as South Africa's first black president. His legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and peace.

Question: How many years was Mandela imprisoned?

A) 20 years
B) 27 years
C) 30 years
D) 25 years

11. Passage: The Amazon River is one of the longest rivers in the world, flowing over 4,000 miles across South America. Its basin hosts the Amazon rainforest, which produces around 20% of the world’s oxygen. The river is home to diverse wildlife, including piranhas, pink river dolphins, and a vast variety of fish species.

Question: According to the passage, what percentage of the world’s oxygen is produced by the Amazon rainforest?

A) 10%
B) 20%
C) 30%
D) 50%

12. Passage: The French Revolution was a period of radical change in France from 1789 to 1799. It began with financial crises and social unrest, eventually leading to the abolition of the monarchy and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. The revolution was a key event in European history, influencing political ideas and social norms worldwide.

Question: What event did the French Revolution ultimately lead to?

A) Reinstatement of the monarchy
B) Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte
C) Peaceful resolution
D) The American Revolution

13. Passage: Marie Curie was a pioneering scientist known for her research on radioactivity, a term she coined. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to have won Nobel Prizes in two scientific fields: Physics and Chemistry. Her discoveries paved the way for advances in cancer treatment and medical imaging.

Question: What significant achievement did Marie Curie accomplish?

A) She discovered X-rays.
B) She won Nobel Prizes in two scientific fields.
C) She created the field of botany.
D) She developed penicillin.

14. Passage: The Renaissance was a period of cultural rebirth that began in Italy during the 14th century and spread throughout Europe. This era saw significant advances in art, science, and literature. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo created works that continue to be celebrated, and scientists like Galileo made groundbreaking discoveries.

Question: Which two artists mentioned are associated with the Renaissance period?

A) Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo
B) Picasso and Rembrandt
C) Van Gogh and Monet
D) Renoir and Cézanne

15. Passage: Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues worldwide. Each year, millions of tons of plastic end up in the ocean, affecting marine life and ecosystems. Efforts to reduce plastic waste include recycling, banning single-use plastics, and promoting biodegradable alternatives.

Question: Which solution is mentioned in the passage as a way to address plastic pollution?

A) Increasing plastic production
B) Banning single-use plastics
C) Decreasing waste altogether
D) Promoting more packaging

16. Passage: In Greek mythology, Zeus was considered the king of the gods, ruling over Mount Olympus. He was associated with the sky, thunder, and justice. Zeus was often depicted with a lightning bolt and was worshipped as a powerful and wise deity who governed both mortals and other gods.

Question: Which element was Zeus associated with in Greek mythology?

A) Fire
B) Thunder
C) Water
D) Earth

17. Passage: Eleanor Roosevelt served as the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. She redefined the role by actively participating in social and political issues, advocating for human rights, and serving as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations. Her contributions left a lasting impact on American society and global human rights efforts.

Question: In what role did Eleanor Roosevelt serve at the United Nations?

A) President
B) U.S. delegate
C) Secretary-General
D) Ambassador

18. Passage: The Galápagos Islands are known for their unique wildlife and were the site of Charles Darwin's observations that contributed to his theory of evolution. Species like the Galápagos tortoise and marine iguana are found only on these islands, which remain a valuable area for scientific research and conservation.

Question: What scientific theory is associated with Charles Darwin and the Galápagos Islands?

A) Evolution
B) Relativity
C) Quantum mechanics
D) Classical mechanics

19. Passage: The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, has revolutionized our understanding of the universe. It orbits Earth and captures images of distant galaxies, stars, and planets. Through its observations, astronomers have gained insights into the age of the universe and the presence of black holes.

Question: What has the Hubble Space Telescope contributed to astronomy?

A) Discovered the Earth's age
B) Provided images of distant galaxies
C) Landed on Mars
D) Created telescopic lenses

20. Passage: The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted for about a decade. It had devastating effects on economies, leading to high unemployment, widespread poverty, and changes in government policies to prevent future crises.

Question: When did the Great Depression begin?

A) 1929
B) 1918
C) 1935
D) 1942

Result

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