CTET Notes in Hindi | UNSEEN PASSAGE
CTET Notes in Hindi | UNSEEN PASSAGE
UNSEEN PASSAGE
In CTET exam English Language II consist of 2 prose
passages only. In previous years’ exams 2011 to 2015, 6 and
9 questions from passages have been asked. But in the
year 2016, 7 and 8 questions were asked.
About the section
This section consists of comprehension based on Prose. As
you know, a comprehension exercise consists of an unseen
passage, upon which questions are set to test the candidate.
A comprehension exercise is used to test the candidate’s
ability to understand the given text and to deduce
information and meanings from it.
Types of Questions Asked
There are four types of questions asked on a
comprehension in the CTET Exam. These are as follows
1. Facts or conclusion based
2. Title or theme based
3. Vocabulary based
4. Grammar based
The candidate is advised to solve a number of exercises on
comprehension keeping the given tips in mind in order to
Bain mastery in solving the various types of questions.
Tips for Solving Comprehension
1. Read the passage quickly in the first go to get the
general idea of the passage.
2. In the second go, read the passage slowly so as to
know the details.
3. Now, study the questions thoroughly. Turn to the
relevant part of the passage to get the answer of the
questions.
4. If you are asked to give the meaning of any phrase or
word from the passage, the answer should be based on
the context of the passage.
SOLVED EXAMPLES
DIRECTIONS (Passage Nos. 1-2) Read the following passages
carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Passage 1
A newly appointed teacher with a good academic record
has come to take up English classes of class VII. He is
sincere enough and has sound knowledge of the new trends
and approach of teaching English Language, whether
through, functional communicative method or the direct
method. He tries to follow his professional skills acquired
from the handbook or the teacher’s manual and advice
from linguists. In the classroom, he uses only English as the
medium of his instruction. He advises his learners to guess
the meanings. He sincerely tries to improve the standard of
teaching by means of interaction. As a man, he is a sociable
one and within a few days he becomes popular among his
students. But, unfortunately, after a few days he comes to
know from one of his students outside the classroom that
they could understand very little of what he taught. The
teacher asks politely, “Why did you not confess your problem
in the lassroom?” The student replies modestly but
hesitatingly, “We could not say anything as you were not
speaking our mother tongue and we cannot speak English”.
1. The teacher is a sociable one, which means he is
(1) friendly
(2) gets easily influenced
(3) does not like society
(4) very popular
Ans (1) As per the given passage, sociable means “friendly’.
2. As a result of his teachings, the students
(1) were able to understand everything
(2) could understand only little of what was taught
(3) found everything very interesting and pleasing
(4) got bored and stressed
Ans (2) After reading the complete passage, we come to know
that the students could understand very little of what was
taught to them as they could not speak English.
3. Modestly means
(1) rude
(2) bashful
(3) polite and genuine
(4) ashamed
Ans (3) Modestly means ‘politely and genuinely. So, option (3)
is the correct answer.
4. If Hindi is our mother tongue, then English is our
(1) first language
(2) third language
(3) second language
(4) None of these
Ans (3) If Hindi is our mother tongue, English would be our
second language.
5. His teaching skills are aided by
(1) teacher’s manual
(2) advice from linguists
(3) website
(4) Both (1) and (2)
Ans (4) Here, teacher’s manual and advice from linguists is the
answer.
6. What is his method of teaching?
(1) Functional communicative method
(2) Direct method
(3) Both (1) and (2)
(4) Descriptive and elaborate
Ans (3) The passage clearly states that his method of teaching is
functional communicative method and direct method.
7. The word ‘professional’ in (line 6) of the para is
(1) an adjective
(2) a noun
(3) an adverb
(4) a verb
Ans (2) The word ‘professional’ is a noun which means a person
engaged in a specified activity.
8. The children could not say anything because
(1) they could not speak English
(2) the teacher was not speaking their mother tongue
(3) Both (1) and (2)
(4) they did not like the way he was teaching
Ans (3) Here, both the reasons i.e. they could not speak English
and the teacher was not speaking their language would be
included.
9. Pick out a word or phrase from 1st para of the passage
that means the same as ‘a specialist in language’
(1) Phrasal
(2) Biographer
(3) Verbatins
(4) Linguist
Ans (4) Linguist is appropriate option as English was the only
medium of teaching used by the teacher in the classroom.
Passage 2
When I learned that my 71 year old mother was playing
scrabble against herself, I knew I had to do something. “Who
is playing?” I asked one day when I saw a half finished game
on the table. “My right hand versus my left”. “Excuse me” I
said. ” Well your father doesn’t play and I want to keep my
mind sharp.” An admirable pursuit, but I questioned whether
my mother’s solitary version of scrabble would achieve that
goal. My husband suggested we give her a computer to play
against. I wasn’t sure my mother was ready for a cyber
scrabble it had taken 15 years to persuade her to buy a
microwave. Nevertheless we packed up our old PC, complete
with scrabble and word-processing programmes and
delivered it to my trent’s home. And so began my mother’s
adventure in the world of computers.
It also marked the beginning of an unusual teaching
assignment for me. I’ve taught children and adults of all ages,
but never thought I would be teaching my mother to do
anything. Despite the look of horror on her face when
she first saw our gift, my mother was eager to get started
She sat mesmerised on the screen lit up and the various
icons presented themselves. Slowly, but surely my
mother caught on, making notes in a little spiral book. I
wondered how she’d fair without me. But thereafter, she
only spoke on her game on the computer to me. She even
forgot to ask her stock question, “What did you have for
supper?” It was no longer on the agenda. Instead she
talked about RAM, ROM and CPU terms spilled out
effortlessly from her mouth. My mother had acquired a
new mother tongue.
After a lifetime of being her child, I was finally the one
with knowledge to share with my mum. But even now, I
realise she continues to teach me. I’m learning that no
matter how old you are, a willing spirit is capable of
anything.
1. What was the language mother newly acquired?
(1) Language of computer
(2) RAM
(3) ROM
(4) CPU
Ans (1) The author’s mother acquired the language of
computer.
2. What changes were seen in mother?
(1) She started liking the game all the more
(2) She became very proud of herself
(3) She got busy on the computer
(4) She did not like the household work anymore
Ans (3) After reading the passage, we come to know that the
author’s mother got busy on the computer.
3. With whom did the mother used to play earlier?
(1) With her right hand
(2) With her left hand
(3) With her husband
(4) With computer
Ans (2) The author’s mother used to play scrabble with
herself-her right hand versus her left
4. What did the author learn from her mother?
(1) Will power is not enough to gain target
(2) How to live life better
(3) Positive attitude
(4) A willing spirit is capable of anything
Ans (4) The last line of the passage is the answer to this
question i.e. a willing spirit is capable of doing anything.
5. The author’s mother played scrabble alone because
(1) her husband does not play scrabble
(2) she wants to keep her mind sharp
(3) she is alone at home
(4) Both (1) and (2)
Ans (4) As her husband does not play scrabble and she
wanted to keep her mind sharp, the mother played scrabble
alone at home.
6. Why did author and her husband decide to give a
computer to the mother?
(1) Because sitting and playing was outdated
(2) She would get to learn more
(3) She would get a competent rival to play
(4) Her birthday was coming
Ans (3) The author and her husband decided to give a computer to her
mother so that she would get a competent rival to play with.
7. The author was not sure whether her mother would use
a computer because
(1) she was a very rigid lady
(2) she did not like to spend so much on her
(3) it took 15 years to persuade her to buy a microwave
(4) she did not know how to operate it
Ans (3) The author’s mother was persuaded for 15 years to buy a
microwave. So, the author was not sure whether her mother would
use a computer.
8. The author’s mother was interested in learning
about the computer as
(1) she would sit mesmerised in front of computer
(2) she got bored from the way she was playing
(3) she wanted to show off her knowledge
(4) sitting and playing was outdated
Ans (1) As per the passage, the author’s mother was
interested in learning about the computer as she would sit
mesmerised in front of it.
9. The passage suggests that
(1) age can obstruct a person from learning
(2) age is no bar to learning
(3) age is a very big constraint to work
(4) it was not good to play at old age
Ans (2) After reading the passage, we came to know that
age is no bar to learning.
PRACTICE EXERCISE
Directions (Passage Nos. 1-40) Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Passage 1
The small village of Somnathpur contains an extraordinary
temple, built around AD 1268 by the Hoyasalas of
Karnataka-one of the most prolific temple builders. Belur
and Helebid are among their better known works. While
these suffered during the invasion of the 14th century, the
Somnathpur temple stands more or less intact in
near-original condition.
This small temple captivates with the beauty and vitality of
its detailed sculpture, covering almost every inch of the
walls, pillars and even ceilings. It has three shikharas and
stands on a star shaped platform with 24 edges. The outer
walls have a profusion of detailed carvings: the entire
surface runs over by a carved plaque of stone. There were
vertical panels covered by exquisite figures of Gods and
Goddesses. Vishnu seemed the most popular, with many of
his incarnations being depicted. Shiv, Brahma and Indra
weren’t left out and there were plenty of female deities too
Durga and Saraswati. There were shapely nymphs too,
some carrying an ear of maize. The elaborate
ornamentation, very characteristic of Hoyasalas sculptures,
was a remarkable feature. On closer look and it is worth it-
the series of friezes on the outer walls revealed intricately
carved caparisoned elephants, charging horsemen, stylised
flowers, warriors, musicians, crocodiles and swans.
The temple was actually commissioned by Soma
Dandanayaka or (Somnath), he named the temple after
him, the minister of the Hoyasalas king, Narsimha the
Third. The temple was built to house three versions of
Krishna. The inner center of the temple was Kalyana
Mandapa. Leading from here were three corridors, each
ending in a shrine, one for each kind of
Krishna-Venugopala, Janardana and Prasanna Keshava,
though only two remain in their original form. In the
darkness of the sanctum, I tried to discern the different
images. The temple’s sculptural perfection is amazing and it
includes the doors of the temple and the three elegantly
carved towers.
1. After whom was the temple named?
(1) Kalyana Mandapa
(2) Lord Shiva
(3) Minister of the Hoyasalas king
(4) Lord Krishna
2. What would the word ‘maize’ mean here?
(1) Grain
(2) Deer
(3) Symbol of prosperity
(4) Symbol of weakness
3. The most remarkable feature of Hoyasalas sculptures
was
(1) elaborate ornamentation
(2) beautiful clothing
(3) sharply cut sculptures
(4) real expression
4. What stands on the 24 edges star shaped raised
platform?
(1) Shrines
(2) Temple
(3) Shikharas
(4) Pillars
5. What will be the most suitable antonym of ‘reveal”?
(1) Impart
(2) Disclose
(3) Conceal
(4) Refuse
6. The word ‘intricately’ can also mean
(1) easy
(2) complicated
(3) tangled
(4) simple
7. Which female deities could also be seen?
(1) Laxmi
(2) Durga
(3) Saraswati
(4) Both (2) and (3)
8. The vertical panels are covered by exquisite figures.
Here, the word ‘exquisite’ is a
(1) noun
(2) adjective
(3) adverb
(4) pronoun
9. Whose incarnations were mainly and mostly seen?
(1) Lord Krishna
(2) Lord Vishnu
(3) Lord Shiva
(4) Somnath
Passage 2
There was a time when the aged were revered in India as
symbols of tradition, respect, wisdom and experience. They
controlled and guided the destinies of all the members of
joint families. Urbanisation and industrialisation has led to
the breaking up of the joint family system. The
disintegration of joint families has had an adverse impact
on the elderly people. Many elderly people get neglected
because of the nuclear set up of families. The aged are now
viewed as a useless and non-productive entity.
Modernisation has led to the degradation of their status and
authority. Their existence as integral part of the family is
now uprooted. With the decline in their functional position
as the head of the family, they have lost their authority,
respect and prestige they used to command earlier.
The changing values and the dependence of the aged on
their sons and daughters-in-law has complicated the
problems. The aged are marginalised, alienated and left out
of mainstream. Neglect, lack of respect, verbal taunts,
inter-actional stress and increasing gap in communication
make the aged feel unwanted and unpleasant entities. The
only peaceful place for these weak, sad and depressed
people in the evening of their life are the homes of the aged.
Under the existing circumstances, the need for old age
homes has certainly increased and they have become a must
for the elderly to lead a peaceful and happy life among
those who share and care for them.
1. Urbanisation and industrialisation has led to
(1) neglect and stress
(2) degradation of the families
(3) breakup of joint family set up
(4) non-productive entity
2. The elderly people are getting neglected
(1) because of the joint family system
(2) nuclear set up
(3) because of their age
(4) their ailing health
3. We should behave more responsibly and revise our
(1) past
(2) moral values
(3) behaviour and conduct
(4) strengths and weakness
4. The only peaceful place left for the aged is
(1) their native place
(2) their parents home
(3) old age home
(4) orphanage
5. Who were seen as symbols of tradition, respect and
experience?
(1) The palatial buildings
(2) The aged
(3) The new generation
(4) Joint families
6. Neglect, lack of respect, verbal taunts,
communication gap make the aged feel
(1) unwanted and unpleasant
(2) cared and concerned
(3) stressed and strained
(4) unavailable and outdated
Passage 3
In spite of all the honours that we heaped upon him,
Pasteur, as has been said, remained simple at heart. Perhaps
the imagery of his boyhood days, when he drew the
familiar scenes of his birthplace and the longing to be a
great artist, never wholly left him. In truth he did become a
great artist, though afte sixteenth year he abandoned
the brush forever.
Like every artist of worth, he put his whole soul and
energy into his work and it was this very energy that in the
end wore him out. For to him, each sufferer was more than
just a case that was to be cured. He looked upon the fight
against hydrophobia as a battle and he was absorbed in his
determination to win. The sight of injured children,
particularly, moved him to an indescribable extent. He
suffered with his patients and yet he would not deny
himself a share in that suffering. His greatest grief was
when sheer physical exhaustion made him give up his active
work.
He retired to the estate at Villeneuve Etang, where he had
his kennels for the study of rabies and there he passed his
last summer, as his great biographer, Vallery Robot, has
said, “practicing the gospel virtues.”
The attitude of this man to the Science, he had done so
much to perfect, can be best summed up in a sentence that
he is reputed once to have uttered, concerning the
materialism of many of his contemporaries in similar
branches of learning to his own: “the more I contemplate
the mysteries of nature, the more my faith becomes like
that of a peasant.”
But even then, in retirement he loved to see his former
pupils, and it was then he would reiterate his life’s
principles: ‘Work,’ he would say, “never cease to work.”
He passed as simply as a child, the greatest man France had
ever Produced, derived from a plebiscite among the French
people. Napoleon, the idol of France was placed fifth.No
greater tribute could have been given to Louis Pasteur, the
tanner’s son, the scientist, the man of peace and the patient
worker for humanity.
1. What advice did he always give to his pupils?
(1) Never to stop working
(2) To work according to one’s health
(3) Work alna frest at the same time
(4) Work to earn money
2. How did Fasteur engage himself in the estate?
(1) He took enougn rest as ne was very exhausted
(2) Conoued stuoy on rabies
(3) Practiced the Gospel virtues
(4) (2) and (6)
3. How did Pasteur view those who suffered from
diseases
(1) He gave them best treatment
(2) AS Suoecs to py
(3) The suferer was more than just a case for him
(4) He dealt caretuly not to give pain in wounded areas
4. Give one word for the phrase- Vote by the people of
the country to decide a matter of national
importance.
(1) Eiection
(2) Plebiscite
(3) Hydrophobia
(4) Contemporaries
5. Who was ranked fifth after the achievements ot Louis
Fasteur?
(1) Napoleon
(2) Hitler
(3) Nelson Mandela
(4) Thomas Addison
6. Even accolades and honours did not change the
Simple man that Pasteur was
(1) because he did not like false praises
(2) he was very simple and child iKe at heart
(3) he wanted more than what he had achieved
(4) he was very egoistic
7. Opposite word for humanity is
(1) callousness
(2) early man
(3) homogeneous
(4) people
8. How did France, the country of his birth, honour this
great scientist?
(1) By holding a seminar in his honour
(2) A book was published explaining his achievements
(3) He was awarded a ransom amount
(4) He was voted as the greatest man France had ever
produced
9. Find the word from para 1 for the term ‘to give up’.
(1) Indescribable
(2) Abandoned
(3) Grief
(4) Imagery
Passage 4
The modern youth are more intelligent and hardworking
than the previous generations. They have more facilities
for education and they do utilise them. But they lack
proper direction. In the absence of proper guidance, young
boys and girls go on increasing their academic
qualifications. Some of them secure high percentage of
marks whereas most of them get average or below average
marks. Since the number of aspirants for a job is much
higher than the number of vacancies, most of the young
boys and girls do not get any employment. This causes the
problem of the educated unemployment and depression
among the youth.
The problem of the educated unemployed can be solved
partly through proper guidance and counseling and partly
through grooming. Young students often disregard the
advice of their parents and go on imitating their peers. This
sets in the chain of the blind leading the blind. Uneducated
or semi-educated parents think of academic qualification
as achievement. Young students must seek the advice of
the school counselors and select a course of study that
suits their aptitude. Instead of pursuit of academic
excellence, they must go in for proficiency in technical
field of information technology, computers,
biotechnology, biochemistry and consumer services. In
this way their youthful energy will get directed in the
proper channel and they may get fruitful employment or
become competent enough to launch their own project
and give employment to others.
1. What is the positive aspect of today’s generation?
(1) They are more intelligent and hardworking
(2) They are more into fashion and time pass
(3) They have the power to work less and get more
(4) The youth now knows what he has to do
2. Academic qualification is seen as an achievement,
which adds to the problem due to
(1) uneducated or semi-educated parents
(2) increase in the urge of getting higher remunerations
(3) lack of focus and attention
(4) disillusionment and depression
3. Frustration, irritation, anger, indiscipline,
arrogance, disillusionment and depression are all the
result of
(1) growing modernisation
(2) educated unemployment
(3) aspirations not meeting goals
(4) lack of grooming and counseling
4. Suggest a suitable title for this extract.
(1) Educated unemployed
(2) Education-a revolution
(3) Fight for power
(4) Professionalism
5. The synonym for ‘cautioned’ is
(1) ignorance
(2) negligence
(3) prudence
(4) discretion
6. Identify the correct statement.
(1) Young students must seek the advice of the school
counselors to select a course.
(2) Young students must take a course which their
friends are opting for.
(3) Young students must take a course as suggested by
their parents.
(4) Young students get the employment easily.
7. Opposite word for ‘proficiency’ is
(1) incompetence
(2) expertise
(3) skill
(4) formula
8. ‘Students should not follow and imitate their
counterparts’, find a phrase related to this
meaning.
(1) Imitating their peers
(2) Chain of the blind leading the blind
(3) Lack of proper guidance
(4) Check piracy
9. Many young boys and girls do not get employment
(1) because they are not thorough with their subjects
(2) lack of guidance and knowledge
(3) number of aspirants outnumber the vacancies
(4) recession
Passage 5
“Why did you keep away yesterday?” asked the head
master, looking up. Swaminathan’s first impulse was to
protest that he had never been absent. But the attendance
register was there. “No-No-I was stoned. I tried to
come, but they took away my cap and burnt it. Many
strong men held me down when I tried to come… When
a great man is sent to gaol… I am surprised to see you a
slave of the Englishmen… Didn’t they cut off – Dacca
Muslin – Slaves of Slaves …”.
These were some of the disjoined explanations which
streamed into his head and which, even at that moment,
he was discreet enough not to express. He wanted to
mention a headache, but he found to his distress that
others beside him had one. The head master shouted,
“won’t you open your mouth?” He brought the cane
sharply down on Swaminathan’s right shoulder.
Swaminathan kept staring at the head master with tearful
eyes, massaging with his left hand the spot, where the
cane was laid. “I will kill you if you keep on staring
without answering my question,” cried the head master.
“I-I- couldn’t come,” stammered Swaminathan.
“Is that so? Asked the head master and turning to a boy
said, bring the peon”
Swaminathan thought “What! is he going to ask the peon to
thrash me? If he does any such thing, I will bite everybody
dead”. The peon came. The head master said to him, “now
say what you know about this rascal on the desk.” The peon
eyed Swaminathan with a sinister look, grunted and
demanded, “Didn’t I see you break the panes?”
“Of the ventilators in my room?” added the head master with
Zest.
Here, there was no chance of escape. Swaminathan kept
staring foolishly till he received another whack on the back.
The head master demanded what the young brigand had to
say about it. The brigand had nothing to say. It was a fact that
he had broken the panes. They had seen it. There was nothing
more to it. He had unconsciously become defiant and did not
care to deny the charge. When another whack came on his
back, he ejaculated, “don’t beat me, Sir. It pains.” This was an
invitation to the head master to bring down the cane four
times again. He said, “keep standing here, on this desk,
staring like an idiot, till I announce your dismissal”.
1. The head master’s reaction to Swami’s pleading is
(1) to beat Swami more
(2) to forgive Swami
(3) to allow him to go
(4) not to allow him to go
2. The title of the passage can be
(1) the peon’s evidence
(2) Swami’s punishment
(3) Swami’s excuses
(4) Swami at school
3. In the end, Swami is
(1) defiant
(2) submissive
(3) calm
(4) indifferent
4. According to the peon, Swami had
(1) broken the panes
(2) bitten someone
(3) been rude
(4) been absent from school
5. If Swami is not discreet’, he would be
(1) careless
(2) intelligent
(3) wise
(4) smart
6. The head master’s attitude towards Swami is one of
(1) kindness for Swami
(2) pleasure in punishing him
(3) pleasure in asking questions
(4) hatred for Swami
Passage 6
If you have been missing the once-familiar chirping of
sparrows around your house, here’s your chance to
contribute to finding out why this common bird seems to
have disappeared from cities across India. A two months long
online survey called Citizen Sparrow was launched inviting
responses from people on questions such as when they last
sighted the bird and details about the area they live in.
“It is an elementary step to gather information. We are
encouraging people to report their experience, be it a drastic
drop in sparrow count or a sudden spurt. These inputs will
grive us valuable leads to compile pan-India data,” said Suhel
Quader, evolutionary ecologist at the National Centre for
Biological Sciences.
The disappearance of the house sparrow, so widespread till
recently that the Chinese Communist Party declared it a
pest in 1958 and asked people to exterminate it remains a
great modern mystery world wide. In the UK, sparrows are
estimated to have declined from over 12 million to 6 million,
since the mid 70s.
The survey would give us the first baseline data about
distribution of sparrows in the country. This would form
the basis for further research,” said Karthik K, project
coordinator. The objective of involving ordinary citizens
rather than experts comes with a purpose. “Almost everyone
knows about sparrows. It is an attempt to reach out to
people, asking them to share their stories and their
understanding of these birds,” said Quader.
Participants in the survey would be asked to mark locations
on a map and give information about their sparrow
sightings, including sightings from last year and even earlier.
Such information will enable a comparison of population of
sparrows in different places and this is expected to point to
particular threats or problems. The findings are intended to
feed detailed studies investigating causes of decline and
potential measures for the recovery of sparrow populations.
The sparrow is an indicator of a trend. A number of other
birds have also declined sharply in the past few decades. The
survey would provide more clues about why these birds are
disappearing
1. The estimated decline in sparrows in the UK is
(1) a quarter of the number in the mid 70s
(2) half of the number in the mid 70s
(3) one-eighth of the number in the mid 70s
(4) three-fourth of the number in the mid 70s
2. By marking locations on maps, participants will be
able to
(1) inform sighting of sparrows in different places
(2) give an account of sparrows from previous years
(3) tell about sparrows from current years
(4) mark locations of sparrows and give information about
them
3. The reasons for involving the ordinary citizen are that
(1) they are more committed
(2) they are better than experts
(3) they know about sparrows
(4) they have stories about sparrows
4. Choose the correct statement.
(1) Only sparrows are declining
(2) Number of other birds is also declining
(3) People have lost interest in birds
(4) Sparrows are increasing
5. The passage is about
(1) saving sparrows
(2) evolution of sparrows
(3) elimination of sparrows
(4) dwindling rate of sparrows
6. In the sentence ‘findings are intended to feed
detailed studies’ means
(1) to give food to sparrows
(2) to give substance for growth
(3) to supply in depth information
(4) food habits of finds
7. The function of an ‘ecologist’ is to
(1) study environment
(2) study evolution of birds
(3) study species and their evolution
(4) study habitation of various species
8. The outcome of the information collected would be
to
(1) investigate causes of decline
(2) help take measures for recovery
(3) study of the behavioural patterns of birds
(4) investigate and take measures for recovery
9. ‘Pan-India’ data would imply data
(1) from selected parts of India
(2) from all over India
(3) from South India
(4) not from India
Passage 7
There was great excitement on the planet of Venus this
week. For the first time Venusian scientists managed to
land an unmanned spacecraft on the planet Earth and it
has been sending back signals, as well as photographs ever
since.
The craft was directed into an area known as Gonebay
named after the great Venusian astronomer Professor
Gonebay, who first discovered it with his telescope
200000 light years ago. Because of the excellent weather
conditions and extremely strong signals, Venusian
scientists were able to get valuable information on the
feasibility of a manned spaceship’s landing on Earth. A
press conference was held at the Venus Institute of
Technology
“We have come to the conclusion based on last week’s
landing, Professor Bright said, “that there is no life on
Earth.”
“How do you know this?” the Science reporter of Venus
Evening Standard asked.
“For one thing, Earth’s surface in the area of Gonebay is
composed of deadly soil and nothing new can grow there.
For another, the atmosphere is filled with carbon
monoxide and other deadly gases and nobody could
possibly breathe this air and survive.”
“But, Professor Bright, the photographs indicate some
movement and possibly there are millions of crawling
beings.”
“They may be crawling but they are not living, according to
the Venusian Standards. These crawling objects, called
‘human beings’ inhale and exhale such deadly gases that
they lost the power to live long, long ago.”
“What will happen if the Venusians land there?”
“Certainly they will die. We shall have to take our own
oxygen with us, if we are to land our people in any of the
concrete jungles on Earth.”
1. The main idea of this story is that
(1) people on Venus do not want to live on Earth
(2) Earth has become very polluted
(3) people on Venus are very advanced in Science
(4) there is no life on Earth
2. Choose the correct form of reported speech for the
sentence: “We have come to the conclusion”
Professor Bright said, “that there is no life on Earth.”
(1) Professor Bright said that we have come to the
conclusion that there is no life on Earth
(2) Professor Bright said they came to the conclusion that
there was no life on Earth
(3) Professor Bright said that they had come to the
‘conclusion that there was no life on Earth
(4) Professor Bright says they have come to the conclusion
that there is no life on Earth
3. In the sentence “There are concrete jungles on
Earth”, the phrase ‘concrete jungles’ means
(1) there are barren forests on Earth
(2) there are vast forests on Earth
(3) there are many places with little oxygen
(4) there are cities crowded with buildings
4. The Venusians were excited because
(1) they were going to travel to Earth
(2) they had landed an unmanned spacecraft on Earth
(3) they had landed on Earth
(4) they had found a new planet
5. The word ‘feasibility’ is nearest in meaning to
(1) possibility
(2) suitability
(3) utility
(4) desirability
6. According to the passage, the scientists on Venus are
of the view
(1) that they are cleverer than scientists on Earth
(2) that some of their observations may be wrong
(3) that no one can live on Earth
(4) that there will be no life on Earth in the future
7. The word ‘Venusian’ is used for inhabitants of the
planet Venus. What do Venusians call the inhabitants
of Earth?
(1) Crawling objects
(2) Living objects
(3) Non-living beings
(4) Earth people
8. The information about Earth was obtained by the
Venusian scientists by means of
(1) satellites
(2) manned spacecraft
(3) unmanned spacecraft
(4) long distance radio signals
9. The scientific activities of the Venusians show that
(1) they were not advanced in Science
(2) they wanted to study life on Earth
(3) they were unable to understand what was happening of
Earth
(4) they wanted to live on Earth
Passage 8
In a cartoon, whenever someone has a bright new idea, a
light bulb lights up over his head. What is the catalyst for
ground-breaking inventions? In his new book, the
journalist Jonah Lehrer examines some classic case studies.
The idea for post it notes came about when Arthur Fry, an
engineer at 3 M, was day-dreaming in Church, thinking
how annoying it was that the bookmarks he’d placed in
his hymn book so frequently fell out. He, then
remembered a 3 M colleague’s talk about a new glue he’d
developed : a paste so feeble that it could barely hold two
pieces of paper together. That weak glue, Fry suddenly
thought, might help him create the perfect bookmark, one
that would stay put.
In describing such creation myths, Lehrer, a contributing
editor at Wired’ and contributor to ‘The New Yorker’
explains the mysteries of the imagination and the Science
of innovation. Lehrer takes scientific concepts and makes
them accessible to the lay reader while giving practical
insights for self-improvement tips along the way. With
these suggestions, the book implies, you too might be able
to maximise your creative output.
The 18th century philosopher David Hume, Lehrer notes,
argued that invention was often an act of recombination,
of compounding an idea or transposing it from one field to
another. “Johannes Gutenberg transformed his knowledge
of wine presses into an idea for a printing machine capable
of mass-producing words”. George De Mestral came up
with Velcro after noticing burrs clinging to the fur of his
dog. In each case, Lehrer points out, “the radical concept
was merely a new mixture of old ideas,” and of thinking
out of the box.
1. The example of how old ideas are mixed to create
new ones is
(1) a printing machine capable of mass-producing words
(2) burrs on dog fur giving rise to the idea of Velcro
(3) printing machines transforming into wine presses
(4) observing burrs stuck on the fur of dogs
2. The best summary of para 3 is
(1) Lehrer explains in simple terms how creativity works and
suggests practical ways to develop one’s own creativity
(2) Lehrer, a contributing editor, gives practical advice on the
mysteries of the imagination
(3) the author narrates creation myths and explains them to
the readers to maximise their creativity
(4) the author, a contributing editor at wired, gives scientific
tips on self-improvement
3. The word ‘catalyst’ in para 1 means
(1) a person or thing that causes a change
(2) a substance that causes a chemical reaction
(3) a person or thing that makes new light-bulbs
(4) a substance that develops scientific concepts
4. ‘Stay put’ in para 2 means
(1) remain in place
(2) stay like a bookmark
(3) joined to a place
(4) be stationary
5. A suitable title for this passage would be
(1) Thinking Creatively
(2) Classic Case Studies
(3) Science of Invention
(4) Maximise Creativity
6. The expression, thinking out of the box’ means
(1) thinking while travelling
(2) thinking very fast
(3) thinking in a logical way
(4) thinking differently
7. The passage is an extract from
(1) a speech
(2) an essay
(3) a story
(4) a book review
8. New ideas are born from
(1) reading about scientific concepts
(2) day-dreaming in Church
(3) using ground-breaking inventions
(4) thinking about old ideas in a new way
9. Invention is explained as
(1) an act of thinking old ideas
(2) an act of transforming knowledge to new areas
(3) an act of changing radical concepts
(4) an act of applying existing ideas to other areas
Passage 9
I played cricket during my college days. My father always
wanted me to be a chess player. He discouraged me from
cricket saying, “eleven players play and 11000 people watch
and waste their precious time.” I still remember how I
sneaked out of the house during the 1983 world cup to watch
India play and win and was punished by him the next day.
Presently I am working as a sales manager. A couple of years
ago, Dad had called me up to ask me about the movie Iqbal.
“Sitaram why don’t you take your son to the movie and
motivate him,” he said. I replied that my son was interested in
chess like his grandfather. “But he should know about other
games too!” he retorted, I was dumbfounded.
Today, when my sister called, she believed she had
spotted Dad on television, cheering the Indian team. I
decided to call and find out from mother. It was news for
her. “Is it? He said he was going to Anna’s house to
watch the match. I slept and don’t remember,” she said.
Anna was his friend and neighbour. Immediately I dialed
his number and enquired. He spoke enthusiastically and
said that these days your father has developed a
fascination for cricket. So, we both went to the stadium
to watch. It’s the companionship that makes the
difference. Those days he neither had the time nor a
friend. The annoyance that had accumulated inside me in
the past years moved out like passing clouds. My eyes
started to shed tears. Twenty-eight years was too long a
period to hold my anger.
We all decided to watch the match together and finally
when the D-Day arrived we cheered team India and
hugged when India won. Both of us apologised to each
other, Dad for punishing me during 1983 and myself for
the teenage ego that had become an obstacle.
1. How long did it take to resolve things?
(1) 15 years
(2) 20 years
(3) 28 years
(4) 10 years
2. His Dad felt guilty for
(1) not motivating him
(2) not letting him play cricket
(3) punishing him to watch cricket
(4) not letting him play chess
3. An appropriate title for this passage can be
(1) Me and My Father
(2) Cricket : A Fool’s Game
(3) Companionship Makes the Difference
(4) Egoistic Son
4. His father could not enjoy cricket those days due to
lack of
(1) time and money
(2) time and friend
(3) hatred for cricket
(4) love for chess
5. He spoke enthusiastically. The underlined word
is a
(1) Noun
(2) Adjective
(3) Adverb
(4) Verb
6. Sitaram felt guilty for
(1) being egoistic
(2) being anxious
(3) being annoyed
(4) being angry
7. I was dumbfounded means
(1) I was speechless
(2) annoyed and angry
(3) startled
(4) happy and satisfied
8. The phrase ‘move out like a passing cloud’ will
mean.
(1) it is going to rain for days
(2) It will stop raining soon and clouds will disappear
(3) The whole area is going to be cloudy
(4) The clouds are moving from one side to another
9. The synonym of ‘fascination will be
(1) unpleasantness
(2) repulsiveness
(3) charisma
(4) delightfulness
Passage 10
It is difficult to reconcile the ideas of different schools
of thought on the question of education. Some people
maintain that pupils at school should concentrate on a
narrow range of subjects which will benefit them
directly in their subsequent careers. Others contend
that they should study a wide range of subjects so
that they have not only the specialised knowledge
necessary for their chosen careers but also sound
general knowledge about the world they will have to
work and live in. Supporters of the first theory state
that the greatest contributions to civilisation are made
by those who are most expert in their trade or
profession. Those on the other side say that, unless
they have a broad general education, the experts will
be too narrow in their outlook to have sympathy
with their fellows or a proper sense of responsibility
towards humanity as a whole.
1. Schools of thought’ can be explained as
(1) groups of people whose job is to think
(2) groups of people who are schooled to think
(3) groups of people who study in a particular school
thoughtfully
(4) groups of people having the same ideas but with
different perception on a particular subject
2. Broad general knowledge is necessary because
(1) specialisation is incomplete without it
(2) without it no one would get a job
(3) it teaches us about different things
(4) it broadens one’s outlook
3. The idea of the first school of thought in the
passage is that
(1) students should concentrate on studies
(2) students should not undertake any specialised
work
(3) students should study all the subjects they want to
(4) students should study a few subjects that will help
them in their profession
4. Supporters of the first theory say that
(1) experts have contributed most to progress in the
modern world
(2) people with general knowledge have contributed
to civilisation
(3) experts have done nothing to help mankind
(4) people with general knowledge are more useful
than experts
5. According to the second school of thought, education will
not be very effective if pupils
(1) have inadequate knowledge of their own work
(2) do not have a wide general education
(3) ignore the study of fine arts
(4) have nothing but general knowledge
6. Which is similar in meaning to the word ‘subsequent as
used in the passage?
(1) Going along
(2) Waiting eagerly
(3) Happening after something else
(4) Predetermined
Passage 11
The supervisor would have to change his attitude towards people
first. The staff under him must be perceived as human beings
with feelings and needs. They are not automations within a
complex work machinery. One of the greatest needs of today’s
worker is to have a feeling that he is in control of his work place
and not vice-versa. The best way is to satisfy this need as far as
possible. He must feel firstly, that his work is meaningful. To do
this, the supervisor must delegate responsibility and limited
authority for the man to execute his job well. The subordinate
must be properly trained to assume responsibility and authority.
Once he is ready to assume these the can be made accountable
for his job. Very often supervisors assume all responsibility and
accountability for fear of losing control of the workplace. This
makes workers under him pawns in a vast chessboard.
Delegating accountability gives the worker a purpose in life and
the need to do a job well. Most important is to sit with each
worker and chalk out common objectives and agreed norms to
achieve them. This gives workers a security as to what is
expected of them. When he has met his objectives, he certainly
has a feeling of achievement. This feeling of achievement is the
greatest motivator.
1. A human attitude on the part of the supervisor towards
his staff is necessary to
(1) get them to work
(2) keep them happy
(3) have a congenial atmosphere at workplace
(4) get the best out of them
2. Responsibility and accountability make a worker
(1) shirk his duties
(2) do his job properly
(3) tense and frightened
(4) vulnerable before his supervisors
3. Supervisors do not delegate responsibility and authority to
their subordinates because
(1) subordinates are not capable enough
(2) they can’t trust their subordinates
(3) they are apprehensive of losing their hold on the place of work
(4) final responsibility is theirs
4. Orientation of subordinates of common objectives
and how to achieve them is
(1) not very important
(2) a must
(3) not at all necessary
(4) optional
5. The greatest motivator is
(1) a good supervisor
(2) a good environment
(3) a sense of security
(4) fulfilment of purpose
6. The word “execute’ in the passage means
(1) to kill
(2) to perform
(3) to instruct
(4) to follow
7. Choose the word opposite in meaning to the word
‘vast’.
(1) Limited
(2) Extreme
(3) Small
(4) Spread
8. The author’s motive is to
(1) suggest a solution
(2) criticise the supervisor
(3) criticise the workers
(4) write a balanced article
9. Pick out a word from the passage that means ‘to
understand or think of something in a particular
way’
(1) Delegate
(2) Perceived
(3) Purpose
(4) Norms
Passage 12
Regular physical activity provides numerous health
benefits from leaner bodies and lower blood pressure to
improved mental health and cognitive functioning. As the
school physical education programme promotes physical
activity and can teach skills, as well as, form or change
behaviour, it holds an important key to influencing health
and well-being across the life span. To improve the fitness
of students, we need to rethink the design and delivery of
school-based physical education programme. Adults in the
United States think that information about health was
more important for students to learn than content in
language, arts, mathematics, science, history or any other
subject. Despite this high ranking, most schools devote
minimal curriculum time to teaching students how to lead
healthy lives. Our first step might be to consider ways to
Increase curriculum time devoted to physical education. In
addition, schools need to thoughtfully analyse the design
and delivery of school physical education programme to
ensure that they are engaging, developmentally
appropriate, inclusive and instructionally powerful.
1. According to this passage, regular physical activity is
needed to
(1) control one’s blood pressure
(2) lose one’s weight
(3) improve one’s cognitive skills
(4) improve one’s physical as well as mental health
2. In order to tone up the physical education programme
(1) It should be made compulsory at school
(2) An assessment of the existing programme should be
made
(3) A committee should be set up in every school
(4) The programme should be reoriented and implemented
3. According to the Americans, health education is more
important than teaching
(1) social sciences
(2) liberal arts
(3) any subject
(4) natural sciences
4. The author wants the reoriented physical education
programme to be
(1) increased minimum curriculum time
(2) very comprehensive
(3) relevant to the modern society
(4) thoughtful
5. In order to improve the physical education
programme, we should first of all
(1) allot more time to the teaching and learning of physical
activity
(2) decide on the number of activities to be taught
(3) employ qualified instructors
(4) or decrease the teaching load of instructors
6. Find out the correct statement.
(1) School based physical education programmes need to
be redesigned to improve the fitness of students
(2) Content in language and arts is more important than
health issues
(3) Regular physical activity has nothing to do with our
blood pressure
(4) There will be no advantage in increasing periods for
physical education in schools
7. The antonym of ‘numerous’ will be
(1) rare
(2) various
(3) few
(4) uniform
8. Pick out a word from the passage that means
concerned with the process of knowing or perceiving.
(1) Recognition
(2) Cognitive
(3) Reasoning
(4) Understanding
9. Regular physical activity provides numerous health
benefits.
The voice of the above sentence has been
correctly changed in which sentence?
(1) Numerous health benefits are being provided by regular
physical activity
(2) Numerous health benefits are provided by regular
physical activity
(3) Numerous health benefits will be provided by regular
physical activity
(4) Numerous health benefits were provided by regular
physical activity
Passage 13
As heart disease continues to be the number one killer in
the United States, researchers have become increasingly
interested in identifying the potential risk factors that
trigger heart attacks. High-fat diets and life in the fast lane
have long been known to contribute to the high incidence
of heart failure. But according to new studies, the list of
risk factors may be significantly longer and quite
surprising.
Heart failure, e.g. appears to have seasonal and temporal
patterns. A higher percentage of heart attacks occurs in
cold weather and more people experience heart failure on
Monday than on any other day of the week. In addition,
people are more susceptible to heart attacks in the first few
hours after waking. Cardiologists first observed this
morning phenomenon in the mid-1980 and have since
discovered a number of possible causes. An early-morning
rise in blood pressure, heart rate and concentration of heart
stimulating hormones, plus a reduction of blood flow to the
heart, may all contribute to the higher incidence of heart
attacks between the hours of 8:00 am and 10:00 am. In
other studies, both birthday and bachelorhood have been
implicated as risk factors. Statistics reveal that heart attack
rate increases significantly for both females and males in
the few days immediately preceding and following their
birthdays. And unmarried men are more at risk for heart
attacks than their married counterparts. Though stress is
thought to be linked in some way to all of the
aforementioned risk factors, intense research continues in
the hope of future comprehending why and how heart
failure is triggered.
1. What does the passage mainly discuss?
(1) Cardiology
(2) Diet and stress as factors in heart attacks
(3) Seasonal and temporal patterns of heart attacks
(4) Risk factors in heart attacks
2. The word ‘potential could best be replaced by which
of the following?
(1) Harmful
(2) Possible
(3) Unknown
(4) Primary
3. According to the passage, which of the following is
not a possible cause of many heart attacks?
(1) Decreased blood flow to the heart
(2) Increased blood pressure
(3) Lower heart rate
(4) Increase in hormones
4. Which of the following is cited as a possible risk
factor?
(1) Getting married
(2) Rainy weather
(3) Eating fatty foods
(4) Driving fast
5. As used in the passage, which of the following could
best replace the word ‘reveal?
(1) Observe
(2) Show
(3) Explain
(4) Mean
6. Which of the following does the passage infer?
(1) We now fully understand how the risk factors trigger
heart attacks
(2) We do not fully understand how the risk factors trigger
heart attacks
(3) We have not identified risk factors associated with heart
attacks
(4) We have recently begun to study how risk factors work
7. Choose the word opposite in meaning to the word
‘intense’ as used in the passage.
(1) Casual
(2) Significant
(3) Serious
(4) Necessary
8. Pick out a word from the passage, which means ‘very
likely to be influenced or affected’
(1) Triggered
(2) Stimulating
(3) Susceptible
(4) Temporal
9. The passage is most likely to be
(1) a report
(2) an article
(3) a letter
(4) an itinery
Passage 14
It is to progress in the Human Sciences that we must look
to undo the evils which have resulted from a knowledge of
the physical world hastily and superficially acquired by
populations unconscious of the changes in themselves that
the new knowledge has made imperative. The road to a
happier world than any known in the past lies open before
us if atavistic destructive passions can be kept in leash while
the necessary adaptations are made. Fears are inevitable in
our time, but hopes are equally rational and far more likely
to bear good fruit. We must learn to think rather less of the
dangers to be avoided than of the good that will lie within
our grasp if we can believe in it and let it dominate our
thoughts.
Science, whatever unpleasant consequences it may have by
the way, is in its very nature a liberator, a liberator of
bondage to physical nature and in to come, a liberator from
the weight of destructive passions. We are on the threshold
of utter disaster or unprecedentedly glorious achievement.
No previous age has been fraught with problems so
momentous and it is to Science that we must look to for a
happy future.
1. What does Science liberate us from?
It liberates us from
(1) bondage to physical nature
(2) fears and destructive passions
(3) idealistic hopes of a glorious future
(4) slavery to physical nature and from passions
2. To carve out a bright future a man should
(1) try to avoid dangers
(2) overcome fears and dangers
(3) cultivate a positive outlook
(4) analyse dangers that lie ahead
3. If man’s bestial yearning is controlled
(1) the present will be brighter than the future
(2) the present will become tolerant
(3) the future will be brighter than the present
(4) the future will be tolerant
4. Fears and hopes, according to the author
(1) can yield good results
(2) can bear fruit
(3) are irrational
(4) are closely linked with the life of modern man
5. Human Sciences should be developed because they will
(1) eliminate the destruction caused by a superficial
knowledge of the physical world
(2) make us conscious of the changes in ourselves
(3) make us conscious of the changing world
(4) provide more knowledge of the physical world
6. The word ‘imperative’ means
(1) vital
(2) threatening
(3) trivial
(4) discrete
7. Choose the word opposite in meaning to the word
‘superficially
(1) Gradually
(2) Legally
(3) Thoroughly
(4) Primarily
8. “To keep in leash’ means
(1) to punish
(2) to control
(3) to observe
(4) to criticise
9. Pick out a word from the passage that means the point
just before a new situation begins’.
(1) Previous
(2) Rational
(3) Threshold
(4) Inevitable
Passage 15
Mountaineering is now looked upon as the king of sports.
But men have lived amongst the mountains since pre-historic
time and in some parts of the world, as in the Andes and
Himalayas, difficult mountain journeys have inevitably been
part of their everyday life. However, some of the peaks were
easily accossible from most of the cities of Europe. It is quite
interesting that while modern mountaineers prefer difficult
routes for the greater enjoyment of sport, the early climbers
looked for the easiest ones, for the summit was the prize they
all set their eyes on. popular interest in mountaineering
increased considerably after the ascent of the Alpine peak of
Matterhorn in 1865 and Edward Whymper’s dramatic
account of the climb and fatal accident which occurred during
the descent.
In the risky sport of mountaineering, the element of
competition between either individuals or teams is totally
absent. Rather one can say that the competition is
between the team and the peaks themselves. The
individuals making up a party must climb together as a
team, for they depend upon one another for their safety.
Mountaineering can be dangerous unless reasonable
precautions are taken. However, the majority of fatal
accidents happen to parties which are inexperienced or
not properly equipped. Since many accidents are caused
by bad weather, the safe climber is the man who knows
when it is time to turn back, how so ever tempting it may
be to press on and try to reach the summit.
1. Mountaineering is different from other sports because
(1) it is risky and dangerous
(2) it can be fatal
(3) it is most thrilling and exciting, there is no competition
between individuals
(4) None of the above
2. People living in the Andes and the Himalayas
made mountain journeys because
(1) it was a kind of sport
(2) they had to undertake them in their day-to-day life
(3) they lived in pre-historic time
(4) of the challenge offered by the difficult journey
3. Mountaineers climb as a team because
(1) the height is too much for one individual
(2) the competition is between the team and the peak
(3) they have to rely on each other for safety
(4) there is no competition among them
4.” ……….. the summit was …..
eyes on.” In the context of the passage, this means
(1) reaching the top was their exculsive concern
(2) they kept their eyes steadily on reaching the summit
(3) they cared for nothing but the prize of reaching the
summit
(4) they chose a route from which they could see the
summit clearly
5. “To press’ in the last sentence of the passage means
(1) to struggle in a forceful manner
(2) to force upon others
(3) to work fearlessly
(4) to continue in determined manner
6. ……………1865 wasresponsible
(1) less interest in mountaineering
(2) increase of popular interest in mountaineering
(3) death of many mountaineers
(4) None of the above
7. Find out a similar meaning word of ‘easily
reachable’ from the passage.
(1) Descent
(2) Easily
(3) Accessible
(4) Reasonable
Passage 16
It is strange that, according to his position in life, an
extravagant man is admired or despised. A successful
businessman does nothing to increase his popularity by
being careful with his money. He is expected to display
his success, to have a smart car, an expensive life and to
be lavish with his hospitality. If he is not so, he is
considered mean and his reputation in business may
even suffer in consequence. The paradox remains that if
he had not been careful with his money in the first
place, he would never have achieved his present wealth.
Among the low income group, a different set of values
exists. The young clerk, who makes his wife a present
of a new dress when he hasn’t paid his house rent, is
condemned as extravagant. Carefulness with money to
the point of meanness is applauded as a virtue. Nothing
in his life is considered more worthy than paying his
bills. The ideal wife for such a man separates her
housekeeping money into joyless little piles- so much
for rent, for food, for the children’s shoes; she is able to
face the milkman with equanimity every month,
satisfied with her economising ways, and never knows
the guilt of buying something she can’t really afford. As
for myself, I fall into neither of these categories. If I
have money to spare, I can be extravagant, but when, as
is usually the case, I am hard up, then I am the meanest
man imaginable.
1. Which of the following would be the most suitable
title for the passage?
(1) Extravagance is Always Condemnable
(2) Extravagance Leads to Poverty
(3) Extravagance in the Life of the Rich and the Poor
(4) Miserly Habits of the Poor
2. In the opinion of the writer, a successful
businessman
(1) should not bother about popularity
(2) is expected to have expensive tastes
(3) is more popular if he appears to be doing nothing
(4) must be extravagant before achieving success
3. The phrase ‘lavish with his hospitality’ in the
third sentence of the first paragraph signifies
(1) considerateness in spending on guests and
strangers
(2) indifference in treating his friends and relatives
(3) miserliness in dealing with his friends
(4) extravagance in entertaining guests
4. The word ‘paradox’ in the last sentence of the
first paragraph means
(1) statement based on the popular opinion
(2) that which is contrary to received opinion
(3) statement based on facts
(4) that which brings out the inner meaning
5. It seems that low paid people should
(1) feel guilty if they overspend
(2) borrow money to meet their essential needs
(3) not keep their creditors waiting
(4) not pay their bills promptly
6. How does the housewife, described by the writer, feel
when she saves money? She
(1) wishes she could sometimes be extravagant
(2) is still troubled by a sense of guilt
(3) wishes life were less burdensome
(4) is content to be so thrifty
7. The statement “she is able to face the milkman with
equanimity” implies that
(1) she is not upset as she has been paying the milkman his
dues regularly
(2) she loses her nerve at the sight of the milkman who always
demands his dues
(3) she manages to keep cool as she has to pay the milkman
only a month’s dues
(4) she remains composed and confident as she knows that
she can handle the milkman tactfully
8. Which of the following is opposite in meaning to the
word ‘applauded in the passage?
(1) Suppressed
(2) Cherished
(3) Decried
(4) Humiliated
9. We understand from the passage that
(1) thrift may lead to success
(2) wealthy people are invariably successful
(3) all mean people are wealthy
(4) carefulness generally leads to failure
Passage 17
Are the 1980s and 1990s the era of colour? According to some
people, they are. Now you can buy radios and electric fans in
lavender and pink. Restaurants have an emphasis of flowers
and colourful plates. Cars are coming out in pink and aqua.
Even bathroom fixtures are being made in ‘honeydew’ and
‘blond’. Part of the importance of the colour of an object is
that the colour affects the way one feels about it. You want a
vacuum cleaner to look light and easy, which is why it may be
coloured in pastels and light colours. But gardening equipment
and athletic equipment you want to look powerful. You would
never find a lawn mower in pink, but red would be fine. Not
very long ago, sheets were always white and refrigerators
commonly came in colours like old gold avocado green and
‘coppertone’. Now those are thought of as old-fashioned,
popular colours change because fashion influences everything.
In fact, new colours often spring from the fashion industry.
It’s a lot cheaper to make a blouse or skirt than a sofa. After
people get used to seeing new colours on clothing or towels,
they are ready to accept those colours in carpeting,
refrigerators or cars. Colour-analysis consultants have been
very successful in recent years. People want to choose the
most flattering colours for make up and clothing. Some car
designers are even saying that people may start buying cars
of the colour that goes with their skin colour. This sounds
too extreme. It’s hard to believe that people are that
impressionable.
1. The main subject of the passage is
(1) popular colours today
(2) colour consultants
(3) the influence of colour
(4) colours that flatter people
2. The word “era’ in line 1 could best be replaced by
which of the following words?
(1) Season
(2) Age
(3) Epic
(4) Generation
3. According to the author, which of the following is not
popular now?
(1) Coppertone
(2) Colourful cars
(3) Pastels
(4) Colourful bathroom fixtures
4. According to the author, why would red be a good
colour for a lawn mower?
(1) Because it is strong
(2) Because it is cheap
(3) Because it is light
(4) Because it is pastel
5. According to the author, how a vacuum cleaner can
look light and easy?
(1) Use of light plastic
(2) Small in size
(3) Use of pastel and light colours
(4) None of the above
6. Choose the incorrect statement.
(1) Colour affects the way one feels about it
(2) One can buy radio and electric fans in lavender and pink
colour
(3) Old fashioned popular colours do not change after
being influenced by fashion
(4) New colours often spring from the fashion industry
7. The antonym of the word “extreme’ is
(1) medium
(2) soft
(3) moderate
(4) remotest
8. The synonym of ‘impressionable’ will be
(1) obstinate
(2) stubborn
(3) open
(4) influenceable
9. In this passage, which of the following are not used
as names for colour?
(1) Fruits
(2) Hair colour
(3) Minerals
(4) Soft drinks
Passage 18
Ernest Rutherford was the son of a Scot emigrant to
New Zealand. His parents had 12 children, of whom Ernest
was the fourth. His education was in a state primary school
from which children at the age of 13 could get grants of
scholarships to secondary schools and to the universities.
Rutherford had no intention of following an academic
career. He was no book-worm. He was good in any
rough-and-tumble game and a keen football player. But he
was good at Latin and he had a passion for music and a
mechanical bent of mind. At Nelson College, a state
boarding school, he was an outstanding pupil, he sat for a
scholarship to Canterbury College and this was because his
masters expected it of him and he won it. There,
Rutherford as a student was fascinated by Hertz’s work on
radio waves and he began to conduct his own experiments
in the cloakroom of the college, where the students hung
their gowns.
1. Rutherford was his parent’s ….. child.
(1) last
(2) only
(3) fourth
(4) second
2. Nelson’s College was a
(1) state boarding school in New Zealand
(2) college in England
(3) school in Scotland
(4) school in the United States
3. Rutherford sat for a scholarship test because
(1) he was an outstanding student
(2) he was a book-worm
(3) he thought of following an academic career
(4) his masters wanted him to do that
4. Rutherford carried out his own private experiments in
(1) some corner of the cloakroom of Nelson College
(2) some corner of the cloakroom of Canterbury College
(3) a corner of the room allotted to him in the boarding
house
(4) in the laboratory of Nelson College
5. The phrase ‘mechanical bent’ suggests that
Rutherford
(1) was quite mechanical
(2) was devoid of human warmth, emotion, feeling,
intelligence etc.
(3) did things and lived as thoughtlessly as a machine
(4) had an aptitude for the Science of machinery
6. Rutherford has a passion for
(1) books
(2) language
(3) music
(4) science
7. Choose the word which is opposite in meaning to
‘fascinated’
(1) Uninterested
(2) Hindered
(3) Enthtralled
(4) Perturbed
8. The phrase ‘book worm’ means
(1) intellectual
(2) a person unusually devoted to reading and study
(3) scholar
(4) thinker
Passage 19
A jolly musicologist by the entirely unobjectionable name
of Henry Pleasants has written a book called “The Agony
of Modern Music’. That word agony’ is right. Much of it is
just not written down but improvised. Much of what
passes for music of these times is raucous noise and the
excuse for persisting with it is that every common
youngster understands and likes it.
That pleasant fellow concedes that ‘serious’ music is
virtually dead. This may be dismissed as yet another
pleasantry which the undirected young indulge in. Paul
Hindesmith, possibly one of the last of the classical giants,
once said that some composers tended to develop an
over-sublimated technique which produces images of
emotions that are far removed from any emotional
experience, a relatively normal human being ever has.
That is just the point. High art can never be totally
democratised. There is a barrier between the egghead and
the hoi polloi and it would be lazy idealism to ignore this.
When Bach played and Beethoven roared, who was then
the gentleman? The pity of it is that while talking music to
the masses, all known rules are broken and improvisation
becomes king. That, roughly speaking, is how jazz was
born; by dropping discipline, inspiration, deep personal
emotions and every element of creative art and adopting
improvisation as its main rationale. Why, they even tried to
smuggle bits of jazz into serious music so that the
composers could somehow survive.
Now, they are going one step further : learn it by ear, don’t
write down the stuff, make it up as you go along and hope,
by these shoddy techniques, that everyone present will
applaud and thus provide the composer and the performers
with their daily bread.
1. The author uses the word ‘improvisation’ to suggest
(1) making the original more sublime
(2) tampering with the original
(3) rendering the original more popular
(4) simplifying the original
2. According to the author, high art cannot be
democratised because
(1) high art is oversublimated
(2) people differ in their emotional experience
(3) masses cannot be expected to appreciate what only the
few intelligent can
(4) democratising necessarily involves improvisation
3. They tried to introduce bits of jazz in serious music
so that
(1) music might survive
(2) the masses could take to serious music
(3) the new composers might survive
(4) music is democratised
4. Which of the following words can best replace the
word ‘raucous’ in the paragraph?
(1) Sshrill
(2) Smoothing
(3) Pleasant
(4) Popular
5. Speaking of the techniques of some composers Paul
Hindesmith said that they evoked image of emotions
(1) not experienced by normal people
(2) felt only by subnormal people
(3) never felt by masses
(4) not experienced by eggheads
6. ‘Egghead’ means
(1) a very stupid person
(2) a very lazy person
(3) a person who is ugly
(4) a person who is intelligent and is only interested in
studying
7. Choose the word which is opposite to ‘agony’.
(1) Cowardice
(2) Sympathy
(3) Ecstasy
(4) Praise
Passage 20
If life exists on Mars, it is most likely to be in the form of
bacteria buried deep in the planet’s permafrost or lichens
growing within rocks, say scientists from NASA. There
might even be fossilised Martian algae locked up in ancient
lake beds, waiting to be found.
Christopher Mckay of NASA’s Ames Research Centre in
California told the AAAS that exobiologists, who look for
life on other planets, should look for clues among the life
forms of the Earth’s ultra-cold regions, where conditions
are similar to those on Mars. Lichens, for example, are
found within some Antarctic rocks, just beneath the surface
where sunlight can still reach them. The rock protects the
lichen from cold and absorbs water, providing enough for
the lichen’s needs, said Mckay.
Bacteria have also been found in 3-million-year-old
permafrost dug up from Siberia. If there are any bacteria
alive on Mars today, they would have had to have survived
from the time before the planet cooled more than 3 billion
years ago. Nevertheless, McKay is optimistic: “It may be
possible that bacteria frozen in to the premafrost at the
Martian South Pole, may be viable.
McKay said algae are found in Antarctic lakes with
permanently frozen surfaces. Although no lakes are
thought to exist on Mars, they might have existed long ago.
If so, the dried-out Martian lake beds may contain the
fossilised remains of algae. On Earth, masses of
microscopic algae form large, layered structures known as
stromatolites, which survive as fossils on lake beds, said
Jack Farmer, one of McKay’s colleagues. The researchers
are compiling a list of promising Martian lake beds to be
photographed from spacecraft, said Farmer. Those
photographs could help to select for landers that would
search for signs of life, past or present. “If we find algae on
Mars, I would say the Universe is lousy with algae,”
McKay said, “intelligence would be another question.”
1. The passage is primarily concerned with
(1) the possibility of life on Mars
(2) selecting sites for landers on Mars
(3) research on Mars
(4) findings of Christopher Mckay
2. Lichens survive in the extreme cold conditions of
Antarctica on earth for all the following reasons,
except
(1) some Antarctic rocks protect lichens beneath their
surface
(2) bacteria in the Antarctic frost protect lichen from the
residual cold after the rock absorbs water
(3) sunlight penetrates the surface of the Antarctic rock
where lichen grows
(4) the Antarctic rocks protect the lichen from cold by
absorbing water and leaving enough for the lichen’s
needs
3. Which of the following statements is not true?
(1) If any bacteria are alive today on Mars, they must have
survived from the time before the planet cooled
(2) Space photographs of Martian craters should reveal to
the explorers signs of life there
(3) Bacteria frozen into permafrost at the Martian South Pole
may be viable
(4) On digging up, more than 3 million years old Siberan
permafrost has revealed bacteria
4. The most primitive forms of life likely to exist on
Mars are all the following except
(1) Villus and space
(2) Bacteria
(3) algae
(4) lichen
5. Exobiologists might find on Mars algae similar to
stromatolites on earth because
(1) on our planet, stromatolites are formed by microscopic
algae
(2) Martian lake beds may contain fossilised remains of
algae similar to stromatolites on earth
(3) there is evidence that photosynthesis which takes place
In earth’s algae can be found in Martian algae too
(4) All of the above
6. The passage is most likely to be
(1) a report
(2) an article in science magazine
(3) a letter
(4) an itinery
7. Choose the word opposite in meaning to the word
‘survived’.
(1) Living
(2) Subsist
(3) Discontinue
(4) Withstand
8. Pick out a word from the passage which means very
hopeful or positive.
(1) Fossilised
(2) Optimistic
(3) Clues
(4) Possible
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