ADRE Reading Comprehension Practice Set – 2

 English Reading Comprehension for ADRE

Welcome to ADRE Reading Comprehension Practice Set 2. This practice set is designed for candidates preparing for the Assam Direct Recruitment Examination (ADRE) and other Assam competitive examinations.

Read each passage carefully and answer the questions based only on the information given in the passage.

Passage 1: Importance of Libraries

A library is an important centre of learning and knowledge. It provides students and readers with access to books, newspapers, journals and other educational materials. Libraries are not only places where people borrow books; they also provide a quiet environment for reading and study.

In the modern age, libraries have changed considerably. Many libraries now provide digital resources, computers and access to online databases. This allows readers to obtain information from a wide range of sources. However, the availability of digital information does not reduce the importance of libraries. Instead, libraries can help people develop the ability to find, evaluate and use information responsibly.

A good library can therefore contribute to education and lifelong learning. It can encourage reading habits among young people and provide valuable resources to students and researchers.

Questions

1. What is the main purpose of a library according to the passage?

A. To provide entertainment only

B. To provide access to knowledge and educational resources

C. To sell books

D. To provide employment

2. How have modern libraries changed?

A. They have stopped providing books.

B. They have introduced digital resources and online databases.

C. They are used only by researchers.

D. They no longer provide study spaces.

3. What does the passage suggest about digital information?

A. It has made libraries completely unnecessary.

B. It should never be used by students.

C. It has expanded the resources available through libraries.

D. It is always accurate.

4. According to the passage, libraries can encourage:

A. Reading habits

B. Pollution

C. Unemployment

D. Social isolation

5. The word "considerably" in the passage means:

A. Slightly

B. Significantly

C. Rarely

D. Secretly

Passage 2: Water Conservation

Water is one of the most essential natural resources on Earth. Human beings, animals and plants all depend on water for survival. Agriculture, industries and households also require large quantities of water. Despite its importance, water is often wasted through careless use.

Population growth, urbanisation and changes in climate have increased pressure on available water resources in many areas. Pollution of rivers, lakes and groundwater further reduces the availability of clean water. Water conservation is therefore necessary for both present and future generations.

Simple measures can help reduce water wastage. People can repair leaking taps, use water carefully, collect rainwater and avoid unnecessary consumption. Farmers can also adopt efficient irrigation methods. Governments and local communities can contribute by protecting water sources and improving water-management systems.

Questions

6. Why is water important?

A. Only industries need water.

B. Only plants depend on water.

C. Living organisms and many human activities depend on water.

D. Water is used only for drinking.

7. Which factor increases pressure on water resources?

A. Population growth

B. Reading habits

C. Afforestation

D. Improved education

8. What can reduce the availability of clean water?

A. Rainwater harvesting

B. Water pollution

C. Efficient irrigation

D. Repairing leaking taps

9. Which of the following is suggested as a way to conserve water?

A. Increasing wastage

B. Leaving taps running

C. Collecting rainwater

D. Polluting rivers

10. The word "essential" means:

A. Unnecessary

B. Necessary

C. Temporary

D. Unusual

Passage 3: Healthy Habits

Good health depends on a combination of healthy habits. A balanced diet, adequate physical activity, sufficient sleep and good personal hygiene can contribute to overall well-being. These habits are most effective when they become part of a regular routine rather than being followed only occasionally.

A balanced diet provides the body with different nutrients required for growth and normal functioning. Physical activity can help maintain fitness and support general health. Adequate sleep is also important because the body and mind need time to recover from daily activities.

Healthy habits do not necessarily require complicated changes. Small and consistent improvements can make a meaningful difference over time. Developing healthy routines from an early age can also help people maintain them throughout life.

Questions

11. What is the main idea of the passage?

A. Health depends only on exercise.

B. Healthy habits contribute to overall well-being.

C. Sleep is unnecessary.

D. Healthy habits are difficult to develop.

12. Which of the following is mentioned as a healthy habit?

A. Lack of sleep

B. Poor hygiene

C. Balanced diet

D. Inactive lifestyle

13. Why is sleep important according to the passage?

A. It prevents all diseases.

B. It gives the body and mind time to recover.

C. It eliminates the need for physical activity.

D. It replaces a balanced diet.

14. What does the passage say about healthy habits?

A. They must always involve complicated changes.

B. Small and consistent improvements can be useful.

C. They are useful only for adults.

D. They should be followed occasionally.

15. The word "adequate" means:

A. Sufficient

B. Excessive

C. Insufficient

D. Unnecessary

Passage 4: India's Agricultural Sector

Agriculture has traditionally played an important role in the Indian economy. A large number of people depend directly or indirectly on agriculture for their livelihoods. Farmers produce food crops as well as commercial crops that provide raw materials for various industries.

Indian agriculture faces several challenges. Dependence on rainfall, small landholdings, rising input costs and limited access to modern technology can affect agricultural productivity. Climate-related changes can create additional difficulties for farmers.

Improving irrigation facilities, adopting suitable technologies, strengthening agricultural infrastructure and providing access to markets can help improve the agricultural sector. Sustainable agricultural practices are also important for protecting soil and water resources.

Questions

16. What role does agriculture play in India?

A. It has no role in the economy.

B. It provides livelihoods and agricultural products.

C. It is limited to producing industrial goods.

D. It depends entirely on imports.

17. Which of the following is a challenge mentioned in the passage?

A. Excessive access to technology

B. Dependence on rainfall

C. Unlimited irrigation

D. Large landholdings everywhere

18. What can help improve agriculture?

A. Better irrigation facilities

B. Reducing infrastructure

C. Limiting market access

D. Increasing soil degradation

19. Why are sustainable agricultural practices important?

A. They help protect soil and water resources.

B. They eliminate agriculture.

C. They increase wastage.

D. They prevent farmers from using technology.

20. The word "livelihoods" means:

A. Sources of earning a living

B. Agricultural machines

C. Natural disasters

D. Government buildings

Passage 5: Tourism in Assam

Assam is known for its natural beauty, wildlife, rivers, tea gardens and cultural heritage. These attractions have the potential to support tourism and generate employment opportunities for local communities. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries attract visitors interested in biodiversity and nature.

Cultural tourism is also important in Assam. Traditional festivals, music, dance, handicrafts and local food provide visitors with opportunities to experience the cultural diversity of the state. However, tourism development needs careful planning to protect the environment and preserve local traditions.

Responsible tourism can benefit both visitors and local communities. Improving transportation, accommodation and tourist facilities while protecting natural and cultural resources can help Assam develop a sustainable tourism sector.

Questions

21. Which of the following is mentioned as a tourism attraction in Assam?

A. Tea gardens

B. Desert landscapes

C. Snow-covered cities

D. Large industrial zones

22. What can tourism provide to local communities?

A. Employment opportunities

B. Environmental destruction only

C. Loss of all traditions

D. Reduction in cultural activities

23. Which is an example of cultural tourism mentioned in the passage?

A. Traditional festivals

B. Industrial production

C. Road construction

D. Mining

24. Why does tourism development require careful planning?

A. To eliminate visitors

B. To protect the environment and local traditions

C. To stop cultural activities

D. To reduce employment

25. What is the most suitable title for the passage?

A. Industries of Assam

B. Tourism and Sustainable Development in Assam

C. Agriculture in India

D. Problems of Urbanisation

Answer Key

Question| Answer| Question| Answer

1| B| 14| B

2| B| 15| A

3| C| 16| B

4| A| 17| B

5| B| 18| A

6| C| 19| A

7| A| 20| A

8| B| 21| A

9| C| 22| A

10| B| 23| A

11| B| 24| B

12| C| 25| B

13| B| | 

Explanations

1. B — To provide access to knowledge and educational resources

The passage describes libraries as centres of learning that provide books, journals, newspapers and digital resources.

2. B — They have introduced digital resources and online databases

Modern libraries increasingly provide computers, digital resources and online databases.

3. C — It has expanded the resources available through libraries

The passage says digital resources allow readers to obtain information from a wider range of sources.

4. A — Reading habits

The passage specifically states that libraries can encourage reading habits.

5. B — Significantly

"Considerably" means to a significant or substantial degree.

6. C — Living organisms and many human activities depend on water

The passage mentions humans, animals, plants, agriculture, industries and households.

7. A — Population growth

Population growth is specifically identified as increasing pressure on water resources.

8. B — Water pollution

Pollution reduces the availability of clean water.

9. C — Collecting rainwater

Rainwater collection is given as one method of reducing water wastage.

10. B — Necessary

"Essential" means necessary or extremely important.

11. B — Healthy habits contribute to overall well-being

The entire passage discusses diet, physical activity, sleep and hygiene.

12. C — Balanced diet

A balanced diet is specifically mentioned.

13. B — It gives the body and mind time to recover

The passage explains the importance of recovery through adequate sleep.

14. B — Small and consistent improvements can be useful

The passage states that simple, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference.

15. A — Sufficient

"Adequate" means enough or sufficient.

16. B — It provides livelihoods and agricultural products

Agriculture supports livelihoods and supplies food and raw materials.

17. B — Dependence on rainfall

Dependence on rainfall is specifically mentioned as a challenge.

18. A — Better irrigation facilities

Improved irrigation is one of the measures suggested in the passage.

19. A — They help protect soil and water resources

Sustainable agricultural practices are important for conserving natural resources.

20. A — Sources of earning a living

"Livelihoods" refers to means or sources through which people earn a living.

21. A — Tea gardens

Tea gardens are specifically listed among Assam's tourism attractions.

22. A — Employment opportunities

The passage states that tourism can generate employment for local communities.

23. A — Traditional festivals

Festivals, music, dance, handicrafts and local food are examples of cultural tourism.

24. B — To protect the environment and local traditions

Tourism needs careful planning to prevent damage to natural and cultural resources.

25. B — Tourism and Sustainable Development in Assam

This title covers the main subject of the entire passage.

ADRE Exam Tips for Reading Comprehension

Remember These 7 Rules

1. Read for meaning, not memorisation.

2. Identify the central idea before answering.

3. Look for the exact evidence in the passage.

4. Use context to understand unfamiliar words.

5. Be careful with "NOT", "EXCEPT" and "INCORRECT".

6. Do not select an option simply because it sounds reasonable.

7. If two options seem similar, choose the one most directly supported by the passage.

Practice Challenge

Try to complete all 25 questions without looking at the answer key.

Suggested Self-Evaluation

- 22–25 correct: Excellent

- 18–21 correct: Very Good

- 14–17 correct: Good, but needs more practice

- 10–13 correct: Needs improvement

- Below 10: Start with shorter passages and build reading speed gradually

More ADRE English Practice

Continue your preparation with:

👉 "ADRE Reading Comprehension Practice Set 1 →

https://www.gradeyou.in/2026/08/adre-reading-comprehension-practice-set.html

Reading Comprehension becomes easier with regular practice. Focus on understanding the central idea, locating evidence, improving vocabulary and eliminating incorrect options. Practising passages on different topics will help ADRE aspirants improve both accuracy and reading speed.