Boost your English reading skills with this set of 100 Reading Comprehension MCQs. Includes short passages, four options, and correct answers—perfect for competitive exams, students, and English learners wanting to improve comprehension and accuracy.

Here is a complete set of 100 Reading Comprehension MCQs with short passages, four options, and answers.
All questions are in English and suitable for exams.

100 MCQs on Reading Comprehension (with Answers)

(Short passages for easy reading)

Passage 1

Most people believe that happiness comes from having more money or possessions. However, research shows that happiness is more strongly connected to relationships, purpose, and gratitude.

According to the passage, what is happiness MOST strongly connected to?
A. Wealth
B. Possessions
C. Relationships and purpose
D. Power
Answer: C
What do most people mistakenly believe brings happiness?
A. Gratitude
B. Good health
C. Money and possessions
D. Social relationships
Answer: C
What does the passage mainly discuss?
A. The meaning of happiness
B. Sources of true happiness
C. Why people like money
D. The importance of work
Answer: B
The word “research” in the passage suggests the information is:
A. Unreliable
B. Scientific
C. Imaginary
D. Personal opinion
Answer: B
Which of the following contributes LEAST to happiness, according to the passage?
A. Purpose
B. Gratitude
C. Money
D. Relationships
Answer: C

Passage 2

Reading improves your vocabulary, imagination, and critical thinking skills. Even reading for just 15 minutes a day can make a significant difference over time.

What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Reading is difficult
B. Reading improves many skills
C. Reading takes too much time
D. Only students need to read
Answer: B
How much daily reading is suggested?
A. 1 hour
B. 15 minutes
C. 30 minutes
D. 5 hours
Answer: B
Which skill is NOT mentioned as improved by reading?
A. Vocabulary
B. Imagination
C. Critical thinking
D. Writing
Answer: D
The phrase “significant difference” suggests reading is:
A. Not useful
B. Helpful
C. Boring
D. Easy
Answer: B
What can reading daily help develop?
A. Physical strength
B. Imagination
C. Bad habits
D. Memory loss
Answer: B

Passage 3

Climate change is caused by increasing levels of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere and lead to global warming.

What causes climate change according to the passage?
A. Ice melting
B. Greenhouse gases
C. Ocean waves
D. Rainfall
Answer: B
What do greenhouse gases do?
A. Cool the Earth
B. Trap heat
C. Produce electricity
D. Remove pollution
Answer: B
Carbon dioxide is an example of:
A. A greenhouse gas
B. A mineral
C. A metal
D. A liquid
Answer: A
Global warming results from:
A. Heat escaping
B. Heat being trapped
C. Lack of sunlight
D. Strong winds
Answer: B
Which is NOT mentioned in the passage?
A. Atmosphere
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Global warming
D. Recycling
Answer: D

Passage 4

Sara loves painting because it helps her express her thoughts and emotions. Every weekend, she visits a small art studio where she practices new techniques.

What does Sara enjoy doing?
A. Running
B. Painting
C. Reading
D. Swimming
Answer: B
Why does she like painting?
A. It is difficult
B. It expresses her emotions
C. It makes her famous
D. It requires no effort
Answer: B
Where does Sara go on weekends?
A. A gym
B. A library
C. An art studio
D. A cinema
Answer: C
What does Sara practice at the studio?
A. Writing stories
B. New techniques
C. Singing
D. Cooking skills
Answer: B
The passage is mainly about:
A. Sara’s hobby
B. Sara’s job
C. Sara’s school
D. Sara’s friends
Answer: A

Passage 5

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Many people drink it to stay alert and energized throughout the day.

What is the passage about?
A. Tea
B. Coffee
C. Juice
D. Water
Answer: B
Why do people drink coffee?
A. To sleep
B. To stay alert
C. To relax
D. To avoid water
Answer: B
Coffee is described as one of the most:
A. Expensive drinks
B. Rare beverages
C. Popular beverages
D. Unhealthy drinks
Answer: C
The word “energized” means:
A. Excited
B. Sleepy
C. Active
D. Angry
Answer: C
Coffee helps people remain:
A. Tired
B. Lazy
C. Alert
D. Quiet
Answer: C

Passage 6

Technology has changed the way we communicate. Today, most conversations happen through messages, emails, and social media rather than face-to-face.

How has communication changed?
A. People write letters
B. People avoid technology
C. People use digital methods
D. People travel to talk
Answer: C
What is the main idea?
A. Technology is harmful
B. Technology has changed communication
C. People prefer face-to-face talks
D. Emails are useless
Answer: B
Which is NOT mentioned as a communication method?
A. Messages
B. Emails
C. Social media
D. Phone calls
Answer: D
What do fewer people do now?
A. Use email
B. Communicate face-to-face
C. Use social media
D. Send messages
Answer: B
Technology has made communication:
A. Slower
B. More digital
C. Impossible
D. More expensive
Answer: B

Passage 7

Exercise improves both mental and physical health. Even a simple walk can help reduce stress and increase energy.

Exercise helps improve:
A. Health
B. Wealth
C. Sleep only
D. Education
Answer: A
What reduces stress?
A. Eating
B. Walking
C. Sleeping all day
D. Watching TV
Answer: B
The passage suggests exercise affects:
A. Only the body
B. Only the mind
C. Both mind and body
D. Neither mind nor body
Answer: C
A simple walk can increase:
A. Hunger
B. Anger
C. Energy
D. Laziness
Answer: C
The passage is mainly about:
A. Jogging
B. Healthy food
C. Benefits of exercise
D. Stress at work
Answer: C

Passage 8

The library is a quiet place where students can study, read books, or work on assignments without distractions.

What is the library described as?
A. Noisy place
B. Cafeteria
C. Quiet place
D. Playground
Answer: C
What can students do in the library?
A. Play games
B. Study
C. Shout
D. Dance
Answer: B
The word “distractions” means:
A. Help
B. Disturbances
C. Friends
D. Activities
Answer: B
Why is the library useful?
A. It has food
B. It is noisy
C. It helps focus
D. It allows games
Answer: C
Students go to the library to:
A. Sleep
B. Study
C. Fight
D. Cook
Answer: B

Passage 9

Tom enjoys traveling because it allows him to explore new cultures, try different foods, and meet new people from around the world.

What does Tom enjoy?
A. Cooking
B. Traveling
C. Sleeping
D. Working
Answer: B
Why does he like traveling?
A. It is free
B. It allows exploring cultures
C. It makes him tired
D. He hates staying home
Answer: B
What does Tom try during traveling?
A. New foods
B. Old clothes
C. New jobs
D. New languages only
Answer: A
What does he meet while traveling?
A. Animals
B. People
C. Only friends
D. Teachers
Answer: B
The passage’s main idea is that Tom likes:
A. Food
B. Languages
C. Traveling
D. Sports
Answer: C

Passage 10

The internet has become essential for education. Students use it to research information, attend online classes, and submit assignments.

The internet is essential for:
A. Cooking
B. Traveling
C. Education
D. Sports
Answer: C
Students use the internet to:
A. Sleep
B. Research information
C. Waste time
D. Study only history
Answer: B
What else do students do online?
A. Drive
B. Attend classes
C. Play outdoor games
D. Cook meals
Answer: B
Assignments are submitted:
A. Through the internet
B. On paper only
C. By mail
D. By phone
Answer: A
The passage is mainly about the internet’s role in:
A. Entertainment
B. Education
C. Sports
D. Shopping
Answer: B

50 MORE MCQs (51–100)

These are stand-alone questions based on short 1–2 line statements.

The passage states that the museum closes at 6 PM. What does this mean?
A. It opens all night
B. It stays open until 6 PM
C. It never closes
D. It opens at 6 PM
Answer: B
The author visited the zoo to learn about animals. What was the purpose?
A. Entertainment
B. Observation
C. Shopping
D. Exercise
Answer: B
The writer says the weather was “pleasant.” This means:
A. Very hot
B. Very cold
C. Enjoyable
D. Stormy
Answer: C
The report mentions rising fuel prices. This means costs are:
A. Falling
B. Increasing
C. Stable
D. Unknown
Answer: B
The student missed the bus because he woke up late. What caused the problem?
A. The bus broke
B. He overslept
C. It was raining
D. He ran fast
Answer: B
“The meeting was postponed.” This means:
A. Canceled forever
B. Delayed
C. Started early
D. Ended quickly
Answer: B
The passage describes the hotel as “luxurious.” It means:
A. Cheap
B. Simple
C. Expensive and comfortable
D. Dirty
Answer: C
The teacher appreciated the student’s effort. This means she was:
A. Angry
B. Thankful
C. Confused
D. Bored
Answer: B
The man purchased a new bicycle. What did he do?
A. Sold a bicycle
B. Bought a bicycle
C. Repaired a bicycle
D. Broke a bicycle
Answer: B
“The river overflowed due to heavy rain.” This means:
A. Dried up
B. Rose above its limits
C. Froze
D. Became clean
Answer: B

The announcement said the train would arrive “shortly.” This means it will arrive:
A. Very late
B. Soon
C. Tomorrow
D. Never
Answer: B
The writer avoided junk food to stay healthy. This means he:
A. Ate more sweets
B. Did not eat junk food
C. Exercised less
D. Slept more
Answer: B
The passage states that the village had “scarce water.” This means water was:
A. Easily available
B. Dirty
C. Limited
D. Free
Answer: C
The doctor advised him to rest. This means the doctor told him to:
A. Work hard
B. Sleep more
C. Stop working temporarily
D. Exercise more
Answer: C
The notice said, “Pets are prohibited.” This means pets are:
A. Allowed
B. Not allowed
C. Encouraged
D. Ignored
Answer: B
The writer described the mountain view as “breathtaking.” This means it was:
A. Frightening
B. Unpleasant
C. Extremely beautiful
D. Dark
Answer: C
The tourist hired a guide. Why?
A. To learn the way
B. To clean the room
C. To cook food
D. To read books
Answer: A
The library has “ample” resources. This means the resources are:
A. Very few
B. Insufficient
C. More than enough
D. None
Answer: C
The writer mentions that the noise “disrupted” the class. This means the noise:
A. Helped
B. Interrupted
C. Improved
D. Repeated
Answer: B
The company increased salaries to motivate employees. This means salaries were:
A. Reduced
B. Increased
C. Cancelled
D. Delayed
Answer: B

71–80

The passage says the festival is celebrated annually. This means it happens:
A. Every week
B. Every month
C. Every year
D. Every day
Answer: C
The writer was “reluctant” to join the trip. This means he was:
A. Excited
B. Unwilling
C. Prepared
D. Happy
Answer: B
The film received “mixed reviews.” This means the reviews were:
A. All positive
B. All negative
C. Both positive and negative
D. Unread
Answer: C
The city is known for its “vibrant” nightlife. This means the nightlife is:
A. Dull
B. Lonely
C. Full of energy
D. Dangerous
Answer: C
The notice said the shop is temporarily closed. This means it is closed:
A. Forever
B. For a short time
C. Without reason
D. Every day
Answer: B
The athlete set a new record. This means she:
A. Lost the race
B. Broke the previous best
C. Quit sports
D. Trained less
Answer: B
The writer “glanced” at the clock. This means he:
A. Looked quickly
B. Stared for hours
C. Broke the clock
D. Fixed the clock
Answer: A
The scientist conducted several experiments. This means he:
A. Wrote stories
B. Performed tests
C. Painted pictures
D. Sold items
Answer: B
The student was praised for honesty. This means he was:
A. Punished
B. Scolded
C. Admired
D. Ignored
Answer: C
The weather forecast predicted rain. This means it might:
A. Snow
B. Rain
C. Become sunny
D. Be windless
Answer: B

81–90

The driver took a “detour.” This means he took:
A. A long break
B. A different route
C. A short cut
D. A wrong turn
Answer: B
The classroom was “spacious.” This means it was:
A. Very small
B. Very hot
C. Large
D. Dirty
Answer: C
The teacher said the student’s handwriting was “illegible.” This means it was:
A. Beautiful
B. Easy to read
C. Hard to read
D. Fast
Answer: C
The passage mentions a “fragile” object. This means it is:
A. Strong
B. Easy to break
C. Very heavy
D. Waterproof
Answer: B
The writer enjoyed the “serene” environment. This means it was:
A. Noisy
B. Peaceful
C. Busy
D. Crowded
Answer: B
The baby slept “soundly.” This means the baby slept:
A. Restlessly
B. Lightly
C. Deeply
D. Loudly
Answer: C
The coach encouraged teamwork. This means he wanted players to:
A. Work alone
B. Ignore each other
C. Work together
D. Quit
Answer: C
The travelers were “stranded” due to bad weather. This means they were:
A. Safe at home
B. Unable to move
C. On vacation
D. At the beach
Answer: B
The store offers a refund. This means customers can:
A. Buy more
B. Return an item for money
C. Exchange items only
D. Pay extra
Answer: B
The writer found the instructions “confusing.” This means they were:
A. Clear
B. Helpful
C. Hard to understand
D. Short
Answer: C

91–100

The hotel provided complimentary breakfast. This means breakfast was:
A. Very expensive
B. Free
C. Unavailable
D. Late
Answer: B
The author reached a “turning point” in life. This means an important:
A. Ending
B. Change
C. Mistake
D. Job
Answer: B
The medicine provided immediate relief. This means relief came:
A. Slowly
B. Not at all
C. Very fast
D. After weeks
Answer: C
The child was curious about space. This means he was:
A. Bored
B. Afraid
C. Interested
D. Angry
Answer: C
The instructions were precise. This means they were:
A. Wrong
B. Unclear
C. Exact
D. Long
Answer: C
The meeting was mandatory. This means attendance was:
A. Optional
B. Forbidden
C. Required
D. Unnecessary
Answer: C
The story was fictional. This means it was:
A. True
B. Imagined
C. Historical
D. Legal
Answer: B
The workers completed the task efficiently. This means they worked:
A. Slowly
B. Carelessly
C. Without waste
D. With many errors
Answer: C
The witness gave a vivid description. This means the description was:
A. Unclear
B. Very detailed
C. Too short
D. Wrong
Answer: B
The building was evacuated due to a fire. This means people were:
A. Asked to enter
B. Asked to leave
C. Told to sleep
D. Locked inside
Answer: B