IBPS PO English : Reading Comprehension

IBPS PO Prelims – English RC Quiz

Passage 1

The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is heralding a new era in the banking industry, fundamentally transforming operations and customer interactions. Traditionally, banking has been a labor-intensive sector, but AI is automating routine tasks, from data entry to customer query resolution through chatbots, thereby freeing up human employees to focus on more complex, value-added services. AI-powered algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time to detect fraudulent transactions with a high degree of accuracy, a task far beyond human capability. Moreover, personalization is another significant benefit. AI systems can scrutinize a customer’s transaction history, preferences, and financial behavior to offer tailored products, investment advice, and loan options, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

However, this technological revolution is not without its challenges. The most pressing concern is job displacement. As AI takes over administrative and operational roles, there is a genuine apprehension about the future of a large segment of the banking workforce. This necessitates a significant focus on reskilling and upskilling employees for new roles that require emotional intelligence and critical thinking—skills that AI currently cannot replicate. Another major hurdle is the ethical dilemma surrounding AI’s decision-making processes, often referred to as the ‘black box’ problem, where the logic behind an AI’s conclusion (e.g., rejecting a loan application) is not transparent. Ensuring fairness, accountability, and transparency in AI algorithms is paramount to maintaining customer trust and regulatory compliance.

Q1. What is the primary purpose of the passage?

(a) To argue against the use of AI in banking.
(b) To list the technical specifications of AI algorithms.
(c) To provide a balanced overview of the impact of AI on the banking industry, including benefits and challenges.
(d) To focus solely on job displacement caused by AI.
(e) To explain how to build an AI chatbot.

Q2. According to the passage, how does AI enhance customer satisfaction?

(a) By completely replacing human interaction.
(b) By offering tailored products and personalized advice.
(c) By reducing the number of bank branches.
(d) By making all banking services free of charge.
(e) By simplifying the ‘black box’ problem.

Q3. What does the term ‘black box’ problem refer to in the context of the passage?

(a) The physical hardware where AI data is stored.
(b) A security system to prevent hacking.
(c) The lack of transparency in how an AI reaches a decision.
(d) An AI’s inability to process complex data.
(e) The challenge of reskilling employees.

Q4. The passage suggests that to counter job displacement, the banking sector should focus on:

(a) Halting the implementation of AI.
(b) Increasing salaries for existing roles.
(c) Reskilling and upskilling employees for new roles.
(d) Outsourcing jobs to other countries.
(e) Automating every single task.

Q5. Which of the following words is most similar in meaning to “HERALDING” as used in the passage?

(a) Concluding
(b) Announcing
(c) Questioning
(d) Obstructing
(e) Ignoring

Q6. Which of the following words is most opposite in meaning to “APPREHENSION” as used in the passage?

(a) Fear
(b) Anxiety
(c) Confidence
(d) Doubt
(e) Understanding

Q7. The author’s tone in the passage can be best described as:

(a) Sarcastic and dismissive
(b) Overly optimistic and promotional
(c) Analytical and balanced
(d) Fearful and pessimistic
(e) Technical and complex

Q8. Which human skills does the passage highlight as currently irreplaceable by AI?

(a) Data entry and calculation
(b) Fraud detection and pattern recognition
(c) Emotional intelligence and critical thinking
(d) Following instructions and rules
(e) Information retrieval

Passage 2

The global transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, is widely recognized as a critical step in mitigating climate change. This shift is driven by both environmental imperatives and declining costs of renewable technologies. Governments and corporations worldwide are setting ambitious targets to increase the share of renewables in their energy mix. The promise is a cleaner planet, reduced air pollution, and a more sustainable energy future. Proponents highlight the long-term economic benefits, including the creation of green jobs and energy independence from volatile fossil fuel markets.

However, the path to a fully renewable future is fraught with significant hurdles. One of the most substantial challenges is the intermittency of sources like solar and wind; they generate power only when the sun is shining or the wind is blowing. This variability poses a major threat to grid stability, which requires a constant and predictable power supply. Consequently, massive investments in energy storage solutions, such as large-scale batteries, are essential to store excess energy for use during periods of low generation. Another obstacle is the land-use requirement. Solar and wind farms require vast tracts of land, which can lead to habitat destruction and conflicts with other land uses like agriculture. Furthermore, the supply chains for materials needed for these technologies, such as rare earth metals for wind turbines and lithium for batteries, are concentrated in a few countries, creating geopolitical vulnerabilities and concerns about the environmental impact of their extraction.

Q9. What is the main theme of the passage?

(a) The superiority of fossil fuels over renewable energy.
(b) A discussion on the necessity of renewable energy and the complex challenges involved in its adoption.
(c) An analysis of the geopolitical tensions caused by rare earth metals.
(d) A report on the falling costs of solar panels.
(e) A manual on how to install wind turbines.

Q10. What does “intermittency” refer to in the context of renewable energy?

(a) The high cost of installation.
(b) The inconsistent and variable nature of power generation.
(c) The need for large areas of land.
(d) The geopolitical risks associated with materials.
(e) The efficiency of the energy source.

Q11. According to the passage, why are energy storage solutions essential for a renewable future?

(a) To reduce the cost of solar panels.
(b) To manage the variable power supply and ensure grid stability.
(c) To create more green jobs.
(d) To reduce the land required for wind farms.
(e) To mine rare earth metals more efficiently.

Q12. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a hurdle for renewable energy transition?

(a) The variable nature of power generation.
(b) The need for large tracts of land.
(c) Lack of government support and ambitious targets.
(d) Supply chain vulnerabilities for critical materials.
(e) The threat to grid stability.

Q13. The word “FRAUGHT” in the passage is closest in meaning to:

(a) Devoid of
(b) Filled with
(c) Simplified by
(d) Free from
(e) Aided by

Q14. The word “VOLATILE” in the passage is most opposite in meaning to:

(a) Unpredictable
(b) Explosive
(c) Stable
(d) Expensive
(e) Changing

Q15. What can be inferred about the future of renewable energy from the passage?

(a) The transition will be quick and effortless.
(b) It will ultimately fail due to insurmountable challenges.
(c) Success is dependent on technological innovation and significant investment.
(d) It will create more problems than it solves.
(e) Fossil fuels will remain the dominant energy source forever.

Q16. Why does the passage mention “geopolitical vulnerabilities”?

(a) Because renewable energy is a global initiative.
(b) Because the materials required for renewable tech are concentrated in a few nations.
(c) Because all countries are competing to be the first to be 100% renewable.
(d) Because fossil fuel markets are stable.
(e) Because renewable energy requires international treaties.

Passage 3

The rise of the “gig economy” represents one of the most significant shifts in the modern workforce. Characterized by short-term contracts, freelance assignments, and on-demand work, it stands in stark contrast to the traditional model of permanent, full-time employment. Platforms like Uber, Upwork, and DoorDash have become synonymous with this new economic model, connecting service providers with consumers in a seamless, technology-driven marketplace. For workers, the primary allure of the gig economy is flexibility and autonomy. They can often choose their own hours, decide which projects to take on, and work from virtually anywhere. This model appeals to students, caregivers, and those seeking supplementary income.

However, this flexibility comes at a considerable price. A significant drawback is the lack of job security and the absence of a social safety net. Gig workers are typically classified as independent contractors, meaning they are not entitled to benefits like health insurance, paid sick leave, or retirement plans that are standard for full-time employees. This precariousness is compounded by income instability, as work can be sporadic and unpredictable. Critics argue that this model can lead to the exploitation of workers, who bear all the risks of entrepreneurship without the corresponding rewards. The debate is ongoing about how to classify these workers and whether new labor laws are needed to provide them with greater protection without stifling the innovation and flexibility that define the gig economy.

Q17. What is the central idea of the passage?

(a) The gig economy is the best model for all workers.
(b) Technology platforms like Uber are unethical.
(c) The gig economy offers flexibility but poses significant challenges regarding worker security and rights.
(d) Traditional full-time jobs are becoming obsolete.
(e) The gig economy only benefits large corporations.

Q18. According to the passage, what is the main “allure” of the gig economy for workers?

(a) High and stable income.
(b) Comprehensive health benefits.
(c) The ability to choose their own hours and projects.
(d) A clear path for career advancement.
(e) Strong job security.

Q19. What major drawback of the gig economy is highlighted in the passage?

(a) It requires too much technological skill.
(b) It is only available in large cities.
(c) Workers are not entitled to benefits like health insurance and paid leave.
(d) The work is not interesting or challenging.
(e) It leads to less consumer choice.

Q20. The word “PRECARIOUSNESS” in the passage means:

(a) Stability
(b) Security
(c) Uncertainty
(d) Profitability
(e) Simplicity

Q21. The word “STIFLING” in the passage is most opposite in meaning to:

(a) Suppressing
(b) Hindering
(c) Fostering
(d) Choking
(e) Restricting

Q22. Why are gig workers often classified as “independent contractors”?

(a) To give them more autonomy.
(b) Because they work on short-term projects.
(c) So that companies can avoid providing them with employee benefits.
(d) Because they own their own equipment.
(e) This is the classification for all modern jobs.

Q23. What is the “ongoing debate” mentioned at the end of the passage about?

(a) Whether the gig economy should be banned entirely.
(b) How to balance worker protection with the flexibility of the gig economy.
(c) Which technology platform is the most profitable.
(d) Whether gig work is more enjoyable than traditional work.
(e) The ideal number of hours a gig worker should work.

Q24. Which of the following best describes the author’s perspective on the gig economy?

(a) Strongly biased in favor of it.
(b) Highly critical and against its existence.
(c) Indifferent and uninterested.
(d) Objective and neutral, presenting both pros and cons.
(e) Confused and unable to form an opinion.

Q25. The term “social safety net” in the passage refers to:

(a) Online social networks for workers.
(b) A system of government and employer benefits to protect workers.
(c) Security software used by gig platforms.
(d) A fund for unemployed people.
(e) The community of gig workers helping each other.

IBPS PO Prelims – English RC Quiz (Set 2)

Passage 4

Climate change is often discussed in terms of rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, and sea-level rise. However, one of its most insidious effects is on global biodiversity. Ecosystems around the world are intricately balanced, and the rapid pace of climate change is pushing many species to the brink. As habitats warm, species are forced to migrate to cooler areas, a journey many cannot make. Coral reefs, often called the “rainforests of the sea,” are experiencing widespread bleaching events due to warmer ocean temperatures, leading to the collapse of these vibrant ecosystems and the myriad of species that depend on them.

The impact extends beyond individual species, causing cascading effects throughout the food web. For instance, changes in the timing of seasons (phenology) can create a mismatch between the life cycles of interdependent species. A plant may flower earlier than usual, but its primary pollinator may not have emerged yet, leading to reproductive failure for the plant and a food shortage for the pollinator. This disruption threatens not only natural ecosystems but also human endeavors like agriculture, which rely heavily on predictable seasons and pollination. Addressing the biodiversity crisis is therefore not just about conservation; it is an imperative for maintaining the planet’s life-support systems and ensuring human well-being.

Q26. What is the primary focus of the passage?

(a) The economic costs of climate change.
(b) The impact of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems.
(c) The phenomenon of rising sea levels.
(d) A guide to wildlife conservation techniques.
(e) The migration patterns of specific animal species.

Q27. Why are coral reefs mentioned in the passage?

(a) To discuss the beauty of the ocean.
(b) To highlight a specific and severe example of climate change’s impact on a vital ecosystem.
(c) To explain the process of photosynthesis in marine plants.
(d) To show that some ecosystems are resistant to climate change.
(e) To talk about the “rainforests of the land”.

Q28. What does the passage mean by a “mismatch between the life cycles of interdependent species”?

(a) Species are competing more aggressively for food.
(b) The timing of natural events for species that rely on each other is no longer synchronized.
(c) Predators are evolving faster than their prey.
(d) Humans are interfering with animal breeding.
(e) Plants and animals are becoming more independent.

Q29. According to the passage, all of the following are effects of climate change EXCEPT:

(a) Species being forced to migrate to cooler areas.
(b) Widespread bleaching of coral reefs.
(c) An increase in the number of pollinators worldwide.
(d) Disruption of the food web.
(e) Changes in the timing of seasons (phenology).

Q30. Which of the following words is most similar in meaning to “INSIDIOUS” as used in the passage?

(a) Obvious
(b) Harmless
(c) Sudden
(d) Stealthy and harmful
(e) Beneficial

Q31. Which of the following words is most opposite in meaning to “IMPERATIVE” as used in the passage?

(a) Essential
(b) Urgent
(c) Unimportant
(d) Necessary
(e) Critical

Q32. The author’s tone in the passage can be best described as:

(a) Humorous
(b) Optimistic
(c) Concerned and informative
(d) Sarcastic
(e) Indifferent

Q33. What can be inferred from the passage about the relationship between biodiversity and human well-being?

(a) They are completely unrelated.
(b) Human well-being is heavily dependent on the health of natural ecosystems.
(c) Humans are not affected by the loss of biodiversity.
(d) Biodiversity loss is only an ethical issue, not a practical one.
(e) Human well-being only depends on agriculture.

Passage 5

In our hyper-connected world, the concept of “digital minimalism” is gaining traction as an antidote to the overwhelming digital clutter that pervades modern life. It’s a philosophy of technology use in which you focus your online time on a small number of carefully selected and optimized activities that strongly support things you value, and then happily miss out on everything else. This is not a wholesale rejection of technology, but rather a call for intentionality. The goal isn’t to demonize screens but to reclaim control over them, shifting from being a passive consumer of endless content to an active, mindful user.

The architects of the attention economy—social media platforms, news outlets, and entertainment services—design their products to be as addictive as possible. Features like infinite scroll, autoplay, and intermittent variable rewards (like ‘likes’ and notifications) are engineered to capture and hold our attention for maximum duration. This constant engagement often leads to a state of fractured attention, heightened anxiety, and a feeling of being perpetually busy yet unproductive. Digital minimalism proposes a “digital declutter” process: taking a break from optional technologies, re-evaluating their role in your life, and reintroducing only those that offer significant, clear benefits.

The rewards of adopting such a philosophy are profound. Practitioners report improved concentration, more time for high-quality leisure activities (like hobbies or face-to-face conversations), reduced stress, and a deeper sense of presence in their own lives. It is about curating your digital life with the same care you might apply to your diet or physical environment, ensuring that technology serves your goals rather than subverting them.

Q34. What is the central argument of the passage?

(a) All modern technology is harmful and should be abandoned.
(b) Social media companies are the sole cause of anxiety in society.
(c) Digital minimalism is a philosophy for using technology intentionally to improve one’s life, rather than being controlled by it.
(d) The attention economy is a successful business model that should be emulated.
(e) People should spend less time on hobbies and more time online.

Q35. What does the term “attention economy” refer to?

(a) An economy based on paying attention in class.
(b) A business model where companies compete to capture and monetize user attention.
(c) A government program to help people focus.
(d) The buying and selling of technological devices.
(e) A philosophy that values attention over money.

Q36. According to the passage, digital minimalism is NOT about:

(a) Being intentional with technology use.
(b) Reclaiming control over one’s digital life.
(c) Completely rejecting all technology.
(d) Focusing on activities that support personal values.
(e) Reducing digital clutter.

Q37. Which of the following is mentioned as a technique used to make digital products addictive?

(a) High subscription fees.
(b) Complex user interfaces.
(c) Limited content.
(d) Infinite scroll and autoplay.
(e) Strong privacy policies.

Q38. The word “PERVADES” in the passage is closest in meaning to:

(a) Avoids
(b) Spreads through
(c) Eliminates
(d) Complicates
(e) Solves

Q39. What is one of the “profound” rewards of digital minimalism mentioned in the passage?

(a) Becoming famous on social media.
(b) Increased ability to multitask.
(c) More time for high-quality leisure activities.
(d) Getting free access to premium services.
(e) Feeling perpetually busy.

Q40. The passage suggests that the “digital declutter” process involves:

(a) Buying a new phone.
(b) Deleting all your social media accounts permanently.
(c) Taking a temporary break from non-essential technologies to reassess their value.
(d) Learning how to code.
(e) Following more people online to get more content.

Q41. The word “SUBVERTING” in the passage is most opposite in meaning to:

(a) Undermining
(b) Supporting
(c) Overthrowing
(d) Complicating
(e) Obscuring

Q42. What is the key difference between a digital minimalist and someone who rejects technology?

(a) There is no difference.
(b) A minimalist uses technology intentionally, while a rejector shuns it completely.
(c) A minimalist uses only old technology.
(d) A rejector uses social media, but a minimalist does not.
(e) A minimalist has more friends online.

Passage 6

The fragility of global supply chains, a cornerstone of modern commerce, was starkly exposed by the recent pandemic. For decades, the dominant model has been “just-in-time” (JIT) manufacturing, a strategy focused on extreme efficiency and cost reduction by minimizing inventory. Companies ordered parts and materials only as they were needed, creating a highly interconnected but delicate web of global trade. In a stable world, this system was remarkably effective, lowering consumer prices and offering a vast array of products. However, its fundamental weakness is a lack of resilience; a single disruption, whether a factory shutdown, a shipping blockage, or a trade dispute, can cause a domino effect, leading to widespread shortages and economic turmoil.

In response to these vulnerabilities, a paradigm shift is beginning to occur. Businesses and policymakers are now prioritizing resilience over pure efficiency. This involves several key strategies. One is diversification, moving away from reliance on a single country or supplier for critical components. Another is “near-shoring” or “reshoring”—bringing production closer to home to reduce logistical complexities and geopolitical risks. A third approach involves building redundancy into the system by holding larger “safety stock” inventories, a direct reversal of the JIT philosophy. While these measures may lead to slightly higher costs for consumers in the short term, they promise a more robust and stable supply chain capable of withstanding future shocks.

Q43. What is the main argument of the passage?

(a) Just-in-time manufacturing is the most superior economic model.
(b) Global trade should be completely dismantled.
(c) Recent disruptions have highlighted the fragility of efficiency-focused supply chains, prompting a shift towards building more resilient systems.
(d) Consumers should be prepared for a permanent shortage of all goods.
(e) The pandemic had no lasting effect on global commerce.

Q44. What is “just-in-time” (JIT) manufacturing?

(a) A strategy of keeping massive amounts of inventory.
(b) A system where production is located close to consumers.
(c) A cost-reduction strategy that minimizes inventory by ordering parts only when needed.
(d) A model that relies on a single, highly efficient supplier.
(e) A philosophy that prioritizes resilience over efficiency.

Q45. What is the primary weakness of the JIT model, according to the passage?

(a) It is too expensive for most companies.
(b) It leads to lower quality products.
(c) It is not interconnected enough.
(d) It lacks resilience and is vulnerable to single disruptions.
(e) It is too slow and inefficient.

Q46. “Near-shoring” is mentioned as a strategy to:

(a) Lower consumer prices as much as possible.
(b) Reduce logistical complexity and geopolitical risk.
(c) Depend more heavily on a single foreign country.
(d) Follow the just-in-time philosophy strictly.
(e) Increase the speed of global shipping.

Q47. What is a potential short-term consequence of shifting towards a more resilient supply chain?

(a) A wider array of available products.
(b) A decrease in global trade.
(c) Slightly higher costs for consumers.
(d) Less need for diversification.
(e) Increased economic turmoil.

Q48. The word “FRAGILITY” in the passage is closest in meaning to:

(a) Strength
(b) Delicacy
(c) Efficiency
(d) Complexity
(e) Costliness

Q49. The term “PARADIGM SHIFT” suggests a:

(a) Minor adjustment
(b) Temporary change
(c) Fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
(d) Return to old methods
(e) Small correction

Q50. What does the passage imply about the future of global supply chains?

(a) They will revert back to the JIT model as soon as the crisis is over.
(b) The new focus on resilience is a long-term trend aimed at creating more stable systems.
(c) They will become less important to the global economy.
(d) Efficiency will no longer be a consideration at all.
(e) They will be completely controlled by governments.