1 Reading

Comprehension

Factual

DIRECTIONS (Qs. 1-4): Read the following passage (c) India on the verge of eliminating plastic waste.
and answer the questions as directed. (d) Rising pollution requires an urgent attention.
(e) None of these
PASSAGE1 2. Which of the following can replace the word given in

India won global acclaim for its "Beat Plastic Pollution" bold in the passage?
resolve declared on World Environment Day last year, (a) Total (b) Quantity
(c) Bulk (d) Ton
under which it pledged to eliminate single-use plastic by
2022. So far, 22 States and Union Territories have joined the (e) Large
fight, announcing a ban on single-use plastics such as carry 3. What is the tone of the passage?
bags, cups. plates, cutlery, straws and thermocol products. (a) Satirical (b) Critical

Puducherry will implement a ban from March 1. Where (c) Explanatory (d) Nostalgic
firm action has been taken, positive results have followed. (e) Sarcastic
A Bengaluru waste collective estimates that the volume 4. Which of the following words can fill in the blank to
of plastic waste that they collect dropped from about two make it meaningful?
tonnes a day to less than 100 kg. Voluntary initiatives are (a) Drastic (b) Lenient
(c) Pejorative (d) Paradigm
having an impact in many States, as citizens reduce, reuse (c) None of these
and sort their waste. Yet, this is only a small start.

Waste plastic from packaging of everything from food,
online
cosmetics and groceries to goods delivered by
platforms remains unaddressed. It will take a_
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 5-9): Read the passages carefully
and choose the best answer to each question out of the
four alternatives.

shift in the manner in which waste is collected and handled Pidgins are languages that are not, acquired as mother
tongues and that are used for a restricted setofcommunicative
by municipal authorities to change this. Governments must
for their waste, and collect it functions. They are formed from a mixture of languages
startcharging producers
the
But and have a limited vocabulary and a simplified grammar
diligently, which will lead to recovery and recycling.
the depressing reality is that State and local governments Pidgins serve as a means of communication between
are unwilling to upgrade their waste management systems, speakers of mutually unintelligible languages and may
which is necessary to even measure the true scale of become essential, in multilingual areas. Acreole develops
packaging waste. from a pidgin when the pidgin becomes the mother tongue
1. Which of the following can be inferred as the theme of the community. To cope with the consequent expansion
of the passage? of communicative functions, the vocabulary is increased
threat mankind. and the grammar becomes more complex. Where a creole
(a) Plastic pollution is a to
(b) India's initiative to make the country plastic and the standard variety of English coexist, as in the
pollution free. Carribbean, there is a continuum from the most extreme
2 Reading Comprehension
form of ereole to the form that is closest to the standard
language. Linguists mark off the relative positions on the
creole continuum as the 'basilect (the furthest from the
standard language), the 'mesolect' and the 'acrolet'. In
such situations, most creole speakers can vary their speech
along the continuum and many are also competent in the
standard English of their country.
S. A pidgin develops in a situation when
(a) Different and mutually unintelligible languages
exist side by side
(b) Acreole becomes the mother tongue of a linguistic
community
(c) A language with restricted vocabulary undergoes
an expansion in grammar and vocabulary
(d) Two similar languages are mixed to create a new
language.
6. According to the given passage, a pidgin becomes a
creole when
(a) It ceases to be a means of communication
(b) Itbecomes the mother tongue for a new generation
of speakers
(c) Its vocabulary undergoes some kind of change
(d) Two or more languages are mixed with an existing
pidgin
According to the passage, a creole continuum is
(a) A linguistic term for the mixture of more than two
languages
(b) A scale which measures the linguistic
competence
of the speaker.
(c) A scale in which the proximity of the creole to
the standard language is measured
(d) A record of the continuous history of a creole
8 According to the passage 'basilect' means
(a) An impure form of a creole
(b) A form of creole which is furthest from the standard
language
(c) A form of creole which has an extended vocabulary
(d) A form of creole which is very close to the standard
language
9. Find out a word in the passage which is opposite in
meaning to the word - 'Simplified
(a) Complex (b) Expansion
(c) Restricted (d) Consequent
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 10-14): ln questions below, you have
apassage with 5 questions. Read the passage carefully
and choose the best answer to each question out of the
four alternatives.
Rescarch is a detailed study of a subject undertaken on a
systematic basis in order to increase the stock
of knowledge,
including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the
use of this stock of knowledge to devise new
applications,
It is used to establish or confirm facts, reafirm the results of
previous work, solve new or existing problems or develop
new theories, To test the validity of instruments,
procedures
or experiments, research may replicate elements of
prior
projects, or the project as a whole. The primary purposes of
basic research are documentation, discovery, interpretation
or the research and development of methods and
systems
for the advancement of human knowledge. There are
several forms of research: scientific, humanities, artistic,
economic, social, business, marketing, etc.
Academic publishing describes a system that is
necessary
in order for academic scholars to review the work and make
it available for a wider audience. Most academic work
is published in book form. There is also a
large body of
research that exists in either a thesis or dissertation form.
Many researchers spend their time applying for grants for
research funds. These grants are necessary not only for
researchers to carry out their research, but also as a source
of merit.
10. How many kinds of research are there?
(a) There are seven different kinds of research.
(b) There are different kinds of research.
()There is only one kind of research.
(d) There are two different kinds of research.
11. Select the answer which best reflects the view
expressed
in the passage.
(a) Grants are not based on merit.
(b) Researchers never apply for grants.
(c) Research can thrive without grants.
(d) Documentation is important in research.
12. Why is research conducted?
(a) Research is conducted in order to minimise the
result of previous works.
(b) Research is conducted in order to destroy facts.
()Research is conducted in order to develop new
problems.
(d) Research is conducted in orderto verify information.
13. What is research?
(a) Research is the destruction of previous works.
(b) Research is the creation of new forms of
knowledge.
(c) Research is a process having no practical use.
(d) Research is the attempt to limit the growth of
knowledge.
Reading Comprehension
14. Choose the most appropriate answer from this passage
(a) Academic publishing is meant only for
academicians.
b) Academie publishing is meant only for
professionals
(e)Acadenmie publishing is meant to benefit the general
public.
(d) Academic publishing is meant only for experts.
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 15-19): Read the passage carefully
and answer the given questions.
Self directed learning, in its broadest meaning, describes
a process in which individuals take the initiative with or
without the help of others, in diagnosing ther learning
needs formulating learning goals, identifying resourees for
learning, choosing and implementing learning strategies
and evaluating learning outcomes. Thus, it is important to
attain new knowledge easily and skillfully for the rest of
his or her life.
What is the need for self directed learning? One reason is
that there is convincing evidence that people, who take the
initiative in learning, learm more things and leam better than
people who sit at the feet of teachers passively waiting to
be taught. The second reason is that self-directed learning
is more in tune with our natural processes of psychological
development; an essential aspect of maturing is developing
the ability to take increasing responsibility of our own livés
to become increasingly self-directed. The third reason is
that many of the new developments in education put a
heavy responsibility on the learners to take a good deal of
initiative in their own learning. To meet the challenges in
is
today's instructive environment, self-directed learning
most essential.
15. In self-directed learning, an individual
(a) Takes initiative with or without the help ofothers
(6) Is passive and waits for DIRECTIONS
(c) Is helpless and dependent
(d) Takes initiative, without an objective
16. There is need for self-directed learning because
(a) it is less challenging
and learn
(b) it helps people to learn more things
better
(c) it is a more cost-effective method
(d) it is a modern method of learning
17. Which word best describes self-directed learning ?
(b) Passive learning
(a) Active learning
(c) Compulsory learning (d) Repulsive learning
3
18. The modern environment according to the author is
(a) Restrictive (b) Instructive
(c) Less developed (d) Impracticable
19. The synonym ofthe word "diagnosing" is
(a) Searching (b) Examining
(c) ldentifying (d) Complying
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 20-24): Read the given passage
carefully and select the best answer to each question out
of the four given alternatives.
For most people, music is an important part of daily life.
Some rely on music to get them through the morning
commute, while others turn up a favorite playlist to stay
pumped during a workout. Many folks even have the
stereo on when they' fre cooking a meal, taking a shower,
or folding the laundry. Music is often linked to mood. A
certain song can make us feel happy, sad, energetic, or
relaxed. Because music can have such an impact on aa
person's mindset and well-being, it should come as no
surprise that music therapy has been studied for use in
managing numerous medical conditions. All forms of music
may have therapeutic effects, although music
from ons's
own culture may be most effective. In Chinese medical
theory, the five internal organs and meridian systems are
believed to have corresponding musical tones, which are
used to encourage healing.
20. Music is often linked to
(a) anger (b) mood
(c)anxiety (d) happiness
21. How is music an important part of life?
(a) It makes us feel different emotions
(b) It makes us sad
(c) It helps in our daily activities
(d) It helps us in remembering things
22. Which of the statements is true?
(a) All forms of music may heal wounds
b) All forms of music may have good effect
(c) All forms of music may be sooting
(d) All forms of music may have therapeutic effects
23. How can music be used as a therapy?
(a) It can help us to manage our day to day activities
(b) It can help us in managing numerous medical
conditions
c) It can help us manage our life
(d) It can help us manage our careers
24. In Chinese medical theory, the five internal organs and
meridian systems_
 Reading Comprehension
musical chords 28. What accounts for the
(aare believed to have greater prevalence of expedition
)are believed to have no musical
tones mountaineering in the Himalayas?
have same musical tones (a) glacier airplanes
(c)arebelieved to musical tones (b) the severe weather condition
to have corresponding
(dare believed
Read thefollowing passage
(c) the specific nature of mountains
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 25-29):
most appropriate answer to each (d) multiple carries between camps
urelh ani choose the 29. Which
out of the four
alternatives. of the following is best undertaken as expedition
westion
could be viewd as slow and mountaineering?
Expedition mountaineering (a) medium-sized mountains
climbers may use porters, pack animals
beavy, where (b) short time scale mountaineering
carries between camps,
glacier airplanes, cooks, multiple (c) peaks in Europe and North America
etc. Expedition mountaineers still
usage of fixed lines, (d) large and isolated peaks
employ the skill sets of the aphine mountaineer, except DIRECTIONS (Qs.30-33): Read the given four passages
time
they have to deal with even higher altitudes, expanded carefully and answer the questions given below them.
cale. longer routes, foreign logistics,
more severe weather,
The
and additional skills unique to expeditionary climbing. Financial markets in India have acquired greater depth and
prevalence of expedition-style climbing in the Himalaya liquidity over the years. Steady reforms since 1991 have led
is largely a function of the nature of the mountains in the to growing linkages and integration of the Indian economy
base camps days can take and its financial system with the global economy. Weak
region. Because Himalayan
mountains take
or weeks to trek to, and Himalayan can
global economic prospects and continuing uncertainties in
weeks or perhaps even months to climb, a large number the international financial markets therefore, have had their
of personal and of supplies are necessary. This is
amount
impact on the emerging market economies. Sovereign risk
way expedition-style climbing is frequently used on large concerns, particularly in the Euro area,
affected financial
an isolated in the Himalaya in, Europe and North
peaks markets for the greater part of the year, with the contagion
America there is less of a need for expedition-style climbing and
on most medium-sized mountains. These mountains can
of Greece's soveregin debt problem spreading to India
levels of
other economies by way of higher-than-normal
often be easily accessed by car or air, are at a lower altitude
volatility.
and can be climbed in a shorter time scale. international financial markets
The funding constraints in
25 Which of the following is true? could impact both the availability and cost of foreign
(a) Expeditionary climbing is popular in the
funding for banks and corporates. Since the Indian financial
Americans, system is bank dominated, banks' ability to
withstand
(b) Mostmedium-sized peaks in Europe are accessed stress is critical to overallfinancial stability. Indian banks,
by car or air. however, remain robust, notwithstanding a decline in capital
c) Himalayan base camp treks can be completed in to risk-weighted assets ratio and a rise in non-performing
a day or two. levels in the recent past. Capital adequacy levels
asset
d) European and North American mountains require remain above the regulatory requirements. The financial
expanded time scale for climbing market infrastructure continues to function without any
26 What necessitates the huge amount of supplies and
large umber of personel in Himalayan expeditions?
major disruption. With further globalization, consolidation.
deregulation, and diversification ofthe financial system, the
(a) foreign logistics banking business may become more complex and riskier.
b) low altitudes Issue like risk and liquidity management and enhancing
(c) expanded time scale
skill therefore assume greater significance.
(d) evere weather condition 30. According to the passage, the financial markets in the
27. Which of the following style of mountaineering is the
emerging market economies including India had
considered to be slow and heavy?
adverse impact in recent years due to
(a) sports mountaineering
1 weak global economic prospects.
(b) expedition mountaineering
2. uncertainties in the international financial markets.
(c) alpine mountaincering
3. sovereign risk concerns in the Euro area.
(d) Himalayan mountaineering
Reading Comprehension
4. bad monsoons and the resultant erop loss.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) I and 2 only (b)1,2and 3
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 2,3 and 4
31. The Indian financial markets are affected by global
changes mainly due to the
(a) increased intiow of remittances from abroad
(b) enormous increases in the foreign exchange
reserves
(c)growing global linkages and integration ofthe
Indian financial markets.
(d)contagion of Greece's sovereign debt problem.
32 According to the passage, in the Indian financial system,
bank's ability to withstand stress is critical to ensure overall
financial stability because Indian financial system is
(a) controlled by the Government of India
(b) less integrated with banks.
(c) controlled by the Reserve Bank of India.
(d) dominated by Banks.
33. Risk and liquidity management assume more
importance in the Indian banking system in future due
to
1. further globalization.
2. more consolidation and deregulation of financial
system
3. further diversification of the financial system.
4. more financial inclusion in the economy.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1,2 and3 (b) 2,3 and 4
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) 3 and 4 only
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 34-37): Read the given passage and
answer the questions that follow:
It is often forgotten that globalization is not only about
policies on international economic relationships and
transactions, but has ally to do with domestic policies
of a nation. Policy changes necessitated by meeting the
internationally set conditions (by WTO etc.) of free trade
and investment flows obviously affect domestic producers
and investors. But the basic philosophy underlying
globalization emphasizes absolute freedom to markets to
determine prices and production and distribution patterns,
and view government interventions as processes that
create distortions and bring in ineficiency. Thus, public
disinvestments
enterprises have to be privatized through
and sales; sectors and activities hitherto reserved for the
public sector have to be opened to the private sector. This
logic extends to the social services like education and
health. Any restrictions on the adjustments in workforce
5
by way of retrenchment of workers should also be removed
and exit should be made easier by removing any restrictions
on closures. Employment and wages should be governed by
free play of market forces, as any mcasure to regulate them
can discourage investment and also create inefficiency in
production. Above all, in line with the overall philosophy
of reduction in the role of the State, fiscal reforms should
be undertaken to have generally low levels of taxation and
government expenditure should be kept to the
minimum
to abide by the principle of fiscal prudence. All these are
policy actions on the domestic front and are not directly
related to the core items of the globalization agenda, namely
free international flow of goods and finance.
34. According to the passage, under the globalization,
government interventions are viewed as processes leading
(a) distortions and ineficiency in the economy.
b) optimum use of resources.
(c) more profitability to industries.
(d) free play of market forces with regard to industries.
35. According to the passage, the basic philosophy of
globalization is to
(a) give absolute freedom to producers to determine
prices and production.
b) give freedom to producers to evolve distribution
patterns
(c) give absolute freedom to markets to determine
prices, production and employment.
(d) give freedom to producers to import and export.
36. According to the passage, which of the following is/
are necessary for ensuring globalization ?
1. Privatization of public enterprises
2. Expansionary policy of public expenditure
3. Free play of market forces to determine wages
and employment
4. Privatization of social services like education and
health
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) lonly
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1,3 and 4
(d) 2,3 and4
37. According to the passage, in the process ofglobalization
the State should have
(a) expanding role.
(b) reducing role.
(c) statutory role.
(d) None of the above roles.
 Reading Comprehension
(Qs. 40-4):
(Q5. the fo
0-44): In the
the given passage
and DIRECTIONS
followa
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 38-39): Read
follow:
you have
5 questions following
the passag
assage. Read
answer the questions that and choose the best
passage carefuly the
swer to each
the league of
Today, India looks to be on join
course to
question out ofthefour alternatives
to establish a reputation
developed nations. It is beginning Every profession of trade, every art and everu
back-office
not just the technology nerve-centre
as
and
its technical vocabulary, function ofwh
the nceehhas
centre. India's
to the world. but also as its production
to designate things or processes which have panty
secularism
easily
developing and democracy
integrates
countries.
with There
serve as a role model to
a global
is great
economy,
pride yet
other
in anmaintains
India thata nomenclature.
ordinary English
Such
and
special
partlydialects
to secure
or jargons
greateraarenames
necessaryi
exactnes

in technical discussion of any kind. Being univer

unique cultural identity.
But what is breathtaking is India's youth. For despite an understood by the devotees of the particular enceTsally
or
art, they have the precCision of a mathematical forml
ancient civilization that traces itself to the very dawn of
Besides, they save time, for it is much more
mula
human habitation, India is among the youngest countries economical
in the world. More than half the country is under 25 years to name a process than to describe it. Thousands of thesa
of age and more than a third is under 15
years of age.
technical terms are very properly included in every larpe
Brought up in the shadow of the rise of India's service dictionary, yet, as a whole, they are rather on the outskirts
industry boom, this group feels it can be at least as good if of theEnglish language than actually within its borders
notbetter an anyone else in the world. This confidence Different occupations, however, differ widely in the
has them demonstrating a character of their special vocabularies.
great propensity to consume, In trades and
throwing away ageing ideas of asceticism and thrift. handicrafts and other vocations like
farming and fishing that
The economic activity created have occupied great numbers of men from remote
by this combination of a times, the
growing labour pool and rising consumption demand is technical vocabulary is very old. An
average man now uses
enough to propel India double-digit economic growth
to these in his
for decades. This vocabularly. The special dialects of law,
own
opportunity also represents the greatest medicine, divinity and philosophy have become familiar
threat to India's future. If the youth India are
educated and if there are not enough
of not properly to cultivated persons.
jobs created, India will 40. Special words used in technical discussion
have forever lost its
opportunity. (a) may become part of common
India's Information
Technology and Business Process speech
(b) never last long
Outsourcing industries are engines ofjob creation, but (c) should resemble mathematical formula
still account for they
only 0.2 per cent of India's
The country has no choice but to employment. d) should be confined to scientific ficlds
and inflate its economy.
dramatically industrialise 41. The wWriter
of this article is
According to a recent survey, more (a) a scientist
than half of India's
could be its educated youth.
unemployed
within the next decade
c) a linguist
(6) a politician
42. This (d) a businessman
38. Consider the following statements passage is primarily concerned with
1. India's rich cultural heritage (a)various occupations and
prevents India from
surging ahead to become an active (b) technical terminology professions
partner the
in
global economy. (c)scientific
d) new
undertakings
By and large, India's youth still believe in a a
language
thrifty 43. It is true
lifestyle. that
Which of the statements given above (a) various
(a) 1 only
is/are correct? professions and occupations often

(c) Both 1 and 2

(b) 2 only interchange words
(0) there is
(d) Neither
1 nor 2 always a non-technical word that may be
39. What is the
approximate number of people in India substituted for the technical word
who are in the age group 15-25 years? (C)the average man
often uses in his own vocabulary
(a) 500 million (b) 350 million what was once technical langua: not meant for
(c) 210 million (d) 180 million him
(a)
everyone is interested in
scientific findin
Reading Comprehension

44. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in 49. Street theatre creates an/a impact on audiences.
the number of technical terms in the nomenclature of (a) intimate (b) emotional

(a) Farming (b) Fishing (c) mystical (d) physical

(c) Sports (d) Govenment DIRECTIONS (Qs. 50-52): Read thefollowing Eight
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 45-49): You have two briefpassages passages carefully and answer the given questions.
with 5 questions following each passage. Read the Not all sounds made by animals serve for communication,
passages carefully and choose the best answer to each and we have only to turn to that extraordinary discovery
question out of the four alternatives and mark it. of echo-location in bats to see a case in which the voice
Street theatre in India is a well established ancient art form. plays a strictly utilitarian role. To get a full appreciation of
what this means we must turn first to some recent human
Despite the proliferation of modem means of entertainment
inventions. Everyone knows that if a person shouts in the
and communication, street theatre continues to flourish in
India. vicinity of a wall or a mountainside, an echo will come back.
The further off this solid obstruction, the longer time will
Street theatre as a channel of communication has for elapse for the retum of the echo. A sound made by tapping
enturies been propagating reforms by highlighting social, on the hull of a ship will be reflected from the sea bottom,
economic and political issues present in the society. Unlike and by measuring the time interval between the taps and the
in the olden days, its performance is no longer restricted to receipt of the echoes, the depth of the sea at that point can be
calculated. So was born the echo-sounding apparatus, now n
villages or small localities of the city. Today small groups of
performers including students, would stage perfomances to general use in ships. Every solid object will reflect a sound,
varying according to the size of and nature of the object. A
mobilize public opinion or to help create or raise awareness
shoal of fish will do this. So it is a comparatively simple step
over a particular issue of public importance. Themes on from locating the sea bottom to locating a shoal of fish. With
substance abuse, AIDS awareness, and domestic violence experience, and with improved apparatus, it is now possible
are some of the areas highlighted by contemporary street not only to locate a shoal, but to tell if it is herring, cod, or
theatre troupe. Unlike in regular drama street drama employ other well-known fish, by the patterm of its echo.
very little props and images. The human body becomes the A few years ago it was found that certain bats emit squeaks
main tool in which choreography, mime, dialogues, songs and by receiving the echoes they could locate and steer
and slogans are extensively used. clear of obstacles or locate flying insects on which they
feed. This echo-location in bats is often compared with
Street theatre is one of the most intimate media. Its appeal
radar, the principle of which is similar.
is to the emotions leading to quick psychological impact
50. Which one of the following is correct?
on audiences. By being local and live they also are able to
Echo-location was first discovered in
establish not only direct contact with the audience but by
(a) bats (b) cods
being cost-cffective and flexible they are popular among (d) radars
(C)navigation
all age groups. 51. Which one ofthe following is correct?
45. Modern means of entertainment and communication An echo will come back if you shout near
street theatre. (a) solid obstruction (b) only wall
(a) does affect b) does not affect (c)only a mountainside (d) the sea
(c) helps popularis (d) helps establish 52. Which one of the following is correct?
46. In the olden days, street theatre to villages In the first paragraph, the writer says that bats use sound
or small localities of the city. for
(a) was restricted (6) was not restricted (a) communicating with one another
(d) was entertained (6) communicating with animals in general
(c)wasopened (c)some practical purpose
47. Street theatre usually with issues of public
(d) fun
importance.
(a) is distanced (b) is performed DIRECTIONS (Qs. 53-61): Readthe following passage
carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain
(c) deals (d) does not deal
words are given in bold to heip you locate them while
48. Street theatre is to stage.
answering some of the questions.
(a) nothing (b) costly
It may be quite a while before climatologists are able to
(c) reasonable d) affordable
predict rainfall in the American Midwest by measuring
 Reading Comprehension
snow-fall in the Himalayas. But there is one prediction 54. Which of the following will be the
which they can confidently make now, and that is that the consequence(s)
there is a rapid decline in the ice cover
of earth?
it
arth's ice cover-from the polar ice caps to the Himalayas (1) It will bring ecological disaster.
- is thawing at an alarming rate. So much so that over 50 (I) It will have negative effect on the
economy.
per cent of the planet's mountain glacier mass could be (III) It will affect the normal life mainly
in the
history by the tum of the next century. According to the nations. advanced
latest findings of the US-based environmental thinktank, (IV) It will snatch the dreamland of our poets.
Worldwatch institute, the Arctic Sea ice has shrunk by (a) Only I and II (b) Only IlI and IV
nearly 40 per cent in the last 25 years, even as Antarctica's (c) Only I (d) Only I1
extensive ice fields and glaciers have been badly 'bleeding' (e) None of these
at their edges. This would indicate that the earth has 55. What is the prime cause behind the
fields?
shrinking of ice
entered a period of climatic change that is likely to cause
widespread environmental, economic and social disruption (a) human activity taking place at these places
over the next century if emissions of heat-trapping gases (b) scientific experiments being done in these area
are not reduced. As a result of global
warming, average (c) rising temperature due to pollution in atmosphere
planetwide temperatures have been going up steadily. (d) drying up of rivers which are snow-fed
If the levels of carbon dioxide- the bad boy of global (e) None of these
warmingin the atmosphere are allowed to increase at 56. What measure is imminent for saving mountain
our

the present rate. more heat will be trapped in the planetary
cocoon, raising global temperatures to scorching highs.
The polar ice caps will melt and the resultant rise in sea
levels will be catastrophic for low-lying island-states and
countries with large coastal populations, such as Marshall
Islands and Bangladesh. Regional flooding will threaten
water supplies and dramatically alter the habitats of many
flora and fauna. This is particularly bad news for such
gions as northern India, home to half of the total Indian
populace who depend wholly on the glacier-fed rivers for
their drinking water and irrigation needs.
With the Himalayan ice caps melting like ice-cream on a
hot summer day, these snow-fed rivers will first swell and
then run dry, triggering off devastating floods, followed
by a desolating drought. People used to think there was
58. Over S50 per cent ofthe planet's mountain glacier mass
time to sort out problems related to climate change, but
no longer. The chilling prospect of an imminent global
glacial melt calls for immediate damage control exercises
to stabilise the climate. A good way to begin perhaps,
will be to overhaul the energy and transportation systems
which drive the world's fossil fuel economy and, instead
develop low-carbon energy systems based on electronic
technologies.
53. Prediction of rainfall in the American Midwest depends
on
(a) the rainfall in the region in previous years.
59. What efforts need to be taken to stabilise the climate?
b) the climatic conditions in the Himalayan region.
(c) the condition of glaciers.
(d) the changing patterns of the season.
(e) None of these
glaciers and ice fields?
(a) launching a worldwide campaign to save them
(b) checking the emission of carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere
(c) Making people aware of our environment
(d) depending less on the environment for livelihood
(e) None of these
57. Which of the following is false in the context of the
passage?
(a) Worldwatch Institute is related to America.
b) Ice cover of the earth is receding at a fast pace.
()Carbon dioxide is the majorcontributor to global
warming.
(d) Snow-fed rivers will always have water in it
() None of these
could be history by the turn of the next century means
(a) In the next century mountain glacier will be taught
as a history subject.
b) As the next century starts, over half of the mountain
glaciers will have become extinct.
) After the next century less than halfof the planet's
mountain glacier will be remaining.
(d) Next century will damage the glaciers heavily.
(e) Glacier will be a subject of interest in the next
century.
Use of carbon should be checked and altematives
for it should be looked for to drive our industries
and transport.
Reading Comprehension
(b) Mountains and glaciers should be preserved at
any cost
(c) The Himalayas should be given special protection
as they shape the climate.
(d) People should not reside near natural flora and
fauna.
(e) None of these
60. If the polar ice cap melts and the sea level rises
(a) it will bring more rain.
(b) it will increase the amount of water in the world.
(c) it will submerge low coastal areas, thus destroying
life and property.
(d) hilly areas will come under water.
(e)excess waterwillgenerate diseases and epidemic.
61. Give a suitable title to the passage.
(a) Glacier as a source of water
(b) Glacier causing floods
(c) Global warming and human survival
(d) Glacier and its importance
(e) Save water.
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 62-71): Read the following passage
carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain
words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you
locate them while answering some of the questions.
Jagir Singh has sold red onions at a market in south Delhi
every day for the past half-century. Perched on an upturned
crate, wrapped tight against the chill air, he offers pyaz,
a staple for much Indian cooking, for 60 rupees a kilo,
the most he can remember. Business is brisk but most
customers pick up only a small handful of onions. That is
just as well. Wholesale supplies are tight, he says, and the
quality is poor.
As India's economy grows by some 9% a year, food prices
are soaring. In late December, the commerce ministry
judged that food inflation had reached 18.3%, with pricey
vegetables mostly to blame.Officials have made some
attcmpts to temper the rise in the past month-scrapping
import taxes for onions, banning their export and ordering
low-priced sales at government-run shops. But there is no
quick fix.
Heavy rain in the west of India brought a rotten harvest.
Vegetables from farther a field-including a politically
sensitive delivery from a neighbouring country - are
costly to move on India's crowded, pot-holed roads. Few
refrigerated lorries and poor logistics mean that much of
each harvest is wasted. Newspapers allege hoarders are
cashing in.
The biggest problems are structural. Food producers,
hampered by land restrictions, archaic retail networks
and bad infrastructure fail to meet extra demand from
consumers. It was estimated in October that a 39% rise in
income per person in the previous five years might have
created an extra 220 million regular consumers of milk,
eggs. meat and fish. Supplies have not kept up with this
potential demand.
The broader inflation rate may be a less eye-watering
problem than the onions suggest. The central bank has lifted
interest rates steadily in the past year and is expected to do
so again later this month. Headline inflation fell to 7.5%
in November, down by just over a percentage point from
October. though it is still above the central bank's forecast
of 5.5% for March.
62. What is responsible for the increased demand of certain
food items amongst consumers?
(a) There has been an increase in the wholesale
supplies of this food stuff.
(b) The vegetables in the market are very highly
priced.
()Therehas been an increase in the incomes of
people.
(d) There is a lack of availability of vegetables in the
market.
(e) There has been a surge in population.
63. Which of the following is not true in the context of
the passage?
(a) The overall inflation is not as bad as the food
inflation in India.
(b) Help from other countries to counter food inflation
has proved to be quite encouraging.
(c) Government is banning the export of certain types
of vegetables in order to check food inflation.
(d) Highly priced vegetables are mostly responsible
for the increased food inflation.
(e) All the above statements are true
64. Which of the following is/are the reason/s for increase
in food/vegetable prices?
(1) Bad weather (2) Land restrictions
3) Poor infrastructure for storage and transportation
(a) Only (2) (b) Only (1) and (3)
() Only (1) and (2) (d) Only(2) and (3)
(e) All (1), (2) and (3)
65. Which of the following is/are TRUE in the context of
the passage?
(1) Interest rates are being raised in India.
(2) India is witnessing a steady economic growth.
 Reading Comprehension
10
that the food inflation is mainly These young stars are surrounded
by discs from which
(3) It has been proven planets could condense and they tend to erupt in vast flaree
because of hoarding.
and (3) (b) Only () and (2) far greater than anything now observed in the mature
Sun
(a) All (), (2)
(c) Only (3) (d) Only (2) and (3) These flares could be an evidence of a process that
would
is true cleur the way for small rocky planets to form.
(e) None
66. Which ofthe following is possibly the most appropriate
Scientists
peer back toa time when Venus, Earth and Mars might have

title for the passage" first formed from stony cinders whirling around a
Food Inflation In India
young
(a) star. So, it is said by a scientist that they do not have
Onions And Vendors
time
(b) machine to see back, but the next big thing is to
(c) Food Deficit Worldwide observe
the sun-like stars in Orion Nebula.
(d) Food Imports In India
Benefits To Indian Consumers 72 Scientists now believe that can now disclose the candid
(e)
67. What can be said about the sale of onions at present creation's great mystery, which is
as given in the passage? (a) the formation and existence of planets like Earth
(a) Vegetable vendors are unwilling to sell onions. (b) the formation of stars with planets orbiting around
(b) People are not buying as much as they used to. them
(c) The sale of onions has picked up and is (c) the appearance of the Sun some 4.6 billion around
unprecedented. them
(d) People are buying more onions than they used to. (d) the appearance of planets from discs
(e) None of these
(c) None of these
68. The usage ofthe phrase 'cashing in' in the passage can
73. Chandra' is the name of
possibly mean
(a) a noon
(a) Profiting (b) Running away
(d) Bailing out (b) a star
(c) Paying money
(e) Buffering (c) a telescope
69. Which of the following is most similar in meaning to (d) a newly invented time machine
the word tight' as used in the passage? (e) None of these
(a) Firm (b) Loose 74. Young stars are surrounded by discs from which
(c) Limited (d) Taut (a) satellites ned
(e) Tense (b) planets condensed
70. Which of the following is most similar in meaning to
(c)eruption took place
the word 'temper' as used in the passage?
(d) universe was created
(a) Displeasure (b) Anger (e) None of these
(c) Rage (d) Harness 75. Though the Orion Nebula has a number of stars, only
(e) Control
27 stars
71. Which of the following is most opposite in
meaning (a) might have formed from stony cinders
of the word 'archaic' as. used in the
passage? (b) tend to erupt in vast flares
(a) Simple (b) Straightforward
(c) Moderm (c)seem to have planets like Earth
(d) Lively
(e) Ancient (d) are found to be too young to be surrounded by
discs
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 72-76): Read the following passage
and answer the questions thatfollows: (e) None of these
76. According to a scientist, the next best thing is
One of the creation's great mysteries is the formation and
(a) to travel in space to have a close look at the stas
existence of the rocky planets, such as our Earth. Recently,
(b) to travel to Venus and Mars to see how they were
scientists who peered for 13 days across 1500 light years
formed
of universe believe that they
may have the answer to (c) to look at the stars in Orion that behave like the
this question. They used a
sophisticated orbiting X-ray Sun
telescope, called Chandra, to study 1400 young stars in
(d) to take a look at the planets in Orion, that behave
Orion Nebula and identified 27 stars that behave
very much like Earth
as the Sun may once have
done, some 4.6 billion years ag0. (e) None of these
Reading Comprehension
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 77-81): Read he passage given
below and answer the questions that follow:
The future of water will be a gamble - resting entirely
on the way we decide to play the game here. Either we
continue to use water iresponsibly, threatening the very
existence of this planet, or we adopt sustainable and smart
water management practices to build a water secure future.
By 2050, India's total water demand will increase by
32 percent firom now. Industrial and domestic sectors will
account for 85 percent of the additional demand. Over-
exploitation of ground-water, failure to recharge acquifers
and reduction in catchment capacities due to uncontrolled
urbanisation are all causes of the precarious tilt in the
water balance.
If the present rate of groundwater persists, India will
have only 22 percent of the present daily per capita water
available in 2050, possibly forcing the country to import
its water.
Optimists believe that India's people some 1.7 billion by
2050, will have integrated water efficient practices into
their daily lives. If the ambitious water sustainability goals
set by global industries and governments are testament we
dare say that the world has begun to recognize water as a
resource after all.
While beverages giants are focussed on returning water
to the communities where they manufacture their drinks,
food processing players are engaging with farmers and
upstream actors to minimise water usage across the supply
claim and textile houses are evangelising the concept of
sustainable fashion. Companies have realised the risks
emanating from the possibility of a water-scarce future.
This has triggered companies to re-engineer processes,
implement water optimizing, technologies, establish water
audit standards, and use a collaborative approach to deal
with the water crisis.
77. What part of speech is the underlined word in the
following sentence?
I do not know why he is so curious about it.
(a) Adverb clause (b) Adjective clause
(c) Noun clause (d) Principal clause
78. Wewill face a severe water-scarcity problem in future
mostly because:
(a) we do not use water responsibly.
(6) ground-water level water is steadily decreasing.
(C) water is not a renewable source.
(d) by 2050, demand for water will increase
considerably.
79. Which of the following will pot lead to a severe water
imbalance?
11
(a) uncontrolled urbanisation
(b) flawless water infrastructure.
(c)over-exploitation of water.
(d) failure to recharge acquifers.
80. Persistent ground water depletion will not necessitate:
(a) using water judiciously
(6) import of water
(c) shutting down of industries
(d) adoption of smart water management technologies
81. Optimists cannot pin their hope for better water
management on:
water for domestic and industrial
(a) treating sea
Sectors.
(b) integrating water efficient practices into daily use.
(c) reducing demand for water by using new
technologies.
(d) discovering new ways of augmenting water supply.
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 82-86): Read the passage given
below and answer the questions that follow by selecting
the most appropriate option.
Our body is a wondrous mechanism and when subjected
to unusual stress over a period of time, it adapts itself to
deal more effectively with that stress. Therefore, when your
exert your muscles against resistance, they are forced to
adapt and deal with this extraordinary workload. This is
the principle of weight training. Strands of muscle fibres
become thicker and stronger in response to the demands
placed on them.
One of the great merits of weight training is the strength of
your heart. During weight training, your heart is forced to
beat faster and stronger in order to pump sufficient blood
to the muscles being worked. In time, your heart, like
your body, will adapt to this extra-workload by becoming
stronger and more efficient. Since, your body needs a given
amount of blood to perform its daily tasks, your heart will
now need fewer beats to pump the same quantity of blood.
Sounds good? There's more. Your entire circulatory system
is given a thorough workout every time you exercise, which
increases its overall efficiency. Even the neural paths from
your brain's command centres to each individual muscle
become more effective, enabling easier recruitment of
muscle fibres for carrying out physical tasks. In essence,
your body becomes a well-oiled and finely-tuned piece
of machinery, whirring along without any breakdown. In
today's stress-filled world, you need all the help you can get.
82. The principle of weight training is
(a) thickening of body through extra consumption
(b) helping the body adapt to increased stress
(c) training muscles to exert more pressure
(d) disposing extra workload
Reading Comprehension 37

Hints&Explanations
26. (c) Since, Himalayan mountains takes weeks or
FACTUAL
months to climb, large amount of personnel and
1. b) It is evident from both the passages.
food supplies is necessary.
2 (b) 3. (c)4. (d)
27. (b) Expedition mountaineering can be considered as
(a) 6. (b) 7. (c) 8. (b)
slow (Because it takes few weeks to months to
10. (b) 11. (d) 12. (d)
9 (a) climb the mountain) and heavy (because of the
13. (b) 14. (¢) additional food supplies required to be carried
15. (a) In self directed learning, an individual takes while climbing).
initiative with or without the help of others to 28. (c) The specific nature of Himalayan mountains
learn new things. accounts for greater expedition mountaineering
16. (b) There is need for self-directed learning because there.
it helps people to learn more things in a better 29. (d) Large and isolated peeks are best for expedition
Way. mountaineering.
17. (a) Self-directed learning is active learning as one 30. (b) According to the passage, weak global economic
does not sit passively and waits for someone prospects and continuing uncertainties in the
to teach. The learner actively initiates its own international markets as well as sovereign risk
learning process. concerns, particular by in the Euro area have had
18. (b) The modern environment is instructive in nature. their impact on the emerging market economies.
19. (c) Diagnosing means identifying. 31. (c) The Indian financial markets are affected by
20. (b) Music is often linked to mood. A certain song can global changes mainly due to the contagion of
make us feel happy, sad, energetic, or relaxed. Greece's sovereign debt problem spreading to
21. (a) Music helps one feel different emotions. Based India.
on the mood, a certain song can make us feel 32. (d) Since the Indian financial system is bank
dominated banks ability to withstand stress is
happy, sad, energetic, or relaxed.
22. (d) All forms of music may have therapeutic effects, critical to overall financial stability.
music from one's culture may be 33. (a) With further globalization, consolidation,
although own

most effective. deregulation and diversification, risk and

23. b) Because musie can have such an impact on liquidity management assumes more importance
a person's mindset and well-being, it should in the Indian banking system in future.
come as no surprise that music therapy has been 34. (a) According to the passage, government
studied for use in managing numerous medical interference leads to distortions and ineficiency
in the economy in the sense that there is room
conditions.
24. (d) In Chinese medical theory, the five internal for corruption as well as a lack of interest in
investment on the part of the entrepreneurs.
organs and meridian systems are believed to
have corresponding musical tones, which are (c) The first paragraph states that the basic

used to encourage healing. philosophy of globalization is to ensure absolute

25. (b) Most medium sized peaks in the Europe are freedom for the markets, to set their prices,
produce their goods, and distribute them as per
accessed by car or air. Expeditionary climbing
is popular in Himalayas. Himalayan base their own criterion.
36. (c) The passage clearly states that in accordance
camp treks takes days or even weeks to trek to.
with the conditions set by the WTO etc., for
European and North American mountains can be
climbed in short time scale. globalization, public sectors should be privatized.
 Reading Comprehension
38
of
So statement (1) is correct. Employment
and
45. (b) Modern means
entertainment and
communication does not affect street
of
wages should be
conditioned by the free play

the market forces involved, otherwise

it might
It is still a popular mode of
societal issues.
taking up tcruci
heatre
statement (3).
discourage investment as stated in
Even social services like heath and
education 46. (a) In the olden days, street theatre was restricte
villages or small localities of the cities,
should welcome private players as is correctly
47. (c) Street theatre usually deals with isSues of
expressed in statement (4).
importance.
public
37. (b) The entire passage focuses on the fact that the
state should play a reducing role in the process 48. (c) Street theatre is reasonable to stage as
itle
of globalization. This is elaborated in the last props and images are used.and1not huge set
up is
few lines of the passage with particular reference required.
to India. 49. (b) Street theatre creates an emotional impact n
38. (d) Neither of the two statements are correct audiences that leads to quick psychological
according to the passage, therefore, option (d) is impact.
the correct answer. The clue regarding this lies 50. (a) Writer explains in the intro of this passage that
in the following lines of the passage- "There the extra-ordinary discovery of echo location
is a great pride in an Indian that easily integrates was experienced in bats. So option 'a' would be
with a global economy, yet maintains a unique correct answer.
cultural identity". This line contradicts the idea 51. (a) An echo comes back if a person shouts in the
mentioned in the first statements. The next clue
vicinity ofa wall or solid obstruction. Though
is "this confidence has them demonstrating
the further off this solid obstruction, the longer
great propensity to consumer, throwing away
time will elapse for the return of the echo.
ageing ideas of asceticism and thrift" This line
52. (c) In the first paragraph, the writer says that bats
contradicts the idea in the second statement.
use sound for some practical purpose. Option
39. (d) The approximate no: of people in India who
'c explains it all so that would be the correct
are in the age group of 15 25 years is 180
answer.
million which is option (d), therefore, (d) is the
53. () 54. (a)
correct answer. The clue regarding this lies in the
following line of the passage "more than half S5. (c) The ice fields are melting down and shrinking
the country is under 25 years of age and more due to global warming, which is caused by
than a third under 5 years of age". emission of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
40. (a) Special words used in technical discussion have 56. (6) It is necessary to check and control the cause o
the chances of becoming part of common speech global warming.
because thousands of such words are included in 57. (d) 58. (b) 59. (a)
every large dictionary. 60. (c) It will be catastrophic for low-lying island stal
ates
41. (c) Since, the entire passage deals with words, and countries with
technical vocabulary and dictionary etc.
large coastal populations.
61. (c)
therefore, it can be concluded that the writer of 62. (c) There has been an rease in the incomes o
this passage is a linguist.
42. (b) The passage primarily discusses technical
people.
food
63. (6) Help from other countries to counte
terminology.
nflation has
proved to be quite encourag
43. (c) The average man often uses in his own 64.
vocabulary what was once technical language
(e) 65. (b) 66. (a)
67. (6)
not meant for him People are not buying as much as
68. (a) The in (on
44. (d) The last line of the passage reveals the increase meaning of the phrase Cash gain
in the number of technical terms in the Something) as used in the passagegeis:to thatis
n
nomenclature of government. an advantage for yourself from a situatio
thought to be immoral; profiting.
Reading Comprehension
Look at the sentence:
The film studio is being accused of cashing in on
the singer's death.
69. (c) The meaning of the word Tight (Adjective) as
used in the passage is : difficult to manage with
because there is not enough; limited.
70. (c) The meaning of the word Temper (Verb) as used
in the passage is: mitigate; control; to make
something less severe by adding something that
has the opposite effect.
Look at the sentence
Justice must be tempered with mercy.
71. (c) The meaning ofthe word Archaic (Adjective) as
used in the passage is : old and no longer used;
outdated.
Look at the sentence:
The system is archaic and unfair and needs
changing
72. (a) The passage entirely talks about the formation
and existence of planets like Earth. Now, the
scientists claim that they can disclose the candid
creation of the universe.
73. (c) The given passage talks about the telescope
named 'Chandra', to study 1400 young stars in
Orion Nebula.
74. (b) The passage mentions that the young stars are
surrounded by discs from which planets could
condense and they tend to erupt in vast flares.
75. (b) The telescope "Chandra' has discovered that the
Orion Nebula has a number of stars, only 276. (a) 7.
stars tend to erupt in vast flares,
76. (c) Scientists with the help of telescope "Chandra
hoped that the stars, in the Orion may behave
like the Sun. As these young stars are surrounded
by discs from which planets could condense and
they tend to erupt in vast flares.
17. (c) The underlined part is Noun clause in objective
case.
8. (e) We will face a severe water scarcity problem in
future because water is not renewable source.
79. (b) This where mentioned in the
options is no
passage.
80. (c) This point has no where been mentioned in the
passage.
39
81. (a) Nothing about treatment of sea water for domestic
and industrial sectors has been mentioned in the
passage.
82. (c) The principle of weight training is training
muscles to exert more pressure. This is clearly
mentioned in the 2nd last sentence of the first
paragraph.
83. (d) Refer last sentence of the first paragraph.
84. (d) The heart pumps required blood only but slowly
it becomes stronger and pumps that blood in
lesser number of beats.
85. (c) Refer 3rd sentence ofthe 2nd para In time .
blood
86. (d) Refer last sentence of the 2nd para, 'Even the
neural ..physical tasks.' In (1) the use of
word independently is wrong.
NARRATIVE
1. (c)The very first line of the passage reveals that
we can become angry on someone's opinion
contrary to ours only when our own opinion is
not based on good reason and we are aware of
this subconsciously.
2. (a) "Your own contrary conviction' refers to the fact
that you feel pity rather than anger.
3. (c) Conviction means a firmly held beliefor opinion.
4. d) If someone maintains that two and two are five,
you feel pity because you feel sorry for his
ignorance of the subject i.e. Arithmetic.
5. (d) The second sentence in the passage elaborates
the hidden i.e. the main point in the first sentence.
8.
(b) (C)9. (a)
10. (c)
11. (b) The phrase 'on tenterhooks' means a state of
suspense or agitation because of uncertainity
about a future event.
12. (d) The passage clearly shows that money alone
can't give happiness.
13. (a) All these three points given in the option are
discussed in the passage.
14. () Contentment, the key of happiness' suits the
bestthe title of the passage.
as
15. (c) This fact is clearly mentioned in the
passage.
16. (b) 17. (d) 18. (b) 19. (a)