Comprehension – Unseen Passages Quiz - ICSE Class 8 English

Free practice quiz: Comprehension – Unseen Passages (ICSE Class 8 English). 50 multiple-choice questions with answers and explanations. Play online, no sign-up needed.

Sample questions

1. In the given passage (which is missing), which of the following words is used to describe the protagonist's initial feelings of apprehension before embarking on the journey?

   1. Exhilaration
   2. Trepidation
   3. Serenity
   4. Indifference
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Trepidation

   The question asks for a word describing apprehension. 'Trepidation' means a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen. The other options, 'exhilaration' (excitement), 'serenity' (peacefulness), and 'indifference' (lack of interest), do not convey apprehension.

2. The passage uses the word 'ubiquitous' to describe a certain trend. What does 'ubiquitous' mean in this context?

   1. Rare and uncommon
   2. Found everywhere
   3. Controversial and debated
   4. New and emerging
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Found everywhere

   'Ubiquitous' means present, appearing, or found everywhere. If a trend is ubiquitous, it is very common and widespread.

3. The passage describes the process as ‘tedious’. What does ‘tedious’ imply about the process?

   1. It was exciting and engaging.
   2. It was brief and fast.
   3. It was too long, slow, or dull; tiresome.
   4. It required great skill.
   Show answer

   Answer: C. It was too long, slow, or dull; tiresome.

   'Tedious' means too long, slow, or dull; tiresome or monotonous. It implies a lack of interest and a feeling of being worn out by the task.

4. The passage uses the word ‘ambiguous’ to describe the instructions. What does this mean?

   1. The instructions were very clear.
   2. The instructions were easy to follow.
   3. The instructions were open to interpretation or had more than one possible meaning.
   4. The instructions were comprehensive.
   Show answer

   Answer: C. The instructions were open to interpretation or had more than one possible meaning.

   'Ambiguous' means open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning. Ambiguous instructions are unclear and can be understood in different ways.

5. The passage describes the team’s collaborative spirit as ‘synergistic’. What does ‘synergistic’ imply?

   1. The team members worked independently.
   2. The combined effect of the team members was greater than the sum of their individual efforts.
   3. The team members disagreed frequently.
   4. The team's efforts were largely unproductive.
   Show answer

   Answer: B. The combined effect of the team members was greater than the sum of their individual efforts.

   'Synergistic' means involving or characterized by synergy, which is the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate, individual effects.

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