SSC CGL Preparation – Day 16

MCQs – Reading Comprehension

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Passage:

In recent years, urban gardening has gained immense popularity among city dwellers. With limited space and rising concerns about food quality, people have started converting balconies, rooftops, and even window sills into mini vegetable patches. This not only ensures access to fresh produce but also reduces stress. Studies have shown that spending time with plants improves mental well-being and creates a sense of accomplishment. However, challenges like lack of sunlight, pollution, and space constraints persist.

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Questions:

1. What is the main reason urban gardening has become popular?
A) It’s a new fashion trend
B) People want to avoid outdoor exercise
C) Concern about food quality and space limitations
D) It increases property value

✅ Answer: C
Explanation: The passage states people started urban gardening due to limited space and concern about food quality.

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2. Which areas are commonly used for urban gardening?
A) Garages
B) Roofs and balconies
C) Roadsides
D) Public parks

✅ Answer: B
Explanation: The passage specifically mentions balconies, rooftops, window sills.

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3. What is one mental benefit of urban gardening mentioned?
A) Enhances eyesight
B) Improves mental well-being
C) Increases attention span
D) Develops public speaking

✅ Answer: B
Explanation: It clearly says spending time with plants improves mental well-being.

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4. What can be inferred about people’s lifestyle from the passage?
A) They want to move to villages
B) They no longer eat vegetables
C) They are turning towards self-sustainability
D) They prefer online food

✅ Answer: C
Explanation: The passage implies people are growing their own food = self-sustainability.

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5. Which of the following is NOT a benefit mentioned?
A) Access to fresh vegetables
B) Increased mental peace
C) Improvement in eyesight
D) Sense of achievement

✅ Answer: C
Explanation: Eyesight is not mentioned anywhere in the passage.

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6. What is a challenge of urban gardening?
A) Lack of fertilizer
B) Poor taste in food
C) Lack of sunlight and space
D) No water supply

✅ Answer: C
Explanation: The passage says lack of sunlight, pollution, and space constraints are issues.

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7. The author’s tone in the passage is:
A) Sarcastic
B) Negative
C) Informative
D) Humorous

✅ Answer: C
Explanation: The author presents factual information about urban gardening = informative tone.

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8. What does “urban gardening” mainly refer to in the passage?
A) Gardening in public parks
B) Growing plants indoors in rural areas
C) Growing plants in city homes with limited space
D) Creating botanical gardens

✅ Answer: C
Explanation: “Urban gardening” here means gardening in limited-space city areas.

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9. According to the passage, urban gardening helps in:
A) Gaining social status
B) Avoiding outdoor activities
C) Ensuring food availability and reducing stress
D) Reducing pollution

✅ Answer: C
Explanation: It says ensures access to fresh produce and reduces stress.

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10. Which of the following words is closest in meaning to “immense” as used in the passage?
A) Confusing
B) Limited
C) Huge
D) Minimal

✅ Answer: C
Explanation: “Immense popularity” = huge or great popularity.