Skip to content

Free · past papers · answers included

English Language MCQ practice free online · page 376

Questions from RRB, NTPC, Group D and JE past papers. Tap an option to check it instantly — every question shows the correct answer, and most carry the explanation the paper gave.

No sign-up10 per pageAnswers & explanations
  1. 3751SSC2025English LanguageEnglish

    Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.

    PassageTap to read

    "The understanding of history is always sought in the events or dates that constitute it, as if it were always, in the end, through the collection of facts that the past spoke: through the collection of facts and the certainty of their occurrence. The view of history that we attempt to preserve is rigidly anchored on the document, its archives, its dates, and its neutrality. But to assign history a single Truth is to impose a limit on that past, to furnish it with a final verdict, to freeze the narrative. Such a perspective is born of the empiricist and positivist ideologies that have placed the fact at the center of knowledge, emphasizing its objectivity and permanence. Yet, in reality, history is a reconstruction of every echo, of every fragmented memory. History begins at the moment the Event is set aside, and interpretation speaks—not the Event. To refuse the absolute Fact is not to refuse reality, but to refuse the tyranny of a single, unbiased account. The past, instead, becomes a field of competing narratives, where truth is neither singular nor absolute. The vitality of history is not located in its occurrence but in its reconstruction; it is the historian, not the Event, who gives shape to the past. This radical displacement shifts the weight from the occurrence to the observer, from the supposed certainty of the archive to the dynamic play of perspectives within the narrative itself."

    According to the passage, what happens when we refuse the "absolute Fact" in history?

    Show answer

    Correct option: B — The past becomes a field of competing narratives.

    The past becomes a field of competing narratives. When the absolute Fact is refused, the past is no longer restricted to a single, unbiased account. Instead, it opens up to multiple narratives, allowing the historian to shape the understanding of the past rather than the events controlling it. Hence, option (b) is the most appropriate answer.

  2. 3752SSC2025English LanguageEnglish

    Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.

    PassageTap to read

    "Discourse analysis, the framework through which society understands truth, is based on the assumption that power and knowledge are inextricably linked. Institutions take great pains to defend this order, often restricting validity to the concepts that the dominant culture has defined as rational. When history proceeds in this fashion, narratives tend to be linear, reinforcing the established hierarchy rather than questioning it. Yet, over time, subjugated knowledge—historical contents that have been buried or disguised—resurface. Initially, these counter-narratives are dismissed as madness or as deviations to be corrected within the existing disciplinary structure. However, as these voices grow in volume and coherence, they begin to erode the legitimacy of the prevailing authority. The evolution of such systems is not a straightforward process of liberation, as Enlightenment thinkers might argue, but rather a reorganization of how power operates. Epistemic shifts occur when a new 'regime of truth' emerges—one that is not merely a reform of the old laws but a fundamental restructuring of discipline. This change is not purely legal or moral; it involves a radical change in focus, akin to a microscopic realignment. The transition from public torture to the prison timetable, for example, did not merely change the method of punishment; it redefined the very target of control from the physical body to the soul."

    What is the best synonym for "inextricable" in the sentence: "Power and knowledge are inextricably linked."

    Show answer

    Correct option: C — Inseparable

    Inseparable - impossible to separate or untangle. Inextricable - impossible to disentangle or separate. Separable - able to be separated. Tangential - diverging from a previous course; hardly touching. Temporary - lasting for only a limited period.

  3. 3753SSC2025English LanguageEnglish

    Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.

    PassageTap to read

    "Discourse analysis, the framework through which society understands truth, is based on the assumption that power and knowledge are inextricably linked. Institutions take great pains to defend this order, often restricting validity to the concepts that the dominant culture has defined as rational. When history proceeds in this fashion, narratives tend to be linear, reinforcing the established hierarchy rather than questioning it. Yet, over time, subjugated knowledge—historical contents that have been buried or disguised—resurface. Initially, these counter-narratives are dismissed as madness or as deviations to be corrected within the existing disciplinary structure. However, as these voices grow in volume and coherence, they begin to erode the legitimacy of the prevailing authority. The evolution of such systems is not a straightforward process of liberation, as Enlightenment thinkers might argue, but rather a reorganization of how power operates. Epistemic shifts occur when a new 'regime of truth' emerges—one that is not merely a reform of the old laws but a fundamental restructuring of discipline. This change is not purely legal or moral; it involves a radical change in focus, akin to a microscopic realignment. The transition from public torture to the prison timetable, for example, did not merely change the method of punishment; it redefined the very target of control from the physical body to the soul."

    What does the phrase "regime of truth" imply in this context?

    Show answer

    Correct option: B — A system defining what is accepted as reality

    A system defining what is accepted as reality In the passage, a "regime of truth" refers to the specific system or framework that dictates what counts as true or false in a society. It implies a structural way of organizing knowledge and power, rather than just "honesty." Hence, option (b) is the most appropriate answer.

  4. 3754SSC2025English LanguageEnglish

    Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.

    PassageTap to read

    "Discourse analysis, the framework through which society understands truth, is based on the assumption that power and knowledge are inextricably linked. Institutions take great pains to defend this order, often restricting validity to the concepts that the dominant culture has defined as rational. When history proceeds in this fashion, narratives tend to be linear, reinforcing the established hierarchy rather than questioning it. Yet, over time, subjugated knowledge—historical contents that have been buried or disguised—resurface. Initially, these counter-narratives are dismissed as madness or as deviations to be corrected within the existing disciplinary structure. However, as these voices grow in volume and coherence, they begin to erode the legitimacy of the prevailing authority. The evolution of such systems is not a straightforward process of liberation, as Enlightenment thinkers might argue, but rather a reorganization of how power operates. Epistemic shifts occur when a new 'regime of truth' emerges—one that is not merely a reform of the old laws but a fundamental restructuring of discipline. This change is not purely legal or moral; it involves a radical change in focus, akin to a microscopic realignment. The transition from public torture to the prison timetable, for example, did not merely change the method of punishment; it redefined the very target of control from the physical body to the soul."

    According to the passage, why does the transition from torture to prison represent a restructuring rather than just a reform?

    Show answer

    Correct option: C — Because it shifted the target of control from the body to the soul.

    Because it shifted the target of control from the body to the soul. According to the passage, the shift was not merely a change in method (reform) but a fundamental redefinition of the target. The text explicitly states it "redefined the very target of control from the physical body to the soul." Hence, option (c) is the most appropriate answer.

  5. 3755SSC2025English LanguageEnglish

    Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.

    PassageTap to read

    "Discourse analysis, the framework through which society understands truth, is based on the assumption that power and knowledge are inextricably linked. Institutions take great pains to defend this order, often restricting validity to the concepts that the dominant culture has defined as rational. When history proceeds in this fashion, narratives tend to be linear, reinforcing the established hierarchy rather than questioning it. Yet, over time, subjugated knowledge—historical contents that have been buried or disguised—resurface. Initially, these counter-narratives are dismissed as madness or as deviations to be corrected within the existing disciplinary structure. However, as these voices grow in volume and coherence, they begin to erode the legitimacy of the prevailing authority. The evolution of such systems is not a straightforward process of liberation, as Enlightenment thinkers might argue, but rather a reorganization of how power operates. Epistemic shifts occur when a new 'regime of truth' emerges—one that is not merely a reform of the old laws but a fundamental restructuring of discipline. This change is not purely legal or moral; it involves a radical change in focus, akin to a microscopic realignment. The transition from public torture to the prison timetable, for example, did not merely change the method of punishment; it redefined the very target of control from the physical body to the soul."

    Identify the voice used in the sentence: "Counter-narratives are dismissed as madness or as deviations to be corrected within the existing structure."

    Show answer

    Correct option: B — Passive voice

    Passive voice The given sentence is an example of the passive voice of the simple present tense. It follows the structure: “Plural subject + are + V3 + other words.” The sentence highlights the action (dismissed) rather than the doer. Hence, ‘passive voice’ is the most appropriate answer.

  6. 3756SSC2025English LanguageEnglish

    Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.

    PassageTap to read

    "Discourse analysis, the framework through which society understands truth, is based on the assumption that power and knowledge are inextricably linked. Institutions take great pains to defend this order, often restricting validity to the concepts that the dominant culture has defined as rational. When history proceeds in this fashion, narratives tend to be linear, reinforcing the established hierarchy rather than questioning it. Yet, over time, subjugated knowledge—historical contents that have been buried or disguised—resurface. Initially, these counter-narratives are dismissed as madness or as deviations to be corrected within the existing disciplinary structure. However, as these voices grow in volume and coherence, they begin to erode the legitimacy of the prevailing authority. The evolution of such systems is not a straightforward process of liberation, as Enlightenment thinkers might argue, but rather a reorganization of how power operates. Epistemic shifts occur when a new 'regime of truth' emerges—one that is not merely a reform of the old laws but a fundamental restructuring of discipline. This change is not purely legal or moral; it involves a radical change in focus, akin to a microscopic realignment. The transition from public torture to the prison timetable, for example, did not merely change the method of punishment; it redefined the very target of control from the physical body to the soul."

    What type of clause is used in the sentence: "Institutions often restrict validity to the concepts that the dominant culture has defined as rational."

    Show answer

    Correct option: C — Relative clause

    Relative clause In the given sentence, the clause “that the dominant culture has defined as rational” modifies the noun ‘concepts’. The clause begins with the relative pronoun ‘that’ and describes the specific type of concepts being discussed. Hence, option (c) is the most appropriate answer.

  7. 3757SSC2025English LanguageEnglish

    Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.

    PassageTap to read

    "It is with deep sorrow that we report a severe flood which, late on Tuesday night, destroyed the main bridge of Riverside Village. Although the rescue teams worked tirelessly in the dark, the heavy rain caused the river levels to rise, flooding many farms and cellars. Villagers and farmers watched helplessly as the bridge was swept away. Initial reports suggest that the flood occurred because the drainage channels were blocked by debris, but experts are currently investigating the site. The Town Council has promised a complete upgrade of the drainage system to avoid such tragedies in coming years."

    Which tense is mainly used in the passage?

    Show answer

    Correct option: B — Past Simple

    Past Simple The given passage mainly describes events that already happened in the past, using past forms like ‘destroyed, worked, caused, watched, and occurred’. Hence, ‘Past Simple’ is the most appropriate answer.

  8. 3758SSC2025English LanguageEnglish

    Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.

    PassageTap to read

    "It is with deep sorrow that we report a severe flood which, late on Tuesday night, destroyed the main bridge of Riverside Village. Although the rescue teams worked tirelessly in the dark, the heavy rain caused the river levels to rise, flooding many farms and cellars. Villagers and farmers watched helplessly as the bridge was swept away. Initial reports suggest that the flood occurred because the drainage channels were blocked by debris, but experts are currently investigating the site. The Town Council has promised a complete upgrade of the drainage system to avoid such tragedies in coming years."

    Identify the correct passive voice sentence from the passage:

    Show answer

    Correct option: B — The bridge was swept away.

    The bridge was swept away. The given sentence is an example of the passive voice of simple past tense and follows the structure, “Singular subject + was + V3”. Hence, sentence (b) is in the passive voice.

  9. 3759SSC2025English LanguageEnglish

    Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.

    PassageTap to read

    "It is with deep sorrow that we report a severe flood which, late on Tuesday night, destroyed the main bridge of Riverside Village. Although the rescue teams worked tirelessly in the dark, the heavy rain caused the river levels to rise, flooding many farms and cellars. Villagers and farmers watched helplessly as the bridge was swept away. Initial reports suggest that the flood occurred because the drainage channels were blocked by debris, but experts are currently investigating the site. The Town Council has promised a complete upgrade of the drainage system to avoid such tragedies in coming years."

    What does the word "sorrow" most closely mean?

    Show answer

    Correct option: B — Grief

    Grief - deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone's death or a tragedy. Sorrow - a feeling of deep distress. Delight - great pleasure. Rage - violent, uncontrollable anger. Curiosity - a strong desire to know or learn something.

  10. 3760SSC2025English LanguageEnglish

    Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.

    PassageTap to read

    "It is with deep sorrow that we report a severe flood which, late on Tuesday night, destroyed the main bridge of Riverside Village. Although the rescue teams worked tirelessly in the dark, the heavy rain caused the river levels to rise, flooding many farms and cellars. Villagers and farmers watched helplessly as the bridge was swept away. Initial reports suggest that the flood occurred because the drainage channels were blocked by debris, but experts are currently investigating the site. The Town Council has promised a complete upgrade of the drainage system to avoid such tragedies in coming years."

    What is "debris" in the context of the passage?

    Show answer

    Correct option: B — Scattered pieces of waste or remains.

    Scattered pieces of waste or remains. In the given passage, "debris" refers to the waste or loose material that blocked the channels. Hence, option (b) is the most appropriate answer.

English Language practice — common questions

Page 376 of this set has 10 questions on it.

Are these English Language questions free to practise?
Yes. Every question on this page is free and needs no account. Create a free account only if you want your progress saved.
Where do these English Language MCQs come from?
They are taken from official past papers of Indian government recruitment exams such as RRB NTPC, RRB Group D and RRB JE, and each question keeps a reference to the exam it appeared in.
Are the questions available in Hindi?
Yes. Many papers are set in both languages, so a large share of these questions are available in Hindi. Use the language filter at the top of the page.
Do the questions show answers and explanations?
Every question shows the correct option. Where the source paper included a worked solution, the explanation is shown under "Show answer".
English Language MCQ for Government Job Exams — Free Online Practice — Page 376 | GyanPrep