Reading Comprehension
Reading & Importance of Good Vocabulary for RC (Class Exercise)
Number of Questions : 35
Directions for questions 1 to 35: Read the following
passages and answer the items that follow. Your
answers to these items should be based on the
passages only.
Passage – 1
The Health Index 2019 released by NITI Aayog makes
the important point that some States and Union
Territories are doing better on health and well-being
even with a lower economic output, while others are
not improving upon high standards. Some are actually
slipping in their performance. In the assessment
during 2017-18, a few large States present a dismal
picture, reflecting the low priority their governments
have accorded to health and human development
since the Aayog produced its first ranking for 2015-
16. The disparities are stark. Populous and politically
important Uttar Pradesh brings up the rear on the
overall Health Index with a low score of 28.61, while
the national leader, Kerala, has scored 74.01.
1. Which one of the following is the most logical
and rational inference that can be made from
the above passage?
(a) The NITI Aayog Health Index data cannot
be trusted completely.
(b) The state governments of the large states
in India accorded due importance to the
health index in their respective states.
(c) Economic output does not guarantee an
improved health index.
(d) The Central government should ensure
that small states improve their health
index figures.
Passage – 2
Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra join Kerala as the
other top performers, with the additional distinction
RC – 1
1
CEX–6149/20
of making incremental progress from the base year.
The NITI Aayog Health Index is a composite based
on 23 indicators, covering such aspects as neonatal
and infant mortality rates, fertility rate, low birth
weight, immunisation coverage and progress in
treating tuberculosis and HIV. States are also
assessed on improvements to administrative
capability and public health infrastructure. For a
leading State like Tamil Nadu, the order of merit in
the report should serve as a sobering reminder to
stop resting on its oars: it has slipped from third to
ninth rank on parameters such as low birth weight,
functioning public health centres and community
health centre grading.
2. The passage seems to argue that
(a) The NITI Aayog Health index should
include more indicators than the ones
already listed.
(b) The NITI Aayog Health index should
undergo a thorough check because many
states have faltered in their respective
scores.
(c) The NITI Aayog Health index has the
potential to transform India into one of the
best countries in the international health
sector.
(d) The Niti Aayog data should encourage
states to always maintain a high level of
competence in the health sector.
Passage – 3
Leaders of the 10-member Association of South East
Asian Nations have resoundingly committed to
conclude negotiations for the Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) free
trade agreement by the end of 2019. Some like the
Malaysian Prime Minister went a step further,
Page 1
suggesting that countries not ready to join the RCEP,
notably India but also Australia and New Zealand,
could join at a later date, allowing a truncated 13-
member RCEP to go ahead. Others insist that all
16 members must agree on the final RCEP
document. It is clear that ASEAN, which first
promoted the RCEP idea in 2012, is putting pressure
on all stakeholders to complete the last-mile
negotiations. The ASEAN summit, which ended in
Bangkok on Sunday, agreed to send a three-member
delegation to New Delhi to take forward the talks.
3. The passage seems to imply that
(a) The RCEP should be complete shortly.
(b) The RCEP might fail because India hasn't
yet joined the RCEP.
(c) The RCEP will be instrumental in making
India a superpower by 2020.
(d) Malaysia intends to lead the RCEP
dialogue process.
Passage – 4
The neglect of such a reliable primary care approach
even after so many decades affects States such as
Bihar, where much work needs to be done to reduce
infant and neonatal mortality and low birth weight,
and create specialist departments at district
hospitals. Special attention is needed to shore up
standards of primary care in Odisha, Madhya
Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Assam and
Jharkhand, which are at the bottom of the scale, as
per the NITI Aayog assessment. The Health Index
does not capture other related dimensions, such as
non-communicable diseases, infectious diseases
and mental health. It also does not get uniformly
reliable data, especially from the growing private
sector. What is clear is that State governments now
have greater resources at their command under the
new scheme of financial devolution, and, in partnership
with the Centre, they must use the funds to transform
primary health care.
4. On the basis of the above passage, the
following assumptions have been made:
1. The primary health care sector in Assam
is not up to the mark.
Page 2
2. There is no dearth of funds for state
governments with regard to the primary
health care sector.
3. The Health Index reflects every form of
disease prevalent in India.
Which of the assumptions is/are valid?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 2 only (d) 2 and 3 only
Passage – 5
India has a trade deficit with as many as 11 of the
RCEP countries, and it is the only one among them
that isn't negotiating a bilateral or multilateral free
trade agreement with China at present. As a result,
although negotiators have agreed to New Delhi's
demand for differential tariffs for its trade with China
vis-à-vis the others, India has also made tagging the
"Country of Origin" on all products a sticking point
in RCEP negotiations. Despite its misgivings,
however, the government has reiterated that it is
committed to making RCEP work, and any attempt
to cut India out of the agreement was "extremely
premature". In the next few months, India will be
expected to keep up intense negotiations, and most
important, give a clear indication both internally and
to the world that it is joining RCEP.
5. The passage seems to argue that
(a) The Indian government is not too keen to
continue with continuing the RCEP
dialogue.
(b) China does not want India to join RCEP.
(c) India seems to be wary that China might
try to sabotage the RCEP negotiations.
(d) India is interested to join RCEP.
Passage – 6: Philosophy
Meditation is the best-known method for directing
our thoughts towards the essentials and training our
perception. Buddhist monks, for example, practice
meditation in order to free the spirit of all earthly ties
and to open up new pathways to knowledge.
The phenomenon of controlled attention is not only
used in Asian religions but also in Western
RC – 1
psychology. Anyone wishing to train his or her
memory must begin by controlling perception. For
example, if you find that you keep forgetting people’s
names, this is probably because you are easily
distracted and do not attach enough importance to
names when you are introduced.
Even your creativity is influenced by how intensely
you deal with the task at hand. If you need a new
idea urgently, for example, an original birthday gift
for a close friend - perhaps you should let yourself
be inspired by the world around you. We often do
not take the time to notice what is around us.
The flash of inspiration you need will come if you
allow your attention to float freely, touching on all
possibilities, even ones you have disregarded.
6. The first paragraph of the passage mainly
focuses on
(a) the importance of directing our thoughts.
(b) meditation of the Buddhist monks.
(c) the importance of meditation.
(d) the practice of meditation to free the spirit
of all earthly ties.
7. Why do Buddhist monks practice meditation?
(a) In order to free the spirit of all earthly ties.
(b) To open up new pathways to knowledge.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of these
Passage – 7: Biology
Some salt is crucial for good health, of course — to
regulate blood pressure and assist with muscle and
nerve function — but too much (that is, at the levels
we currently consume) can lead to hypertension,
heart disease and stroke. If Americans halved their
salt intake, as many as 150,000 premature deaths
could be prevented each year, according to the
American Medical Association. And new research
presented by Bibbins-Domingo at the AHA’s annual
conference shows that even small reductions — as
little as 1 g of salt per day — could have dramatic
effects, saving 200,000 lives over the course of a
decade.
RC – 1
While eating less salt would improve the health of
the population across the board, researchers found
that the benefits would be greatest for African
Americans and women. As a group, African
Americans tend to have higher blood pressure than
the general population, and “many studies suggest
that they may be more sensitive to salt,” Bibbins-
Domingo says.
The numbers certainly offer compelling incentives to
cut salt consumption, but that’s no easy task.
You can put down the salt shaker and cut back on
obviously salty snacks, but there’s still so much
sodium packed into processed foods that trying to
extract it from your diet is a tricky business.
If you’re dining out, all bets are off. According to the
British organization ‘Consensus Action on Salt in
Health’, a three-course meal in a restaurant can
contain more than 15 g of salt, almost three times
the recommended daily amount.
Bibbins-Domingo says it’s especially tough for
families with limited income, who tend to rely more
on processed or packaged foods and canned fruits
and vegetables rather than fresh foods. Patients tell
her they’ve cut salted nuts, potato chips and pretzels
from their diet and started eating more soup instead.
“You realize that they’re actually consuming more
salt in their attempt to make healthy choices,” she
says.
8. Why is salt crucial for health?
(a) It leads to hypertension.
(b) It regulates blood pressure.
(c) It increases the chances of stroke
(d) It harms the nerve function.
9. According to the passage, how will a
reduction in salt intake benefit humans?
(a) It will assist muscle function.
(b) It will help them become more active.
(c) It will prevent premature deaths.
(d) It builds the possibility of heart disease.
10. What does the word ‘compelling’ mean in the
context of the passage?
(a) influential (b) appealing
(c) forceful (d) attentive
Page 3
11. According to the passage, which group is
more sensitive to salt?
(a) Africans
(b) Black Americans
(c) African Americans
(d) Americans
12. Which foods, according to the passage, have
high sodium content?
(a) Processed foods
(b) Fresh vegetables
(c) Fruits
(d) None of these
Passage – 8: Literature
In “A Cat in the Rain,” Hemingway demonstrates his
ability to portray real women with problems and to
respond to their unhappiness with real sympathy. “A
Cat in the Rain” is, on the surface, a simple tale of
an American couple in Italy.
However, the reader soon realizes that this
uncomplicated story illuminates much deeper
meanings. This seemingly mundane plot becomes
symbolic and purposeful under the reader’s gaze.
With the introduction of a single paragraph,
Hemingway sets out a long description of the
environment in good weather, which means spring
or summer; then a description of the momentary
situation in the rain. The photographic description of
the place is absorbing and, in it, the weather plays
an important role. Weather descriptions usually
constitute a substantial part in Hemingway’s writing
and introduce the readers into the atmosphere of
the story. This description creates an atmosphere
that is sad, cold and unfriendly. To create this
atmosphere, the author uses words such as “empty”
or “the motorcars were gone”. Later on, we will see
this as a kind of advanced mention to the state of
the couple’s relationship. Another symbolic hint in
this introduction is the “war monument”, which is
mentioned three times, probably, to tell us that a
conflict is to be expected.
In order to introduce the main characters and set up
the situation, Hemingway uses short sentences,
dialogues and descriptions of movements and
Page 4
gestures, which, at first sight, seem to be pointless
but are highly relevant to the plot. The language used
is very simple. In this part of the story the main
characters are presented: “The American wife” and
“the husband”. Each seems to be isolated from the
other. We see the different paradigms: she is looking
out of the window and he is reading all the time:
“The husband went on reading, lying propped up with
the two pillows at the foot of the bed.” “George was
on the bed reading.” “George was reading again.”
“He was reading again.” It has been highlighted by
those repetitions that George is reading. We see
the opposition in the things they are doing.
The American wife is looking out the window and
sees a cat in the rain, which she wants to protect
from the raindrops. When she goes out of the hotel
and wants to get the cat, she finds it is gone.
After returning to the hotel, she starts a conversation
with her husband, George, who keeps on reading.
He seems to be annoyed and not interested at all in
what she is saying: “Oh, shut up and get something
to read, George said. He was reading again.”
The husband’s crass words in conjunction with his
inattentive attitude, characterize him as a
stereotypical male who sees little benefit in taking
his wife seriously. He ignores her needs. The way
the husband is and the way he is acting shows the
marriage coming apart. The story reflects certain
strains in marriage, the most important of which is
communication: “George was not listening. He was
reading his book.” He is alienated while his marriage
is disintegrating.
13. Which of the following is correct?
A. The story “A Cat in the Rain” is not as
simple as it appears.
B. The husband in “A Cat in the Rain” takes
his wife seriously.
(a) Only A (b) Only B
(c) Both A and B (d) Neither A nor B
14. Based on the passage, the American wife’s
and the husband’s attitudes would best be
represented by which of the following actions?
(a) Her attempts at conversation and his
resistance to them
RC – 1
 (b) Her boredom and his inattentiveness
(c) Her lack of wisdom and his impatience
(d) None of these
15. Hemingway uses a regular reference to which
of the following to heighten the symbolism in
his writings?
(a) The war monument
(b) The weather
(c) George’s reading
(d) The word “empty”
16. Which of the following is incorrect?
(a) The contrast of good weather and the
situation of rain has been presented to
create an atmosphere of sadness.
(b) The war monument has been mentioned
to symbolize the likelihood of conflict
between the couple.
(c) A Cat in the Rain displays the
sympathetic attitude of Hemingway
towards women facing troubles in
domestic life.
(d) Hemingway tries to show synchronization
in the activities and thoughts of the wife
and her husband.
Passage – 9: Business
True innovators have a mantra: “The enemy of the
best is the good.” They are constantly daring to make
things better. What others call impossible they see
as probable. They live out of their imaginations —
not their memories. They live to challenge the
commonly accepted. They assume nothing. They
see no limits. To them, everything’s possible.
If you want to be a leader, I have a simple suggestion.
Just keep innovating. Innovate at work. Innovate at
home. Innovate in your relationships. Innovate in the
way you run your life. Innovate in terms of the way
you see the world. To become stagnant is to begin
to die. Growth, evolution and reinvention sustain life.
There’s no safety in being the same person today
that you were yesterday. That’s an illusion that ends
up breaking your heart when you reach the end of
your life and realize that you missed out on living it
RC – 1
boldly. Lasting fulfillment lives out in the unknown.
When I was a kid, my dad used to tell me: “Robin,
it’s risky out on the limb. But, son — that’s where
all the fruit is.” And to play out on the skinny branch,
you need to innovate. Daily, relentlessly.
Of course, the more you innovate, the more you will
fail. Not every risk you take and not everything you
try will work out as planned. Failure is essential to
success. Failure has been so helpful to me. It’s taken
me closer to my dreams, equipped me with more
knowledge and toughened me up so I’m prepared.
Success and failure go hand in hand. They are
business partners.
One of pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline’s
organising values is ‘disturb’. Makes me think of the
words of Motorola CEO Ed Zander: “At the heights
of success, ‘break’ your business. Companies that
don’t innovate don’t survive. The lesson is especially
important when things are going well. Though it’s
counterintuitive, successful companies actually
need to be more innovative than the competition. It’s
like kids playing ‘king of the hill’ — everyone aims
for the kid at the top. Leaders that don’t innovate are
displaced by those willing to take risks.”
So go to work each day and refuse to do the same
thing you did yesterday. Shake things up. Confront
your limitations. Refuse to be average. Commit to
be breathtakingly great in all you do. And that’s
what you’ll become.
17. Why does the author talk about kids play?
A. To add value to his point that innovation is
very important for being at the top.
B. To present an example that would
contradict his ideas.
(a) Only A (b) Only B
(c) Both A and B (d) Neither A nor B
18. What is the tone of the author?
(a) optimistic and encouraging
(b) pessimistic and sanguine
(c) pragmatic and realistic
(d) authoritative and objective
Page 5
19. What does the author mean by the phrase
break your business?
(a) Destroy your business to test whether it
can hold the worst.
(b) Stop your business to check whether it
can re-emerge on its own.
(c) Reengineer all departments of your
organization.
(d) Innovate and do business differently than
you were doing earlier.
20. Why does the author advise “refuse to do the
same thing you did yesterday”?
(a) Because refusing to do the same thing
that you did yesterday leads to creativity,
which in turn leads to innovation.
(b) Because refusing to do the same thing
that you did yesterday leads you to
accept failure which in turn leads to
innovation.
(c) Because refusing to do the same thing
that you did yesterday leads you to
challenge your limitations, which in turn
leads to innovation.
(d) Because refusing to do the same thing
that you did yesterday leads you to
commit to be breathtakingly great in all
you do which in turn leads to innovation.
21. Which of the following is an appropriate title
for the passage?
(a) Importance of creativity
(b) What great leaders do
(c) How successful leaders remain
successful
(d) Importance of innovation in life and in
business
Passage – 10: Art
In 1911, Mondrian moved to Paris. While in Paris,
the influence of the Cubism style of Picasso and
Braque appeared almost immediately in Mondrian’s
work. Paintings such as The Sea (1912) and his
various studies of trees from those years are
dominated by the geometric shapes and interlocking
planes commonly found in Cubism. While Mondrian
was eager to absorb the Cubist influence into his
Page 6
work, however, it seems clear that he saw Cubism
as a ‘port of call’ on his artistic journey, rather than
as a destination.
Unlike the Cubists, Mondrian still attempted to
reconcile his painting with his spiritual pursuits,
and in 1913, he began to fuse his art and his
theosophical studies into a theory that signalled
his final break from representational painting.
Mondrian published “De Nieuwe Beelding in de
schilderkunst” (“The New Plastic in Painting”) in
twelve instalments during 1917 and 1918. This was
his first major attempt to express his artistic theory
in writing. Mondrian’s best and most often-quoted
expression of this theory, however, comes from a
letter he wrote to H.P. Bremmer in 1914:
“I construct lines and colour combinations on a flat
surface, in order to express general beauty with the
utmost awareness. Nature (or, that which I see)
inspires me, puts me, as with any painter, in an
emotional state so that an urge comes about to make
something, but I want to come as close as possible
to the truth and abstract everything from that, until I
reach the foundation (still just an external foundation!)
of things.
I believe it is possible that, through horizontal and
vertical lines constructed with awareness, but not
with calculation, led by high intuition, and brought to
harmony and rhythm, these basic forms of beauty,
supplemented if necessary by other direct lines or
curves, can become a work of art, as strong as it is
true.”
When the war ended in 1919, Mondrian returned to
France. Immersed in the crucible of artistic
innovation that was post-war Paris, he flourished in
an atmosphere of intellectual freedom that enabled
him to embrace an art of pure abstraction for the
rest of his life. Mondrian began producing grid-based
paintings in late 1919, and in 1920, the style for
which he came to be renowned began to appear.
In the early paintings of this style the lines
delineating the rectangular forms are relatively thin,
and they are gray, not black. The lines also tend to
fade as they approach the edge of the painting, rather
RC – 1
than stopping abruptly. The forms themselves, smaller
and more numerous than in later paintings, are filled
with primary colours, black, or gray, and nearly all of
them are coloured; only a few are left white.
During late 1920 and 1921, Mondrian’s paintings
arrive at what is their definitive and mature form to
casual observers. Thick black lines now separate
the forms, which are larger and fewer in number, and
more of them are left white than was previously the
case. Although the refinements became more
subtle, Mondrian’s work continued to evolve during
his years in Paris. As Mondrian’s work evolved further
he began to use fewer and fewer coloured forms,
favouring white instead.
22. According to the author, what was the main
feature of Mondrian as a mature artist?
(a) Grid based paintings
(b) Continued use of thick black lines
(c) Predominance of white forms
(d) Larger black lines
23. The author says Mondrian “saw Cubism as a
‘port of call’ on his artistic journey, rather than
as a destination.” From this statement we
can assume that
(a) Cubism and its influence was a useful but
transitory phase in Mondrian’s artistic
career.
(b) Cubism greatly influenced Mondrian but
he could never reach his destination in
perfecting the art form.
(c) Cubism was the means and the end of
Mondrian’s artistic endeavours.
(d) Mondrian could become a great artist
because of the influence of Cubism which
acted like a port of call.
24. According to the author, the difference
between Cubism and Mondrian’s art is that
(a) Cubism was representational while
Mondrian’s art was not.
(b) Cubism could not reconcile its art with
representational art while Mondrian could
make a complete break.
(c) Mondrian could break from
representational painting while Cubism
could not make a complete break.
RC – 1
(d) Cubists did not make their painting and
spiritualism compatible while Mondrian
tried to reconcile art with his spiritual
interests.
25. Which of the following statements can be
inferred from the passage?
(a) Mondrian believed in drawing lines in a
calculated manner to create a beautiful
painting.
(b) Mondrian’s thoughts and style of painting
reflect the depth of his thoughts and
personality.
(c) Mondrian was never convinced about the
Cubist’s style.
(d) The war ended in 1920.
26. Which of the following is correct?
(a) Mondrian exhibited originality in terms of
style of painting.
(b) Mondrian was only a painter.
(c) Mondrian was born in Paris.
(d) None of these
Passage – 11: Science
Modern physics began with a sweeping
unification: in 1687 Isaac Newton showed that the
existing jumble of disparate theories describing
everything from planetary motion to tides to
pendulums were all aspects of a universal law of
gravitation. Unification has played a central role in
physics ever since. In the middle of the 19th century
James Clerk Maxwell found that electricity and
magnetism were two facets of electromagnetism.
One hundred years later electromagnetism was
unified with the weak nuclear force governing
radioactivity, in what physicists call the electroweak
theory.
This quest for unification is driven by practical,
philosophical and aesthetic considerations.
When successful, merging theories clarify our
understanding of the universe and lead us to discover
things we might otherwise never have suspected.
Much of the activity in experimental particle physics
today, at accelerators such as the Large Hadron
Collider at CERN near Geneva, involves a search for
novel phenomena predicted by the unified
Page 7
electroweak theory. In addition to predicting new
physical effects, a unified theory provides a more
aesthetically satisfying picture of how our universe
operates. Many physicists share an intuition that,
at the deepest level, all physical phenomena match
the patterns of some beautiful mathematical
structure.
27. Which of the following statements is not true
according to the passage?
(a) Electricity, magnetism and the nuclear
force governing radioactivity are
interlinked.
(b) All disparate theories are aspects of a
universal law of gravitation.
(c) Many physicists believe that all physical
phenomena are related to mathematics.
(d) The birth of modern physics can be traced
back to 1687.
28. Why does the author believe that “Unification
has played a central role in physics ever
since”?
(a) Because unification helped James Clerk
Maxwell to find that electricity and
magnetism were two facets of
electromagnetism.
(b) Because the quest for unification is driven
by practical, philosophical and aesthetic
considerations.
(c) Because unification brings all laws under
one roof and gives a meaning to them.
(d) None of these
29. What are the benefits of successfully unified
theories?
(a) Help in search of novel phenomena.
(b) Merging of theories improves our
understanding and opens gates to new
discoveries.
(c) All physical phenomena appear to be
interlinked by some universal force.
(d) Solves the existing jumble of disparate
theories.
30. Which of the following is incorrect?
(a) Clark Maxwell found that electricity and
magnetism were two facets of
electromagnetism.
Page 8
(b) Unification has played a central role in
physics since 1687.
(c) The unified electroweak theory predicted
about a new phenomena in experimental
particle physics.
(d) None of these
31. Which of the following is correct?
(a) Newton has not made any contribution
towards the idea of unification.
(b) Many physicists are intuitive.
(c) All physical phenomena match the pattern
of some beautiful mathematical structure.
(d) The quest for unification is driven by
practical, philosophical and aesthetic
considerations.
Passage – 12: Philosophy
At the very beginning, the founders and fathers of
the nation were under the delusion that it was
possible to unite in one land two antagonistic
principles, liberty and slavery. The founders believed
that every man must give an account of himself to
God, and because his responsibility was so great,
they felt that he must be absolutely free. Since no
king, no priest, and no master could give an account
for him, he must be self-governing in politics,
self-controlling in industry, and free to go immediately
into the presence of God with his penitence and
his prayer. The fathers sought religious and political
freedom, not money or lands. But the new temple of
liberty was to be for the white race alone, and these
builders of the new commonwealth never thought of
the black man, save as a servant in the house.
For more than two centuries, therefore, the wheat
and the tares grew together in the soil. When the
tares began to choke out the wheat, the uprooting
of the foul growth became inevitable. Perhaps the
Civil War was a necessity, for this reason, the disease
of slavery had struck in upon the vitals of the nation
and the only cure was the surgeon’s knife. Therefore
God raised up soldiers, and anointed them as
surgeons, with “the ointment of war, black and
sulphurous.”
RC – 1
32. Which of the following is a possible criticism
that the author may have towards the
‘founders of the nation’?
(a) The idea of freedom that the ‘founders’
had was associated only with the white
man.
(b) ‘Founders’ treated blacks as a lowly
servant in the household.
(c) ‘Founders’ did not conceive the idea of
civil war until it was too late.
(d) They discarded the necessity of any form
of governance and advocated ‘The Free
Man’.
33. Why has the author mentioned ‘the wheat
and the tares grow together in the soil’?
(a) To present an analogy to the situation of
white race living on the ideas of liberty
and the black race living in slavery in the
same nation.
(b) To provide an example of the paradox
presented in the passage.
(c) To present his idea of lack of experience
in agriculture exhibited by the white race.
(d) None of the above
Reading & Importance of Good Vocabulary for RC (Home Exercise)
Directions for questions 1 to 27: Read the following
passages and answer the items that follow.
Your answers to these items should be based on
the passages only.
Passage – 1
All human societies, past and present, have had a
vested interest in education; and some wits have
claimed that teaching (at its best an educational
activity) is the second oldest profession. While not
all societies channel sufficient resources into support
for educational activities and institutions, all at the
very least acknowledge their centrality—and for good
reasons. For one thing, it is obvious that children
are born illiterate and innumerate, and ignorant of
the norms and cultural achievements of the
community or society into which they have been
thrust; but with the help of professional teachers and
the dedicated amateurs in their families and
RC – 1
34. Which of the following is correct about the
opinion of the author towards civil war?
(a) He supports the cause of the civil war and
feels that it was needed to resolve the
problem.
(b) He is against wars in general but favors
this war.
(c) He feels that wars are bad and should be
avoided.
(d) He feels that wars are always necessary
to fight for a good cause.
35. What can be inferred about the symbolic
meaning of the words “the ointment of war,
black and sulphrous”?
(a) The author is trying to talk about
gunpowder and other such substances
that are used in wars.
(b) The author is trying to show his knowledge
about the various chemicals.
(c) The author is reflecting upon the pain and
darkness that a war begets.
(d) The author is from a medical background
and is giving an analogy from it.
immediate environs (and with the aid, too, of
educational resources made available through the
media and nowadays the internet), within a few years
they can read, write, calculate, and act (at least
often) in culturally-appropriate ways. Some learn
these skills with more facility than others, and so
education also serves as a social-sorting mechanism
and undoubtedly has enormous impact on the
economic fate of the individual. Put more abstractly,
at its best education equips individuals with the skills
and substantive knowledge that allows them to
define and to pursue their own goals, and also allows
them to participate in the life of their community as
full-fledged, autonomous citizens.
1. According to the passage, which of the
following are advantages of education?
1. Vocational skills are imparted so that
children can emerge as responsible
citizens.
Page 9
 2. Skills like reading and writing are imparted
to children.
3. It acts as a social-sorting mechanism
that distinguishes the better learners from
the slower ones.
4. It defines goals for individuals and
presents them the techniques with which
they can achieve these.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 4
2. According to the passage, how does
education impact the economic fate of the
individual?
(a) By imparting skills and knowledge that
the individual uses to follow her goals.
(b) By imparting the specific skills and
knowledge that each individual needs to
follow her goals.
(c) By imparting skills and knowledge that
the individual should use to follow her
goals.
(d) By imparting skills and knowledge that
allows the individual to be a responsible
citizen.
3. With reference to the passage, it can be
inferred that education plays the important
role of:
(a) filling the gap between knowledge and
application.
(b) filling the gap between understanding and
application.
(c) filling the gap between ignorance and
intellect.
(d) filling the gap between unawareness and
knowledge.
Passage – 2
Critics, including several in the government, would
be more than eager to tell you that infrastructure
development through the public-private partnership
(PPP) route has come at a huge cost.
Page 10
For instance, a study says that Mumbai’s Nhava
Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT) has
seen “excessive and unlawful gains” at the expense
of port users, who paid 80 per cent more than what
was due.
“The 30-year concession period awarded to NSICT
Ltd for a port terminal at JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru
Port Trust) has affected the public exchequer and
user interest in several ways. The role played by
TAMP (Tariff Authority for Major Ports), the
independent regulator responsible for fixing tariff, led
to NSICT extracting inadmissible returns of Rs 524
crore during 2002-05 which translated into returns of
over 100 per cent on its equity as against the
permissible 20 per cent,” the study said.
While a port may sound distant, the Delhi-Noida toll
bridge, which has seen traffic grow manifold since
it was opened nearly a decade ago, would look more
familiar. Another story details how the concessionaire
got a deal where it was assured 20 per cent return
and any shortfall resulted in increased project cost.
So, the initial cost of the DND Flyway, as it is more
popularly known, has doubled to Rs 953 crore and
since the amount has to be recovered - with returns
- the operator now gets to run the facility for 70 years,
instead of the original 30-year period.
4. According to the passage, which of the
following are criticisms linked with
public-private partnership (PPP)?
1. Overcharging from users of the facility
developed under PPP.
2. Burden on the public exchequer.
3. Insider trading practices specifically with
reference to return on equity.
4. Superfluous government bailout schemes.
Which of the statements given above are
correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 2
5. Which of the following best summarizes the
author’s views on the Delhi-Noida toll bridge?
(a) Assuring a high rate of return to the private
partner in a PPP can turn out to be a
burden on the exchequer.
RC – 1
 (b) Assuring a rate of return to the private
partner in a PPP makes any shortfall due
to increased project cost a burden on the
users who have to pay higher toll rates.
(c) Assuring a high rate of return to the private
partner in a PPP is detrimental to
infrastructure development.
(d) Assuring a rate of return to the private
partner leads to increased project cost
and is a reason why public-private
partnerships do not work in India.
Passage – 3
Experts also say it is essential for the criminal
justice system to be slotted as planned expenditure
in budget provisions, to get its due. Raghavan
suggests a boost for legal aid services by investment
of more funds as an incentive for lawyers to take up
these cases. “The government could also provide
innovative alternatives such as incorporating legal
aid service as part of legal internship programmes
or make a certain stipulated number of legal aid
cases compulsory for practising lawyers.” Introducing
alternatives in punishment systems, which could
involve shifting the focus solely from fine and
punishments to community service, or payment of
compensation, could also provide some respite.
Judicial pendency in turn creates new problems, like
overcrowding of prisons. The number of undertrials
in prisons across the country substantially
outnumbers convicts. Raghavan attributes this to the
poor implementation of the Probation of Offenders
Act, which provides for a supervised, community-
based rehabilitation process for young offenders and
those convicted for less serious offences, instead of
sending all categories of offenders to prison (as
punishment). On its part, the ministry has introduced
a slew of measures since 2000. It has approved ‘in
principle’, a National Mission for Justice Delivery and
Legal Reforms to target arrears in the system and
initiated an e-courts project for computerization of
subordinate courts as well as improvement of higher
court services.
6. Which of the following provisions is/are
suggested as incentives for lawyers?
1. Making necessary a fixed number of
cases for practicing lawyers.
RC – 1
2. Shifting the focus of punishment to
community service.
3. Incorporating legal aid services as an
essential provision of the legal system.
4. Introducing a higher budget for the criminal
justice system.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 4
7. From the information given in the passage, it
can be inferred that:
(a) the criminal justice system is not part of
the planned expenditure in budget
provisions.
(b) the criminal justice system falls under
budget provisions but not under the
section of planned expenditure.
(c) the criminal justice system does not fall
under budget provisions at all.
(d) the criminal justice system has suffered
due to a lack of funding in all areas.
8. What does the author imply by the term
“judicial pendency”?
(a) The tendency of the judiciary to send all
offenders to prison instead of looking for
alternative measures.
(b) The need for a rehabilitation process for
young offenders instead of a prison based
system of justice.
(c) The time taken to decide the outcome of
a specific case.
(d) The lack of decision-making abilities in
the judiciary due to which a large number
of cases are pending.
9. With reference to the passage, consider the
following statements:
1. The ministry has introduced measures
and has plans to expedite the proceedings
of the justice system.
2. The ministry plans to improve the services
of the higher court and introduce more
convenience in the subordinate courts.
Page 11
 Select the correct answer using the codes
given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 and 2
Passage – 4
In forming expectations about the future, it is
important to keep in view the interplay of the two
main determinants of international economic
relations – market forces and economic policy. Global
market forces are pushing in the direction of closer
integration. Among the key drivers of this process is
the need for countries and enterprises to find new
markets for their exports, the efficiency seeking
restructuring of global operations being undertaken
by multinational enterprises, and the eagerness of
global finance capital to enter ‘emerging markets’.
Under these influences, trade-GDP ratios are rising
in many countries, including India.
In the Asian region, market conditions have been
disrupted by the recent financial crisis.
The post-crisis recovery patterns in the economies
of the region need to be analyzed in order to gauge
their impact on future market trends that would
impact India’s economic links with this region.
Though market processes have become more
important during the 1990s, the role of economic
policy remains crucial, because it sets the
parameters within which market forces may operate.
We must therefore evaluate the type of international
integration strategy that India is pursuing. Similarly,
we need to evaluate the international economic
strategies of East Asian countries. The closeness
of fit between these strategies would determine the
trade complementarity between India and East Asia.
Should our integration strategy change, this would
have significant implications for the nature of
economic linkages.
The fact that there are very different ways in which
newly liberalizing economies can choose to integrate
with international markets is often not adequately
recognized. We shall distinguish between three
generic types of integration strategies or ‘modes of
globalization’. Each of these modes of globalization
differs from the other in the relative emphasis it
accords to the following dimensions of international
linkage: (a) the stimulus to static comparative
Page 12
advantage, (b) long term technology and productivity
enhancement, (c) intra-industry trade, and (d) FDI
and portfolio capital inflow.
10. What is the main thought of the author in the
first paragraph?
(a) The need for countries and enterprises to
find new markets.
(b) Expectations about the future of the global
market place.
(c) Markets are being integrated on a global
scale.
(d) The interplay of two main determinants –
market forces and economic policy – of
international economic relations.
11. With reference to the passage, consider the
following statements:
1. Economic policy is more important than
the market forces as it is only through
this that market forces can operate.
2. Economic policy is vital as it helps create
the structure around which market forces
can operate.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 and 2
12. With reference to the passage, which of these
affect the nature of economic linkages in the
Asian region?
1. Evaluation of the type of international
integration strategy used by a country.
2. A modification of the integration strategy
of a country.
3. The fit between the international economic
strategies of the trading countries.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below:
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 2
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 2 and 3
13. From the last paragraph of the passage,
it can be inferred that
(a) Modes of globalization are distinguished
on the basis of the stimulus to static
comparative advantage.
RC – 1
 (b) Modes of globalization are distinguished
on the basis of the manner of integration
that each has with the international
markets.
(c) Modes of globalization are distinguished
on the basis of the various elements of
international linkage.
(d) Modes of globalization are distinguished
from each other based on the relative
emphasis they each place on the
elements of international linkage.
Passage – 5
The death penalty alone is not the highest prescribed
punishment for any crime in India. A judge always
has a choice between awarding either the ‘death
sentence’ or ‘life imprisonment’. Once a person is
found guilty, the decision about whether to send him
to the gallows or keep him behind bars for the rest of
his life is taken by the judge. He bases his decision
on his appreciation of evidence, his personal value
scale and his subjective satisfaction of the
prosecution theory. It does not hinge only on the
sweet will of the judge, but it is almost so.
What ‘special circumstances’ warrant death for the
convict, and how a particular case is concluded as
a ‘rarest of rare’ case to justify capital punishment,
are fluid and often arbitrary. As repeatedly held by
legendary jurists Justice V R Krishna Iyer and
Justice P N Bhagwati, there is neither legislative
policy nor legal principle or judicial precedents that
guide a judicial officer when awarding either life or
death. The absence of any clear-cut legal
proposition ensures that the process does not end
with the judgment alone.
The question of ‘inordinate delay’ as a valid reason
to convert a death sentence into one of imprisonment
for life is answered by different judges, benches and
political and social sections differently.
14. What does the author imply in the last
sentence of the first paragraph?
(a) The death penalty itself is awarded to
those who are perpetrators of crimes that
are judged the rarest of the rare.
RC – 1
(b) The choice of awarding the death penalty
mainly rests on the judge’s discretion.
(c) The death penalty and life imprisonment
are both judgments that depend on the
personal beliefs of the judge.
(d) Since the death penalty is not the highest
prescribed punishment it depends on the
judge’s discretion to be awarded.
15. With reference to the passage, which of these
has not been mentioned as a basis on which
the judge chooses to award the death
sentence?
1. His objective evaluation of the evidence.
2. His approval of the evidence that has been
submitted.
3. What he considers important or assigns
worth to.
4. His contentment with the arguments put
forth by the prosecution.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 3
16. With reference to the passage, it can be
inferred that
(a) the lack of clear guidelines is not only
with reference to the award of capital
punishment but also linked with its
aftermath.
(b) the lack of clear guidelines in the award
of capital punishment ensures that the
negative effects of the judgment carry on
even after it is implemented.
(c) the clear pronouncement of the ‘special
circumstances’ behind the award of
capital punishment are necessary to
evaluate its effectiveness.
(d) judicial officers need guidance from fellow
jurists who have past experience in
awarding either life sentences or death
sentences.
17. With reference to the passage, consider the
following statements:
1. The argument of unnecessary delay can
be used in some cases to change a death
sentence into one of life imprisonment.
Page 13
 2. The argument of unnecessary delay is
used in all cases where the death
sentence has been converted to one of
life imprisonment.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 and 2
Passage – 6
An unrestrained urbanization is transmuting our
cities. Horizons are punctuated with scaffoldings
and a new grammar of glass and steel is taking
shape, as old buildings and neighborhoods are
replaced with small pieces of Singapore. Enclaves
of unique architectural styles are slowly being
gentrified and brought into a homogenous
mainstream. Transformations that are happening are
pushing out the traditional inhabitants and new
people are moving in who do not have the same
social patterns.
Though India has a variety of architectural idioms
and techniques, cookie-cutter replications are gaining
popularity. “Traditional architecture came around with
strong response to social, cultural and climatic
consideration, “ says Dilawari. “This is what is being
eroded very fast. The interaction of designers with
users is being replaced by the builder and quality of
space is being replaced with arithmetic of space. “
With the removal of architecture from its context,
there is a slow extinction of features such as open
spaces, balconies, high ceilings, pedestrian-friendly
thoroughfares, exposed brickwork and
indigenous material such as kota stone. This is
largely because the means of production have
become so highly standardised - the capacity of
human beings to create meaningful cultural objects
that impact people is being lost.
The chawls of Mumbai offer a window into the unique
culture, society and history of an island metropolis
in the midst of moulding itself in the image of a ‘world
class city’. In the late 19th century, the textile
industry prompted a vast influx of immigrants from
the hinterland. Constructed by mill owners and private
Page 14
builders to house the growing community of
migrants, the over-crowded chawl became the icon
of the working-class dwelling.
18. What does the author imply when he uses
the words “old buildings and neighbourhoods
are replaced with small pieces of Singapore”?
(a) Old buildings and neighbourhoods are
likened to the old architecture in
Singapore.
(b) Old buildings and neighbourhoods are
renovated using architectural styles from
Singapore.
(c) Old buildings and neighbourhoods are
substituted with analogous architectural
styles.
(d) Old buildings and neighbourhoods now
have new architectural styles inspired by
the neo-architecture of Singapore.
19. With reference to the passage, which of the
following is not mentioned as an element of
the new architectural style gaining ground in
India?
1. Inhabitants with a dissimilar sense of
community.
2. Erosion of the traditional architectural
elements.
3. The builder’s importance has replaced the
need for designers.
4. The quality of the building/neighborhood
is not given importance.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 4
20. With reference to the passage, it can be
inferred that architecture:
(a) can be used to create a cultural impact.
(b) is at the centre of a cultural debate.
(c) has core elements like open spaces,
balconies and high ceilings.
(d) is a creative field that is open to
interpretation.
RC – 1
21. With reference to the passage, consider the
following statements:
1. The chawls continue to serve a valuable
purpose in the cramped housing
circumstances of Mumbai.
2. The chawls of Mumbai are symbolic of
the city’s distinct societal structure and
way of life.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 and 2
Passage – 7
From the stern-faced Foreign Legionnaires to the
gleaming sabres of the cavalry guards and the Mirage
fighters roaring overhead, the French military put on
an impressive display as they marched down the
Champs-Elysee this July 14. Behind the annual
Bastille Day pomp however, France is at full stretch
keeping over 12, 000 troops deployed on an array of
international missions from wars in Libya and
Afghanistan to keeping peace in former African
colonies like Chad and Ivory Coast.
France is not alone. Britain, along with France, is
the major military power in the European Union but
last year announced it was scrapping HMS Ark Royal
- flagship of the Royal Navy, axing fighter jets and
spy planes and slashing the strength of the armed
forces by 17, 000. Of NATO’s 26 European members,
only France, Britain, Greece and Albania meet the
alliance’s target of spending at least 2 per cent of
GDP on defense. In comparison the United States
dedicates 5. 4 per cent of its budget to the military.
During the Cold War, the United States accounted
for half of NATO’s defense expenditure, now it pays
75 per cent.
US politicians have long scolded Europeans for
freeloading under the US military umbrella, but
outgoing defense secretary Robert Gates went a step
further last month in a farewell speech to allies in
Brussels. He told allies they risked “collective military
irrelevance” unless they boosted military capabilities,
then issued a stark warning that after more than 60
RC – 1
years of NATO, they should no longer take Uncle
Sam’s protection for granted.
The trans-Atlantic gap in military spending really took
off after 9/11. In the years that followed, the George
W Bush administration poured money into the
military, increasing the defense budget by about 8
per cent every year. No European country matched
that rate of spending. Mired in the worst debt crisis
in recent history, Europeans are unlikely to launch a
major military spending spree now.
22. With reference to the first paragraph, it can
be inferred that the main thought of the author
is that:
(a) the French military is overstretched
because of its involvement in a number of
international missions.
(b) the main role of the French military is to
maintain peace in conflict situations that
exist in its former colonies.
(c) the French military might is impressive
as was displayed during Bastille Day.
(d) the French military have an array of skills
that are used to maintain peace in conflict
areas.
23. It can be inferred that the main thought of the
author in the passage is that:
1. across Europe, defense budgets are
shrinking as governments wrestle with
budget deficits and public debt.
2. the defense budgets of other European
countries need to be increased to match
those of France, Britain, Greece and
Albania.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 and 2
24. With reference to the passage, which of the
following have been stated as a reason (s) for
the US’s increased military strength as
compared to its European neighbors?
1. The increased military spending by the
US post 9/11.
Page 15
 2. The lack of financial strength in European
economies.
3. The US’s consistent focus on collective
military relevance.
4. The increased share of the US in NATO’s
defense expenditure during the Cold War.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 and 4
Passage – 8
Thousands of patients in India face the same
harassment everyday. With no upper limit to medical
costs and no honest word on what procedures a
patient actually needs and what is being
recommended purely for financial gain, India's health
sector, specially privately run hospitals, are coming
under serious scrutiny.
This has now made the Planning Commission's all-
powerful high-level expert group on health suggest
putting in place a patients' charter of rights including
ethical standards. According to the panel, India
immediately needs a new National Health Regulatory
and Development Authority (NHRDA) that will monitor
and enforce essential healthcare regulations to
control entry, quality, quantity and price.
The recommendation is to set up the NHRDA which
will be statutorily empowered to regulate and monitor/
audit both the public and the private sectors and
ensure enforcement and redressal.
This regulatory and development body will be
responsible for overseeing and enforcing contracts
for public and private providers, accreditation of all
health providers, preparing and enforcing standards
for facilities, staff, scope, access, quality and
rationality of services and costs of care with clear
norms for payment. The NHRDA will also ensure
adherence to standard protocols for treatment with
involvement of professional organisations, establish
a system of regular audit of prescriptions and
inpatient records and death audits.
Page 16
25. What does the author imply by "no honest
word"?
(a) Doctors and health care providers are often
dishonest.
(b) India's health sector is in need of a
regulatory authority.
(c) Patients are not provided complete
information of recommended treatment.
(d) The harassment of patients that the health
sector is responsible for.
26. With reference to the passage, it can be
inferred that
(a) The patients' charter of rights including
ethical standards will be strengthened.
(b) The patients' charter of rights including
ethical standards was not already in
existence.
(c) The patients' charter of rights will monitor
and enforce essential healthcare
regulations.
(d) The patients' charter of rights will need to
be monitored in order to enforce essential
healthcare regulations.
27. With reference to the passage, which of the
following have been mentioned as the
responsibilities of the NHRDA?
1. Providing the option of uncomplicated
financial backing to health care providers.
2. Supervising and implementing contracts.
3. Ensuring that the health sector sticks to
the set code of behavior.
4. Supporting State Health Regulatory and
Development Authorities with
corresponding powers.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below:
(a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 1 and 4
RC – 1
 Reading Comprehension – 1 CEX–6149/20
Answers and Explanations
Class Exercise

1 c 2 d 3 a 4 a 5 d 6 c 7 c 8 b 9 c 10 c
11 c 12 a 13 a 14 a 15 b 16 d 17 a 18 a 19 d 20 c
21 d 22 c 23 a 24 d 25 b 26 a 27 b 28 c 29 b 30 d
31 d 32 a 33 a 34 a 35 a

Home Exercise
1 b 2 a 3 d 4 d 5 a 6 a 7 b 8 c 9 c 10 c
11 b 12 d 13 d 14 b 15 c 16 a 17 a 18 c 19 c 20 a
21 b 22 a 23 c 24 b 25 c 26 b 27 b

Class Exercise
1. c The author states this in the very first sentence. The
other options cannot be inferred from the passage.
2. d Refer to the last sentence of the passage where the
author mentions the instance of Tamil Nadu.
3. a Refer to the second last sentence of the passage for
the answer. The other options are out of scope and
cannot be inferred from the passage.
4. a Refer to the second and last sentences of the passage
for the answer. Sentence 3 is incorrect in the light of
the passage.
8. b The first line of the passage states regulation of blood
pressure as one of the advantages of salt intake.
9. c The last line of the first paragraph states that if salt
intake was halved as many as 150,000 premature
deaths could be prevented.
10. c The word ‘compelling’ means ‘forceful’ or ‘convincing’.
11. c At the end of the second paragraph it is mentioned
that on the basis of research, Bibbins-Domingo states
that African Americans are more sensitive to salt.
12. a The third paragraph states that processed foods are
packed with sodium.

5. d Refer to the last sentence of the passage for the
answer. Option (c) is unfounded.
6. c The passage begins with the subject of ‘meditation’
and then moves onto the example of ‘Buddhist monks’.
So, options (a) and (b) refer to only one aspect of the
passage- ‘directing our thoughts’ and ‘meditation of
Buddhist monks’. Option (d) refers to ‘the message of
meditation’ which is also incorrect because the
paragraph does not preach the idea of meditation.
Option (c) mentions the ‘importance of meditation’ which
is the appropriate choice because the paragraph gives
specific example of ‘Buddhist monks’ in order to
highlight the significance of meditation.
13. a Statement A can be inferred from the lines “In “A cat in
the rain”…under the reader’s gaze.” Statement B
contradicts the facts presented in the passage. Thus,
only statement A is correct.
14. a Option (a) can be inferred from the penultimate
paragraph. The third paragraph highlights the two
characters – the husband and the wife. “We see the
different paradigms: she is looking out of the window
and he is reading all the time” highlights that the two
main characters are in opposition to what they are
doing. Option (b) is incorrect as her boredom is not
implicit in the passage. Option (c) is incorrect as the
wife’s lack of wisdom cannot be inferred.

7. c The answer is clearly given in the second line. So,
option (c) is the appropriate choice because it contains
both the reasons. ‘[in order to free the spirit of all
earthly ties and to open up new pathways to
knowledge]’
15. b The second paragraph starts to discuss Hemingway’s
use of symbolism. The author brings out the references
that the author makes. Option (b) is the best answer
as the paragraph itself states that “Weather
descriptions usually constitute a substantial part in

RC – 1 Page 1
 Hemingway’s writing and introduce the readers into
the atmosphere of the story”. This sets a base on
which the plot unfolds. Options (c) and (a) can be
seen as regular references in A Cat in the Rain but not
in all writings of Hemingway.
16. d Option (d) is incorrect. Hemingway has given various
examples to show the conflict between the couple.
The repeated reference to the husband’s reading and
the wife looking out of the window at the cat in the
rain highlight the opposition in the things the husband
and wife are doing.
17. a The author presents the example of kids playing ‘king
of the hill’ to underpin his point that innovation is required
for being at the top. Statement B contradicts the
purpose of the reference to kids play. Thus, only
statement A is correct.
18. a The author’s optimism and positive spirit is reflected
throughout the passage.
19. d Refer to the fifth paragraph, “companies that don’t
innovate don’t survive. This makes option (d) correct.
Options (a) and (b) are neither mentioned nor implied
in the passage. Option (c) can be eliminated as the
passage doesn’t indicate anything about reengineering
of departments of any organization.
20. c Refer to the last paragraph, “...refuse to do the same
thing you did yesterday. Shake things up. Confront
your limitations. Refuse to be average.” Thus, option
(c) is correct. Option (a) can be ruled out as ‘creativity’
is not mentioned directly by the author. Option (b) is
incorrect as “to accept failure” is not his advice here.
Option (d) is also incorrect as refusal to do what you
did yesterday doesn’t directly lead you to commit to be
breathtakingly great.
21. d The passage is about innovation and its role in
successful life and business. Option (d) is, therefore,
correct. The underlying theme is innovation. Thus,
option (a) is incorrect. Options (b) and (c) are also
incorrect as the main focus of the passage is not on
great leaders or how they remain successful, though
that finds mention in the passage.
22. c Refer to the last paragraph, “Mondrian’s work
continued to evolve during his years in Paris. As
Mondrian’s work evolved further, he began to use
fewer and fewer coloured forms, favouring white
instead.” Thus, option (c) is correct.
23. a A port of call is an intermediate, temporary stop for a
ship in its sailing itinerary. For Mondrian, cubism was
just an intermediate point before his final aim or objective
in his journey as an artist.
24. d Refer to the first paragraph “—Unlike the Cubists,
Mondrian still attempted to reconcile his painting with
his spiritual pursuits.”
Page 2
25. b Option (b) can be inferred from the lines in the letter he
wrote to H.P. Bremmer. Influence of spiritualism is
reflected both in terms of his ideologies as well as his
art and his words are able to express the depth of his
personality. He is not interested in just creating a work
of art but also looks for seeking, expressing and
experiencing the truth (as he perceives it).
26. a Option (a) is correct. Despite the initial influence of
Cubism on his art, Mondrian had his own unique style
as he reconciled his paintings with his spiritual pursuits.
He was known for his grid based paintings. Option (b)
is incorrect because Mondrian published “De Nieuwe
Bleeding in de schilderkunst” in twelve installments
and expressed his artistic theory in writing. Data is
inadequate to comment on option (c).
27. b Refer to the lines, “...electricity and magnetism were
two facets of electromagnetism....electromagnetism
was unified with the weak nuclear force...” Thus,
option (a) is true according to the passage. Options
(c) and (d) find reference in the last sentence and the
first sentence of the passage respectively. Thus,
option (b) is the answer as it is not the author’s point
of view presented in the passage but that of Newton.
28. c Options (a) and (b) are examples mentioned to support
the statement and not the reason for the author’s belief
on the role of unification. Option (c) is correct as it
rightly indicates the impact of unification after 1687.
29. b Option (b) is the correct answer. It can be derived
from the lines “When successful, merging theories
clarify our understanding of the universe and lead us
to discover things we might otherwise never have
suspected. Option (a) has been mentioned in the
passage as a specific example of benefit of the unified
electroweak theory. Thus, option (a) may not be true
with all unified theories. So, option (a) is incorrect.
Option (c) is beyond the scope of the passage. Refer
to the lines “Modern physics began…were all aspects
of a universal law of gravitation.” Thus, option (d) is a
half baked idea and cannot be inferred from the
passage.
30. d Option (a) can be inferred from the lines “In the middle
of the 19 th century…facets of electromagnetism.
Option (b) has been explicitly mentioned in the first
paragraph. Option (c) can be inferred from the lines
“Much of the activity in experimental particle
physics…unified electroweak theory.” So, all the three
options are correct and can be inferred from the
passage.
31. d Option (d) can be inferred from the first line of the
second paragraph. The lines “Modern physics began
with…physics ever since” clearly state the contribution
of Sir Isaac Newton towards the idea of unification.
So, option (a) is incorrect. Many physicists share an
intuition about something does not mean that they are
intuitive about other things. So, they cannot be called
intuitive. Option (c) has been mentioned only in context
RC – 1
 of the intuition of the physicists and has not been
mentioned as a fact. Thus, option (c) is incorrect.
32. a The author’s criticism of the ‘Founders of the nation’
was that their vision did not include ‘The black man’.
33. a Analogy is the process of comparing one thing with
another thing that has similar features in order to explain
it. Option (a) presents the reason for the mention of
the analogy most effectively. The idea of wheat and
tare is not an example but an analogy. Moreover, no
paradox is presented in the passage. So, option (b) is
incorrect. Option (c) is irrelevant.
34. a Refer to the lines “Perhaps the Civil War…black and
sulphurous”. Thus, option (a) is correct. Option (b) is
beyond the scope of the passage. Option (c) is against
the spirit of the passage. Option (d) is too generic in
nature and the data in the passage is insufficient to
comment on it.
35. a Option (a) which talks about gunpowder and chemicals
used in wars most logically fits in the context of the
words “the ointment of war, black and sulphurous”.
Home Exercise
1. b The last few lines of the passage discuss the
advantages of education. Option (a) can be ruled out
because there is no mention of vocational skills – there
are indications in the paragraph that education helps
individuals become independent but this is not linked
with vocational skills. Option (b) is mentioned in the
ninth line of the first paragraph. Option (c) is implied in
the 10th line of the paragraph. Option (d) is incorrect
as the last sentence of the passage mentions that
education allows individuals to define their own goals.
It is incorrect to assume that education defines goals
for individuals.
2. a Refer to the last sentence of the passage - “Put more
abstractly, at its best education equips individuals with
the skills and substantive knowledge that allows them
to define and to pursue their own goals, and also
allows them to participate in the life of their community
as full-fledged, autonomous citizens.” This sentence
implies that education imparts skills and knowledge
that the individual goes on to use to follow her goals.
Option (a) is the answer. Option (b) can be ruled out
because there is no indication that education imparts
the specific skills that each individual needs. One can
infer from the penultimate sentence of the passage
that skills are imparted to individuals and each one
learns these skills with a different pace and ability.
Option (c) can also be ruled out because it implies that
the individuals have an obligation to use the skills
imparted to follow their goals – the passage only
indicates that the individual uses the skills imparted
according to her discretion and not out of obligation.
Option (d) is incorrect because being a responsible
RC – 1
citizen cannot be directly and causally linked with
economic fate.
3. d From the fourth line of the passage, it is clearly stated
that children are born ignorant. The passage also states
that education helps impart knowledge to children and
helps them become individuals who can define and
pursue their own goals. It can thus be implied that
education fills in the gap between ignorance
(unawareness) and knowledge. Option (d) is the
answer. Option (c ) can be ruled out because intellect
(intelligence or mental power) is not indicated in the
passage. Lack of information or knowledge is. Option
(b) can be ruled out because lack of application is not
a concern in the passage. Option (a) is incorrect
because the passage does not state whether
education fills the gap between knowledge and its
application.
4. d Refer to the second paragraph that states that NSICT
saw ““excessive and unlawful gains” at the expense
of port users, who paid 80 per cent more than what
was due”. This is a case of overcharging the user.
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 can be concluded
from the last two paragraphs. Statement 3 is incorrect
as there is no reference to insider trading practices
though there is a mention on higher returns for NSICT
than that permitted on equity. Statement 4 can also be
ruled out because there are no government bailout
schemes in discussion in the passage. With reference
to specific operators, it is mentioned that there is a
protection policy that the government provides in case
the operator is unable to recover the initial project cost
and returns. However, there is no indication on it being
unnecessary and statement 4 cannot be inferred.
Option (d) is the answer.
5. a The author is concerned about the fact that assuring
a high rate of return to the private partner can
sometimes lead to unnecessary financial burden on
the exchequer. The emphasis in the passage is on
“inadmissible returns”—that infrastructure
development often comes at a huge cost to the
exchequer.
6. a The first paragraph leads to the answer of this
question. Option (a) is correct as it is mentioned in the
fifth line of this paragraph. Option (b) is incorrect as it
is part of introducing alternatives in punishment and
not part of incentives for lawyers. Option (c) is
incorrect because as an incentive for lawyers, the
author mentions incorporating legal aid services as
part of legal internship programmes and not as
mentioned in the option. Option (d) is incorrect because
the author mentions the need to include the criminal
justice system as a planned expenditure in the budget
provisions. Option (a) is the answer.
7. b The first line of the passage states that the criminal
justice system needs to be slotted as a planned
expenditure under budget provisions – this indicates
Page 3
 that currently it is not under this slot. The next few
lines mention “investment of more funds” and “provision
of innovative alternatives” by the government. This
indicates that the government does include the criminal
justice system in its expenditure. Option (b) is the
answer. Option (a) is only a direct restatement of the
first line and does not include any inferential
understanding in it. Option (c) is also incorrect given
the information in the passage. Option (d) is also
incorrect. While legal aid services have been
specifically mentioned in the context of investment of
more funds, it cannot be inferred that the criminal justice
system lacks funding in all areas.
8. c Refer to the first few lines of the second paragraph
where the author refers to the problem created as a
result of judicial pendency – overcrowding of prisons.
He elaborates this further in the next line when he
says that the number of undertrials in prisons
substantially outnumber the convicts. Option (c) can
be immediately inferred as hinted by the fact that there
are more undertrials in prisons than convicted
prisoners. Option (a) can be ruled out as this does not
explain judicial pendency itself but is an indication of
the poor implementation of the Probation of Offenders
Act. Also, on the basis of the passage, it cannot be
inferred that the judiciary is in the habit of sending
offenders to prison. Option (b) is an argument put
forth by the author to tackle judicial pendency but it
does not explain the term itself. Option (d) is judgmental
of the judiciary itself and can be ruled out as it is a line
of argument not taken up by the author.
9. c The improvements that the ministry has started to make
and plans to make are stated in the last sentence of
the passage. Statement (1) can be inferred as there is
mention of targeting arrears in the system and
introduction of e-courts – both these indicate expediting
(speeding up) the justice system. Statement (2) can
also be inferred because it is clearly mentioned that
there will be improvement in the higher court services
as well as computerization of subordinate courts
(indicating greater convenience in functioning). Option
(c ) is the answer.
10. c The author starts by mentioning that there is an interplay
of two main determinants of economic relations –
market forces and economic policy. However, the rest
of the paragraph goes on to discuss global market
forces and the key drivers that are moving these market
forces closer to each other. Option (c) can thus be
inferred. Option (d) can be ruled out as it also includes
economic policy. Option (a) is incorrect as it a key
driver for the man point that is discussed. Option (b)
can be ruled out because it is too general – restructuring
in the global market place cannot be equated to
“restructuring of global operations being undertaken
by multinational enterprises”.
11. b Refer to the second paragraph. It clearly states that
economic policy is crucial because it sets the
Page 4
parameters within which market forces operate.
Statement 2 is correct. However, statement 1 cannot
be inferred because the paragraph never implies that
economic policy is more important than market forces
(in fact the opposite is implied). Also there is no
implication that it is only through economic policy that
market forces can operate – the paragraph instead
states that economic policy provides the structure
around which market forces can operate.
12. d Refer to the last line of the second paragraph of the
passage. It states that if the integration strategy
changes, this would have an impact on the nature of
economic linkage. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1
is incorrect because an evaluation of an integration
strategy would not affect economic linkages – the
second line of this paragraph also helps cement this
understanding. It is not an evaluation per se but the
future market trends themselves that could impact
economic linkages. Similarly, the third last line of the
second paragraph indicates that the closeness of fit
of the international economic strategies of East Asian
countries determines the trade complementarity –
indicating the nature of economic linkages. Statement
3 is also correct. Option (d) is the answer.
13. d The last paragraph states the basis on which modes
of globalization can be distinguished from each other
– on the basis of the relative emphasis it accords to
the dimensions of international linkage. Option (d) is
the answer. Option (c) can be ruled out because the
distinction is based on the emphasis placed on the
elements of international linkage and not the elements
themselves. Option (b) is not a logical answer as
modes of globalization and integration strategies are
used synonymously in the paragraph. Option (a) is
incorrect as static comparative advantage is an
element of international linkage and not the main
distinguishing factor.
14. b Option (a) can be ruled out because the first line of the
passage states that the death penalty alone is not the
highest punishment for any crime in India. Option (b) is
the answer. The first paragraph states that it is the
judge who takes the decision of awarding the death
penalty but he bases it on a number of things. The last
line of the paragraph also states that the award of the
death penalty does not depend solely on the will of the
judge but mostly on it. Option (c) is incorrect because
personal values or beliefs are only one criterion that
the judge uses to award the death penalty – refer to
the penultimate sentence. Option (d) is incorrect
because it cannot be inferred from the information in
the passage.
15. c Refer to the penultimate sentence of the first paragraph
– it is mentioned that the judge bases his decision on
his appreciation of evidence, his personal value scale
and his subjective satisfaction of the prosecution theory.
Statement 1 is incorrect as the sentence implies that the
judge takes a decision and bases it on certain
RC – 1
 parameters – there is an element of personal evaluation 19. c The first two paragraphs of the passage include the
and analysis that is involved. The rest of the passage elements of the new architectural style that is gaining
also takes a look at the lack of guidelines and legislative popularity in India. Option (a) is an element that is
principles in awarding the death sentence. Statement 2 inferred from the first paragraph - refer to the last line
is correct, as there is indication of the judge’s approval that states “new people are moving in who do not
of the evidence submitted. Statement 3 is correct have the same social patterns.” Option (b) is inferred
because the judges personal value scale has been from both the first and second paragraphs – refer to
mentioned indicating things he considers important or the lines “Enclaves of unique architectural styles are
assigns a worth to. Statement 4 is also inferred from slowly being gentrified and brought into a homogenous
the judge’s subjective satisfaction of the prosecution mainstream” and “cookie-cutter replications are gaining
theory. Option (c) is the answer.
popularity”. Both indicate a shift from the traditional to
a style that is popular and homogenous. Option (c) is
16. a Refer to the last line of the second paragraph. It clearly
an incorrect inference as the last sentence of the
implies that the lack of guidance does not only apply to
second paragraph indicates that the interaction of
the judgment but is also applied to the process that
designers and users is being replaced by the
takes place after the award of the judgment. Option
interaction of builders with users. There is no indication
(a) is the answer. Option (b) is incorrect because
that there is no need for designers. Option (d) can be
there is no reference to the negative effects of the
inferred from the last sentence of the second
judgment – only to the aftermath of the judgment. Option
paragraph.
(c) is incorrect because it cannot be inferred from
information in the passage – there is also no discussion
20. a The entire passage makes a reference to the cultural
on the effectiveness of the judgment. Option (d) also
impact of architecture – refer to the last line of the
cannot be inferred from the information in the passage.
third paragraph. Also the reference to the chawls as
There is only a reference to the opinion of legendary
a window into the unique culture of an island metropolis
jurists.
makes option (a) the best answer. Option (b) is
incorrect because there is no cultural debate
17. a Consider the last paragraph – it implies that there are
mentioned in the passage and hence one can’t infer
some judges who take inordinate or unnecessary delay
that architecture is at the centre of this debate. Option
as a valid reason to convert a death sentence to life
(c) is incorrect because it cannot be inferred that the
imprisonment. Statement 1 is correct. However, there
core elements of architecture are open spaces,
is also an indication in the paragraph that there are
balconies etc. These may be core elements of Indian
other judges who do not accept inordinate delay as a
architecture but they cannot be projected as the core
valid reason to convert the death sentence into life
elements of architecture itself. Option (d) is incorrect
imprisonment. Besides this, there is not enough
because the author has interpreted the changing
information in the passage to infer that all cases where
architecture in a specific manner – it is clear from the
the death sentence has been converted to life
author’s tone (which is opinionated) that he does not
imprisonment have been based on the reason of
think that architecture is open to interpretation.
inordinate delay. Statement 2 is incorrect. The answer
is option (a).
21. b Option (a) cannot be inferred because there is no
information in the passage on the current housing
18. c The highlighted words can be better understood from
circumstances in Mumbai. Option (b) is correct as the
the last four lines of the paragraph. The author
first line of the last paragraph states that chawls help
discusses that old buildings and neighbourhoods are
one to see the unique culture of Mumbai. The last few
being replaced with small pieces of Singapore. The
lines also state that the chawls were built for the vast
author goes on to elaborate on this in the next line
influx of immigrants and are the icon of the working-
when he indicates that there is a movement away
class dwelling. Option (b) is the answer.
from unique architectural styles and towards a
homogenous (analogous) mainstream style. Option (c)
22. a The first paragraph mentions that the French military
is the answer. Option (a) is incorrect as there is no
put on an impressive display on Bastille Day. However,
mention of the old architecture in Singapore. Option
it cannot be inferred that their might itself is impressive
(b) is incorrect as there is no indication that old
as there is no given benchmark on which to compare
buildings are renovated. Instead it is clearly indicated
this. Option (c) can be ruled out. The paragraph does
that old buildings are replaced with architectural styles
also go on to mention that despite the impressive
that are homogenous. Option (d) is also incorrect
display, the French military is over worked (at full
because it cannot be inferred that the there is a neo-
stretch) with over 12,000 troops deployed on different
architectural style that exists in Singapore.

RC – 1 Page 5
 international missions. This is the point that the author
was leading to/the conclusion of the first paragraph.
Option (a) is the answer. Option (b) can be ruled out
because it cannot be inferred on the basis of the
passage – the main role of the French military is not
discussed. Option (d) can be ruled out as it is too
general and again cannot be inferred on the basis of
the passage – there is no indication that the French
military have an array of skills.
23. c The author starts the passage by establishing the fact
that the French military is overstretched. In the next
paragraph he states that even the British are slashing
their military strength. The next two paragraphs
establish the fact that European countries are not
spending a much as they should on their military,
whereas, in recent years, the US has strengthened
its military might. The main reason given for the pull
back in defense expenditure is the debt crisis in Europe.
Option (c) is the answer. Option (a) is too specific as
there is no specification on the exact nature of the
debt crisis that is being faced in Europe. Option (b) is
incorrect as the author mainly makes a comparison on
defense expenditure between Europe and the US.
Option (d) is incorrect as it is only a specific detail
given in the passage but not the main point of the
passage.
24. b The last paragraph of the passage moves on to
establish specific reasons as to why the US has
surged ahead in its military might as opposed to the
countries in the European Union. Option (a) has been
mentioned in the first three lines of the last paragraph.
Option (b) can be inferred from the fourth line of the
last paragraph. Option (c) is incorrect as there is no
indication that the US has focused on collective military
relevance. Instead the US has warned European allies
that if they do not boost their military capabilities, they
will lose their collective military relevance. Option (d)
can be ruled out because there is no information that
links the US’ share of NATO’s defense expenditure in
the Cold War with its increased military strength now.
Page 6
25. c The third line of the first paragraph reveals the
implication behind the phrase "no honest word". The
author says that there is no honesty behind why
treatment is recommended to a patient - which
procedures are actually needed to treat the patient
and which ones are superfluous and money making
tactics. Option (c) presents the implication behind the
use of "no honest word". Option (a) can be ruled out
because it judges the doctors and health care providers
as people, not professionals - whereas the main tone
of the passage is the dishonesty in the health sector.
Option (b) can be ruled out because this is dealt with
in the second paragraph. The first paragraph in which
this phrase appears is concerned with establishing
the dishonesty in the health sector. Option (d) is
incorrect because it is generic and does not help
provide the specific implication behind the highlighted
phrase.
26. b Refer to the second paragraph. It is stated that the
patients' charter of rights including ethical standards
will be put into place. This implies that such a charter
did not previously exist. Option (b) is the answer.
Option (a) is incorrect because this incorrectly
assumes that the charter already exists. Option (c) is
incorrect because the paragraph mentions that the
NHRDA will monitor and enforce essential healthcare
regulations. Option (d) is also incorrect because the
author has not mentioned the need to monitor the
charter but instead the need to monitor the health care
sector.
27. b Refer to the last paragraph of the passage where the
author lists down the responsibilities of the NHRDA.
Statement 1 can be immediately ruled out because
there is no mention of the NHRDA providing any
financial backing to health care providers. Statement 2
is correct as the author mentions "overseeing and
enforcing contracts" as a responsibility. Statement 3
is also correct as the author states that "the NHRDA
will also ensure adherence to standard protocols".
Statement 4 can be ruled out because there is no
indication in the passage that the NHRDA will also help
regulatory authorities in the state. The answer is option
(b).
RC – 1