Reading Comprehension - Practice Questions 



If a person suddenly encounters any terrible danger, the change of nature one undergoes is equally great. Sometimes fear numbs our senses. Like animals, one stands still, powerless to move a step in fright or to lift a hand in defense of our lives, and sometimes one is seized with panic, and again, act more like the inferior animals than rational beings. On the other hand, frequently in cases of sudden extreme peril, which cannot be escaped by flight, and must be instantly faced, even the most timid men at once as if by miracle, become possessed of the necessary courage, sharp quick apprehension and swift decision. This is a miracle very common in nature. Man and the inferior animals alike, when confronted with almost certain death ‘ gather resolution from despair’ but there can really be no trace of so debilitating a feeling in the person fighting, or prepared to fight for dear life. At such times the mind is clearer than it has ever been; the nerves are steel, there is nothing felt but a wonderful strength and daring. Looking back at certain perilous moments in my own life, I remember them with a kind of joy, not that there was any joyful excitement then, but because they broadened my horizon, lifted me for a time above myself.




The title that best suits the passage would be:-

The Will to Fight

The Miracle of Confronting Danger

The Change of Nature

Courage and Panic




Answer: Option B

This best captures the essence of the passage. In case one is faced with sudden danger, even the man who is shy gets the courage to face the situation as it has further been discussed in the lines “Frequently in cases.......in nature.”




A man may react to sudden danger in three different ways . What are they?

He may flee in panic, or fight back or stand still.

He may be paralyzed with fear, seized with panic or act like an inferior animal.

He may be paralyzed with fear, or seized with panic, or as if by miracle, become possessed of the necessary courage, and face the danger.

He may be paralyzed with fear, run away or fight.


Answer: Option C

The paragraph clearly identifies 3 ways:

Sometimes fear numbs our senses. Like animals, one stands still, powerless to move a step in fright or to lift a hand in defense of our lives,

and sometimes one is seized with panic, and again, act more like the inferior animals than rational beings.

On the other hand, frequently in cases of sudden extreme peril, which cannot be escaped by flight, and must be instantly faced, even the most timid men at once as if by miracle, become possessed of the necessary courage, sharp quick apprehension and swift decision.




What is the meaning of the word debilitating ?

enfeeble

strengthen

debase

thriving

Answer: Option A

The word “enfeeble” means to make weak or feeble.




Explain the phrase ‘gather resolution from danger’.

Find peace in times of difficulty.

A state of utter hopelessness makes one determined to face the difficulty.

To remain calm and not to lose hope.

To be enthusiastic and brave the odds.


Answer: Option B

It means that in times of difficulty one gathers courage to make decisions. The word ‘resolution’ means the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action.



The author feels happy in the recollection of dangers faced and overcome because

They brought him a new experience.

They added a new perspective and lifted him above himself for a time.

These experiences boosted his confidence.

He felt elated as he was alive.

Answer: Option B

It is mentioned in the last few lines.