ADRE Reading Comprehension Practice Set – 3

English Reading Comprehension for ADRE

Welcome to ADRE Reading Comprehension Practice Set 3. This set contains 5 passages and 25 questions covering education, technology, environment, Assam's culture and the Indian economy.

Try to answer all questions before checking the answer key.

Passage 1: Skill Development

Skill development has become increasingly important in a changing economy. Academic education provides knowledge, but practical skills help individuals apply that knowledge in real-life situations. Skills related to communication, computers, problem-solving and technical work can improve employment opportunities.

Technology is also changing the nature of many jobs. Some traditional occupations are being transformed, while new types of employment are emerging. Therefore, workers need to update their knowledge and skills regularly. Learning should not end after formal education; people may need to acquire new skills throughout their working lives.

Skill development can benefit both individuals and the economy. A skilled workforce can improve productivity and help industries adapt to technological changes.

Questions

1. What is the main idea of the passage?

A. Academic education is unnecessary.

B. Skill development is important for individuals and the economy.

C. Technology has eliminated all traditional jobs.

D. Employment depends only on academic qualifications.

2. Which skill is mentioned in the passage?

A. Problem-solving

B. Painting only

C. Farming only

D. Singing

3. Why do workers need to update their skills?

A. Technology is changing the nature of jobs.

B. Formal education has no value.

C. Industries no longer require workers.

D. Traditional occupations have completely disappeared.

4. According to the passage, a skilled workforce can:

A. Reduce productivity

B. Improve productivity

C. Stop technological development

D. Eliminate industries

5. The phrase "throughout their working lives" means:

A. Only before employment

B. Only during school

C. During the whole period of their working lives

D. For a single year

Passage 2: Science and Technology

Science helps human beings understand the natural world, while technology applies scientific knowledge to solve practical problems. Developments in medicine, communication, transportation and agriculture have changed everyday life significantly.

However, scientific and technological progress also creates responsibilities. New technologies need to be used carefully because their effects can extend beyond their immediate purpose. For example, technological development may improve productivity but can also create environmental or social challenges if it is poorly managed.

Therefore, scientific progress should be accompanied by responsible decision-making. Society needs to consider both the benefits and possible consequences of new technologies.

Questions

6. What is the relationship between science and technology described in the passage?

A. Science studies the natural world and technology applies knowledge to practical problems.

B. Science and technology are completely unrelated.

C. Technology prevents scientific development.

D. Science is used only in agriculture.

7. Which area is NOT mentioned as being affected by scientific development?

A. Medicine

B. Communication

C. Transportation

D. Literature

8. Why should new technologies be used carefully?

A. They never provide benefits.

B. They may create environmental or social challenges.

C. They cannot improve productivity.

D. They are always harmful.

9. What should accompany scientific progress?

A. Responsible decision-making

B. Complete rejection of technology

C. Lack of regulation

D. Increased waste

10. The word "consequences" means:

A. Causes

B. Results or effects

C. Questions

D. Methods

Passage 3: Forest Conservation

Forests are valuable natural resources that support both human life and ecological systems. They provide habitat for wildlife, help regulate climate and contribute to soil and water conservation. Many communities also depend on forests for food, fuel and other resources.

Forest conservation does not simply mean preventing people from using forests. It means using forest resources responsibly while maintaining the ability of forests to regenerate. Sustainable management can help balance human needs with environmental protection.

Community participation is often important in conservation efforts. People who depend on forests have valuable knowledge about local ecosystems and can contribute to their protection. Successful conservation therefore requires cooperation between communities, governments and environmental organisations.

Questions

11. Which of the following is a benefit of forests?

A. They increase soil erosion.

B. They provide wildlife habitat.

C. They destroy water resources.

D. They increase pollution.

12. What does forest conservation mean according to the passage?

A. Completely preventing all use of forests

B. Using forest resources responsibly while allowing forests to regenerate

C. Destroying forests for development

D. Removing local communities from forests

13. Why is community participation important?

A. Local communities may have valuable knowledge about ecosystems.

B. Communities always damage forests.

C. Communities have no connection with forests.

D. Conservation does not require cooperation.

14. Successful conservation requires cooperation between:

A. Only industries

B. Communities, governments and environmental organisations

C. Only tourists

D. Only farmers

15. The word "regenerate" means:

A. Recover or grow again

B. Disappear permanently

C. Become polluted

D. Become smaller

Passage 4: Assam's Cultural Heritage

Assam has a rich cultural heritage shaped by its diverse communities and long history. Traditional festivals, music, dance, weaving, handicrafts and food form important parts of the state's cultural identity. These traditions are passed from one generation to another and contribute to the social life of communities.

Bihu is one of the best-known cultural festivals of Assam. It is celebrated in different forms during different periods of the agricultural cycle. Traditional music and dance associated with Bihu have become important symbols of Assamese culture.

Preserving cultural heritage is important because traditions provide communities with a connection to their history and identity. At the same time, cultural practices may evolve as society changes. Preservation therefore involves both protecting important traditions and allowing them to remain meaningful in contemporary life.

Questions

16. What contributes to Assam's cultural identity?

A. Only modern industries

B. Festivals, music, dance, weaving and handicrafts

C. Only agriculture

D. Only urban development

17. Which festival is mentioned in the passage?

A. Bihu

B. Holi

C. Pongal

D. Onam

18. Why is cultural heritage important?

A. It provides communities with a connection to history and identity.

B. It prevents all social change.

C. It eliminates traditional practices.

D. It has no connection with communities.

19. According to the passage, cultural practices:

A. Never change

B. May evolve as society changes

C. Must be abandoned

D. Exist only in museums

20. The word "heritage" most nearly means:

A. Traditions and cultural elements passed from previous generations

B. Modern machinery

C. Natural disasters

D. Government policy

Passage 5: Digital Payments

Digital payments have become increasingly common in India. Mobile phones and internet-based payment systems allow people to transfer money and make payments without using physical cash. Digital transactions can be convenient and can help reduce the need to carry large amounts of cash.

However, digital payments also require awareness and responsible use. Users should protect passwords, PINs and other confidential information. They should verify payment details before completing transactions and be cautious about suspicious messages or requests.

Digital financial literacy is therefore important. People need to understand how digital payment systems work and how to use them safely. Greater awareness can help people benefit from digital services while reducing the risks associated with careless use.

Questions

21. What is one advantage of digital payments?

A. They always require physical cash.

B. They can make transactions convenient.

C. They eliminate the need for financial awareness.

D. They prevent all forms of fraud.

22. What should users protect?

A. Public advertisements

B. Passwords and PINs

C. Newspaper headlines

D. Weather reports

23. What should users do before completing a digital transaction?

A. Share their PIN publicly

B. Verify payment details

C. Ignore suspicious messages

D. Give passwords to strangers

24. Why is digital financial literacy important?

A. It helps people use digital payment systems safely.

B. It prevents people from using technology.

C. It makes physical cash compulsory.

D. It eliminates all financial services.

25. Which is the most appropriate title for the passage?

A. The End of Technology

B. Digital Payments and Safe Usage

C. History of Indian Currency

D. Problems of Agriculture

Answer Key

Question| Answer| Question| Answer

1| B| 14| B

2| A| 15| A

3| A| 16| B

4| B| 17| A

5| C| 18| A

6| A| 19| B

7| D| 20| A

8| B| 21| B

9| A| 22| B

10| B| 23| B

11| B| 24| A

12| B| 25| B

13| A| | 

Detailed Explanations

1. B — Skill development is important for individuals and the economy

The passage explains how practical skills improve employment opportunities and productivity.

2. A — Problem-solving

Problem-solving is specifically listed among useful skills.

3. A — Technology is changing the nature of jobs

The passage states that workers need to update their skills as technology changes employment.

4. B — Improve productivity

A skilled workforce can improve productivity and help industries adapt.

5. C — During the whole period of their working lives

The phrase means learning and acquiring skills may continue throughout a person's career.

6. A — Science studies the natural world and technology applies knowledge

This directly reflects the distinction made in the passage.

7. D — Literature

Medicine, communication, transportation and agriculture are mentioned, but literature is not.

8. B — They may create environmental or social challenges

The passage warns that technology can have unintended effects.

9. A — Responsible decision-making

Scientific progress should be accompanied by responsible decisions.

10. B — Results or effects

"Consequences" means the results or effects of an action.

11. B — They provide wildlife habitat

Providing habitat for wildlife is directly mentioned.

12. B — Using resources responsibly while allowing forests to regenerate

The passage explains that conservation does not necessarily mean stopping all human use.

13. A — Local communities may have valuable knowledge

The passage specifically highlights local knowledge of ecosystems.

14. B — Communities, governments and environmental organisations

All three are identified as important participants.

15. A — Recover or grow again

"Regenerate" means to grow, renew or recover.

16. B — Festivals, music, dance, weaving and handicrafts

These are specifically mentioned as parts of Assam's cultural identity.

17. A — Bihu

Bihu is explicitly discussed in the passage.

18. A — It connects communities with history and identity

This is the main reason given for preserving cultural heritage.

19. B — May evolve as society changes

The passage recognises that cultural practices can change over time.

20. A — Traditions and cultural elements passed from previous generations

This is the contextual meaning of "heritage."

21. B — They can make transactions convenient

Convenience is identified as an advantage of digital payments.

22. B — Passwords and PINs

Users are advised to protect confidential payment information.

23. B — Verify payment details

The passage recommends checking details before completing transactions.

24. A — It helps people use digital payment systems safely

Digital financial literacy helps users understand both benefits and risks.

25. B — Digital Payments and Safe Usage

This title covers both the advantages and safety precautions discussed in the passage.

ADRE Comprehension Challenge

Try to complete this set under timed conditions.

Total Questions: 25

Suggested Practice Time: 20–25 minutes

Self-Evaluation

- 23–25: Excellent

- 20–22: Very Good

- 16–19: Good

- 12–15: Needs more practice

- Below 12: Focus on basic comprehension and vocabulary

Quick Tips for ADRE

✔ Read the entire passage before making assumptions.

✔ Identify the central idea.

✔ Find evidence in the passage.

✔ Use context to understand difficult words.

✔ Be careful with NOT, EXCEPT, INCORRECT and TRUE/FALSE questions.

✔ Do not rely on outside information when the answer must come from the passage.

✔ Practise regularly to improve reading speed and accuracy.

More ADRE English Practice

👉 "Reading Comprehension Practice Set 1 →https://www.gradeyou.in/2026/08/adre-reading-comprehension-practice-set.html

👉 "Reading Comprehension Practice Set 2 →https://www.gradeyou.in/2026/08/reading-comprehension-practice-set-2.html