PASSAGE – 1

1. Cricket in South Asia is a Carnivalesque, festive game. It carries not merely the
baggage of competition and achievement, but is also a participatory cultural event
that evokes images of religious festivals, convivial social gatherings, picnics and
theatre. It is now gradually becoming a substitute for war, a means of redeeming
self esteem and expressing xenophobia, and a depot of weird conspiracy theories.
No country now loses a game because the other side is better, a country loses only
because its cricketers and cricket administrators are under patriotic, corrupt, greedy
or self-centered.

2. Unfortunately for ultra nationalists and fortunately for the rest, cricket is one
game in which the best training, organization and preparation do not yield
corresponding results. It is a subversive game that rebels against the productivity
principle on which is build the world of globalised capitalism. Luck plays a major
role in the final outcome of a match or series. In this respect, cricket is unlike
football, tennis or chess. The grandeur of cricket and the cliched reference to its
glorious uncertainties come from a cultivated ignorance of this inner contradiction
in the game. Cricketers and their fans-to-say nothing of the experts-have to learn to
live with the unpredictability without getting overly judgemental or paranoiac. All
games have some built-in uncertainties, only cricket has turned the gracious
acceptance of this into a measure of character.
3. Let us not forget that in cricket the 22 players involved are never on the field at
the same time. Consequently, one team may play in full sunshine, While the other
may have to play under an overcast sky when the ball begins to swing. One team
may bat on a green top, the other on a wearing pitch. You can never truly equalise
the outer conditions for the two teams. So a cricketer not merely plays against the
opposition, but also against his own fate. That is one reason why it is typically
Indian or if you prefer, South Asian game.
4. This is a cultural region that recognizes the role of destiny in human affairs. All
cricketers are superstitious because of the nature of their job. Only south Asians are
not embarrassed about it and have unashamedly build ritualised ways of dealing
with destiny as a normal part of a cricketer’s life. If you want a game where the
investment of money, hard training and ruthless professionalism will pay
predictable results, and the results will be a pure reflection of skill and talent, you
should choose another game.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight out of ten
questions by choosing the correct option.
1. The meaning of the first sentence is : c
(a) that cricket is seasonal like festivals
(b) that during cricket matches carnivals are organized
(c) that a cricket match is a cultural event like a festival or a carnival
(d) that cricket is not a game but a carnival festival
2. How is cricket becoming a substitute for war? a
(a) Countries stake their image and self-esteem on the outcome of the game
(b) Political interests have invaded the game
(c) Cricket teams receive international funding.
(d) The spectators are filled with patriotic sentiments.
3. It (cricket) rebels against the productivity principle means that : d
(a) Cricket does not produce results
(b) Cricket is played by rebels
(c) The principles of crickets are rebellious and unproductive
(d) Training and preparation do not necessarily bring success
4. Cricketers are superstitious. This can be understood because they : a
(a) Believe in the role of destiny
(b) Learn to live with unpredictability
(c) Know that luck plays a major role in their success
(d) All of the above
5. ‘Baggage’ in paragraph 1 means : c
(a) Elements
(b) Cricket bats and balls etc.
(c) Luggage
(d) Hand bags
6. ‘Corresponding’ in paragraph 2 means : b
(a) Writing
(b) Matching
(c) Relating to correspondence
(d) Expected
7. According to the passage can we equalise the outer conditions for the two teams?
c
(a) Yes, absolutely
(b) Sometimes
(c) Never
(d) Can’t say
8. Which of the following game has turned the gracious acceptance of this into a
measure of character? a
(a) Cricket
(b) Baseball
(c) Football
(d) Hockey
9. Cricket is one game which has the : d
(a) best training
 (b) organization
(c) preparation
(d) all of the above
10. Find the antonym of the word ‘assisted’ used in paragraph 4. d
(a) Recognise
(b) Destiny
(c) Investment
(d) Embarrassed

PASSAGE – 2
1. A group of youths from Peddapuram town in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari
district launched a social media group called ‘Mana Peddapuram’ (Our
Peddapuram), a few years ago. The idea was to discuss Issues affecting the town
and act upon them. A few months ago, Naresh Pedireddi, who has been behind the
group came up with the concept of ‘rice-for-plastic’. The idea behind the exchange
was to encourage people to part with their non-biodegradable waste in large
numbers. “The slogan we promoted was ‘Avoid Plastic-Avoid Hunger’. We
wanted to get rid of plastic and also feed the hungry,” says Pedireddi, a
Peddapuram-based entrepreneur.
2. The programme was launched on Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary on
2 October. Within days, the group was able to collect around 400 kgs of plastic and
an equal amount of rice and other materials were distributed during the drive. Now
they plan to do it every Sunday.
3. The plastic that was collected was deposited at the local municipality office.
They promised that it will be recycled,” says Pedireddi.
4. For a town of around 70,000 people, the amount of plastic they collected
through these drives is just a drop in the ocean. But the group says that they will
continue to raise awareness among the residents of the town.
5. “The most satisfying thing about this drive has been that it has inspired people in
other towns of the district to launch such initiatives,” says Pedireddi.
6. The Mana Peddapuram, besides raising civic issues like cleanliness,
deforestation, and cultural events, has also run campaigns spreading awareness on
blood donation and the pledging of organs.
7. The group claims that funds are not a problem as the people in Peddapuram are
generous when it comes to donating money for worthy causes.
8. “We have hundreds of young people in this group and we hope to take up many
more issues in the coming months and years,” says Pedireddi. We can only hope
for many more such enthusiastic youth organizations that work for nation-building.
— V KUMARA SWAMY
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight out of ten
questions by choosing the correct option.
1. The social media group called ‘Mane Peddapuram’ was launched for………… c
(a) commercial purposes
(b) keeping In contact with friends and relatives
(c) creating a platform to discuss social issues
(d) gaining popularity
2. The idea behind the concept of ‘rice-for-plastic’ was …………….. d
(a) helping the hungry people
(b) collecting plastic to be sold at higher price
(c) helping the farmers
(d) managing non-biodegradable waste
3. The plastic collected was deposited with the local municipal committee so that
they could…………….. a
(a) send it for recycling
(b) sell it to the junk dealer
(c) identify people using non-biodegradable material
(d) give award to Naresh Pedireddi
4. ‘a drop in the ocean’ means………… b
(a) very large
(b) too little
(c) in liquid state
(d) quite important
5. In the slogan ‘Avoid Plastic, Avoid Hunger’, how could the hunger be avoided? c
(a) by keeping busy in social services
(b) by selling the non-biodegradable waste
(c) by distribution of rice
(d) all the above
6. ………..rice and other materials were distributed during the drive. (para 2).
Which of the following sentences uses the word ‘drive’ similar in meaning to the
one given in the above sentence? d
(a) Mr. Gupta’s son dives his car very sensibly.
(b) Too much cruelty to the workers can drive them to go on a strike.
(c) The supermarket is only a five minutes’ drive away.
(d) Our school launched a drive to collect funds for the orphan children.
7. Which of the following is the best suitable title for this passage? a
(a) Rice for Plastic
(b) Mana Peddapuram
(c) Important Civic Issues
(d) Avoid Hunger
8. Arrange the following events in chronological order : b
I. the plastic is deposited at the municipality for recycling.
 II. 400 kg of plastic is collected.
III. social media group called ‘Mana Peddapuram’ is launched.
IV. equal amount of rice and other material is distributed.
V. people from other areas also get inspired.
(a) Ill, II, I, V, IV
(b) III, II, 1‘,/, I ,V
(c) IV, 11,1,111, V
(d) V, II, I, IV, Ill
9. Which of the following cannot be called a donation? a

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

10. Which of the following is the opposite of ‘generous’? d

(a) cunning
(b) wicked
(c) cruel
(d) selfish

PASSAGE – 3
1. ‘Click!” That’s the sound of safety. That’s the sound of survival. That’s the
sound of a seat belt locking in place. Seat belts save lives and that’s a fact. That’s
why I don’t drive anywhere until mine Is on tight. Choosing to wear your seat belt
is as simple as choosing between life and death. Which one do you choose?
2. Think about it. When you’re driving in a car, you may be going 60 MPH or
faster. That car is zipping down the road. Then somebody ahead of you locks up
his or her brakes. Your driver doesn’t have time to stop. The car that you are in
crashes. Your car was going 60 miles per hour. Now it has suddenly stopped. Your
body, however, is still going 60 MPH. What’s going to stop your body? Will it be
the windshield or your seat belt? Every time that you get into a car you make that
choice. I choose the seat belt.
3. Some people think that seat belts are uncool. They think that seat belts cramp
their style, or that seat belts are uncomfortable. To them I say, what’s more
uncomfortable? Wearing a seat belt or flying through a car windshield? What’s
more uncool? Being safely anchored to a car, or skidding across the road in your
jean shorts? Wearing a seat belt is both cooler and more comfortable than the
alternatives.
4. Let’s just take a closer look at your choices. If you are not wearing your seat
belt, you can hop around the car and slide in and out of your seat easily. That
sounds like a lot of fun. But, you are also more likely to die or suffer serious
injuries. If you are wearing a seat belt, you have to stay in your seat. That’s no fun.
But, you are much more likely to walk away unharmed from a car accident.
Hmmm… A small pleasure for a serious pain. That’s a tough choice. I think that
I’ll avoid the serious pain.
5. How about giving money away? Do you like to give your money away?
Probably not. And when you don’t wear your seat belt, you are begging to give
your money away. That’s because kids are required to wear seat belts in every state
in several countries. If you’re riding in a car, and you don’t have a seat belt on, the
police can give you or your driver a challan ticket. Then you will have to pay fine
for the offence.
6. Wearing a seat belt does not make you invincible. You can still get hurt or killed
while wearing your seat belt. But wearing them has proven to be safer than driving
without them. You are much less likely to be killed in a car wreck if you are
wearing a seat belt. You are much less likely to get seriously injured if you are
wearing one. So why not take the safer way? Why not go the way that has been
proven to result in fewer deaths? You do want to live, don’t you?
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight out of ten
questions by choosing the correct option.
 1. Which title best expresses the main idea of this text?
(a) Car Accidents: Ways That We Can Prevent Them
(b) Slow Down : Save Lives By Driving Slower
(c) Seat Belts : Wear Them to Survive Any Wreck
(d) Why Not? Improve Your Odds with Seat Belts
2. Which best expresses the author’s main purpose in writing this text?
(a) To inform readers about seat belt laws
(b) To persuade readers to wear seat belts
(c) To entertain readers with stories and jokes about seat belts
(d) To describe what car accidents are like without seat belts
3. Which best describes the text structure in the fourth paragraph?
(a) Compare and contrast
(b) Chronological order
(c) Sequential order
(d) Problem and solution
4. Which best defines the word alternatives as it is used in the third paragraph?
(a) Being safe
(b) Being unsafe
(c) Other choices
(d) Driving fast
5. Which best expresses the main idea of the fifth paragraph?
(a) Seat belts are a waste of money.
(b) People don’t like to give money away.
(c) Not wearing a seat belt may cost you.
(d) Seat belt laws save lives.
6. Which best defines the word invincible as it is used in the last paragraph?
(a) Uncool
(b) Difficult or impossible to see
(c) Glow-in-the-dark
(d) Unable to be harmed
7. Which statement would the author most likely agree with?
(a) Being safe is more important than being cool.
(b) Moving freely around a car is worth the risks.
(c) Seat belts will keep you safe in any car accident.
(d) You should be most concerned with your comfort.
8. Which argument is not made by the author?
(a) Not wearing a seat belt can be expensive.
(b) Penalties for not wearing a seat belt should increase.
(c) Seat belts keep you from flying through the windshield.
(d) Wearing a seat belt is cooler than suffering an injury.
9. Based on this passage, which of the following drivers would you call the
‘coolest’?
1. (d) Why Not? Improve Your Odds with Seat Belts
2. (b) To persuade readers to wear seat belts
3. (a) Compare and contrast
 4. (c) Other choices
5. (c) Not wearing a seat belt may cost you.
6. (d) Unable to be harmed
7. (a) Being safe is more important than being cool.
8. (b) Penalties for not wearing a seat belt should increase.
9. (d)
10. (d) more

10. The opposite of ‘fewer’ would be……………

(a) lesser
(b) longer
(c) shorter
(d) more

PASSAGE — 4
I. Read the passage given below
1. Maintaining a business infrastructure is an expensive task and your HVAC
(Heat, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system is a key part of these costs. But
replacing an outdated system with new efficient units and advanced controls will
benefit your organization in many ways.
2. On average, HVAC equipment accounts for upto 44% of a business’ monthly
energy expenditures. Immediate energy savings will be realized with a new
efficient system. New systems use motors and compressors with less energy
consumption than their counter parts designed and manufactured a decade ago.
Further savings will be seen with advanced variable frequency drives and energy
management systems.

3. Natural resource conservation benefits us and our environment. New high-

efficiency equipment and design strategies reduce overall energy consumption and
environmental impact. Green HVAC systems save money and reduce
environmental impact when designed, installed, and maintained properly.
4. Programmable thermostats area simple upgrade, allowing you to control the
system based on time. In the summer, if your business is closed from 8:00pm to
6:00 am set the programable thermostat cooling point higher. If the unit is not
running, it will not use energy. Greater savings will be seen with advanced designs
and controls. Zoning systems allow one system to maintain different temperatures
in different locations.
1.(c) Energy conservation through advanced HVAC equipment
2. (d) Lighting
3. (c) The earlier HVAC systems were cost effective.
4. (d) all of the above
5. (b) they stop the units when not required
6. (d) zoning system
 7. (d) All of the above
8. (d) proper parking

5. Property values are based on location and the infrastructure in place. A new
energy efficient system will increase the building value if you lease or sell.
6. In retail situations, even temperatures and proper ventilation will put your
customers at ease. A customer that is uncomfortable may not return and a loyal
customer is worth 10 times their initial purchase.
7. Performance gains will be seen in both process and employees. Maintaining
proper coolant temperature in machining equipment will reduce tool wear and
increase product quality. Worker performance will also increase. Employees are
more productive without the added stress of an uncomfortable work environment.
8. With ageing, systems and components wear out. Repairs will be needed. Before
committing to a repair, it is advisable to compare the service cost versus there
placement cost. The replacement system’s energy savings alone may pay for itself
with in a few years.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any six out of the eight
questions by choosing the correct option.
1. The author in the given passage wants to highlight…………….
(a) the benefits of energy conservation
(b) how one can manage his business organization
(c) Energy conservation through advanced HVAC equipment
(d) the importance of maintenance
2. The pie chart shows the breakup percentage of Average Business Energy
consumption. Accordingly, which of the following components consumes the
maximum energy?
(a) Heating
 (b) Ventilation
(c) Cooling
(d) Lighting
3. Apropos pare 2 and 3, which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
(a) New systems offer less energy consumption
(b) HVAC equipments account for major energy expenditure
(c) The earlier HVAC systems were cost effective.
(d) Variable frequency drives offer good savings.
4. The factor that makes green HVAC system quite environment friendly is its :
(a) design
(b) installation
(c) maintenance
(d) all of the above
5. Programmable thermostats are a great advantage because……….
(a) they are very cheap
(b) they stop the units when not required
(c) they are simple upgrade
(d) none of these
6. Which of the following helps in maintaining different temperatures in different
locations?
(a) thermostat
(b) motors
(c) compressors
(d) zoning system
7. Maintaining proper coolant temperature in machining equipment helps in :
(a) Reducing tool wear
(b) Increasing product quality
(c) Improving worker’s performance
(d) All of the above
8. Which of the following does not help a customer feel at ease in a retail store :
(a) Even temperature
(b) proper lighting
(c) proper ventilation
(d) proper parking

PASSAGE — 5
Read the passage given below:
1. The forest cover was found to be increased by 1% for the year 2017 which is
21.54% of the total geographic area when compared to that of forest cover status in
2015 which is a positive sign towards the constant efforts that are being put in to
protect the forest. This positive change in the forest cover is mainly attributed to
the conservation and management practices that include afforestation activities,
participation of local peoples for better protection measures in plantation areas and
traditional forest areas, expansion of trees outside forest, etc. Also, with this
increase in the forest cover, the country has procured 8th position among the top 10
countries reporting the greatest annual forest area gain. Although there has been an
increase in the total forest cover in India, still there are certain regions within the
country that has sought a reduction in the same.The main reasons attributed for this
reduction are shifting cultivation, rotational felling, other biotic pressures,
diversion of forest lands for developmental activities, etc. A transition in the
various forest cover classes has also occurred over the past. It has been found that
there is a reduction in the moderately dense forest and an increment in the open
forest depicting degradation of forest cover to some extent. Changes within the
forest cover classes result in decrease in the production capacity, thereby leading to
forest degradation. Control and regular check of these activities can help in
strengthening the conservatory efforts of forest protection. This is the necessity of
the present time to conserve the forests in order to sustain the vital ecosystems and
the major carbon sink to combat the effects of global climate change and ultimately
maintain the environmental balance.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any six out of the eight
questions by choosing the correct option.
1. What is the difference between the geographical areas in the year 2013- 2015 of
forest cover?
(a) 21.23%
(b) 21.34%
(c) 0.11%
(d) 21.54%
2. Which of the following is responsible for the increasing in geographical area in
2017?
(a) Expansion of trees
 (b) Afforestation
(c) Protection measures in plantation areas
(d) All of the above
3. Which number has India acquired among the top 10 countries reporting the
greatest annual forest area?
(a) 10
(b) 8
(c) 5
(d) 3
4. Which of the following years has rapidly changed the forest cover?
(a) 1997
(b) 2017
(c) 2001
(d) 2009
5. According to the passage what are the main reasons for the reduction of forest?
(a) Shifting cultivation
(b) Biotic pressures
(c) Diversion of forest lands
(d) All of the above
6. Which of the following year had the lowest forest cover percentage in ?
(a) 1997
(b) 2005
(c) 1989
(d) 1999
7. Find the synonym of the word ‘preservation’ used in the passage.
(a) Reduction
(b) Attributed
(c) Conservation
(d) None of these
8. Find the opposite of word ‘lose’ used in the passage.
(a) Although
(b) Procured
(c) Larid
(d) Change
1.(c) 0.11%
2. (d) All of the above
3. (b) 8
4. (c) 2001
5. (d) All of the above
6. (a) 1997
7. (c) Conservation
8. (b) Procured
Reading passage
1.There were hundreds of us in the lecture hall, watching the descent of the Vikram
Lander, with the Pragyan rover descending on the lunar surface, its thrusters in full
force, slowing down the free fall of the delicate component of the Chandrayaan-2
spacecraft, all 1498 kg of it hurtling down, pulled by the gravity of Moon. It had
separated from the rest of the spacecraft four days ago. leaving the orbiter in its
path about 100 km above the lunar surface, where it is going to spend at least 7
years, with its eight excellent instruments sending back crucial scientific
information about the Moon, its environment and even the Sun.
2.We were applauding as the green dot on the plot of the landing trajectory,
showing the altitude and the range of the lander, reached about two km above the
surface, at which point its speed was about 50mls. Far too high still, we thought- it
had to come well below 5 m/s for a soft landing as it reached the ground. Then our
spirits fell as it deviated from the expected course, and got stuck, indicating that we
had lost communication. This is the phase, which the ISRO Chairperson Dr K
Sivan had described as the, “15 minutes of terror”. We still haven’t recovered
communication, but thermal imaging from the orbiter’s cameras has located the
site of the landing on Sunday. The extent of the damage to Vikram is still being
assessed If things had gone according to plan, India would have joined an elite club
of three other nations that have landed in one piece on an extra- terrestrial surface
—the Moon, Mars or an asteroid. If the Rover had been out on its 14 days prowl.
We would have learnt about the traces of gaseous elements near the surface of the
Moon and also about the low level Moonquakes from the embedded seismometer.

3.Chandrayaan-2 was launched in July on the GSLV-3, taking a complicated, fuel

efficient path to the Moon lasting over 40 days. In contrast with the Apollo
missions being launched on the more powerful Saturn-V launchers in the 1960s,
this mission was kept affordable, but sent the mission on a long journey fraught
with possible pitfalls. Till the last minute the entire manoeuvre had worked like
clockwork, showing the high level of sophistication that ISRO is capable of in its
planning, design, fabrication and execution. This, in my mind, is the major success
story of ISRO so far in this mission.
4.We are now hopeful that we will gain contact with Vikram, lovingly named after
the founder of ISRO in its birth centenary year. Even if some of the instruments
can be made to work, we would have valuable information and images close to the
lunar surface and learn more about what to do and what not to in our next attempt.
It is also time to look beyond the landing event. Chandrayaan-2 is so much more
than the landing event which seemed to have caught most of the attention of the
public and the media. On the rest of the vehicle in orbit, we have two very
sophisticated imagers. The high-resolution Orbiter Camera photographs the lunar
surface to a resolution of 0.3 m, the best in any Moon mission so far, by any
nation. Another terrain-mapping camera takes photos in multiple colours. Since all
previous missions have concentrated on the equatorial region and northern
hemisphere of the Moon, Chandrayaan-2’s work in the southern polar region will
be unique.
5.The CLASS instrument on the orbiter will quantify the amount of calcium,
magnesium, sodium and other useful elements on or below the lunar surface
through X-ray fluorescence. The HRS instrument, also on the orbiter will tell us
about water and minerals under the surface. In addition to detecting them, it can
also help us quantify and tell us about how hard they would be to extract. Why do
we need this information? It is inevitable that one day humans will have to go out
into the solar system to look for resources, and even for habitation India as the
most populous nation of the earth will have to play a leading role.
6.Even if we choose not to live on the Moon, we need a Moon base, as
a refueling station, or as an assembly or service we have to know what resources
are available on the Moon. What is a small part of this mission not successful? In
my mind, the journey of ISRO team that has brought the mission to where it is now
is more important than the task that will be performed. Similarly, the complicated
journey of the spacecraft from the Earth to and around the Moon has adequately
demonstrated what Indian technology can achieve.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any ten of the following
questions by choosing the most appropriate option:
(a) How many days ago was the Vikram Lander separated from the spacecraft?
(i) one day (ii) two days
(iii) three days (iv) four days
(b) For how long was it supposed to remain upon the lunar surface? (i) 5 years (ii)
6 years

(iii) 7 years (iv) 8 years

(c) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the
CORRECT order of the sentences.
1. The extent of the damage to Vikram is still being assessed.
2. The HRS instrument, also on the orbiter, will tell us about water and minerals
under the surface.
3. Vikram Lander deviated from the expected course, and got stuck, indicating that
we had lost communication.
4. Chandrayaan-2 was launched in July on the GSLV-3. (i) 1, 2, 4, (ii) 3, 1, 4, 2
(iii)3,2,4,l (iv)2,3,4,1
(d) Chandrayaan-2 was supposed to land on......
(i) Southern Pole (ii) Northern Pole
(iii)Lunar surface (iv) Equatorial region
(e) The CLASS instrument on the orbiter will quantify the amount of which of the
following element?
(i) Image 1
(iii)Image 3
(ii) Image 2
(iv) Image 4
(f) Chandrayaan-2 was launched in July on the..... (i) ALSV-5 (ii) GSLV-3
(iii) HRS (iv) GSLV-4 1.2
(g) Why were the scientists happy when they saw the green dot on the trajectory?
(i) Because it told about water and minerals under the surface.
(ii) Because it indicated the altitude and the range of the Lander

(iii) Because it told about the presence of gaseous elements

(iv) Because it reached in expected course of time
(h) What is the function of CLASS instrument on the orbiter? (i) It gives
information about the moon
(ii) it shows images of the moon
(iii) It quantifies the amount of calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium and other useful
elements on or below the lunar surface.
(iv) It measures the air pressure on the moon
(i) Which things are required on the moon even if we don’t make it our habitat?
(i) A moon base (ii) A refuelling station
(iii) A service station (iv) All of these
(j) Which word in the passage means same as ‘distinctive’? (Para 4) (i)
Concentrated (ii) unique
(iii) Valuable (iv) sophisticated
(k) Pick the option that tells the feeling of the writer when the Lander deviated
from expected course, and got stuck, indicating that it had lost communication.
(ii) Frustrating (ii) provoking
(iii) Disheartening (iv) hostile
(a) (iv) four days (b) (iii) 7 years (c) (ii) 3, 1, 4, 2 (d) (i) Southern Pole (e) (iv) image 4 (f) (ii) GSLV-3 (g)
(ii) because it indicated the altitude and the range of the lander (h) (iii) It quantifies the amount of
calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium and other useful elements on or below the lunar surface. (i) (iv) all
of these U) (k) (ii) unique (iii) disheartening

2. Read the passage carefully: (10 marks)

1. Education in India is primarily provided by public schools (controlled and
funded by the government at three levels: central, state and local) and private
schools. Under various articles of the Indian Constitution, free and compulsory
education is provided as a fundamental right to children aged 6 to 14. The
approximate ratio of public schools to private schools in India is 7:5.
2 India has made progress in increasing the attainment rate of primary education.
In 2011, approximately 75% of the population. aged between 7 and 10 years, was
literate India’s improved education system is often cited as one of the main
contributors to its economic development Much of the progress, especially in
higher education and scientific research, has been credited to various public
institutions.
3. At the primary and secondary level, India has a large private school system
complementing the government run schools, with 29% of students receiving
private education in the 6 to 14 age group. Certain post-secondary technical
schools are also private. The private education market in India had revenue of
US$450 million in 2008 but is projected to be a US $40 billion market.

Education in Republic of India Ministry of Education

Minister of Education: Ramesh Pokhriyal
National education budget
Budget 4.1% of GDP
General details
Primary languages System type Established Compulsory
Indian languages, English Federal, State or Private 1 April 2010
Education Literacy (2011)
Total Male Female
74% 82.2% 69.5%
Enrolment
Total
Primary
Secondary 69% Post-Secondary 25%
4. As per the Annual Status of Education Report (ASEH) 2012, 96.5% of all rural
children between the ages of 6-14 were enrolled in school. This is the fourth annual
survey to report enrolment above 96%. India has maintained an average enrolment
ratio of 95% for students in this age group from year 2007 to 2014. As an outcome
the number of students in the age group 6-14 who are not enrolled in school has
come down to 2.8% in the year academic year 2018 (ASER 2018). Another report
from 2013 stated that there were 229 million students enrolled in different
accredited urban and rural schools of India, from Class 1 to XII, representing an
increase of 23 lakh students over 2002 total enrolment, and a 19% increase in girl’s
enrolment.
5. While quantitatively India is inching closer to universal education, the quality of
its education has been questioned particularly in its government run school system.
While more than 93 percent of children attend primary school, just 40 percent of
Indian adolescents attend secondary school (Grades 9-12). Since 2000, the World
Bank has committed over $2 billion to education in India. Some of the reasons for
the poor quality include absence of around 25% of teachers every day, States of
India have introduced tests and education assessment system to identify and
improve such schools.
6 Although there are private schools in India, they are highly regulated in terms of
what they can teach, in what form they can operate (must be a non-profit to run any
accredited educational institution) and all other aspects of operation. Hence, the
differentiation of government schools and private schools can be misleading.
7. In January 2019, India had over 900 universities and 40,000 colleges.
In lndia’s higher education system, a significant number of seats are reserved under
affirmative action policies for the historically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. In universities, colleges, and
similar
(N/A) 95%

institutions affiliated to the federal government, there is a maximum 50% of

reservations applicable to these disadvantaged groups, at the state level it can vary.
Maharashtra had 73% reservation in 2014, which is the highest percentage of
reservations in India.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any ten of the following
questions by choosing the most appropriate option:
(a) The approximate ratio of public schools to private schools in India
is............................ c
(i) 5:7 (ii) 1:9
(iii) 7:5 (iv) 9:7
(b) Pick the option that lists statements that are NOT TRUE according to the
passage. a
1 India’s improved education system is often cited as one of the main contributors
to its economic development.
2. At the primary and secondary level, India has a large private school system
3. Report from 2013 stated that there were 329 million students enrolled in
different accredited urban and rural schools of India.
4. Maharashtra had 33% reservation in 2014, which is the lowest percentage of
reservations in India.
(i) 3 and 4 (ii) 2 and 4
(iii)land2 (iv)1and3
(c) India’s improved education system is often cited as one of the main
contributors to its ...................... c
(i) Overall development (ii) Social development
(iii) Economic development (iv) Political development
(d) B