Comprehension Test for Bank Exams



Directions (Q. 1-10): Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions given below them. Certain words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.

Despite the economic crunch worldwide that saw pulverization of some of the largest banking and finance giants, Indian banking houses have managed to show positive growth this quarter. Some of India’s leading national banks have posted a net profit rise of more than 40% over the last quarter amid global turmoil. This would come as a big shot in the arm for the investors and consumers of these banks even though apprehension is mounting on other banking and broking firms worldwide. One of the main reasons behind the success of these banks this quarter, would be their direct backing by the Government of India. People take solace in their investments in public sector watching the bailout packages being cashed out by governments all over the world to save big business houses.

Other private banks in India have also reported a substantial net profit over the last quarter . Given the international and domestic scenario, one cannot put this down as a mundane achievement. While others are on a cost-cutting spree and firing employees, Indian companies are actually working on boosting staffing in banking and broking sectors. This can be seen as a big boon in the days to come when the current recession eases and the economy gradually comes back on to the  fast track. The finance minister has assured Indian public  about the  sound health of all  Indian banks. This could also be evident from the fact that there have been no mergers and takeovers in Indian banking sector in a contrast to  world  scenario where  finance houses  are looking for mergers to cut costs on operations. We definitely are not looking to thrive; rather we are looking for growth. It is just that the pace of growth is a little slow now as compared to a year or two before. These are hard times to test the hard. The weak in business and career will be weeded out and it is sometimes very beneficial for business in the long run.
1. What,  according to  the  author,  is the  reason  for the success of Indian national banks in this quarter?
(a) Indian national banks do not have any commitments in troubled foreign markets.
(b) These banks can never face financial crisis because of their sheer size.
(c) These banks are ready to give loans at a very low rate of interest
(d) The public is ready to invest in these banks because of the knowledge that these banks get strong support from the Government.
(e) None  of these

2. What does the phrase ‘shot in the arm’ as used in the passage mean ?
(a) Shock                
(b) Fear                    
(c) Encouragement
(d) Anxiety              
(e) None of these

3. How, according to the author, is the current recession beneficial?
(a) Worldwide companies have realised that India is a strong power to reckon with.
(b) India is surging ahead of the other Companies throughout the world.
(c) After the recession is over international companies will turn to India for investment.
(d) Recession  is  bringing down  the  prices  of essential commodities.
(e) None  of these
4. What, according to the author, will be a big boon in the days to come?
(a) The economy coming back on the fast track
(b) The slowing down of the economy
(c) Increased hiring in Indian financial sector in times of economic slowdown
(d) The cost cutting carried out by all the companies
(e) None of these

5. Which of the following statements is/are definitely true in the context of the passage?
(1)  India has not been affected by the economic slowdown.
(2)  Indian banks are showing growth in this quarter despite the  recession.
(3)  While banking industry in the West was severely affected by recession in the past, it is now gradually recovering and showing a positive growth.
(a) Only (1)            
(b) Only (2)            
(c) Only (3)
(d) Only (1) and (2)                               
(e) Only (2) and (3)
6. Which of the following strengthens the finance minister’s statement about the sound health of Indian banks with respect to the passage?
(1) There have been no acquisitions and mergers of Indian banks.
(2) The Indian banks are recording a positive growth. 
(3) Layoffs have been observed worldwide.
(a) Only (1) and (2)              
(b) Only (1) and (3)
(c) Only (1)                            
(d) Only (2)
(e) All (1), (2) and (3)
Directions (Q. 7-8): Choose the word/group of words which is most similar in meaning to the word/group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.
7. TURMOIL
(a) danger  
(b) shock    
(c) sadness   
(d) fear    
(e) chaos
8. PULVERIZATION
(a) polarisation       
(b) mashing             
(c) debasement
(d) fall                       
(e) crushing
Directions (Q.9-10): Choose the word/group of words which is most opposite in meaning of the word/group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.
9. THRIVE
(a) succeed             
(b) deteriorate        
(c) worry
(d) tremble               
(e) strive
10. MUNDANE
(a) extraordinary    
(b) regular               
(c) severe
(d) visionary           
(e) routine