Passage 1
(1) Happiness lies within the mind of an individual. No amount of external wealth may be helpful in making him happy. Our forefathers had lifestyles based mainly on the concept of ‘simple living and high thinking’. Excessive material wealth did not mean much to them.
(2) The structural framework of our forefathers’ families was different from those of ours. The bond of love which they shared cannot be easily found today. The family provided an emotional cushioning effect against tension and stress. However, in today’s nuclear family, we are detached from feelings towards our kith and kin. This may finally destroy the family psyche.
(3) The joint family system provided a proper environment for the child to grow up. The values of respect, tolerance, responsibility, and integrity were internalised in the child. In the long run, they became better human beings, compared to those in the present generation. Our forefathers felt happiest, if their children became honest human beings. But today, we are happy only if we attain our coveted material ends and are ready to resort to any means to attain that end.
(4) Our forefathers had a vision to make India the best. To attain their ambitions, they were ready to make all sorts of personal sacrifices. On the other hand, today people are ready to migrate to the west, to enjoy a comfortable life. Often, they become successful in foreign lands. But, in the process, they become alienated from their motherland. Also, distance from their ailing parents is a worrying factor and keeps them perturbed. It is not easy for them to return, as their children will not be able to adjust to the Indian environment and way of life. Thus, this is a crisis and a frame of mind worse than their forefathers.
(5) In our generation, tradition and modernity have intermingled to form a special system. We are happier than our forefathers in being able to lessen evils like the rigid caste system, untouchability, and child marriage, but we have failed to totally eradicate them. In fact, electoral politics has made use of the caste system, through the issuance of party tickets on the basis of caste, community, and religion.
Questions and Answers
(a). How are our forefathers different from us?
(a) They had lifestyles based mainly on the concept of ‘simple living and high thinking’.
(b) They had different structural framework of families.
(c) They made all sorts of personal sacrifices to attain their ambitions.
(d) All of these
Answer: (d) All of these
Explanation: Paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 mention all three differences: simple living, a different family structure and personal sacrifices.
(b). What impact does a joint family system have on a child?
(a) It helps a child to become a better human being.
(b) It internalizes the values of respect, tolerance, responsibility and integrity in a child.
(c) Both (i) and (ii)
(d) Neither (i) nor (ii)
Answer: (c) Both (i) and (ii)
Explanation: Paragraph 3 says the joint family internalised good values and made children better human beings, so both apply.
(c). In our generation, ______ and ______ have intermingled to form a special system.
(a) untouchability, intolerance
(b) tradition, modernity
(c) religion, caste
(d) politics, corruption
Answer: (b) tradition, modernity
Explanation: Paragraph 5 opens: tradition and modernity have intermingled to form a special system.
(d). Based on your reading of the passage, choose the incorrect statement from the following.
(a) Our youngsters had a vision to make India the best.
(b) Happiness lies within the mind of an individual.
(c) The family provided an emotional cushioning effect against tension and stress.
(d) Our forefathers had lifestyles based mainly on the concept of simple living and high thinking.
Answer: (a) Our youngsters had a vision to make India the best.
Explanation: Paragraph 4 says it was our forefathers, not today’s youngsters, who had a vision to make India the best.
(e). Choose the option that correctly states the two meanings of ‘cushioning’, as used in the passage.
1. Sharpening 2. Shielding 3. Intensifying 4. Softening 5. Irritating
(a) (1) and (5)
(b) (2) and (4)
(c) (3) and (5)
(d) (1) and (3)
Answer: (b) (2) and (4)
Explanation: The family’s ‘cushioning effect’ in paragraph 2 shielded members from stress and softened its impact.
Passage 2
(1) The funding crisis at many zoos has reopened the debate over the value of zoos and whether they should be allowed to exist at all.
(2) People who are in favour of zoos argue that they perform an essential role in conserving rare animal species. Conservationists estimate that today at least 1,000 species of animals are threatened. Over the past 20 years, zoos have developed programmes designed to help preserve endangered species. This involves breeding animals in captivity in ‘captive breeding programmes’ and then reintroducing them into their natural habitats, to replenish the number living in the wild.
(3) Zoos cooperate with each other in order to ensure the success of their breeding programmes. Animals are passed from one zoo to another in order to prevent inbreeding. If animals that are closely related to one another mate, there is a danger that they will produce deformed offspring.
(4) If zoos were forced to close, it would be disastrous for world conservation, say zoo supporters, adding that most animals in captivity would have to be killed.
(5) According to the National Federation of Zoos, it does not take much imagination to realise that the closure of all zoos would mean the deliberate destruction of wildlife on a scale never before witnessed.
(6) Opponents of zoos accept that some species have been saved from extinction by the captive breeding programmes, but they argue that this offers no solution to the worldwide conservation crisis.
(7) The number of animals protected by zoos is tiny compared with the overall problem. It costs millions to save the Arabian oryx from dying out; but could that amount be available for every species that is endangered? The value of zoo-breeding programmes is also questioned as some species, such as the African elephant, do not reproduce well in captivity.
(8) Captive animals are often kept in poor and inhumane conditions, the opponents say. In the worst zoos, animals are still displayed for the purpose of public entertainment. When animals are placed in impoverished and unsuitable surroundings, they often behave in abnormal and neurotic ways. It is common for polar bears to constantly pace up and down or twist their heads. This behaviour is now recognised by scientists as a sign of stress and frustration.
(9) When children visit zoos where animals are acting in neurotic and abnormal ways, they are not being educated. Instead, opponents say, they are being given information that is inaccurate.
Questions and Answers
(a). What has reopened the debate over the value of zoos?
(a) Existence of many zoos
(b) Funding crisis at many zoos
(c) Cruelty towards animals
(d) None of these
Answer: (b) Funding crisis at many zoos
Explanation: Paragraph 1 says the funding crisis at many zoos has reopened the debate.
(b). Why do zoos cooperate with each other?
(a) To help preserve endangered species
(b) To ensure the success of their breeding programmes
(c) To conserve rare animal species
(d) None of these
Answer: (b) To ensure the success of their breeding programmes
Explanation: Paragraph 3 says zoos cooperate in order to ensure the success of their breeding programmes.
(c). Based on your reading of the passage, choose the incorrect statement from the following.
(a) The number of animals protected by zoos is tiny compared with the overall problem.
(b) It is common for polar bears to constantly pace up and down or twist their head.
(c) Conservationists estimate that today at least 1,000 species of animals are threatened.
(d) Animals are passed from one zoo to another in order to prevent infection.
Answer: (d) Animals are passed from one zoo to another in order to prevent infection.
Explanation: Paragraph 3 says animals are passed between zoos to prevent inbreeding, not infection.
(d). Why do opponents say that the children are not being educated by visiting zoos?
(a) Because animals are displayed only for the purpose of public entertainment
(b) Because animals are placed in impoverished and suitable surroundings
(c) Because the children are provided with inaccurate information about the way animals act
(d) All of these
Answer: (c) Because the children are provided with inaccurate information about the way animals act
Explanation: Paragraph 9 says children seeing neurotic, abnormal behaviour are given inaccurate information about animals.
(e). Which of the following explains the word ‘opponent’?
(a) A person who advises others
(b) A person who engages in a fight
(c) A person who supports something or someone
(d) A person who disagrees with something or someone
Answer: (d) A person who disagrees with something or someone
Explanation: The ‘opponents of zoos’ in paragraph 6 are people who disagree with keeping zoos.
Passage 3
1. It is an indisputable fact that the world has gone too far with the innovation of new technologies such as mobile phones, the Internet and so on, due to which people are able to tour the cosmos virtually sitting at one place using their smart devices or other technological gadgets. Though mobile internet access is oftentimes hurried and short, it can still provide common internet features like alerts, weather data, emails, search engines, instant messages, and games and music downloading.
2. Due to the easy access of smart phones, communication has been very effective and instant. People are able to convey their message all around the globe to their loved ones without spending hefty sums of money. Adults are always fond of such gadgets and they always welcome and adopt such new technology readily. Further, young people have been able to broaden their minds and improve their skills by doing research on the Internet. For instance, they use smart phones to look up any new word they come across. As we know that most of the universities have online teaching provision and smart phones assist the students to complete their assignments on time.
3. The mobile phone has been a lifesaver for a lot of people in case of an emergency. Likewise, use of smart phones can be of vital importance in preventing crimes in the society by providing information to the security forces in time.
4. Nonetheless, for the young the use of mobile phone can be like an addiction and they can misuse it. Young people are also prone to getting involved in undesirable activities on the Internet. This might have adverse effect on their academic performance. Therefore, young people should always be monitored and made aware of its bad outcomes.
5. Also a major contributor to its popularity is the availability of prepaid or pay-as-you-go services from a phone shop or an online store. This allows subscribers to load text or airtime credits to their handsets by the use of their credit cards, debit cards or by buying a prepaid card from the network they subscribe to. This plan also doesn't commit a particular customer to a contract. If prepaid card is not that appealing to you, then you can opt to subscribe using the pay-by-month plan.
Questions and Answers
(a). Why does the writer say that 'the world has gone too far with the innovation of new technologies such as mobile phones'?
(a) Mobile internet access is oftentimes hurried and short.
(b) People can tour the cosmos sitting at a place.
(c) One can access common internet features at a click.
(d) It can help prevent crimes in society.
Answer: (b) People can tour the cosmos sitting at a place.
Explanation: Paragraph 1 links 'gone too far' to people being able to tour the cosmos virtually while sitting at one place.
(b). What is the connection the writer wishes to establish between a cell phone and its being a life-saver in case of an emergency? (Paragraph 3) Rationalise your response in about 40 words.
Answer: Cell phones can be handy in case of an emergency for a user who can press a button for immediate help, share location and can be easily traced. Similarly, mobile phones also help in preventing crimes in the society by providing information to the security forces in time.
Explanation: Paragraph 3 calls the phone a lifesaver in emergencies and adds that it helps prevent crime by informing security forces in time.
(c). Based on your reading of the text, complete the sentence appropriately.
The reason why the writer says that gadgets like cell phones have helped broaden the minds of young people is because ______.
Answer: the students can look up any new word they come across and they can use the Internet for research.
Explanation: Paragraph 2 says the young broaden their minds by doing research on the Internet and looking up new words.
(d). Complete the sentence appropriately.
A major contributor to the popularity of cell phones is not only the availability of prepaid or pay-as-you-go services from a phone shop or an online store but also ______. (Paragraph 5)
Answer: that subscribers can load text or airtime credits to their handsets without committing themselves to a particular contract.
Explanation: Paragraph 5 says these plans let subscribers load credits and do not commit a customer to a contract.
(e). Based on the reading of the passage, examine in about 40 words, how has the world gone 'too far' with the innovation of new technologies?
Answer: The innovation of new technologies such as mobile phones, the Internet etc., due to which people are able to tour the cosmos virtually sitting at one place using their smart devices or other technological gadgets have taken the world 'too far' literally and metaphorically.
Explanation: Paragraph 1 explains that smart devices let people virtually travel across the cosmos without moving.
(f). Select the option that displays what the writer projects, with reference to the following.
Cell phones are remarkable because of 'the availability of prepaid or pay-as-you-go services from a phone shop or an online store.'
(a) convenience
(b) prodigality
(c) excessiveness
(d) dependence
Answer: (a) convenience
Explanation: Paragraph 5 stresses that credits can be loaded easily, without any contract, which shows convenience.
(g). Choose the correct option for the following.
The writer says, 'Though mobile internet access is oftentimes hurried and short, it can still provide common internet features like alerts, weather data, emails, search engines, instant messages, and games and music downloading.' (Paragraph 1)
The author wishes to emphasise these features of mobile technology that have made it omnipresent: its ______ and ______.
1. ease
2. might
3. tradition
4. affordability
5. range
(a) 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 4
(c) 4 and 5
(d) 2 and 5
Answer: (d) 2 and 5
Explanation: Paragraph 1 stresses that even brief access delivers a powerful (might) and wide (range) set of features.
Passage 4
1. What is intelligence? And how can one be intelligent all the time? One has to understand the basic fact that intelligence and intellect are at two opposite poles. A person who is an intellectual would have all the knowledge of the world but won't know how to give it shape. Knowledge burdens the individual if he does not have the intelligence to express it.
2. Intelligence is an integral part of the individual which finds fulfilment in expression. An intellectual who is burdened by excessive knowledge can never flow with intelligence. Intelligence demands that an individual be sensitive of his acts, thoughts and emotions. It also demands that the individual be inquisitive about the working of life and of one's own mind.
3. Intelligence implies that the individual be supple and flow along with life's source, so as to be one with the sublime realities of love, bliss and peace. Intelligence is the basic knowledge of life which is transformed into knowing.
4. The transformation process between knowledge and knowing requires the individual to be inquisitive, sensitive and observant. To do all this, the individual has to be in the present. This being in the present brings the individual back to harmony. Only meditation helps the individual to be in the present moment. He can then observe his own thoughts and actions.
5. Once he is able to observe his own thoughts and actions, he can see his repressions, motivations and prejudices. This sets into motion the wheel of intelligence, which dispels ignorance behind thoughts, actions and emotions.
6. Intelligence strengthens the integration and harmony of the individual. Strength to act intelligently according to the situation helps in obliterating thought processes which perpetuate fear, remorse and conflict within.
7. This conscious understanding of one's fear, remorse and conflict opens the doors of intelligence so that we can first understand and then transcend them. Otherwise, we remain in a state of ignorance. The art of understanding is what suffuses us with wisdom.
8. And the art of understanding oneself provides strength. The art of being wise and strong is intelligence. Without this basic intelligence, an individual is trapped within himself manifesting inner conflicts, hatred and ignorance in the external world.
9. Meditation also helps a person understand what others are trapped in. Once they handle the situation, the doors of intelligence and compassion are further opened. Without basic understanding about oneself, compassion can never flower. Without compassion, all intelligence is ignorance.
10. Meditation, therefore, provides the necessary strength to surrender to oneself and be with oneself. And this being with oneself without remorse, guilt or fear makes one intelligent and capable of acting rightly.
Questions and Answers
(a). Evaluate the INAPPROPRIATE reason for the correct correlation between an intelligent person and his approach to life.
(a) He is inquisitive about the working of life.
(b) He flows along with life's current.
(c) He enjoys being in the present moment.
(d) He learns to transcend life.
Answer: (d) He learns to transcend life.
Explanation: The passage speaks of transcending fear, remorse and conflict (paragraph 7), not of transcending life itself; the other three are stated in paragraphs 2 to 4.
(b). Based on your reading of the text, list at least two reasons why the writer says that meditation can help an individual get transformed into a better self. Rationalise your response in about 40 words.
Answer: Meditation can help an individual get transformed into a better self because it not only helps him to understand what others are trapped in but also enables him to observe his own thoughts and actions.
Explanation: Paragraphs 4 and 9 say meditation keeps one in the present to observe oneself and helps one understand what others are trapped in.
(c). Complete the sentence appropriately.
The writer concludes in Paragraph 9 that compassion is a natural outcome of intelligence because ______.
Answer: without a basic understanding of oneself, compassion can never flower.
Explanation: Paragraph 9 states that compassion cannot flower without basic understanding of oneself.
(d). The passage includes some words that are intertwined with each other. From the sets 1–5 below, identify two sets of inter-related words.
1. intelligence and intellect
2. knowledge and knowing
3. thoughts and actions
4. remorse and guilt
5. wise and strong
(a) 1 and 5
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 4 and 5
(d) 1 and 2
Answer: (b) 2 and 3
Explanation: Knowledge is transformed into knowing (paragraph 3) and thoughts and actions are observed together (paragraph 4), whereas intelligence and intellect are 'opposite poles'.
(e). Complete the sentence appropriately.
Intelligence is an integral part of the individual which finds fulfilment in expression because it makes ______.
Answer: an individual sensitive of his acts, thoughts and emotions.
Explanation: Paragraph 2 says intelligence demands that an individual be sensitive of his acts, thoughts and emotions.
(f). Based on the reading of the passage, what is the connection between inner conflict, fear and intelligence according to the author? Examine in about 40 words.
Answer: According to the author, the strength to act intelligently according to the situation helps in obliterating thought processes that perpetuate fear, remorse, and conflict within. It opens the doors of intelligence to understand them and later transcend them.
Explanation: Paragraphs 6 and 7 say intelligent action removes fear and conflict, and understanding them lets us transcend them.
(g). Which of the following about human intelligence or intellect is NOT conveyed by the author in this write-up?
(a) An intellectual would have all the knowledge of the world but won't know how to give it shape.
(b) Intelligence is an integral part of the individual which finds fulfilment in expression.
(c) Intelligence and intellect are two sides of the same coin.
(d) Intelligence strengthens the integration and harmony of the individual.
Answer: (c) Intelligence and intellect are two sides of the same coin.
Explanation: Paragraph 1 says intelligence and intellect are at 'two opposite poles', not two sides of the same coin.
(h). The writer asks in Paragraph 1: 'And how can one be intelligent all the time?'
Select the qualities that an intelligent person should NOT inculcate according to the author.
1. curiosity
2. self-indulgence
3. sensitivity
4. intrusiveness
5. expressiveness
6. impassiveness
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 6
(c) 2, 4 and 6
(d) 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (c) 2, 4 and 6
Explanation: Curiosity, sensitivity and expressiveness are praised in paragraphs 1 and 2, so self-indulgence, intrusiveness and impassiveness are the qualities to avoid.