CSE Reading Comprehension Practice Quiz

Here is another CSE Reading Comprehension practice quiz that will boost your chances of passing the Civil Service Exam. As you know by now, the Reading Comprehension section of the Civil Service Exam is one, if not the most time consuming part of the test. It is important that you get used to reading fast but still understand the paragraph or short story that is presented. Mastering the ability to quickly grasp the main ideas, key details, and underlying themes of a passage is crucial for efficiently navigating this section of the exam.

Improving your reading comprehension skills will significantly increase your chances of passing the CSE. The questions in this section require not just the ability to read quickly, but also to think critically about what you’ve read. By honing these skills, you can answer questions more accurately and confidently, reducing the likelihood of errors due to misinterpretation or misunderstanding. Regular practice with reading comprehension exercises will help you develop the necessary speed and precision, allowing you to manage your time effectively during the exam.

CSE Reading Comprehension Mock Quiz

Before you begin the following Reading Comprehension test, remember that each passage is designed to assess your ability to understand, analyze, and interpret written information. Take your time to read each passage carefully, but also practice maintaining a steady pace. This quiz is an opportunity to sharpen your skills, so approach each question with focus and determination. Good luck!

 

“A Nation Divided: The Origins of North and South Korea”

In the aftermath of World War II, Korea found itself at a crossroads. After decades of Japanese occupation, the Korean Peninsula was liberated in 1945. However, with the onset of the Cold War, the region became a battleground for ideological influence. The Allies, led by the United States and the Soviet Union, divided Korea along the 38th parallel, with the North falling under Soviet influence and the South under American control. This division was initially seen as temporary, but growing tensions soon cemented it as a permanent split.

In the North, Kim Il-sung, a communist leader backed by the Soviet Union, established a government based on Marxist-Leninist principles. Meanwhile, in the South, Syngman Rhee, a staunch anti-communist, became the leader of the newly formed Republic of Korea, with support from the United States. The ideological divide between the two regions deepened, and both sides claimed to be the legitimate government of the entire peninsula. Diplomatic efforts to reunify Korea were unsuccessful, and mistrust grew between the two emerging states.

By 1950, tensions reached a boiling point. North Korean forces, under Kim Il-sung’s leadership, launched an invasion of the South, sparking the Korean War. This conflict drew in international forces, with the United States and United Nations supporting South Korea, while China and the Soviet Union aided the North. After three years of brutal fighting and millions of lives lost, the war ended in a stalemate. An armistice was signed in 1953, but no peace treaty was ever concluded, leaving North and South Korea technically still at war.

Today, the Korean Peninsula remains divided. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) stands as a stark reminder of the conflict, with North Korea under a reclusive, authoritarian regime, while South Korea has developed into a vibrant democracy with a flourishing economy. Despite occasional diplomatic efforts, the two Koreas remain worlds apart, separated by ideology, history, and an unresolved conflict that continues to shape the region’s future.

Questions

1. What event led to the division of Korea along the 38th parallel?

1. 1. 1. 1. The Korean War
         2. World War I
         3. The liberation of Korea from Japanese occupation
         4. The Cold War
         5. The signing of the Treaty of Versailles

 

2. Who was the leader of North Korea after the division of the Korean Peninsula?

1. 1. 1. 1. Syngman Rhee
         2. Kim Jong-il
         3. Kim Il-sung
         4. Mao Zedong
         5. Park Chung-hee

 

3. What event marked the beginning of the Korean War?

1. 1. 1. 1. The invasion of North Korea by the United Nations
         2. The invasion of South Korea by North Korean forces
         3. A nuclear strike
         4. The fall of Seoul
         5. A peace treaty signed between the two Koreas

 

4. How did the Korean War end?

1. 1. 1. 1. With a peace treaty
         2. With the unification of Korea
         3. With an armistice but no formal peace treaty
         4. With a United Nations victory
         5. With North Korea’s defeat

 

5. What is the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)?

1. 1. 1. 1. A military base in South Korea
         2. A buffer zone between North and South Korea
         3. A peace treaty between the Koreas
         4. The capital of North Korea
         5. A site for diplomatic negotiations

 

“The End of Apartheid: South Africa’s Journey to Freedom”

Apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, was officially enforced in South Africa in 1948 by the National Party government. Under this regime, the white minority controlled the country’s political, economic, and social systems, while the non-white majority was subjected to oppressive laws that dictated where they could live, work, and receive an education. Resistance to apartheid grew steadily over the years, with movements like the African National Congress (ANC) leading the fight for equality. However, the government responded to dissent with harsh crackdowns, imprisoning leaders like Nelson Mandela in 1962.

By the 1980s, global attention had turned to South Africa, as the apartheid regime faced increasing pressure from both within and outside the country. International sanctions and boycotts were imposed on South Africa, severely affecting its economy. Meanwhile, protests, strikes, and armed resistance grew across the nation, making it clear that the apartheid system was becoming unsustainable. Even many within the white minority recognized that change was inevitable, as the country’s isolation and internal unrest deepened.

In 1990, a significant breakthrough came when President F.W. de Klerk announced the release of Nelson Mandela after 27 years in prison and the unbanning of the ANC and other anti-apartheid organizations. De Klerk and Mandela began negotiations to dismantle apartheid and transition South Africa to a democracy. Despite violence and opposition from hardliners on both sides, the process moved forward, culminating in the country’s first multiracial elections in 1994, where Nelson Mandela was elected as South Africa’s first Black president.

The end of apartheid marked the beginning of a new era for South Africa. The country embarked on a path of reconciliation and nation-building, with Mandela at the helm. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established to address the atrocities of the past, allowing South Africans to confront their painful history. Although challenges remained, the dismantling of apartheid signified a victory for justice, equality, and the triumph of the human spirit over oppression.

Questions:

1. When was apartheid officially enforced in South Africa?

1. 1. 1. 1. 1960
         2. 1948
         3. 1955
         4. 1930
         5. 1975

 

2. What was the name of the movement that led the fight against apartheid?

1. 1. 1. 1. African National Union
         2. United Democratic Front
         3. African National Congress
         4. Congress of South African Trade Unions
         5. South African Communist Party

 

3. Who was released from prison in 1990, marking a turning point in the struggle against apartheid?

1. 1. 1. 1. Desmond Tutu
         2. Steve Biko
         3. Nelson Mandela
         4. Oliver Tambo
         5. Walter Sisulu

 

4. What event in 1994 marked the official end of apartheid?

1. 1. 1. 1. Nelson Mandela’s release from prison
         2. The first multiracial elections
         3. The end of international sanctions
         4. The formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
         5. The signing of a peace treaty

 

5. What was the purpose of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission established after apartheid?

1. 1. 1. 1. To punish those responsible for apartheid
         2. To provide economic assistance to the poor
         3. To address and reconcile the atrocities committed during apartheid
         4. To rewrite South African history
         5. To create new apartheid laws

 

“The Lost City of the Incas: The Wonder of Machu Picchu”

Nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Built in the 15th century during the height of the Inca Empire, the city is believed to have been a royal estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Constructed with intricate stonework and terraces that seamlessly blend into the rugged mountain landscape, Machu Picchu stands as a testament to the engineering genius and architectural skill of the Incas. Despite its remote location, the city was connected to the vast Inca road network, making it an important ceremonial and administrative hub.

For centuries, Machu Picchu remained hidden from the world, shrouded by dense jungle and unknown to outsiders. The Spanish conquistadors, who overthrew the Inca Empire in the 16th century, never discovered the site, allowing it to remain largely intact. It wasn’t until 1911, when American explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it during an expedition, that the ancient city was brought to global attention. His discovery ignited international interest in Inca civilization and sparked efforts to preserve and study the site.

Archaeologists have debated the purpose of Machu Picchu for decades. While some believe it served as a royal estate or a retreat for the Inca elite, others suggest it had religious significance, given its proximity to sacred mountains and its alignment with astronomical events. The city’s sophisticated system of water channels, terraced agriculture, and precise stone masonry demonstrate the advanced knowledge of the Incas, who built without the use of metal tools or mortar.

Today, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It attracts millions of visitors each year who come to marvel at its beauty and learn about the fascinating history of the Inca civilization. Despite its fame, Machu Picchu remains an enduring mystery, with much still to be uncovered about the lives of those who lived there and the true purpose of this magnificent city in the clouds.

Questions:

1. Who is believed to have built Machu Picchu?

1. 1. 1. 1. Hiram Bingham
         2. The Spanish conquistadors
         3. The Inca emperor Pachacuti
         4. Emperor Montezuma
         5. Christopher Columbus

 

2. How was Machu Picchu brought to global attention in 1911?

1. 1. 1. 1. It was discovered by Spanish conquistadors.
         2. An ancient map was found leading to its location.
         3. It was stumbled upon by American explorer Hiram Bingham.
         4. It was found by treasure hunters.
         5. It was revealed by local farmers.

 

3. What feature of Machu Picchu demonstrates the Incas’ advanced engineering skills?

1. 1. 1. 1. Its large metal structures
         2. Its use of modern machinery
         3. Its sophisticated water channels and precise stone masonry
         4. Its reliance on animal labor
         5. Its connection to Spanish architecture

 

4. Why did Machu Picchu remain largely intact for centuries after the fall of the Inca Empire?

1. 1. 1. 1. It was destroyed but later rebuilt.
         2. It was hidden by dense jungle and never discovered by the Spanish.
         3. It was located in a highly visible area.
         4. The Incas never abandoned the site.
         5. It was guarded by local tribes.

 

5. What is one of the modern-day recognitions given to Machu Picchu?

1. 1. 1. 1. It is a New Seven Wonder of the World.
         2. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe.
         3. It is recognized as the birthplace of the Inca Empire.
         4. It is considered the largest archaeological site in Africa.
         5. It is the capital of Peru.

 

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