PASSAGE

200+

Christopher Phoenix
D
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 All the students having a
gigantic dream in their small
hearts and aspiring to achieve
Success Unbridled
S.No. TOPICS PAGE No.

1. Reading Comprehension 5 - 23

2. A Cursory Glance at the Pattern of 24 - 39

Passages Asked in CSAT/SSC/IBPS

3. Passages with Detailed Explanations 40 - 78

4. Passages (SSC CGL,CPO, CHSL, MTS 2018-2023) 79 - 164

5. Passages CDS 2012-2023 165 - 206

6. IBPS (2018-2022) 207 - 236

 WHAT IS READING COMPREHENSION most complete answer possible. If you are
reading the passage so as to provide a
The Reading Comprehension section basically
written response, read more carefully. Make
checks your understanding of English language,
word power and how well you can comprehend sure you understand everything.
a given passage. • Reconfirm the answer. Feel free to look back
“Reading Comprehension (RC) is the ability to at the passage to double­check your answer.
read and understand unfamiliar materials and IF YOU DON’T FIND THE ANSWER
to answer questions about them. • Try again. Re­read the question and now
HOW TO READ A PASSAGE? skim the passage. Be sure you know what
you are being asked to answer, before you
In the First Place
reread.
• Concentrate. Shrug off your hiccups and
• Skip the question. If you still can’t find or
distractions and get ready to read the
figure out the answer, skip the question. You
passage.
can come back to it after you’ve finished the
• Don’t rely too much on your prior rest of the test.
information and knowledge. Although you
may know a lot about the subject, yet AREAS YOU NEED TO FOCUS ON FOR
answer the questions using the information THE READING COMPREHENSION SECTION
available in the passage. In order to excel in the Reading
In the Second Place Comprehension section, you need to follow the
• Read the question first. certain guidelines. You should improve your
word power, be able to read fast and
The point in question is why read the
comprehend faster, understand what is asked
questions before reading the passage?
in the question and answer appropriately.
It is because of the fact that it saves time.
you already know what you are reading The common solution to improve all these
for. sections is READING READING & READING.
In order to improve on your RC you need to
• Make sure you understand the question.
broaden your background knowledge by
What kind of information will you need to reading newspapers, magazines and books.
gather when you read? Will you be looking
Try discussing one topic of the paper with
for facts? Or will you be using the passage
to come up with your own answer? your parents or friends. This will help you to
develop interest in reading and understand and
• Read the passage as fast as you can.
analyse the content properly.
Read the passage as quickly as you can. Look
Followed by your reading habit, you should also
for the answer as you read. When you find
develop the habit of practicing a lot. Try to have
it, take notice of it, or underline it but , don’t
more practice reading, particularly reading
stop reading! Read to the end. In this way
you can be sure that yours is the best and dense materials fast.

PPC Volume – I 5
 THE MORE IS THE SPEED THE MORE A. In Banking and SSC exams, reading passages
IS THE COMPREHENSION are drawn from a variety of academic
disciplines within the humanities, natural
You need to manage your time while solving
sciences, and social sciences, economy,
passages. So even if it is a long passage, you
finance, etc. A typical Reading
cannot spend much time in the Reading
Comprehension section includes one passage
Comprehension section.
from each of these broad knowledge areas,
SOME POINTERS ON IMPROVING THE along with a cross­disciplinary passage.
SPEED IN READING THE PASSAGES : The test makers intentionally draw from
1. Focus on three to four main words in a an eclectic array of subject matter to avoid
sentence. undue bias in favour of test takers familiar
2. Time your reading speed and gradually with any one subject area. Moreover, the
decrease the time you take to read. test makers carefully craft the questions so
that they may be answered based solely on
3. Identify the main parts of the paragraph.
the passage information and not on the
4. You can mark the important points/words/ prior knowledge of the subject at hand.
sentences.
Q . How are Reading Comprehension
5. While reading, move your eyes fast from
passages and questions presented in the
left to right, focusing on main words.
test booklet?
6. After finishing an article, write the gist of
A. Each discrete Reading Comprehension set
it. This will help you know how much you
is contained within two facing pages of the
remember of that passage.
test booklet. The passage begins on the left­
7. Write a summary of about 100 to 150 words facing page and is followed by the questions,
every day on the editorial as it will help which continue to the right­facing page. As
build the thought process. Make a note of a result, you won’t need to turn pages when
the difficult words and find their meanings working back and forth between the
from a Standard English dictionary. passage and questions. But this is not
8. Time yourself while reading. You should be always the case.
able to read 400 to 450 words in a minute’s Q . What types of Reading Comprehension
time. questions can I expect to encounter in the
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS IN examination like CSAT/SSC/IBPS?
READING COMPREHENSIONS A. Banking and SSC/CSAT exams Reading
Q . What is the overall structure of a Reading Comprehension questions fall into rather
Comprehension section in CSAT/SSC/ predictable types based on the various
IBPS? cognitive abilities under the “reading
A. SSC/IBPS/UPSC exams Reading Comprehension comprehension” rubric. Here’s one way to
section consists of one/ or more than one categorize them:
passage. In SSC (pre) exams you may have • Central idea and primary purpose. These
two small passages. In SSC (mains) you may
questions test whether you understand the
have five passages. They may be long or
passage’s main point, central idea, or
small. In IBPS examination, you will get one
or two passages containing at least seven overall thesis — in other words, whether
questions. The number of questions per set you can see the proverbial forest from the
can vary, but seven is the average number. trees.
Q . What types of reading passages can I expect • Specific recall. These questions test simply
to find in the Banking and SSC/CSAT on whether you recall specific, detailed
Exams? information contained in the passage.

6 PPC Volume – I
• Inference. These questions test whether you challenging question is primarily a matter
understand what a particular part of the of drafting “runner­up” answer choices that
passage suggests but does not explicitly have significant merit but are not as good
state, as determined by the context in which as the best choice.
that part appears. Q : Doesn’t the term “runner-up” suggest that
• Author agreement. These questions gauge there might be more than one viable answer
your understanding of the author ’s choice for a Reading Comprehension
perspective, point of view, or position on question? If so, how can I distinguish
the topic at hand, and your ability to between the correct answer and a runner-
distinguish that position from others up?
discussed in the passage. A: Consider a question that asks you to
• Specific function. These questions test your recognize the passage’s central idea. A
understanding of the author ’s reason or runner­up answer choice might
purpose in mentioning specific facts or in incorporate the passage’s central idea but
providing specific information, as go further to embrace an idea that’s too
determined by the context in which the facts broad — one that’s beyond the passage’s
or information appears. scope. By the same token, another runner­
• Method and structure. These questions up choice might be a bit too narrow in scope.
focus either on the author ’s method of In nearly any Reading Comprehension
argumentation or on how the author question there’s a qualitative difference
organizes and presents his or her ideas. between the best answer choice and the
The question types listed above are in others and that difference can be subtle.
descending order of frequency in which This feature doesn’t mean, however, that the
they appear in Banking and SSC exams. In test makers are asking you to split hairs or
your exam you might encounter slight play semantic games. That’s not what
variations on these questions types, but Reading Comprehension or the Banking and
nothing radically different from what’s SSC tests in general are about. What this
listed here. feature does suggest, however, is one very
important bit of advice: always read all the
Q . Are some types of Reading Comprehension answer choices before selecting one.
questions asked in Banking and SSC/CSAT
Q . It seems that all of the Banking and SSC/
exams inherently more difficult than
CSAT prep books go into great detail about
others?
how to spot wrong-answer choices. Is this
A. The only questions that are inherently advice useful?
easier than others are specific­recall
A: To a point. Knowing how the test makers
questions, which simply gauge your
draft wrong­answer choices helps you
memory and your ability to “look up”
recognize wrong answers when you see
information—two comparatively low­level
them. The test makers use two particular
skills. Otherwise, Banking and SSC Reading
wrong­answer ploys especially often.
Comprehension is not about memorizing
or remembering what you read. Rather, it’s The first such ploy is to bait you with an
about understanding the author’s ideas and answer choice that is unsupported by the
about following the author ’s train of passage—one that brings in information not
thought or line of reasoning. mentioned or ideas not suggested in the
passage. This ploy can be quite insidious,
Except for specific­recall questions, no type because as you read the choice your initial
of Reading Comprehension question is reaction might be that you missed something
inherently more difficult than others. A when you read the passage. You’ll then waste
question of any type can be designed to be time re­reading it to find information that
either easy or difficult. Creating a
PPC Volume – I 7
 isn’t there. Test takers most likely to fall for • Based on what I’ve read so far, how would I
this ploy are those who lack confidence in express the central idea, or thesis, of this
their reading skills and those who skim the passage in one sentence?
passages or read them too quickly. • What is the author’s purpose in mentioning
The second of the test makers’ favourite this particular point in the passage? How
wrong­answer ploys is to tempt you with does this point relate to central idea of the
an answer choice that is supported by the passage.
passage but doesn’t respond to the question. • What is the author’s point of view on this
This type of answer choice can be tempting topic vis­a­vis other viewpoints presented
because on its face it looks credible. As you
in the passage?
read it, you might think “Yes, I remember
reading that” and select that choice as a • Also, if you need to go back to the passage
result. to respond to a particular question, your
notes will help you identify where to look.
Q : What do these wrong-answer ploys suggest
in terms of test-taking strategy? Q : What about pacing yourself during a
Reading Comprehension question set?
A : There are two lessons here.
How much time should test takers devote
In the first place, read the entire passage to each question?
straight through; as you read, underline the
lines that capture its main ideas and main A: Answering questions within limited time
supporting points. By properly assimilating means devoting a few seconds to each
the passage information you can easily spot question. But much of your time will be
and confidently eliminate any answer spent reading the passages, and so pacing
choice that introduces new information or yourself at a per question rate isn’t entirely
provides an unsupported assertion. appropriate. Instead, plan to allocate a
stipulated time (minutes) to each question
In the second place, take a few seconds to
set. Following this schedule will leave at
formulate your own response to it. Try to
least a few minutes at the end for you to
predict, or predetermine, what sort of “best”
answer you’re looking for among the choices. reconsider some of your answers.
This technique will help you avoid falling prey Of course, you might spend less time on a
to wrong­answer ploys and help you zero­in set that provides a relatively short passage
on the one or two most viable choices. or relatively few questions. But don’t count
Q : Can you be more specific about the sort of on it; the set with the shortest passage or
underlining the main points that might be fewest questions may very well turn out to
useful for responding to the questions, and be the most challenging one and hence just
why? as time consuming as the others.
A: Underlining/taking note of the key points Q : What about techniques such as speed-
as you read them for example, key names, reading and skimming? Would you
and the events or ideas associated with recommend these techniques?
them, reasons that support a major point A: To “speed read” a passage is to read it in full
in the passage that sort of thing. Organize but at a quicker pace than normal. To “skim”
your notes by paragraph. When you’ve a passage is to read only selected portions,
finished reading the passage, review your such as the first and last sentences of each
notes and formulate your own brief thesis paragraph. If you’re running out of time, by
statement for the passage, then jot down all means use whichever method you prefer.
that statement. This note­taking process With either method you’ll get the gist of the
compels you to read actively, to anticipate passage, which will suffice to make reasoned
the sorts of questions you already know guesses for at least some of the remaining
you’ll be asked, by continually asking questions especially central­idea, primary
yourself as you read the passage: purpose, and author agreement questions.

8 PPC Volume – I
 Otherwise, don’t use either technique. Either quickly and understand the aim of the question
one takes time that could be better spent and the common traits of correct and incorrect
reading the passage with due care and answers is extremely important. Depending
making judicious notes. upon how specific one is in classifying questions,
Q: Assuming a test taker has at least a few there are about eight question types.
weeks until the exam day, what’s the best 1. Vocabulary 2. Analogy
way to prepare for Banking and SSC/CSAT 3. Main Idea 4. Tone & Style
Reading Comprehension?
5. Title 6. Application
A: Practice pushing your reading pace. Most
7. Logical Reasoning 8. Inference
people read at a far slower pace than
optimal. Work on increasing your reading Although there is by no means a hard­
pace by taking practice sets the ones you’ll and­fast rule about the difficulty of the questions
find in Banking and SSC prep books. Most that fall into each category, questions in the
people find that their overall main idea category tend to be easier while
comprehension actually improves as they questions in the inference and application
quicken their reading pace, at least up to a categories tend to be more difficult. Questions
point. That’s because keeping yourself about the author ’s tone tend to appear less
moving helps you see how the ideas flow frequently than other questions, although there
from one to the next is no definitive and widely­public rule that the
GMAT’s authors have bound themselves by
Q: Finally, what is the single most important
concerning the number of questions from each
advice every test taker should keep in mind
category.
while tackling Reading Comprehension
sets in Banking and SSC/CSAT exams? Let’s understand them one by one
A: As you read a Reading Comprehension
1. QUESTIONS BASED ON VOCABULARY
passage, think thesis. Remember: The
majority of the Reading Comprehension In this type of questions we will be asked the
questions will test your understanding of the antonyms and synonyms of the word used in
passage’s central idea and the major points the passages.
that support that idea. If you’re not careful, Let’s understand with examples :
you can easily get bogged down in the detailed Read the following sentences and try to choose
information and lose sight of the main gist. the best definition for the italicized word by
By focusing on thesis, you’ll also have a searching for context clues in the sentence.
compass by which to analyze every 1. The designer window treatments in her
question in the set. In other words, house, installed 17 years ago, were
regardless of the question, you can outmoded.
confidently eliminate any answer choice (a) unnecessary (b) pointless
that runs contrary to the passage’s thesis
(c) out­of­date (d) worthless
and major supporting ideas. This is the
most useful way of ferreting out wrong­ 2. The spies conducted a covert operation.
answer choices and making reasoned (a) dangerous (b) foreign
guesses and hence optimizing your Reading (c) hidden (d) illegal
Comprehension performance. 3. Cindy had some______ about marrying
TYPES OF QUESTIONS ASKED in George, because he was sometimes violent.
CSAT/SSC/IBPS (a) enthusiasm (b) ignorance
(c) trepidation (d) urgency
There are a handful of reading
comprehension question types that constitute 4. She showed a blatant disregard for the rules.
the bulk of questions you will face in this section. (a) obvious (b) hidden
The ability to recognize these question types (c) last­minute (d) rebellious
PPC Volume – I 9
 2. QUESTIONS BASED ON ANALOGY theme of a written piece. It is, nonetheless, easy
to confuse the main idea or theme with the subject.
According to the definition in the dictionary, Basically, the subject of a piece of writing is what
analogy is a “similarity in some respects that piece is generally about, plain and simple
between things that are otherwise dissimilar.” the facts and information.
In each of the questions contained in this section, However, when you look past the facts and
you will find a pair of related words. These information to the heart of what writers are
words are separated by a colon like this: fish : trying to say, and why they are saying it, that’s
scales the main idea or theme.
Here the colon means “is to” "fish is to scales.” For example, the subject of this introduction
So you had better read the possible answers is about distinguishing between a subject and
adding “as” to the beginning of each answer a main idea or theme; the main idea or theme is
”fish is to scales as horse is to barn,” and so on why it’s important to be able to recognize that
so forth. difference. The main idea is the point that the
Look at those words and try to figure out how writer is trying to help the reader understand,
they are connected to one another. For example, whereas the topic is what the writer is using to
what is the connection between the words fish get a main ideas across.
and scales? Obviously, a fish is covered with Read the following paragraphs and carefully
scales; now think of two other. determine what the main idea is for each. The best
Let’s understand with examples. way to approach these questions is to first read
5. BUTTER : BREAD the paragraph and then, in your own words,
restate what you think the author is trying to
(a) jam : jelly (b) paint : wood say. From the five choices, select the one statement
(c) toast : jelly (d) head : foot that best supports the author’s point.
(e) yellow : blue Example :
6. FISH : SCHOOL (a) Critical reading is a demanding process. To
(a) wolf : pack (b) tiger : jungle read critically, you must slow down your
(c) herd : peacock (d) raven : school reading and, with pencil in the hand, perform
specific operations on the text. Mark up the text
(e) dog : collie
with your reactions, conclusions and questions.
7. STRETCH : EXTEND When you read, become an active participant.
(a) tremble : roll (b) thirsty : drink 10. This paragraph best supports the statement that
(c) shake : tremble (d) stroll : run (a) critical reading is a slow, dull, but
(e) stitch : tear essential process.
8. SHIELD : ARROW (b) the best critical reading happens at
(a) bow : quiver (b) knight : horse critical times in a person’s life.
(c) umbrella : rain drops (c) readers should get in the habit of
(d) peony : flower (e) boy : girl questioning the truth of what they read.
9. STARVING : HUNGRY (d) critical reading requires thoughtful and
careful attention.
(a) neat : thoughtful
(e) critical reading should take place at the
(b) towering : cringing
same time each day.
(c) progressive : regressive
There are no effective boundaries when it
(d) happy : crying comes to pollutants. Studies have shown that
(e) depressed : sad toxic insecticides that have been banned in
many countries are riding the wind from
3. QUESTION BASED ON MAIN IDEA OR
countries where they remain legal. Compounds
THEME OR TOPIC SENTENCE
such as DDT and toxaphene have been found
One of the most important aspects of good in remote places like the Yukon and other Arctic
reading comprehension is to find the main idea or regions.
10 PPC Volume – I
11. This paragraph best supports the statement (e) figures are sometimes used to deceive
that people.
(a) toxic insecticides such as DDT have not (d) Black-and-white camera film, in the old
been banned throughout the world. days of film photography, was very sensitive
(b) more pollutants find their way into to blue light but not to red light. Blue skies
polar climates than they do into would often show very little detail, because the
warmer areas. film couldn’t record all that it was seeing. To
compensate, photographers would put a red
(c) studies have proven that many
filter on the lens, darkening the sky enough
countries have ignored their own anti­
that the film could record its fluffy clouds.
pollution laws.
14. This paragraph best supports the statement
(d) DDT and toxaphene are the two most that
toxic insecticides in the world.
(a) red filters were very popular in the old
(e) even a worldwide ban on toxic
days of photography.
insecticides would not stop the spread
of DDT pollution. (b) infrared rays are invisible to the naked
eye.
(b) The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution
protects citizens against unreasonable searches (c) black­and­white photography used to
and seizures. No search of a person’s home or be very popular.
personal effects may be conducted without a (d) red filters cut out some blue light on
written search warrant issued on probable black­ and­ white film.
cause. This means that a neutral judge must (e) blue filters cut out red light.
approve the factual basis justifying a search
before it can be conducted. QUESTIONS BASED ON TOPIC SENTENCE
12. This paragraph best supports the statement Topic sentences are usually found at the
that the police cannot search a person’s beginning of a paragraph. But this is not always
home or private papers unless they have the case. You can find topic sentences anywhere
in a paragraph, and sometimes, the author
(a) legal authorization.
chooses not to use one at all.
(b) direct evidence of a crime.
(c) read the person his or her constitutional TOPIC/TOPIC SENTENCE
rights. It is a sentence that introduces or defines the topic
(d) a reasonable belief that a crime has of a paragraph. This is frequently the first
occurred. sentence in a paragraph but not always.
(e) requested that a judge be present. For the following three questions, choose the
(c) Mathematics allows us to expand our topic sentence that best fits the paragraph.
consciousness. Mathematics tells us about 15. It weighs less than three pounds and is
economic trends, patterns of disease and the hardly more interesting to look at than an
growth of populations. Math is good at overly ripe cauliflower. _______. It has
exposing the truth, but it can also perpetuate created poetry and music, planned and
misunderstandings and untruths. Figures have executed horrific wars, and devised
the power to mislead people. intricate scientific theories. It thinks and
13. This paragraph best supports the statement dreams, plots and schemes, and easily holds
that more information than all the libraries on
(a) the study of mathematics is dangerous. Earth.
(b) words are more truthful than figures. (a) The human brain is made of gelatinous
(c) the study of mathematics is more matter and contains no nerve endings.
important than other disciplines. (b) The science of neurology has found a
(d) the power of numbers is that they way to map the most important areas
cannot lie. of the human brain.

PPC Volume – I 11
 (c) Nevertheless, the human brain is the The main idea is the “key concept” which is
most mysterious and complex object on expressed in the passages. Details, major and
Earth. minor and all support the main idea by telling
(d) However, scientists say that each how, what, when, where, why, how much or
person uses only 10% of his or her brain how many.
over the course of a lifetime! Locating the topic, main idea, and
16. The term spices is a pleasant one, whether it supporting details helps you understand the
connotes fine French cuisine or a down­ point(s) the writer is trying to express.
home, cinnamon­flavoured apple So you had better understand the
pie.______. In the past, individuals traveled supporting details of the main idea. Identifying
the world seeking exotic spices for profit the relationship between these will increase
and, in searching, have changed the course your comprehension.
of history. Indeed, to gain control of lands Strategy to understand the topic/main idea
harbouring new spices, nations have The successful comprehension of any
actually gone to war. author’s topic is only as good as the organization
(a) The taste and aroma of spices are the the author uses to build and define the subject
main elements that make food such a matter.
source of fascination and pleasure. Understanding the Main Idea:
(b) The term might equally bring to mind
When authors write they have an idea in
Indian curry made thousands of miles
mind that they are trying to get across. This is
away and those delicious barbecued especially true as authors compose paragraphs.
ribs sold on the corner. An author organizes each paragraph’s main
(c) It is exciting to find a good cookbook idea and supporting details in support of the
and experiment with spices from other topic or central theme, and each paragraph
lands—indeed, it is one way to travel supports the paragraph preceding it.
around the globe! A writer will state his/her main idea
(d) The history of spices, however, is explicitly somewhere in the paragraph. That
another matter altogether, and at times, main idea may be stated at the beginning of the
it can be filled with danger and intrigue. paragraph, in the middle, or at the end. The
sentence in which the main idea is stated is the
SOME OTHER WAYS OF IDENTIFYING
topic sentence of that paragraph.
TOPICS, MAIN IDEAS AND SUPPORTING
DETAILS The topic sentence announces the general
theme (or portion of the theme) to be dealt with
Main Idea in the paragraph. Although the topic sentence
Main idea questions ask you to identify the may appear anywhere in the paragraph, it is
“primary purpose” or “main point” of the usually first and for a very good reason. This
passage. In order to answer these questions sentence provides the focus for the writer while
correctly, you must be able to identify the thesis writing and for the reader while reading. When
of the passage and those ideas that support this you find the topic sentence, be sure to underline
thesis. The GMAT test­writers attempt to it so that it will stand out not only now, but
confuse you with a few answer choices that are also later when you review.
supporting ideas. Identifying the Topic:
Understanding the topic, or the larger The first thing you must be able to do to get
conceptual framework of a passage needs a at the main idea of a paragraph is to identify
sophisticated perusal of the passage. Being able the topic the subject of the paragraph. Think of
to draw conclusions, evaluate, and critically the paragraph as a wheel with the topic being
interpret passage is important for overall the hub the central core around which the whole
comprehension. All passages, paragraphs, wheel (or paragraph) spins. Your strategy for
sentences, all have topics and main ideas. The topic identification should be simply to ask
topic is the broad, general theme or message. yourself the question,

12 PPC Volume – I
“What is this about?” • The author of this passage is primarily
Keep asking yourself that question as you concerned with.
read a paragraph, until you get the answer. • The main point made by the passage is that.
Sometimes you can spot the topic by looking How to Identify Correct Answer
for a word or two that repeat.
Main point questions ask you to identify the
The bulk of an expository paragraph is made
crux of the author’s point. You must identify
up of supporting sentences (major and minor
which ideas in the passage play a supporting
details), which help to explain or prove the main
role and which idea is being supported. In many
idea. These sentences present facts, reasons,
ways, this is similar to identifying the premises
examples, definitions, comparison, contrasts,
and conclusion to a critical reasoning argument.
and other pertinent details. They are most
important because they tell the main idea. The correct answer to a main point question is
often a paraphrase of the conclusion or thesis
The last sentence of a paragraph is likely to
statement of the passage. Common incorrect
be a concluding sentence. It is used to sum up a
answer choices are those that feature
discussion, to emphasize a point, or to restate
supporting ideas. These answer choices are
all or part of the topic sentence so as to bring
appealing to many test­takers because the
the paragraph to a close.
material presented in them is true and based
The last sentence may also be a transitional
upon the passage.
sentence leading to the next paragraph.
Of course, the paragraphs you’ll be reading 4. QUESTION BASED ON THE TONE
will be part of some longer piece of writing a OF THE PASSAGE
textbook chapter, a section of a chapter, or a Tone questions ask you to identify the
newspaper or magazine article. Besides attitude or mood of a specific part of the passage
expository paragraphs, in which new or of the entire passage. A common
information is presented and discussed, these characteristic of this question type is answer
longer writings contain three types of choices that are marked by one to three word
paragraphs: introductory, transitional, and phrases containing adjectives.
summarizing.
Tone questions test your ability to recognize an
Introductory paragraphs tell you, in advance,
attitude or disposition of the author, which is
such things as (1) the main ideas of the chapter
signaled by the use of a handful of trigger words.
or section; (2) the extent or limits of the coverage;
Never base your guess about the author’s tone
(3) how the topic is developed; and (4) the
on a single word this is not enough to define the
writer’s attitude toward the topic.
tone of the entire passage.
Transitional paragraphs are usually short; their
Tone questions tend to be among the more
sole function is to tie together what you have
infrequent question types.
read so far and what is to come to set the stage
for succeeding ideas of the chapter or section. The tone of any given passage is the
author’s emotion or feeling, usually towards
Summarizing paragraphs are used to restate
his subject. An author’s style is the particular
briefly the main ideas of the chapter or section.
way he uses language to reflect his unique
The writer may also draw some conclusion from
authorial voice.
these ideas, or speculate on some conclusion
based on the evidence he/she has presented. Most of the questions based on style or tone
will include the words “attitude,” “tone,” “style,”
Common Question Stems
“feeling,” etc.
• Which of the following most accurately
Tone­related questions force you to go one
states the main idea of the passage?
step farther and understand the meaning
• The primary purpose of the passage is to. behind those words. It can be difficult to know
• The passage is primarily concerned with where to start with tone, so here are some
which of the following? specific tips:

PPC Volume – I 13
 Notice little details. Tone is generally Some of the words describing the
evident in the details of a passage: the specific tone of the passage
words used to describe people or things; the use
of particularly heightened or lowbrow language accusatory blaming other people
(hyperbole, technical jargon, slang, and so ambivalent having conflicting feelings
forth); and even the use of qualifying or
appreciative grateful; thankful
connecting words (such as “rather,” “indeed,”
“undoubtedly,” and so on). Notice as much as cynical questioning the truth or
you can while you read the passage. sincerity

Notice anything that jumps out. If a word, humorous funny

phrase, description, or sentence strikes you as idealistic thinking of what is best;
odd or interesting, take note of this. It could optimistic; not realistic
provide a crucial detail for determining the ironic different than what is
author ’s tone. You’ll probably find yourself expected or the opposite of
asking questions about it. “Why did the author what is meant
use the word ‘claim’ rather than ‘argue’ in that mocking scornful; ridiculing; making
sentence?” fun of someone
Hear the author ’s voice in your head. It nostalgic thinking about the past;
might sound crazy, but if you can use your wishing for something from
understanding of the author’s tone, based on the past
all of the above, in order to imagine what the objective without prejudice; without
author’s voice sounds like as you read, you will discrimination; fair
likely be able to hear the tone of the passage
persuasive trying to convince
more clearly. Indeed, if you can hear the author’s
voice on a difficult passage even if you don’t reflective thoughtful; meditative;
understand what every word of the passage thinking
means you’ll often be able to intuit the tone of sarcastic sneering; saying the
that passage and then answer many questions opposite of what you mean
based on that correctly. as a way of being unfriendly
or making a point
Process of elimination is your friend. When
in doubt, eliminate. Some author attitudes/ satirical making fun of something to
tones can almost always be eliminated show its weakness or to
immediately, based on who the passage­writers teach a lesson
are. Such words as “indifferent” or “negligent” solemn sad or quiet reflection
or “confused” are bound to be incorrect because straightforward direct; honest
the scholarly people writing these passages are suspense, wondering what will
unlikely to write an article about the topic if happen
they really don’t care about it. Similarly, these sympathetic compassionate; understanding
writers tend to be fairly moderate in their of how someone feels
emotions and opinions, which means that you
tense nervous
can eliminate tones/attitudes that are too
emotionally extreme, such as “outraged,” thankful grateful; giving thanks
“despairing,” or “jubilant.” threatening menacing
Finally, when all else fails, remember that tolerant accepting of others
even if you have only a general understanding tragic very sad
of the passage’s tone, you can and should use urgent insistent; saying something
that understanding to eliminate at least a couple must be done soon
of answer choices and make an educated guess vindictive revengeful; wanting to get
from there. back at someone

14 PPC Volume – I
 Common Question based on Tone and Style Conservation Authority and the Tiger and
• The attitude of the author of the passage Other Endangered Species Crime Control
toward x is best described as one Bureau. The Act bans any weapon, equipment,
of.................... devices or vehicle that directly or indirectly
• The tone of the author is best described endangers the Tiger. Although the legal steps
as.................... are in the right direction, delay in declaring
verdicts for poaching cases has encouraged
5. QUESTION BASED ON THE TITLE
poachers to repeat the offense.
OF THE PASSAGE
The decline in forest area outside of tiger
Strategies to tackle Reading Comprehension title
reserves due to urbanization, livestock need and
questions. The best strategies to follow are:
excessive land resource utilization has made it
1. Don’t get lost in details
unsustainable to maintain the quality and
Skim through the details but pay special breadth of the forest. With urbanization and
attention to the point that the author is declining forest area, Tigers trespass villages
trying to make. For science passages,
and towns nearby for preys. This has led to
understanding context would be more useful
than noting down terminologies. man­tiger conflicts resulting in law and order
problems. Politicians are wary of taking any
2. Summarize each paragraph
strict action against illegal settlers, as most of
Summarize the central idea of each
them are registered voters.
paragraph.
Legal and administrative steps are not
3. Find the central theme
enough to increase the tiger population.
Find the central theme from the summaries
Educating villagers about the relation between
of each paragraph.
Tiger population and ecological balance should
4. Eliminate and select
be the first step. Cases against illegal settlers
It is very difficult to paraphrase the title of would take years to reach any verdict.
the passage. Don’t waste time doing it. Go
Government should instead provide alternate
straight into the answer choices and analyze
the title that suits the central idea of the shelters far away from tiger population. Over
passage. Eliminate the answer choice the past five years, government has equipped
immediately (use POE technique) if it is not the Anti­Poaching team with weapons and
in alignment with the central theme. communication devices. This is clearly not
Example - Passage enough. Poachers have developed comprehensive
monsoon strategy that allows them to increase
According to the Indian tiger census of
poaching from May to July. A counter­poaching
2011, the population of tiger is at 1411. The
strategy for monsoon season is required. The
population is not comparable to the previous
census as the new findings are based on anti­poaching team lacks the training that is
statistical methods while the earlier were essential to handle an everchanging poacher
formulated on pugmark counts. Since most strategy. In addition to protective measures, an
Tigers traversed the same route, pugmark environment to increase reproduction has to be
counts were not accurate. Statistical methods created. Highways should be sanctioned only
by definition make the count range bound, with after evaluating the ecological nature of the land.
the lower limit of the tiger population at 1165
Reintroducing male and female tigers in various
and upper limit at 1657.
reserves, balancing land resource utilization
The major cause of tiger deaths is poaching. with forestation, and monitoring each tiger are
The amendment of the Wild Life (Protection) Act some of the steps that Governments should take.
(1972) has enabled the setting up a National Tiger

PPC Volume – I 15
 LET US FOLLOW THE ADVICE AND 6. QUESTION BASED ON APPLICATION
SUMMARIZE EACH PARAGRAPH
Questions based on application ask you to take
P1: Tiger Population Census Methods information and conclusions in the passage and
P2: Major Causes for the decline in Tiger extrapolate them to similar situations or ideas.
Population To answer these types of questions, you need
P3: Other causes for the decline in Tiger to to develop the ability to identify the crux of
Population an argument and see how it relates to a similar
situation.
P4: Recommendations to improve tiger
Common Question Tasks
population
1. Mirroring : Select an action or idea not
Central theme: Tiger Population Decline in India
discussed in the text that most mirrors an
What should be the title of the passage? action or idea discussed in the text
A. Tiger Population Census Methods 2. Predicting : Make a prediction based upon
the information in the passage
B. Legal and Administrative Steps for Tiger
Conservation Common Question Stems
C. Tiger Population Decline in India 1. The author of the passage would be most
likely to agree with which of the following?
D. Poaching – A Major Cause for Tiger Deaths
2. Which of the following statements would
E. Tiger Population Decline – Reasons and
provide the most logical continuation of the
Recommendations
final paragraph?
Let us look at each answer choices:
3. An idea or action described in the passage
A. Tiger Population Census Methods is most similar to which of the following?
Only Paragraph 1 mentions about Census
7. LOGICAL REASONING
Methods
B. Legal and Administrative Steps for Tiger Questions based on logical reasoning ask you to
Conservation take information outside the passage and reason
about how it will influence a point or sentence
The author clearly is not satisfied with Legal
in the passage. The most common questions in
and Administrative Steps (Paragraph 4).
this genre are those that ask which pieces of
Therefore, the title does not cover the central
information will strengthen or weaken a point
theme of the passage
in the passage.
C. Tiger Population Decline in India In some ways, these questions are similar
Close to the central theme – Shortlist this to application questions in that both require you
option to understand the thesis of the passage (if one
D. Poaching – A Major Cause for Tiger Deaths exists) and the relationship between ideas in
the passage.
Although poaching is the major cause for
Tiger deaths, it is not the central theme Common Question Stems
E. Tiger Population Decline – Reasons and 1. Which of the following, if true, would best
Recommendations support x [where x is an idea or argument
described in the passage]
Close to the central theme – Shortlist this option
2. The author ’s conclusion concerning x
After we have shortlisted Options 3 and 5,
would be most seriously undermined if
look for Title that covers all the paragraph
summaries (P1, P2, P3 and P4). Option E is the 3. Which of the following, if true, would most
appropriate title. weaken the explanation of × provided in the
passage.
16 PPC Volume – I
 8. QUESTIONS BASED ON INFERENCES • The passage suggests which of the following
about x
Inferences means using information that is
• The author implies that x occurred because
stated in a passage to draw a conclusion which
is not stated. For example, “The furry animal • The author implies that all of the following
statements about x are true EXCEPT
sat in her master’s lap, purring contently.” You
might conclude that the “furry animal” is a cat, How to Identify Correct Answer
given the information and that would be an The correct answer to these questions is
inference. usually an obvious logical consequence of a
sentence in the text. The logical consequence will
Inference questions are often prefaced by “the
be extremely clear. The difficulty in these
passage implies” or “the author implies”, where questions resides in finding the specific sentence
“suggests” is sometimes substituted. in the passage that provides the premise for the
In some ways, inference and supporting idea conclusion in the correct answer. Stay away
questions are similar. They both require you to from answer choices that do not directly and
stick closely to the text and rely on specific facts. closely follow from a statement in the passage,
However, inference questions tend to go a tad even if this statement seems plausible based
further and ask you to make a very small logical upon the general idea of the passage or
conclusion that is strongly implied based upon commonly accepted knowledge.
information in the passage. Answer choices that Some of the questions following the passages
require significant assumptions or inferences ask you to make inferences from the passages. To
will NEVER be correct. In inference questions, infer means to arrive at a conclusion by reasoning
the answer lies directly in the text and requires from evidence. Synonyms for infer are deduce, judge,
a very small logical step (e.g., if the text says or conclude. If you are told to infer something from a
that “all the cups in the room are red”, an passage, you are basically asked what conclusions
inference would be that “there are no green cups can be drawn from the content of the story. If you
in the room”). replace the word infer with conclude in a question,
it may make more sense to you.
In other ways, inference and application
questions are similar. They both require you to EXAMPLE – 1
draw a conclusion, albeit a very small one, The use of desktop computer equipment and
based upon what the passage states explicitly. software to create high quality documents such
However, the inference question type asks for an as newsletters, business cards, letterheads and
answer that is often a near paraphrase of a fact brochures is called Desktop Publishing, or DTP.
in the passage or a fact that the information in The most important part of any DTP project is
the passage rules out (e.g., if a species of an planning. Before you begin, you should know
animal has existed for 1 million years, you can your intended audience, the message you want
infer that the animal is not new to the earth). to communicate, and what form your message
On the contrary, the application question type will take.
asks you to use the information in the passage
17. The paragraph best supports the statement
as premises and draw a conclusion that is not
that
directly addressed in the passage. In other
words, the answer to inference questions is a (a) Desktop Publishing is one way to
conclusion made in the passage while the become acquainted with a new business
answer to application questions is a conclusion audience.
that is applied outside of the passage to an idea (b) Computer software is continually being
or action. refined to produce high quality
Common Question Stems printing.
(c) The first stage of any proposed DTP
• The passage implies that which of the project should be organization and
following was true of x design.
• It can be inferred from the passage that

PPC Volume – I 17
 (d) The planning stage of any DTP project EXAMPLE – 4
should include talking with the
intended audience. Many animals hibernate during parts of the
year, entering a state that is similar to a very
EXAMPLE – 2 deep sleep. But hibernation is more than simply
The entire low­carbohydrate versus low­ a deep sleep. The animal’s body temperature
fat diet argument is so prevalent that one would drops well below its normal range, the animal
think that these are the only two options does not wake up for a long period of time, and
available for losing weight and staying healthy. its metabolism slows to the point that the
Some experts even feel that the low­carb/low­ animal does not need to eat or relieve itself
fat debate distracts us from an even more during that period. In order to prepare for
important issue—our culture’s reliance on hibernation, the animal must build up its body
processed and manufactured foods. weight and increase its body fat. This is
18. The paragraph best supports the statement important, since the animal will be living off
that its own body fat during the months of
(a) experts state that not all fats are equal, hibernation. Of course, once the period of
so we need not reduce our intake of all hibernation is over, the animal “wakes up” to
fats; just those that contain partially find itself slim and trim once again!
hydrogenated oils. 20. This passage best supports the statement that
(b) important health concerns get (a) all animals hibernate to some degree.
overlooked when we focus exclusively (b) food is scarce in the winter.
on the low­fat versus low­carb question.
(c) hibernation is very different from
(c) low­carbohydrate diets lead to normal sleep.
significant and sustained weight loss.
(d) bears hibernate every year.
(d) processed foods can lead to many
adverse health problems including QUESTIONS BASED ON EXPLICIT
heart disease, cancer, diabetes and AND IMPLICIT INFORMATION
obesity.
Such questions ask you to identify explicit/
EXAMPLE – 3 implicit information, analyze, and interpret
Today’s shopping mall has as its what is written. This is your first chance to use
antecedents historical marketplaces, such as everything you’ve learned so far. Pay special
Greek agoras, European piazzas, and Asian bazaars. attention to the details and the facts, and make
The purpose of these sites, as with the shopping a habit of trying to identify the author’s main
mall, is both economic and social. People not idea; also, try to think of the author’s motive for
only go to buy and sell wares, but also to be writing the passage. Ask the questions, “Who?
seen, catch up on news, and be part of the human What? When? Where? How? and Why?” Is the
drama. author ’s purpose to inform you of facts,
19. The paragraph best supports the statement persuade you of something, or simply to
that entertain you?
(a) modern Americans spend an average
As you read, try marking up the passages
of 15 hours a month in shopping malls.
or taking notes. The more active a reader you
(b) shopping malls serve an important
are, the more likely that you will understand
purpose in our culture.
and fully enjoy what you read.
(c) shopping malls have a social as well as
commercial function. EXPLICIT
(d) there are historical antecedents for Something that is clearly stated in a passage.
almost everything in contemporary For example, “John is not in the office because
society.
he is late for work.”

18 PPC Volume – I
 This explicitly states why John is not in the Dogs and cats should never be permitted to
office because he is late. eat chocolate, because chocolate works like a
poison in their bodies. Chocolate contains a
Have you ever heard someone sing, “Happy
chemical called theobromine, which is similar
birthday to you . . . happy birthday to you . . .”?
to caffeine. Human bodies are able to process
If so, you are hardly alone—millions of people
the theobromine without any ill side effects, but
sing that song every year, and the tune is one of
dogs and cats cannot. Different types of chocolate
the most familiar of any song in North America.
contain different amounts of theobromine. It
Ironically, it is not known who wrote it! The would take 20 ounces of milk chocolate to kill a
tune was written by two sisters, Patty and 20­pound dog, but only two ounces of baker’s
Mildred Hill, who were school teachers in the chocolate or six ounces of semisweet chocolate.
late 19th century. But their song had different The amounts, of course, are much smaller for a
words; instead of “happy birthday to you,” the cat, whose body weight is typically less than
song ran “good morning to all.” The two sisters that of a dog.
would sing this ditty to their students each
Most cats are not naturally attracted to
morning as school began.
eating chocolate, but many dogs are. Dogs by
In 1924, the tune was published in a song nature will sample nearly anything that they
book, which added the “happy birthday” lyrics see their masters eating, so pet owners must
as verse two. Today, the second verse of that take care to keep all chocolate products well out
song has become one of the best known tunes in of reach of their dogs and cats.
the world and nobody knows who wrote the 25. According to the passage, why is chocolate
words! poisonous for dogs and cats?
21. According to the passage, who wrote the (a) It contains caffeine.
tune to “Happy Birthday”?
(b) Chocolate is made from processed
(a) two priests. cocoa.
(b) Irving Berlin. (c) It gets stuck in their intestines.
(c) Patty and Mildred Hill. (d) They cannot process theobromine.
(d) It is not known. 26. How much milk chocolate would be
22. Why is it ironic that the author of the words poisonous to a cat, according to the passage?
to “Happy Birthday” is not known?
(a) substantially less than 20 ounces.
(a) because almost everyone knows the
(b) substantially more than 20 ounces.
song.
(c) approximately one pound.
(b) because it shows how unjust life can
be. (d) half a Hershey bar.
(c) because of modern copyright laws. 27. Why might a dog eat chocolate, according
to the passage?
(d) because it was published in 1924.
(a) Because it tastes good.
23. The underlined word ditty, as used in the
passage, most nearly means (b) Dogs won’t eat chocolate.
(a) silly. (b) shoe. (c) They can smell the theobromine.
(c) flower. (d) short song. (d) Dogs like to imitate their owners.
24. What happened in 1924 to make “Happy 28. What best summarizes this passage?
Birthday” famous? (a) Look before you leap.
(a) Nothing significant happened. (b) Pet food for pets, people food for people.
(b) Hitler came to power in Germany. (c) Monkey see, monkey do.
(c) The authors of the tune passed away.
(d) A penny saved is a penny earned.
(d) The tune was published in a song book
with the words as a second verse.
PPC Volume – I 19
 IMPLICIT 30. Which of the following is not true about the
Carib Indians?
Something that is implied by a passage,
(a) The sea was named after them.
though not clearly stated. For example, “John is
late for work again.” This implies that John is (b) They were peaceful fishermen, hunters
frequently late for work. and farmers.
The crystal clear, blue water and the (c) They ate human flesh.
magnificent sun make the Caribbean island of (d) They settled after defeating the Arawak
Saint Maarten a favourite vacation spot, one Indians.
that is popular with North Americans during 31. According to the passage, the Carib Indians
their winter holidays from December through were finally defeated by
March, as well as with South Americans and
(a) sickness and forced labour.
Europeans from April through August. The
(b) the more aggressive Arawak tribe.
French and Dutch settled on the island in the
1600s, and to this day, the island is divided (c) the Dutch West India Company.
between the two of them. The French capital is (d) the French explorers.
Marigot; the Dutch capital is Philipsburg. 32. One can infer from the passage that the
Tourists soon discover that St. Maarten has an underlined word strife means
intriguing history.
(a) cannibalism. (b) war.
Ancient artifacts found on the island date
(c) duty free. (d) chief.
back to the Stone Age, 6,000 years ago! Tourists
also learn that 1,200 years ago the Arawak. 33. According to the article, present­day St.
Maarten
Indians inhabited all the islands of the West
Indies and were a peaceful people living under (a) belongs to the Spanish.
the guidance of their chiefs. Three hundred (b) is independent.
years after the Arawaks first arrived on St. (c) is shared by the French and the Dutch.
Maarten, in the 1300s, they were defeated and (d) is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
forced to abandon the island by a hostile tribe
A metaphor is a poetic device that deals with
of Indians originating in South America. This
comparison. It compares similar qualities of two
new tribe was called the Carib. The Caribbean
dissimilar objects. With a simple metaphor, one
Sea was named after them. Unlike the Arawaks,
they had no permanent chiefs or leaders, except object becomes the other: Love is a rose. Although
in times of strife. And they were extremely this does not sound like a particularly rich
warlike. Worse, they were cannibalistic, eating image, a metaphor can communicate so much
the enemy warriors they captured. In fact, the about a particular image that poets use them
very word cannibal comes from the Spanish more than any other type of figurative language.
name for the Carib Indians. The Spanish arrived The reason for this is that poets compose their
in the fifteenth century and, unfortunately, they poetry to express what they are experiencing
carried diseases to which the Indians had no emotionally at that moment. Consequently,
immunity. Many Indians succumbed to what the poet imagines love to be may or may
common European illnesses; others died from not be our perception of love. Therefore, the
the hard labour forced upon them. poet’s job is to enable us to experience it, to feel it
29. One can infer from the passage that the the same way that the poet does. We should be
Stone Age people lived on St. Maarten able to nod in agreement and say, “Yes, that’s it!
around the year I understand precisely where this person is
(a) 6000 b.c. (b) 4000 b.c. coming from." Let’s analyze this remarkably
(c) 800 a.d. (d) 1300 a.d. unsophisticated metaphor concerning love and

20 PPC Volume – I
the rose to see what it offers. Because the poet 36. According to the passage, thorns
uses a comparison with a rose, first we must (a) protect the rose from harm.
examine the characteristics of that flower. A rose
(b) reduce the ability to love another.
is spectacular in its beauty, its petals are velvety
(c) add a new element to the image of love.
soft, and its aroma is soothing and pleasing. It’s
possible to say that a rose is actually a veritable (d) are just more images to compare to a
rose.
feast to the senses: the visual, the tactile, and
the aural [more commonly known as the senses 37. It can be inferred that the true meaning of
of sight, touch and sound]. The rose’s the love is a rose metaphor is that
appearance seems to border on perfection, each (a) love is a true joy.
petal seemingly symmetrical in form. Isn’t this (b) love comes only once in a lifetime.
the way one’s love should be? A loved one should (c) love is never permanent.
be a delight to one’s senses and seem perfect. (d) love is a combination of good and bad
However, there is another dimension added to experiences.
the comparison by using a rose. Roses have
38. According to the passage, the poet’s intention is
thorns. This is the comprehensive image the
(a) to release anger.
poet wants to communicate; otherwise, a daisy
or a mum would have been presented to the (b) to announce heartache.
audience as the ultimate representation of (c) to enable you to experience the poet’s
love—but the poet didn’t, instead conveying the point of view.
idea that roses can be treacherous. So can love, (d) to reward the senses.
the metaphor tells us. When one reaches out
with absolute trust to touch the object of his or ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
her affection, ouch, a thorn can cause great 1. (c) To be outmoded is to be old­fashioned or
harm! “Be careful,” the metaphor admonishes: out­of­date. The designer window
Love is a feast to the senses, but it can overwhelm treatments may also be unnecessary,
us, and it can also hurt us. It can prick us and pointless, or even worthless. However, the
cause acute suffering. This is the poet’s key to the meaning is the context—that is,
perception of love—an admonition. the phrase installed 17 years ago.
2. (c) Something that is covert is hidden. It is
What is the point? Just this : It took almost 14
related to the word cover; something
sentences to clarify what a simple metaphor
covert is covered from view.
communicates in only five words! That is the
3. (c) It means a feeling of fear that causes you
artistry and the joy of the simple metaphor.
to hesitate because you think
34. The main idea of this passage is something bad or unpleasant is going
(a) poetic devices are necessary for poets. to happen.
(b) poetry must never cater to the senses. 4. (a) Something blatant is done openly and
boldly; it is obvious, out in the open,
(c) always use words that create one undisguised.
specific image.
5. (b) Butter covers bread; paint covers wood.
(d) the metaphor is a great poetic device. 6. (a) A group of fish is called a school; a group
35. It can be inferred that a metaphor is of wolves is called a
(a) a type of figurative language. 7. (c) Stretch and extend are synonyms; shake
and tremble are synonyms.
(b) the only poetic device.
8. (c) A shield protects from arrows; an
(c) not precise enough.
umbrella protects from rain drops.
(d) a type of flower in a poem.
PPC Volume – I 21
9. (e) Starving is an intensification of hungry; 15. (c) The mention of all the amazing things
depressed is an intensification of sad. the brain is capable of, is directly
10. (d) This answer is implied by the whole relevant to its being mysterious and
paragraph. The author stresses the need complex. The other choices are less
to read critically by performing relevant.
operations on the text in a slow and 16. (d) The mention that searching for spices
specific manner. Choice a is incorrect have changed the course of history, and
because the author never says that that for spices, nations have gone to war,
reading is dull. Choices b, c, and e are implies that the subject of the
not supported by the paragraph. paragraph is history. These phrases
11. (a) The support for this choice is in the also connote danger and intrigue.
second sentence, which states that in
17. (c) Sentence 3 indicates the importance of
some countries, toxic insecticides are
organization and design. The other
still legal. Choice b is incorrect because
choices, even if true, are not in the
even though polar regions are
passage.
mentioned in the paragraph, there is no
support for the idea that warmer 18. (b) Both sentences in this passage support
regions are not just as affected. There is the idea that the emphasis on the low­
no support for choice c. Choice d can be carb/low­fat debate is misleading and
ruled out because there is nothing to might distract us from other important
indicate that DDT and toxaphene are the ideas.The other choices are not
most toxic. Choice is illogical. supported by or developed in this
12. (a) The second and third sentence combine passage.
to give support to choice a. The
19. (c) Choice b may seem attractive at first,
statement stresses that there must be a
judge’s approval (i.e., legal but the passage doesn’t offer the
authorization) before a search can be opinion that the purpose of the
conducted. Choices b and d are wrong shopping mall is important, it simply
because it is not enough for the police to tells us what the purposes are.
have direct evidence or a reasonable 20. (d) The second paragraph states that an
belief a judge must authorize the search animal prepares for hibernation by
for it to be legal. Choices c and e are not increasing its body weight and fat. The
mentioned in the passage.
reader can infer from this that the
13. (e) This answer is clearly stated in the last animal eats more food than usual.
sentence of the paragraph. Choice a can
be ruled out because there is no support 21. (c) The passage states that the author of
to show that studying math is the words is unknown, but the authors
dangerous. Words are not mentioned of the tune were the Hill sisters.
in the passage, which rules out choice 22. (a) Something is ironic if the result is the
b. There is no support for choice c. opposite of what one would expect. It is
Choice d is a contradiction to the ironic that nobody knows who wrote
information in the passage. this song because almost everyone
14. (d) The passage addresses the fact that a knows the song it self we would expect
red filter could remove some blue light that author to be famous, too.
in black and white photography, so
choice d is best. No mention is made of 23. (d) The word ditty refers to a short song.
infrared light or of the popularity of 24. (d) The passages states that the Hill sisters’
black and white photography, and song was published in 1924, and the
choice e is the exact opposite of what words “happy birthday” were added
the passage states. as a second verse.

22 PPC Volume – I
25. (d) The first paragraph states that 33. (c) Present­day St. Maarten belongs to the
chocolate contains theobromine, which French and the Dutch. Choices b and d
cats and dogs cannot process. It also have no support in the passage. Choice
says that theobromine is “similar to a is incorrect. The Spanish are only
caffeine,” but not that chocolate mentioned in the passage in
contains caffeine. conjunction with the Indians.
26. (a) This question requires you to make 34. (d) The idea of the passage is to convince
some inferences. The passage states that the reader that the metaphor is a
20 ounces of milk chocolate can kill a wonderful poetic device. None of the
20­pound dog; it also states that cats other choices are approached in the
can be harmed by smaller amounts passage.
than dogs. Therefore, a cat could be 35. (a) The first paragraph clearly states that
poisoned by less than 20 ounces of milk poets use metaphors more than any
chocolate. other type of figurative language,
27. (d) The final paragraph states that dogs thereby inferring that a metaphor is a
type of figurative language. Choice b is
like to eat whatever they see their
incorrect since the phrase other type of
owners eating. This is a form of
figurative language is clearly stated.
imitation.
Choice c is not supported in the passage.
28. (b) The passage mentions that humans can Choice d is incorrect; review the
eat chocolate safely, but cats and dogs definition of a metaphor in the first and
cannot. Therefore, one might apply second lines of the passage.
choice b to the topic. 36. (c) This detail is presented in the second
29. (b) Six thousand years ago must account paragraph. This links thorns with the
for over 2,000 years after the birth of idea of adding another dimension to the
Christ, and that leaves almost 4,000 image of love. Choices a and b are not
years in the b.c. era. All other choices supported in the passage. Choice d is
are incorrect math. incorrect because thorns are not being
compared to a rose.
30. (b) The Carib were not in any way described
as peaceful but rather, hostile people. 37. (d) The explanation of the line details how
Therefore, this answer is the exception. All love can be wonderful and yet, with the
other choices are descriptive of the Caribs introduction of the thorn imagery, it
and are explicit in the passage. also presents the danger of love. Choices
b and c are not mentioned in the
31. (a) The last two lines of the passage directly passage. Choice a only deals with the
state what defeated the Caribs. Choice idea of joy, disregarding the thorn/
b is incorrect since the Arawaks were danger aspect.
defeated by the Carib, and neither the
38. (c) This specific detail can be found in
Dutch nor the French were mentioned
paragraph 1: “ poets compose their best
in the role of conquerors.
poetry to express what they are
32. (b) Strife means war. Choice c refers to the experiencing emotionally at that
products one can buy on the modern moment.” Choices a and b are incorrect
St. Maarten. Choice d makes no sense because they each deal with only one
since the time of strife is when the tribe reason for a poet to write. Choice d is
allowed a chief to be chosen. Choice a is incorrect since the only discussion of
not mentioned in conjunction with the senses dealt with the specific
being warlike or with strife; it is added metaphor that was used as an example.
as another characteristic.

PPC Volume – I 23
 CSAT
Questions asked in CSAT Paper-II 2013 about fifteen kilometres away on the other side
of the hills. There we felt that we would find a
PASSAGE - 1 bed for the night. Darkness fell soon after we left
the village, but luckily we met no one as we drove
Seven­year­old Jim came home from the
swiftly (rsth ls) along the narrow (ladh.kZ) winding
park without his new bicycle. “An old man and
road that led to the hills. As we climbed higher, it
a little boy borrowed (m/kj ysuk) it," he explained.
became colder and rain began to fall, making it
“They are going to bring it back at four o’clock."
difficult at times to see the road. I asked John, my
His parents were upset that he had given his
expensive new bicycle, but were secretly proud companion (lkFkh) , to drive more slowly. After we
had travelled for about twenty kilometres, there
of his kindness (n;kyqrk)and faith. Came four
was still no sign of the town which was marked
o’clock, no bicycle. The parents were anxious
on the map. We were beginning to get worried.
(fpafrr). But at 4:30, the door bell rang, and there
Then without warning, the car stopped and we
stood a happy man and a boy, with the bicycle
found we had run out of ([+kRe gks tkuk) petrol.
and a box of chocolates. Jim suddenly
disappeared (xk;c gks x;k)into his bedroom, and 1. The author asked John to drive more slowly
then came running out. “All right,” he said, after because
examining (fujh{k.k djuk) the bicycle. “You can (a) the road led to the hills.
have your watch back!” (b) John was an inexperienced driver.
1. When Jim came home without his bicycle, (c) the road was not clearly visible.
his parents
(d) they were in wilderness.
(a) were angry with him.
2. The travellers set out for the town although
(b) were worried. it was getting dark because
(c) did not feel concerned. (a) they were in a hurry.
(d) were eager to meet the old man and (b) the next town was a short distance
the little boy. away and was a hill­resort.
2. Jim returned the watch to the old man and (c) they were in wilderness.
the little boy because
(d) the next town was a short distance
(a) they gave him chocolates. away and promised a good rest for the
(b) his father was proud of him. night.
(c) he was satisfied with the condition of 3. The travellers were worried after twenty
his bicycle. kilometres because
(d) they were late only by 30 minutes. (a) it was a lonely countryside.
PASSAGE - 2 (b) they probably feared of having lost their way.
It was already late when we set out for the (c) the rain began to fall.
next town, which according to the map was (d) it was getting colder as they drove.

24 PPC Volume – I
 PASSAGE - 3 Years in Tibet’, by the Theosophical (czãfo|k)
Society. It is one of the great travel books of the
A stout (iDdk] etcwr)old lady was walking
world, and, so far as I am aware, the most
with her basket down the middle of a street in
Petrograd to the great confusion of the traffic interesting book on Tibet which no European
traveller could possibly have had. He attended
and no small peril ([krjk) to herself. It was
the University of Lhasa, he enjoyed the
pointed out to her that the pavement (iSny ;k=kh
ds fy, jkLrk)was the place for foot­passengers, acquaintance (igpku) of Dalai Lama himself, he
but she replied, “I’ m going to walk where I like. was intimate (lqifjfpr] ?kfu"B nksLrh) with one of
We’ve got liberty now.” It did not occur to the the four Ministers of Finance, he was the
dear lady that if liberty (Lora=krk)
entitled the foot­ conditions of Tibetans from the highest class to
passenger to walk down the middle of the road the lowest­ the despicable— (?k`.kuh;) caste
it also entitled the taxi­driver to drive on the smiths (yqgkj) and butchers (dlkbZ) . He knew his
pavement, and that the end of such liberty Tibet intimately, for those three years, indeed,
would be universal chaos(vO;oLFkk ] confusion & he was for all practical purposes a Tibetan. This
disorder ) . Everything would be getting in is something which no European explorer
everybody else’s way and nobody would get (vUos"kd) can claim (nkok djuk) , and it is this which
anywhere. Individual liberty would have gives Kawaguchi’s book its unique interest.
become social anarchy (vjktdrk) . 1. Who was Kawaguchi?
1. It was pointed out to the lady that she should (a) a Chinese monk.
walk on the pavement because she was (b) a Chinese traveller.
(a) a pedestrian. (b) carrying a basket. (c) a Japanese monk.
(c) stout. (d) an old lady. (d) a Japanese traveller
2. The lady refused to move from the middle of 2. ‘Three Years in Tibet’ is
the street because
(a) a travel book. (b) an abventure book.
(a) she was not.
(c) a short story. (d) a novel.
(b) she felt that she is entitled to do
whatever she liked. 3. The despised castes in Tibet were
(a) Smiths and butchers.
(c) she did not like walking on the
pavement. (b) Sweepers and butchers.
(d) she was confused. (c) Shoemakers and sweepers.
3. The old lady failed to realise that (d) Shoemakers and butchers.

(a) she was not really free. Answer

(b) her liberty was not unlimited. 1 . 1. (b) 2. (c)

2 . 1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (b)
(c) she was an old person.
3 . 1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (b)
(d) roads are made for motor vehicles only.
4 . 1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (a)
UPPSC - 2013
Questions asked in CSAT Paper-II 2012
PASSAGE - 4
PASSAGE - 1
My informantion about the Tibetan
civilization (lH;rk) is a certain Japanese monk For fourteen and a half months, I lived in my
little cell room in the Dehradun jail, and I began
of the name of Kawaguchi, who spent three years
to feel as if I was the part of it. I was familiar
in Tibet at the beginning of the twentieth century.
with (ifjfpr gksuk) every mark and dent on (xM~<k
His account of the experience has been translated
into English and published with the title; Three
cukuk] [kjksp yxkuk)the white washed walls and on
the uneven floor and the ceilling with it’s
PPC Volume – I 25
motheaten (dhM+ksa }kjk u"V fd;k gqvk)
rafters (beams 1. What does the expression “pitching the
that support a roof). In the little yard outside I highest camp” imply?
greeted little tufts (>q.M] xqPNk)of grass and odd (a) They reached the summit of the highest
bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my mountain in the world.
cell, for several colonies of wasp (rrS;k] fHkM) and
Z (b) Those who climbed that far earlier did
hornets (rst Mad ekjus okyk fHkMZ) lived there. and not pitch any camp.
many lizards found a home behind the rafters, (c) So far nobody climbed that high.
emerging in the evenings in search of prey. (d) They were too many climbers and
1. Which of the following explains best the needed to pitch a big camp.
sentence in the passage "I was almost a part 2. They took a long time to finish the work
of it?" because:
(a) I was not alone in the cell. (a) They were very tired.
(b) I was familiar with every bit of the cell. (b) There was not enough air to breathe
(c) I greeted little tufts of grass like old (c) It was very cold
friends. (d) It was very dark
(d) I felt quite at home in the cell. 3. When they crawled into the tent
2. The passage attempts to describe (a) They took off their gloves because it was
(a) the general conditions of the country’s not very cold
jails (b) They could not take off their gloves
(b) the prisoner ’s capacity to notice the because it was very cold.
minute details of his surroundings (c) They took of their gloves though it was
(c) the prisoner’s conscious efforts to over ­ very cold.
come the loneliness (d) They did not take off their gloves though
(d) the prisoner ’s ability to live happily it was not very cold.
with other creatures PASSAGE - 3
3. The author of a passage seems to suggest A local man, staying on the top of the floor of
that an old wooden house, was awakened (tkx x;k)
(a) it is possible to abjust oneself to at midnight by fire. Losing his way in the smoke­
uncogenial surroundings filled passage, he missed the stairway (lh<+h] ”khuk)
(b) the conditions in Indian prisons are and went into another room. He picked (mBkuk) a
not bad bundle to protect his face from fire and immedi­
(c) it is not difficult to spend one’s time in a ately fell through the floor below where he man­
prison aged to escape (cp dj fudy tkuk) through a clear
doorway. The “bundle” proved to be the baby of
(d) there is a need to improve the
the Mayor’s wife. The “hero” was congratulated.
conditions in our jails
1. The man went to another room because
PASSAGE - 2 (a) He did not know where the stairway was
We started pitching (iM+ko yxkuk] Msjk Mkyuk) (b) The passage was full of smoke
the highest camp that has been ever made. Ev­ (c) He was extremely nervous
erything took five times as long as it would have
(d) He stumbled on bundle
taken in the place where there was and when
2. The man was called hero because
we crawled (jsaxk) in, it was not too bad. There
was only a light wind and inside it was not too (a) Expressed his willingness to risk his life
to save others
cold for us to take off (mrkjuk)their boots; but I
prefer to keep them on. Hilary, on the other hand (b) Managed to escape from fire
took his off and lain them next to his sleeping (c) Showed great courage in fighting the fire.
bag. (d) Saved a life.

26 PPC Volume – I
 Answer rible (Hk;kud)idea occurred to me Had I packed
1. 1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (a) my toothbrush ? I don’t know how it is, but I
never do know whether I’ve packed my tooth­
2 . 1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (a) brush.
3 . 1. (b) 2. (d) My toothbrush is a thing that haunts (Mjkuk)
me when I’m travelling, and makes my life a
Questions asked in CSAT Paper-II 2011
misery (nq%[k] rdyhiQ) , I dream that haven’t packed
PASSAGE - 1 it, and wake up in a cool perspiration (ilhuk),
He walked several miles that day but could and get out of bed and hunt for it. And, in the
not get anything to eat or drink except some dry morning, I pack it before I have used it, and it is
bread and some water, which he got from cot­ always the last thing I turn out of the bag; and
tagers (dqfV;k esa jgus okys) and farmers. As night then repack and forget it, and have to rush up­
fell, he slept under a haystack (?kkl dk vackj) ly­ stairs for it at the last moment and carry it to
ing in a meadow (pjkxkg) . He felt frightened the railway station, wrapped (yisVk)up in my
(Hk;Hkhr) at first, for the wind blew awfully (cgqr pocket­handkerchief.
T;knk] csdkj <+ax ls)the empty fields. He felt
over 1. When he was going to close the bag, the
cold and hungry, and was feeling more lonely idea that occurred to him was
than he had ever felt before. He however, soon (a) unpleasant (b) sad
fell asleep, being much tired with his long walk. (c) fantastic (d) amusing
When he got up next day, he was feeling terribly 2. What makes his life miserable whenever
(Hk;kudrk ls)hungry so he purchased a loaf of he undertakes travelling?
bread with a few coins that he had.
(a) Going to railway station
1. When the night fell, he slept (b) Forgetting the toothbrush
(a) in the open field (c) Packing his bag
(b) under a pile of dry grass (d) Bad dreams
(c) in a farmer’s cottage 3. His toothbrush is finally
(d) under a tree (a) in his bag
2. He soon fell asleep because (b) in his bed
(a) he was exhausted (c) in his handkerchief
(b) he was all alone (d) lost
(c) he had not slept for days PASSAGE - 3
(d) he was very frightened In spring, polar bear mothers emerge from
dens (xgu) with three month old cubs. The mother
3. With reference to the passage, consider the
following statements: bear has fasted (miokl fd;k] Hkw[kkfor jgk)
as long as
eight months but that does not stop the young
1. He was walking through the countryside,
from demanding full access (igq¡p)to her remain­
2. The cottagers and farmers gave him ing reserves (fuf/) . If there are triplets(rhu dk lewg),
enough food so that he could sleep at
the most persistent (lrr] LFkk;h] yxkrkj) stands to
night without feeling hungry.
gain an extra meal and it may have the meal at
Which of the statements given above is/are the expense of others. The smallest of the litter
correct? (xanxh)forfeits (”kCr dh xbZ oLrq) many meals to
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only stronger siblings (tq¡Mok] lgksnj) . Females are pro­
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 tective of their cubs but tend to ignore family
rivalry (nq'euh)over food. In 21 years of photo­
PASSAGE - 2
graphing polar bears, I’ve only once seen the
I opened the bag and packed the boots in;
smallest of triplets survive till autumn.
and then, just as I was going to close it, a hor­
PPC Volume – I 27
1. Female polar bears give birth during 2. Polar bears always give birth to
(a) spring (b) summer triplets.
(c) autumn (d) winter Which of the assumptions given above is/
are valid?
2. Mother bear
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) takes sides over cubs
(b) lets the cubs fend for themselves (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) feeds only their favourites Answer
(d) see that all cubs get an equal share 1 . 1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (a)
3. With reference to the passage, the 2 . 1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (c)
following assumptions have been made :
1. Polar bears fast as long as eight 3 . 1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (d)
months due to non­availability prey.

IBPS
PASSAGE – 01 and aid workers turned their attention to the
Government have traditionally (ijaijkxr rjhds poor’s other pressing needs (vR;ko';d t:jrsa) ,
ls) equated (cjkcj ekuuk] tksM+uk)
economic progress such as health care and education. Farming got
with steel mills and cement factories. While starved (Hkw[kk jgk) of resources and investment.
urban centres thrive (iQyuk&iwQyuk] rsth ls c<+uk) By 2004, aid directed at agriculture sank to 3.5%
and city dwellers (jgus okys)get rich, hundreds and “Agriculture lost its glitter.” Also, as
of millions of farmers remain mired (iQalkuk] iQalkconsumers in high­growth giants such as China
jguk] xank dj ysuk) in poverty. However, fears of and India became wealthier, they began eating
food shortages, a rethinking of anti­poverty more meat, so grain once used for human
priorities and the crushing recession in 2008 are consumption got diverted to beef up livestock.
sausing a dramatic shift in world economic By early 2008, panicked (Hk;Hkhr] ?kcjk;k gqvk)
policy in favour of greater support for buying by importing countries and restrictions
agriculture. slapped on (iVd nsuk] FkIiM+ ekjuk) grain exports
The last time when the world’s farmers felt by some big producers helped drive prices up
such love was in the 1970s. At that time, as food to heights not seen for three decades. Making
prices spiked (dkaVsnkj), there was real concern matters worse, land and resources got
that the world was facing a crisis in which the reallocated to produce cash crops such as bio
planet was simply unable to produce enough fuels and the result was that voluminous (Hkkjh
grain and meat for an expanding (c<+rs gq,) Hkjde) reserves of grain evaporated (okf"ir).
population. Governments across the developing Protests broke out across the emerging world
world and international aid organisation and fierce (v fr Ø wj ) food riots toppled
plowed ([ksr tksrk)investment into agriculture governments.
in the early 1970s, while technological This spurred (izsfjr djuk)global leaders into
breakthroughs (egRoiw.kZ [kkst], like
Hksnu)
high­yield action. This made them aware that food secu­
strains of important food crops, boosted rity is one of the fundamental issues in the world
production. The result was the Green that has to be death with in order to maintain
Revolution and food production exploded administrative and political stability. This also
(foLiQksV)
. spurred the US, which traditionally provisioned
But the Green Revolution became a victim food aid from American grain surpluses to help
of its own success. Food prices plunged (,dk,d needy nations, to move towards investing in
de gksuk] Mwc tkuk)by some 60% by the late 1980s farm sectors around the globe to boost produc­
from their peak in the mid­1970s. Policy­makers tivity. This move helped countries become more

28 PPC Volume – I
productivity. This move helped countries be­ 2. Which of the following is an adverse impact
come more productive for themselves and be in of the Green Revolution?
a better position to feed their own people. (a) Unchecked crop yields resulted in large
Africa, which missed out on the first Green tracts of land becoming barren.
Revolution due to poor policy and limited re­ (b) Withdrawal of fiscal impetus from
sources, also witnessed a ‘change’ Swayed agriculture to of land becoming barren.
(>qdkuk] izHkkfor djuk)
by the success of East Asia; (c) Farmers began soliciting government
the primary poverty­fighting method favoured subsidies for their produce.
by many policy­markers in Africa was to get
(d) Farmers rioted as food prices fell so low
farmers off their farms and into modern jobs in
that they could not make ends meet.
factories and urban centres. But that strategy
proved to be highly insufficient. Income levels (e) None of these.
in the countryside badly trailed (ihNk djuk)those 3. What is the author trying to convey through
in cities while the FAO estimated that the num­ the phrase “making the government’s 7%
ber of poor going hungry in 2009 reached an all­ GDP growth target look ‘a bit rich’?"
time high at more tham one billion. In India, on (a) India is unlikely to achieve the targeted
the other hand, with only 40% of its farmland growth rate.
irrigated, entire economic boom currently un­ (b) Allocation of funds to agriculture has
derway is held hostage (ca/d) by the unpre­ raised India’s GDP and such growth is
dictable monsoon. With much of India’s farm­ not real.
ing areas suffering from drought this year, the (c) Agricultural growth has artificially
government will have a tough time meeting its inflated India’s GDP and such growth
economic growth targets. In a report, Goldman has artificially inflated India’s GDP and
Sachs predicted that if this year too receives such growth is not real.
weak rains, it could cause agriculture to con­ (d) India is likely to have one of the highest
tract by 2% this fiscal year, making the GDP growth rates.
government’s 7% GDP­growth target look “a bit (e) A large portion of India’s GDP is
rich”. Another green revolution is the need of contributed by agriculture.
the hour and to make it a reality, the global com­ 4. Which of the following factors was/were re­
munity still has much backbreaking (nq"dj] sponsible for the neglect of the farming sec­
dejrksM+)farm work to do. tor after the Green Revolution?
1. What is the author’s main objective in writ­ (A) Steel and cement sectors generated
ing the passage? more revenue for the government as
(a) Criticising developed countries for not compared to agriculture.
bolstering economic growth in poor (B) Large­scale protests against favouring
nations agriculture at the cost of other
important sectors such as education
(b) Analysing the disadvantages of the
and health care.
Green Revolution
(C) Attention of policy­markers and aid
(c) Persuading experts that a strong organisations was diverted from
economy depends on industrialisation agriculture to other sectors.
and not on agriculture (a) None (b) Only C
(d) Making a case for the international (c) Only B & C (d) Only A & B
society to engineer a second Green (e) All A, B & C
Revolution
5. What prompted leaders throughout the
(e) Rationalising the faulty agriculture world to take action to boost the agriculture
policies of emerging countries sector in 2008?

PPC Volume – I 29
 (a) Coercive tactics by the US which the lottery class, people with little access to fi­
restricted food aid to poor nations nancial planning but plenty of access to payday
(b) The realisation of the link between food lenders, credit cards and lottery agents.
security and political stability The loosening of financial inhibition has
(c) Awareness that performance in meant more options for the well­educated but
agriculture is necessary in order to more temptation (vkd"kZ.k) and chaos for the
achieve the targeted GDP most vulnerable. Social norms, the invisible
(d) Reports that high­growth countries like threads that guide behaviour, have deteriorated.
China and India were boosting their Over the past years, people have been more so­
agriculture sectors to capture the cially conscious about protecting the environ­
international markets ment and inhaling ([khpuk] ihuk) tobacco. They
(e) Their desire to influence developing have become less socially conscious about
nations to slow down their industrial money and debt.
development.
The agents of destruction are many and State
PASSAGE – 02 governments have also played a role. They hawk
When wealth came into existence, a moral (ckt] fgald O;fDr) their lottery products with
structure was made around money. The Puri­ aggression (vigj.k] vk?kkr) , which some people
tan legacy inhibited luxury and self­indulgence call a tax on stupidity. Twenty per cent of the
(vla;e] HkksxfjDr)
. Thoughtful people spread a prac­ world’s population consists of frequent players,
tical gospel (fl¼kUr] lR;rk)that in hard work, spending about $60 billion a year. Aside from
temperance and frugality and the result was the financial toll (?kaVh dh vkokt] ,dj)
the moral
quite remarkable. toll is comprehensive (pkSM+k] foLr`r] .O;kid) Here
is the Government, the guardian of order, telling
The world has been affluent (le`¼] /uh) since
people that they don’t have to work to build for
its founding. But it was, by large, not corrupted
the future. They can strike it rich for nothing.
by wealth. For centuries, it remained industri­
Payday lenders have also played a role.
ous, ambitious and frugal. Over the past 30 years,
They seductively (yqHkkrs gq,] dkeqdrk ls)fast
offer
much of that has been shredded. The social
cash at absurd (csrqdk] vlaxr)interest rates to 15
norms and institutions that encouraged frugal­
million people every month. Credit card com­
ity and spending what you earn have been un­
panies have played a role. Instead of targeting
dermined. The institutions that encourage debt
the financially as true, who pay off their debts,
and living for the moment have been strength­ they have found that they can make money off
ened. The moral guardians are forever looking the young and vulnerable. Fifty­six per cent of
for decadence (voufr) out of movies and reality students in their final year of college carry four
shows. But the most rampant (O;kIr] rsth ls iSQyus or more credit cards.
okyk)decadence today is financial decadence, the The nation’s leaders have played a role as
trampling (dqpyuk)of decent norms (ekud] vkn'kZ]they have always had an incentive to shove (/
dlkSVh ftUnxh dh) about how to use and harness Ddk] jsyk] Mkyuk) costs for current promises on to
(lkt] thu] ?kksM+kas dk lkt&leku)
money. the backs of future generations. It has only now
The deterioration of financial traditions has become respectable to do so. The market itself
meant two things. First, it has meant an explo- has played a role. Software stalwarts (cfy"B)
sion (foLiQksV) of debt that inhibits social mobil­ built socially useful products to make their for­
ity and ruins lives. Second, the transformation tune.
has led to a stark (fcYdqy] iwjh rjg) financial po- But what message do the salary packages
larization (/zqohdj.k] dsUnzh;dj.k)
. On the one hand, that their top managers get send across the coun­
there is what is called an investor class. It has try when they ignore millions of fellow country­
tax­deferred savings plans, as well as an army men who suffer from poverty, malnutrition or
of financial advisers. On the other hand, there is hunger? Austerity has become a thing of the past.

30 PPC Volume – I
The list could go on. But there could be some 3. Which of the following can be the most ap­
recommendations. First, raise public conscious­ propriate title for the given passage?
ness about debt the way the anti­smoking activ­ (a) The debt culture and government
ists did with their campaign. Second, create insti­ initiatives to curtail it.
tutions that encourage thrift. Foundations and re­
(b) Breaking social barriers taking the route
ligious institutions could issue short­term loans
of financial indulgence.
to cut into the ‘payday lenders’ business. Colleges
could reduce credit card advertising on campus. (c) Accumulation of debt a lesson for the
The tax code should tax consumption, not income. future generations.
But the most important thing is to shift val­ (d) Effect of ‘consumerism’ on the world
ues. The ‘wise’ made it prestigious to embrace market
(viukuk] xys yxkuk) certain middle­class virtues. (e) Lack of perseverance for saving money
Now it’s socially acceptable to undermine those in India.
virtues. It is considered normal to play the debt 4. Which of the following, according to the au­
gave and imagine that decisions made today will thor, has/have been responsible for the en­
have no consequences in the future. couragement of culture of debt in the soci­
1. What does the author mean by the phrase ety lately?
'the transformation has led to a stark finan­ (A) The changing lifestyle which makes it
cial polarization’, as used in the passage? impossible for a common man to sustain
(a) The deterioration of social norms has himself without debts and loans.
benefitted only the wealthy and the
knowledgeable while the vulnerable (B) Breaking down of moral institutions
class of people has fallen into a debt trap. which supported economic prudence.
(b) Since moral inhibitions no longer exist, (C) Provision for easy availability of loans
the debt agents provide loans only to to every section of the society regardless
the affluent class, thus widening the gap of their ability to repay these.
between the rich and the poor. (a) Only A (b) Only B
(c) The debt culture is being utilized as a (c) Both A and C (d) Both B and C
measure to draw money from the
(e) None of these
wealthy class by credit card companies.
5. The author of the given passage seems to be
(d) Both 1 and 2
definitely
(e) None of these.
2. Which of the following is true in the context (a) Suggesting that the agents of debt be
of the passage? banned from the society.
(a) Ever since its existence, existence, money (b) Unaware of the benefits associated with
has ruined lives owing to lack of the easy availability of loans these days.
awareness among people regarding its (c) In favour of bringing back the financial
unrestricted usage. restrictions once imposed by the
(b) Government has taken many initiatives society.
to control the rampant money­lending (d) Not supportive of campaigns related to
business to protect vulnerable sections anti­tobacco and saving environment.
of the society. (e) None of these.
(c) Governments throughout the world
6. Why does the author of the given passage
have been putting tax on the amount of
seem to be displeased with the software stal­
consumption of an individual rather
warts?
than on his/her income.
(d) Credit card companies are discreet (a) They make fortune out of the products
enough to provide credit cards to only which are barely socially useful.
those people who guarantee repaying (b) They have been drawing colossal
money in the future. salaries and turn a blind eye towards
(e) None is true. the needs of fellow countrymen.

PPC Volume – I 31
 (c) They are directly resposnsible of the ....................................... many state
hunger, malnutrition and poverty governments have been encouraging people
among their fellow countrymen. to invest their money in lottery.
(d) They have promoted the culture of debt (a) Despite the fact that lottery generates
among various sections of society. substantial revenue.
(e) None of these. (b) Since it has the potential to ruin lives of
7. Which of the following suggestions have millions of people.
been made by the author in order to check (c) Instead of educating people against
the culture promoting debts? risky financial indulgence.
(A) Putting a ban on the companies (d) Since only one­fifth of the total world’s
providing credit cards population invests frequently in lottery.
indiscriminately (e) None of these.
(B) Taking the help of informal institutions Choose the word/group of words which is
to limit the business of money­lending most similar in meaning to the word/phrase
by payday lenders printed in bold as used in the passage.
(C) Raising public awareness about
10. THRIFT
negative effects of injudicious
(a) Compassion (b) Prudence
borrowing of money.
(D) Taking action against governments (c) Pleasure (d) Acceptance
which have been allowing lottery in (e) Desire
their states 11. STRIKE
(a) Only A and C (b) Only D (a) Smash (b) Reveal
(c) Only C and D (d) Only B and D
(c) Register (d) Assume
(e) None of these.
(e) Become
8. Which of following statements would weaken
the argument made by the author in the given 12. AGGRESSION
paragraph? (a) Violence (b) Hostility
(a) A newspaper article reported an (c) Offensively (d) Determination
improvement in the lifestyle of millions
(e) Belligerence
of people after loans were made easy to
avail to not only the wealthy but to all Choose the word/phrase which is most
sections of society. opposite in meaning of the word printed in
(b) A man along with his family was forced bold as used in the passage.
to live on streets after he lost all of his 13. EXPLOSION
life’s earning to buy lottery tickets.
(a) Deflation (b) Split
(c) Profit earned from credit card companies
has become an essential component in (c) Reduction (d) Simplification
the economy of a growing nation. (e) Alteration
(d) Last year’s recession was mainly due to 14. ABSURD
losses incurred by companies offering
(a) Expensive (b) Diplomatic
loans as a large number of their clients
turned out to be defaulters. (c) Consistent (d) Invariable
(e) None of these. (e) Reasonable
9. Which one of the phrases given below the 15. COMPREHENSIVE
following statement should be placed in the (a) Insignificant (b) Massive
blank space provided so as to make a mean­
ingfully correct sentence in the context of (c) Incomplete (d) Abundant
the passage? (e) Inappropriate

32 PPC Volume – I
 PASSAGE – 03 (c) Gains of richer states have been used to fund
social welfare schemes in the larger states.
In the past, the richest states often grew the
(d) Improved productivity of traditionally
fastest and the poor ones the slowest. But India’s
low­performing states.
record GDP growth of 8.49% per cent year in
the five­year period 2004­09 is a case of (e) None of these.
improved productivity and growth in 2. Which of the following best describes the
customarily poor states trickling up (/hjs&/hjs mQij author’s view of trickle­down theory?
tkuk) and aggregating into rapid growth at the (a) It ensures accountability of the
government even at the grassroots level.
national level.
(b) It has been effective in helping poor states
Nobody should call this a success of trickle­ catch up with richer ones.
down (/hjs&2 uhps vkuk) economics. Trickle­down (c) It promotes inclusive growth over quick
assumes that fast growth can be had simply by growth.
changing a few policies that benefit the rich, (d) It targets social welfare at the cost of
after which some benefits trickle­down to the economic growth.
poor. In fact, miracle growth is globally rare, (e) It has largely failed to drive sustained
precisely (fuf'pr :i ls) because it is so difficult growth.
for countries to improve the productivity of a 3. Which of the following is TRUE in the con­
text of the passage?
substantial (cgqr t:jh) proportion of the
(a) India’s growth was more inclusive in
population. Only when productivity improvement
nature during 2004­2009 than it had
is widespread is there enough productivity
been in the past.
improvement from all regions and people to add
(b) Developed countries use the same model
up fast growth. In other words, fast growth does
of development as India.
not trickle­down; it trickles up.
(c) Widespread growth is best achieved
Once a country grows fast, government through central Government­
revenues will boom, and can be used to monitored schemes.
accelerate (rs”k djuk] c<+kuk)
spending in social (d) At present India’s traditionally poor
sectors and welfare. Miracle growth and record states are more prosperous than her
revenues enabled the Central government to socially developed ones.
finance social welfare schemes, farm loan (e) There should be no government
waivers (NksM+us and okys)enormous (fo'kky) oil expenditure in social sectors if the
subsidies. This can be called the trickling down current high growth rate is not
maintained.
of part of the revenue bonanza into welfare and
4. Why have countries found it difficult to
workfare. But neither welfare nor workfare
achieve high growth?
could have caused the sharp acceleration of
(A) Ensuring an increase in the output
economic growth. The growth bonanza itself
among a large number of citizens is
was sparked by state­level political and policy
difficult.
changes that accelerated local growth, which
(B) Corruption of politicians at the
then trickled up to the national level.
grassroots level results in the benefits
1. Which of the following factors does the author of growth not reaching the poor.
attribute India’s high growth rate during 2004­ (C) The government’s failure to allocate
09? sufficient income to inclusive social
(a) Tremendous growth of the vast majority welfare schemes
of richer states. (a) Only (A) (b) Only (A) & (B)
(b) Change in national­level policies to (c) Only (B) & (C) (d) All (A), (B) & (C)
benefit only large well­off states. (e) None of these

PPC Volume – I 33
5. What is the author’s objective in writing this csgrj izn'kZu djuk)
in inflation caused by exorbi­
passage?
tant (vR;f/d) food prices has spread more
(a) Advocating greater autonomy for the widely, casting doubt over whether India can
richest states in India.
grow at 8­10 per cent in the medium term with­
(b) Urging the government to invest in out overheating.
social development to facilitate
economic growth. In India, as in many fast­growing nations,
the confidence to invest depends on the convic­
(c) criticising traditional economic
principles on which the Indian economy tion(n`<+ fo'okl)that the long term trajectory
is based. (oØ iFk) is intact (fcuk fcxM+k gqvk] v[k.M)
and it
(d) Encouraging larger states to disburse is that which is in doubt. Big Indian firms too,
more wealth at the grassroots level. sometimes, seem happier to invest abroad than
(e) None of these. at home, in deals that is often hailed (t; t;dkj
6. Which of the following is similar in mean­ djuk] iRFkj iQjlkuk)
as symbols of the country’s
ing to the word ‘ADD’ as used in the context growing clout (?kwalk)
but sometimes speak to its
of the passage? weaknesses – purchases of natural resources
(a) Aggravate (b) Result that India has in abundance but struggles to get
(c) Include (d) Compute out of the ground. In fact, a further dip in invest­
ment could be self­fulfilling: if fewer roads, ports
(e) Intensify
and factories are built, this will hurt both short­
7. Which of the following is opposite in mean­ term growth figures and reduce the economy’s
ing of the word ‘SHARP’ as used in the con­
long term capacity.
text of the passage?
There is a view that because a fair amount
(a) Blunt (b) Expected
of growth is assured the government need not
(c) Late (d) Gradual try very hard. The liberalisation that began in
(e) Indistinct 1991 freed markets for products and gave rise
PASSAGE – 4 to vibrant (mRlkgh)competition. At the same
In a reversal (mYVk gksuk] ijkt;)of the norm time what economists call factor markets, those
for basic inputs like land, power, labour etc.,
elsewhere, in India policy­makers and econo­
mists have become optimists while bosses do remains unreformed and largely under state
the worrying. The country’s economy is likely control, which creates difficulties. Clearances
to grow at a double­digit rate during the next today can take three to four years and many
20­30 years. India has the capability with its employers are keen to replace workers with ma­
vast labour and lauded (iza'klk dh)entrepreneur­ chines despite an abundance (vR;f/d] dkiQh ek=kk
ial spirit. But the private sector, which is sup­ esa)of labour force. These can be attributed to
posed to do the heavy lifting that runs India from labour laws which are inimical (gkfudkjd) to
the world’s tenth largest by 2030 has become,
employee creation and an education system that
fed up. Business people often carp (uqdrkphuh djuk)means finding quality manpower a major prob­
about India’s problems but their irritation this lem. In fact, the Planning Commission concluded
time has a nervous edge. In the first quarter of that achieving even nine per cent growth will
2011, GDP grew at an annual rate of 7.8 per cent;
need marked policy action in unreformed sec­
in 2005­07, it managed 9­10 per cent. The
tors. Twenty years ago it was said that the yard­
economy may be slowing naturally as the low
interest rates and public spending that got In­ stick (ekun.M) against which India should be
dia through the global crisis are belatedly with­ measured was its potential and it is clear that
drawn. At the same time, the surge (rsth ls c<+uk]there remains much to do.
34 PPC Volume – I
1. Why are employers reluctant to hire Indian (a) Only (A) (b) All (A), (B) & (C)
labour force? (c) Only A and C (d) Only (A) and (B)
(A) India’s labour force is overqualified for (e) None of these
the employment opportunities available. 5. Which of the following is most opposite in
(B) High attrition rate among employees meaning of the word ‘marked’ given in bold
stemming from their entrepreneurial spirit. as used in the passage?
(C) Labour laws are not conducive to (a) Decreased (b) Ignored
generating employment. (c) Clear (d) Assessed
(a) Only (C) (b) All (A), (B) & (C) (e) Imperceptible
(c) Only (A) and (C) (d) Only (A) and (B) 6. What is the author’s main objective in writ­
(e) None of these ing the passage?
2. What is the state of India’s basic input sectors at (a) Showcasing the potential of India’s
present? growth potential to entice foreign
(a) These sectors attract Foreign Direct investors.
Investment because of their vast (b) Exhorting India to implement measures
potential. to live up to its potential.
(b) These sectors are lagging as projects are (c) Recommending India’s model of
usually awarded to foreign companies. development to other developing
countries.
(c) These sectors are stagnating and badly
in need of reforms. (d) Berating the private sector for not
bidding for infrastructure development
(d) These sectors are well regulated as these
projects.
are governed by the state.
(e) Criticising the measures taken by India
(e) None of these
during the global economic crisis.
3. Which of the following can be said about
the Indian economy at present? 7. What measures do experts suggest to be
taken to ensure targeted economic growth?
(a) It can comfortably achieve double­digit
growth rate at present. (a) Lowering of interest rates to help
industries hit by recession.
(b) High food prices have led to overheating
of the economy. (b) Prolonged financial support for basic
input industries.
(c) Citizens are affluent owing to laxity in
regulation. (c) incentives to Indian companies to invest
(d) Private sector confidence in India’s in infrastructure.
growth potential is high. (d) Formulation of policies and their
(e) Unreformed sectors are a drag on implementation in factor markets.
economic growth. (e) Stringent implementation of licensing
4. What impact has the GDP growth of 7.8 per system.
cent had? 8. Which of the following is most similar in
(A) Indian Industry is anxious about India’s meaning to the word ‘clout’ given in bold as
economic growth. used in the passage?
(B) India has achieved status as the world’s (a) Strike (b) Standing
third largest economy at present.
(c) Force (d) Launch
(C) Foreign investment in India has
(e) Achieve
drastically increased.

PPC Volume – I 35
 SSC
PASSAGE-01 (B) He consciously practises spirit of co­
operation.
Power and possession have been central
pursuits ([kkst] vuqlj.k)of modern civilisation (C) Non­human have refused co­opration
for a long time. They blocked out or distorted to human beings.
other features of the western renaissance (D) He hates and distrusts other human
(iquthZou)(revival) which promised so much for beings.
humanity. What people have been and are still 4. Which of the following statements is not true
being taught to prize are money, success, control in context of the given passage?
over the lives of others, acquisition (izkfIr)of more (A) Power and possession go hand in hand.
and more objects. Modern social, political, and
(B) The modern man is not individualist.
economic systems, whether capitalist (iw¡thoknh) ,
(C) There is a need for a new renaissance.
fascist (IkQklhoknh)or communist (lektoknh), reject
in their working the basic principle that the free (D) Poor and weak people are oppressed by
and creative unfoldment of every man, woman the modern man.
and child is the true measure of the worth of any 5. Which of the following is one of the
society. Such infoldment requires understanding requirements bringing out the best is man?
and imagination, integrity ( bZ ekun kj h) and (A) Money (B) Success
compassion, cooperation among people and (C) Power (D) Understanding
harmony (lksgknZ) between the human species
PASSAGE-2
and the rest of nature. Acquisitiveness (vtZu'khyrk
strong desire to acquire ) and the pursuit of Child psychology is certainly not a strong
power have made the modern man an aggressor point with most Indian schools; why else would
(vkØked) of those who are poor, meek (nCcw] fouhr) they inflict (yxkuk)a double trauma on a student
and unorganised, a pathological (jksxkRed] rdZghu) forming badly in the pre­boards by banning her
from taking the board exams. Often with fatal
type which hates and distrusts (vfo'okl) the
results as evidenced by reports of student
world and suffers from both acute loneliness and
false pride? suicides in the run­up (mQij mBkuk] tek djuk) to
the boards. Now the Central Board of Secondary
1. The author to be advocating which of the
Education (CBSE) has stepped in and put the
following approaches to be adopted by
society? brakes on this discriminatory practice, ruling
that no student can be barred (izfrcaf/r) form
(A) Capitalistic (B) Communists
the Boards without prior clearance from the
(C) Humanistic (D) Authoritarian
CBSE. This is good news for parents and
2. Which of the following best describes the students, many of whom have had to live with
behaviour of modern man? the threat of performance­linked department.
(A) Imaginative and sympathetic. While the school’s logic is that in order to attract
(B) Cruel and greedy. talented students, the need to maintain their
(C) Conscientious and co­operative. performance records at high levels. Chances are
(D) Perception and creative. that a student faring poorly at the pre­boards
3. According to the passage, why has modern will replicate (nksgjko)this at the board is faulty.
man turned out as an enemy of everything 1. Which is the good news for parents,
that is non­human? according to the passage?
(A) He has been dominated by drives of (A) School will take the responsibility of
acquisitiveness and power. preparing students for the board.

36 PPC Volume – I
 (B) School will provide study facilities to racing were held in individual cities, and the
the poor students. winners competed (izfrLi/kZ dh) every four years
(C) School will enforce discipline to ensure at Mount Olympus. Winners were halted to
higher attendance of students. allow the games of friendship, and any wars in
(D) No student can be barred from the progress were halted (jksd yxkuk)to allow the
without prior clearance from the CBSE. games that they calculated time in four­year
2. What is the ruling of the CBSE? cycles called ‘Olympiads’ dating from 776 BC.
(A) Students must pass the pre­board exam 1. Where were the First Olympic Games held ?
before appearing for the Board exam, At the foot of—
(B) Schools should follow the practice of (A) Mount Olympus
perfor mance­linked debarment
(B) Mount Olympiad
(C) Schools should maintain the
(C) Mount Orels
performance record of students at high
level (D) Mount of Greeks
(D) Schools must motivate students to work 2. Why were the Olympic Games held?
hard (A) To stop wars.
3. What is the faulty assumption of schools, (B) To crown the best athletes.
according to the passage?
(C) To honour Zeus.
(A) Students who do not do well at pre­
(D) To sing songs about athletes.
boards will be motivated to work hard.
(B) Pre­boards are generally easy and 3. Approximately how many years ago did
therefore students take them lightly. these games originate?
(C) Students who fare poorly at the pre­ (A) 776 years (B) 2279 years
board will fail at the boards. (C) 1207 years (D) 2781 years
(D) Learning by note is a better method of 4. Which of the following contests was not
learning. held?
5. According to the passage, parents had to live (A) Discus throwing (B) Skating
with the threat of—
(C) Boxing (D) Running
(A) falling grades of their wards admitted
5. The values connected with Olympic Games
in the quality schools.
were—
(B) not getting their wards admitted in the
quality schools. (A) physical fitness, education of youth and
friendship.
(C) schools not treating their wards with
the attitude of counsellor. (B) health, contests and singing.
(D) linking performance of their works in (C) running, jumping, throwing and boxing.
pre­boards to the debarment. (D) four­year cycles, war­time, young age
and friendship.
PASSAGE-03
In 776 BC the First Olympic Games were PASSAGE-04
held at the foot of Mount Olympus to honour the Faith in progress is deep within our culture.
Greek’s chief God, Zeus. The Greeks emphasized We have been taught to believe that our lives
(”kksj fn;k)
, physical fitness and strength in their are better than the lives of those who came before
education of youth. Therefore contests in us. The ideology of modern economics suggests
running, jumping, discus and javelin throwing that material progress has yielded ( fn ;k)
(Hkkyk isaQduk)
, boxing and house and chariot (jFk) enhanced satisfaction and well­being. But much

PPC Volume – I 37
of our confidence about our own well­being (A) They had no desires.
comes from the assumption that our lives are (B) They had everything they needed.
easier than those of earlier generations. (C) They had limited desires.
The lives of the so­called primitive peoples (D) They kept their wants high.
are thought to be harsh—their existence
5. How does the writer appreciate the
dominated by the incessant (yxkrkj) quest ([kkst)
primitives?
for food, in fact, primitives did very little work.
(A) They have a low degree of wants.
By contemporary (ledkfyd) standards we’d have
to judge them very lazy. (B) They are the master of their time owing
to their contentedness.
The key to understanding why these ‘stone­
age people’ failed to act like us—increasing their (C) They are materially poor.
work effort to get more things—is that they had (D) They are highly satisfied.
limited desires. In the race between wanting and
PASSAGE-05
having, they had kept their wanting low—and,
in this way ensured their own kind of All of us have enormous capabilities. In
satisfaction. They were materially poor by many of us however, our achievements fail to
contemporary standards, but in atleast one correlate with our potential (laHkkfor)
, because of
dimension—time—we have to count them lack of self­discipline—the effort needed to
richer. channel (lgh fn'kk nsuk)
our energy to productive
1. What is the basis for progress and growth uses. To maximise your effectiveness you must
according to the writer? “learn to put your nose to the grindstone, work
(A) Faith in progress is deep­rooted in our against boredom and learn to take the long, hard
culture. way in life rather than the short, easy way.”
(B) We have been taught that progress is
Here are a few suggestions that focus on
necessary.
“How to do what you want to do.” Take risks. It
(C) Material progress has given us strength.
is important to realise that nothing in life is
(D) We have assumed to progress. achieved unless you risk something. That’s how
2. What does the writer attribute to modern self­confidence develope. Every chance you take
economics? offers you valuable spinoffs in terms of learning.
(A) That our lives are easier than before. Earn a reward. Sometime back I had to face the
(B) That progress is a natural process. rather unenviable (vokaNuh;)task of preparing
(C) That material progress leads to higher for two examinations simultaneously. I had to
satisfaction and well­being. be ruthless (fu"Bqj)in driving myself from one
(D) That it forces us to assume progress. goal to another. My hard nosed (dBksj) attitude
3. What is the writer’s image of the primitive saw me sail. Through the courses. I rewarded
people?
myself at end of it by indulging in (fyIr) my
(A) Their life was harsh.
favourite pastime and taking a short holiday.
(B) They did no work.
1. Why do our achievements fail to correlate
(C) They were lazy. with our potential?
(D) Search for food was their primary focus in
(A) Because of lack of inelligence.
life.
(B) Because of lack of discipline.
4. What is the key to understanding the
primitive peoples’ behaviour according to (C) Because of lack of external help.
the passage? (D) Because of lack of self­discipline.

38 PPC Volume – I
2. How does one’s self­confidence develope ? (A) By taking a short holiday.
(A) By taking risks. (B) By doing more work.
(B) By always meeting with success. (C) By visiting friends.
(C) By being cautious. (D) By thanking God.
(D) By being garrulous. 5. What does the author try to convey ?
3. What does every chance in our life each us ?
(A) One has to be complacent about his present
(A) It helps us to become philosophical. self
(B) It helps us to become idealistic.
(B) Only inborn genius succeeds in life.
(C) It helps us to learn.
(C) One has to work hard and learn from
(D) It shows us our limitations.
failures.
4. How does the author reward himself after
(D) One has to believe in luck.
his success?

PPC Volume – I 39
 Direction : A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and
choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button
corresponding to it.

PASSAGE - 1 PASSAGE - 2
The question of race has caused bloodbaths Once upon a time, a businessman named
throughout history. Take the case of the Negro, a Ray Kroc discovered a restaurant owned by two
negro is someone with black skin who comes brothers. The restaurant served just four things:
from Africa. It is an old fashioned word and is hamburgers, French fries, milk shakes and coca
offensive. Some people used to write that way cola. But it was clean and inexpensive, and the
deliberately. The word 'nigger' is also very service was quick. Mr. Kroc liked it so much that
offensive. The word was later replaced by he paid the brothers so that he could use their
'coloured' which gave way to 'black'. Black is a idea and their name: McDonald's.
colour with negative suggestions. So we have Beef, big business and fast service were the
expressions like 'black deed', 'black day' and ingredients when Mr. Kroc opened his first
'blackmail'. So no wonder the word 'black' too McDonald's in 1955. Four years later, there were
assumed unfavourable meanings. (Although in 100 of them. Kroc knew Americans liked success.
the 1960's the famous slogan 'Black is beautiful' So he put signs saying how many millions of
was coined, and it did not help.) The blacks of McDonald's hamburgers people had bought. In
the United States therefore came to be called just four years, the number was one hundred
Afro­Americans. Now, the politically correct million. Now, there are more than 13,000
phrase is African American. McDonald's restaurants from Dallas to Paris and
1 . What impression does the word 'black' from Moscow to Beijing.
carry? Anyone who wants to open a McDonald's
(a) All of the above (b) Unfavourable must first work in one for a week. Then, they do a
nine­month training programme, in the
(c) Negative (d) Contemptible
restaurants and at "McDonald's University" in
2 . Which word is old-fashioned and offensive? Chicago. There they learn the McDonald's
(a) Africa (b) Negro philosophy: quality control; service; cleanliness
(c) Skin (d) Black and cheap prices. McDonald's has strictures,
3 . Give the synonym of 'Offensive'. Hamburgers must be served before they are ten
(a) Aggressive (b) Sympathetic minutes old, and French fries, seven.
McDonald's has never stopped looking for
(c) Defending (d) Courteous
new methods to attract customers, from drive­
4 . Which is the politically correct phrase? in windows to birthday parties. Chicken, fish,
(a) Nigger (b) African American salad and, in some places, pizza are now on the
(c) Coloured (d) Afro­Americans menu. McDonald's in Holland even sells a
5 . Why was 'Black is beautiful' coined? vegetarian burger. Their international
(a) To encourage Racial and Caste bias popularity shows they have found the recipe
(b) To discourage negro slavery system for success.
1 . How did putting up signs of his success in
(c) To combat the pre­judiced feelings
America help Mr. Kroc?
against blacks
(a) People could work in the outlets for a
(d) To enhance the confidence of aboriginals week
40 PPC Volume – I
 (b) People could apply for jobs water in place of contaminated water. There
(c) Children would visit the outlets more might have been only three wells but they gave
the engineer a great feeling of achievement.
(d) Americans would encourage him and
buy more hamburgers Charles Darwin has shown that given
enough time, small and gradual causes can
2. What made the restaurant popular?
produce large and radical changes. His last book
(a) The servers were kind was in fact on earthworms. He was preoccupied
(b) The ingredients used were genuine with the theme for forty years. He had shown
(c) It was owned by two brothers that on every acre of the chalk hills near Down
(d) it was clean and inexpensive (England), worms brought up eighteen tons of
earth annually. What a stupendous achievement
3. What is McDonald's philosophy? for the small and insignificant earthworm !
(a) Quality control, service, cleanliness Even the dullest of men is a million times
and high prices more creative and productive than the
(b) Quality control, cleanliness and cheap earthworm. If men were to work in unison like
prices the earthworms, there would be paradise on
(c) Quality control, service and cheap prices earth in the not too distant future.
(d) Quality control, service, cleanliness 1. What can bring about a change in the
and cheap prices appearance of a room?
4. Who is McDonald's named after? (a) A few flowers (b) A bunch of flowers
(a) Two brothers unrelated to Mr. Kroc (c) Some chairs (d) Digging wells
(b) Two brothers related to Mr. Kroc 2. What gave the engineer a great feeling of
(c) Mr. Kroc's two sons achievement?
(d) Mr. Kroc's two brothers (a) Being able to provide villagers clean
water
5. Which statement is false ?
(b) Being able to dig wells
(a) McDonald's is not innovative in their
(c) Supplying water to villagers
methods.
(b) McDonald's is both a domestic and (d) Talking to villagers
international food chain. 3. Which of the following statements is true?
(c) McDonald's is a rapidly growing food (a) Man is not as creative and original as
chain. earthworms.
(d) McDonald's is not a multi­cuisine (b) Earthworms are intelligent and
restaurant. hardworking.
(c) Every human being is more creative
PASSAGE - 3
and more productive than the
Small improvements can lead to big changes. A earthworm.
few flowers can change the look of a room. The (d) One man can do what millions of
efficiency of a factory, for instance, depends upon earthworms together can achieve.
an infinite number of operations, performed 4. What does the author want to convey ?
properly from day to day.
(a) If only men were to work unitedly a lot
Abraham Maslow, a well known of things could be achieved.
psychologist, mentioned with admiration the
(b) People should learn to drink clean
case of a young man who spent several years in
water.
Mexico digging deep wells to provide clean
drinking water to the villagers. He managed to (c) Big improvements can bring great
dig only three wells and had to spend enormous changes.
amount of time teaching the villagers to use pure (d) Men should work like earthworms.

PPC Volume – I 41
5. What can lead to big changes ? 5. A technique of developing a new plant
(a) Big improvements from a small plant part is known as
(b) Small alterations (a) tissue culture
(c) Big alterations (b) callus
(c) nutritional media
(d) Small improvements
(d) artificial embryos
PASSAGE - 4
PASSAGE - 5
Man's dependence on plants is
indispensable. It is this independence for food, The Met office has revised its prediction
following decent rain on Monday morning,
shelter and clothing that has led him to explore
saying the cloud cover and light to moderate
all possible ways to preserve plants from being
rain are likely to continue for at least the next 48
lost to the ravages of natural or man­made
hours.
calamities. Accordingly, man has used various
methods to overcome these calamities. While The weatherman had earlier predicted that
doing so, scientists hit upon a technique the rain would dry up in the city and its
whereby plants cannot be restored in being lost, adjoining areas for a couple of days from the
but can be developed into a complete plant from start of the week. The showers dragged down
a small plant part. This technique, called tissue the day's maximum temperature four notches
culture, subsequently proved to be a boon for below normal to 28.3 degrees Celsius, from
mankind. Sunday's 33.
"We were expecting the rain the city had
Basically, tissue culture is a technique by
been receiving for the past couple of days to stop
which small pieces of different parts of a plant
from Monday as there was no cyclonic
body are grown nutritional media, under
circulation and the monsoon trough was moving
completely sterile conditions. These explants
away from the city. But the trough got stronger,
divide and gradually develope either into an
resulting in the rain," said an official of the
unorganized mass of cells called callus or after a
Alipore weather office.
few cell divisions, differentiate to form full­
The trough is passing through Daltanganj
fledged plants. This concept of tissue culture
in Jharkhand, Bhagalpur in Bihar and the central
dates back to 1878. Scientists like Harberlandt
part of Bengal.
in 1902, postulated that cultivation of artificial
embryos can be possible, depending on the "The monsoon trough now is not very close
to Calcutta but it has gained in strength,
nutritional media.
resulting in Monday morning's shower in the
1 . After a few cell divisions, the explants form into city," the official said.
(a) callus (b) weak plants 1 . Why did the Met office revise its prediction?
(c) full­fledge plants (d) parts of a plant (a) As the clouds gained in strength
2 . The idea of tissue culture was first introduced in (b) There was decent rain on Monday
(a) 1878 (b) 1902 (c) There was no cyclonic circulation
(c) 18th century (d) 20th century (d) The clouds passed away
3 . Man's dependence on plants is 2 . The rains would continue for the -
(a) temporary (b) permanent (a) next two days at least
(c) essential (d) inessential (b) next four days
(c) next eight hours
4 . Plants need to be protected and preserved
(d) next month
because of man's need for
3 . The monsoon trough is passing through-
(a) food, shelter and clothing
(a) North Bengal
(b) food, furniture and fertilizers
(b) Jharkhand
(c) food, fertilizers and clothing (c) The southern part of Bengal
(d) food, shelter and furniture (d) Alipore
42 PPC Volume – I
4. What is the role of the Met office ? (a) Idleness and laziness
(a) To warn the city of an accident (b) Laziness and lethargy
(b) To bring rain to the city (c) Anger, ego, greed, envy, hatred and
(c) To stop rain jealousy
(d) To predict rain (d) The desire to be king
5. Rain falls in the city when the monsoon 3. What is man capable of achieving today?
trough gets- (a) The power to conquer the world
(a) weaker (b) stronger (b) The ability to destroy everything
(c) moderate (d) lighter (c) The ability to have his writ run
PASSAGE - 6 through the whole world
(d) The power to obliterate life from this
The World is becoming a dangerous place to live
planet
in, and this is despite our claims of being
civilized, of having evolved from the primitive 4. Why has the world become a dangerous
to the modern man and from the cave man to place to live in?
cultured being. (a) Because man has become a cultured
Many reasons can be attributed to this. A being.
man longs to be the king of all kingdoms, but is (b) Because man has evolved from
too extravagant and idle. He desires that his writ primitive to modern.
should run through the whole world. But then (c) Because man has become civilized.
he is lazy and lethargic. Man is mean, far inferior (d) Because man's desires to be king of all
to other species. We are more human than kingdoms but is idle and extravagant.
humane. We have negative qualities such as
5. Give the antonym of 'Obliterate'.
anger, ego, envy, greed, hatred, and jealousy, that
(a) Create (b) Prevent
we should consider overcoming.
We have allowed these qualities to become (c) Destroy (d) Erase
our consuming passions. We think that we are
PASSAGE - 7
mightier than most. We think we are capable of
destroying anything by using our might. Today, Journalists argue over functions of a
we have acquired weapons of mass destruction, newspaper. I feel that a provincial paper's
which are capable of obliterating all life from purpose is not only to present and project the
the face of this planet. news objectively and imaginatively, but to help
As men we arm men. Then we destroy its readers to express themselves more
people without arms. Then why are we giving effectively, canalizing their aspirations making
vent to this anger? We let our wrath take over more articulate their demands. A newspaper
our senses. We fight to satisfy our egos. The should reflect the community it serves warts
overpowering obsession of a man with himself and all. When the mirror is held to society it
motivates him to grab everything and to fulfil reveals neglect, injustice, ignorance or
his greed. complacency. It should help to eradicate them. It
1. What does man think of himself today? would be pretentious to think that a newspaper
(a) That he is more humane than human can change the course of world affairs but at the
(b) That he can be king of all kingdoms local limit it can exert influence, it can probe, it
(c) That he is mightier than most can help get things done. The individual's voice
(d) That he can rule the world must not be stifled. Instead, the readers should
2. What are the qualities that have become be encouraged to express their opinions, fears,
man's consuming passion? hopes and or their grievances on this platform.

PPC Volume – I 43
1. In this passage the writer highlights the of any disease is of critical importance as it
fact that- guides the doctor's search for the clinical signs
(a) Journalists differ in their opinion on the of the condition. Similarly, the doctor's
function of a newspaper explanation of a problem, and the
(b) A newspaper should reflect the recommendations for treatment,need to be clear
community it serves and complete if the patient is to understand and
(c) A newspaper should only concentrate follow the correct course of action.
on local affairs The need for careful listening and
(d) Newspapers can eradicate injustice expression by both parties should be obvious in
2. How can a newspaper influence local a field as sensitive and serious as health. Patients
affairs? worried about their health are often uncertain
and confused in their accounts. Busy doctors will
(a) By focusing on world affairs
not have the time to take up every point the
(b) By probing into the ills of society and
patient has referred to. Moreover, the tradition
rallying support for change
of medical interviewing hinders the
(c) By encouraging the readers to accept
development of a genuine communication.
their grievances
1 . Doctors are sometimes unable to treat the
(d) By influencing public opinion through
patient properly because
half truths.
(a) They have a superiority complex
3. What is the main purpose of a newspaper?
(b) They do not have the time to consider
(a) Encourage the readers to be pretentious
every point made by the patient
(b) Project news objectively and (c) They do not know the language used
imaginatively
for communicating with patients
(c) Exert influences on the individuals
(d) They are too busy in performing
(d) To present facts on a blunt way surgeries
4. How can the readers air their grievances? 2 . Which of the following statements is true?
(a) By writing to journalists (a) The patient's relatives should be
(b) By supporting the local newspaper involved in the interaction
(c) By being complacent (b) Medical communication is a specialized
(d) By writing to their local newspaper branch of professional communication
5. The expression' warts and all' in a passage (c) Patients must learn medical terms
means (d) Doctors should use medical terms in
(a) the community's problem their instructions as these are specific
(b) hopes and fears 3 . The word 'confrontation' is closest in meaning
(c) with no attempt to conceal blemishes to
or inadequacies (a) trouble (b) confluence
(d) the reader's grievances (c) conflict (d) competition
4. Patients are often unable to give a proper
PASSAGE - 8
account of their ailment to the doctor
The field of medicine forces a confrontation because
between scientific and everyday language. (a) they are worried about their health
Outside the world of the research laboratory and
(b) they want to hide certain symptoms of
clinic, there exists the daily routine of medical
the disease
practice, a situation where a doctor tries to
(c) they do not know how to communicate
understand the problems of a patient, and the
in medical terms
patient attempts to understand the doctor's
diagnosis. The initial statement of the symptoms (d) they have an inferiority complex

44 PPC Volume – I
5. Which of the following statements best 3. Where did Rhayader live?
reflects the theme of the passage? (a) In a barn
(a) There must be little research in the field (b) In a cabin by the marsh
of doctor­patient interaction (c) An old cottage
(b) For proper treatment, patients should (d) In a light house
listen carefully to the instructions 4. Why did the girl take the bird to Rhayader?
(c) Communication should not be made a (a) So that he would tell her if it was still
component of medical education alive
(d) Medical profession requires a careful (b) So that he would send it to where it
use of medical and everyday language came from
(c) So that he would heal it
PASSAGE - 9 (d) So that he would tell her what to do
One November afternoon, a child came to 5. How had the bird been injured?
Rhayader's light house studio. She was about (a) She had been shot by hunters
twelve, slender, dirty, nervous and timid. In her (b) By a great storm
arms she tarried something. She was desperately (c) While flying through the woods
afraid of the ugly man she had come to see, but (d) By wild animals
she had heard somewhere that this man would
heal injured things. The man's voice was deep PASSAGE - 10
and kind when he spoke to her. What is it, child? Nobody can argue that the acquisition of
She stepped forward timidly, and in her arms Knowledge is more fun and easier with
was a large white bird which was quite still. computers. The mere activity of touching and
There were stains of blood on its whiteness. The exploring this device constitutes an enjoyable
girl placed it in his arms. 'I found it, Sir, It's hurt. task for a child. This, accompanied by the
Is it still alive?' 'Yes. Yes, I think so? Rhayader relaxing attitude and software interactivity,
went inside with the bird in his arms. He placed usually contributes to a better grasping of new
it upon a table. The girl flowered. The bird knowledge. At a higher educational level the
fluttered. Rhayader spread one of its large white availability of digital books, simulators and
wings. 'Child where did you find it?' In the wash, other academic materials provide the student
with an ever accessible source of information,
Sir. Hunters had been there?' Is a snow goose
that otherwise would not be at hand. But, besides
from Canada. But how did it get here? The girl's
the increasing complexity and behaviour of
eyes were fixed on the injured bird. She said 'Can intelligent software, which is usually embedded
you heal it, Sir?' 'Yes' and Rhayader. 'We will try. in the academic digital material, the need for
You can help me. She has been shot, poor thing, human interaction in the learning process will
her leg is broken and the wing too.' always be present, at least in the foreseeable
1. Where did the bird come from? future. There is the necessity for a human being
(a) From Canada to be able to determine what the specific needs
of each individual are. A computer, no matter
(b) From the South
how sophisticated its software is, can hardly
(c) From North America mimic the expertise of a teacher in how to explain
(d) From Australia and adapt complex concepts to different
2. Which of the phrases best describes the invidividuals.
girl? 1. According to the author, human
(a) Shy and clean intervention will always be required in
order to
(b) Loud and forceful
(a) built bigger machines
(c) Slender and dirty
(b) determine the specific needs of the
(d) Bold and brave
individual
PPC Volume – I 45
 (c) update old software of happiness'. This should be the source of the
(d) repair broken down machines strength and power of a nation. If people have
the freedom to live their lives in dignity, they
2. What other factors related to computers
can work with a sound mind and physical
contribute to a deeper acquisition of
knowledge? health. The moral, political and economic stature
of a country lies in the strength of its people. A
(a) User friendliness and easy accessibility
nation should strive to be a more perfect, not the
(b) Convenience of usage and design perfect country where the people is given a
(c) Relaxing attitude and software promise and a hope in their minds to work and
interactivity cherish liberty, justice, and opportunity. We do
(d) Prompt response and accuracy not always get what we want when we want it
3. In what way are computers inadequate but it is always better to believe that someday,
even inspite of their sophistication? somehow, someway, we will get what we want.
(a) They can hardly imitate a teacher's 1 . Citizens of a country should work and
ability to explain the most difficult of cherish
concepts (a) opportunity and justice
(b) They require humans to update them
(b) love
periodically
(c) liberty, justice and opportunity
(c) They keep breaking down after much use
(d) They still humans to turn them on and (d) liberty and happiness
off 2 . 'Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness'
4. According to this essay, what new are
developments in the world of computers (a) Gifts of our Creator
have helped students gain more access to (b) Pillars of equality
information (c) Rights of all men
(a) Availability of word processing (d) Ideals of a nation
applications
3 . The ending part of the passage is about
(b) Availability of printing facilities
(a) Hope (b) Want
(c) Availability of digital books
(c) A promise (d) Perfection
(d) Availability of general knowledge
4 . The passage leads the reader to think
software
about:
5. That computers make learning easier is a
(a) The morals of a nation
fact-
(b) The Rights of the people
(a) rejected by some
(c) Ruling nation
(b) accepted by all
(c) welcomed by all (d) What a country needs
5 . The source of the strength and power of a
(d) contested by a few
nation depends on
PASSAGE - 11 (a) rights of the people
If a country should have a message for its (b) Its people
people, it should be a message of human dignity. (c) freedom of the people
The ideals of a nation should be of the freedom of (d) the physical health of the people
ideas, speech, press, the right to assemble and
the right to worship. A country should boldly PASSAGE - 12
proclaim to a world dominated by tyrants that The capitalist system does not foster
'all men are created equal and they are endowed healthy relations among human beings. A few
by their Creator with certain unalienable rights' people own all the means of production and
and 'among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit others have to sell their labour under conditions
46 PPC Volume – I
imposed upon them. The emphasis of capitalism (b) the means justify the ends
being on the supreme importance of material (c) the ends justify the means
wealth, the intensity of its appeal is to the (d) the means endorsed by religion are
acquisitive tendency. It promotes worship of strictly followed
economic power with little regard to the means
employed for its acquisition and the end that it PASSAGE – 13
serves. By its exploitation of human beings to
Until he was ten, young Alexander Fleming
the limits of endurance its concentration is on
attended the nearby Loudoun Moor School. He
the largest profit rather than maximum
production. Thus the division of human society was then transferred to Darvel School which he
is done on the basis of profit motive. All this is attended with his brothers. Alexander learned
injurious to human dignity. And when the a good deal about nature during that four mile
harrowed poor turn to the founders of religion downhill hike to school and the four mile uphill
for succour, they rather offer a subtle defence for return trip. He was a quick student and at twelve,
the established order. They promise future the age limit prescribed for Darvel school, he was
happiness for present suffering. They conjure up sent to Kilmarmock Academy. Two years later
visions of paradise to soothe the suffering he joined his brothers John and Robert at the
majority and censure the revolt of the tortured home of his elder brother Thomas, who was to
men. The system imposes injustice, the religion become a successful occultist in London.
justifies it. However, the economic success of the family was
1. The established order supported by yet to be and Alexander was forced to leave
religion to school for economic reasons. When he was
(a) help the tortured men to seek redress sixteen, he obtained a job in a shipping company.
(b) alleviate the suffering of the poor in the Good fortune, however, was on his side and on
capitalist system the side of humanity. In 1901, he received a share
(c) perpetuate the injustice imposed by the in a legacy which made it possible for him to
capitalist system return to school. He decided to study medicine.
(d) balance the suffering of the poor with 1. Alexander trekked ______ miles every day
hopes of future rewards to attend Darvel school.
2. The passage indicates that the capitalist (a) four (b) eight
system is : (c) twelve (d) sixteen
(a) dehumanising (b) fair 2. He was a ‘quick student’ means that
(c) ambitious (d) prosperous Alexander
3. In a capitalist system of society each man (a) Reached school before his brothers
wishes
(b) Was a lively student
(a) to soothe the sufferings of other
(c) Ran the races
(b) to acquire maximum wealth
(d) Was a fast learner
(c) to produce maximum wealth
3. “... and at twelve, the age limit prescribed
(d) to have visions of paradise
for Darvel school ...” in this context means
4. Capitalism divides society into the two
that children were
categories of_.
(a) Admitted to school at the age twelve
(a) buyers and sellers
(b) working and non­working people (b) Allowed to remain in the school only
up to the age of twelve
(c) exploiters and exploited people
(c) Admitted to the school any time after
(d) religious and irreligious people
the age of twelve
5. In a capitalist system
(d) Not admitted to the school before they
(a) means which lead to exploitation are
were twelve
strictly prohibited

PPC Volume – I 47
4. Alexander became well off 3. From where does mineral oil originate?
(a) By working in a shipping company (a) Complex mixture of substances
(b) When his brother became a successful (b) Carcasses of tiny animals and plants
occultist that live in the sea
(c) Because he studied medicine (c) From lakes
(d) By receiving a share in a legacy (d) Only from plants
5. Alexander left school 4. The time taken for the marine deposits to
(a) To study economics harden into rocks is
(b) To work with his brother (a) a few centuries
(c) To study medicine (b) millions of years
(d) Due to financial problems (c) a few decades
PASSAGE – 14 (d) thousands of years
Crude mineral oil comes out of the earth as 5. Sedimentary rocks leads to the formation
a thick brown or black liquid with a strong of oil deposits because
smell. It is a complex mixture of many different (a) their pressure produces heat and turns
substances, each with its own individual deposits of animal carcasses and plants
qualities. Most of them are combinations of into oil
hydrogen and carbon in varying proportions.
(b) it turns heavy and shuts out the oxygen
Such hydrocarbons are also found in other forms
such as bitumen, asphalt and natural gas. (c) it becomes hard and forms into rocks
Mineral oil originates from the carcasses of tiny to squeze oil
animals and from plants that live in the sea. (d) it becomes light and soft and applies
Over million of years, these dead creatures form pressure to produce oil
large deposits under sea­bed and ocean currents
cover them with a blanket of sand and silt. As PASSAGE – 15
this material hardens, it becomes sedimentary
Even the majority of elders turn their homes
rock and effectively shuts out the oxygen, thus
into hives of worry as they have too little to do
preventing the complete decomposition of the
marine deposits underneath. The layers of in too much time. Those who have retired thus
sedimentary rocks become thicker, and heavier. find retirement tiresome when hobbies, instead,
Their pressure produces heat, which transforms could have turned it into a period of creativity
the tiny carcasses into crude oil in a process that and contentment.
is still going on today. This common problem of inability to utilise
1 . How does crude oil come out of the earth? leisure pleasurably and profitably is not
(a) Thick brown or black liquid with mild restricted to Indians. In fact, Japanese are the
smell worse sufferers. Their weekends, rather than
(b) Thick red brown liquid with strong increase their enjoyment of life, have wreaked
smell havoc on their health and happiness. Unable to
(c) Mixture of different colours while away the long, unstructured hours, many
(d) Thick brown or black liquid with a of them have become addicts to coffee or hard
strong smell
liquor, and have even taken to gambling.
2 . What is crude mineral oil?
How has this social malady come about?
(a) Complex mixture of many different
substances Ironically, the syllabus­loaded education system
is the main culprit. It places a heavy work­load
(b) Simple mixture of natural gas
on children and youth, laying emphasis as it does
(c) Plain white oil
on memory rather than intelligence.
(d) It is bitumen

48 PPC Volume – I
1. Why do a majority of retired elders find applications. It is used to establish or confirm
retirement tiresome? facts, reaffirm the results of previous work, solve
(a) Because their homes have been turned new or existing problems, or develop new
into hives of worry. theories. To test the validity of instruments,
procedures, or experiments, research may
(b) Because they do not have hobbies to
replicate elements of prior projects, or the project
utilise their free time.
as a whole. The primary purposes of basic
(c) Because they had nothing to do. research are documentation, discovery,
(d) Because they had plenty of free time. interpretation, or the research and development
2. How have the Japanese benefitted from of methods and systems for the advancement of
their weekends? human knowledge. There are several forms of
(a) They have increased enjoyment in life. research: scientific, humanities, artistic,
(b) They enjoy health and happiness. economic, social, business, marketing, etc.
(c) They use their free time to increase their Academic publishing describes a system
enjoyment. that is necessary in order for academic scholars
to review the work and make it available for a
(d) They become addicts to coffee or hard
wider audience. Most academic work is
liquor and gambling.
published in book form. There is also a large body
3. The syllabus-loaded education system of research that exists in either a thesis or
(a) Places a heavy burden on the youth. dissertation form. Many researchers spent their
(b) Ensures that parents pay attention to time applying for grants for research funds. These
the development of children. grants are necessary not only for researchers to
(c) Lays emphasis on intelligence. carry out their research, but also as a source of
merit.
(d) Gives students a lot of free time.
1. What is research?
4. The author thinks that
(a) Research is the destruction of previous
(a) Authorities are more appreciative of
works.
the syllabus­loaded education system.
(b) Research is the attempt to limit the
(b) Hobbies play an important role in
growth of knowledge.
changing the unfortunate situation.
(c) Research is a process having no
(c) Co­curricular activities are discouraged. practical use.
(d) Only Indians suffer from inability to (d) Research is the creation of new forms
utilise leisure. of knowledge.
5. The passage tells us that 2. How many kinds of research are there?
(a) Hobbies are a waste of time. (a) There are different kinds of research
(b) Hobbies play a crucial role in physical (b) There is only one kind of research
and mental development. (c) There are two different kinds of
(c) Hobbies wreak havoc on man’s health research
and happiness. (d) There are seven different kinds of
(d) Hobbies can turn us into addicts of research
coffee, liquor or gambling. 3. Select the answer which best reflects the
PASSAGE – 16 view expressed in the passage
(a) Researchers never apply for grants
Research is a detailed study of a subject
(b) Grants are not based on merit
undertaken on a systematic basis in order to
increase the stock of knowledge, including (c) Documentation is important in
knowledge of man, culture and society, and the research
use of this stock of knowledge to devise new (d) Research can thrive without grants

PPC Volume – I 49
4. Choose the most appropriate answer from facilitate group study and collaboration.
this passage Libraries are extending services beyond the
(a) Academic publishing is meant only for physical walls of a building by providing
professionals material accessible by electronic means.
(b) Academic publishing is meant to 1 . In the passage a library has been defined
benefit the general public as.
(c) Academic publishing is meant only for (a) a place where borrowing is not allowed
academicians
(b) a highly flexible place
(d) Academic publishing is meant only for
(c) a highly restricted area
experts
5. Why is research conducted? (d) a place where accessibility is possible
(a) Research is conducted in order to verify 2. Who maintains a library?
information (a) Only educational institutions
(b) Research is conducted in order to (b) A rich business family only
minimize the result of previous works (c) A public body, an institution, a
(c) Research is conducted in order to corporation or an individual
develop new problems (d) Any governmental agency
(d) Research is conducted in order to 3. In terms of ownership who can afford a
destroy facts library?
PASSAGE – 17 (a) Only institutions
A library is an organized collection of (b) Any one
sources of information and similar resources, (c) Only a public body
made accessible to a defined community for (d) Only a corporation
reference or borrowing. It provides physical or 4. Libraries range in size from.
digital access to material, and may be a physical (a) a few books to several million books
building or room, or a virtual space, or both. A (b) one room to a great hall
library’s collection can include books,
(c) a few shelves of books to several million
periodicals, newspapers, manuscripts, films,
items
maps, e­ books and other formats. Libraries
(d) one room to several acres of land
range in size from a few shelves of books to
several million items. 5. What is the present status and function of
libraries?
A library is organized for use and is
maintained by a public body, an institution, a (a) There is no privacy in a library
corporation, or a private individual. Public and (b) Libraries are confinements
institutional collections and services may be (c) They have become redundant
intended for use by people who choose not to or (d) There is privacy in a library
cannot afford to purchase an extensive collection
PASSAGE – 18
themselves, who need material no individual
can reasonably be expected to have, or who The desert floras shame us with their
require professional assistance with their cheerful adaptations to the seasonal limitations.
research. In addition to providing materials, Their whole duty is to flower and fruit, and they
libraries also provide the services of librarians do it hardly, or with tropical luxuriance, as the
who are experts at finding and organizing rain admits. It is recorded in the report of the
information and at interpreting information Death Valley expedition that after a year of
needs. Libraries often provide quiet areas for abundant rains, on the Colorado desert was
found a specimen of Amaranthus ten feet high.
studying, and they also offer common areas to

50 PPC Volume – I
A year later the same species in the same place PASSAGE - 19
matured in the drought at four inches. Seldom
does the desert herb attain the full stature of the True, it is the function of the army to
type. Extreme aridity and extreme altitude have maintain law and order in abnormal times. But
the same dwarfing effect so that we find in the in normal times there is another force that
high Sierras and in Death Valley related species compels citizens to obey laws and to act with
in miniature that reach a comely growth in mean due regard to the rights of others. The force also
temperatures. Very fertile are the desert plants protects the lives and properties of law abiding
in expedients to prevent, evaporation, turning men. Laws are made to secure the personal safety
their foliage edge­wise toward the sun, growing of its subjects and to prevent murcjpr and crimes
sliky hairs, exuding thick gum. The wind, which of violence. They are made to secure the property
has a long sweep, harries and helps them. It rolls of the citizens against theft and damage and to
up dunes about the stocky stems, encompassing protect the rights of communities and castes to
and protective, and above the dunes which may carry out their customs and ceremonies so long
be, as with the mesquite, three times as high as a as they do not conflict with the rights of others.
man, the blossoming twigs flourish and bear Now the good citizen, of his own free will, obeys
fruit. these laws and he takes care that everything he
does is done with due regard to the rights and
1. The desert plants face the danger of ____
well­being of others.
from extreme aridity and extreme altitude.
But the bad citizen is only restrained from
(a) painful growth
breaking these laws by fear of the consequence
(b) loss of reproduction of his actions. And the necessary steps to compel
(c) early death the bad citizen to act as a good citizen are taken
(d) dwarfism by this force. The supreme control of law and
2. How does the wind keep the desert floras order in a state is in the hands of a Minister who
to grow? is responsible to the State Assembly and acts
(a) by rolling up protective sand dunes. through the Inspector General of Police.
(b) by blowing the heat away 1. "They are made to secure the property of
citizens against theft and damage", means
(c) by blowing the clouds away
that the law:
(d) by blowing gently
(a) Assists the citizens whose property has
3. What stops the desert floras from been stolen or destroyed
performing their duty well?
(b) Initiates process against offenders of
(a) the rain la w
(b) the desert animals (c) Safeguards people's possessions
(c) the desert sand against being stolen or lost
(d) the people who pluck them (d) Helps in recovering the stolen property
4. What lesson do the desert floras have to teach of the citizens
(a) how to grow in dry places 2. Which one of the following statements is
(b) how to adapt to limitations implied in the passage?
(c) how to live a long time (a) Criminals, who flout the law, are
seldom brought to book
(d) how to grow with grace
(b) The police hardly succeed in converting
5. The mesquite is a
bad citizens into good ones
(a) a tribe of people
(c) The police check the citizens, whether
(b) a type of desert animal they are good or bad, from violating
(c) a desert flora the law
(d) a sand dune (d) Peaceful citizens seldom violate the law

PPC Volume – I 51
3. According to the writer, which one of the one of the big reasons why malaria, which is
following is not the responsibility of the easily cured if properly treated after timely
police? diagnosis, continues to kill so many indians?
(a) To check violent activities of citizens. 1 . The Hindustan Times found that the
(b) To ensure peace among citizens by number of malaria cases in 2011 was :
safeguarding individual rights. (a) half the numbers revealed by the
(c) To maintain peace during extraordinary authorities
circumstances. (b) twice than the numbers revealed by
the authorities
(d) To protect the privileges of all citizens.
(c) three times the numbers revealed by
4. The expression 'customs and ceremonies
the authorities
means
(d) exactly as the numbers revealed by the
(a) Habits and traditions
authorities
(b) Usual practices and religious rites 2 . The findings of the Lancet were published
(c) Superstitions and formalities after
(d) Fairs and festivals (a) the internationl team left India
5. Which of the following statements is not (b) international reviews of the findings
implied in the passage? were done
(a) Law ensures people's religious and (c) proper verifications of the findings
social rights absolutely and were done
unconditionally (d) nationwide interviews were carried
(b) A criminal is deterred from committing out
crimes only for fear of the law 3 . One of the big reasons for malarial death
(c) The forces of law help to transform is:
irresponsible citizens into responsible (a) over­reporting of malarial deaths
ones (b) untimely diagnosis
(d) Law protects those who respect it (c) lack of proper treatment
PASSAGE - 20 (d) under­reporting of malarial deaths
In September 2011, Hindustan Times did a 4 . What is Mthe habit" mentioned in the
study in Delhi and reported that the number of passage?
malaria (and dengue) cases at the time were (a) Hiding the real figures of malaria cases
actually thrice as many as revealed by the city (b) Filing RTIs
authorities. Earlier, in Mumbai, a municipal claim (c) Exposing the authority's incompetence
that 145 people died due to malaria in 2010 was
(d) Conducting studies and surveys in
exposed a lie after Praja, a city NGO, extracted
towns and cities
figures from the municipality itself. Following
an RTI petition, Praja revealed 1190 deaths. This 5 . The Lancet is a:
seems to be a habit. A paper in the leading UK (a) medical book (b) newspaper
medical journal The Lancet, published following (c) journal (d) magazine
nationwide interviews undertaken by an
PASSAGE - 21
international team, reveals that the number of
malarial deaths all over India every year may Manuel and the little boy stood in the gateway
be as high as 205,000, which is many times the to watch her go. She did not even turn to wave
World Health Organization's figure of about them farewell.
15,000, of the National Vector Borne Disease But when she had ridden about a mile, she
Control Programme's figure of just around 1000. left the wild road and took a small trail to the
While the Lancet paper has been disputed, right, that led into another valley, over steep
it is clear that there must be gross under­ places and past great trees, and through another
reporting of malarial deaths. Wouldn't that be deserted mining settlement. It was September,
52 PPC Volume – I
the water was running freely in the little stream It was very cold before dawn. She lay
that had fed the now abandoned mine. She got wrapped in her blanket looking at the stars,
down to drink, and let the horse drink too. listening to her horse shivering , and feeling like
She saw natives coming through the trees, a woman who has died and passed beyond. She
away up the slope. They had seen her, and were was not sure that she had not heard, during the
watching her closely. She watched in turn. The
night, a great crash at the centre of herself, which
three people, two women and a youth, were
making a wide detour, so as not to come too close was the crash of her own death. Or else it was a
to her. She did not care. Mounting, she trotted crash at the centre of the earth, and meant
ahead up the silent valley, beyond the silver­ something big and mysterious.
works, beyond any trace of mining. There was With the first peep of light she got up, numb
still a rough trail that led over rocks and loose with cold, and made a fire. She ate hastily, gave
stones into the valley beyond. This trail she had
her horse some pieces of oil seed cake, and set off
already ridden, with her husband. Beyond that
again. She avoided any meeting and since she
she knew she must go south.
met nobody, it was evident that she in turn was
Curiously she was not afraid, although it
avoided. She came at last in sight of the village of
was a frightening country, the silent, fatal­
seeming mountain slopes, the occasional distant, Cuchitee, with its black houses with their
suspicious, elusive natives among the trees, the reddish roofs, a somber, dreary little cluster
great carrion birds occasionally hovering, like below another silent, long­abandoned mine.
great flies, in the distance, over some carrion of And beyond, a long, great mountain­side, rising
some ranch­house or some group of huts. up green and light to the darker, shaggier green
As she climbed, the trees shrank and the of pine trees.
trail ran through a thorny scrub, that was trailed 1. " She left the wild road and took a small
over with blue convolvulus and an occasional trail to the right...." The word 'trail here
pink creeper. Then these flowers lapsed. She was means
nearing the pine trees. (a) an opening (b) a clearing
She was over the crest, and before her
(c) a street (d) a path
another silent void, greenclad valley. It was past
midday. Her horse turned to a little runlet of 2. What kind of a terrain was she passing
water, so she got down to eat her midday meal. through?
She sat in silence looking at the motionless, (a) A small town
unliving valley, and at the sharp­peaked hills, (b) A lonely area
rising higher to rock and pine trees, southwards.
(c) A plain village
She rested two hours in the heat of the day, while
the horse cropped around her. (d) A thickly populated place
Curious that she was neither afraid nor 3. "She did not care." This means
lonely. Indeed, the loneliness was like a drink of (a) She stared back defiantly.
cold water to one who is very thirsty. And a (b) She was scared.
strange elation sustained her from within.
(c) She was indifferent.
She travelled on, and camped at night in a
valley beside a stream, deep among the bushes. (d) She was trying to avoid their gaze.
She had seen cattle and had crossed several 4. "Mounting, she trotted ahead up the silent
trails. There must be a ranch not far off. She heard valley ..." Mounting here means
the strange wailing shriek of a mountain­lion, (a) walking on foot
and the answer of dogs. But she sat by her small
(b) getting down
camp­fire in a secret hollow place and was not
really afraid. She was buoyed up always by the (c) galloping
curious, bubbling elation within her. (d) getting on the horse

PPC Volume – I 53
5. The fact that she was not afraid conveys PASSAGE - 22
that
As my train was not due to leave for another
(a) the natives were very friendly to her
hour, I had plenty of time to spare. After buying
(b) she was too detached and strong to be some magazines to read on the journey, I made
overcome with fear my way to the luggage office to collect the heavy
(c) she was a woman of values suitcase I had left there three days before. There
were only a few people waiting, and I took out
(d) the animals could not frighten her
my wallet to find the receipt for my case. The
6. "She was over the crest, and before her receipt did not seem to be where I had left it. I
another silent void, greenclad valley" emptied the contents of the wallet, and the
expresses railway tickets, money, scraps of paper, and
(a) that she was on her way to her photographs tumbled out of it; but no matter
destination. how hard I searched, the receipt was nowhere
(b) her fascination for the scenic beauty. to be found.
(c) the fact that she had lost her way. I explained the situation sorrowfully to the
assistant. The man looked at me suspiciously as
(d) her desire to put an end to her life.
if to say he had heard this type of story many
7. Which expression tells us that she relished times and asked me to describe the case. I told
her loneliness? him that it was an old, brown looking object no
(a) Cold water that had the effect of different from the many suitcases I could see on
quenching her thirst. the shelves. The assistant then gave me form and
(b) Cold water which made her more told me to make a list of the contents of the case.
thirsty. If they were correct, he said, I could take the case
(c) She found it difficult to swallow the away. I tried to remember all the articles I had
cold water. hurriedly packed and wrote them down.
(d) It was like a splash of cold water. After I had done this, I went to look among
the shelves. There were hundreds of cases there
8. The only thing that made her oblivious of
and for one dreadful moment, it occured to me
her surroundings was the fact that
that if someone had picked the receipt up, he
(a) she was depressed. could easily have claimed the case already.
(b) she was exhausted. Fortunately this had not happened, for after a
(c) she had got what she wanted. time, I found this had not happened, for after a
(d) her spirits were uplifted. time, I found the case lying on its side high up in
9. The expression' 'and feeling like a woman the
who has died and passed beyond'' means corner. After examining the articles inside, the
(a) her body was paralysed assistant gave me the case. I took out my wallet
to pay him. I pulled out a ten shilling note and
(b) something within her had died
out slipped my 'lost' receipt with it! I could not
(c) she was completely lost help blushing. The assistant nodded his head
(d) she died in her sleep knowingly, as if to say that he had often seen
this happen too !!
10. By the end of the passage, do you think
1. The writer had plenty of time to spare
the woman kept journeying in the forest?
because
(a) She needed to stop there.
(a) he had arrived three days before
(b) She had no idea where she was going.
(b) he had arrived an hour earlier
(c) She had sighted a settlement.
(c) he had to collect his luggage
(d) She had strayed away from her path.
(d) he needed to buy magazines
54 PPC Volume – I
2. The writer needed the receipt (d) the assistant found the situation tragic
(a) to claim his suitcase 10. In this passage 'situation' means
(b) to pay at the luggage office (a) place (b) event
(c) to prove that he had paid at the luggage (c) condition (d) position
office
PASSAGE - 23
(d) to prove that he had bought the
suitcase We all know that Eskimos have 50 different
3. The writer felt foolish because words for 'snow'. Or is it 500 ? Anyway, an awful
(a) he could not find his receipt lot. It is one of those interesting little facts that
(b) he hadn't really lost his receipt at all says something about the amazing ingenuity of
(c) he had to fill in a form humans. Whereas we see snow, the Eskimos
(d) the assistant eyed him suspiciously perceive an endlesssly varying realm of white
4. There weren't _________ people waiting textures and possibilities. Except that is not true.
at the luggage office Talk to the average Eskimo and you'll find he has
(a) very much (b) a great deal of about the same number of words for snow as
(c) lots of (d) very many we do. I discovered this when I took a sledge dog
5. 'wrote them down' means team through the Russian Arctic and asked the
(a) copied them locals. And it gets worse: the Eskimo­Inuit do
(b) signed them not live in igloos. They do not even rub their
(c) made a note of them noses together! Hearing this I began wondering
(d) pointed at them what other myths surround the world's far flung
6. The writer found the receipt places.
(a) on the high shelf near the cases Shelters made out of snow are indeed
(b) among the contents of his suitcase constructed and fashioned from snowy bricks,
(c) nestled with the money in his wallet just as we like to imagine. Except the Eskimo­
(d) trapped between the photographs in Inuit rarely lived in them for long periods and
his wallet disappointingly, the elders that I met had never
7. The writer took out his wallet the first time heard of them. In truth, these are coastal peoples
to who traditionally foraged for driftwood,
(a) buy some magazines whalebones, stones and turf to construct their
(b) look for the receipt camps, saving snow­houses for hunting
(c) fill out the form given by the assistant excursions or migrations.
(d) pay the assistant Chameleons also attract numerous myths.
8. The assistant asked the writer to make a While many of them change colour, this is often
list of the contents to less to do with camouflage and more to do with
(a) ascertain his ownership of the case their mood and temperature. A chameleon
(b) test his memory might, if too cold, turn a darker shade to absorb
(c) charge him extra money more heat. Or it might turn a lighter colour to
(d) embarrass the writer reflect the sun and so cool down. Moreover,
chameleons often change colour as a signalling
9. 'I explained the situation sorrowfully to the
assistant' means device­some such as the panther chameleon,
transform into a vivid orange to scare off
(a) the writer found the situation tragic
predators, while others flash bright colours to
(b) he explained the situation to the
attract a mate. The brighter the colour a mate is
assistant who was very sorrowful
able to display, the more dominant. Thus the act
(c) with great distress the writer explained
of standing out can be more important than that
his unfortunate situation to the
of blending in.
assistant
PPC Volume – I 55
1. The author was surprised by the fact that crowd. Pity the husband or wife with a
(a) Eskimos have 500 words for 'snow' garrulous mate who insists on talking long past
the point where he or she has anything to say.
(b) the ingenuity of humans
To be meaningful, a conversation should head in
(c) the Eskimo­Inuit do not live in igloos a general direction. It has been said that if speech
(d) the Eskimo­Inuit rub their noses is silver, silence is gold. Certainly silence is
together preferable, under most circumstances, to
inconsequential chit­chat.
2. The author discovered that
1 . The word garrulous means_______.
(a) igloos are not fashioned from snowy
(a) disturbing (b) annoying
bricks
(c) talkative (d) noisy
(b) only the Eskimo­Inuit elders live in
2 . According to the Author, "in Collision"
igloos
occurs when________.
(c) snow houses are reserved for hunting
(a) two people talk at the same time.
migrations
(b) two people listen at the same time.
(d) the coastal people foraged for fire­wood (c) two people collide against each other.
3. The changing colour of a chameleon is (d) a single persons talk too long.
more to do with 3 . A vital ingredient of conversation is_____.
(a) camouflage (a) the willingness to listen.
(b) mood and temperature (b) being like an over ­ zealous footballer.
(c) transformation (c) being able to speak without stopping.
(d) protection (d) the ability to talk.
4. A chameleon warms itself by 4 . If speech is silver, silence is gold - indicates
(a) residing in bright areas that
(b) turning a darker colour to absorb more (a) both are valuable
heat (b) silence is valuable
(c) matching its colour with the (c) silence is more precious than speech
environment (d) speech is less important
(d) adjusting its body temperature with 5 . A good conversation should not be:
that of the environment
(a) a monologue (b) a lecture
5. A male chameleon is believed to be more
dominant if (c) a dialogue (d) a discourse
(a) he has the colours of the panther PASSAGE - 25
(b) he exhibits vivid orange colour There is a need to preserve our natural
(c) if he can blend in with the others resources. The growth of population leads to an
(d) if he displays flashing bright colours increase in the demand for food which means
PASSAGE - 24 more space is required for cultivation. Trees in
the forests are cut down to make way for more
What makes good conversation? In the first land for farms and buildings. Animals are
place, it is essentially a mutual search for the decreasing in number due to widespread
essence of things. It is a zestful transaction, not a poaching and the depletion of their natural
briefing or a lecture. Russian poet, Alexander habitat. Many species are getting extinct or are
Pushkin correctly identified the willingness to on the verge of extinction. There is a need to
listen as one of the vital ingredients of any conserve forests and the wildlife within them.
exchange. When two people are talking at the Trees are the lifeline of society. Excessive felling
same time, it is not conversation; it is collision ­ of trees can lead to various problems like floods,
nothing is more destructive of good talk than an droughts, climate change and lack of resources,
over ­ zealous football dribbler playing to the therefore, for sustainable development that is
56 PPC Volume – I
development that fulfils the need of future 2. A person who is good at foreign languages
generations, it is important to save forest and is known as-
wildlife. (a) Virtuoso (b) Linguist
1. Why is it important to save forests and (c) Ventriloquist (d) Scholar
wildlife?
3. __ are regional variations of a language.
(a) for sustainable development
(a) English (b) Mandarin Chinese
(b) to improve tourism
(c) Home language (d) Dialects
(c) to save the animals
(d) for maintaining nature's beauty 4. English also included French words.........
Norman Conquest
2. What is the life line of society ?
(a) after (b) prior
(a) humans (b) mountains
(c) before (d) during
(c) rivers (d) trees
3. What has led to animal extinction ? 5. _______ is part of a Germanic language.
(a) industrial development (a) Britain (b) Anglo­Saxons
(b) trade and commerce (c) English (d) Roman Empire
(c) poaching PASSAGE – 27
(d) lack of awareness
My worries were increasing. The boy at the
4. Why is more space needed for cultivation ? shop was becoming more clamorous. My sales
(a) growth of population were poor, as the railways were admitting more
(b) decrease in population pedlars on the platforms. My cash receipts were
(c) development going down and my credit sales alone flourished.
(d) decrease in food supply The wholesale merchants who supplied me with
5 . What has led to the change in climate ? goods stopped credit to me. The boy’s method of
(a) the construction of dams account­keeping was so chaotic that I did not
(b) the drilling of wells know whether I was moving forward or
(c) the deforestation backward. He produced cash from the counter
in a haphazard manner, and there were immense
(d) the killing of animals
gaps on the shelves all over the shop. The
PASSAGE – 26 complaint by the public was that nothing one
Some languages are used by a few people. wanted was ever available. Suddenly the
Others, such as Mandarin Chinese and English, railways gave me notice to quit. I pleaded with
are spoken by millions. Many people speak two the old station master and porter, but they could
or more languages. They may use one language do nothing; the order had come from high up.
at home with family and friends, and another at The shop was given to a new contractor.
work or school. Regional variations of language I could not contemplate the prospect of
are known as dialects. The Anglo­Saxons, who being cut off from the railways. I grew desperate
conquered Britain at the end of the Roman and angry. I shed tears at seeing a new man in
Empire, spoke a Germanic language, which later the place where I and my father had sat. I slapped
became English. Other Germanic languages the boy on the cheek and he cried, and his father,
include Danish, Dutch, German and Swedish. the porter, came down on me and said, ‘this is
English also contains French­derived words what he gets helping you! I’d always told the
after it was ruled by French­speaking kings boy­ He was not your paid servant, anyway.’
following the Norman Conquest. 1. Why does the speaker say that his sales
1. Mandarin Chinese is spoken by people. were poor?
(a) little (b) few (a) Because his cash receipts were going
(c) many (d) big down
PPC Volume – I 57
 (b) Because the boy at the shop was grammar they could master it in one year. The
becoming more clamorous author learned it in less than a year. As a private
(c) Because the railways were admitting soldier earning sixpence a day, he sat on his bed
more pedlars on the platform and studied. Unable to afford candle or oil, he
(d) Because there were no buyers read in winter by firelight (when it was his turn).
2. How did the boy’s method of account- If he could manage it thus, and with no outside
keeping affect the speaker? encouragement, then any youth, however poor
or busy, could do the same.
(a) His worries increased
1 . Why should we learn grammar?
(b) He produced cash from the counter in
(a) To develop speaking skills
a haphazard manner
(b) To develop writing skills
(c) His sales were poor
(c) To have a mastery over language
(d) He did not know if he was moving
(d) To acquire good speaking and writing
forward or backward
skills
3. Why did the public complain?
2 . How does the world judge a man’s mind?
(a) Because his credit at the wholesalers’
(a) By his dress
was gone
(b) By his manners
(b) Because nothing one ever wanted was
(c) By his appearance
available
(d) By his speech and writing
(c) Because there were gaps on the shelves
3 . How long would it take to gain mastery
all over the shop
over grammar?
(d) Because the railways gave him notice
(a) One year (b) Six months
to quit
(c) Two years (d) Ten months
4. Where did the order to quit come from?
4. What is the occupation of the writer?
(a) From the old station master
(a) Teacher (b) Soldier
(b) From high up
(c) Artist (d) Clerk
(c) From the railway authorities
5. The learning of grammar should be
(d) From the contractor
(a) Patient, thoughtful and holistic
5. Why did the speaker shed tears?
(b) Thoughtful, patient and piecemeal
(a) Because he saw a new person, where
he and his father had sat (c) Holistic, thoughtful and rapid
(b) Because he was cut off from the (d) Thoughtful, rapid and piecemeal
railways
PASSAGE - 29
(c) Because he grew desperate and angry
The World's largest living organism is not
(d) Because he slapped the boy on the cheek
the blue whale ­ which still is the world's largest
PASSAGE – 28 living animal ­but Australia's Great Barrier Reef,
A knowledge of grammar is essential for one of the country's prime living animals and
good speaking and writing, by which one’s mind prime tourist attraction. Sadly, size
is judged. Studying grammar means hard work: notwithstanding, it is slowly succumbing to the
it must be learned as a whole, with no part killer 'white syndrome', a bleaching disease
omitted, and it demands much thought and which has invaded 33 of its 48 reefs.
patience. But, once acquired, it can give a life­ Otherwise brilliantly multicoloured and
time’s pleasure and profit. Its study requires no teeming with a kaleidoscope of life, the affected
physical hardship, no special room or expenses. reefs have acquired a deathly white pallor, the
If people spent only their leisure time studying result of dying tissues. The bleaching of the reef

58 PPC Volume – I
happened following the recording of the gentle and Namita has no cause to complain.
warmest ever sea water temperature in the area One day she overhears something that makes
here. Scientists fear that the naturally gorgeous her jittery. Mr. Nair is not employed in an
reef are endangered and the as yet undiscovered American company as she has been told. The
animal and plant species would soon suffer nature of his business is illegal. She is shocked
irreplaceable damage. This is only because of the and wants to go back to her home town to her
rising of water temperature. own people.
1. Which of the following statements is not Gopal is from a very poor family. His family
true? owns a very small piece of land that can hardly
(a) The Great Barrier Reef is not the meet their food requirement. One day, Gopal gets
world's largest living mammal a nice offer to work in the Emirates with a
(b) The Blue whale is dying of 'white syndrome' construction contractor. In order to meet the
expenses on travelling, the family decides to sell
(c) The 'white syndrome' is a new
bleaching disease their own land and send Gopal to the foreign
country, to make money. On arrival, the
(d) The Great Barrier Reef is the world's
contractor confiscates Gopal’s passport and
largest living organism
gives him a small place to live in with ten others
2. 33 out of Australia's 48 reefs have
like him. Gopal has little idea what he must do.
succumbed to
1. Which word from the ones given below,
(a) the impact of the Blue whale
best describes Namita’s relationship with
(b) the impact of tourism
her employers in the beginning?
(c) the destructive impact of 'white syndrome' (a) Cordial (b) Friendly
(d) the bleaching disease affecting the whales (c) Sympathetic (d) Complaining
3. The dying reefs acquired a 2. What does the phrase, ‘makes her jittery’
(a) brilliant and multicolour imply?
(b) kaleidoscopic hues (a) Sadness (b) Anger
(c) brilliant blue colour like the whale (c) Trauma (d) Anxiety
(d) sickly white pallor 3. Namita and Gopal are in a similar
4. Scientists' main worry is that situation, because they
(a) there will be a fall in tourism with the (a) love their families
reefs gone (b) are happy with their situations
(b) the bleaching will make the water (c) are from impoverished families
warmer
(d) are stranded in a foreign country
(c) other endangered and undiscovered
4. Namita’s situation is better than that of
flora and fauna will also be damaged
Gopal, because she
(d) future research on 'white syndrome'
(a) has a well behaved employer
will stop
5. The meaning of 'succumbing is (b) knows what she wants to do
(a) giving way to an underground passage (c) loves the new place and the child
(b) giving way to something powerful (d) now knows about her employer
(c) following order 5. The conclusion that can be drawn from
(d) coming in the way of both situations is that people should
(a) stay in their own countries and villages
PASSAGE – 30
(b) feel contented and satisfied with their lot
Namita is from the state of Kerala. She has (c) verify details before accepting any job
come to Dubai to serve as a governess for the
(d) not travel to these regions of the world
only child of the Nairs. The Nairs are nice and

PPC Volume – I 59
 PASSAGE – 31 one, who had a gun, was boasting of his own
bravery and fidelity, when suddenly a large bear
My brother, David, was always close to our came from behind a rock close in front of them,
grandmother. Both of them shared a love of and stood in their way growling angrily. The
Mother Nature and of food that they had grown boaster fled to the nearest tree, dropped his gun,
themselves. Whenever his schedule permitted, and climbed to a safe place without thinking of
he would drop in for a short visit and a cup of his poor friend. The latter flung himself upon his
coffee. One day, when he found no one home, he face as though dead. The bear smelt his body,
left a chunk of dirt on her porch. This started turned him over, licked his face, and supposing
what was later to be known as his “calling card”. him to be dead, went on its way leaving him
Grandmother would come home occasionally unhurt.
and instantly know that Dave had been by when The other man came down from the tree,
she spotted the chunk of dirt on her porch. and going to his friend said “Well, what secrets
Although Grandmother had a poor did he whisper so quietly in your ear?”. To which
upbringing in Italy, she managed to do well in the little man who owed his life to his own
the United States. She was always healthy and presence of mind and not to be boasted bravery
independent and enjoyed a fulfilling life. and fidelity of his companion, replied, “why, he
Recently she had a stroke and died. Everyone said, ‘put not your trust in braggarts,’ and I shall
was saddened by her death. David was take his advice.”
disconsolate. His life­long friend was now gone. 1 . What were the two men talking about
1 . What is the opposite of the word while walking along the forest path?
‘disconsolate’ (a) About their wives and children.
(a) Devastated (b) Hilarious (b) About money and fame.
(c) Exuberant (d) Sombre (c) About friendship and enjoyment.
2 . David would drop in for a short visit and (d) About courage and loyalty.
leave a ______ as a sign on grandma’s porch 2 . What is the meaning of the word “fidelity”
if she was not at home.
(a) Muscle (b) Strength
(a) schedule (b) chunk of dirt
(c) Faithfulness (d) Courage
(c) calling card (d) cup of coffee
3 . After seeing the bear, what happened to
3 . Grandmother used to be. the boaster?
(a) rich in Italy but poor in the United
(a) He fled home.
States
(b) He hid himself behind the rock.
(b) in the United States but is now in Italy
(c) He hid himself behind a shed.
(c) poor earlier but became rich later on
(d) He fled and climbed up the nearest tree.
(d) rich earlier but now poor
4 . Grandmother enjoyed a-life. 4 . What made the bear go away after
(a) healthy but sickly examining the man?
(b) good and healthy (a) The bear thought the man was dead
(c) rich but sickly (b) The bear could not stand the bad odour
(d) poor and healthy of the man.
5 . Grandmother’s death made everyone (c) The bear did not want to eat the man.
(a) sad including David (d) The bear heard a noise and was scared.
(b) disconsolate excluding David 5. What saved the little man?
(c) happy and disconsolate (a) The aid from the villagers
(d) sad excluding David
(b) His friend’s bravery
PASSAGE – 32 (c) His own presence of mind
Two men were once walking along a forest
(d) His own courage
path, talking of courage and loyalty. The bigger
60 PPC Volume – I
 PASSAGE – 33 5. According to the author, how should
people deal with their anger?
The instinctive, natural way to express (a) Express assertively
anger is to respond aggressively. Anger is a (b) Express aggressively
natural, adaptive response to threats, it inspires
(c) Expressing consciously
powerful, often aggressive, feelings and
(d) Expressing unconsciously
behaviours, which allow us to fight and to
defend ourselves when we are attacked. On the PASSAGE – 34
other hand, we can’t physically lash out at every According to Ray D. Strand, a specialist in
person or object that irritates or annoys us, laws, nutritional and preventive medicine, not all fats
social, norms and common sense place limits on are bad. In fact an essential fat is just that ­
how far our anger can take us. People use a essential to the body. The body cannot
variety of both conscious and unconscious manufacture these fats and therefore must get
processes to deal with their angry feelings. The them from food. The body uses fats for the
three main approaches are expressing, production of healthy cell membranes as well
suppressing and calming. Expressing your angry as certain hormones called prostaglandins. The
feelings in an assertive­ not aggressive­ manner two most important essential fatty acids are
is the healthiest way to express anger. Being omega ­3 fatty acids, called alpha­linoleic acid,
and omega­6 fatty acids, called just linoleic acid.
assertive doesn’t mean being pushy or
Our bodies turn omega­3 fatty acids into
demanding, it means being respectful of yourself
prostaglandins that are primarily
and others. Anger can be suppressed, and then
anti­inflammatories. Omega­6 fatty acids
converted or redirected. This happens when you
become prostaglandins that are primarily
hold in your anger, stop thinking about it, and inflammatories. The generally accepted optimal
focus on something positive. ratio of dietary intake of omega­6 fatty acids and
1. What does the author mean by being omega­3 fatty acids is 4:1. The imbalance in the
assertive? consumption of these essential fatty acids is the
(a) Being demanding main reason for the imbalance in our body’s
production of these hormones. That is why many
(b) Being pushy
individuals in the industrialized world need to
(c) Being respectful take flaxseed oil and fish oil in supplementation
(d) Being calm in an attempt to bring these back into balance
2. How does a person naturally express anger 1. An essential fat is _______ .
(a) By defending oneself (a) necessary for the body
(b) By inspiring powerful feelings (b) manufactured in the body
(c) By responding aggressively (c) produces healthy cell membrane
(d) By adapting strong behaviour (d) completely harmless
3. How, according to the author, can one 2. The two most important essential fatty
suppress anger? acids are _____ .
(a) By redirecting anger (a) omega­5 fatty acids and omega­6 fatty
(b) By converting anger acids
(c) By thinking about one’s anger (b) omega­6 fatty acids and omega­8 fatty
(d) By holding one’s anger acids
4. Which one of the following places limits (c) omega­3 fatty acids and omega­6 fatty
on how far we can take our anger? acids
(a) Instinct (b) Behaviour (d) omega­2 fatty acids and omega­4 fatty
(c) Feelings (d) La w acids
PPC Volume – I 61
3. The body uses fats for the production of 9. Our bodies turn omega-3 fatty acids into
healthy cell membranes as well as certain prostaglandins that are primarily
hormones called (a) flammable
(a) prostaglandins (b) inflammatories (b) uninflammable
(c) linoleic (d) alpha­linoleic (c) anti­inflammatories
4. Omega-3 fatty acids are called (d) inflammatories
(a) linolenic acid 10. Omega-6 fatty acids become prostaglandins
(b) alpha­linolenic acid that are primarily
(c) linoleic acid (a) non­flammable
(b) inflammatories
(d) alpha­linoleic acid
(c) uninflammable
5. Omega-6 fatty acids are called ________ .
(d) anti­inflammatories
(a) linoleic acid
(b) alpha­linoleic acid PASSAGE – 35
(c) linolenic acid Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose, one of the
(d) alpha­linolenic acid greatest of modern scientists, graduated from
St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. He then obtained
6. The generally accepted optimal ratio of
Tripos of Cambridge University and joined the
dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids and
Presidency College, Kolkata, as Professor of
omega-3 fatty acids is
Physics. He was a pioneer in the discovery of the
(a) 5 : 1 (b) 4 : 1 wireless and radio and the Microwave. He made
(c) 1 : 1 (d) 2 : 1 remarkable contribution to the science of Botany
7. The imbalance in the consumption of by proving with the help of an instrument of his
these essential fatty acids is the main own invention that not only do trees and plants
reason for _____. have life, but feel pleasure and pain as we do. He
was perhaps the first scientist to suggest the
(a) the imbalance in our body’s production
possibility of gathering and utilising energy from
of the healthy cell membranes solar rays. Last but not least was the Bose
(b) the balance in our body’s production Institute which he founded in 1917. It has now
of these hormones become a world­famous Research Laboratory
(c) the balance in our body’s production doing yeoman’s service to various branches of
of the healthy cell membranes science.
(d) the imbalance in our body’s production 1 . Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose, one of
of these hormones the greatest of modern scientists,
graduated from which college?
8. Which of the following statements is true
in the context of the passage? (a) St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata
(a) All fats are bad. (b) Cambridge University
(c) Presidency College, Kolkata
(b) The body uses fats for the production
of healthy cell membranes as well as (d) Bose Institute
prostaglandins. 2 . What is meant by yeoman service?
(c) The generally accepted optimal ratio of (a) Minimal (b) Invaluable
dietary intake of omega­6 fatty acids and (c) Discreet (d) Sporadic
omega­3 fatty acids is 5 : 1. 3 . Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose was a
(d) Many individuals in the industrialized pioneer in the discovery of the wireless,
world need not take flaxseed oil and fish radio and the
oil in supplementation in an attempt to (a) Toaster (b) Oven
bring these back into balance. (c) Microwave (d) Radio

62 PPC Volume – I
4. Jagadish Chandra Bose made remarkable 2. Hordes of rats invaded Egypt. They came
contribution to the science of Botany by from _______ .
providing with the help of an instrument (a) Europe (b) Asia
of his own invention that trees and plants
(c) Asia Minor (d) Africa
have not only life, but ______ .
3. The cat was considered to be a _____ .
(a) feel joyous and excited as we do.
(a) sacred animal
(b) feel happy and sad as we do.
(b) goddess
(c) feel excitement and pain as we do. (c) symbol of peace
(d) feel pleasure and pain as we do. (d) symbol of fertility
5. What is meant by a Tripos from Cambridge 4. What is the opposite of the word ‘votaries’?
University? (a) Enthusiast (b) Critic
(a) A scholarship (b) A trophy (c) Adherent (d) Fanatic
(c) A degree (d) A medallion 5. The word ‘deification’ in the passage
means
PASSAGE – 36
(a) highly valuable
Man’s attitude to various animals changed (b) take pride
many times in the course of centuries. From (c) act of treating as God
indifference or practicality, he went on to (d) devotees
adoration and deification, and then to hatred.
Ancient Egyptians, for example, highly PASSAGE – 37
appreciated the cat’s ability to destroy rodents. In the world today we make health an end
The cat was much superior in this respect to the in itself. We have forgotten that health really
grass­snakes and weasels they had kept in their means to enable a person to do his work and do
houses before. These proved unable to cope with it well. A lot of modern medicine, and this
hordes of rats which invaded Egypt from Asia. includes many patients as well as many
physicians, pay very little attention to health
So the cat, a very useful animal, was ranked as a
but very much attention to those who imagine
sacred animal and one of the most important
they are ill. Our great concern with health is
animals, too. The goddess of the Moon, fertility shown by the medical columns in newspapers,
and child­birth, Bast herself was portrayed by the health articles in popular magazines and the
the Egyptians as a woman with a cat’s lead. popularity of television programmes and all
Sumptuous temples were built to this those books on medicine. We talk about health
goddess, where cats were kept in luxury and fed all the time. Yet for the most part the only result
the choicest of foods. They had their own priests is more people with imaginary illness. A healthy
man should not be wasting time talking about
and votaries, more numerous as a matter of fact
health : he should be using health for work.
than any other sacred animal could boast.
According to the Greek historian Herodotus, the
1. Modern medicine is primarily concerned
festival in the city of Bubastis, which had a
with
temple dedicated to cats, was attended by as
(a) promotion of good health
many as 700 thousand, who brought their
(b) people suffering from imaginary illness
offerings to the goddess in the shape of figurines
(c) people suffering from real illness
of her made of gold, silver and bronze and
(d) increased efficiency in work
adorned with precious stones.
2. The passage suggests that
1. Egyptians appreciated the cat’s ability to
(a) health is an end in itself
destroy ______ .
(b) health is a blessing
(a) snakes (b) weasels
(c) health is only a means to an end
(c) houses (d) rodents
(d) we should not talk about health
PPC Volume – I 63
3. Talking about health all the time makes (b) large sums of money
people (c) no money
(a) always suffer from imaginary illness (d) a reasonable sum of money
(b) sometimes suffer from imaginary 2. Mary ____ to the demands of her father.
illness (a) could not refuse to pay any attention
(c) rarely suffer from imaginary illness (b) wanted to refuse to pay any attention
(d) often suffer from imaginary illness (c) finally refused to pay any attention
4. The passage tells us (d) initially refused to pay any attention
(a) how medicine should be manufactured 3. Mary’s father had ______ all the money he
(b) what a healthy man should or should took from her.
not do (a) gambled (b) wasted
(c) what television programmes should be (c) invested (d) saved
about 4. During the depression Mary ______ in the
(d) how best to imagine illness stock market.
5. A healthy man should be concerned with (a) lost no money at all
(a) his work which good health makes (b) lost her money
possible (c) lost some money
(b) looking after his health (d) lost lot of money
(c) his health which makes work possible 5. God at times, makes hard demands so that
he _____ when we least expect it.
(d) talking about health
(a) can balance the scales against us
PASSAGE – 38 (b) can balance the scales in our favour
Mary Garden, a noted opera singer, earned (c) can harm us
a great deal of money during her career, but was (d) can refuse to assist us
constantly bothered by the demands of her father
PASSAGE – 39
for money ­ and always in large sums. Miss
Garden would always give it to him, though The public distribution system, which
often she would often complain that his requests provides food at low prices is a subject of vital
seemed somewhat unreasonable. To this the concern. There is a growing realization that
stock reply was that he needed the money for a though India has enough food to feed its masses
very special project. She was not going to refuse two square meals a day, the monster of
her father, was she? starvation and food insecurity continues to
During the depression Miss Garden, like haunt the poor in our country.
many others, lost her money in the stock market Increasing the purchasing power of the
crash. Shortly afterward, her father died, and, poor through providing productive employment
much to her surprise, she was notified that he leading to rising income, and thus good standard
had left a large bank account in her name. He of living is the ultimate objective of public policy.
had saved for her every cent she had given him. However, till then, there is a need to provide
The demands God makes on us may seem assured supply of food through a restructured,
hard at times. But all the while He is actually more efficient and decentralized public
helping us to store up an ‘eternal bank account’ distribution system (PDS). Although the PDS is
in heaven ­ one which may balance the scales in extensive­it is one of the largest such systems in
our favour when we least expect it. Troubles are the world­ it hasn’t reached the rural poor and
often the instruments by which God fashions us the remote places. It remain an urban
for better things. phenomenon, with the majority of the rural
1 . Mary’s father made demands for poor still out of its reach due to lack of economic
and physical access. The poorest in the cities and
(a) a small sum of money
64 PPC Volume – I
the migrants are left out, for they generally do (a) It will abolish the imbalance of urban
not possess ration cards. The allocation of PDS and rural sectors
supplies in big cities is larger than in rural areas. (b) It will remove poverty
In view of such deficiencies in the system, the (c) It will motivate the target­group
PDS urgently needs to be streamlined. Also, population to work more
considering the large food grain production (d) It will give food to the poorest section
combined with food subsidy on one hand and without additional cost
the continuing slow starvation and dismal
poverty of rural population on the other, there PASSAGE – 40
is a strong case for making PDS target­group The crowd surged forward through the
oriented. By making PDS target­group oriented, narrow streets of Paris. There was a clatter of
not only the poorest and the neediest would be shutters being closed hastily by trembling
reached without additional cost but we can also hands ­ the citizens of Paris knew that once the
reduce the overall costs incurred. fury of the people was excited there was no
1. The full form of PDS is- telling what they might do. They came to an old
(a) Private distribution system house which had a workshop on the ground
(b) Party distribution system floor. A head popped out of the door to see what
(c) Partial distribution system it was all about “Get him! Get Thimonier! Smash
(d) Public distribution system his devilish machines!” yelled the crowd.
2. The public distribution system, which They found the workshop without its
provides food at ______ is a subject of vital owner. M. Thimonier had escaped by the back
concern. door. Now the fury of the demonstrators turned
against the machines that were standing in the
(a) high prices
shop, ready to be delivered to buyers. They were
(b) fair prices
systematically broken up and destroyed ­ dozens
(c) low prices of them. Only when the last wheel and spindle
(d) as per capita income had been trampled under foot did the infuriated
3. Which of the following is true of public crowd recover their senses.
distribution system? “That is the end of M’Sieur Thimonier and
(a) is unique in the world because of its his sewing machines, “they said to one another
effectiveness and went home satisfied. Perhaps now they
(b) It has remained effective only in the would find work, for they were all unemployed
cities tailors and seamstresses who believed that their
(c) It has reached the remotest corner of livelihood was threatened by that new
the country invention.
(d) It has improved its effectiveness over 1. Shutters were being closed because the
the years shopkeepers
4. What should be an appropriate step to (a) wanted to attack the crowd
make the PDS effective? (b) feared their shops would be destroyed
(a) To decrease the allotment of food grains (c) wanted to support the crowd
(b) To make it target­group oriented (d) wanted to protect Thimonier
(c) To reduce administrative cost 2. The crowd was protesting against
(d) To increase the amount of foodgrain per (a) the closings of workshop
ration card (b) the newly invented sewing machine
5. What according to the passage, would be (c) the misdoings of Thimonier
the rationale of making the PDS target- (d) Thimonier for keeping the invention a
group oriented? secret

PPC Volume – I 65
3. The passage throws light on (b) they would be deprived of their
(a) why inventions should be avoided livelihood
(b) how a well­meant invention can be (c) their lives were in danger
misunderstood (d) the sewing machine was dangerous
(c) what mischief an inventor can do to 5. The aim of the crowd was to
ordinary people (a) drive Thimonier away
(d) how dangerous an invention can be (b) destroy the sewing machines
4. The people thought that (c) kill Thimonier
(a) Thimonier was mad (d) humiliate Thimonier

ANSWERS WITH EXPLANATION

PASSAGE - 01 (lsokHkko)]
Cleanliness (LoPNrk) ,oaCheap
prices (lLrh dhersa)] McDonald's dk
1. (a) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSS^fd black* ,d
philosophy FkkA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
udkjkRed 'kCn gS vkSj ;g ?k`f.kr ,oa v'kqHk Hkkoksa dks
4. (a) Passage dks i<+us ls bl ckr dk irk pyrk gS fd
izdV djrk gSA vr% fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA
McDonald's dk ukedj.k ,sls HkkbZ ds uke ij
2. (b) Passage ds third sentence esa bl ckr dk ftØ
fd;k x;k Fkk ftldkMr. Kroc ls dksbZ laca/ ugha
gS fd 'kCnNegro
^ * cgqr izpfyr(old fashioned)
FkkA vr% fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA
,oa viekutud (offensive) 'kCn gSA vr% fodYi
5. (a) Passage esa bl ckr dk dgha Hkh ftØ ugha gS fd
Mr.
(b) lgh mÙkj gSA
Kroc vius iz;ksxksainnovative
esa ugha FksA vr%
3. (a) Passage esa fn;k x;k 'kCn'Offensive' dk vFkZ oDrO;(a) vlR; gSA
gksrk gS ?k`.kkLin@viekutud@vkØked] blfy, bldk
PASSAGE - 03
i;kZ;okph 'kCn'Aggressive' (vkØked) gksxk A
vr% fodYi(a) lgh mÙkj gSA 1. (a) Passage ds izFkeParagraph esa ;g fy[kk gqvk
4. (b) Passage ds last esa dgk x;k gS fd Afro­
gS fd'A few flowers can change the look of
a room' A vr% fodYi(a) lgh gSA
Americans ds fy, jktuhfrd :i ls mfpr 'kCn
2. (a) Passage ds nwljs Paragraph esa ;g crk;k x;k
gS&African­American
^ *A vr% fodYi (b) lgh
mÙkj gSA gS fd Mexico ds xzkeh.kksa ( ) dks
villagers
engineer us lkiQ ,oa 'kq¼ is;ty miyC/ djk;kA
5. (c) Passage esablack
^ is beautiful* dk iz;ksx yksxksa dks
,slk dj ml engineer dks eglwl gqvk fd ;g
,d lEekfur LFkku nsus ds fy, fd;k x;k gSA vr% fodYi
mudh ,d cM+h miyfC/ FkhA vr%(a) fodYi
lgh gSA
(c) lgh mÙkj gSA
3. (c) Passage ds Last Paragraph esa crk;k x;k gS
PASSAGE - 02 fd earthworm dh vis{kk izR;sd euq"; vf/d
1. (d) Passage ds f}rh; Paragraph esa ppkZ dh xbZ gS creative ,oa Productive gks ldrk gSA vr%
fd Mr. Kroc dks irk Fkk fd vesfjdh liQyrk ilan fodYi (c) esa fn;k x;k rF; lR; gSA
gksrs gSaA blfy, og ;g dgrssign gq,djrs Fks fd 4. (a) bl Passage ds Last Paragraph ds ekè;e ls
millions of McDonald's hamburgers yksx Author lans'k nsuk pkgrk gS fd ;fn euq"; fliQZ ,d
[kjhn pqds FksA vr% fodYi
(d) lgh mÙkj gSA
lkFk feydj dk;Z djsa rks ge /jrh dks LoxZ cuk
ldrs gSa vFkkZr dkiQh dqN gkfly fd;k tk ldrk gSA
2. (d) Passage ds izFke Paragraph esa ppkZ dh xbZ gS
vr% fodYi(a) lgh gSA
fd restaurant LoPN ,oa lLrk FkkA vr% fodYi
5. (d) Passage ds ©izFke Paragraph dh izFke iafDr
(d) lgh mÙkj gSA
( line)esa gh ;g ppkZ dh xbZ gSsmall fd
3. (d) Passage ds r`rh; Paragraph esa ppkZ dh xbZ gS improvements (NksVs Lrj ij lqèkkjksa) ds }kjk gh
fd Quality control (xq.koÙkk fu;a=k.k)]
Service ge cM+k cnyko yk ldrs gSaA vr%(d) fodYi
lgh gSA
66 PPC Volume – I
 PASSAGE - 4 5. (b) Passage ds rhljsParagraph esa bl ckr dk ftØ
1. (c) Passage ds f}rh; Paragraph esa crk;k x;k gS fd gS fd the trouth got stronger, resulting in
dqN dksf'kdk foHkktuksa
(cell divisions) ds ckn the rain. vr% fodYi(b) lgh gSA
Explants iw.kZ ikni(Full­fledged Plants) ds PASSAGE - 6
:i esa fodflr gks tkrs gSaA vr% fodYi(c) lgh gSA
1. (c) Passage ds rhljsParagraph esa bl ckr dk ftØ
2. (a) nwljsParagraph esa bl ckr dk ftØ gS fd lcls
gS fd vkt euq"; vius vki dks lcls vf/d 'kfDr'kkyh
igys o"kZ 1878 esa ^mQrd lao¼Zu(Tissue rduhd* le>rk gS vkSj og bl 'kfDr ls fdlh Hkh pht dk ;k
Culture Technique) fodflr dh xbZ FkhA vr%
fdlh dk Hkh fouk'k dj ldrk gSA vr% fodYi(c)
fodYi (a) lgh gSA lgh mÙkj gSA
3. (c) Passage ds izFke Paragraph ds vkjaHk esa gh 2. ;g(c) Passage ds nwljsParagraph esa euq"; ds dqN
fy[kk gqvk gS fd ikniksa ij euq"; fuHkZjrk
dh negative qualities dh ppkZ gqbZ gS tSls Øks/
(an­
(Dependence) vfuok;Z (Indispensable/ ger), vge (ego), bZ";kZ
(envy), ykyp (greed), ?k`.kk
essential) gSA vr% fodYi (c) lgh gSA (hatred) ,oa }s"k
(jealousy) vkfnA ;s os udkjkRed
4. (a) izFkeParagraph esa bl ckr dh ppkZ dh xbZ gS (negative) xq.k(qualities) gSa ftlds izHkko esa euq";
fd euq"; }kjk plants (ikniksa) dh ljq{kk ,oa laj{kk ges'kk gksrk gSA vr%(c) fodYi
lgh mÙkj gSA
blfy, vko';d gS D;ksafd blls muds food,shelter 3. (d) Passage ds rhljsParagraph esa bl ckr dk ftØ
rFkkclothing tSlh vko';drk,¡ iwjh gksrh gSaA vr% gSS fd euq"; vkt tulagkjd gfFk;kjksa dks vftZr dj
fodYi (a) lgh gSA bruk rkdroj vkSj {kerkoku (capable) gks pqdk gS
5. (a) Passage ds izFkeParagraph esa ;g crk;k x;k fd og ;g lksprk gS fd og bl i`Foh :ih xzg
gS fdplant (ikni) ds ,d NksVs ls va'k ls ,d u;k (planet) ls laiw.kZ thou
(life) dks feVk
(obliterate)
,oa iw.kZ
plant (ikni) dks fodflr djus dh izfØ;k ldrk gSA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
dks mQrd lao¼Zu rduhd (Tissue Culture 4. (d) Passage ds izFke vkSj nwljs Paragraph esa bl
Technique) dgrs gSA vr% fodYi (a) lgh gSA ckr dk ftØ gSS fd vkt bl nqfu;k¡ esa thuk ekuo ds
PASSAGE - 5 fy, [krjukd lkfcr gksrk tk jgk] D;ksafd
gS ekuo dh
1. (b) Passage ds izFke Paragraph esa bl ckr dk ftØ fo'o ds leLr jkT;ksa dk ,dkf/ifr cuus dh rhoz pkgr
gS fd lkseokj dks izkr% vPNh o"kkZ ds iQyLo:ivkSj vius vkns'kksa dks lHkh okuslsdheubPNk muij
Met office (ekSle dk;kZy;) dks igys fd, x, gkoh gSA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
iwokZuqeku dks la'kksf/r djuk vr% iM+kA
fodYi (b) 5. (a) 'kCn'Obliterate' (feVk nsuk) dk antonym
lgh gSA create' (l`tu djuk) gksxkA vr% fodYi (a) lgh
2. (a) Passage ds izFke Paragraph esa bl ckr dk ftØ mÙkj gSA
gS fdMet office us viusPrediction dksrevise PASSAGE - 7
djrs gq, dgk fd vkxkeh nks fnuksa rd o"kkZ1.ds(b)tkjh Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gS fd dksbZ Hkh
jgus dh laHkkouk trkbZ xbZA vr% (a) lgh
fodYi
gSA lekpkj&i=k tgka ls og izdkf'kr gqbZ gkas ;k ftu ikBdksa
3. (b) Passage ds pkSFksParagraph esa fy[kk gqvk gS fd ds fy, bUgsa izdkf'kr fd;k x;k gks mUgsa vius fopkjksa]
ekulwuh fo{kksHk (trough) Jharkhand esa Hkkokas] vkdka{kkvksa rFkk rdyhiQksa dks vfHkO;Dr djus es
Daltanganj ls gksdj xqtj jgk FkkA vr% fodYi enn djsaA vr% fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA
(b) lgh gSA
2. (b) Passage esa crk;k x;k gS fd LFkkuh; Lrj ij
4. (d) Passage ds izFke Paragraph dks i<+us ls irk py lekpkj&i=k ifjorZu ykus esa viuh Hkwfedk fuHkk ldrk
tkrk gS fdMet office dk dke fdlh fo'ks"k {ks=k esa gSA ;g vius izHkko dk iz;ksx dj ogka dh cqjkbZ;ksa dh
gksus okyh ekSle laca/h lHkh lwpukvksa ds ckjs tkapesaiM+rky dj mu dkj.kksa dks lekIr djus esa
iwokZuqeku iznku djuk gSA vr% (d) lgh
fodYi
gSA lg;ksx dj ldrk gSA vr% fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA

PPC Volume – I 67
3. (b) Passage ds nwljs
Sentence esa bl ckr dk ftØ gS fpfdRld ,oa jksxh ,d&nwljs dh ckrksa dks vPNh rjg
fd lekpkj&i=k dk mís'; [kcjksa dks fliQZ le> ldsaaA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
objectively vkSjimaginatively gh izLrqr djuk
PASSAGE - 9
ugha gksrk gS cfYd ikBdksa dh Hkkoukvksa] fopkjksa dh
1. (a) Passage esa Li"Vr% dgk x;k gS fd ;g
Canada
vfHkO;fDr dk ekè;e gksuk Hkh gksrk gSA vr% fodYi
dk snow goose gSA vr% fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA
(b) lgh mÙkj gSA
2. (c) Passage ds igys vkSj nwljs sentences esa bl ckr
4. (d) Passage ds vfUre fgLls esa ;g fy[kk gqvk gS fd
dk ftØ gS fdRhayadar dslight house studio
readers viuh ihM+kvksa] f'kdk;rksa] fopkjksa ,oa Hkkoukvksa
esa tks
12 o"khZ; cPph vkbZ Fkh og fn[kus esa nqcyh&iryh
dh vfHkO;fDrlocal newspaper ds ekè;e dj
(slender) ,oa efyu (dirty) FkhA vr% fodYi (c)
ldrs gSaA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
lgh mÙkj gSA
5. (c) Passage esawarts and all dk iz;ksx dj ;g
3. (d) Passage ds vkjaHk esa gh crk;k x;k gS fd cPph
crk;k x;k gS fd lekpkj&i=k dks fcuk fdlh fgpfdpkgV
Rhayadar ds light house studio vkbZ FkhA bl
ds nks"kiw.kZ ckrksa ;k [kkfe;ksa dks fNik;s fcuk yksxksa dh
ckr ls irk pyrk gS fdlight house studio gh
Hkkoukvksa rFkk vdka{kkvksa dks O;Dr djuk pkfg,sA
Rhayadar dk fuokl LFkku FkkA vr% (d) fodYi
vr% fodYi(c) lgh mÙkj gSA
lgh mÙkj gSA
PASSAGE - 8 4. (c) Passage ds fourth sentence esa bl ckr dk ftØ
1. (b) Passage ds vfUre Paragraph esa bl ckr dks gSS fd cPph ?kk;y i{kh (injured bird) dks
crk;k x;kgS fdDoctors ds ikl bruk oDr ugha Rhayadar ds ikl blfy, ys xbZ D;ksafd mlus dgha
gksrk fd os vius jksfx;ksa }kjk crkbZ xbZ chekfj;ksalquk ls lacaf/
Fkk fd
Rhayadar gh og O;fDr gSa tks fdlh
r izR;sd ckr dks vPNh rjg lqu ldsA blds vykok ?kk;y(Injured) i{kh ds ?kko dks vPNk (heal) dj
medical interviewing Hkh muds laokn ck/k
esaiSnk ldrs gSaA vr% fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA
djrk gSvkSj blh otg ls os jksfx;ksabykt
dk mfpr 5. (a) Passage esahunters dk ftØ gSS vkSj blls ;g
rjhds lsugha dj ikrs gSaA vr% (b)fodYi
lgh mÙkj gSA Li"V gS fd blgoose dks f'kdkfj;ksa us xksyh ekjh
2. (b) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gS fd jksxh vkSj FkhA vr% fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA
fpfdRld ds chp iw.kZ vkSj Li"V laokn PASSAGE - 10
(communication) mfpr rjhds lstreatment
1. (b) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gS fd dksbZ Hkh
(mipkj) ds fy, vko';d gS] D;ksafd fpfdRldh;
computer fdruh Hkhsophisticated (mUur)
Hkk"kk ds iz;ksx dh otg ls jksxh lkjh ckrksa dks le>
ugha ikrk vkSj blls
treatment esa leL;k,¡ vkrh gSaA
D;ksa u gks ekuoh; t:jr rks fuiq.k ;k n{k O;fDr gh
vr% fodYi(b) lgh mÙkj gS ,oa dFku lR; gSA iw.kZ dj ldrk gSA vr% fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA

3. (c) ' kCn'Confrontation' (fojks/@eqdkcyk)ds vFkZ2. (c) Passage ds second vkSjthird sentences esa
ls esy [kkrk gqvk 'kCn 'Conflict' (fojks/ fy[kk gqvk gS fd dsoy touch (dh&cksMZ) ds }kjk
@}a}@Vdjko@la?k"kZ) gSA vr% (c) fodYi
lgh mÙkj gSA gh cPpksa dks
computer ls egÙoiw.kZ lwpuk,a miyC/
4. (c) Passage esa ;g fy[kk gqvk gSS fd ,d jksxh viuh gks tkrh gSaA blds vykok ;g Hkh crk;k x;k gS fd
Relaxing attitude and software interactivity
rdyhiQ vFkok jksx(ailment) dk lgh o.kZu dj
ikus esa Lo;a dks izk;% vleFkZ ikrk gS D;ksafdlsmUgsa
u, Kku dks csgrj <ax ls xzg.k fd;k tk ldrk gSaA
medical terms dh le> ;k Kku ugha gksrkA vr%
vr% fodYi(c) mÙkj gSA
fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA 3. (a) Passage ds vafre fgLls esa bl ckr dk ftØ gS fd
5. (d) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSS fd fpfdRld ,oa sophisticated software gksus ds ckotwn
jksxh ds chpcommunication esa iz;qDr gksus okyh computer ,d f'k{kd dh n{krk dh cjkcjh ugha
Hkk"kk dksogkfjd
O; cukus dh vko';drk gS rkfd dj ldrkA vr% fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA

68 PPC Volume – I
4. (c) Passage esa fy[kk gqvk gS fd mPp 'kSf{kd 2.
Lrj(a)ij Passage esa ;g crk;k x;k gS fd iwathoknh O;oLFkk
digital books, simulators rFkk vU;
academic esa HkkSfrd lEifÙk ds vtZu dks lcls T;knk egRo fn;k
material dh enn ls fo|kfFkZ;ksalwpukvksa
rd dks tkrk gS vkSj ekuork rFkk ekufo; ewY;ksa dk egRo
igq¡p
k;k tk ldrk gS A vr% fodYi(c) lgh mÙkj gSA blds uhps nc dj jg tkrk gSA Passage esa fy[kk
5. (b) Passage ds first sentence esa gh bl ckr dk ftØ gqvk gS 'All this is injurious to human
gSS fdlHkh bl ckr dks ekurs gSa fd daI;wVj ds }kjk Kku dignity'A vr% fodYi(a) lgh mÙkj gSA
dk lao¼Zu T;knk vkuUn nk;d vkSj vklku gSA vr%
3. (b) Passage esa Capitalist System dk rkRi;Z gS
fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA vf/dre ykHkka'k vftZr djuk Hkys gh mRiknu
PASSAGE - 11 vf/d gks ;k u gks A(the largest profit rather
than maximum production) vr% fodYi
1. (c) Passage ds vfUre fgLlk esa ;g fy[kk gqvk gS fd
(b) lgh mÙkj gSA
fdlh Hkh ns'k ds ukxfjd dks pkfg, fd og Lora=krk
(liberty), U; k; (justice) , oa v ol j 4. (c) Passage dks i<+us ls irk pyrk gSCapitalist
fd
(opportunity) dh pkgr fny esa dk;e j[ksA vr% System esa T;knk ls T;knk /u ds vtZu dh izo`fr
fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA gksrh gS tks lekt dks nks oxksZa esa ck¡V nsrk gS& 'kksod
2. (a) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gS fd thou(life), (exploiter) rFkk 'kksf"kr
(exploited)A vr% fodYi
Lora=krk (liberty) ,oa vkuUn(happiness) dh (c) lgh mÙkj gSA
ryk'k ;k [kkst(pursuit) euq"; dks l`tudrkZ5. (d) Passage ds vfUre fgLls dks i<+us ls irk pyrk gS
(creator) }kjk fn;k x;k ,d migkj (gift) gSA vr% fd èkeZ iwathoknh O;oLFkk(capitalist system) ds
fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA fu;eksa dk gh leFkZu djrk gS vkSj yksxkas dks izrkM+uk
3. (a) Passage ds vUr esasomeday, somehow, rFkk 'kks"k.k dks viuk HkkX; ekudj Hkksxuk iM+rk gSA
someway we get what we want dk ftØ gS vr% fodYi(d) lgh mÙkj gSA
ftldk vFkZ ;g gS fd fdlh u fdlh fnu] fdlh u PASSAGE – 13
fdlh izdkj ls] tSls&rSls gesa og lc izkIr gksxk tks
1. (b) Passage ds rhljs Sentence dks i<+us ds mijkar
gekjh bPNk gSA ,slk dg dj vk'kk@ mEehn
author Kkr gksrk gSAlexander
fd 4 miles in;k=kk dj
(hope) dh vksj ladsr dj jgs gSaA vr% fodYi (a)
Darvel school tkrs Fks rFkk bruh gh nwjh miles)(4
lgh mÙkj gSA pydj og okil vkrs FksA vr% r; dh x;h dqy nwjh
4. (b) Passage esa crk;k x;k gS creator
fd us ekuo dks eight miles gksxkA
fofHkUu izdkj ds vf/dkj iznku fd, gSa tSls
liberty
2. (d) Passage esa of.kZr 'kCn'quick student' ls rkRi;Z
vkSjpursuit of happiness A p¡wfd vf/dkjksa dh
gS& ^,d cqf¼eku Nk=k*A 'wasvr%
a fast learner'
ckr gqbZ gS blfy, fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA
lgh mÙkj gSA
5. (b) bl Passage esa fy[kk gqvk gS fd fdlh
;g Hkh jk"Vª
3. (b) Passage esa ppkZ dh xbZ Darvel gS fd school esa
dh uSfrd] jktuSfrd vkSj vkfFkZd {kerkml ;k 'kfDr
ckjg o"kZ rd ds gh cPpksa dksprescribed
j[kuk
jk"Vª ds ukxfjdksa
ij fuHkZj djrkvr%
gSAfodYi (b)
FkkA vr% 'allowed to remain in the school
l gh mÙkj gSA
only up to the age of twelve' lgh mÙkj gSA
PASSAGE - 12
4. (d) Passage esa crk;k x;k gS fd viuh fojklr dks lk>k
1. (c) Passage ds vfUresentence esa fy[kk gqvk gS fd
The system imposes injustice, the religion djus (fpfdRlk vè;;u djus) dk volj ikdj
justifies it. /eZ ds laLFkkid LFkkfir O;oLFkk dk Alexander Fleming vc /uh (well off) eglwl
i{k ysrs gq, mlh O;oLFkk dk leFkZu djrs gSaA vr% dj jgs FksA vr% 'by receiving a share in a
fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA legacy' lgh mÙkj gSA
PPC Volume – I 69
5. (d) Passage esa fy[k gqvk gS fd
Alexander Fleming vFkok 'kjkc ds lkFk O;rhr djus yxrs gSa vkSj ;gka
dks vkfFkZd leL;kvksa ds dkj.k vius Ldwy dks NksM+us rd fd mUgsa tqvk (gamble) dk Hkh yr yx tkrk
ij foo'k gksuk iM+kA vr% fodYi (d) 'due to gSA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
financial problems' lgh mÙkj gSA 3. (a) Passage ds vfUreParagraph esa crk;k x;k gS fd
PASSAGE – 14 addiction vkSjgambling tSls lekftd cqjkb;ksa ds
1. (d) Passage ds izFke Sentence esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSS fy, D;k pht ftEesokj gSA bu lHkh ds fy, gekjh f'k{kk
fd Crude mineral oil dh mRifÙk /jrh ls gksrh gS O;oLFkk nks"kh (mÙkjnk;h) gS D;kssafd bl f'k{kk O;oLFkk
vkSj ;g rstxa/ ;qÙkQ xk<+k Hkwjk vFkok dkyk nzo usgksrk
cPpksa ,oa ;qokvksa ij dk;Z dk bruk Hkkj Mky fn;k
gSA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
gS fd bl ih<+h ds ikl vius 'kkSd ds fy, le; gh ugha
cp ikrk gSA vr% fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA
2. (a) Passage ds nwljs Sentence esa ppkZ dh xbZ gS fd
4. (b) Passage dks i<+us ds mijkar Kkr gksrk gS fd thou
Crude mineral oil fofHkUu izdkj ds inkFkksZa vFkok
esa #fp;ka vFkok 'kkSd dk cM+k egRo gS D;ksafd os
rRoksa dk ,d tfVy (Complex) feJ.k gksrk gSA vr%
fdlh O;fÙkQ ds thou esa vkus okyh nq%[kn ifjfLFkfr;ksa
fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA dks ifjofrZr djus esa izeq[k Hkwfedk fuHkk ldrh gSaA
3. (b) Passage esa fy[kk gqvk gSS fd oil dh
mineral vr% fodYi(b) lgh mÙkj gSA
mRifÙk lw{e i'kqvksa ds 'koksa rFkk leqnz5.dh(b)rygVh ds dks i<+us ls ;g Li"V gks tkrk gS fd 'kkSd
Passage
uhps ik, tkus okys thfor plants ls gksrh gSA vr% (Hobbies) fdlh O;fÙkQ ds 'kkjhfjd rFkk ekufld
fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA fodkl esa vR;ar egRoiw.kZ Hkwfedk fuHkk ldrk gSA
4. (b) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSSSMarine fd vr% fodYi(b) lgh mÙkj gSA
deposits dks dBksj pV~Vkuksa esa :ikarfjr gksus esa PASSAGE – 16
gtkjksa o"kZ
(million of years) dk le; yx tkrk
1. (d) Passage ds izkjafHkd fgLls dks i<+us ls gh irk py
gSA vr% fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA
tkrk gS fdresearch ls Kku(knowledge) ds
5. (a) Passage ds vfUre fgLls esa fy[kk gqvk gS fd uohu izk:iksa (forms) dk l`tu (creation) gksrk gSA
Sedimentary rocks dk ncko (Pressure) mQ"ek vr% fodYi(d) lgh mÙkj gSA
(Heat) mRiUu djrk gS tks leqnz dh rygVh ds uhps 2. (d)ncsPassage ds izFkeParagraph ds vfUre
gq, i'kq 'koksa ,oa thfor
plants ds deposits dks rsy sentence esa crk;k x;k gS research fd lkr
esa ifjofrZr dj nsrk gSA vr% (a) fodYi
lgh mÙkj gSA (seven) izdkjds gksrsa SA
g
PASSAGE – 15 3. (c) Passage esadocumentation dks research
1. (b) Passage ds izFke Paragraph esa bl ckr dh ppkZ ds purposes esa ls ,d crk;k x;k gS Avr%
gSS fd vfèkdka'k lasokfuo`Ùk ofj"B ukxfjdksa dks viuh fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA
lsokfuo`fÙk uhjl vFkok mckmQ izrhr gksrh 4. gS(b)
D;ksafd rc ds nwljs
Passage Paragraph esa bl ckr dk ftØ
rd muds dksbZ 'kkSd vFkok :fp;ka ugha jg tkrha gSSS fd
Academic publishing vko';d gS rkfd
ftlls os vius [kkyh le; dk mi;ksx l`tukRed f'k{kkfon bldk iqujh{k.k dj O;kid Lrj ij tu
dk;ksZ esa dj larqf"V izkIr dj ldsA vr% (b)fodYi lkekU; ds fy, miyC/ djk ldsa vkSj os blls
lgh mÙkj gSA ykHkkfUor gks ldsaA vr%(b)fodYi lgh mÙkj gSA
5. (a) Passage ds Second Sentence esa bl ckr dk
2. (d) Passage ds nwljs Paragraph ds vfUre fgLls esa
bl ckr dk ftØ gSS fd tkiku ds fuoklh Hkh vius ftØ gS fd research dks blfy, conduct djk;k
[kkyh le; dks izlUurkiwoZd ,oa ykHkdkjh <ax ls tkrk gS fd iqujh{k.k ;k lR;kiu gks lds rFkk mu
lnqi;ksx ugha dj ik jgs gaSA okLro esa] Hkkjrh;ksa lwpukvksa
dh dk uohu
theories esa mi;ksx(use) fd;k

vis{kk os (tkikuh yksx) bl leL;k ls T;knk cqjh rjg tk ldsA ;g fy[kk gqvk gS fd
It is used to
establish or confirm facts, reaffirm results
ls ihfM+r gSaA os vius dks dkWiQh
weekends (coffee) of previous work.
70 PPC Volume – I
 PASSAGE – 17 iQyr% 'kq"drk ds fy, sand gh mÙkjnk;h gSA vr%
1. (d) Passage ds First Paragraph esa bl ckr dk fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA
ftØ gSSS fd library provides physical or 4. (b) Passage ds First Sentence esa ;g fy[kk gqvk gS
digital access to material vFkkZr tks option fd dSls jsfxLrkuh ouLifr;ka viuk vfLrRo cuk,
'd' esa dgha x;h gS ogsentence
bl esa dgh x;h ckr j[kus ds fy, fHkUu&fHkUu izdkj dh ifjfLFkfr;ksa ;k
ls esy [kkrh gSA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
ekSle ds lkFk vius vki dks <ky ysrh gSaA vr%
2. (c) Passage ds nwljs Paragraph ds first sentence fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA
esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSSS fd iqLrdky; dk
5. (c) Passage ds Last Sentence esa crk;k x;k gS fd
maintenance fdlh lkoZtfud fudk; (public
Mesquite uke dk ikS/k sand dunes ds mQij
body), laLF kk (institution), f ux e
(corporation) ,oa futh rkSj ij fdlh O;fÙkQ }kjk iQyrk&iwQyrk gS] blfy, ;gdesert ,d flora gS A
fd;k tkrk gSA vr% fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA vr% fodYi(c) lgh mÙkj gSA
3. (b) Passage ds nwljs Paragraph esa bl ckr dk ftØ PASSAGE - 19
gSSS fd dksbZ Hkh corporation ;k 1. (c) bl Sentence dk vFkZ ;g gS fd dkuwu
institution, (Law) dk
private individual iqLrdky; dh LFkkiuk dj fuek.kZ ukxfjdksa dh lEifRr dks pksjh ;k u"V fd;s tkus
Kku dk izlkj dj ldrk gSA vr% fodYi (b) lgh
ls cpkus ds fy, gqvk gS vkSj bl ckr dh ppkZ
mÙkj gSA
option (c) esa gqbZ gSA vr%(c) fodYi
lgh mÙkj gSA
4. (c) Passage ds izFkeParagraph ds vfUre
2. (d) Passage ds izFkeParagraph ds vUr esa dgk
sentence esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSSS fd ] bruh
library
cM+h gks ldrh gS fd iqLrdksa ls lfTtr dqN vkyekfj;ksa x;k gS fd vPNs ;k Hkys ukxfjd LosPNk ls bu dkuwuksa
ls ysdj dbZ yk[k oLrq,sa muesa ekStwn gkasA vr%dk ikyu djrs gSa vkSj bl ckr dk Hkh è;ku j[krs gS
fodYi
(c) lgh mÙkj gSA fd izR;sd dk;Z ftls os djrs
gS og vU; yksxksa ds vf/
5. (a) Passage ds Second Paragraph ds last dkjksa rFkk HkykbZ ds jkLrsvr% ck/kfodYi
u cus(d)
A
sentence esa ;g crk;k x;k gS fd bu fnuksa Hkou ds lgh mÙkj gSA
ckgj bysDVªkWfud lk/uksa }kjk Hkh Kku dh3.igqap
(access) (c) Passage ds vkjaHk esa fy[kk x;k gS fd vlkekU;
miyC/ djkbZ tk jgh gSA vr% ;g Li"V gS fd phtsa ifjfLFkfr;ksa esa dkuwu O;oLFkk dks cuk, j[kuk] Fky lsuk
lkoZtfud gaS vFkkZrprivacy ugha gSA vr% fodYi (Army) dh ftEesnkjh gksrh gS u fd dh A vr%
Police
(a) lgh mÙkj gSA fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA
PASSAGE - 18 4. (b) Passage esa iz;ksxCustoms
gq, and ceremonies
1. (d) Passage esa bl ckr dks n'kkZ;k x;k gS fd jsfxLrku dk vFkZ gS ijaijkxr <ax ls pys vkus okys jhfr&fjokt
esa vR;Ur 'kq"d(arid) vkSj mQaps (altitude)
LFkkuksa ftldk laiknu lekt ds fu;e vkSj /eksZa ds vèkkj ij
ij mxus okys ikS/s vR;ar NksVs vkdkj
(dwarf) ds jg gksrk gSA vr% fodYi(b) lgh mÙkj gSA
tkrs gSaA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
5. (a) Option (a) esa dgh x;h ckr Passage esa dgha Hkh
2. (a) Passage ds vfUre fgLls esa fy[kk x;k gS fd
mentioned ugha gSA vr% fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA
jsfxLrkuh gok dk rst cgko (long sweep) sand
dunes dksroll dj ikS/ksa dh o`f¼ rFkk mudh lqj{kk PASSAGE - 20
esa dkiQh lgk;d iznku djrk gSA vr%(a) fodYi
lgh 1. (c) Passage ds First Sentence esa fy[kk gqvk gS fd
mÙkj gSA fnYyh esa eysfj;k vkSj Msaxw ds ekeyksa dh la[;k
3. (c) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSSSS fd jsfxLrku esa egkuxjikfydk }kjk vf/Ñr :i ls ?kksf"kr ekeyksa dh
sand 'kq"d(arid) gksrk gS vkSj ueh u feyus ds vis{kk rhu xquh (thrice) FkhA vr% fodYi (c) lgh
dkj.k ouLifr;ka iw.kZ:is.k fodflr ugha gks ikrh gSa] mÙkj gSA
PPC Volume – I 71
2. (d) Passage ds eè; esa ;g fy[kk gqvk gSUK
fd dh 8. (d) Passage esa fy[kh gqbZ ;g 'Strange
iafDr elation
'The Lancet' esa izdkf'kr vkadM+s sustained her from within' bl ckr dks n'kkZrk
fpfdRlk if=kdk
,d varjkZ"Vªh; Vhe ds }kjk nationwide gS fdloneliness ls mls oks lqdwu feyk tks ,d
interviews dks iwjk djus ds i'pkr~ izLrqr fd;s x;s I;kls dks BaMk ikuh ih dj gksrk gS vFkkZr mldk gkSlyk
FksA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
bruk c<+k gqvk Fkk fd vkl ikl ds okrkoj.k vkSj
ifjfLFkfr;kas ls mls dksbZ iQZd ugha iM+ jgk Fkk A vr%
3. (d) Passage ds nwljsParagraph esaunder­
fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
reporting dks eysfj;k ls gksus okyh e`R;q ds fy,
9. (b) bl Expression ds }kjkAuthor ;g crkuk pkg
mÙkjnk;h n'kkZ;k x;k gSA vr% (d) lgh
fodYi
mÙkj gSA
jgs gSa fd lqcg vius dkairs ?kksM+s dks ns[kdj ml
4. (a) Passage esa crk;k x;k gS fd ljdkjh laLFkkvksa ds
yM+dh dks yxk ekuks mlds vanj dh Hk;Hkhr L=kh ej
}kjk izdkf'kr
Malaria ls ejus okys yksxksa ds okLrfod
pqdh gS vkSj og vc bl izdkj e`R;q mUgsa izHkkfor ugha
vk¡dM+ksa dks fNik;k tkrk gS vkSj mUgasa de dj n'kkZ;k
dj ldrhA vr% fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA
tkrk gSA vr% fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA
10. (c) Passage ds Last Paragraph esa fy[kk gqvk gS fd
5. (a) Passage ds izFke Paragraph ds eè; essa bl ckr
dk ftØ gS fd"The lancet" UK dh ,d medical varr% mls Cuchitee uke dk ,d xk¡o fn[kk tgk¡
journal gSA vr% fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA ?kj dkys èkwlj jax ds Fks rFkk Nr yky jax dh FkhA
Option 'c' esaSettlement 'kCn ds }kjk blh xk¡o
PASSAGE - 21
dh ckr dh x;h gSaA vr% fodYi(c) lgh mÙkj gSA
1. (d) Passage esa iz;qDr 'kCn"trail" dk vFkZ gS 'path'
PASSAGE - 22
(ekxZ] jkLrk)A vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
1. (b) Passage ds First Sentence esa fy[kk gqvk gS fd
2. (b) Passage ds nwljsParagraph esathrough
writer ds ikl i;kZIr vfrfjDr le; FkkA
another deserted mining settlement dh
ppkZ gqbZ gS vkSj dk vFkZ gksrk
deserted gS A 2. (a) Passage ds izFkeparagraph esa bl ckr dk
lonely
rkRi;Z ;g gS fd ftlterrain ls gksdj xqtjus dks o.kZu gS fd ys[kdluggage office tkrs gSa rkfd og
ckr gqbZ gS og ,d [kuu dh ?kkVh gS tks futZu vkSj viuk suitcase ogk¡ ls ys ldsaA ogk¡ igq¡p dj og
,dkar FkkA vr% fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA vius wallet esareceipt <w¡<rs gSasuitcase
rkfd ys
3. (c) Passage esa iz;qDr
she did not care dk vFkZ ;g ldsaA vr% Option (a) lgh answer gksxkA
gS fd mlus ijokg ugha dh vFkkZr mls dksbZ3.iQdZ ugha
(b) Passage ds vfUre fgLls esa bl ckr dk ftØ gS fd
iM+k vkSj og vius jkLrs ij c<+h tk jgh FkhA vr%
tc lost receipt mudswallet ls gh ckjg fudyrh
fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA
gS rks og 'keZblush
ls dj x;s mUgsa eglwl gqvk fd
4. (d) Mount dk vFkZ gskrk gSS ^p<+uk* trot dk vkSj
vFkZ
og fdrus ew[kZ gSaA vr%(b) lgh answer gSA
Option
gksrk gS ^?kksM+k ij /hjs /hjs tkukA* (d)vr% fodYi
lgh mÙkj gSA 4. (d) fjDr LFkku'veryesa many' dk iz;ksx mfpr gksxkA
5. (b) Passage esa fn;s x;s rF;ksa ls ;g Li"V gS fd yM+dh 5. (c) Write down dk vFkZ gksrk gS ^fy[[email protected] rS;kj
lkglh vkSj fuHkhZd gS blfy, lqulku LFkku vkSj djuk* vkSj ;gh vFkZ 'made a note of them' dk
fgald i'kqvksa dk mUgsa dksbZ Mj ugha gSA vr%Hkh fodYi
gS] blfy, lghoption (c) gksxk A
(b) lgh mÙkj gSA
6. (c) Passage ds vafreparagraph esa ppkZ dh xbZ gS
6. (a) Crest dk vFkZ gksrk topgS of a mountain/hillA
fd receipt ys[kd dswallet esa gh Fkk] blfy,
og vius xrO; LFkkus ij igq¡pus ds jkLrs esa f'k[kj ij
option 'c' lgh answer gksxk A
igq¡prh gSaA vr% fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA
7. (a) Passage ds Seventh Paragraph esa bl ckr dk 7. (b) Passage ds izFke Paragraph esa ;g fy[kk gqvk gS
ftØ gS fd 'the loneliness was like a drink of fd ys[kd vius wallet dks igyh ckj rc fudkyrk
cold water to one who is very thirsty' A gS tc mUgsa viussuitcase dks ysus ds fy,receipt
vr% fodYi(a) lgh mÙkj gSA dh t:jr gksrh gSA vr% fodYi (b) lgh gSA

72 PPC Volume – I
8. (a) Passage ds nwljs Paragraph esa ;g fy[kk gqvk3. (a) Passage ds Fourth sentence esa fy[kk gqvk gS
gS fdassistant us ys[kd ls lkekuksa dh lwph cukus fd conversation dk egRoiw.kZ ingredient
ds fy, dgk rkfd ys[kd }kjk lwVdsl ij fd, x, 'willingness to listen' (lquus dh lEefr vFkok
ekfydkuk gd ds mlds nkos dks lqfuf'pr mRlqdrk) gksrk gSA vr%(a) fodYi
lgh mÙkj gSA
(ascertain) fd;k tk ldsA vr%Option (a) lgh 4. (c) 'If speech is silver, silence is gold' dk
answer gSA rkRi;ZSgfdspeech dh rqyuk esa silence dk egRo
9. (c) Passage ds f}rh; Paragraph esa fy[kk x;k gS T;knk gSAvr% fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA
fd receipt u feyus dh otg ls og ijs'kku vkSj5. (b) Passage ds rhljssentence esa ;g fy[kk gqvk gS
nq[kh Fks blfy, mUgksaus lkjh ckrsa nq%[k HkjsfdvUnkt esa
good conversation ,d ^O;k[;ku*(Lecture)
assistant ls dgkA
;k 'briefing' ugha gksrk cfYd og gksrk gS ftlesa nksuksa
10. (d) Passage esa iz;qDr 'kCn 'situation', dk vFkZ rjiQ ls tks'kiw.kZ
(Zestful) <ax ls ckrksa dk vknku
'position' ls gSA'position' dk iz;ksxsituation iznku gqvk gksA vr% (b) fodYi
lgh mÙkj gSA
ds vFkZ esa Hkh gksrk gSA
PASSAGE - 25
PASSAGE - 23
1. (a) Passage ds last sentence esa crk;k x;k gS fd
1. (c) Passage ds First paragraph ds vfUre fgLls esa
sustainable develepment ds fy, ouksa ,oa
fy[k gqvk gS fd'Eskimo­inuit' igloos esa fuokl
oU; thou dk laj{k.k egÙoiw.kZ gksrk gSA vr% fodYi
ugha djrs gSa vkSj bl ckr dks lqudj ys[kd dks vk'ppZ(a) lgh mÙkj gSA
gks jgk gSA Option
vr% 'c' gh answer gksxkA
2. (d) Passage esa ;g fy[k gqvk fd ^o`{k* lekt dh
2. (c) Passage ds nwljs Paragraph ds vUr esa ;g
thoujs[kk (lifeline) gksrs gSaA vr% fodYi
(d) lgh
crk;k x;k gS fd ciQZ ls fufeZr ?kj f'kdkj ,oa ns'kkarj
xeu (excursion) ds fy, cus gksrs FksA mÙkj gSA
3. (b) Passage ds vfUreParagraph esachameleons 3. (c) Passage ds eè; esa bl ckr dh ppkZ gqbZ gS fd
ds jax cnyus dk laca/ muds mood vkSj voS/ f'kdkj(Poaching) ds dkj.k ;s oU; tho
temperature ls gksrk gSA Option
vr% 'b' lgh foyqIr(extinct) gks jgs gSa] vr% lgh(c) mÙkj
gS A
answer gksxkA 4. (a) Passage esa bl ckr dh ppkZ gqbZ gS fd tula[;k o`f¼
4. (b) Passage ds vfUreParagraph esa crk;k x;k gS ds dkj.k [kk| inkFkZ dh vo';drk c<+ jgh gS vkSj
fd chameleon vius vki dks xeZ djus ds fy, bl otg ls d`f"k dk;Z ds fy, vf/d Hkwfe dh
vius 'kjhj ds xgjs jax okys Hkkx dks lw;Z dh fn'kk vko';drk
esa gksxhA vr% lgh mÙkj fodYi (a) gSA
iyV nsrk gS ftlls mldh Ropk vR;f/d mQ"ek 5. (c) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSS fd excessive
vo'kksf"kr dj ysrh gSA felling of trees ds dkj.k tyok;q IfjorZu
(Climate
5. (d) Passage ds last paragraph ds vfUre fgLlk esa change) gksrk gSA vr% fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA
bl ckr dk ftØ gS fd the brighter the colour
a mate is able to display the more PASSAGE – 26
1. (c) Passage ds second sentence esa fy[kk gqvk
dominantA vr%Option 'd' lgh answer gksxkA gS
PASSAGE - 24 fd Mandarin Chinese is spoken by
millionsA vr%'many' dk iz;ksx mfpr gksxkA
1. (c) Garrulous' dk vFkZ gksrk gS
'talkative' (ckrwuh)A
vr% fodYi(c) lgh mÙkj gSA vr% fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA
2. (a) Passage ds eè; esa bl ckr dh ppkZ dh xbZ gS2.fd(b) fons'kh Hkk"kkvksa'Linguist'
dk Kkrk(cgqHkk"kkfon~)
collision rc gksrk gS tc nks O;fDr ,d gh le; ,d dgykrk gSA vr% fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA
lkFk ckrsa djrs gSaA ;g
'Conversation' (okrkZyki)3. (d) Passage ds eè; esa crk;k x;k gS fdregional
ugha cfYd 'Collision' (fopkjksa dk Vdjko) dgykrk variations of language dksdialect dgk tkrk
gSA vr% lgh mÙkj fodYi (a) gSA gSA vr% Option 'd' lgh answer gksxkA

PPC Volume – I 73
4. (a) After dkiz;ksx okD; ds vFkZ dks iw.kZ djrk gSAPassage ds second sentence esa dgh x;h ckr
5. (a)
5. (c) Passage esa;g crk;k x;k gS fd fdl rjg ls ;g fu"d"kZ fudyrk gSGrammar
fd dks lh[kus
Germanic language ckn esaEnglish cu x;kA ds fy, ,d O;fDr dks fopkjiw.kZ
(Thoughtful),
vr % fjÙkQ LFkku'English'
esa 'kCndk iz;ksx mfpr gSA èkS;Z'khy(Patient) rFkk iw.kZrkoknh
(Holistic) gksuk
vko';d gSA vr% fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA
PASSAGE – 27
PASSAGE – 29
1. (c) Passage ds vkjEHk esa gh crk;k x;kRailways
gS fd
us vf/d la[;k esapeddlers (iQsjhokyk) dks lkeku 1. (b) White syndrome dh otg ls Great Barrier
cpus ds fy, vuqefr ns j[kk Fkk vkSj bl otg ls fcfØ Reef dh la[;k esa deh gks jgh Fkh u fdblue
blls
esa fxjkoV vk x;h FkhA vr%(c) fodYi
lgh mÙkj gSA whale dh e`R;q gks jgh FkhA vr%
Option 'b' dgh
2. (d) izFke Paragraph ds eè; esa bl ckr ftØ gS fd bl
xbZ ckr vlR; gSA
yM+dk ds }kjk fd;k tkaccount
jgk keeping dk 2. (c) First Paragraph esa ;g crk;k x;k gS fd
rjhdk brukchaotic Fkk fd mls le> esa ugha vk jgk Australia ds 48 esa ls 33 barrier reef ds mQij
Fkk fd fcØh esa o`f¼ gks jgh Fkh ;k fxjkoV gks jghwhite FkhAsyndrome ds bleaching disease dk
vr% fodYi(d) lgh mÙkj gSA izHkko gks pqdk gSA vr%'c' lgh answer
Option
3. (b) Passage esa ;g crk;k x;k gSS public fd dh gksxkA
f'kdk;r (Complaint) Fkh fd tks dqN mUgsa pkfg, 3. (d) Passage ds nwljs paragraph ds first sentence
Fkk os oLrq,a le; ij miyC/ ugha gksrh gSaA vr% esa bl ckr dh ppkZ gSSickly
fd white pallor
fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA ls dying reefs xzLr gks pqdk FkkA
4. (c) Passage ds vfUre fgLls esa
4. (b) First Paragraph ds vUr esa ;g fy[kk gqvk gS fd nqdku scientist ds Hk; dk
ftØ
dks NksM+us dk fyf[kr vkns'k jsyos ds mPpkf/dkfj;ksa }kjk djrs gq, crk;k x;k gS fdendangered and
fn;k x;k Fkk A vr% fodYi(b) lgh mÙkj gSA undiscovered flora and fauna Hkh tYn gh
5. (a) Passage ds nwljs paragraph esa fy[kk gqvk gS fd
[krjs esa iM+ ldrs gSaA
tc oDrk us ;g ns[kk fd nqdku esa ftl LFkku ij5.og(b) Passage esa'Succumbing' dk vFkZ gS& 'giving
,oa mlds firk cSBrs Fks] ogka vc u;k Bsdsnkj cSBk gS] way to something poweful' A
rks og jks iMs+ A ;g ckr 'a' esa gS] blfy, ;gh
option PASSAGE – 30
lgh answer gSA 1. (a) Passage ds First Paragraph dks i<+us ls irk
PASSAGE – 28 pyrk gS fdNamita vius employee dksnice
1. (d) Passage ds First Sentence esa bl ckr dks crk;k and gentle ikrh gS] blfy, bldk O;ogkj vkSj
x;k gSS fd vPNh ckrphr vkSj ys[ku ds fy, laca/Nairs ds izfrcordial FkkA vr% fodYi (a)
Grammar lh[kuk vko';d gSA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
lgh mÙkj gSA 2. (d) Sentence esa iz;qÙkQ
Phrase 'makes her jittery'

2. (d) Passage esaFirst Sentence bl ckr dk ftØ

dk eryc gS& 'anxiety' (?kcjkgV] fpark)A vr%
fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
gSSS fd nqfu;k¡ fdlh O;fÙkQ ds lksp dk vkdyu
mlds Hkk"k.k(Speech) ,oa ys[ku(writing) ls 3. (d) Passage esa ;g crk;k x;k gS fd Namita vkSj
Gopal nksuksa dh fons'k esa ,d tSlh gh fLFkfr gS]
djrk gSA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
D;ksafd os fons'k esa tkdj iQal x, FksA vr% fodYi
3. (a) Passage ds eè; esa ;g fy[kk gqvk gS fd
Grammar
(d) lgh mÙkj gSA
esa fuiq.krk
izkIr djus ds fy,one year dk le; yx
4. (b) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gS fd fons'k esa
tkrk gSA
vr% fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA
Namita dh ifjfLFkfr] Gopal dh ifjfLFkfr ls
4. (b) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSS author
fd ,d csgrj Fkh D;ksafd
Namita us r; dj fy;k Fkk fd
private soldier FkkA vr% fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSSA mls vius ?kj okil tkuk FkkAGopal ijUrq dksdqN
74 PPC Volume – I
 Hkh le> ugha vk jgk Fkk fd og D;k djsA3.vr% (d) First Paragraph ds eè; esa fy[kk gqvk gS fd
fodYi (b) 'knows what she wants to do' bear dks jkLrs esa [kM+k boasterns[k djMj x;k
lgh mÙkj gSA vkSj vius fe=k dks NksM+ dj Hkxrs gq, ikl ds isM+ ij
5. (c) Passage esa dks i<+us ls ;g irk pyrk gS fdlh Hkh p<+ x;kA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
ukSdjh dh Lohdkj djus ls iwoZ mlls lacaf/r 4. lHkh
(a) First Paragraph ds vfUre fgLls esa bl ckr dk
fooj.kksa (Details) dh tkap vFkok lR;kiu ftØ gSSS fd nwljk O;fDr tks ogha [kM+k Fkk og eqg¡ ds
(Verification) djuk pkfg,A Namita vkSj Gopal Hkkj bl rjg fxjk fd og ejk gqvk izrhr gksA tc
us ,slk ugha fd;k Fkk blfy, mUgsa leL;kvksa dkbear mlds ikl vk;k rks mlus law?kdj mls e`r
lkeuk djuk iM+k A vr% fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA (Dead) ik;k vkSj og og¡k ls pyk x;kA vr% fodYi
PASSAGE – 31 (a) lgh mÙkj gSA
5. (c) Passage esa ftØ ckrksa ls ;g Li"V gS fd ;g mldk
1. (c) Disconsolate dk vFkZ gksrkextremely gS
viuk Presence of mind gh Fkk ftlls mlus vius
sad and disappointed (mnkl vkSj fujk'k)]
thou dh j{kk dhA vr% fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA
b l f y , b l d k opposit e 'ex ube ra nt'
(mYykliw.kZ) gSA vr% (c) fodYi
lgh mÙkj gSA PASSAGE – 33

2. (b) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSSDavid fd tc ?kj 1. (c) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSSS fd ys[kd ds
Assertive gksus dk rkRi;Z gS fd O;fDr vius izfr
vkrk Fkk rks izos'k }kj ij chunk of dirt
(parch)
respectful cuas vkSj lkFk gh lkFk nwljksa dk Hkh
j[k nsrk Fkk rkfd mldh nknh dks irk py tk; fd
lEeku djsa u fd egRokdka{kh cusaA vr% (c) fodYi
mldk David mlds ?kj vk;k FkkA vr% okD; ds
lgh mÙkj gSA
fjÙkQ LFkku esa of dirt' dk iz;ksx mfpr gS
'chunk
2. (c) Passage ds First Sentence esa fy[kk gqvk gSSSS fd
vkSj ;g lgh mÙkj gSA
Øks/(anger) dh LokHkkfod (natural) vfHkO;fÙkQ
3. (c) Passage ds nwljs Paragraph esa bl ckr dk ftØ vkØkedrkiwoZd izfrfØ;k(aggressive response)
gSS fd David dh grandmother igys xjhc Fkh nsdj gksrk gSA vr% fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA
ijarq ckn esa dkiQh /uh gks xbZ Fkh tc og 3. (d) Passage esaanger dkssuppress dj fu;af=kr djus
United
States esa FkhA
vr% fodYi(c) lgh mÙkj gSA dh ckr dh x;h gS vkSj ;g rc gksrk gS tcanger
ge
4. (b) Passage ds nwljs Paragraph esa ;g crk;k x;k gS dkshold djrs gaSA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
fd David dh grandmother tc United States 4. (d) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSS fd fdu&fdu phtksa
esa Fkh rc mUgksaus LoLFk vkSj [kq'kgky thou th;kA vr%
ds }kjkanger dh lhek r; gksrh gS vkSj law mUgha
fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA esa ls ,d gSA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
5. (a) Passage ds vUr esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSS fd 5. (a) Passage esa author us crk;k gS fd Øks/ (anger)
Grandmother ds ekSr lsDavid vkSj izR;sd dksassertive manner esa O;Dr djuk gh mfpr
O;fDr dks dkiQh nq%[k gqvkA vr% (a) lgh
fodYi rjhdk gSA vr% fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA
mÙkj gSA
PASSAGE – 34
PASSAGE – 32 1. (a) Passage dsnwljsSentence esa ftØ fd;k x;k gS
1. (d) Passage ds izFke
sentence esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSSS fd dqN olk (fat) ,sls gksrs gSa tks 'kjhj ds fy, vR;ar
fd nks O;fDr taxy ds ekxZ ls xqtj jgs Fks vkSjvko';d gksrs gSaA vr% fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA
courage and loyalty ds ckjs esa ppkZ dj jgs 2.
FksA
(c) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gS fdomega­3
vr% fodYi(d) lgh mÙkj gSA fatty acids ,oa omega­6 fatty acids nks lcls
'fidelity' dk vFkZ gksrk gS T;knk egÙoiw.kZ vko';d
2. (c) Passage esa of.kZr 'kCn fatty acids gksrs gSaA vr%
faithfulness (HkfDr@fu"Bk) fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA

PPC Volume – I 75
3. (a) Passage ds Fourth Sentence esa ;g crk;k x;k 2. (b) Passage esa of.kZr Idiom 'yeoman service' dk
gS fd ekuo 'kjhj dks olk (fat) dh vko';drk vFkZ gksrk gS and useful help in need'
'efficient
blfy, gksrh gS fd ogdksf'kdk fHkfÙk;ksa cell ( fn;s x;s Options esainvaluable dk vFkZ bl
membranes),oa izksLVkXySafMUl ( )
prostaglandins phrase ds vFkZ ds djhc gS] blfy, fodYi (b) lgh
tSls gkeksZu dk mRiknu (production) dj ldsA mÙkj gSA
vr% fodYi(a) lgh mÙkj gSA 3. (c) Passage esa fy[kk gqvk gSS fd Jagadish
Acharya
4. (d) Passage esa ;g fy[kk gqvk gS omega­3 fd Chandra Bose csrkj laizs"k.k
(Wireless), jsfM;ks
fatty acids dksalpha­linoleic acid (fyuksysbd (Radio) rFkk ekbØksoso (Microwave) dh [kkst ds
vEy) ds uke ls Hkh tkuk tkrk gSA vr%(d) fodYi vxqvk (Pioneer) FksA vr% fodYi
(c) lgh mÙkj gSA
lgh mÙkj gSA 4. (d) Passage ds eè; esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSSS fd
Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose us ;g fl¼
5. (a) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gS fd omega­6 fatty
dj fn;k fd ekuo ds leku ghplants and trees
acids dkslinoleic acid (fyuksysbd vEy) ds uke
esa fliQZ thou (Life) gh ugha gS cfYd os Hkh gekjs
ls Hkh tkuk tkrk gSA vr% fodYi (a) lgh mÙkj gSA
leku lq[k ,oa nq%[k dh vuqHkqfr (Feel) djrs gSaA vr%
6. (b) Passage esa ;g fy[kk gqvk gS fd
omega­6 fatty
fjÙkQ LFkku 'feelesa
pleasure and pain as we
acids ,oa omgea­3 fatty acids dk LohÑr do' dk iz;ksx lgh mÙkj gSA
vuqikr4 : 1 gSA vr% fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA
5. (c) Passage esa 'kCn 'Tripos' dh ppkZ dh xbZ gS
7. (d) Passage ds vfUre fgLls esa bl ckr dk ftØ gS fd ftldk rkRi;Z gS& 'a degree' ( ,d mikf/ ) A
fd tc ge vlarqfyr :i esa bu vko';d olh; vr% fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA
vEyksa (fatty acids) dks miHkksx djrs gSa rks
PASSAGE – 36
gekjs 'kjhj esa bulsèk lacaf
r gkeksZuksa ds mRiknu esa
1. (d) Passage ds third sentence esa bl ckr dk ftØ
valrqyu iSnk gks tkrk gSA tkrk gSA vr% fodYi
gSS fdAncient Egyptians bl ckr dh iz'kalk
(d) lgh mÙkj gSA
fd;k djrs Fks fdcats esarodents dks u"V djus dh
8. (b) Passage esa ;g fy[kk gqvk gShuman fd body
{kerk gksrh gSA vr% fjÙkQ LFkku esadk'kCn
'rodents'
ds }kjk olk(fat) dk mi;ksx LoLFk dksf'kdk fHkfÙk
iz;ksx lgh mÙkj gSA
(membrane) ,oa çksLVkXySafMUl tSls gkeksZu dk mRiknu
2. (b) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSS Hordes fd of
(production) djus esa gksrk gSA vr% fodYi (b) lgh
rats ftUgksaus
Egypt ij vkØe.k fd;k Fkk os Asia
mÙkj gSA
ls vk;s FksA vr% fjÙkQ LFkku 'Asia'esa
dk'kCn
iz;ksx
9. (c) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gS fd ekuo 'kjhj ds }kjk
lgh mÙkj gSA
omega­3 fatty acids dk ifjorZu ,sls
3. (a) Passage esa bl ckr dk o.kZu gSS fd
Ancient
prostaglandins gkeksZu esa gksrk gSanti­ tks ewyr%
Egyptians ds fy, fcfYy;ka vfr mi;ksxh tho Fkha
inflammatories gksrs gSaA vr%(c) fodYi
lgh mÙkj gSA
vkSj blh otg ls ;s ^ifo=k tho* ds leku ekus tkrs
10. (b) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gS fdomega­6
FksA vr% fjÙkQ LFkku esa
'sacred animal' dk iz;ksx
fatty acids dk ifjorZu ,slsprostaglandins esa
lgh mÙkj gSA
gksrktks
gSewyr% inflammatories gksrs gSaA vr% fodYi
4. (b) Passage esa of.kZr 'kCn 'Votary' dk vFkZ eBoklh
(b) lgh mÙkj gSA
gksrk gS vkSj bldk foijhrkFkZd 'kCn
'Critic' gksxk
PASSAGE – 35
D;ksafd bldk vFkZ vkykspd gksrk gSA
1. (a) Passage esa bl ckr dk ftØ gSS fd vkpk;Z txnh'k
5. (c) Passage esa of.kZr 'kCn 'deification' dk vFkZ
pUnz cksl us Lukrd Lrj dh f'k{kk St. Xavier's
gksrk gS ^nsork dh rjg ekuuk* act blfy,of
College, Kolkata ls xzg.k dh FkhA vr% fodYi
treating as God lgh mÙkj gSA
(a) lgh mÙkj gSA

76 PPC Volume – I
 PASSAGE – 37 lokZf/d vko';drk ds le; gekjs i{k esa larqfyr
1. (b) Passage esa bl ckr dk o.kZu gSS fd vf/dka'k (Balance) dj ldsA vr% Option (b) 'can
vkèkqfud vkS"kf/ muds fy, cus gSa tks fdlhbalance the scales in our favour' dk iz;ksx
imaginary illness ls xzLr gSaA vr% fodYi
(b) lgh mÙkj gSA
lgh mÙkj gSA PASSAGE – 39
2. (d) Passage ds vUr esa bl ckr dh ppkZ gS fd gesa 1. gj
(d) PDS dk full form 'Public Distribution
le; LokLF; ij ppkZ ugha djuh pkfg, cfYd vius System' gksrk gS vFkkZr ;g ,d ,slh iz.kkyh tks
LokLF; dk mi;ksx vius dk;Z dks laiUu djus esaljdkj }kjk fu/kZfjr ewY; ij yksxksa dks [kk|kUu
djuk pkfg,A vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA miyC/ djkrk gSA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
3. (d) Passage esa crk;k x;k gSS fd og O;fDr tks gj le;
2. (c) Passage ds vkjaHk esa gh bl ckr dk ftØ gS fd
LokLF; ij ppkZ djrk gS izk;% dkYifud chekfj;ksa@jksxksa
Public Distribution System ds rgr de dher
(imaginary illness) ls xzLr gks tkrk gSA vr% ij [kk|kUu iznku fd;k tkuk fparktud gSA vr%
fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA fodYi (c) lgh mÙkj gSA
4. (b) Passage dks i<+us ls irk pyrk gS fd ,d LoLFk
3. (b) Passage ds nwljs Paragraph esa ;g crk;k x;k
O;fÙkQ dks D;k djuk pkfg, vkSj D;k ughaA vr% gS fd Public Distribution System 'kgjksa esa
fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA
izHkkohIt gS&
remains an urban phenomenon)
5. (a) Passage ds vUresa ;g fy[kk gqvk gS fd ,d LoLFk D;ksafd ogka miHkksÙkQk ds ikl jk'ku dkMZ gSA vr%
O;fÙkQ dks vius dk;Z ij è;ku nsuk pkfg, tks vPNs fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA
LokLF; ls laHko gksrk
Avr%gSfodYi(a) lgh mÙkj gSA
4. (b) Passage ds vfUre fgLls esa ;g fy[kk gqvk gSS fd
PASSAGE – 38 PDS dks izHkkoh
(effective) cukus ds fy, ;g vko';d
1. (b) Passage esa ;g fy[kk gqvk gSS fd Garden
Mary gS fd blstarget­group oriented cuk;k tk;sA
ds firk mlls ges'kk cM+h /ujkf'k dh ekax fd;k djrs vr% fodYi(b) lgh mÙkj gSA
FksA vr%'a large sum of money' dk iz;ksx lgh 5. (d) Passage ds vUr esa ;g fy[kk gqvk gS PDSfddks
mÙkj gSA target­group oriented cukus ds ihNs vkSfpR;
2. (a) Passage ds nwljsSentence ls ;g irk pyrk gS fd (rationale) ;g gS fd blds }kjk xjhc oxksZa dks fcuk
Mary Garden us vius firk }kjk ekaxh xbZ /ujkf'k vfrfjÙkQ O;; (additional cast) fd, [kk|kUu
dks nsus ls euk ugha fd;kA vr%not refuse
'could miyC/ gks ik,xkA vr% fodYi (d) lgh mÙkj gSA
to pay any attention' dk fjÙkQ LFkku esa iz;ksx
PASSAGE – 40
lgh mÙkj gSA
3. (d) Passage ds paragraph dks i<+us ls Kkr gksrk gS Passage ds First Paragraph ds vkjaHk esa bl ckr
1. (b)
fd Mary ds firk us tks /ujkf'k muls yh Fkh mls dk ftØ gSSS fd tc HkhM+ Paris ds streets esa vkxs c<+
mUgksaus (firk us) cpr dh FkhA vr%'d'
Option jgh Fkh rks ;g ns[k dj ogk¡ ds nqdkunkjksa dks yxk fd
'saved' dk iz;ksx lgh mÙkj gSA ;g HkhM+ mudh nqdkuksa esa rksM+&iQksM+ dj ldrh gS
4. (b) Passage ds second Paragraph esa ;g crk;k blfy, mUgksaus vius&vius nqdkuksa shutter dks
ds
x;k gS fd stock cktkj esa fxjkoV dh otg ls 'kh?kzrkiwoZd fxjk fn;kA vr%(b) lgh
fodYi
mÙkj gSA
mary dks esa viuk #i;k xaokuk iM+k] ftldh2.otg (b) Passage esasmash the devilish machines
ls og mnkl ,oa fujk'k FkhAOption
vr% (b) 'lost dk ftØ gSA ;gprotest mumachines ds f[kykiQ
her money' dk iz;ksx lgh mÙkj gSA Fkk ftudh otg ls diM+k flyus ds dk;Z esa layXu
5. (b) Passage ds vfUreParagraph esa ;g crk;k x;k nthZ ,oa nftZ;ksa dh vkthfodk (livelihood) ij
gS fd le;&le; ij God gekjh dfBu ijh{kk,a ysrk ladV vk x;k Fkk] D;ksafd ;g vdsys gh dbZ yksxksa dk
jgrk gS rkfd og(He) gekjs deksZa ds rqyk dks gekjhdke dj ldrh FkhA vr% fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA
PPC Volume – I 77
3. (b) Passage dks i<+us ls ;g irk pyrk gS fd ,d vPNs ,d ladV gS D;ksafd ;g vdsys gks dbZ O;fDr;ksa dk
vfo"dkj (invention) dh mi;ksfxrk dks ogk¡ ds dke dj ldrk gSA vr% fodYi(b) lgh mÙkj gSA
yksx ugha le> ik;s vkSj mudk fojks/ djus yxsA vr%
5. (c) Passage ds First Paragraph esa fy[kk gqvk gS
fodYi (b) lgh mÙkj gSA fd Get him! Get Thimonier! bl ckr ls ;g
4. (b) Passage ds vUr esa crk;k x;k gSSS fd ogk¡ yksxksaLi"Vdks gS fd HkhM+ dks
Thimonier dh ryk'k Fkh
,slk eglwl gks jgk Fkk fd flykbZ e'khuksa dk ;g uohuD;ksafd og muds O;olk; ds fy, [krjk FkkA vr%
vkfo"dkj mudh vkthfodk (livelihood) ds fy, fodYi (c) l gh mÙkj gSA

78 PPC Volume – I
 PASSAGE - 01 3, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that
a second Chinese balloon was passing over Latin
Read the following passage and answer the
America, which China also said belonged to it.
questions given after it.
On February 10, the Air Force shot down
From January 28 to February 4, 2023, a Chinese- another aerial object over U.S. territory at the
operated, large white high-altitude balloon was order of President Biden. [CGL Mains-2023]
seen in North American airspace, including
1 . The passage is mainly about
Alaska, western Canada, and the contiguous
United States. T he American and Canadian (1) a Chinese spy balloon flying over US
militaries asserted that the balloon was for and Canadian territories
surveillance, while the Chinese government (2) China’s global military-directed
maintained it was a civilian meteorological surveillance
research airship that had been blown off course. (3) the strained relations between US and
Analysts said that the balloon’s flight path and China
structural characteristics made it dissimilar
(4) Chinese balloons flying all over the
from those which have typically been used for
world
meteorological research. T he U.S. Department
of State said that the balloon was capable of 2. The word ‘contiguous’ means
locating electronic communication devices, (a) spreading (b) separated
including mobile phones and radios, and that (c) adjoining (d) far off
American U-2 reconnaissance aircraft deployed
3. How did US make sure that the Balloonfl
to track the balloon in the air revealed that the
ying over its territory was a‘ spy’ balloon?
balloon carried antennas and other equipment
“clearly for intelligence surveillance and (a) it got the samples of the balloon checked
inconsistent with the equipment on board in a lab
weather balloons.”The State Department said (b) it’s reconnaissance aircraft saw the
that the spy balloon was part of a global Chinese antennas and equipment of the balloon
militarydirected surveillance effort in which (c) the FBI lab confirmed that it was a spy
Chinese spy balloons have flown over more than balloon
40 nations in five continents.
(d) the analysts studied its flight path and
On February 4, the U.S. Air Force shot down the said so
balloon over U.S. territorial waters off the coast
4. Read the statements given below.
of South Carolina, on the order of U.S. President
Joe Biden. Debris from the wreckage was A. The US Air Force shot down the Chinese
recovered and sent to the FBI Laboratory in balloon over US territorial waters.
Quantico, Virginia, for analysis. The incident B. Tensions between China and US have
increased U.S.-China tensions. The incident increased and the visit of the U.S.
prompted U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken Secretary of State to Beijing has been
to delay a diplomatic visit to Beijing, which was postponed.
set to be his first since 2018. It also further (a) A is true and B is false.
strained Canada–China relations, as Canada
(b) Both A and B are true and B is the correct
summoned the Chinese ambassador because of
reason for A.
the violation of Canadian airspace. On February

PPC Volume – I 79
 (c) A is false and B is true. the lake, beyond the delta of the inflowing
(d) Both A and B are true but B is not the stream, is a massive snow-capped peak which
correct reason for A. dominates the vista; it is part of a series of peaks
that culminate, a little out of view, in Mount
Answers
Bogda itself. For those who live in the resort,
1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (b) there is a small mess-hall by the shore. We eat
PASSAGE - 02 here sometimes, and sometimes buy food from
the vendors outside, who sell kabab and naan
We sit in the last row, bumped about but free of
until the last buses leave. The kababs, cooked on
stares. The bus rolls out of the dull crossroads of
the city, and we are soon in the open countryside, skewers over charcoal braziers, are particularly
with fields of sunflowers as far as the eye can good; highly spiced and well-done. Horse’s milk
see, their heads all facing us. Where there is no is available too from the local Kazakh herdsmen,
water, the land reverts to the desert. While still but I decline this. I am so affected by the cold
on level ground, we see in the distance the tall that Mr. Cao, the relaxed young man who runs
range of the Mount Bogda, abrupt like a shining the mess, lends me a spare pair of trousers,
prism laid horizontally on the desert surface. It several sizes too large but more than
is over 5,000 metres high, and the peaks are under comfortable. Once I am warm again, I feel a pre-
permanent snow, in powerful contrast to the flat dinner spurt of energy—dinner will be long in
desert all around. Heaven lake lies part of the way coming—and I ask him whether the lake is good
up this range, about 2,000 metres above sea level, for swimming in. [CGL Mains-2023]
at the foot of one of the highest snow-peaks. 1 . Select an appropriate title for the passage.
As the bus climbs, the sky, brilliant before, grows (a) Peasant Life
overcast. I have brought nothing warm to wear. (b) Journey to Mount Bogda
It is all down at the hotel in Urumqi. Rain begins (c) Shorts to Trousers
to fall. The man behind me is eating
(d) Lake Heaven
overpoweringly smelly goat’s cheese. The bus
window leaks inhospitably but reveals a 2 . What is the protagonist wearing in the bus?
beautiful view. We have passed quickly from the (a) Long sleeved shirt
desert through arable land to pasture and the (b) A dhoti
ground is now green with grass, the slopes dark (c) A pair of shorts
with pine. A few cattle drink at a clear stream
flowing past moss-covered stones; it is a (d) Trousers
Constable landscape. The stream changes into a 3 . What is the tone of the passage?
white torrent, and as we climb higher I wish more (a) Agitated (b) Serene
and more that I had brought with me something (c) Angry (d) Romantic
warmer than the pair of shorts that have served
4 . Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of
me so well in the desert. The stream (which, we
the word‘a ccept’ from the passage.
are told, rises in Heaven Lake) disappears, and
we continue our slow ascent. About noon, we (a) Reject (b) Decline
arrive at Heaven Lake, and look for a place to stay (c) Turn down (d) Refuse
at the foot, which is the resort area. We get a room Answers
in a small cottage, and I am happy to note that
there are thick quilts on the bed. 1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (b)
Standing outside the cottage, we survey our PASSAGE - 03
surroundings. Heaven Lake is long, The number of Indian students going abroad for
sardineshaped and fed by snowmelt from a higher studies has increased by 68.79 per cent in
stream at its head. The lake is an intense blue, the past year, according to data provided by the
surrounded on all sides by green mountain Minister of State in the Ministry of Education,
walls, dotted with distant sheep. At the head of Subhas Sarkar. As per the data provided by him

80 PPC Volume – I
in the Lok Sabha, the number of Indians enrolled 3. How do we know the number of students
in foreign varsities increased from (d)44 lakh in getting visas for studies in UK?
2021 to 7.5 lakh in 202(b) He clarified that while (a) from the records of the Bureau of
the Bureau of Immigration and Ministry of Home Immigration
Affairs maintain departure and arrival data of
(b) from the Ministry of Education
Indians, there is no index for capturing the
category of Indians going abroad for higher (c) from the Immigration Statistics Report
education. “Purpose of Indians going abroad for (d) from the records of Ministry of Home
higher education is captured manually based Affairs
either on their verbal disclosure or the type of 4. Which of the following countries is not very
visa of the destination country produced by them popular with Indian students for studies?
at the time of immigration clearance,” Sarkar said.
(a) China (b) UK
According to the data provided by the ministry,
the number of Indian nationals increased from (c) Australia (d) USA
(d) 54 lakh in 2017 to 5.17 lakh in 2018. T here Answers
was a significant increase in 2019 as well, with
1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (a)
5.86 lakh students flying out of the country.
However, during the Covid pandemic, the PASSAGE - 04
number of Indian nationals in foreign varsities My grandmother, like everybody’s grandmother,
saw a drastic dip as only (b)59 lakh students was an old woman. She had been old and
were registered. While the number continued to wrinkled for the twenty years that I had known
remain low, it saw a slight increase in 2021 with her. People said that she once had been young
(d)44 lakh registrations. However, the number
and pretty and had even had a husband, but
has significantly jumped to 7.5 lakh in 202(b) T
that was hard to believe. My grandfather ’s
he increase in the number of Indian nationals
portrait hung above the mantelpiece in the
abroad corresponds with the latest immigration
drawing room. He wore a big turban and loose
reports from some of the popular study-abroad
destinations such as the US, UK, and Australia. fitting clothes. His long, white beard covered the
For the UK, the Immigration Statistics Report best part of his chest and he looked at least a
states that 127,731 visas were granted to Indian hundred years old. He did not look the sort of
students in September 2022, an increase of 93,470 person who would have a wife or children. He
(+273 per cent) against 34,261 in 2019. Similarly, looked as if he could only have lots and lots of
in the US, the number of Indian students has grandchildren. As my grandmother being young
more than doubled, and the Open Doors Report and pretty, the thought was almost revolting.
2022 has predicted that the number of Indian She often told us of the games she used to play as
students heading to America is likely to surpass a child. That seemed quite absurd and
those from China in 2022-2(c) undignified on her part and we treated it like
[CGL Mains-2023-II] the fables of the Prophets she used to tell us.
1 . The passage is mainly about [CGL Mains-2023-II]
(a) Indians going abroad for higher studies 1. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of
(b) Indians going to America for higher the given word.
studies Revolting
(c) Indians enrolled in foreign universities (a) Peace (b) Attractive
(d) immigration of Indians to UK, US, and
(c) Unpleasant (d) Rebel
Australia
2 . In 2019, how many Indian students went 2. Select the most appropriate inference drawn
abroad? from the passage.
(a) 5.86 lakh (b) (d)44 lakh (a) Grandmother had a husband.
(c) 5.17 lakh (d) (d)54 lakh (b) People said that the grandmother was
pretty.

PPC Volume – I 81
 have only been found here. T he paintings are
(c) Grandmother loved to talk of her
childhood. yet to be dated but at least some of them belong
to the Upper Palaeolithic period in all likelihood.
(d) The author looked upon his We are viewing the paintings in continuation
grandmother as an old woman like with the Soanian culture which has been found
every grandmother. in Shivalik hills, Narmada and Aravallis.”
3. Select an appropriate title for the given Most of the cave paintings found were in ochre
passage. colour, but some were in white. As per experts,
(a) The Grandchildren cave paintings in white are usually from a later
stage (early contemporary era), while Stone Age
(b) Grandmothers
paintings are more often than not in ochre.
(c) My Grandmother “Stone age paintings generally use red and ochre
(d) My Grandfather colours. Stones of these colour used to be
available locally and inhabitants crushed the
4. Select the most appropriate fact from the
stones for preparing the colour for paintings,”
given options.
added Bhattacharyya.
(a) The author was twenty years old when
The Upper Paleolithic Age began around 40,000
he wrote the story. years ago and lasted till around 10,000 years ago.
(b) Grandma was twenty years old. While yet to be established through
(c) The author and grandma lived for archaeological dating, Bhattacharyya says the
twenty years. Mangar cave art is 20,000-40,000 years old.
(d) The author was twenty when grandma Bhattacharyya claimed that the discovery is
died. extremely significant. “Starting from the Lower
Palaeolithic to Middle Palaeolithic then Upper
Answers Palaeolithic, we see the evolution here. We have
1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (d) found significant remains from Lower
Palaeolithic till Middle and Upper Palaeolithic
PASSAGE - 05 period too,” she explained. “T hough tools from
Amidst a maze of rocks tucked in the Aravalli the Palaeolithic Age have been identified earlier
mountain ranges of Haryana, a team of in parts of the Aravallis, it is for the first time that
archaeologists discovered cave paintings they cave paintings and rock art of a large magnitude
believe belong to the Upper Palaeolithic age. The have been found in Haryana,” she added.
cave paintings have been discovered just outside [CGL Mains-2023]
the national capital and a stone’s throw away
1. Which of the following statement is NOT
from a holy grove called Mangar Bani- the region’s
correct according to the passage?
only surviving patch of primary forest.
(a) The cave men crushed the locally
While the residents of the villages have been available stones for preparing the colour
familiar with the paintings for ages, the Haryana for paintings.
government’s museum and archaeology
(b) The Mangar cave art is 20,000-40,000
department took note of them just recently. years old.
A fact-finding team was sent to the area in the (c) The paintings comprise images of
last week of June. T he team came across cave human figurines, animals, foliage, and
paintings comprising images of human geometric drawings.
figurines, animals, foliage, and geometric (d) The paintings in red belong to early
drawings. While some have paled over time, contemporary era.
others are still very visible. They also discovered
2. The cave paintings found in Aravalli hills
rock art and open-air ceremonial sites.
are signfiicant mainly because
Banani Bhattacharyya, deputy director of the
(a) they are the only prehistoric cave
department of archaeology and museums
paintings found in Aravalli Hills.
informed, “So far, cave paintings in Delhi-NCR
82 PPC Volume – I
 (b) they depict the evolution from Lower to increase in area under oilseeds, rapeseed &
Upper Paleolithic period. mustard alone accounted for 6.44 lakh hectares.
(c) they are found in such a large magnitude Pulse production is being focused to make
for the first time. country self-sufficient in these commodities.
(d) they have been discovered just outside Area under pulses increased by 0.56 lakh hectares
the national capital, Delhi from 167.31 to 167.86 lakh hectares. Mung bean
3. The archaeological findings in the Mangar and lentil accounted for increase in area under
Forest consist of all the following except pulses.
(a) ceremonial sites (b) tools The United Nations General Assembly has
declared the year 2023 as the International Year
(c) cave paintings (d) rock art
of Millets and India is at the forefront in
4. Most of the cave paintings found in Mangar
celebrating the event in a big way. In order to
forest area in Haryana are in which colour?
create awareness about the benefits of millets as
(a) red (b) black superfood and to meet its growing demand
(c) white (d) ochre around the world, the Government is promoting
Answers millet production through the NFSM-Nutri
Cereals component of National Food Security
1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (d)
Mission programme in 212 districts of 14 states.
PASSAGE - 06 Coarse cum Nutri-cereals saw an increase of
Total area sown under Rabi crops has increased (b)08 lakh hectares in area under cultivation from
by (c)25% from 697.98 lakh hectares in 2021-22 5(a)42 lakh hectares in 2021-22 to 5(c)49 lakh
to 720.68 lakh hectares in 2022-2(c) T his is 2(b)71 hectares in 2022-2(c) [CGL Mains-2023]
lakh hectares more this year compared to 1. The main theme of the passage is
corresponding period of 2021-2(b) Comparing (a) increase in the area of oilseeds like
with normal sown area(average of the last five mustard
years), the increase is to the tune of 1(c)71% from
(b) increase in the area of Rabi crops in
63(c)80 to 720.68 lakh hectares.
2022-23
The increase in area is across all crops, - highest
(c) area under rabi crop in last five years
being in rice. Out of 2(b)71 lakh hectares increase
in all Rabi crops, increase in rice area is 1(a)20 (d) increase in the production of pulses
lakh hectares from 35.05 lakh hectares in 2021- 2. Which state recorded the maximum increase
22 to 46.25 lakh hectares in 2022-2(c) However, in sown area of the rice crop?
this is lower than normal sown area of 47.71 (a) Telangana (b) Chhattisgarh
lakh hectares. Maximum increase in area under
(c) Madhya Pradesh (d) Rajasthan
rice is in states of Telangana and West Bengal.
Area under oilseeds increased by 7.31% from 3. Match the following crops with the area.
10(b)36 lakh hectares during 2021-22 to 109.84 Crop area in 2022-23
lakh hectares this year. T he increase in area 1. millets (a) 98.02 lakh hectares
under oilseeds at the rate of 7.31% is more than 2. pulses (b) 5(c)49 lakh hectares
double the rate of increase of (c)25% in all crops
3. mustard (c) 167.86 lakh hectares
together. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and
Chhattisgarh accounted for major expansion in (a) a-1, b- 3, c-2 (b) a -3, b -1, c-2
area of oilseeds. (c) a-2, b-1, c-3 (d) a-2, b-3, c-1
Rapeseed & Mustard contributed maximum in 4. On which of the following crops, is the Indian
increasing oilseeds area during this Rabi season. Government specially focussing this year?
Mustard area increased by 6.77 lakh hectares from (a) rice (b) pulses
9(a)25 lakh hectares in 2021-22 to 98.02 lakh
hectares in 2022-2(c) Thus, out of 7.49 lakh hectares (c) millets (d) oilseeds

PPC Volume – I 83
 Answers demands minimal launch infrastructure,” as per
a statement by ISRO
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (c)
1 . Which satellite was injected into the orbit first?
PASSAGE - 07
(a) EOS-07 (b) AzaadiSAT-2
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) (c) Janus 1 (d) Antaris
announced another successful mission. ISRO
2 . After reading the passage it can be inferred
chairman S. Somanath said that three small
that it is
satellites successfully separated and were
injected into orbit. ISRO had launched three (a) a magazine article
small satellites powered by its SSLV-D2 launch (b) a government release
vehicle from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at (c) an editorial
Sriharikota on February 10, 2023 at 09:18 AM (d) a news item
IST. T he launch vehicle was carrying EOS-07,
3 . Match the satellites with their weight.
Janus-1 & AzaadiSAT-2 satellites and aimed to
Satellites Weight
inject them into a 450 km circular orbit. The
launch took place at the first launch pad at SDSC a. EOS-07 1. 10.2 kg
SHAR, Sriharikota. b. AzaadiSAT-2 2. 156.3
The SSLV-D2 had to take a 15 minutes flight to c. Janus 1 3. 8.7 kg
inject EOS-07, Janus-1 and AzaadiSAT-2 (a) a-2, b-3, c-1 (b) a-2, b-1, c-3
satellites into 450 km circular lower orbit. “It is (c) a -3, b -1, c-2 (d) a-1, b- 3, c-2
configured with three solid propulsion stages (d) What is the passage mainly about?
and a velocity terminal module. It is a 34 m tall,
(a) launch of three small satellites in orbit
2 m diameter vehicle having a lift-off mass of
by ISRO
120 t,” said ISRO. T he EOS-07 satellite weighs
156.3 kg and is made by ISRO. (b) development of SSLV rocket by ISRO
About 13 minutes into its flight, the SSLV rocket (c) efforts to cut costs of satellites by ISRO
ejected EOS-07 and soon after that the other two (d) new experiments on satellites by ISRO
satellites Janus-1 and AzaadiSAT-2 were ejected Answers
— all at an altitude of 450 km, said ISRO.
1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (a)
With the new rocket in its portfolio, ISRO will
have three rockets — Polar Satellite Launch PASSAGE - 08
Vehicle (PSLV) and its variants (cost about Rs Wetlands are amongst the most productive
200 crore), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch ecosystems on the Earth and provide many
Vehicle (GSLV-MkII cost about Rs 272 crore and important services to human society. T hey
LVM3 Rs 434 crore) and SSLV (Development cost exhibit enormous diversity according to their
of three rockets about Rs 56 crore each) and genesis, geographical location, water regime and
production cost may go down later. chemistry, dominant species, and soil and
“New experiments include mm-Wave Humidity sediment characteristics. Globally, the areal
Sounder and Spectrum Monitoring Payload. extent of wetland ecosystems ranges from 917
Janus-1, a 10.2 kg satellite belongs to ANT ARIS, million hectares (m ha) to more than 1275 m ha.
USA. A 8.7 kg satellite AzaadiSAT-2 is a combined One of the first widely used wetland
effort of about 750 girl students across India classifications systems, devised by Cowardin et
guided by Space Kidz India, Chennai,” it added. al., 1979, categorized wetlands into marine
(coastal wetlands), estuarine (including deltas,
SSLV caters to the launch of up to 500 kg satellites
tidal marshes, and mangrove swamps),
to Low Earth Orbits on ‘launch-ondemand’
lacustrine (lakes), riverine (along rivers and
basis. “It provides low-cost access to Space, offers
streams), and palustrine ( marshes, swamps and
low turn-around time and flexibility in
bogs) based on their hydrological, ecological and
accommodating multiple satellites, and
geological characteristics.
84 PPC Volume – I
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was an (c) a-2, b-1, c-4, d-3
international treaty signed in 197(a) Overall, (d) a-2, b- 3, c-4, d-1
1052
3. In India, what kind of wetlands occupy the
sites in Europe; 289 sites in Asia; 359 sites in largest area?
Africa; 175 sites in South America; 211 sites in
(a) inland wetlands
North America; and 79 sites in Oceania region
have been identified as Ramsar sites or wetlands (b) small wetlands
of International importance. (c) mangrove swamps
As per the Ramsar Convention definition most (d) coastal wetlands
of the natural water bodies (such as rivers, lakes, 4. Which of the following questions cannot be
coastal lagoons, mangroves, peat land, coral answered after reading the above passage?
reefs) and man- made wetlands (such as ponds,
(a) How many Ramsar sites are there in the
farm ponds, irrigated fields, sacred groves, salt
world?
pans, reservoirs, gravel pits, sewage farms and
canals) in India constitute the wetland (b) Why are wetlands important for
ecosystem distributed in different geographical human societies?
regions ranging from Himalayas to Deccan (c) How much area is covered by wetlands
plateau. As of February, 2022, India has 49 In India?
Ramsar sites covering an area of 10,93,636 (d) What is the classification of wetlands?
hectares, the highest in South Asia.
Answers
As per the estimates, India has about 757.06
1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (b)
thousand wetlands with a total wetland area of
15.3 m ha, accounting for nearly (d)7% of the PASSAGE - 09
total geographical area of the country . Out of The sage of science, Einstein, was sitting in a
this, areas under inland wetlands accounts for depressive and pensive mood one evening. His
69%, coastal wetlands 27%, and other wetlands eyes were brimming with tears. T he pain was
(smaller than (b)25 ha) 4%. evident on his face. He peeped out of the window
Gujarat has the highest proportion (17.5%) and of his room. T he sun had set a few minutes back.
Mizoram has the lowest proportion (0.66%) of T he sky was filled with a reddish glow. At this
the area under wetlands. Among Union sunset, he felt that it was humanity that had
Territories, Lakshadweep has the highest sunk into devilish darkness and the reddish
proportion (around 96%) and Chandigarh has glow in the sky was the blood of humanity
the least proportion (3%) of geographical area spilling all over the sky from earth. With tired
under wetlands. [CGL Mains-2023-II] steps, he walked back to his chair and settled
down. It was the 9th of August 1945. Three days
1. Under which category of wetlands, are delta
back, he had felt the same agony as if someone
and mangrove swamps included?
had torn him apart. He was deeply hurt and
(a) estuarine (b) lacustrine depressed when he heard on the radio that
(c) marine (d) palustrine America had dropped an atom bomb on the
2. Match the continents with the number of Japanese city, Hiroshima. Today, within three
Ramsar sites. continents no. of Ramsar sites days another bomb was dropped on another city,
Nagasaki and lakhs of people had been killed.
a. North America 1. 1052 sites
He had heard that the blast released so much
b. Europe 2. 211sites
energy that it had paled all past destructions in
c. Africa 3. 289 sites comparison and death had played out a pitiable
d. Asia 4. 359 sites dance of destruction. The flames that broke out
(a) a -4, b -1, c-2, d-3 of the bomb were burning, melting, and
exploding buildings. Scared of the heat of the
(b) a-3, b-4, c-1, d -2

PPC Volume – I 85
bomb, people had jumped into lakes and rivers, 2. Why did Einstein refuse to eat?
but the water was boiling and the people too (a) As he felt happy
were burnt and killed. The animals in the water (b) As he felt guilty
were already boiled to death. Animals, trees, (c) As he felt worried
herbs, fragrant flowering plants were all turned
(d) As he felt sick
into ashes. The atomic energy destruction had
3. What is the central theme of the passage?
just not stopped there. It had entered the
atmosphere there and had spread radiation that (a) Einstein and his life
would affect people for generations to come and (b) Science and its bad side
would also bring about destructive irreversible (c) Atomic war and its consequences
biological change in animals and plants. (d) Einstein and his love for music
As the news of the atomic attack reached 4. Select an appropriate title for the passage.
Einstein, and he became aware of the glaring (a) Einstein and his Violin
horror of the abuse of atomic energy, his distress (b) War and Destruction
and restlessness knew no bounds. He could not (c) Atom Bombs
control himself and picked up his violin to turn
(d) Death in Hiroshima
his mind on to other things. While playing the
violin, he tried to dissolve his distress in its sad Answers
notes, but couldn’t. He was burning on the 1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (b)
embers of destruction; his heart was filled with
PASSAGE - 10
an ocean of agony and tears just continued
streaming uncontrollably out of his eyes. Night As the Sun inches closer to its peak activity in its
had fallen. His daughter came up and asked him solar cycle, an explosion has been picked up
to eat something as he had not taken anything behind the north-eastern limb of the star in our
solar system. Solar observatories saw bits and
for the last four days. His voice was restrained
pieces of the explosion, which remain obscured
and he said, “I don’t feel like eating.”
in view from Earth’s orbit. The explosion was
He could not sleep that night. Lying down, he spotted on 31 July at around 2309 UT and Earth-
was thinking how he had drawn the attention orbiting satellites registered a long-lasting C9.3-
of the then American President Roosevelt class solar flare. “The intensity is probably an
towards the destructive powers of an atomic underestimate because it was partially eclipsed
bomb. He had thought that this would be used by the edge of the sun. Nasa’s Solar Dynamics
to scare Hitler and put an end to the barbarism Observatory (SDO) saw hot debris flying away
that Hitler was up to. However, Roosevelt kept from the blast site,” space weather, which tracks
him in the dark and made false promises. the solar activity, reported.
Eventually, he had abused Einstein’s equation of While the explosion was powerful, experts have
E = mc2 that resulted in the destructive predicted that Earth is not in the line of fire from
experiments. His actions had made science and the Sun. Scientists are expected to get a view of
scientists as murderers. the active region later this week as it comes to
sight. Earth is not in the line of fire. The explosion
Einstein kept on thinking for a long time.
is significant because it may herald an active
Eventually, he slipped into sleep. When he woke region set to emerge over the sun’s north-eastern
up at dawn, there was a new dawn in him too. limb later this week. A new sunspot group could
The atomic threat had transformed his heart. bring an end to weeks of relative quiet,” space
[CGL Mains-2023] weather said in its report. [CGL Mains-2023]
1. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of‘ 1 . Select the most appropriate synonym of the
set’ from the passage. given word from the passage.
(a) Level (b) Rise Peak
(a) Glance (b) Bottom
(c) Get up (d) Stand
(c) Point (d) Zenith
86 PPC Volume – I
2. Select the most appropriate synonym of the T he scale of loss and suffering remained massive.
given word from the passage. Turkish authorities said on Thursday that the
Partially death toll had risen to more than 16,100 in the
(a) Frankly (b) Completely country, with more than 64,000 injured.
(c) Supportively (d) Partly In Syria, which includes government-held and
3. Select the most appropriate synonym of the rebel-held areas, more than 3,100 have been
given word from the passage. reported dead and more than 5,000 injured.
Debris Rescue teams urged quiet in the hope of hearing
stifled pleas for help, and the Syrian paramedic
(a) Liquid (b) Specks
group known as the White Helmets noted that
(c) Detritus (d) Rays
every second could mean saving a life. But more
4. Select the most appropriate synonym of the and more often, the teams pulled out dead
given word from the passage. bodies.
Spotted
It was not clear how many people were still
(a) Splotchy (b) Placed unaccounted for in both countries. Turkey’s
(c) Speckled (d) Witnessed disaster-management agency said more than
Answers 110,000 rescue personnel were now taking part
1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (d) in the effort and more than 5,500 vehicles,
including tractors, cranes, bulldozers and
PASSAGE - 11 excavators had been shipped. The Foreign
Tens of thousands of people who lost their homes Ministry said 95 countries have offered help.
in a catastrophic earthquake huddled around More than half of that number have sent a total
campfires in the bitter cold and clamoured for of nearly 6,500 rescuers. Another 2,400 more are
food and water on T hursday, three days after still expected to arrive.
the temblor hit Turkey and Syria and killed more
International aid for Syria was far more sparse.
than 19,300 on Monday, 6th February, 202(c)
Efforts there have been hampered by the civil
Emergency crews used pick axes, shovels and
war and the isolation of the rebel-held region
jackhammers to dig through twisted metal and
concrete - and occasionally still pulled out along the border that is surrounded by Russia-
survivors. backed government forces.
In the Turkish city of Antakya, dozens scrambled [CGL Mains-2023]
for aid in front of a truck distributing children’s 1. How many foreign rescue workers are
coats and other supplies. Many of those who lost engaged in the rescue work?
their homes found shelter in tents, stadiums and (a) 110,000 rescue workers
other temporary accommodation, but others
(b) 6500 rescue workers
slept outdoors.
(c) 2400 rescue workers
In Antakya, over 100 bodies were awaiting
identification in a makeshift morgue outside a (d) 5000 rescue workers
hospital. Authorities called off search-and- 2. Match the words with their meaning.
rescue operations in the cities of Kilis and Words meanings
Sanliurfa, where destruction was not as severe a. clamoured 1. checked
as in other impacted regions. The U.N. is
b. scrambled 2. screamed
authorised to deliver aid through only one
border crossing, and road damage has c. hampered 3. jostled
prevented that thus far. U.N. Officials pleaded (a) a-2, b-3, c-1 (b) a -3, b -1, c-2
for humanitarian concerns to take precedence (c) a-2, b-1, c-3 (d) a-1, b- 3, c-2
over wartime politics.

PPC Volume – I 87
3. The passage highlights all the following April-October, 2020-2(a) It is anticipated that
except India’s rice exports in 2021-22 would likely
(a) the rescue work being carried out in surpass the record feet of 17.72 MT achieved in
Turkey and Syria 2020-2(a)
(b) the suffering of people in the earthquake In 2020-21, India shipped non-basmati rice to
hit areas of Turkey and Syria nine countries - Timor-Leste, Puerto Rico, Brazil,
(c) Syria’s rebel-held areas and the Civil Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Burundi,
war going on there Eswatini, Myanmar and Nicaragua, where
(d) the foreign aid being offered to Turkey exports were carried out for the first time or
and Syria earlier the shipment was smaller in volume.
4. Why is the International aid much lesser in India’s Non-Basmati rice exports was valued at
Syria than in Turkey? USD 4796 million (Rs 35448crore) in 2020- 21,
(a) Because the UN is allowed only one with Basmati Rice exports a close second at USD
border crossing and Syria is not 4018 million (Rs 29,849 crore).
allowing that. In terms of volume of Basmati rice exports in
(b) Because Syria is a war –torn country 2020-21, top ten countries – Saudi Arabia, Iran,
and there are areas under rebels. Iraq, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, United States
(c) Because the roads have been damaged of America, Kuwait, United Kingdom, Qatar and
there Oman have a share of close to 80 per cent in total
shipments of aromatic long grained rice from
(d) Because the destruction was not as
India.
severe in Syria as in Turkey.
Top ten countries – Nepal, Benin, Bangladesh,
Answers
Senegal, Togo, Cote Devoir, Guinea, Malaysia,
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (b) Iraq, United Arab Emirates – have a share of 57
PASSAGE - 12 per cent in India’s total exports of non-Basmati
rice in 2020-21 in terms of volume.
Notwithstanding logistical challenges posed by
COVID19 pandemic, India continues to expand [CGL Mains-2023]
its rice exports footprint in the African, Asian 1. What is the estimate of rice export in the
and European Union markets, thus having the year 2021-22?
largest share in global rice trade. The robust (a) It may fall below the 17.72 MT rice export
global demand also helped India’s growth in rice achieved in 2020-2(a)
exports.
(b) It will not pass beyond the 17.72 MT rice
In 2020-21, India’s rice exports (Basmati and Non- export achieved in 2020-2(a)
Basmati) rose by a huge 87 per cent to 17.72
Million Tonne (MT ) from 9.49 MT achieved in (c) It will remain the same as the 17.72 MT
2019-20. rice export achieved in 2020-2(a)

In terms of value realisation, India’s rice exports (d) It will exceed the 17.72 MT rice export
rose by 38 per cent to USD 8815 million in 2020- achieved in 2020-2(a)
21 from USD 6397 million reported in 2019-20. 2. Which of the following questions cannot be
In terms of Rupees, India’s rice export grew by answered on the basis of the above passage?
44 per cent to Rs 65298 crore in 2020-21 from Rs (a) How much Basmati rice was exported
45379 crore in the previous year. In the first seven by India in 2020-21?
months of the current financial year (2021-22),
India’s rice exports rose by more than 33 per (b) Which top 10 countries buy Non -
cent to 1(a)79 MT from 8.91 MT achieved during Basmati rice from India?

88 PPC Volume – I
 (c) What was the value of Basmati rice punch it down and knead some more, wait for
export from India? another couple of hours for it to rise again, and
then bake it before it is ready to be eaten. Nothing
(d) How much rice (Basmati and Non
is instantaneous. For every endeavour - whether
Basmati) was exported by India in 2020-
in the area of career, academics, music, sports,
21?
relationships, physical fitness or even in
3. Which of the following countries imported spirituality - it is a long, arduous journey.
rice from India for thefi rst time? Only if we are willing to put in the time,
(a) Brazil (b) Iraq painstaking effort and have faith, can we get
results. If we don’t accept this difficult-but-true
(c) Bangladesh (d) United Arab Emirates
fact of life, our lives will be far from being happy
4. Which of the following countries imports and fulfilling. For we may not make that extra
Basmati rice from India? effort which can change the course of life
(a) Bangladesh (b) Kuwait dramatically, for the good. The major problems
with these ‘instant coffee’ solutions are that they
(c) Malaysia (d) Nepal are invariably short lived. If we stubbornly
Answers refuse to give up this search for quick solutions,
all we do is end up on the wrong track.
1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (b)
SSC CGL Tier II (29/01/2022)
PASSAGE - 13 1 . What do you understand by the term
A piano teacher described an interesting ‘instant coffee attitude’?
encounter she had had with a young lady who (a) Passion to learn something
came to inquire about music lessons. The young (b) Short-lived pleasure
lady asked her, “How long will this course take?
(c) Expecting quick results
My father tells me that it is in fashion now to be
(d) Keeping up with the latest trends
able to play musical instruments and that I
should learn one quickly. I want something that 2 . When an activity requires too much effort
will be quick, fast and easy like, like....” When we feel:
the amused teacher explained that it would take (a) frustrated (b) happy
a lifetime of meticulous practice to learn music, (c) inspired (d) fulfilled
her face fell and, needless to say, she never came 3 . Why did the young lady approach the piano
back. teacher for music lessons?
The single most important factor that (a) The piano teacher was highly
distinguishes those of us who succeed in any accomplished.
venture and those of us who don’t is this ‘instant
(b) She was willing to practise hard to
coffee’ attitude. Most of us want results quickly.
become a successful piano player.
We want to reach the top immediately and get
worked up when things go wrong. Perseverance (c) It was considered fashionable to be able
and patience are forgotten words. We get upset, to play musical instruments.
frustrated, and angry when a skill or activity (d) She was a music lover and was keen to
requires us to put in a lot of effort and time. We take lessons.
get dejected and want to give it up. 4 . What kind of attitude does the writer
But such thinking serves no good. For, it doesn’t advocate for a life of fulfilment?
solve the problem. Life is tough for those with (a) One of perseverance and patience
an ‘instant coffee’ attitude. Success, real success (b) One of instant gratification
and happiness come to those who have a ‘bread- (c) One of anger and dejection
making’ attitude those who are willing to knead
(d) One of stubbornness and refusal
the dough, wait for hours for it to rise, only to

PPC Volume – I 89
5. What does ‘bread making’ attitude consist of? to stay in the periphery. Like Chumki Pal, they
(a) Instantaneous results all dream in color.
(b) Painstaking efforts SSC CGL Tier-II (29/01/2022)
(c) Futile labour 1 . Which of the following is NOT a key element
inherent to any theatre?
(d) Talent and skill
(a) Sense of touch (b) Sense of hearing
Answers
(c) Sense of taste (d) Sense of smell
1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (b)
2. The visually impaired do NOT feel secluded
PASSAGE - 14 in the Blind Opera group because they can:
You go up a dark, rickety stairwell of a building (a) relate to their fellow performers
on a crowded street in Calcutta. You enter a small (b) become economically independent
room. The centre of the room is empty but the
(c) express their creativity freely
corners are stacked with bedrolls, utensils and
water bottles. Musical instruments, drums, (d) play musical instruments together
cymbals and gongs are piled in a corner. Today, 3. What is the biggest problem in presenting
the room is filled with the laughter of men and the troupe on stage?
women in colourful attire. Among the happy (a) Space management
chorus of congratulations and laughter, the
(b) Time management
bride Chumki Pal and the groom Sandeep can
be seen smiling. They are both blind, as are most (c) Communication
of the people surrounding them. Pal is wearing (d) Spontaneity
a bright turquoise blue sari. “I know it’s blue 4. The members of Blind Opera demonstrate
because people ha blind can see. That is, they see that:
in their own way, if not in our way, with the (a) blindness is a great hindrance
help of these abilities.”
(b) their talent cannot be tapped
For the visually impaired, theatre is the medium
(c) the visually challenged lack expression
for expression of their creative urges. They
respond instinctively; they cannot copy anyone (d) physical disability is not an obstacle
else because they cannot see. Their body language 5. What is the happy occasion mentioned in
tells the story and hence it is very spontaneous. the beginning of the passage?
The members have earned kudos from Calcutta (a) A birthday (b) A musical show
audiences. For the members of the troupe, (c) A wedding (d) A laughter show
discovering the language of the body is in a way
also a journey of the persona. Coming from 6. What is the binding factor for the members
diverse backgrounds but bound together by the of Blind Opera?
same disability, they have found an outlet for (a) Their diverse backgrounds
their creativity through the plays. They do not (b) Their talent for acting
feel isolated anymore because they can relate to (c) Visual impairment
their fellow performers.
(d) Their love for plays of Tagore
There is also a greater purpose behind it: to use
7. The greater intent behind Blind Opera is to:
theatre to build a community and mainstream
the huge number of disabled living in isolation. (a) popularise the plays of Rabindranath
Together they can be a force to demand better Tagore
facilities in public life. Blind children should enter (b) showcase the talent of the visually
the mainstream from the beginning. The big challenged
dream of the group is to establish a drama school (c) bring the disabled into the mainstream
following the ideal of Tagore’s Shantiniketan, (d) establish a drama school on the lines of
offering a platform for creative expression to a Shantiniketan
those who are economically and socially forced
90 PPC Volume – I
8. Which of the following statements is FALSE? popular in artistic circles. Writers like George
(a) Blind Opera is one of its kind in the Sands and Goethe organised their own well-
world. prepared puppet shows to entertain their
(b) Calcutta audiences have lauded Blind friends. Puppet shows have been mentioned in
Opera. the literature by Shakespeare, Ben Johnson, and
many others.
(c) The blind can see in their own way.
Basically, there are three kinds of puppets.
(d) Blind Opera was launched in 1996.
Shadow puppets are made of trlucent leather
9 . Which of the following statements
and coloured vegetable dyes. Buffalo, goat, or
contradicts the writer’s view?
sheep skin is treated to become translucent.
(a) Blind children should enter the
Limbs are loosely-jointed so that they can be
mainstream from the beginning.
made to move separately. A stick is attached
(b) The blind dream in colour despite their vertically in the middle. Movement of the stick
disability.
causes general movements. But for special
(c) As a united community, the disabled can movements, single strings attached to the limbs
demand better facilities. are used. These leather puppets are projected on
(d) The actors of Blind Opera imitate others a screen, which is illuminated by a light source
easily. placed behind the puppets. The puppeteer
10. How do the actors of Blind Opera ascertain manipulates the puppets to form moving
they are on stage? shadows on the screen. He also speaks the parts,
(a) By the cheering of the audience sings, or is accompanied by music.
(b) By their sense of smell and touch String puppets involve puppets that are
(c) By their familiarity with the stage manipulated by six strings. The performance is
(d) By the ropes used to demarcate the area on a stage but the puppeteers are never seen.
They wear anklets which produce the illusion
Answers that the puppets themselves are dancing. The
1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (c) main storyteller recites the storyline, while the
6. (c) 7. (c) 8. (a) 9. (d) 10. (d) puppets perform, and the dialogue and music
PASSAGE - 15 are provided by the puppeteers.
In the stress-ridden world, traditional pastimes Rod or stick puppets are constructed around the
that could prove therapeutic are dying for want main centra rod. A short horizontal bar serves
of patronage. One such is the art of puppetry. as the shoulders, from which the upper limbs
The word “puppet” is derived from the Latin dangle. The arms, made of cloth and stuffed with
word pupa, meaning “doll” or “girl”. Puppets straw or paper, are jointed or manipulated with
came into being in India in the third century other thinner rods. These puppets can be the size
A.D. Here it was honed into a theatrical art. It of a human being. The puppeteer hides behind
helped to propagate the works of saints and the puppet and manipulates it. The coordination
religious leaders, and also depict stories from of the limbs comes only through practice.
epics. Later, it spread to South East Asia. The Puppetry is a good communication medium.
Cambodian puppeteers inspired the Thais. Java Messages can be propagated in a realistic way.
and Bali followed though it didn’t catch on in Puppet making and performing s good
Sumatra. The Malays followed the Siamese and occupational therapy for convalescents and
Japanese styles in the nineteenth century. physical. disabled people. Muscular
Gradually, puppets became more sophisticated coordination and manual dexteriy, improve
in appearance, as skilled craftsmen began to with effort. However, the best use of this art is
make the models. Puppeteers became trained as that it can provide delightful hours of fun to
performers. In the eighteenth and nineteenth young and old alike.
centuries, puppet theatres became extremely SSC CGL Tier-II (29/01/2022)
PPC Volume – I 91
1. Traditional ways of recreation, such as 8. The word puppet is derived from the Latin
puppetry, are dying because: word:
(a) they do not provide relaxation from (a) rod (b) pupa
stress (c) girl (d) doll
(b) they do not get the support of patrons 9 . The above passage is:
(c) the performers lack skill and training (a) literary (b) narrative
(d) the performances are no longer (c) factual (d) didactic
interesting
10. A light source is placed behind the shadow
2. Which of the following statements testifies
puppets so that:
that puppetry was popular in artistic circles?
(a) the puppets can illuminate the screen
(a) People spent a huge sum of money to see
puppet shows. (b) they are clearly visible in bright light
(b) Puppeteers were trained to give (c) moving shadows can be created on the
performances. screen
(c) Puppets became more sophisticated in (d) the puppeteer is hidden from view
appearance. Answers
(d) Puppetry finds a mention in literature. 1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (d) 5. (a)
3. The upper limbs of stick puppets are made 6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (b) 9. (c) 10. (c)
of:
PASSAGE - 16
(a) straw (b) leather
(c) paper (d) cloth Although pollution of land, sea, and air has been
well documented, the latest and the least
4. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of
recognised version is the swelling tide of noise
the art of puppetry?
which is engulfing urban as well as rural areas.
(a) Messages can be propagated in a This has long-term implications on the ecology,
realistic manner.
health and productivity of a fast developing
(b) It is a good therapy for physically country like India.
challenged people.
Unlike other pollutants, noise lacks visibility,
(c) It is entertaining for people of all ages. seldom registering on the consciousness, except
(d) A puppeteer is required to manipulate as a trifling irritant to be dismissed at will and
the puppets. therefore less likely to be perceived as a threat.
5. Which of the following statements about Available data indicates that noise does pose a
string puppets is FALSE? threat to health and is known to have caused a
(a) Puppets wear anklets while dancing. number of complications.
(b) The main storyteller narrates the story. Declining productivity among workers in
(c) The show is performed on a stage. certain industries has been directly correlated
(d) Six strings are used to manipulate with noise levels, particularly those under
puppets. constant exposure to the menace.
6. Where did the art of puppetry first come The first-ever survey of the impact of noise on
into being? health, conducted by All India Institute of
(a) India (b) Bali Medical Sciences (AIIMS), has established that
noise not only impairs the physical and
(c) Cambodia (d) Japan
psychological functioning of the human
7. Limbs of the puppets are loosely-jointed: organism but also causes nausea, vomiting, pain,
(a) to create the illusion of dancing hypertension and a lot of other complications,
(b) to allow movement of limbs separately including cardio-vascular complaints. A study
(c) to move the entire body of the puppet by Post Graduate School of Basic Medical
Sciences, Chennai, confirms such conclusions. In
(d) to make the movements aesthetic

92 PPC Volume – I
50 per cent of industries, it was found that 4. Recreational noise is created during:
workmen exposed to higher intensities of noise
(a) discord between agitated workers
in occupational capacities were often irritated,
short-tempered and impatient and more likely (b) running of heavy machinery
to resort to agitation and disrupt production. (c) weddings and festivals
This was true of units in heavy industrial pockets (d) shouting of slog
in and around the four metropolitan centres.
5. Which of the following statements is FALSE?
Recreational noise, another ugly facet, is
becoming more widespread in cities and towns. (a) Loudspeakers with low decibel sound
Loudspeakers are turned at full volume during can cause palpitations.
marriages, festivals, jagr, musical programmes, (b) Several studies have been conducted on
particularly at night, without the least air, water and land pollution.
consideration for others. Even at 50 dB, sound
(c) There is a direct correlation between
can awaken a person from a deep slumber. As
experiments have shown, loudspeakers with productivity of workers and noise.
output from 60 to 80 dB cause the pupils of a (d) Noise pollution is not visible to the eyes.
slumbering person to dilate, with increasing Answers
intake of oxygen, resulting in palpitation. The
effect is more pronounced in narrow lanes. TV 1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (c) 5. (a)
sets are played at full volume at prime time, PASSAGE - 17
invariably disturbing neighbours. Noise making
In the late 18th century the Industrial Revolution
seems to have become the latest status symbol,
began to transform life in Britain. Until then,
be it an election campaign or slogan shouting or
advertising ownership of a TV set. most people lived in the countryside and made
their living from farming. By the mid-19th
SSC CGL Tier-II (29/01/2022)
century most people in Britain lived in towns
1 . In what way does noise become a status
and made their living from mining or
symbol?
manufacturing industries. In 1712 a man named
(a) Exposing workmen to high intensity
Thomas Newcomen (1663-1729) made primitive
sounds
steam engines for pumping water from mines.
(b) Showing off the loud volume of one’s TV
Ic5 n 1769 James Watt (1736-1819) patented a
(c) Awakening people from deep sleep
more efficient steam engine. In 1785 his engine
(d) Conducting late night musical shows was adapted to driving machinery in a cotton
2 . According to a survey conducted by AIIMS, factory.
noise does NOT cause:
The use of steam engines to drive machines
(a) heart related complaints
slowly transformed industry. Meanwhile,
(b) eye infections during the 1700s Britain built up a great overseas
(c) hypertension empire. The North American colonies were lost
(d) nausea and vomiting after the War of Independence 1776-178 (c) On
3 . Noise can be differentiated from other the other hand, after the Seven Years War 1756-
pollutants because: 1763, Britain captured Canada and India. Britain
(a) it does not impact the productivity of also took Dominica, Grenada, St. Vincent and
the workers in industries Tobago in the West Indies. In 1707 the Act of
(b) it is regarded as a small irritant which Union was passed. Scotland was united with
may be easily dismissed England and Wales. England became part of
(c) it is not detrimental to our health in any Great Britaindf. Owning land was the main
way form of wealth in the 18th century. Political
power and influence were in the hands of rich
(d) it is prevalent only in the urban areas of
landowners.
the country
PPC Volume – I 93
At the top were the nobility. Below them were a 1. By the end of the 18th century the population
class of nearly rich landowners called the gentry. of Britain was:
In the early 18th century there was another class (a) around 5 1/2 million
of landowners called yeomen who were small (b) over 9 million
landowners, described as farmers of the middle
(c) almost 6 1/2 million
class. However, during the century this class
became less and less numerous. However other (d) about 1 million
middle class people such as merchants and 2. Around what time period did the British
professional men became richer and more capture Canada and India?
numerous, especially in the towns. Below them (a) 1745-1752 (b) 1756-1763
were the great mass of the population, craftsmen (c) 1663-1729 (d) 1776-1783
and labourers.
3. Among the following towns, which had the
In the 18th century probably half the population
maximum population?
lived at subsistence or bare survival level. In the
early 18th century England suffered from gin (a) Birmingham (b) Liverpool
drinking. It was cheap and it was sold (c) Manchester (d) Bristol
everywhere as you did not need a license to sell 4. The number of new towns increased in
it. Many people ruined their health by drinking Britain during the 18th century basically
gin. Sadly, for many poor people drinking gin because of:
was their only comfort. The situation improved (a) increase in mining
after 1751 when a tax was imposed on gin. At
(b) growth of population
the end of the 17th century it was estimated the
population of England and Wales was about 5 1/ (c) increase in farming
2 million. The population of Scotland was about (d) growth of industry
1 million. The population of London was about 5. The main theme of the passage is:
600,000. (a) society in 18th century England
In the mid-18th century the population of Britain (b) towns in 18th century England
was about 6 1/2 million. In the late 18th century
(c) expansion of the English Empire in 18th
it grew rapidly and by 1801 it was over 9 million.
century
The population of London was almost 1 million.
During the 18th century, towns in Britain grew (d) habits of Englishmen in 18th century
larger. Nevertheless, most towns still had England
populations of less than 10,000. However, in the 6. Which of the following statements is NOT
late 18th century new industrial towns in the true according to the passage?
Midland and the North of England mushroomed. (a) After the War of Independence, Britain
Meanwhile, the population of London grew to had colonies in North America.
nearly 1 million by the end of the century. Other
(b) In the mid-19th century the towns grew
towns were much smaller. The population of
and most people were engaged in
Liverpool was about 77,000 in 1800.
mining and manufacturing.
Birmingham had about 73,000 people and
Manchester had about 70,000. Bristol had a (c) In 18th century England almost half the
population of about 68,000. Sheffield was smaller population consisted of poor people.
with 31,000 people and Leeds had about 30,000 (d) Before the Industrial Revolution, most
people. of the people in England lived in villages
SSC CGL Tier-II (03/02/2022) and were engaged in agriculture.

94 PPC Volume – I
7. Which of the following was NOT a colony of according to India Meteorological Department
Britain in the West Indies? (IMD), the ratio of cyclones in the Arabian Sea
(a) Tobago (b) Canada and the Bay of Bengal — which just witnessed
(c) Dominica (d) Grenada the destructive cyclone Amphan on May 21 — is
8. Which of the following transformed life in 1:(d) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
18th century England? Change (IPCC) last year came out with a special
report, Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing
(a) Making of Great Britain
Climate, in which it said that extreme rainfall
(b) The Industrial Revolution
and extreme sea level events associated with
(c) Invention of the steam engine some tropical cyclones are being seen to have a
(d) Farming and mining cascading impact on coastal areas.
9. In British society, what was the social “There is emerging evidence for an increase in
hierarchy of the following classes from top annual global proportion of Category 4 or 5
to bottom? Select the correct order. tropical cyclones in recent decades,” the IPCC
A. Yeomen and merchants report had said. A category 4 cyclone has a wind
B. Craftsmen and labourers speed of 209-251 kmph, and is referred to as an
C. Nobility extremely severe cyclonic storm, while a
D. Gentry category 5 cyclone has a wind speed of more
than 252 kmph, and is referred to as a super
(a) CDAB (b) CADB
cyclone. The IPCC report refers to a 2017 study
(c) BADC (d) DCBA
led by Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
10. In the early 18th century, people in England
Program, Princeton University, USA, which
drank a lot of gin because of which of the
found that in 2014 and 2015, post-monsoon
following reasons?
extremely severe cyclonic storms (ESCS) were
a. It was cheap.
first observed over the Arabian Sea causing
b. It was easily available.
widespread damage. The study had concluded
c. For many poor people drinking gin was that climate change had led to an increase in the
their only comfort.
occurrence of ESCSs in the Arabian Sea.
(a) Only a and b are correct.
“Our research suggests that cyclones would be
(b) Only b and c are correct,
more frequent during the post monsoon season
(c) Only a and c are correct.
(October-December) by a series climate model
(d) a, b and c all are correct. simulations. However, we didn’t find any
Answers significant changes in cyclone activity during
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (a) the pre-monsoon April-June) season through the
6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (b) 9. (a) 10. (d) climate simulations. It is very difficult to identify
PASSAGE - 18 if a cyclone (like Nisarga) is generated in line
with climate change,” said Hiroyuki Murakami,
The severe cyclonic storm, Nisarga, which made
the lead author of the study.
a landfall south of Alibag in Maharashtra’s
Raigad district on Wednesday at 11.30 a.m. is an “Coastal hazards will be exacerbated by an
indication of an increasing frequency of severe increase in the average intensity, magnitude of
cyclones developing in the Arabian Sea in the storm surge, rising mean sea levels and
past decade, a trend that studies have linked to precipitation rates of tropical cyclones,” the IPCC
climate change. In the past two years, there have report further stated.
been seven cyclones in the Arabian Sea, though, SSC CGL Tier-II (03/02/2022)

PPC Volume – I 95
1. According to the research on cyclones, the PASSAGE - 19
frequency of cyclones is expected to be more The blowout of an Oil India Limited (OIL) gas
during: well in Assam’s Tinsukia district last week is
(a) January-March causing extensive damage to biodiversity and
(b) October-December wildlife in the region, including the endangered
hoolock gibbons and Gangetic dolphins.
(c) July-September
Baghjan, where the gas well blowout occurred
(d) April-June on 27 May, is close to the Dibru-Saikhowa
2. Match the words (a, b, c) with their meanings National Park, the Maguri-Motapung wetlands,
(1, 2, 3). and the forest villages of Barekuri which are
a. cascading 1. intensify habitat to the hoolock gibbon. Uncontrollable
gas flow is continuing from the gas well.
b. precipitation 2. drop-down
“What we are seeing is complete horror.
c. exacerbate 3. rainfall
Condensed oil is leaking continuously. The
(a) a-3, b-2, c-1 (b) a-2, b-1,c-3 Maguri Motapung wetlands (an important bird
(c) a-1, b-3, c-2 (d) a-2, b-3, c-1 and biodiversity area) is very badly affected.
3. The passage is mainly focused on: There is a thick layer of crude oil on the water.
Fish are dying and some cattle that graze in the
(a) the research on super cyclones
adjacent wetlands are also dead,” said
(b) the effect of climate change on cyclone Mridupaban Phukon, a student and wildlife
Nisarga activist.
(c) the frequency of cyclones in the Arabian “We have been informed by people in Barekuri
Sea and Bay of Bengal villages that condensed oil is coating leaves and
(d) the link of frequent cyclones with has started affecting the hoolock gibbon habitat.
climate change If not contained immediately the wetlands and
national park will be devastated,” he said.
4. The hazards in coastal areas worsen due to
Around 650 families have been evacuated from
the increase in which of the following?
the affected areas and continue to be camped in
a. Precipitation rate of the cyclone three relief camps. “I visited the area on Sunday
b. Magnitude of storm but it was barricaded. I could see the damage
c. The rise of sea level everywhere. Dead fish were floating and the
vegetation is brown now. One Gangetic dolphin
(a) Only a and c are true
died soon after the leak. Usually the Maguri jheel
(b) Only b and c are true is rich with birdlife, I could hardly spot any birds
(c) Only a and b are true that day. I appeal for immediate help,” said
(d) a, b and c all are true Nabamita Ray, a doctor and wildlife enthusiast.
5. Which of the following is a category 4 Oil India’s crisis management team (CMT)
members have started pumping water through
cyclone?
the casing valve. Water is being pumped
(a) One with a wind speed of 209-251 kmph continuously through the valve into the well
(b) One with a wind speed of less than 150 head. Oil India has also contacted global experts
kmph to control the blowout.The water pumps are
(c) One with a wind speed of more than 252 being installed in the nearby river (source of
kmph water) and pipeline-laying work is in progress.
(d) One with a wind speed of 150-208 kmph A blowout is the uncontrolled release of crude
oil or natural gas from an oil well or gas well
Answers after pressure control systems have failed.
1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (d) 5. (a) Dibru-Saikhowa has recorded over 40 mammals,

96 PPC Volume – I
500 species of birds, 104 fish species, 105 (c) One hoolock gibbon died soon after the
butterfly species and 680 types of plants. It leak of the oil from the blowout.
harbours tigers, elephants, wild buffalos, (d) The blowout of an Oil India Limited
leopards, hoolock gibbons, capped langurs, slow (OIL) gas well occurred in Assam’s
lorises, Gangetic dolphins, besides critically Tinsukia district.
endangered bird species such as the Bengal 5. The main focus of this report is on:
florican, white-winged duck, greater adjutant
(a) the scene created by the gas well
stork, white-rumped vulture, slender-billed
blowout
vulture, and the very rare and endemic black
breasted parrotbill. All these are facing threat (b) the damage to the biodiversity and
from the uncontrolled flow of the oil. wildlife that the blowout has caused
(c) what a gas well blowout is and how it
SSC CGL Tier-II (03/02/2022)
occurs
1. Match the words (a, b, c) with their meaning
(d) the measures being employed by the gas
(1, 2, 3).
company to control the blow out
a. extensive (1) adjoining
Answers
b. adjacent (2) thickened
1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (c) 5. (b)
c. condensed (3) widespread
(a) a-3, b-2, c-1 (b) a-1, b-3, c-2 PASSAGE - 20
Quarantine and self-isolation need not be
(c) a-2, b-3, c-1 (d) a-3, b-1,c-2
monotonous and stifling. They can be the gateway
2. Why could Nabamita Ray not reach the to work, be it in the arts or the sciences, that define
area to see the damage done by the leaking the history of the world. Isaac Newton, Charles
oil? Darwin, John Milton and Lord Byron used such
(a) The area was barricaded to stop the time to add to their formidable body of work in
people to go in as it might be dangerous. science and literature. It was not called lockdown
(b) The area was covered with thick in their time, but they spent long spells in
slippery oil and it was impossible to isolation, when medicine was not as developed
walk. as it is now.
(c) The villagers stopped her from visiting The University of Cambridge, where all four
the Maguri jheel. studied, delved into its archives to collate their
(d) She was stopped by the forest activities during such periods of isolation
authorities as she might disturb the centuries ago.Isaac Newton (Trinity College):
animals. Considered Trinity’s most accomplished alumni,
3. Which is the critically endangered bird he exemplified productivity during a pandemic.
species found at Dibru-Saikhowa National Like many in Cambridge during the Great Plague
Park? of 1655-56, he retreated to the countryside to
(a) Gangetic dolphin (b) Bengal florican escape the disease-ridden city and spent two
extended periods at his family home in rural
(c) Hoolock gibbon (d) Capped langur
Lincolnshire. Newton thrived in isolation, and
4. Which statement is NOT true according to
later described it as one of the most productive
the passage?
times in his life, finding the space to reflect on and
(a) Around 650 families from the nearby develop his theories on optics, calculus, and the
villages were evacuated from the areas laws of motion and gravity. It was during this
affected by the blowout. time that he conducted his famous prism
(b) The place where the blowout happened experiment.
was close to the Dibru-Saikhowa “He bored a hole through his window shutters to
National Park and the Maguri-
produce a single, thin beam of light to pass
Motapung wetlands.
through two prisms, proving for the first time

PPC Volume – I 97
that prisms did not create colours, but merely 1. Lord Byron was a:
separated colours that were already there,” the (a) teacher (b) scientist
university’s researcher, Alisha Matthewson (c) poet (d) researcher
Grand, wrote. “Indeed, Newton was so
2. Match the words (a, b, c) with their meaning
intellectually transformed by his period of
(1, 2, 3). Words Meaning
isolation that later commentators have referred
to his time away from Cambridge as his annus a. Delved 1. assemble
mirabilis, or his ‘year of wonders’.” b. Collated 2. dug
Charles Darwin (Christ’s College): Darwin’s c. Retreated 3. retired
experience with isolation was not the result of a (a) a-2, b-3, c-1 (b) a-3, b-2, c-1
pandemic but his own chronic ill health. He (c) a-2, b-1,c-3 (d) a-1,b-3,c-2
suffered from a myriad of unexplained symptoms,
3. The central idea of the passage is that:
including vertigo, vomiting, cramps, fatigue,
(a) scientific theories can be formulated
anxiety and visual disturbances. He noted in his
autobiography of 1876 that “few persons can only in quarantine
have lived a more retired life than we [Darwin (b) some great works have come out of
and his wife Emma] have done. Besides short quarantine
visits to the houses of relations, and occasionally (c) quarantine makes one ill and inactive
to the seaside or elsewhere, we have gone (d) quarantine is monotonous and stifling
nowhere.” Darwin believed that periods of
isolation and ill health helped his career. At home, 4. After reading this passage it can be said that
he was free from the demands placed on other it is:
scientists (teaching, administrative work), and (a) a newspaper article
thus able to devote himself entirely to research; (b) an encyclopaedic entry
he wrote: “Ill-health, though it has annihilated
(c) a news report
several years of my life, has saved me from the
distractions of society and amusement.” Lord (d) ashort story
Byron (Trinity College): In 1811, Lord Byron was 5. Where did Milton spend his time of
forced to quarantine in Malta after returning from isolation?
a cholera-ravaged Greece. He was furious at the (a) In Lincolnshire (b) In London
prospect of spending 40 days in lockdown, a
(c) In Malta (d) At Cambridge
measure he considered to be draconian and
unnecessary. While confined, he wrote ‘Farewell 6. Which of the following statements is NOT
to Malta’, a satirical poem attacking the island for true according to the passage?
(among other things) “Its smoky towns and (a) Darwin suffered from a number of
cloudy sky” and its “cursed street of stairs”. He problems like vomiting, fatigue, cramps,
references his quarantine explicitly in the first anxiety, etc.
verse “Adieu, thou damned’st quarantine / That (b) Newton's period of isolation was his
gave me fever, and the spleen!’.
year of wonder as he was intellectually
John Milton (Christ’s College): The author of transformed during this time.
‘Paradise Lost’ spent some time away from
(c) Milton was furious at the prospect of
Cambridge as a first year undergraduate in 1626,
when the town was hit by bubonic plague. He spending 40 days in lockdown, a
was home in London when he wrote Elegia Prima, measure he considered absolutely
his first Latin elegy. The work is an early example unnecessary.
of his aptitude for verse composition, as well as (d) Newton and Byron were the alumni of
his impressive flair for comedy. Trinity College, of the Cambridge
SSC CGL Tier-2 (03/02/2022) University.

98 PPC Volume – I
7. What did Newton prove through his prism by the enzymes of the stomach and the small
experiment? intestine. They have the property of holding
(a) A thin beam of light could pass through water and because of it, these get swollen and
a prism. behave like a sponge as these pass through the
(b) Light did not have any colours. gastrointestinal tract. The fibres add bulk to the
(c) Prism merely separated colours that diet and increase transit time in the gut and
were already there. decrease the time of release of ingested food in
(d) It was the prism that created colours in the colon. These fibres hold water so the stools
light. are soft, bulky and readily eliminated. In recent
years, it has been considered essential to have
8 . How did periods of isolation and ill health
help Darwin in his career? some amount of fibres in the diet. Their beneficial
effects lie in preventing heart disease and
(a) He was able to devote time to his
decreasing cholesterol level. The fibres like gum
research.
and pectin are reported to decrease post prandial
(b) He was resting and getting cured of his
(after meals) glucose level in blood. They are also
chronic ill health.
recommended for the management of certain
(c) He was free to teach and do
types of diabetes. The fibres increase motility of
administrative work.
the small intestine and the colon and so there is
(d) He and his wife could spend time less time for exposure of the mucosa to harmful
together and visit their relatives. toxic substances.
9 . Charles Darwin lived in self-isolation
Therefore, there is a less desire to eat and the
because:
energy intake can be maintained within the
(a) his city was hit by cholera range of requirement. This phenomenon helps
(b) of his chronic ill health in keeping a check on obesity. The dietary fibres
(c) he wanted to do his research may have some adverse effects on nutrition by
(d) the Great Plague was ravaging England binding some trace metals like calcium,
10. Who among the following was quarantined magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and others and
during the bubonic plague? therefore preventing their proper absorption.
(a) John Milton (b) Isaac Newton This may pose a possibility of nutritional
(c) Charles Darwin (d) Lord Byron deficiency especially when diets contain
marginal levels of mineral elements. This may
Answers put constraints on increasing dietary fibres. It is
1. (c) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (b) suggested that an intake of 40 gram dietary fibres
6. (c) 7. (c) 8. (a) 9. (b) 10. (a) per day is desirable.
PASSAGE - 21 SSC CPO Tier II (26-07-2021)
The term ‘dietary fibres’ refers collectively to 1. What are dietary fibres?
indigestible carbohydrates present in plant (a) Indigestible carbohydrates in plant
foods. The importance of these dietary fibres came foods
into the picture when it was observed that the
(b) Enzymes present in the stomach
people taking a diet rich in these fibres had low
incidence of coronary heart disease, irritable (c) Easily digestible healthy food
bowel syndrome, dental caries (d) Ingested food in the colon
and gall stones. The foodstuffs rich in these 2. Which of the following is NOT rich in dietary
dietary fibres are cereals and grains, legumes, fibres?
fruits with seeds, citrus fruits, carrots, cabbage, (a) Citrus fruits (b) Leafy vegetables
green leafy vegetables, apples, melons, peaches, (c) Glucose (d) Cereals
pears etc. These dietary fibres are not digested
PPC Volume – I 99
3. The dietary fibres behave like a sponge of a person’s being and intelligence. The other
because they: organs were preserved separately, with the
(a) can absorb water and swell up stomach, liver, lungs and intestines placed in
special boxes or jars, today called ‘canopic jars’.
(b) prevent the absorption of trace metals
These were buried with the mummy. The
(c) reduce the craving for food embalmers next removed all moisture from the
(d) increase the motility of the small body. This they did by covering the body with
intestine ‘natron’, a type of salt which has great drying
4. What is the theme of the passage? properties, and by placing additional natron
(a) Importance of dietary fibres packets inside the body. When the body had
dried out completely, embalmers removed the
(b) Functioning of intestines
internal packets and lightly washed the natron
(c) Benefits of a balanced diet off the body. The result was a very dried-out but
(d) Sources of dietary fibres recognizable human form. To make the mummy
5. Which of the following statements is NOT seem even more life-like, sunken areas of the body
true? were filled out with linen and other materials
(a) Dietary fibres help in relieving and false eyes were added.
constipation. Next the wrapping began. Each mummy needed
(b) Dietary fibres help in preventing heart hundreds of yards of linen. The priests carefully
disease. wound the long strips of linen around the body,
sometimes even wrapping each finger and toe
(c) Dietary fibres help in absorption of trace
separately before wrapping the entire hand or
metals.
foot. In order to protect the dead from mishap in
(d) Dietary fibres help in regulating glucose after life, amulets were placed among the
levels in the body. wrappings and prayers and magical words
Answers written on some of the linen strips. Often the
priests placed a mask of the person’s face between
1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (c)
the layers of head bandages. At last, the priests
PASSAGE - 22 wrapped the final cloth or shroud in place and
The methods of embalming, or treating the dead secured it with linen strips. The mummy was
body, that the ancient Egyptians used is called complete. It was then placed in the tomb along
‘mummification’. Using special processes, the with food, furniture, vessels, perfumes, jewels
Egyptians removed all moisture from the body, and other things required in the afterlife.
leaving only a dried form that would not easily SSC CPO Tier II (26-07-2021)
decay. It was important in their religion to 1. Mummification was done to:
preserve the dead body in as life-like a manner
(a) study the cause of death
as possible. The mummification process took
seventy days. Special priests worked as (b) preserve dead bodies in a life-like
embalmers, treating and wrapping the body. manner
Beyond knowing the correct rituals and prayers (c) perform rituals and prayers
to be performed at various stages, the priests (d) test the drying properties of natron
also needed a detailed knowledge of human 2. Why was the knowledge of anatomy
anatomy. The first step in the process was the important for the priests?
removal of all internal parts that might decay
(a) To delay the decay of the body for
rapidly. The brain was removed by carefully
seventy days
inserting special hooked instruments up through
the nostrils in order to pull out bits of brain (b) To wrap each part of the body
tissue. The embalmers then removed the organs (c) To remove internal organs from the
of the abdomen and chest through a cut usually body
made on the left side of the abdomen. They left (d) To place natron packets in the body
only the heart in place, believing it to be the center
100 PPC Volume – I
3. What was the initial step in the process of shouts at the top of his voice, stamping on the
mummification? floor as if it were a tin drum. ‘You told me the
(a) Completely drying the body last time I could have a ticket the next time, this
is the next time. You don’t keep your word!’ He
(b) Placing a face mask between the head
looks up at his mother angrily. Tao Ying looks
bandages
down at her son. A ticket costs twenty cents.
(c) Wrapping the body with strips of linen Twenty cents is not to be scoffed at. It can buy a
(d) Removal of the internal parts cucumber, two tomatoes or, at a reduced price,
4. Hooked instruments were inserted through three bunches of radishes or enough spinach to
the nostrils to extract the: last four days. But Xiao Ye’s face is raised up like
a half-open blossom, waiting to receive his
(a) liver (b) brain
promise from the sun. She says, ‘Two tickets,
(c) heart (d) lungs please.’
5. Which of the following was NOT buried with The fierce conductor has beady eyes. ‘This child
the mummies? is one centimetre short of requiring a ticket.’ Xiao
(a) Amulets (b) Perfumes Ye shrinks, not just one but several centimetres—
(c) Embalmers (d) Canopic jars the need for a ticket has all of a sudden become
interwoven with the pride of a small child. To be
Answers able to purchase self-esteem with twenty cents
1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (c) is something that can only happen in childhood
PASSAGE - 23 and certainly no mother can resist an
opportunity to make her son happy. ‘I would
When Tao Ying rides on the bus alone, quite often
like to buy two tickets,’ she says politely.
she does not bother to buy a ticket. Why should
she? Without her, the bus would still be stopping SSC CPO Tier II (26-07-2021)
at every stop, a driver and a conductor would 1 . Xiao Ye was eager to buy a bus ticket because
still have to be employed, and the same amount he:
of petrol used. Clearly Tao Ying has to be astute. (a) had grown taller than 1.10 m
When the bus conductor looked like the (b) wanted to feel like a grown up
responsible type, she would buy a ticket as soon (c) had saved money for it
as she got on board. But if he appeared to be (d) was very responsible
casual and careless, she would not dream of
2 . Which of the following statements is NOT
paying, considering it a small punishment for
true?
him and a little saving for herself. Today she is
(a) Tao Ying was travelling with her son.
with her son Xiao Ye. She follows him onto the
bus. As the doors shut her jacket is caught, (b) Tao Ying boarded the bus after her son.
ballooning up like a tent behind her. She twists (c) Twenty cents was a sum that mattered
this way and that, finally wrenching herself free. to Tao Ying.
‘Mama, tickets!’ Xiao Ye says. Children are often (d) Tao Ying actually needed to buy two
more conscious of rituals than adults. Without tickets.
a ticket in his hand, the ride doesn’t count as a 3 . For the child, the ticket was a symbol of:
proper ride. On the peeling paint of the door (a) determination (b) self esteem
somebody has painted the shape of a pale finger. (c) freedom (d) courage
It points at a number: 1.10 m.
4 . “Xiao Ye shrinks, not just one but several
Between Xiao Ye ’s round head and the tip of the centimetres” – Why?
painted digit setting out the height requirement
for a ticket rests the beautiful slender fingers of (a) He feels humiliated and hurt
Tao Ying. ‘Xiao Ye, you are not quite tall enough, (b) He is angry with the conductor
still one centimetre away,’ she tells him softly. (c) He feels proud of his height
‘Mama! I’m tall enough, I’m tall enough!’ Xiao Ye (d) He feels happy at his achievement

PPC Volume – I 101

5. Why does Tao Ying buy two tickets? feeding sparrows in the courtyard of our city
(a) To make up for the times when she didn’t house. As the years rolled by we saw less of each
buy a ticket. other. For some time she continued to wake me
(b) To spite the conductor up and get me ready for school. When I came
(c) To make her son happy back she would ask me what the teacher had
(d) To show off her wealth taught me. I would tell her English words and
little things of western science and learning, the
Answers law of gravity, Archimedes’ Principle, the world
1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (c) being round, etc. This made her unhappy. She
PASSAGE - 24 could not help me with my lessons. She did not
My grandmother and I were good friends. My believe in the things they taught at the English
parents left me with her when they went to live school and was distressed that there was no
in the city and we were constantly together. She teaching about God and the scriptures.
used to wake me up in the morning and get me SSC CPO Tier II (26-07-2021)
ready for school. She said her morning prayer in 1. What does the narrator refer to as the
a monotonous sing-song while she bathed and ‘turning point’?
dressed me in the hope that I would listen and (a) Grandmother feeding sparrows
get to know it by heart; I listened because I loved (b) He and his grandmother shifting to the
her voice but never bothered to learn it. Then city
she would fetch my wooden slate which she had (c) Learning western science
already washed and plastered with yellow (d) Going to an English school
chalk, a tiny earthen ink-pot and a red pen, tie 2. Why did grandmother carry stale chapattis
them all in a bundle and hand it to me. with her?
After a breakfast of a thick, stale chapatti with a (a) To feed the stray dogs
little butter and sugar spread on it, we went to (b) To give away to poor people
school. She carried several stale chapattis with (c) To feed her grandson
her for the village dogs. My grandmother always (d) To serve as her lunch
went to school with me because the school was
3. Grandmother sang the morning prayer in a
attached to the temple. The priest taught us the monotonous tone so that:
alphabet and the morning prayer. While the (a) her grandson would learn it too
children sat in rows on either side of the
(b) her grandson would wake up with the
verandah singing the alphabet or the prayer in sound
a chorus, my grandmother sat inside reading
(c) her melodious voice echoed in the house
the scriptures. When we had both finished, we
(d) her children would return home soon
would walk back together. This time the village
4. Why did the grandmother accompany her
dogs would meet us at the temple door. They
grandson to school every day?
followed us to our home growling and fighting
(a) To ensure he wouldn’t run away to play
with each other for the chapattis we threw to
in the streets
them. When my parents were comfortably
(b) To read scriptures in the temple while
settled in the city, they sent for us. That was a
he studied
turning-point in our friendship.
(c) To spend more time with him
Although we shared the same room, my
(d) To keep him safe from stray dogs
grandmother no longer came to school with me.
5. What kind of woman was the grandmother?
I used to go to an English school in a motor bus.
(a) Illiterate (b) Modern
There were no dogs in the streets and she took to
(c) Self-centred (d) Religious

102 PPC Volume – I

 Answers and the gifts he brought as offering. They spent
several months trading in India, and studying
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (d)
their customs. They left India at the end of
PASSAGE - 25 August.
Vasco Da Gama was the first European to find SSC CPO Tier II (26-07-2021)
an ocean trading route to India. He accomplished 1 . In which month did Vasco da Gama’s ship
what many explorers before him could not do. reach the Cape of Good Hope?
His discovery of this sea route helped the
(a) November (b) August
Portuguese establish a long-lasting colonial
empire in Asia and Africa. The new ocean route (c) July (d) May
around Africa allowed Portuguese sailors to 2 . From where did Vasco da Gama embark
avoid the Arab trading hold in the upon his journey?
Mediterranean and Middle East. Vasco da Gama (a) Mossel Bay (b) Cape of Good Hope
opened a new world of riches by opening up an (c) Canary Islands (d) Lisbon
Indian Ocean route. His voyage and explorations
3. Who controlled the European trade routes
helped change the world for Europeans. Vasco
to Asia before 1497?
da Gama’s maritime career was during the
period when Portugal was searching for a trade (a) Paulo da Gama (b) King of Calicut
route around Africa to India. (c) Manuel I (d) Ottoman Empire
4. Why did Vasco da Gama’s crew stay at Rio
The Ottoman Empire controlled almost all
dos Bons Sinais for a month?
European trade routes to Asia. This meant they
(a) It was an auspicious place.
could, and did, charge high prices for ships
passing through ports. When Manuel I became (b) Several crew members were suffering
King of Portugal in 1495, he continued efforts to from scurvy.
open a trade route to India by going around (c) To erect a statue in the name of Portugal
Africa. Although other people were considered (d) There were severe storms in the area.
for the job, Manuel I finally chose 37-year-old 5. Which of the following statements is NOT
Vasco da Gama for this task. On 8 July 1497, Vasco true?
da Gama sailed from Lisbon with a fleet of four (a) Sao Rafael was a ship with three masts.
ships and a crew of 170 men. Da Gama (b) Vasco da Gama impressed the King of
commanded the Sao Gabriel. Paulo da Gama – Calicut with his gifts.
brother to Vasco – commanded the São Rafael, a (c) Scurvy is caused by deficiency of vitamin
three mast ship. They sailed past the Canary C.
Islands, and reached the Cape Verde islands and
(d) Vasco da Gama was the commander of
then continued sailing, though storms still the ship, Sao Gabriel
delayed them for a while. They rounded the cape
of Good Hope on 22 November and anchored at Answers
Mossel Bay, South Africa. 1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (b)

They began sailing again and continued until PASSAGE - 26

they reached the Rio dos Bons Sinais (River of Many of us have enjoyed visiting a zoo and
Good Omens). Here they erected a statue in the consider it a day out having fun. Seeing real
name of Portugal. They stayed here for a month animals face to face can be thrilling and exciting,
because much of the crew were sick from scurvy but many people wonder whether the animals
– a disease caused by lack of Vitamin C. Da themselves, while entertaining us, are suffering
Gama’s fleet eventually began sailing again. in the zoos. Many zoos do not have enough
Finally, on 20 May 1498 they reached India. They money to provide the animals with the basic
headed for Kappad, near the large city of Calicut. features of a proper environment. Most animals
In Calicut, da Gama met with the king. But the are put in an artificial environment (e.g., cages).
king of Calicut was not impressed with da Gama, This isolation from their natural habitat can

PPC Volume – I 103

amount to cruelty. In some zoos, we see concrete 4. According to the passage, we visit zoos
floors for burrowing animals like rabbits. ______.
Cruelty may be shown in ways other than (a) to see the animals in cages
physical abuse or starvation. Big predators like (b) to spend a day out for fun and excitement
lions and tigers are created to chase and hunt.
(c) to see how animals behave in zoos
By depriving them of these activities, we forget
the reason for which they have evolved. (d) to watch the frustration of animals in
These big cats lie in cages in the zoo eating the cages
food given to them and they have nothing else to 5. The word ‘predators’ (in paragraph 3)
do. Highly intelligent and curious animals like means:
chimpanzees and polar bears may become (a) animals which are killed for food
frustrated in a zoo; they need a challenging
environment. Zoo supporters might argue that (b) animals which are starving in zoos
zoos provide educational opportunities to the (c) animals which kill others for food
visitors, especially children; if we didn’t have (d) animals which are kept in their natural
animals in zoos, children wouldn’t see them at all habitat
and be ignorant about them. We live at a time
when animals in their natural habitat can be seen Answers
on TV or computers, even smart phones, while 1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (c)
sitting at home. Therefore, the aim should be to
PASSAGE - 27
conserve animals in the wild, in protected areas
called sanctuaries. “The two great empires of Lilliput and Blefuscu
SSC CPO 23/11/2020 (Morning) have been engaged in a most obstinate war for six-
and-thirty moons past. It began upon the following
1 . Which of the following best states the
author’s purpose in the passage? occasion. It is allowed on all hands that the
primitive way of breaking eggs, before we eat
(a) Putting endangered species of animals
them, was upon the larger end; but his present
in zoos is the best way of protecting and
saving them. majesty’s grandfather, while he was a boy, going
to eat an egg, and breaking it according to ancient
(b) We can show our concern for animals
better by supporting protected spaces practice, happened to cut one of his fingers.
for them in the natural environment. Whereupon the emperor his father published an
(c) One of the main reasons for which big edict, commanding all his subjects, upon great
predators have evolved is hunting. penalties, to break the smaller end of their eggs.
(d) If animals were not kept in zoos, children The people so highly resented this law, that our
would not be able to see and know about histories tell us, there have been six rebellions
them at all. raised on that account; wherein one emperor
2 . ‘Burrowing’ animals: lost his life, and another his crown. These civil
(a) are intelligent and curious commotions were constantly fomented by the
(b) are solitary animals monarchs of Blefuscu; and when they were
quelled, the exiles always fled for refuge to that
(c) dig the earth for food and shelter
empire. It is computed that eleven thousand
(d) chase & hunt other animals
persons have at several times suffered death,
3 . According to the passage, animals in zoos
rather than submit to break their eggs at the
suffer cruelty:
smaller end. Many hundred large volumes have
(a) by being kept in artificial environments
been published upon this controversy: but the
(b) by being forced to perform for the books of the Big-endians have been long
visitors
forbidden, and the whole party rendered
(c) by being starved to death incapable by law of holding employments.
(d) by being physically tortured or abused
104 PPC Volume – I
During the course of these troubles, the emperors (b) The doctrine of Prophet Lustrog
of Blefusca did frequently expostulate by their mentions the ‘convenient end’ of the
ambassadors, accusing us of making a schism in eggs.
religion, by offending against a fundamental (c) The two empires had been at war for
doctrine of our great prophet Lustrog. This, thirty-six moons.
however, is thought to be a mere strain upon the (d) The Big-endians found refuge at
text; for the words are these: ‘that all true believers Blefuscu.
break their eggs at the convenient end.’ And which
3. What was the primitive way of eating eggs
is the convenient end, seems, in my humble opinion
in Lilliput?
to be left to every man’s conscience, or at least in
the power of the chief magistrate to determine. (a) Breaking in the middle
ow, the Big-endian exiles have found so much credit (b) Eating it whole
in the emperor of Blefuscu’s court, and so much (c) Breaking at the smaller end
private assistance and encouragement from their (d) Breaking at the larger end
party here at home, that a bloody war has been 4. What was the result of the edict published
carried on between the two empires for six-and- by the emperor of Lilliput’s great
thirty moons, with various success; during which grandfather?
time we have lost forty capital ships, and a much
(a) People rebelled against the new law
greater number of smaller vessels, together with
thirty thousand of our best seamen and soldiers; (b) People abandoned Lilliput and left for
and the damage received by the enemy is reckoned Blefuscu
to be somewhat greater than ours. (c) People readily agreed to follow his
However, they have now equipped a numerous command
fleet, and are just preparing to make a descent upon (d) People attacked the emperor and
us; and his imperial majesty, placing great overthrew him
confidence in your valour and strength, has 5. The empires of Lilliput and Blefuscu are:
commanded me to lay this account of his affairs (a) ready to compromise with each other
before you.” Thus spoke the Principal Secretary. I (b) cordial and friendly neighbours
desired the secretary to present my humble duty
(c) hostile towards each other
to the emperor; and to let him know that I thought
it would not become me, who was a foreigner, to (d) ruled by one emperor
interfere with parties; but I was ready, with the Answers
hazard of my life, to defend his person and state 1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (c)
against all invaders.
PASSAGE - 28
SSC CPO 23/11/2020 (Evening)
Greek religious traditions encompassed a large
1 . What inference can be drawn from the pantheon of gods, complex mythologies, rituals
narrative? and cult practices. Greece was a polytheistic
(a) On should remain loyal to the monarch. society, and looked to its gods and mythology to
(b) A peaceful solution to the problem is explain natural mysteries as well as current
possible. events. Religious festivals and ceremonies were
(c) It is important to follow rules. held throughout the year, and animal sacrifice
and votive offerings were popular ways to
(d) Wars may be waged over very trivial
appease and worship the gods. Religious life,
issues.
rituals and practices were one of the unifying
2 . Which of the following statements is NOT aspects of Greece across regions and poleis (cities,
true? or city-states, such as Athens and Sparta).
(a) The narrator refuses to defend the
Greek gods were immortal beings who possessed
emperor against the invaders.
human-like qualities and were represented as

PPC Volume – I 105

completely human in visual art. They were 2. Which of the following statements about
moral and immoral, petty and just, and often Greek Gods is NOT true?
vain. The gods were invoked to intervene and (a) They possessed human qualities.
assist in all matters large, small, private and (b) Some of them were immoral, petty and
public. City-states claimed individual gods and vain.
goddesses as their patrons. Temples and
(c) They were invoked to aid in all matters.
sanctuaries to the gods were built in every city.
Many cities became cult sites due to their (d) Greek Gods were mortals.
connection with a god or goddess and specific 3. How did Zeus bring back his siblings?
myths. For instance, the city of Delphi was (a) by challenging and slaying Crius
known for its oracle and sanctuary of Apollo, (b) by reviving them with an elixir
because Apollo was believed to have killed a (c) by worshipping the sanctuary of Apollo
dragon that inhabited Delphi. The history of the
(d) by making Kronos vomit the swallowed
Greek pantheon begins with the primordial
children
deities Gaia (Mother Earth) and Uranus (Father
Sky), who were the parents of the first of twelve 4. The twelve Olympian Gods and Goddesses
giants known as Titans. Among these Titans were the children of:
were six males and six females. The males were (a) Gaia and Uranus
named Oceanus, Hyperion, Coeus, Crius, Iapetus, (b) Kronos and Rhea
and Kronos. The females were named Themis, (c) Hyperion and Theia
Mnemosyne, Tethys, Theia, Phoebe, and Rhea. (d) Zeus and Phoebe
Kronos eventually overthrew Uranus and ruled 5. Animal sacrifices were made to Gods to:
during a mythological Golden Age. Over time, (a) enrage and challenge them
he and Rhea had twelve children who would
(b) understand nature’s mysteries
become the Olympian gods. However, Kronos
heard a prophecy that his son would overthrow (c) pacify and worship them
him, as he did to Uranus. In an effort to avert (d) know about future events
fate, he ordered Rhea to allow him to devour Answers
each of the children upon their birth. 1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (c)
Best known among the pantheon are the twelve PASSAGE - 29
Olympian gods and goddesses who resided on
Fishing traps, baskets, cradles, bridges,
Mt. Olympus in northern Greece. Zeus, the
rainproof hats and umbrellas, mats, musical
youngest son of Rhea and Kronos, was hidden instruments, water pipes—Indians have always
from his father, instead of being swallowed. Once used the bamboo in numerous ways. It is used
he became a man, he challenged his father’s rule, for house construction, fencing and in the
forcing Kronos to regurgitate the rest of his making of bullock carts. Low-cost domestic
swallowed children. These children were Zeus’s furniture and a vast range of domestic utility
siblings, and together they overthrew Kronos, items made of bamboo can be easily seen in any
making Zeus the father of gods and men. of our bazaars. But we do not easily notice the
SSC CPO 24/11/2020 (Morning) countless little ways this modest material comes
1. Kronos devoured his children at birth to be used by rural people.
because: One can see it being used in the blacksmith’s
bellows, or as bamboo pins in carpentry joints
(a) his son was predicted to overthrow him
or in the fabrication of toys in village markets.
(b) he did not have faith in his wife But to the British foresters the multidimensional
(c) it was a cult practice to please the gods role that “the forest weed” played in the local
(d) he was a titan who hated children Indian environment was of no account, as it did

106 PPC Volume – I

not figure in forest revenues. Bamboo also 3. What does the ‘forest weed’ refer to?
interfered with the growing of teak, an essential (a) Sal (b) Bamboo
part of their colonial forest policy. It was only in
(c) Pine (d) Teak
the 1920s that the British realised that by
mincing bamboo into millimetre shreds, cooking 4. What was considered to be a patriotic duty
it in chemicals, pulping and flattening it, they of the government after independence?
could produce sheets of paper. This would bring (a) Handling the ecological crisis in India
the British increased forest revenue and (b) Supplying bamboo at low prices to
‘development’ (as defined by them) to the so- paper mills
called backward regions of India. However, they (c) Replacing Sal forests by tropical pines
chose to ignore the consequences this activity
(d) Preventing the displacement of foresters
would have on the health of the forest. So while
bamboo was sold at high prices to basket 5. Which of these is NOT a step in the
weavers, it was heavily subsidised for the paper production of paper?
industry. Even after Independence, supplying (a) Weaving (b) Flattening
bamboo at extremely low prices to Indian paper (c) Mincing (d) Pulping
mills became a ‘patriotic’ duty of the the
government, and bamboo supplies were assured Answers
for decades at unchanged prices. The disaster 1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (a)
that this would cause to the forests, and to the PASSAGE - 30
craftsperson, still remained unforeseen.
During the decade after liberalisation floriculture
Colonialism affected forests all across India and
industries took giant steps in the export arena.
marginalised their inhabitants and the
This era has seen a dynamic shift from
traditional occupations they practised. As late
as the 1970s, the World Bank proposed that 4,600 sustenance production to commercial
hectares of natural Sal forest should be replaced production. The area under floriculture
by tropical pine to provide pulp for the paper production in india is around 249 thousand
industry. It was only after protests by local hectares with a production of 1659 thousand
environmentalists that the project was stopped. tonnes loose flowers and 484 thousand tonnes
Colonialism was therefore not only about of cut flowers. Floriculture is now commercially
repression, it was also a story of displacement, cultivated in several states with Tamil Nadu
impoverishment and ecological crisis. (20%), Karnataka (13.5%) West Bengal (12.2%)
SSC CPO 24/11/2020 (Evening) having gone ahead of other producing states like
Madhya pradesh, Mizoram, Gujarat, Andhra
1 . The varied uses of bamboo were disregarded
by the British till the 1920s because: pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Haryana, Assam
and Chhattisgarh.
(a) it was used in the backward regions
only Government of India has identified floriculture
as a sunrise industry and accorded it 100%
(b) the bamboo products were cheaply
export oriented status. Owing to steady increase
available
in the demand of flowers, floriculture has
(c) it did not increase the forest revenue become one of the important commercial trade
(d) they did not use bamboo products at all in agriculture. Hence commercial floriculture has
2 . Bamboo is referred to as ‘modest material’ emerged as a hi-tech activity -taking place under
because: controlled climatic conditions inside greenhouse.
(a) it is inexpensive and not highly acclaimed Floriculture in India, is being viewed as a high
(b) it is available in abundance in India growth industry. Commercial floriculture is
(c) it can be easily shredded and reduced to becoming important from the esport angle. The
a pulp liberation of industrial and trade policies paved
the way for development of export-oriented
(d) the British believed it was worthless
production of cut-flowers. The new seed policy

PPC Volume – I 107

had already made it feasible to import planting 4. What gave a major fillip to the export of
material of international varieties. It has been indian floriculture products?
found that commercial floriculture flowers to (a) The demand from many countries like
cut flowers for export purposes. The liberalised the US, the UK and UAE.
economy has given an impetus to the indian (b) The use of technology in cultivating
entrepreneurs for establishing export oriented flowers inside greenhouses.
floriculture units under controlled climatic
(c) The use of new policy to ease the import
conditions.
of seeds of international varieties
Indian floriculture industry comprises of flowers
(d) The liberalisation of industrial and
such as Rose, Tuberose, Glads, Anthurium,
trade policies by the government
Carnations, Marigold etc. India’s total export of
floriculture was ¹ 571.38 crores/$81.94 million 5. Which three states are the major cultivators
in 2018-19. The major importing countries were of floriculture products?
United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, (a) Karnataka, Gujarat and Andhra
Germany and United Arab Emirates. There are Pradesh
more than 300 export- oriented units in India. (b) West Bengal , Andhra Pradesh and
More than 50% of the floriculture units are based Odisha
in Karnataka, Andhra pradesh and Tamil Nadu. (c) Tamil Nadu, Assam and Chhattisgarh
With the technical collaborations from foriegn
(d) Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and West Bengal
companies, the Indian floriculture industry is
poised to increase its share in world trade. Answers
SSC CPO 25/11/2020 (Morning) 1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (d)
1 . The main theme of the passage is: PASSAGE - 31
(a) the rise of floriculture industry in India Early written symbols were based on
(b) the Government’s policies regarding pictographs (pictures which resemble what they
floriculture signify) and ideograms (symbols which
(c) the export of flowers from india represent ideas). Ancient Sumerian, Egyptian,
and Chinese civilizations began to adapt such
(d) commercialisation of floriculture
symbols to represent concepts, developing them
2 . The area under floriculture production in into logographic writing systems. Pictographs
India is about: are still in use as the main medium of written
(a) 571 thousand hectares communication in some non-literate cultures in
(b) 249 thousand hectares Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. Pictographs
(c) 484 thousand hectares are often used as simple, pictorial,
representational symbols by most
(d) 1659 thousand hectares
contemporary cultures.
3 . Which of the following statements is NOT
Pictographs can be considered an art form, or
true according to the passage?
can be considered a written language and are
(a) Floriculture has been accorded a 100% designated as such in pre-Columbian art, Native
export status by the Government.
American art, Ancient Mesopotamia and
(b) India’s total export of floriculture was ¹ Painting in the Americas before Colonization.
571.38 million in 2018-19. One example of many is the Rock art of the
(c) More than 50% of the floriculture units Chumash people, part of the Native American
are based in Karnataka, Andhra history of California.
Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. An early modern example of the extensive use
(d) Floriculture has been identified as a of pictographs may be seen in the map in the
sunrise industry by the Government of London Suburban timetables of the London and
India. North Eastern Railway, 1936-1947, designed by

108 PPC Volume – I

George Dow, in which a variety of pictographs 3. Pictographs are used in Olympic games
was used to indicate facilities available near because:
each Station. Pictographs remain in common (a) they can transcend languages and
use today, serving as pictorial, representational convey information effectively
signs, instructions, or statistical diagrams. (b) they can be redesigned for each set of
Because of their graphical nature and fairly games
realistic style, they are widely used to indicate
(c) they are the main medium of written
public toilets, or places such as airports and
communication
train stations. Because they are a concise way
(d) they can help to navigate computer
to communicate a concept to people who speak
systems
many different languages, pictograms have also
been used extensively at the Olympics since 4. Which of the following statements is NOT
1964 Summer Olympics, and are redesigned for true?
each set of games. (a) Rock art of Chumash people is part of
Pictographs can often transcend languages in Mesopotamian history.
that they can communicate to speakers of a (b) Ideograms are symbols which
number of tongues and language families represent ideas.
equally effectively, even if the languages and (c) Pictographs are widely used to depict
cultures are completely different. This is why road signs.
road signs and similar pictographic material (d) George Dow used pictographs to
are often applied as global standards expected represent facilities near beach train
to be understood by nearly all. station.
A standard set of pictographs was defined in 5. Early civilisations used symbols to represent:
the international standard ISO 7001: Public (a) culture (b) a rt
information Symbols. Other common sets of (c) concepts (d) facilities
pictographs are the laundry symbols used on
clothing tags and the chemical hazard symbols Answers
as standardised by the GHS system. 1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (c)
Pictograms have been popularised in use on the PASSAGE - 32
web and in software, better known as ‘icons’ The celts who lived in Britain before the Roman
displayed on a computer screen in order to help invasion of 43 AD could be said to have created
users navigate a computer system or mobile the first towns. Celts in southern England lived
device. in hill forts, which were quite large settlements.
SSC CPO 25/11/2020 (Evening) (some probably had thousands of inhabitants).
1. Which of the following is an early example They were places of trade, where people bought
of use of pictographs in modern times? and sold goods and also places where craftsmen
worked. The Romans called them
(a) London railway timetable
oppida.However, the Romans created the first
(b) Icons on a computer screen settlements that were undoubtedly towns.
(c) Logographic writing system Roman towns were usually laid out in a grid
(d) Chemical hazard symbols pattern. In the centre was the forum or market
2. What is the passage mainly about? place. It was lined with public buildings.
(a) Use of pictographs in ancient and Life in Roman towns was highly civilized with
modern times public baths and temples.From the fifth century
(b) Pictographs as an art form Angles, Saxons and Jutes invaded England. At
first, the invaders avoided living in towns.
(c) Limitations of pictographs
However, as trade grew some towns grew up.
(d) The origin of pictographs London was revived by the 7th century

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(although the Saxon town was, at first, outside 3. “At first, the invaders avoided living in
the walls of the old roman town).Southampton towns”. Who is/are being referred to here
was founded at the end of the 7th century. as ‘invaders’?
Hereford was founded in the 8th century. (a) Celts
Furthermore, Ipswich grew up in the 8th
(b) Romans
century and York revived.However, towns were
rare in Saxon England until the late 9th century. (c) Saxons, Angles and Jutes
At that time, Alfred the great created a network (d) Alfred the great
of fortified settlements across his kingdom called 4. The passage mainly talks about:
‘Burhs’. In the event of a danish attack, men
(a) The increase of trade in England
could gather in the local burh.However, burhs
were more than forts. They were also market (b) The early life in England
towns. Some Burhs were started from scratch (c) The development of markets in england
but many were created out of the ruins of old
(d) The history of towns in England
Roman towns. Places like Winchester rose,
phoenix-like, from the ashes of history. 5. Match the words with their meaning.
The thing that would strike us most about (a) Founded (1) protected
medieval towns would be their small size. (b) Declined (2) Created
Winchester, the capital of England, probably
(c) fortified (3) Dwindled
had about 8,000 people. At that time a ‘large’
town, like Lincoln or Dublin had about 4,000 or Option:
5,000 inhabitants and a ‘medium sized’ town, (a) a-1, b-3, c-2
like Colchester had about 2,500 people. Many (b) a-2, b-3, c-1
towns were much smaller.However. During the
(c) a-3, b-2, c-1
12th and 13th centuries most towns grew much
larger. Furthermore, many new towns were (d) a-2, b-1, c-3
created across Britain. Trade and Commerce 6. Who were the first creators of towns in
were increasing and there was a need for new England?
towns. Some were created from existing villages
(a) Romans (b) Angles
but some were created from a scratch. In those
days you could create a town simply by starting (c) Saxons (d) Celts
a market. There were few shops so if you wished 7. The hill forts of Celts were called:
to buy or sell anything you had to go to a market
(a) Oppida (b) Burhs
. Once one was up and running, craftsmen and
merchants would come to live in the area and a (c) Centres (d) Forums
town would grow. 8. What lay in the centre of Roman towns?
SSC CGL Tier II 15/11/2020 (a) Residences (b) Market places
1. When was Southampton founded? (c) Temples (d) Baths
(a) In the 6th century 9. “ Some were created from scratch”. The
(b) In the 7th century towns which started from scratch were
(c) In the 8th century created by first:
(d) In the 12th century (a) Building a fort
2. Which of the following was the capital of
(b) establishing a settlement
England during Medieval times ?
(c) starting a market
(a) Colchester (b) Winchester
(c) London (d) Dublin (d) building houses

110 PPC Volume – I

10. Alfred the Great created fortified most often and faster with their necks bent.Male
settlements across his kingdom mainly giraffes often fight for access to females, a ritual
because: referred to as “necking”. The rivals stand flank
to flank, then start to whack each other with
(a) Merchants could come and sell their
their heads. The top or back of the well-
goods there armoured skull is used as a club to strike the
(b) People could live there neck, chest, ribs or legs of the opponent with a
(c) They provided shelter from Danish force capable of knocking a competitor off
attacks balance or unconscious. The largest males
usually win these battles and do most of the
(d) Craftsmen could craft their artefacts breeding, says zoologist Anne Innis Dagg of the
there university of waterloo in Ontario, Canada, who
Answers has been studying giraffes since the 1950s. “The
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (b)
other giraffes don’t get much breeding
opportunity”.There is also evidence that females
6. (d) 7. (a) 8. (b) 9. (c) 10. (c)
are more receptive to advances from larger
PASSAGE - 33 males.
The giraffe is the tallest land mammal alive, its SSC CGL Tier II 15/11/2020
long legs and neck contributing to its impressive 1 . According to the passage, ‘necking’ is the :
stature. Males can be up to 18ft.(5.5m tall), (a) Breeding by the largest males
females a little less. In the wild, these beautiful (b) Fight to woo the females
creatures stretch their necks beyond those of (c) Repeated stretching of the neck
antelope, kudu and even elephants to strip
(d) Elongation of the giraffes’ neck
leaves from the untouched upper reaches of
2 . Giraffe’s feeding is faster when it feeds with
trees.
its neck:
The french zoologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck is (a) Straight (b) elongated
usually credited as the first person to suggest
(c) bent (d) entangled
that long necks have evolved in giraffes because
they allow them to get to the parts other 3 . How does a giraffe knock its opponent off
herbivores cannot reach.As the giraffe lives “in balance or unconscious?
places where the soil is nearly always arid and (a) By pulling the legs of the opponent
barren. It is obliged to browse on the leaves of (b) By biting the opponent’s neck, chest and
trees and to make constant efforts to reach ribs
them’, he wrote in his 1809 book ‘Philosophie (c) By entangling its neck in the opponent’s
Zoologique’. “ From this habit long maintained neck
in all its race, and that its neck is (d) By using its head as a club and hitting
lengthened”.The English naturalist Charles the opponent
Darwin also thought the giraffe’s extraordinary
4 . Which statement is NOT true according to
legs and neck must have something to do with
the passage?
foraging. “The giraffe, by its lofty stature, much
elongated neck, fore-legs, head and tongue, has (a) The giraffe can eat leaves from the upper
its whole frame beautifully adapted for reaches of a tree where other animals
browsing on the higher branches of trees”, he cannot reach.
wrote in ‘On the origin of species’ in 1859. (b) A giraffe’s hind-legs are longer than its
fore-legs and help it to bend.
In short, giraffes’ long necks are the result of
generation upon generation of repeated (c) The largest male giraffe usually wins
stretching and inheritance.During the dry the battles and does most of the
season when feeding competition should be breeding.
most intense giraffes generally feed from low (d) Giraffe’s long necks are the result of
shrubs, not tall trees. What’s more, giraffes feed repeated stretching over the years.

PPC Volume – I 111

5. Match the words with their meanings. the flames from spreading. The priority is saving
(a) Forage (1) Hit lives.
(b) Stretch (2) search Professional fire fighters are the first in line to
(c) Whack (3) Draw out battle the flames, but they are outnumbered by
the thousands of volunteers. Three of them have
Option:
died. There’s also help coming from abroad: the
(a) a-3, b-2, c-1 (b) a-2, b-3, c-1
US, Canada and New Zealand have sent
(c) a-2, b-1, c-3 (d) a-1, b-3, c-2 firefighters to help. Australia’s police, military
Answers and navy are involved in rescue and evacuation
1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (d) efforts. While people can flee the fires and are
being evacuated if need be, the flames are
PASSAGE - 34
devastating wildlife in the affected areas. One
Since September, at least 25 people have died study estimated that half a billion animals have
and thousands have been made homeless. Every
died in New South Wales alone.Zookeepers take
state and territory in Australia has experienced
animals home to save them from fire, but the
fires this summer. But the biggest fires burn
fires don’t only kill animals directly, they also
along stretches of the eastern and southern
destroy the habitat, leaving the survivors
coast, where most of the population lives. This
vulnerable even when the fires have gone. So
includes areas around Sydney and
Adelaide.More than 6.3 million hectares (63,000 the true scale of loss isn’t yet clear. Experts say
sq km or 15.6 million acres) have been burned more than 100,000 cows and sheep may also
so far - one hectare is roughly the size of a sports have been lost, which is devastating for farmers.
field. To put that in perspective, around 800,000 Each state runs its own emergency operation,
hectares were engulfed in a bush fire in 2018 in but prime minister Scott Morrison has
California. Australia has always experienced promised better funding for fire-fighting and
bushfires - it has a “fire season”. But this year payouts for volunteer firefighters, and an
they are a lot worse than normal. additional A$2billion ($(a)4billion; £1 billion)
Fires are usually caused by lightning strikes or for the recovery.
accidentally by a spark - but some fires are also But the national government has come under
started deliberately. This year, a natural strong criticism from its opponents that it has
weather phenomenon known as the ‘Indian not been doing enough against climate change.
Ocean Dipole’ has meant a hot, dry spell across The country is one of the world’s biggest per
the country. This year. Australia twice set a new capita greenhouse gas emitters but under
temperature record: an average maximum of international agreements it has committed itself
4(a)9°C was recorded on 18 December. That
to reduction targets.
comes on top of a long period of drought.
Scientists have long warned that this hotter, SSC CGL Tier II 15/11/2020
drier climate will contribute to fires becoming 1. Which statement is NOT true according to
more frequent and more intense.The more the passage?
extreme weather patterns and higher (a) Around 800,000 hectares have been
temperatures increase the risk of bushfires and destroyed due to a bushfire in
allow them to spread faster and wider. Fire
Australia.
fighters are spraying water and fire retardant
from planes and helicopters as well as from the (b) The volunteers outnumber the
ground. But fighting bushfires is extremely professional fire fighters in Australia.
difficult and often authorities have to focus on (c) Australia is one of the world’s biggest
just stopping the spread, rather than putting per capita greenhouse gas emitters.
the fire out. The spread can for instance be best (d) Zookeepers take animals home to save
contained by digging earth boundaries to stop them from fire.

112 PPC Volume – I

2. Where did the biggest fires burn in 8. It can be inferred from the passage that this
Australia? year’s fire in Australia is mostly a result of:
(a) Along the western and northern coasts (a) a lightning strike
(b) Along the eastern and southern coasts. (b) a deliberate attempt to put the forest
(c) Along the eastern and northern coasts on fire
(d) Along the western and southern coasts (c) an accidental spark in the jungle
(d) a result of an extraordinarily hot and
3. The opposition in Australia is criticising the
dry spell
government for :
9 . What is the long lasting damage that the
(a) not fighting the bush fires bush fires have caused to the wildlife in
(b) not alloting enough funds for Australia?
firefighting (a) The fires have not only killed animals
(c) not doing enough against the climate directly, but also destroyed their
habitat.
change
(b) Many animals in the zoos have been
(d) not giving enough compensation to the killed
deceased
(c) Half a billion animals have died in South
4. “Authorities have to focus on just stopping Wales alone
the spread, rather than putting the fire out”. (d) More than 100,000 cows and sheep may
This means that the authorities: have been lost.
(a) want only to slow down the spread of 10. Which of the following countries has NOT
fire sent help for firefighting?
(b) want to put the fires once and for all (a) The US (b) Canada
(c) China (d) New Zealand
(c) do not want to put the fires out
(d) want to stop the fires from spreading Answers
first and then put them out 1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (a)
6. (b) 7. (a) 8. (d) 9. (a) 10. (c)
5. “Some fires are also started deliberately”.
‘Deliberately’ here means: PASSAGE - 35
The stark observation made in the Economic
(a) purposely (b) accidentally
Survey of 2015-16 that “Indian agriculture, is
(c) unknowingly (d) inadvertently in a way, a victim of its own past success -
6. The spread of fire can be contained especially the green revolution”, shows the dark
effectively by: reality of the agriculture sector at present and
the havoc that has been wreaked by the green
(a) spraying the forest with water revolution. The green revolution, which is often
(b) digging earth boundaries characterized by the introduction of a high-
(c) spraying fire retardant from the air yielding variety of seeds and fertilizers,
undoubtedly increased the productivity of land
(d) spraying fire retardant from the ground considerably. But the growth in the
7. The passage is mainly about: productivity has been stagnant in recent years,
(a) Australia’s struggle with bushfires resulting in a significant decline in the income
of farmers. There have also been negative
(b) the loss of wildlife due to bushfire environmental effects in the form of depleting
(c) how the bush fire occurred in Australia water table, emission of greenhouse gases, and
(d) the government’s role in dealing with the contamination of surface and groundwater.
Needless to say, the agricultural sector is in a
the bushfire

PPC Volume – I 113

state of distress, which is severely affecting 2. The purpose of this passage is to :
peasants and marginal farmers, and urgent (a) compare Indian agriculture with that
policy interventions are required to protect their of other countries
interests. (b) suggest measures for improving the
The government has responded to the problem farmers’ lot
by constituting a panel, which will recommend
(c) express the anguish of the farmers
ways to double the income of farmers by 202(b)
While this may be an overly ambitious target, (d) talk about the consequences of the green
if we want to boost stagnated agricultural revolution
growth a shift has to be made from food security 3. As per the passage, which country has the
of the nation to income security of the farmers. highest yield of rice per hectare?
However, there are many hurdles that have to (a) Indonesia (b) China
be crossed if we want to achieve this (c) Bangladesh (d) Vietnam
objective.The first major barrier to overcome is 4. As per the passage, what is the main cause
declining productivity. Data from 2013 reveals of decline in the income of farmers?
that India’s average yield of cereals per hectare
(a) Depleting water table
is far less than that of many countries (including
several low income countries), but the difference (b) Decline in agricultural production.
is huge when compared to China. (c) Contamination of ground water
For instance, our average yield per hectare is (d) Emission of green house gases
39% below than that of china and for rice this 5. What does the author suggest to enhance
figure is 46%. Even Bangladesh, Vietnam and the income of the farmers?
Indonesia fare better than India incase of rice (a) Constitute a panel to suggest ways to
yield. Further, there is a huge inter-regional double the income.
variation; the wheat and rice yield from (b) Shift wheat-rice cycle to include other
Haryana and Punjab is much higher than from cereals and pulses.
the other states.
(c) Give subsidies on water, fertilizers and
In order to cross the declining productivity power.
barrier there is a need to herald a rainbow
(d) Provide income security to the farmers.
revolution by making a shift from wheat-rice
cycle to other cereals and pulses. Since wheat Answers
and rice coupled with other crops are backed 1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (d)
by minimum support prices (MSP) and input
PASSAGE - 36
subsidy (whether water, fertiliser or power)
regime, there is a huge incentive for farmers in Plato is the earliest important educational
the irrigated region of Northwest India to grow thinker, and education is an essential element
in ‘The Republic’(his most important work on
these crops.
philosophy and political theory, written around
SSC CGL Tier II 15/11/2020 360 B.C.). In it, he advocates some rather extreme
1 . Which statement is NOT true according to methods: removing children from their mother’s
the passage ? care and raising them as wards of the state, and
(a) High yielding seeds and fertilizers were differentiating children suitable to the various
a hallmark of the green revolution. castes, the highest receiving the most education,
(b) The growth in productivity has so that they could act as guardians of the city
stagnated today. and care for the less able. He believed that
education should be holistic including facts,
(c) The rice yield in India is below that of
skills, physical discipline, music and art. Plato
China by 39%.
believed that talent and intelligence is not
(d) In Northwest India, farmers get distributed genetically and thus can be found
subsidies on rice, wheat and other crops in children born to all classes, although his

114 PPC Volume – I

proposed system of selective public education 5. Children who are imparted highest
for an educated minority of the population does education, would be responsible for:
not really follow a democratic model. (a) developing talent and skills
Aristotle considered human nature, habit and (b) teaching the illiterate
reason to be equally important forces to be
(c) guarding the city
cultivated in education, the ultimate aim of
which should be to produce good and virtuous (d) inculcating good habits
citizens. He proposed that teachers lead their Answers
students systematically, and that repetition be
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (c)
used as a key tool to develop good habits, unlike
Socrates’ emphasis on questioning his listeners PASSAGE - 37
to bring out their own ideas. He emphasized Her name was Sulekha, but since her childhood
the balancing of the theoretical and practical everyone had been calling her Bholi, the
aspects of subjects taught, among which he simpleton. She was the fourth daughter of
explicitly mentions reading, writing, Ramlal. When she was ten months old, she had
mathematics, music, physical education,
fallen off the cot on her head and perhaps it had
literature, history, and a wide range of sciences,
damaged some part of her brain. That was why
as well as play, which he also considered
important. she remained a backward child and came to be
known as Bholi, the simpleton. At birth, the child
SSC CGL Tier II 16/11/2020
was very fair and pretty. But when she was
1 . Which of these methods is NOT advocated
two years old, she had an attack of small-pox.
in ‘The Republic’?
Only the eyes were saved, but the entire body
(a) Keeping children away from mothers
was permanently disfigured by deep black
(b) Imparting similar education to all
pockmarks. Little Sulekha could not speak till
children
she was five as she was a slow learner, and
(c) Bringing up children under state
when at last she learnt to speak, she stammered.
guardianship
The other children often made fun of her and
(d) Differentiating children based on castes
mimicked her. As a result, she talked very little.
2 . Aristotle believed that virtuous citizens Ramlal had seven children - three sons and four
could be produced by cultivating: daughters, and the youngest of them was Bholi.
(a) habit and reason It was a prosperous farmer ’s household and
(b) art and music there was plenty to eat and drink. All the
(c) theoretical aspects of education children except Bholi were healthy and strong.
(d) mathematics and science The sons had been sent to the city to study in
3 . What tool does Aristotle advocate to schools and later in colleges. Of the daughters,
teachers to develop good habits in students? Radha, the eldest, had already been married.
(a) Reading (b) Questioning The second daughter Mangla’s marriage had
(c) Repetition (d) Writing also been settled, and when that was done,
4 . Which of these statements is NOT true? Ramlal would think of the third, Champa. They
were good looking, healthy girls, and it was not
(a) Plato’s methods of education can be
called ‘extreme’. difficult to find bridegrooms for them. But
Ramlal was worried about Bholi. She had
(b) The Republic was written around 360
A.D. neither good looks nor intelligence. From her
very childhood Bholi was neglected at home.
(c) Socrates encouraged the listeners to
come up with original ideas She was seven years old when Mangla was
married. The same year a primary school for
(d) Socrates considered music and physical
girls was opened in their village. The Tehsildar
education as important aspects of
learning. sahib came to perform its opening ceremony.

PPC Volume – I 115

He said to Ramlal ,”As a revenue official you are 6. Who was invited to inaugurate the girls’
the representative of the government in the school?
village and so you must set an example to the (a) village head
villagers. You must send your daughters to
(b) Revenue official
school “. That night when Ramlal consulted his
wife, she cried, “Are you crazy? If girls go to (c) School Headmaster
school, who will marry them?” But Ramlal had (d) Tehsildar
not the courage to disobey the Tehsildar. At last 7. Bholi’s mother agreed to send to her to
his wife said, “I will tell you what to do. Send school because:
Bholi to school. As it is, there is little chance of
(a) she cared for Bholi’s well being
her getting married, with her ugly face and lack
of sense. Let the teachers at school worry about (b) she wanted to wash her hands off Bholi
her.” (c) Bholi was neglected at home
SSC CGL Tier II 16/11/2020 (d) she wanted to educate Bholi
1. Sulekha came to be called Bholi because she 8. At what age did Sulekha damage her brain?
was: (a) Five years (b) Two years
(a) fair and pretty
(c) Seven years (d) Ten months
(b) healthy and strong
9. Why was Ramlal worried about Bholi?
(c) the youngest daughter
(a) She was too old to get married
(d) not very intelligent
(b) It was difficult to comprehend her
2. What did the smallpox attack do to Sulekha?
speech
(a) It made her dull
(c) It would be difficult to arrange her
(b) It damaged her speech marriage
(c) It made her look ugly
(d) She was not willing to get educated.
(d) It damaged her eyes
10. Backward child’ in the passage means:
3. Which of these statements is NOT true
(a) belonging to a poor family
about Bholi?
(b) belonging to an underprivileged
(a) She was a simpleton
community
(b) She was neglected by her family
(c) mentally challenged
(c) She was healthy and strong
(d) physically challenged
(d) She was seven when her eldest sister
got married Answers
4. The word ‘disfigured’ suggests that Bholi’s 1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (d)
looks were: 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (d) 9. (c) 10. (c)
(a) enhanced (b) improved PASSAGE - 38
(c) impaired (d) preserved Chanhudaro was a tiny settlement (less than 7
5. How was Ramlal expected to set an example hectares) as compared to Mohenjodaro (125
for the villagers? hectares), almost exclusively devoted to craft
production, including bead making, shell-
(a) By marrying off his daughters at an
cutting, metal-working, seal-making and
early age weight-making. The variety of materials used
(b) By treating Bholi as an equal to make beads is remarkable: stones like
(c) By sending his sons to school carnelian (of a beautiful red colour), jasper,
(d) By sending his daughters to school crystal, quartz and steatite; metals like copper,
bronze and gold, and shell, faience and
116 PPC Volume – I
terracotta or burnt clay. Some beads were made 3. Which of these stones is very soft and easy
of two or more stones, cemented together, some to mould?
of stone with gold caps. The shapes were (a) Steatite (b) Quartz
numerous- disc shaped, cylindrical, spherical, (c) Jasper (d) Crystal
barrel-shaped, segmented. Some were decorated
4. Which is the final process in the production
by incising or painting, and some had designs
of beads?
etched onto them.
(a) Grinding (b) Polishing
Techniques for making beads differed according
to the material. Steatite, a very soft stone, was (c) Chipping (d) Drilling
easily worked. Some beads were moulded out 5. Which of these statements is NOT true?
of a paste made with steatite powder. This (a) Harappa and Mohenjodaro were large
permitted making a variety of shapes, unlike urban centres
the geometrical forms made out of harder
(b) Chanhudaro was exclusively devoted
stones. How the stetatie micro bead was made
to craft production
remains a puzzle for archaeologists studying
ancient technology. Archaeologists’ experiments (c) Beads were made in numerous shapes
have revealed that the red colour of carnelian and sizes
was obtained by firing the yellowish raw (d) Carnelian is a beautiful bluish stone.
website: www.ssccglpinnacle.com Download: Answers
pinnacle exam preparation app Pinnacle 1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (d)
Comprehension material and beads at various
stages of production. Nodules were chipped PASSAGE - 39
into rough shapes and then finely flaked into Santiniketan embodies Rabindranath Tagore’s
the final form. Grinding, polishing and finally vision of a place of learning that is unfettered
drilling completed the process. Specialised drills by religious and regional barriers. Established
have been found at Chanhudaro, Lothal and in 1863 with the aim of helping education go
more recently at Dholavira. Nageshwar and beyond the confines of the classroom.
Balakot, both settlements are near the coast. Santiniketan grew into the Visva Bharati
These were specialised centres for making shell University in 1921, attracting some of the most
objects - including bangles, ladles and inlay - creative minds in the country.
which were taken to other settlements. He developed a curriculum that was a unique
Similarly, it is likely that finished products (such blend of art, human values and cultural
as beads) from Chanhudaro and Lothal were interchange. Even today, in every step, in every
taken to the large urban centres such as brick and in every tree at Santiniketan, one can
Mohenjodaro and Harappa. still feel his presence, his passion, his dedication
SSC CGL Tier II 16/11/2020 and his pride in the institution. In 1862,
1 . Shell objects were mostly made at Maharishi Debendranath Tagore, father of
Nageshwar and Balakot because: Rabindranath, was taking a boat ride through
(a) specialised drills were found here Birbhum, the westernmost corner of Bengal,
when he came across a landscape that struck
(b) shells were readily available in these
him as the perfect place for meditation. He
coastal areas
bought the large tract of land and built a small
(c) shells were transported here from house and planted some saplings around it.
Lothal. Debendranath Tagore decided to call the place
2 . According to the text, which of these crafts Santiniketan, or the ‘abode of peace’, because of
was Not practised in Chanhudaro? the serenity it brought to his soul. In 1863, he
(a) Paper making (b) Seal making turned it into a spiritual centre where people
(c) Metal cutting (d) Weight making from all religions, castes and creeds came and
participated in meditation.

PPC Volume – I 117

In the years that followed Debendranath’s son (c) At Shantiniketan, classes were held in
Rabindranath went on to become one of the most the open air
formidable literary forces India has ever (d) Shantiniketan grew into Visva Bharati
produced. He wrote in literary genres but he University
was first and foremost a poet. As one of the 4. What does the name Santiniketan mean?
earliest educators to think in terms of the global
(a) Abode of learning
village, he envisioned an education that was
deeply rooted in one’s immediate surroundings (b) Abode of peace
but connected to the cultures of the wider (c) Abode of love
world. (d) Abode of culture
Located in the heart of nature, the school aimed 5. When did Santiniketan grow into a
to combine education with a sense of obligation University?
towards the larger civic community. Blending
the best of western and traditional eastern (a) In 1922 (b) In 1921
systems of education, the curriculum revolved (c) In 1863 (d) In 1862
organically around nature with classes being 6. Tagore’s ‘erstwhile’ home means:
held in the open air. Tagore wanted his students (a) serene abode
to feel free despite being in the formal learning
(b) rural retreat
environment of a school, because he himself had
dropped out of school when he found himself (c) former home
unable to think and felt claustrophobic within (d) magnificent house
the four walls of a classroom. Nature walks and 7. With what aim was Santiniketan
excursions were a part of the curriculum, special established?
attention was paid to natural phenomena and
(a) to make it the perfect place for meditation
students were encouraged to follow the life
cycles of insects, birds and plants. (b) To encourage education outside the
The rural paradise of Santiniketan, Tagore’s classroom
erstwhile home, has become a thriving centre (c) to attract the most creative minds
of art, education and internationalism over the (d) To nurture plants, birds and insects
years. 8. The curriculum designed for Santiniketan
SSC CGL Tier II 16/11/2020 was a blend of:
1 . Why did Rabindranath drop out of school?
(a) western education and village practices
(a) He was not interested in studies
(b) human values, art and culture
(b) He found the curriculum too tough
(c) science and religion
(c) He wanted a formal learning
environment (d) spiritual and religious exchange
(d) He felt stifled within the classroom 9. The word ‘unfettered’ in the text suggests:
2 . What did Santiniketan initially serve as? (a) free from barriers
(a) A classroom (b) outside the classroom
(b) A holiday resort (c) restricted by regional differences
(c) A summer house (d) bound by religious beliefs
(d) A spiritual centre
10. Rabindranath was a ‘formidable’ literary
3 . Which of these statements about force. This implies he was:
Santiniketan is NOT true?
(a) an avid reader of books
(a) Shantiniketan was set up by
Rabindranath Tagore (b) a powerful writer
(b) Shantiniketan is located in the western (c) a wealthy landowner
most part of Bengal (d) an orthodox educationist

118 PPC Volume – I

 Answers I could feel his anguish, the mind buoyant with
thoughts that came out in frozen phrases and
1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (b)
sentences stiff as corpses.
6. (c) 7. (b) 8. (b) 9. (a) 10. (b)
SSC CGL Tier II 18/11/2020
PASSAGE - 40
1 . Astrophysics deals with:
Cambridge was my metaphor for England, and
(a) computers (b) diseases
it was strange that when I left it had become
altogether something else, because I had met (c) stars and planets (d) c r e a t i v e
Stephen Hawking there. It was on a walking writing
tour through Cambridge that the guide 2 . The narrator pulled the telephone cord
mentioned Stephen Hawking, ‘poor man, who outside the phone booth because he was:
is quite disabled now, though he is a worthy (a) eager to call Stephen Hawking’s home
successor to Isaac Newton, whose chair he has (b) not able to hear clearly in the booth
at the university.’ And I started, because I had
quite forgotten that this most brilliant and (c) desperate to get an appointment with
completely paralysed astrophysicist, (scholar Stephen Hawking
of astrophysics — branch of physics dealing (d) unable to enter the booth on a
with stars, planets, etc.) the author of A Brief wheelchair
History of Time, one of the biggest best-sellers 3 . Which of these facts is NOT true about
ever, lived here. When the walking tour was Stephen Hawking?
done, I rushed to a phone booth and, almost (a) A paralysed man
tearing the cord so it could reach me outside,
(b) A worthy contemporary of Newton
phoned Stephen Hawking’s house. There was
his assistant on the line and I told him I had (c) A brilliant astrophysicist
come in a wheelchair from India (perhaps he (d) A professor at Cambridge
thought I had propelled myself all the way) to 4 . The narrator felt the professor’s anguish in:
write about my travels in Britain. I had to see (a) the extreme exhaustion in his face
Professor Hawking — even ten minutes would
(b) his inability to express his thoughts in
do. “Half an hour,” he said. “From three-thirty
to four.” And suddenly I felt weak all over. words
Growing up disabled, you get fed up with people (c) the loss of movement in his legs
asking you to be brave, as if you have a courage (d) his effort to put up a brave front
account on which you are too lazy to draw a 5 . Complete the sentence to make it true.
cheque. The only thing that makes you stronger
The narrator:
is seeing somebody like you, achieving
something huge. Then you know how much is (a) is the author of A Brief History of Time
possible and you reach out further than you (b) came to Britain to study astrophysics
ever thought you could. “I haven’t been brave,” (c) dislikes people asking him to be brave
said his disembodied computer-voice, the next (d) met Stephen Hawking accidently
afternoon.
“I’ve had no choice.” Surely, I wanted to say,
Answers
living creatively with the reality of his 1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (c)
disintegrating body was a choice? But I kept PASSAGE - 41
quiet, because I felt guilty every time I spoke to The first time that Agha Shahid Ali spoke to me
him, forcing him to respond. There he was,
about his approaching death was on 25 April
tapping at the little switch in his hand, trying
200(a) The conversation began routinely. I had
to find the words on his computer with the only
bit of movement left to him, his long, pale telephoned to remind him that we had been
fingers. Every so often, his eyes would shut in invited to a friend’s house for lunch. Although
frustrated exhaustion. And sitting opposite him he had been under treatment for cancer for some
fourteen months, Shahid was still on his feet
PPC Volume – I 119
and perfectly lucid, except for occasional lapses 1. Shahid’s voice was full of ‘jocularity’. This
of memory. I heard him thumbing through his means it was:
engagement book and then suddenly he said: (a) bitter (b) sorrowful
‘Oh dear. I can’t see a thing.’ There was a brief (c) humorous (d) melodious
pause and then he added: ‘I hope this doesn’t 2. Why had the narrator called Shahid Ali?
mean that I’m dying...’ I did not know how to
(a) To give him an important task
respond: his voice was completely at odds with
(b) To enquire about his health
the content of what he had just said, light to the
point of jocularity. I mumbled something (c) To cheer him up in his depression
innocuous: ‘No Shahid — of course not. You’ll (d) To remind him about a lunch invitation
be fine.’ He cut me short. In a tone of voice that 3. What made Shahid think his end was near?
was at once quizzical and direct, he said: ‘When (a) He was unable to stand on his feet.
it happens I hope you’ll write something about (b) He suddenly couldn’t see anything.
me.’ I was shocked into silence and a long
(c) He couldn’t utter a word.
moment passed before I could bring myself to
(d) He was unable to think clearly.
say the things that people say on such occasions.
‘Shahid you’ll be fine; you have to be strong...’ 4. Which of these was NOT an excuse that the
narrator thought of to decline Shahid’s
From the window of my study I could see a
request?
corner of the building in which he lived, some
(a) That he was not a poet
eight blocks away. It was just a few months
since he moved there: he had been living a few (b) That he was too busy
miles away, in Manhattan, when he had a (c) That their friendship was quite recent
sudden blackout in February 2000. After tests (d) That others knew Shahid better
revealed that he had a malignant brain tumour, 5. What did Shahid request the narrator to
he decided to move to Brooklyn, to be close to do?
his youngest sister, Sameetah, who teaches at (a) Take him along for lunch at their friend’s
the Pratt Institute—a few blocks away from the place
street where I live. Shahid ignored my (b) Move to his house in Manhattan
reassurances. He began to laugh and it was then
(c) Write about him after his death
that I realised that he was dead serious. I
(d) Be strong and bear the loss bravely
understood that he was entrusting me with a
quite specific charge: he wanted me to remember 6. The narrator was reluctant to write about
Shahid because:
him not through the spoken recitatives of
memory and friendship, but through the (a) he wouldn’t be paid for it
written word. He knew that my instincts would (b) the subject did not interest him
have led me to search for reasons to avoid (c) it would be emotionally tough for him
writing about his death: I would have told (d) he didn’t have enough time
myself that I was not a poet; that our friendship 7. What disease was Shahid Ali suffering
was of recent date; that there were many others from?
who knew him much better and would be (a) Brain tumour (b) Loss of memory
writing from greater understanding and
(c) Blood cancer (d) Blindness
knowledge. All this Shahid had guessed and he
had decided to shut off those routes while there 8. Shahid had moved to Brooklyn to:
was still time. ‘You must write about me.’ (a) get treatment for cancer
Finally, I said: ‘Shahid, I will: I’ll do the best I (b) fulfil certain engagements
can.’ (c) teach at Pratt Institute
SSC CGL Tier II 18/11/2020 (d) be close to his youngest sister

120 PPC Volume – I

9. What kind of person was Shahid Ali? like the Godavari, Kaveri and Krishna are
(a) Depressed (b) Full of life seasonal, as their flow is dependent on rainfall.
(c) Dangerous (d) Forgetful During the dry season when it doesn’t rain, even
10. Shahid was perfectly ‘lucid’. This suggests the large rivers have reduced flow of water in
he was: their channels. The Peninsular rivers have
(a) in a delirium shorter and shallower courses as compared to
their Himalayan counterparts.
(b) confused
However, some of them originate in the central
(c) not intelligible
highlands and flow towards the west. Most of
(d) speaking coherently
the rivers of peninsular India originates in the
Answers Western Ghats and flows towards the Bay of
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (c) Bengal.
6. (c) 7. (a) 8. (d) 9. (b) 10. (d) SSC CGL Tier II 18/11/2020
PASSAGE - 42 1. The word ‘seasonal’ rivers in the passage
The drainage systems of India are mainly means:
controlled by the broad relief features of the (a) rivers whose flow is dependent upon
subcontinent. Accordingly, the Indian rivers are rainfall
divided into two major groups: the Himalayan
(b) rivers that flood in every season
rivers; and the Peninsular rivers.
(c) rivers that change their course in every
Apart from originating from the two major
season
physiographic regions of India, the Himalayan
and The Peninsular rivers are different from (d) rivers that never go dry in any season
each other in many ways. Most of the 2. A river along with its tributaries may be
Himalayan rivers are perennial. It means that called a:
they have water throughout the year. These (a) river system (b) flood plain
rivers receive water from rain as well as from (c) highland (d) peninsula
melted snow from the lofty mountains. The
3. Perennial’ rivers mean:
major Himalayan rivers are the Indus, the
(a) rivers with a long course
Ganga and the Brahmaputra. These rivers are
long, and are joined by many large and (b) those that originate in the mountains
important tributaries. A river along with its (c) receiving water from the rains
tributaries may be called a river system. The (d) full of water throughout the year
two major Himalayan rivers, the Indus and the 4. Erosional activity takes place in the upper
Brahmaputra originate from the north of the course of the river because of:
mountain ranges. They cut through the
(a) huge loads of silt and sand
mountains making gorges in the upper course.
(b) the reduced flow of water
The perennial Himalayan rivers have long
courses from their source to the sea. They (c) the great speed of water
perform intensive erosional activity in their (d) the presence of flood plains
upper courses and carry huge loads of silt and 5. The drainage systems of India are
sand with their swift current. In the middle and controlled by:
the lower courses, these rivers form meanders, (a) depositional features
oxbow lakes, levees and many other
(b) erosional activity
depositional features in their floodplains as their
(c) relief features
speed slackens. They also have well developed
deltas. A large number of the Peninsular rivers (d) tributaries of rivers

PPC Volume – I 121

6. Himalayan rivers are never dry because Roman historians have a rich collection of
they: sources to go on, which we can broadly divide
(a) are dependent on rainfall only into three groups: (a) texts, (b) documents and
(c) material remains. Textual sources include
(b) have a shorter and shallower course
letters, speeches, sermons, laws, and histories
(c) are fed by glaciers and rainfall of the period written by contemporaries. These
(d) originate in the Western Ghats were usually called ‘Annals’ because the
7. Which of these is NOT a depositional feature narrative was constructed on a year-by-year
found in the lower course of a river? basis. Documentary sources include mainly
inscriptions and papyri. Inscriptions were
(a) Meander (b) Gorge
usually cut on stone, so a large number survive,
(c) Levee (d) Oxbow lake in both Greek and Latin. The ‘papyrus’ was a
8. Which of these statements is NOT true reed like plant that grew along the banks of the
about perennial rivers? Nile in Egypt and was processed to produce
(a) They have a very short dry season. sheets of writing material that was very widely
used in everyday life. Thousands of contracts,
(b) They have well developed deltas. accounts, letters and official documents survive
(c) Most of them originate in the ‘on papyrus’ and have been published by
Himalayas. scholars who are called ‘papyrologists’.
(d) They cover very long distances till they Material remains include a very wide
reach the sea. assortment of items that mainly archaeologists
9. ‘Slackened speed’ suggests: discover (for example, through excavation and
field survey), for example, buildings,
(a) tremendous speed
monuments and other kinds of structures,
(b) maximum speed pottery, coins, mosaics, even entire landscapes.
(c) reduced speed Each of these sources can only tell us just so
(d) average speed much about the past, and combining them can
be a fruitful exercise, but how well this is done
10. Which of these is NOT a Himalayan river? depends on the historian’s skill!
(a) Ganga (b) Indus SSC CGL Tier II 18/11/2020
(c) Godavari (d) Brahmaputra 1 . Much of the economy in the Roman empire
Answers was run on:
1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (c) (a) women (b) slave labour
6. (c) 7. (b) 8. (a) 9. (c) 10. (c) (c) archaeologists (d) scholars
2 . Which of these statements is NOT true?
PASSAGE - 43
(a) Texts, documents and material remains
The Roman Empire covered a vast stretch of were the main sources for the
territory that included most of Europe as we historians.
know it today and a large part of the Fertile
(b) The Roman empire flourished longer in
Crescent and North Africa. The Roman empire the west.
embraced a wealth of local cultures and
(c) Inscriptions were carved in Greek and
languages; that women had a stronger legal
Latin.
position then than they do in many countries
(d) Archaeologists make discoveries
today; but also that much of the economy was
through excavations.
run on slave labour, denying freedom to
3 . Documentary sources of the history of
substantial numbers of persons. From the fifth
Roman empire include:
century onwards, the empire fell apart in the
(a) inscriptions (b) pottery
west but remained intact and exceptionally
prosperous in its eastern half. (c) landscapes (d) sermons

122 PPC Volume – I

4. Which of these are NOT material remains? flycatcher” and a birder ’s eyes will begin to
(a) Mosaics (b) Annals glint: “Where? When? Will it be there now?”
(c) Coins (d) Monuments are questions that will be shot out like machine-
gun bullets.
5. Who were papyrologists?
The first time I saw a full grown milk-white-
(a) People who processed papyrus into
sheets and-glossy-black male, with its glamorous 18-
inch streamer tail, was at the Sultanpur
(b) Scholars who published documents
National Park in Haryana. But I remember
(c) People who surveyed the reed like
better the flycatchers, that made me run around
plants along the Nile
in a tea garden in Palampur, teasingly whistling
(d) Farmers who cultivated papyrus
at me from one end to the other. The nesting
Answers pair in Naukuchiatal was more accommodating
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (b) except that I had to stand knee deep in the hotel’s
PASSAGE - 44 garbage dump to get a good view of them flitting
The excitement of bird watchers on spotting a to and fro the gully nearby. To compensate, one
particular species for the very first time is actually flew nearly down to my feet to snatch
unparalleled. With eyes shining and pride up a bluebottle I had missed. Of course, there
bursting, they exclaim, “I had a lifer today”, or have been rarities: the highlight of the regular
“It was a lifer for me”. For the longest time, I Bharatpur (the Keoladeo National Park) visits
couldn’t fathom what all the fuss was about. I was the darshan of VIP Siberian cranes. Then
mean, at some point in their lives, even a crow
they stopped coming, which was a first
or mynah would have been a lifer — seen for
indication of their slow extinction — even if it
the very first time. So, here, I’ve done a bit of
jugaad with the term and define it as a bird was just “local” to our area. The gloriously
that you see maybe (but not necessarily) for the uppity Great Indian bustards in the Karera
first time, but which has made a lasting, life- Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh) were another
changing impact on you. Then I recalled some unforgettable sighting. The sheer disdain with
of my own “lifers”. which they flounced away from our howling,
Number 1 is the little coppersmith barbet. The jolting jeep and took to their wings was a lesson
first bird I saw through brand new, big and in being put in your place. Now, not only does
powerful binoculars — and it was solely the sanctuary not exist anymore but those
responsible for my getting interested in birds. magnificent muscular birds are crashing to total
The fellow looked like a tubby little clown with
extinction.
hiccups and that just blew me away.I will never
forget the first time I saw grey hornbills aeons SSS CPO 09/12/19 (Morning)
ago: over sullen grey skies in the Borivali 1. What does the word ‘lifer ’ mean for the
National Park (now called Sanjay Gandhi author?
National Park) — squealing as they flew high (a) A bird which makes a life-changing
up across the sky. They looked as if they had
impact on you
just left Jurassic Park. Or, for that matter their
larger, more glamorous, cousins — Great pied (b) A bird which is becoming extinct.
hornbills. Tramping through a streambed in (c) A bird that you see for the first time.
Kalagarh (near Corbett), we suddenly heard this (d) A bird that you love
rasping, whooshing, sound. Up there, in the
2. Which bird is black and white with a huge
clear blue, were six-seven huge black-and-white
birds with colossal yellow beaks flying in yellow beak ?
tandem across the clear blue sky, their wings (a) Great pied hornbill(b) Siberian crane
making the rasping sound. Say “paradise (c) Paradise flycatcher(d) Grey hornbill

PPC Volume – I 123

3. Which pair of birds did the author see in Researchers from various institutes have come
Naukuchiatal? up with innovative ways to utilise the plastic
(a) Great Indian bustard waste that cannot be recycled further or are
(b) Paradise flycatcher unrecyclable. At IIT Delhi, a group of chemical
(c) Hornbill engineers are working on chemically breaking
down plastics to its smaller hydrocarbon
(d) Coppersmith barbet
molecules and then synthesising diesel out of it.
4. According to the passage which sanctuary The process uses packaging material,
does NOT exist anymore? Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles,
(a) Sultanpur National Park, Haryana polystyrene, and multi-layer packaging. The
(b) Sanjay Gandhi National Park fuel produced can currently be used as a blend
(c) Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur in stationary diesel machines like generators
and needs further testing and standardisation
(d) karera sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
to be used as commercial diesel in vehicles. A
5. Match the words with their meaning.
mix of plastic and stone has been used to create
Words Meanings
a block that can be used in flooring.
a. fathom 1. team
A CSIR laboratory also used shredded plastics,
b. aeons 2. understand chemically treated it and mixed with fillers to
c. tandem 3. ages make tiles. A German chemical producer called
(a) a-2,b-1, c-3 (b) a-1,b-3, c-2 BASF is also breaking down waste plastic and
(c) a-2,b-3, c-1 (d) a-3,b-2, c-1 using it as raw material for chemicals, instead
of using material derived from fossil fuels. One
Answers cost-effective solution was developed by Dr
1. ( a) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (c) Rajagopalan Vasudevan, professor at
PASSAGE - 45 Thiagarajar College of Engineering in Madurai.
India generates at least 25,940 tonnes of plastic The National Highways Authority of India is
waste daily, equivalent to the weight of around currently scaling up his technology to use plastic
4,300 elephants. Of this, about 60% gets recycled, waste in making roads. He came up with the
according to the Union environment ministry. idea of mixing plastic waste with Bitumen used
The rest gets dumped in landfills, clogs drains, for constructing roads in 2001. “That year the
goes into the ocean as microplastics, or is burnt, Tamil Nadu government had planned to ban
leading to air pollution. In the absence of a plastic and my concern began with the more
proper waste management system, the plastics than 1 lakh people employed by the industry.
that get recycled are often dirty, which makes Since plastic is derived from petroleum just like
the recycling process water-intensive and Bitumen, I thought of using it for road
expensive.”It is the process of cleaning the construction. The result, not only plastic waste
plastics before recycling that makes it resource was getting utilised, the roads were cheaper and
intensive. A lot of water is required to wash the steadier,” he said. The plastic waste does not
collected plastics, especially if it is oily or greasy have to be segregated and even multi-layered
as it has to be cleaned with a solvent,” said Dr plastics can be used in the mix. “All we need to
Suneel Pandey, director of environment and do is collect the waste, dry it out and use it,” he
waste management, The Energy and Resources said. The construction of every kilometre of road
Institute (TERI). Experts say proper waste required nine tonnes of Bitumen and one tonne
collection and management is at the core of of plastic waste. This means for every kilometre
ensuring more plastics get recycled instead of of road, one-tonne Bitumen is saved, which costs
ending up in landfills and oceans. about Rs. 30,000. SSC-CPO 9/12/19 (Evening)

124 PPC Volume – I

1. Which statement is NOT true according to PASSAGE - 46
the passage?
Standing in ankle-deep water engulfing his field,
(a) India generates at least 25,940 tonnes of Kamal Singh Dhangar takes a wild shot at the
plastic waste daily. likely yield from the soyabean crop that
(b) The fuel produced from plastic waste practically lies in ruins behind him.
can be used as a blend in stationary “One bag, two bags with difficulty,” notes the
diesel machines like generators. 58-year old with a wry smile, minutes after a
(c) The National Highways Authority of fresh spell of rain has lashed Guradiya
India is planning to use plastic waste in Sirajuddin village in Ashta tehsil of Madhya
making roads. Pradesh’s (MP) Sehore district. While the same
(d) In the construction of one kilometer of three-acre plot had given nearly 16 quintals of
road, nine tonnes of bitumen can be soyabean last year, Dhangar this time isn’t sure
he can even afford labourers to harvest the
saved by using plastic waste.
negligible produce staring in his face. He draws
2. Which organization makes blocks and tiles solace only from his not being alone. Most
from the plastic waste? farmers in Guradiya Sirajuddin as well as
(a) IIT, Delhi (b) CSIR neighbouring villages have reported
(c) TERI (d) BASF widespread damage to their already matured
3. What has been developed by Dr standing crop.
Rajagopalan Vasudevan, professor at Gulab Singh, who owns 10 acres not far from
Thiagarajar College of Engineering in Dhangar’s field, is ruining his decision to have
Madurai? took an additional six acres of land on lease for
(a) method for using plastic for road cultivating soyabean and wheat this year. “I
have paid the owner Rs 1.5 lakh. By now, this
construction
soyabean crop should have been ready for
(b) method for using plastic to make tiles taking to Ashta mandi (agriculture produce
and blocks market at the tehsil town, about 10 km away).
(c) method for extracting raw material for But my expensive pursuit has proved costly,”
chemicals remarks the 60-year-old, who, too, cannot enter
(d) method for making diesel from plastic his field without wading through water almost
waste touching the knees.
4. The above passage mainly talks about Seated at the edge of his flooded field a few
(a) the problems of recycling plastic waste. hundred meters away, Dev Singh, a sprightly
octogenarian, cannot remember the year when
(b) putting the plastic waste to use by
the monsoon rains caused such late-stage havoc.
recycling. “I may have been this big,” he says, pointing to
(c) the need of research to manage plastic a man many decades younger to him.
waste. Western MP, in which Sehore falls, has received
(d) the plastic waste generated in India. 1,335.4 mm of average rainfall from 1 June to 25
5. What makes the recycling of plastic September, 58% more than the region’s historical
resource-intensive? normal of 845.3 mm for this period. However,
(a) the collection of plastic waste the real story lies in the month-wise figures In
June, the opening month of the southwest
(b) the breaking down of plastic in
monsoon season, the rains were actually 25.6%
molecules
below the long-period average. In July, they
(c) the cleaning of the plastic waste were 31.2% above average. That surplus rose to
(d) the research required for recycling 63.6% in August, while a whopping 158% more
so far till September, confirming Dev Singh’s
Answers
observation. Worse, there’s little respite, with
1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (c) more rains predicted over the next few days.
PPC Volume – I 125
The monsoon has taken its toll mainly on 3. In Western MP where Sehore is situated
soyabean. According to the Union agriculture what is the normal average rainfall from
ministry’s data, a total area of 113.449 lakh June to September?
hectares (lh) has been planted under this (a) 158 mm (b) 113.4 mm
leguminous oilseed in the current kharif season, (c) 845.3 mm (d) 1,335.4 mm
ith the bulk of it accounted for by MP (55.16 lh), 4. Match the words with their meaning Words
Maharashtra (39.595 lh) and Rajasthan (10.608 Meanings
lh). Within MP, the main soyabean-growing A. havoc 1. undertaking
districts are Ujjain, Devas, Indore, Dhar, Ratlam,
B. pursuit 2. submerge
Mandsaur, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Sehore and
C. engulf 3. a calamity
Vidisha. The crop in low-lying areas is the one
that has been worst affected. (a) a-2, b-3, c-1 (b) a-2, b-1, c-3
(c) a-1, b-3, c-2 (d) a-3, b-1, c-2
“Farmers who had sown early-maturity (80-
90 days duration) varieties such as JS 9560 and 5. Who among the following took on 6 acres of
land for soyabean cultivation in addition
JS 2034 just after mid-June ill take the biggest
to his original 10 acres of land?
hit. Their crop would already have matured;
(a) Dev Singh (b) Gulab Singh
the longer it remains in the field, the more the
chances of the grain rotting. Also, these farmers (c) Vijay Singh (d) Kamal Singh
will not be able to save this grain for using as Answers
seed next year,” admits V S Bhatia, director of 1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (b)
the Indian Institute of Soyabean Research at
PASSAGE - 47
Indore.
The beaver had made a dam about hundred
SSC-CPO 11/12/2019 Morning yards long, and it had formed out of the quickly
1. Which of the following statements is NOT flowing stream, a wide stretch of water about
true according to the passage? twelve feet deep. The dam was so firm and broad
(a) By September, the soyabean crop should that it was easy for me to walk along it. After a
have been ready for taking to Ashta hundred and fifty yards I came to a ‘beaver’s
mandi. castle’- a great heap of logs skilfully fitted
together, the lower part covered with earth and
(b) the three-acre plot of Kamal Singh had
plants. The upper logs were put loosely together
given nearly 16 quintals of soyabean in
so that the air could pass through to the interior.
the past year .
In the late autumn, before land and water are
(c) In July- August the actual rainfall was covered with snow and ice, the beaver has to
25.6% below the long- period average. make its dwelling frostproof. It collects young
(d) From 1 June to 25 September, 58% more trees and gnaws the stems in a double cone until
rainfall was recorded than the region’s the tree falls.Then the long stems are gnawed
historical normal. into small sections, the thin twigs bitten off and
2. What problems are the farmers of Sehore the logs are dragged to the dwelling. There, the
District in MP facing? timber is piled on the castle, sometimes to a
height of ten or twelve feet. Mud is brought up
(a) The excessive rain has damaged the
from the bottom of the lake and packed between
soyabean crop.
the logs with the animal’s clever forepaws. The
(b) They cannot make seeds from their crop interior is lined with the finest wood shavings.
(c) The Soyabean yield has diminished In this tall shelter, the beaver remains high and
(d) They cannot take their produce to the dry, and protected from frost throughout the
market. winter.

126 PPC Volume – I

The only access to the dwelling is under the (c) The beaver had made a dam out of the
water, and even the forest wolves are not able quickly flowing stream.
to pull the firm building apart. The water is the (d) The only access to the dwelling is under
beaver’s element. On land it moves slowly and the water.
awkwardly. Thus, it is vital for the beaver to 4. Which of the following statements is NOT
have water in which it can swim, and where true?
nature has not provided this condition for it, it
(a) The beaver has to make its dwelling
creates it with its dam.
frostproof before it starts snowing.
The beaver ’s activities can change whole (b) The beaver can move quickly and easily
landscapes. With this dam, for instance, on on land and in water.
which I was standing, beavers had turned a
(c) The access to the beaver’s dwelling is
whole wooded alley into a lake; trees that stood
under the water.
there had been killed by the water and had
disappeared. Aquatic game had settled there. (d) Wide stretches of meadows may come
Ducks swam past us, and great must have been into existence on the banks of streams.
the number of fish, as swarms of trout had 5. How does a beaver ensure that its castle is
swum past me in the clear stream. Wide well ventilated?
stretches of meadow had come into existence (a) The upper logs are loosely placed.
on the banks, with flat landing places to which (b) The timber is piled up to ten feet high
the well-beaten beaver tracks led. Many years on the castle.
of building, gnawing and dragging must have
(c) The long stems are gnawed into small
gone into the completion of this immense task,
sections.
creating a new region for the beaver to live in.
(d) The logs are covered with earth and
SSC CPO 11/12/2019 Evening
plants.
1 . What evidence in the passage suggests that
beavers build strong dwellings? Answers
(a) The beaver’s dwelling is frostproof 1. (c) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (b)
(b) It takes many years of hard work to PASSAGE - 48
build the dwelling. Pollution befouls the air and poisons water.
(c) Even the forest wolves cannot pull the Pollution induces the release of toxicants into
dwelling apart. the biosphere which makes the air unsuitable
(d) The interior is lined with finest wood for breathing, harms the quality of water and
shavings. soil, and causes the emission of substances that
2 . The beavers can change the landscape by: may cause damage to humans, plants and
animals.
(a) building castles with great heaps of
logs. To cater to the needs of an increasing population,
agriculture has been intensified through the use
(b) dragging the logs of wood to the
of a wide spectrum of fertilizers and pesticides.
dwelling.
Diverse industries have been set up to produce
(c) building dams that can convert a chemicals including those that pose a danger to
wooded alley into a lake. all life forms.
(d) swimming in the water along with Rapid industrialisation has led to deterioration
ducks and trouts. in the quality of air. Widespread use of coal and
3 . Which line in the passage most strongly fossil fuels in industries and petroleum fuel in
indicates that weavers simply love being motor vehicles has aggravated the air pollution
in or near water? problem. Our atmosphere seems to have become
(a) The water is the beaver’s element. a waste basket into which dust, noxious fumes,
(b) The dam was so firm and broad that it toxic gases and other pollutants are callously
was easy to walk along. thrown.

PPC Volume – I 127

The intensity of air pollution in Indian cities is 3. As per the passage, which of these
increasing primarily due to our vintage vehicles statements is NOT true about air pollution?
and their poor performance. Water pollution , (a) Vintage vehicles and their poor
too has increased with the growth of our
performance adds to pollution.
population and also that of our industries.
Water pollution has acquired dangerous (b) Dust and toxic gases released in the air
dimensions ever since sewage and industrial cause air pollution.
effluents have started being disposed of into the (c) Three-fourths of our citizens are
rivers. breathing poor quality air.
Once considered sacred, the rivers are now (d) Use of coal and fossil fuels aggravates
turning murky and stink. It is sad that almost air pollution.
three-fourths of our fellow citizens have no
4. Select the most appropriate title for the
choice but to drink filthy water. The severely
polluted rivers due to mindless dumping of passage
sewage and industrial wastes are a cause for (a) The Saga of Sacred Rivers
concern not only to us humans but also to (b) We Breathe and Drink Poison
myriads of life forms that exist in water. On the (c) Impact of Industrialisation
French and Italian rivieras we can no longer see
the sparkling blue waters. The Mediterranean (d) Algal Blooms
Sea is reported to be turning grey. Rivers and 5. Deterioration in the quality of air can
canals pour sewage, detergents and industrial mainly be attributed to
waste into the sea; tankers flush their contents (a) intensified agricultural practices
near the river or sea; bottles, rotting garbage (b) global climate change
and oil slicks are washed into the beaches. The
(c) rapid industrialisation
phosphates and nitrates applied to farmlands
as inorganic fertilizers, concentrate in lakes and (d) increase in population
estuaries causing algal blooms due to which Answers
wide expanses of water get choked, plants rot,
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (c)
oxygen is used up and fish die.
SSC CPO 12/12/2019 Morning PASSAGE - 49
1 . Which of the following factors is responsible For years, a long-lost chapter of what is said to
for algal blooms? be the world’s first known novel has been
(a) Using up of oxygen dissolved in the quietly tucked away in a chest in a Japanese
water by algae storeroom, hiding alongside other heirlooms of
(b) Rotting of aquatic plants in lakes and a Japanese family with feudal lineage. Experts
estuaries confirmed that the blue-bound text is a chapter
(c) Concentration of inorganic fertilizers in of the 11th Century Japanese classic ‘Genji
lakes Monogatari’ or ‘The Tale of Genji’. Written by
(d) Farmlands being located near lakes and Japanese noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu, the
estuaries novel depicts the romantic epic of Prince Genji
2 . Since when has water pollution acquired and his love interest Murasaki-no-ue. The
dangerous dimensions? recently found chapter contains an important
(a) Since sacred rivers became murky and part of the novel in which the 18-year old prince
lost their sanctity meets Murasaki-no-ue, according to the Japan
(b) Since sewage and industrial effluents Times. The original 54-chapter text no longer
started being disposed of in rivers exists. Transcriptions by Fujiwara no Teika
(c) Since the Mediterranean Sea started (1162-1241), a Japanese poet, are believed to be
changing colour the earliest existing manuscripts. In addition to
(d) Since oil slicks started being washed on the most recently discovered chapter, four other
the shores of beaches

128 PPC Volume – I

confirmed chapters of her transcription are 4. Where was the chapter discovered?
registered as national cultural properties. (a) In a cultural foundation
Reizeike Shiguretei Bunko, a cultural (b) In a family storeroom
preservation foundation, has authenticated the
(c) In a library in tokyo
text as a chapter of Teika’s transcriptions. In
February, 72-year-old Motofuyu Okochi found (d) In a royal palace
the little book in his family home in Tokyo and 5. Which of the following was NOT one of the
reached out to the foundation to have it ways for confirming the authenticity of the
authenticated. chapter?
Okochi’s lineage stretches back to the feudal era (a) The name of the writer was inscribed
of Japan when, in 1743, the manuscript was on it as also on the earlier chapters.
passed to the Okochi family from another (b) The slip used by the manuscript writer
family, according to Asahi Shimbun. The experts was similar to the slips on other
who examined the found chapter were able to chapters.
confirm that the text is one of Teika’s (c) The binding cover was of the same color.
transcriptions in a few ways. (d) The handwriting matched that of the
Not only did the handwriting match that of the other chapters.
other found chapters, but the cover of the
Answers
binding matches the blue of the other texts. The
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (a)
small slip of paper that Teika used to identify
the front of the book also matches the slips used PASSAGE - 50
on the other chapters. It was the buzz of boardrooms, power lunches
SSC CPO 12/12/2019 Evening and anxious phone calls from the freeway. It
1. Which of the following is NOT true was debated by stockbrokers, real estate agents,
according to the passage? Hollywood producers and media bigfeet. Mid-
level executives who wouldn’t leave home
(a) The home where the book was kept
without a phone in their pocket - or at their ear
safely belonged to a feudal family.
-were putting off calls or finding other ways to
(b) The Japanese novel is important make them. Sales of cellular phones which had
because it is believed to be the oldest been growing at a sizzling 20% to 70% a year
novel. for the past decade were temporarily put on
(c) The original manuscript written by Hold. Do cellular phones really cause brain
Murasaki-no-ue was bound in blue. tumours? The safety of the ultimate yuppie
(d) The man who found the chapter decided accessory was called into question by the news
to hand it over to the cultural in the U.S. that two prominent executives had
foundation. been stricken by brain cancer (though the
2. How many chapters of the novel has been connection to phone use is unclear) and by a
listed as cultural properties? well publicised lawsuit in which a Florida man
charged that his wife’s fatal brain tumour was
(a) Eighteen (b) Five
caused by her cellular phone.
(c) Fifty-four (d) Eleven
It was not the kind of evidence that would be
3. Who was the author of the novel ? accepted by the new England Journal of
(a) Rezeike Shigure Tei Bunko Medicine, but it struck a nerve. American
(b) Murasaki Shikibu viewers tuned in to hear David Reynard, the
(c) Fujiwara no Teika Florida widower tell the story of his wife’s death
to Larry King, Bryant Gumbel, Faith Daniels
(d) Motofuyu Okochi
and dozens of radio talk-show hosts.

PPC Volume – I 129

Even wall street took notice, knocking a couple (c) Brain tumour is more probable in cell
of points off McCaw Cellular, Contel Cellular phone users than in those living near
and Motorola the day after Reynard’s power lines.
appearance on the Larry King live show. The (d) McCaw, Motorola and Contel are cell
Cellular Telecommunications Industry phone companies.
Association was finally forced to respond, 4. According to the passage which of these is
announcing that it would fund new studies and Not linked to any dreaded diseases?
ask the government to review the findings. (a) Hair dryer (b) Electric razor
The phone flap is the latest in a series of scares (c) Hair dyes (d) Electric blanket
linking everyday electrical objects (hair dryers, 5. Larry King is probably:
electric razors, electric blankets, home
(a) a wall street broker
computers) to one dreaded disease or another.
(b) a famous TV show host
Despite the panic, the case against cellular
phones is nowhere near as strong as the ones (c) an owner of a cellular phone company
mounted against electric power lines, electric (d) a famous criminal lawyer
blankets or even hand held police radars. Answers
SSC CPO 13/12/2019 Morning 1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (b)
1. What was the buzz of boardrooms and the PASSAGE - 51
issue for debate among stockbrokers, real To the great delight of children, schools were
estate agents, producers and others? being hurriedly closed. Children of all ages and
(a) Excitement about the popular talk sizes were running helter-skelter, screaming
shows on radio joyously, ‘‘No school, no school. Tiger, tiger!’’
(b) The concern whether cellular phones They were shouting and laughing and even
caused brain tumours enjoying being scared. They seemed to welcome
me. I felt like joining them. So, I bounded away
(c) Growing sales of cellular phones
from the restaurant door. I walked along with
(d) The safety of all electrical gadgets them, at which they cried, ‘The tiger is coming
2. What was the result of the controversy over to eat us; let us get back to school!’’ I followed
cellular phones? them through their school gate while they ran
(a) David Reynard won the lawsuit against up and shut themselves in the school hall
cellular companies. securely. I climbed up the steps of the school,
saw an open door at the far end of a veranda,
(b) The cellular phones became more
and walked in. It happened to be the
popular.
headmaster’s room. I noticed a very dignified
(c) The share value of cell phone man jumping on the table and heaving himself
companies fell in the stock market. up into an attic. I walked in and flung myself on
(d) The New England Journal of Medicine the cool floor, having a partiality for cool stone
accepted that cell phones caused brain floors, with my head under the large desk-
tumour. which gave me feeling of being back in Mempi
cave...As I drowsed, I was aware of cautious
3. Which of the following statements is Not
steps and hushed voices all around. I was in no
true?
mood to bother about anything. All I wanted
(a) David Reynard claimed that his wife’s was a little moment of sleep; the daylight was
tumour was due to the use of cellular dazzling. In half sleep I heard the doors of the
phone. room being shut and bolted and locked. I didn’t
(b) The news on adverse effects of cell care. I slept. While I slept a great deal of
phones affected the sales. consultation was going on. I learnt about it later
through my Master, who was in the crowd - the

130 PPC Volume – I

crowd which had gathered after making sure PASSAGE - 52
that I had been properly locked up - and was
In 18th-century Germany, Baron Munchausen
watching. The headmaster seems to be
regales his friends, over drinks, with stories of
remarked some days later, “Never dreamt in
his many adventures. These include his
my wildest mood that I’d have to yield my place
to a tiger.” A wag had retorted, “might be one supposed travel to the moon. Long before Neil
way of maintaining better discipline among the Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin stepped out of
boys.” Apollo 11 onto the surface of the moon 50 years
ago, on July 20, 1969, the aspiration to travel to
SSC CPO 13/12/2019 Evening
this shiny orb in the sky has fired human
1 . What was the tiger’s reaction to the frenzy
imagination. A Flight To The Moon by George
around him?
Fowler, From The Earth To The Moon – and its
(a) He was afraid of being caught
sequel, Around The Moon – by Jules Verne, The
(b) He just wanted to sleep First Men In The Moon by HG Wells, Prelude To
(c) He wanted to go back to his cave Space by Arthur C Clarke… are only a few of
(d) He looked for someone to attack the many fictionalised accounts that have, for
2. What probably cost the greatest excitement centuries, reflected this aspiration. In the 1954
among the children? Explorers On The Moon, iconic comic book
(a) Seeing a tiger getting into the school character, Tintin, reaches the moon. While some
writers imagined the moon’s surface to be
(b) Learning that the school would be closed
barren and uninhabited, others have written
(c) Knowing the tiger was coming to eat about it being populated with lunar beings.
him Even when Apollo 11 mission was being
(d) Watching the tiger run after them planned and worked on, in 1963, Apollo At Go
3. What did a mischievous person say about by Jeff Sutton, presented a realistic fictionalised
the headmaster? portrayal of the upcoming landing. The
(a) He should keep the school closed for successful landing of Apollo 11 and Neil
some time Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s walk on the moon,
opened up another exciting possibility – could
(b) He should allow the tiger to sleep
the common man or non-space-scientist reach
peacefully
for the moon? Literally? What had hitherto been
(c) He should leave the place and go
in the realm of speculation was now a reality
because of his fear of the tiger
and we weren’t satisfied with just second-hand
(d) The school would be better managed information any more. Between 1969 and 1972,
by the tiger than by him the US sent six successful manned missions to
4. Which word describes the tone of the the moon, and with each victory, the lunar
narrative when the headmaster’s reaction destination seemed a little closer within the
to the tiger’s arrival is mentioned? reach of the common man.
(a) Humorous (b) Threatening SSC CPO Tier II 27/09/19
(c) Intimate (d) Solemn 1. When did the US send first successful
5. Where was the tiger just before he ran manned trip to the moon?
towards the school? (a) 1972 (b) 1963
(a) At the zoo (b) In the forest (c) 1969 (d) 1954
(c) In a cave (d) In a restaurant 2. Who was the first person to speak of travel
to the moon?
Answers
(a) Munchausen (b) Armstrong
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (d)
(c) Sutton (d) Branson
PPC Volume – I 131
3. Which of the following statements is not up her eyes, mentally counting over the blue
true according to the passage? bows painted on the ceiling. “You see, it is the
(a) Man’s walk on the moon inspired season in Bruges, and people do not care to let
scientists to plan more expeditions. their rooms for a very short time” not a glance
at my little suitcase lying between us, but I
(b) All the writers wrote about the moon
looked at it gloomily, and it seemed to dwindle
being inhabited by weird creatures. before my desperate gaze become small enough
(c) Someday the common man could make to hold nothing but a collapsible folding tooth-
a trip to the moon. brush. “My large box is at the station,” I said
(d) Man has always been attracted to the coldly, buttoning my gloves.
moon. Madame started. “You have more luggage. Then
4. The writer uses the expression ‘literally’ you intend to make a long stay in Bruges,
because___ perhaps?”
(a) it has been an idiom for desiring “At least a fortnight perhaps a month.” I
something unlikely shrugged my shoulders. “One moment,” said
Madame. “I shall see what I can do.” She
(b) no one can ever go to the moon
disappeared, I am sure not further than the
(c) it is wrong to build up stories other side of the door, for she reappeared
(d) people only dream of doing it immediately and told me I might have a room
5. How many fictional books written about at her private house “just round the corner and
travelling to the moon are referred to here? kept by an old servant who, although she has a
(a) Seven (b) Six wall eye, has been in our family for fifteen years.
The porter will take you there, and you can have
(c) Eight (d) Five
supper before you go.”
Answers I was the only guest in the dining-room. A tired
1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (a) waiter provided me with an omelet and a pot of
coffee, then leaned against a sideboard and
PASSAGE - 53
watched me while I ate, the limp table napkin
While I waited expectantly, Madame came in over his arm seeming to symbolise the very
and told me that there was no room at all for man. “Are you ready, Madame?” asked the
me in the hotel, not a bed, not a corner. She was waiter. “It is I who carry your luggage.” “Quite
extremely friendly and seemed to find a fund of ready.”
secret amusement in the fact; she looked at me
SSC CPO Tier-II 27/09/19
as though expecting me to break into delighted
1 . Which sentence tells us that Madame
laughter. “To-morrow,” she said, “there may be.
changed her mind suddenly and decided to
I am expecting a young gentleman who is
give accommodation to the writer?
suddenly taken ill to move from number eleven.
He is at present at the chemist’s perhaps you (a) I was the only guest in the dining-room.
would care to see the room?” (b) people do not care to let their rooms for
“Not at all,” said I. “Neither shall I wish a very short time.
tomorrow to sleep in the bedroom of an (c) My large box is at the station
indisposed young gentleman.” (d) she reappeared immediately
“But he will be gone,” cried Madame, opening 2 . How long does the narrator plan to stay in
her blue eyes wide and laughing with that that place?
French cordiality so enchanting to English (a) Two days (b) One week
hearing. I was too tired and hungry to feel either (c) Four days (d) A month
appreciative or argumentative. “Perhaps you 3 . Who looks after the private house?
can recommend me another hotel?”
(a) The waiter (b) The porter
“Impossible!” She shook her head and turned
(c) Madame (d) An old servant
132 PPC Volume – I
4. Madame says “impossible” when the interest and then being dragged away from it
narrator asks her ______. by a yell from the master, like a dog jerked
(a) to recommend another hotel onwards by the leash, is an important feature
(b) for a porter to carry her bag of school life, and helps to build up the
conviction, so strong in many children, that the
(c) for space in the hotel from the next day
things you most want to do are always
(d) for some supper unattainable.
5. Madame is probably ______ SSC CPO Mains 27/09/19
(a) Nurse at the clinic 1 . We can infer that the writer was a
(b) A saleswoman at the shop (a) disobedient student
(c) Another guest like the narrator (b) lonely child
(d) A Manager of the hotel (c) mischievous boy
Answers (d) studious boy
1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (d) 2 . Why does the writer call cricket a hopeless
PASSAGE - 54 love affair?
No one can look back on his school days and (a) He was forced to give it up
say with truth that they were altogether (b) He did not play it at all
unhappy. I have good memories of St Cyprian’s, (c) He played it secretly
among a horde of bad ones. Sometimes on (d) He tried hard to learn it
summer afternoons there were wonderful 3 . “where one bathed dangerously”. Why does
expeditions across the Downs to a village called the writer call the bathing dangerous?
Birling Gap, or to Beachy Head, where one
(a) they were punished later
bathed dangerously among the boulders and
came home covered with cuts. And there were (b) there were snakes in the water
still more wonderful mid-summer evenings (c) the boulders gave them bruises
when, as a special treat, we were not driven off (d) the water was too deep
to bed as usual but allowed to wander about 4 . What is the ‘moral’ the boy draws from his
the grounds in the long twilight, ending up with childhood experiences?
a plunge into the swimming bathe at about nine
(a) Things you enjoy doing are always
o’clock. There was the joy of waking early on
unreachable
summer mornings and getting in an hour ’s
undisturbed reading (Ian Hay, Thackeray, (b) Only do the things your masters tell
Kipling and H. G. Wells were the favourite you to.
authors of my boyhood) in the sunlit, sleeping (c) Do not walk alone in the grounds.
dormitory. There was also cricket, which I was (d) Do not collect insects like caterpillars
no good at but with which I conducted a sort of 5 . Which of the following did the boys not do
hopeless love affair up to the age of about on summer mornings?
eighteen. And there was the pleasure of keeping
(a) Read in bed (b) Sleep until late
caterpillars — the silky green and purple puss-
moth, the ghostly green poplar-hawk, the (c) play cricket (d) Collect caterpillars
privet-hawk, large as one’s third finger, Answers
specimens of which could be illicitly purchased 1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (b)
for sixpence at a shop in the town — and, when
one could escape long enough from the master PASSAGE - 55
who was ‘taking the walk’, there was the Our civilization is more secure because it is
excitement of dredging the dew-ponds on the much more widely spread. Most of the previous
Downs for enormous newts with orange- civilizations came to an end because uncivilized
coloured bellies. This business of being out for a peoples broke in and destroyed them. This was
walk, coming across something of fascinating the fate of Babylon, Assyria, India, China,

PPC Volume – I 133

Greece and Rome. Previous civilizations were 3. Which important feature of modern life
specialized and limited like an oasis in a troubles the writer most?
surrounding desert of savagery. Eventually, the (a) There is inequality in the distribution
desert closed in and the oasis was no more. But of things.
to-day, it is the oasis which is spreading over
(b) People do not care for their fellow
the desert. Practically no part of the world is
beings.
untouched by it. For the first time, the world
has now a chance of becoming a single whole, a (c) Civilizations have become dependent.
unity. To-day, the food we eat comes from all (d) Older civilizations do not exist
over the world. The things in a grocer’s shop anymore.
are from the ends of the earth. There are oranges 4. What according to the writer was the desert
from Brazil, grapes from Africa, rice from India, that surrounded the oasis?
tea from china, sugar from Columbia etc. To- (a) The poorer people
day the world is beginning to look more like
one enormous box. Therefore, there is little (b) Some rich countries
danger upon our civilization from outside. The (c) Civilization (d) Savagery
danger comes only from within; it is a danger 5. Which of the following statements is NOT
from among us. true according to the facts given in the
To-day, the sharing-out of money – the sharing- passage.
out of food, clothing, houses and books, is still (a) Goods are transported from far- off
very unfair. In England alone, in sharing out of places.
the National Income, we find that one half is (b) Some ancient civilizations have been
divided among every sixteen people and the destroyed.
seventeenth person gets the other half. So while
(c) Most people share their money equally.
some few people live in luxury, many have not
even enough to eat and drink and wear. Again, (d) Some people do not have adequate space
in England to-day, thousands of people live in to live.
dreadful surroundings. There are many families Answers
of five or six persons who live in a single room;
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (c)
in this same room they are born and in this same
room they die, because, they are too poor to PASSAGE - 56
afford another room. Until everyone gets his The children were to be driven, as a special treat,
proper share of necessary and delightful things, to the sands at Jagborough. Nicholas was not to
our civilization will not be perfect. be of the party; he was in disgrace. Only that
SSC CPO Tier-II 27/09/19 morning he had refused to eat his wholesome
bread-and-milk on the seemingly frivolous
1 . ‘This’ in the third sentence refers to
ground that there was a frog in it. Older and
(a) Spread of civilizations wiser and better people(his aunt), had told him
(b) Destruction of civilizations that there could not possibly be a frog in his
(c) Increase in security bread-and-milk and that he was not to talk
(d) Rise of education nonsense; he continued, nevertheless, to talk
what seemed complete nonsense, and described
2 . What is one of the greatest disadvantages with much detail the coloration and markings
of the present times? of the alleged frog. The dramatic part of the
(a) We are at risk of attack from outsiders incident was that there really was a frog in
(b) We have an internal threat from our Nicholas’s basin of bread-and-milk; he had put
own kind. it there himself, so he felt entitled to know
(c) We need to bring things from other something about it. The sin of taking a frog from
the garden and putting it into a bowl of
parts of the world.
wholesome bread-and-milk was enlarged on at
(d) We cannot grow our own produce great length, but the fact that stood out clearest

134 PPC Volume – I

in the whole affair, as it presented itself to the PASSAGE - 57
mind of Nicholas, was that the older, wiser, and
The four-year tiger census report, Status of
better people had been proved to be profoundly
Tigers in India, 2018, released by Prime Minister
in error in matters about which they had
expressed the utmost assurance. Narendra Modi shows numbers of the cat have
increased across all landscapes.
“You said there couldn’t possibly be a frog in
my bread-and-milk; there was a frog in my The Global Tiger Forum, an international
bread and-milk,” he repeated, with the collaboration of tiger-bearing countries, has set
insistence of a skilled tactician who does not a goal of doubling the count of wild tigers by
intend to shift from favourable ground. 2022. More than 80% of the world’s wild tigers
are in India, and it’s crucial to keep track of their
SSC CPO Tier-II 27/09/19
numbers. The total count in 2018 has risen to
1 . What was the aunt trying to tell Nicholas? 2,967 from 2,226 in 2014 — an increase of 741
(a) That he should play with his cousins individuals and an increase of 33%, in four years.
(b) That he would be punished if he This is by far the biggest increase in terms of
misbehaved both numbers and percentage since the four
(c) That he should have eaten the bread and yearly census using camera traps and the
milk capture-mark-recapture method began in 2006.
(d) That he could choose to stay back if he The 2018 figure has a great degree of credibility
wished because, according to the report, as many as
2 . What excuse did Nicholas give for not eating 2,461 individual tigers (83% of the total) have
his bread and milk? actually been photographed by trap cameras.
In 2014, only 1,540 individuals (69%) were
(a) there was a frog in it
photographed.
(b) he did not like it
The tiger census is needed because the tiger sits
(c) there was no sugar in it at the peak of the food chain, and its
(d) it was too cold to eat conservation is important to ensure the well-
3 . What made Nicholas so sure about what being of the forest ecosystem. The tiger
he said? estimation exercise includes habitat assessment
(a) He noticed it jumping in and prey estimation. The numbers reflect the
(b) He saw someone putting it in success or failure of conservation efforts. This is
an especially important indicator in a fast-
(c) His cousins had told him about it
growing economy like India where the
(d) He himself had put it in pressures of development often run counter to
4 . Why did Nicholas consider his aunt had the demands of conservation.
been proved to be wrong? Where has the tiger population increased the
(a) She was forcing him to eat the bread most? The biggest increase has been in Madhya
and milk. Pradesh — a massive 218 individuals (71%)
(b) She had said there was no frog in the from 308 in 2014 to 526. However, since tigers
bowl keep moving between states, conservationists
prefer to talk about tiger numbers in terms of
(c) She never listened to him landscapes. So, why have the numbers gone up?
(d) She always scolded him The success owes a lot to increased vigilance
5. The children were being taken on a special and conservation efforts by the Forest
treat to Department. From 28 in 2006, the number of
tiger reserves went up to 50 in 2018, extending
(a) The circus (b) The zoo
protection to larger numbers of tigers over the
(c) A garden (d) The beach years. Healthy increases in core area
Answers populations eventually lead to migrations to
areas outside the core; this is why the 2018
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (d)

PPC Volume – I 135

census has found tigers in newer areas. Over 5. The survival of the tiger is vital today
the years, there has been increased focus on because-
tigers even in the areas under the territorial and (a) it is no longer a threat to the villagers’
commercial forestry arms of Forest safety.
Departments.The other important reason is
(b) it is central to the food chain and the
increased vigilance, and the fact that organized
ecosystem.
poaching rackets have been all but crushed.
According to Nitin Desai of Wildlife Protection (c) it promotes tourism in India and
Society of India, there has been no organized increases revenue.
poaching by traditional gangs in Central Indian (d) it is now on the verge of extinction.
landscapes since 2013. The increased protection 6 . Researchers refer to places where tigers are
has encouraged the tiger to breed. Tigers are found not by States but by the term-
fast breeders when conditions are (a) green belts (b) deep forests
conducive.The rehabilitation of villages outside
core areas in many parts of the country has led (c) landscapes (d) ecosystems
to the availability of more inviolate space for 7 . What is the tiger population of Madhya
tigers. Also, because estimation exercises have Pradesh?
become increasingly more accurate over the (a) 2 8 (b) 741
years, it is possible that many tigers that eluded (c) 5 0 (d) 526
enumerators in earlier exercises were counted 8 . Which of the following statements is not
this time. true as per the passage?
SSC CGL Tier II 11/9/2019 (a) There are more reliable ways of data
1 . The Global Tiger Forum comprises- collection.
(a) countries which have tigers. (b) Forest departments have become more
(b) National Geographic and World watchful
Wildlife Fund. (c) The tiger reserves have increased to 100
(c) all countries of the United Nations. in 2018
(d) America and the European Union. (d) Poaching gangs have been reduced
2 . The biggest increase in tiger population has drastically.
been between the years 9 . What has been the impact of providing
(a) 2014-2018 (b) 2002-2006 inviolate spaces for tigers?
(c) 2006-2010 (d) 2010-2014 (a) The poachers have been caught in these
3 . The year 2022 marks the target date for- spaces very easily.
(a) tripling the world tiger population. (b) The number of villagers killed by man
eater tigers has increased.
(b) tripling India’s tiger population.
(c) Tiger numbers have increased due to
(c) doubling the count of world tiger
safe breeding places.
population.
(d) Tigers have moved from Uttar Pradesh
(d) doubling the count of India’s tiger
to Madhya Pradesh.
population.
10. Pick out a word that is similar in meaning
4 . 2018 census on the big cat has been the most
to:
reliable because-
CONDUCIVE
(a) it photographed 1540 tigers.
(a) reclusive (b) helpful
(b) it photographed 83% of the tigers.
(c) unfavorable (d) hindering
(c) it photographed all living tigers of
India. Answers
(d) it only uses the capture-mark- 1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (b)
recapture method. 6. (c) 7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (c) 10. (b)

136 PPC Volume – I

 PASSAGE - 58 (c) the audience don’t wish to develop a
sense of humour.
A few years ago it seemed as if the moment for
stand-up comedy had arrived. By the end of (d) there are faltering payments and
2017, stand-up comedians were on the cover of cancelled shows.
a magazine, signaling the coming of age of the 2. The stand-up comedy show had a
industry. The stand-up game attracted wonderful start because-
investors in the right places: on platforms like 1. Open mic shows were held in venues
Netflix and Amazon Prime, apart from across cities.
increasing open mic schedules in venues across 2. Leading companies came forward to
cities. Two major companies Comedy Store and support artists.
Canvas Laugh Club arrived on the scene and 3. Payments to artists were prompt and
were game changers. good.
But despite a heady start, the comic landscape 4. Some Bollywood directors offered them
has changed drastically today with stand- up roles.
comedians feeling the brunt of faltering
5. Comedians were given good media
payments and cancelled shows. Despite a good
coverage.
start, the Indian stand-up industry is still
unorganized and uncertain for comics. If you (a) 3, 4 & 5 (b) 1, 2 & 5
ask viral comic Kunal Kamra about the scene, (c) 2, 4 & 5 (d) 2, 3 & 4
he says that the audience isn’t really ‘invested’ 3. Select the word which means the same as
in the art form at the moment and that only ten ‘fledgling’ in the given context-
or twenty tickets would sell if comics weren’t (a) a nervous person who frets a lot
on the internet promoting themselves. And this (b) a fairly new company or industry
is despite the surge in open mics and more
stand-ups coming in. Last year, new-age Indian (c) a mature person who performs well
comedy’s reputation came under strain when (d) a successful and established venture
allegations under the #MeToo movement exposed 4. How has the situation been reversed from
a darker side of the circuit. Since then, the big the early success of stand-up comedy?
three comedy groups: All India Bakchod, SNG (a) SNG Comedy and East India Comedy
Comedy and East India Comedy, have either support the comedians.
disbanded or had founding members quit. (b) Comedians are being offered double the
Jeeya Sethi, a leading comedian says, “It’s a good price asked by them.
thing that these -collectives have died because (c) Comedy Store and Canvas Laugh Club
they mostly had men with no women being are offering bigger platforms to
showcased.” comedians.
Sethi adds saying that it isn’t as easy as it sounds. (d) Comedy groups are packing up and
“In a fledgling industry, a viral YouTube video founders are resigning.
isn’t a sign that you’ve made it”. Craft takes time.
5. Sethi believes that-
Every comic who does two open mics calls
himself a comedian. In my opinion, you have to (a) The road to success is only through
do comedy for more than 20 years to be a comic. YouTube.
It takes at least five years to find your voice.” (b) A viral YouTube video is a sign of
SSC CGL Tier II 11/9/2019 success.
1 . By saying ‘the audience has not invested in (c) Comedy is an art form and takes hard
the stand–up comedy art form’ the author work and patience.
means that- (d) The true comic artist takes years to find
(a) the audience prefers to watch only one’s voice.
women comedians. (a) 1 & 3 (b) 2 & 4
(b) it is a new art form and it will take time (c) 1 & 2 (d) 3 & 4
to build an audience.

PPC Volume – I 137

 Answers They knew, too, whether and by how much
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (d) people’s weights had changed. Now, they
checked weight change against exercise
PASSAGE - 59
schedules and quickly noticed a consistent
According to a new American study headed by pattern.
Dr. Willis, it has been found that people who
Those people who usually worked out before
exercise in the morning seem to lose more
noon had lost more weight, on average, than
weight than people completing the same
workouts later in the day. These findings help the men and women who typically exercised
shed light on the vexing issue of why some people after 3 p.m. The researchers uncovered a few
shed considerable weight with exercise and other, possibly relevant differences between the
others almost none. The study adds to the morning and late-day exercisers. The early-
growing body of science suggesting that the exercise group tended to be slightly more active
timing of various activities, including exercise, throughout the day, taking more steps in total
could affect how those activities affect us. than those who worked out later. They also ate
The relationship between exercise and body less. These factors may cumulatively have
weight is somewhat befuddling. Multiple past contributed to the striking differences in how
studies show that a majority of people who take many pounds people lost, Dr. Willis says.
up exercise to lose weight drop fewer pounds Thus it seems that people who worked out
than would be expected, given how many before noon lost more weight, on average, than
calories they are burning during their workouts. those who typically exercised after 3 p.m. But
Some gain weight. But a few respond quite well, Dr. Willis also points out that most of those who
shedding pound after pound with the same worked out later in the day did lose weight, even
exercise regimen that prompts others to add if not as much as the larkish exercisers, and
inches.
almost certainly became healthier. “I would not
The Midwest Trial 2, was conducted in the want anyone to think that it’s not worth
University of Kansas, U.S. on how regular, exercising if you can’t do it first thing in the
supervised exercise influences body weight. The morning,” he says. “Any exercise, at any time of
trial involved 100 overweight, previously day, is going to be better than none.”
inactive young men and women who were made
SSC CGL Tier II 11/9/2019
to work out five times a week at a physiology
1 . The MidWest Trail 2 was a
lab, jogging or otherwise sweating until they
had burned up to 600 calories per session. (a) A European study on 100 participants
who exercised 7 times a week and burnt
After 10 months of this regimen, almost
800 calories.
everyone had dropped pounds. But the extent
of their losses fluctuated wildly, even though (b) Canadian study on 500 participants
everyone was doing the same, supervised who exercised 6 times a week and burnt
workout. A team of researchers started 600 calories.
brainstorming what could be responsible for (c) U.S based study on 100 participants
the enormous variability in the weight loss. who exercised 5 times a week and burnt
They hit upon activity timing. They decided to 600 calories
do a Follow -up study of the MidWest Trial 2. In (d) U.S based study on 100 participants
this new study,the MidWest Trial 2 Follow up who exercised 3 times a week and burnt
study the researchers now studied a team of 300 calories.
participants who could visit the gym whenever 2. The MidWest Trial 2 duration was
they wished between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. They (a) 12 months (b) 6 months
also tracked everyone’s calorie intakes and daily (c) 18 months (d) 10 months
movement habits throughout the 10 months.

138 PPC Volume – I

3. Select the option that is not true as per the 10. What would Dr. Willis say to someone who
passage. has given up exercising because they
Several studies show that as a result of the cannot do so in the morning?
workout (a) Exercise is good only in the morning.
(a) the majority lost a little weight. (b) Exercise only with a trainer.
(b) a few had the desired weight loss. (c) Any exercise is better than none.
(c) some gained some weight. (d) Evening is the worst time to exercise.
(d most gained a lot of weight. Answers
4. What was the difference between the 1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (c)
MidWest Trial 2 study and the MidWest 6. (b) 7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (c) 10. (c)
Trial 2 Follow-up study that was taken up
later? PASSAGE - 60
(a) The duration of the follow up study was The United Kingdom’s Social Mobility
longer. Commission study reports that disadvantaged
(b) The calorie intake and the time of children in England are being priced out of a
exercise were examined. cultural hinterland. Children aged 10-15 from
low-income families are three times less likely
(c) Participants of the study stayed in the
than wealthier peers to engage in out-of-school
premises.
musical activities, such as learning an
(d) Face to face interviews were conducted.
instrument etc. There were also differences
5. The finding of the MidWest Trial 2 Follow- according to race – 4% of British Pakistani
up study was that the best time for exercise children took part in music classes, compared
w as- with 28% of Indian children and 20% of white
(a) noon to 3 p.m. (b) between 3-7 p.m. children – and regional divides: 9% of children
(c) before noon. (d) 7 p.m. onwards. in north-east England played a musical
6. Select the option which is not true. instrument, compared with 22% in the south-
The successful weight losers in the MidWest east.
Trial 2 Follow-up study ____________ Disadvantaged children are also more likely to
(a) remained active. (b) slept more. miss out on extracurricular sports (football,
boxing, cricket) and drama, dance and art. The
(c) walked more. (d) ate less.
commission set out recommendations, including
7. Select the correct option.
bursaries, better funding and support for
By ‘larkish exercisers’ the writer refers to schools – let’s hope they’re taken on board. As
people who- well as the activities themselves, children are
(a) love to see the lark in the morning. missing out on other crucial gains including
(b) like to exercise late with the larks. confidence-building, team spirit and social skill,
(c) like to sing in the morning. and are less likely to go on to higher education.
(d) exercise in the morning. Extracurricular activities tend to cost money,
8. Find one word which means the same as but there are also problems with a lack of
the following. a set of rules about food and availability and access, such as schools being
diet that someone follows unable to afford to run after-school clubs or
stay open during holidays. Another barrier is
(a) catalogue (b) regiment
the kids’ “fear of not fitting in”. In this sense,
(c) regimen (d) fundamental
certain children are self-excluding from, say,
9. Find one word in the passage which means learning an instrument, singing in a choir,
the same as ‘confusing’. playing cricket or acting. They decide by
(a) brainstorming (b) vexing themselves that they’re “undeserving” of music,
(c) befuddling (d) striking sport, art and drama. Unbelievably, in 2019,

PPC Volume – I 139

children as young as 10 are already hard-wired (a) disadvantaged
with the self limiting poverty notion of “not for (b) cultural wallflowers
the likes of us”. (c) hard-wired
This is heartbreaking. It’s hardly news that life (d) elitist
is tougher for poorer children, but it’s an outrage
4. How will a wholesome education including
if all sense of curiosity, artistry and playfulness
arts and sports not benefit the
is knocked out of them so early. Something is
disadvantaged?
wrong if better-off children feel entitled to
explore and participate in areas that interest (a) Children will get exposure to arts and
and excite them, while the disadvantaged are sports.
cast from the start as cultural wallflowers – (b) Children will no longer have the fear of
doomed to sit out every dance. This isn’t about not fitting in.
every child learning the piano or violin (but why (c) Children will have feelings of low self-
not?), it’s about sowing the seeds for a cultural esteem and self-exclusion.
hinterland that will sustain and enrich them (d) Children will explore play and learning
for life. It’s about people exploring their passions outside of class.
and refusing to have their horizons artificially
5. According to the author, what is truly
limited. Regardless of circumstances, all
heart- breaking and damaging for the kids
children should know that their faces “fit” –
is that
automatically and forever. Culture belongs to
everyone. (a) parents don’t have money to pay for any
additional classes for their children.
SSC CGL Tier II 11/9/2019
(b) teachers are told not to offer these
1 . The probability of a child in United
opportunities as they are not tested.
Kingdom getting opportunities to engage in
cultural and sports activities depends on- (c) schools wish to offer activities but don’t
have funds.
1. parental economic background
(d) children themselves feel that the
2. whether one parent is British
activities are not fit for the likes of them.
3. whether parents have a university
education Answers
4. kind of school and funding available Of 1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (d)
the above points which are correct PASSAGE - 61
(a) 1 & 4 (b) 2 & 4 Nothing, not even the angry, red eruptions on
(c) 1 & 2 (d) 3 & 4 her face and body, will stop Sneha N S from
2 . According to the passage which of the aiming for her “dream job”. “I love the Indian
following is not the correct reason- Army,” says the 18-year-old, chin cupped in her
Exposure to cultural activities and sports palm as she sits by herself under one of the three
at a young age is very important for children large canopies at the Chhatrapati Shivaji
because it- Stadium of the Maratha Light Infantry
Regimental Centre in Belagavi, Karnataka.
(a) brings about differences among
Outside the enclosure, around 35 women run
children.
on the 400-m track.
(b) leads children to explore their talents.
A day earlier, Sneha had cleared her ground
(c) builds team spirit and social skills. tests — a 1.6-km race that had to be completed
(d) helps in confidence building. in eight minutes or less, high jump and long
3 . Pick out a phrase or a word which means jump — and physical fitness tests, when she
the same aswebsite: a group of people was diagnosed with chickenpox. Now on
considered to be superior to others because medication for the pox, she is back at the stadium
of their social standing or wealth for a medical examination as part of the

140 PPC Volume – I

recruitment process. As she waits for her turn, aspirants, about 3,000 were short-listed on the
isolated from the other women, Sneha, dressed basis of their Class 10 marks, with the cut-off
in a navy blue T-shirt and track pants, a white set at 86 per cent. Of the shortlisted candidates,
thorthu tossed across her shoulder, says, “I had only about one-third turned up at the Belagavi
no fever when I left home in Kerala. Even when centre between August 1 and 5 at the date and
I reached Belagavi and got these pimples, I did time assigned to them. Just then, outside the
not think much of it. So I came for my physical enclosure where Sneha is sitting, a shrill whistle
and ground tests.” pierces the air and another batch of girls takes
Accompanied by her mother and uncle, Sneha, off — feet on the wet ground, mostly bare,
who is pursuing a computer course in her making a dash for their place in history.”Does
hometown Iritty, about 41 km from Kannur, everyone understand English?” asks Major
made the 611-km journey from home to Belagavi Sneha Chaudhary and the group of about 30
even as she was coming down with the women, sitting on red carpets on the ground,
infectious disease, spending eight hours in a bus bellows: “Yes”.
and three hours on a train. She is among the SSC CGL Tier II 12/9/2019
850-odd women, many of whom have travelled 1. What is the occasion being talked about in
several hundred kilometers, to turn up at the
the passage?.
first-ever recruitment rally for women to the
Indian Army’s Corps of Military Police. (a) Recruitment of women in the Indian
The recruitment of women as Soldier General Army
Duty (Women Military Police) marks the first
(b) Medical examination of the women
time that women will be taken in not only as
officers, but as soldiers, giving them an soldiers of the Indian Army
opportunity to be involved in active military (c) Sports event for the women working in
duties. As personnel of the military police, the
the Indian Army
women soldiers will be responsible for
investigating offences such as molestation, theft, (d) An assembly of the women personnel
and rape; “assisting in the maintenance of good of the Indian Army
order and discipline”; and in custody and
2. Which city does Sneha come from?
handling of prisoners of war — essentially
combat-support operations. (a) Kannur, Kerala
The move is part of a slow opening up of avenues (b) Kozhikode, Kerala
for women in the armed forces. In his
Independence Day speech last year, Prime (c) Iritty, Kerala
Minister Narendra Modi had said women (d) Belagavi, karnataka
officers recruited into the armed forces under
3. Why are there eruptions on Sneha’s face?
the Short Service Commission would be given
the option of taking up permanent commission (a) She is tired and hot after the run of 400
— a “gift” to India’s “brave daughters.” meters.
Following a notification issued by the Army on
(b) She has pimples on her face
April 25, around 15,000 women registered for
the recruitment rally at Belagavi, the first of (c) She has got the chicken pox
five such to be held across India to fill 100 (d) She is angry over the long wait
positions in the Military Police. The Belagavi
centre catered to candidates from the southern 4. How many women are participating at the
states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, recruitment rally at Belagavi?
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and the Union
(a) 110 (b) 3560
Territories of Lakshadweep, Andaman and
Nicobar and Puducherry. Of the 15,000 (c) 3000 (d) 15000

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5. What gift was announced by the PM in his 9. Which of the following states were not
Independence Day speech last year for the covered by the Belagavi centre?
brave daughters of the country? (a) Karnataka and kerala
(a) Women will be recruited in armed (b) UTs of Puducherry, Lakshadweep and
forces. AN islands
(c) Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
(b) Women will be recruited as soldiers in
(d) Maharashtra and Goa
the Military police.
10. Which statement is NOT true according to
(c) Women officers will be able to opt for
the passage?
permanent commission in the armed
(a) About one third of the shortlisted
forces.
candidates turned up at the Belagavi
(d) Women will have an opportunity to be centre.
involved in active military duties. (b) Women were called on the basis of their
6. In what way is ‘history’ being made in class 10 marks.
Belagavi? (c) There are only 100 positions to be filled
(a) Women have travelled from far-off up.
places to turn up at the recruitment (d) 3000 women registered for the
recruitment rally at Belagavi.
rally.
(b) This rally marks the first time that Answers
women will be taken in as soldiers. 1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (c)
6. (b) 7. (c) 8. (c) 9. (d) 10. (d)
(c) Belagavi rally is the first of the five to
be held across India. PASSAGE - 62
(d) The rally is a result of the PM’s At a number of places in the Kashmir Valley,
security forces have put coils of razor wire on
Independence Day speech last year.
roads to enforce restrictions on movement.
7. Which of the following duties will be done Concertina wire or razor wire fences are used
by women soldiers? along territorial borders and in theatres of
1. Investigating offences involving conflict around the world, to keep out
molestation, theft and rape. combatants, terrorists, or refugees.
The expandable spools of barbed or razor wire
2. Assisting in maintaining order and
get their name from concertina, a hand-held
discipline. musical instrument similar to the accordion,
3. Administrative jobs with bellows that expand and contract.
4. Handling prisoners of the war in Concertina wire coils were an improvisation
on the barbed wire obstacles used during World
custody.
War I. The flat, collapsible coils with
(a) 1,2 and 3 (b) 2,3 and 4 intermittent barbs or blades were designed to
(c) 1,2 and 4 (d) 1,2,3 and 4 be carried along by infantry, and deployed on
battlefields to prevent or slow down enemy
8. Which of the following is NOT necessary to
movement.
qualify for the recruitment in armed forces?
The Englishman Richard Newton is credited
(a) long jump and high jump with creating the first barbed wire around 1845;
(b) 1.6 meters race to be completed within the first patent for “a double wire clipped with
8 minutes diamond shaped barbs” was given to Louis
François Janin of France. In the United States,
(c) to speak English
the first patent was registered by Lucien B
(d) physical fitness tests Smith on June 25, 1867, for a prairie fence made

142 PPC Volume – I

of fireproof iron wire. Design innovations and 2. Who is credited with creating the modern
more patents followed; Michael Kelly twisted barbed wire?
razor wires together to form a cable of wires. (a) Louise Francoise Janin
The American businessman Joseph F Glidden is (b) Joseph F Glidden
considered to be the father of the modern barbed
(c) Lucien B Smith
wire. His design of two strands of intertwined
wire held by sharp prongs at regular intervals. (d) Richard Newton
Barbed wire was initially an agrarian fencing 3. What was the initial purpose of inventing
invention intended to confine cattle and sheep, the barbed wire?
which unlike lumber, was largely resistant to (a) to secure the borders of a country
fire and bad weather. An advertorial published (b) to keep the dogs and boys out of gardens
in the US in 1885 under the title ‘Why Barb
(c) to restrict the movement of trouble
Fencing Is Better Than Any Other’, argued that
“it does not decay; boys cannot crawl through makers
or over it; nor dogs; nor cats; nor any other (d) to confine cattle and sheep within an
animal; it watches with argus eyes the inside area
and outside, up, down and lengthwise; it 4. Who first spread the barbed wires on the
prevents the ‘ins’ from being ‘outs’, and the field without using the poles or any other
‘outs’ from being ‘ins’, watches at day-break, at support system.
noontide, at sunset and all night long…”
(a) German military engineers
Barbed wire was put to military use in the Siege
(b) British army
of Santiago in 1898 during the Spanish-
American War, and by the British in the Second (c) American military
Boer War of 1899-1902 to confine the families of (d) allied soldiers
the Afrikaans-speaking Boer fighters. 5. Which statement is NOT true according to
World War I saw extensive use of barbed wire the passage?
— and German military engineers are credited (a) The fence along the Indian Line of
with improvising the earliest concertina coils Control consists of rows of concertina
on the battlefield.They spun the barbed wire wire coils held by iron angles.
into circles and simply spread it on the
(b) In the United State, the first patent was
battlefield.Without using any support
infrastructure like poles etc. this was more registered by Louise Francoise Janin.
effective against the infantry charged by Allied (c) It was Richard Newton, an Englishman
soldiers. who invented the barbed wire around
The fence erected by India along the Line of 1945.
Control to keep out terrorist infiltrators consists (d Barbed wire was put to military use in
of rows of concertina wire coils held by iron the Siege of Santiago in 1898 during the
angles. Concertina coils have long been SpanishAmerican-War.
deployed during curfews in the Valley. They are
now commonly seen elsewhere in India too, and
Answers
are used to secure private properties as well. 1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (b)
SSC CGL Tier II 12/9/2019 PASSAGE - 63
1 . What is the main theme of the above LAST WEEK, scientists from all corners of India
passage? descended on Ahmedabad to remember a man
(a) How barbed wire was patented whom the late president, APJ Abdul Kalam, had
(b) The use of barbed wire in Jammu and famously termed “Mahatma Gandhi of Indian
Kashmir Science”.
(c) The use of barbed wire in agriculture They were there to launch celebrations on the
(d) The evolution and use of barbed wire birth centenary of Vikram Sarabhai, 47 years
after he was found dead in a hotel room in

PPC Volume – I 143

Kovalam in Kerala at the age of 52, by when he of experimental research, says his son Kartikeya,
had founded 38 institutions that are now 71, adding how his father wished to work with
leaders in space research, physics, management children at the science centre after he retired.
and performing arts. “He was essentially a researcher, and believed
Former director of the Space Applications that people, especially children, should be
Centre Pramod Kale was a 19-year old science allowed to think freely and come up with
graduate from MS University of Baroda, solutions on their own,” recalls Kartikeya, who
besotted by space technology, when he first met founded the Centre for Environment Education
Sarabhai. “In May 1960, I went to Ahmedabad in 1984. His sister and Indian classical dancer
to meet Dr Sarabhai. At the time, his office was Mallika recalls how, as children, they were at
at the Calico Mills which is where I met him the centre of every family decision. This freedom
and ended up talking for two hours,” Kale says. helped “garner convictions early in life and to
By June that year, Kale had done exactly as take a position. You were never too young to be
Sarabhai had advised him and taken up a able to be involved in what was going on or
master’s course at Gujarat University. In 1962, what affected you,” says Mallika, 65. Kartikeya
when Sarabhai was looking at studying the is carefully piecing together all the dog-eared
magnetic equator, Kale went on to be among notes he is discovering in the recesses of their
the first few to go to NASA to learn radar three grand homes — Shanti Sadan, The Retreat
tracking. The room resounded with many such and Chidambaram. To inspire the young to
memories. Former ISRO chairman K dream like Sarabhai, Kartikeya is building a
Kasturirangan remembered how they ran into permanent exhibition gallery on the Sabarmati
some trouble at the Physical Research Riverfront, expected to open this November
Laboratory (PRL), founded in 1947 by Sarabhai,
SSC CGL Tier II 12/9/2019
in their attempts to fly a balloon at 4 am, when
1 . What was the occasion for the gathering at
in sailed Sarabhai. “He told us had the flight
Ahmedabad?
been successful, you would not have learnt even
half of what you learnt because of that initial (a) Foundation Day of Community Science
problem,” said Kasturirangan. Centre
Many of those who had collected in Ahmedabad (b) Launch of the celebrations of the Birth
in Sarabhai’s memory were teenagers when Centenary of Vikram Sarabhai
they first met him. Gandhinagar-based (c) Foundation Day of ISRO
entrepreneur K Subramanian was 19 and a (d) Birth Anniversary of of India’s Space
student of National Institute of Technology, Programme
Tiruchirappalli, working on a summer project 2 . What is Vikram Sarabhai mainly known
at PRL, when a man in a kurta-pyjama walked for?
in and began turning all the waste paper bins
(a) for being an entrepreneur in
upside down, inspecting their contents and
Ahmedabad
putting them back again. “I asked a colleague
who that was and was told it is Dr Vikram (b) for pioneering India’s space programme
Sarabhai. He had come to check how much (c) for founding 38 different institutions
waste the lab was generating,” laughs (d) for establishing Community Science
Subramanian. Centre
Born to Ambalal and Sarla Devi, Ahmedabad’s 3 . Among the people who had gathered at
leading textile-mill owners, Vikram Sarabhai Ahmedabad, who was the former chairman
showed creative promise early. He was 15 when of ISRO?
he built a working model of a train engine with (a) Kartikeya
the help of two engineers, which is now housed
(b) Subramanian
at the Community Science Centre (CSC) in
(c) K Kasturirangan
Ahmedabad. The CSC was Vikram’s way of
providing other children the privileges he had, (d) Pramod Kale

144 PPC Volume – I

4. Which statement shows that Vikram 10. Where did K Subramanian come from to
Sarabhai had a creative mind at an early work at PRL?
age? (a) Banglore (b) Baroda
(a) He built a working model of a train
(c) Ahmedabad (d) Tiruchirappalli
engine at the age of 15.
(b) He founded the Physical Research Answers
Laboratory(PRL). 1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (b)
(c) He told the scientists that learnt much
6. (a) 7. (a) 8. (c) 9. (a) 10. (d)
more from problems than from success.
(d) He checked how much waste the lab PASSAGE - 64
was generating. A great water scarcity looms over India; by 2025
5. How did Vikram Sarabhai provide under- Indians will get just over half the water they
privileged children the experience of get today. This grave problem has a simple
experimental research?
solution. Catch the rain as it falls, and the water
(a) By initiating space research at PRL
the crisis will disappear. However, about 80 per
(b) By founding a Community Science
cent of India’s rainfall buckets down during the
Centre at Ahmedabad.
three months of the monsoons. As yet, no
(c) By founding Physical Research
Laboratory government programmer has discovered how
to store this water. ‘Dying Wisdom’, a seven-
(d) By providing them scholarships in
science year countryside study by Delhi’s Centre for
6. APJ Abdul Kalam called Vikram Sarabhai Science and Environment, reveals that ruins of
“Mahatma Gandhi of Indian Science”. What amazing ancient technologies survive in every
does ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ mean here? corner of India. Drip-irrigation systems of
(a) Father (b) Social reformer bamboo pipes in Meghalaya; ‘kunds’,
(c) Revolutionary (d) Architect underground tanks in Rajasthan; ‘pynes’, water
7. Which statement is NOT true according to channels built by tribals in Bihar; and
the passage? thousands of open-water bodies down south
(a) The Sarabhai family owns three grand are all superb examples of rainwater
homes in Mumbai. harvesting systems. Even today, tanks called
(b) Vikram Sarabhai’s son, Kartikeya, is ‘eris’ in Tamil Nadu water one-third of the
now 71 years old.
state’s irrigated area. Unfortunately,
(c) The names of Vikram Sarabhai’s
governmental planners mostly refuse to
parents Ambalal and Sarladevi.
acknowledge the potential of these low-cost
(d) Vikram Sarabhai’s father was a textile
systems, concentrating on costly dams and
mill owner.
canals.Few cities have lost touch with their
8. He was a 19-year old science graduate
besotted by space technology, when he first ecological traditions as fast–and with as
met Sarabhai ‘besotted’ here means? damaging results–as Bangalore. Only 17 of its
(a) frantic (b) wasted water bodies struggle to survive in a city where
(c) obsessed (d) greedy once 200 lakes, ponds and wetlands cooled the
9. Who among the following went to NASA to city and recharged its ground water. The threats
study radar tracking? continue unabated as the relentless march of
(a) Pramod Kale (b) K Subramanian urbanization shows no sign of stopping.
(c) K Kasturirangan (d) Kartikeya SSC CGL Tier II 12/9/2019

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1. ‘This grave problem’ in the passage refers drastic changes in air quality from the dust
to engulfing the region affected far more people
(a) short monsoon span with potential implications for human health,
stated a team of researchers who analysed the
(b) rainfall
impact of the spell of dust storms that struck
(c) storage of water the region that month. They reported increases
(d) water crisis in particulate matter, mainly in Delhi and urged
2. What, according to the passage, is the for an early warning system.
primary reason for the water shortage? Dust storms commonly occur in the Indo-
Gangetic Plains – the fertile plains in northern
(a) Lack of means to store rainwater
India that stretch all the way to the East – from
(b) Government’s ignorance of the
March to May, the pre-monsoon season.
situation
Westerly winds typically bring loose sand and
(c) Less rainfall in the country soil particles, picked up from the Arabian
(d) Carelessness of people in using water Peninsula or the Thar Desert in North Western
3. Which State uses bamboo pipes for the drip India, to the Indo-Gangetic Plains. The dust
irrigation system? tends to worsen air quality over the Indo-
Gangetic Plains, home to around 900 million
(a) Bihar (b) Rajasthan
people, which can have far-reaching effects on
(c) Meghalaya (d) Tamil Nadu human health. While dust storms are a regular
4. Which of the following is not a low cost feature in the region, the May 2018 dust storms
technology in water usage? specifically had a death toll of about 100 people,
(a) water channels with around 200 people injured.
(b) drip-irrigation “We are concerned that the dust impacts the
(c) underground tanks health of people who get exposed,” said a senior
professor. However, he also observed that
(d) dams and canals
scattered rains occurring soon after the dust
5. The people in ancient India had amazing storms tend to clean up the dust, improving air
technology to harvest water. This shows
quality. During October-November, densely
that
populated cities like Delhi and Kanpur in the
(a) they understood the significance of Indo-Gangetic Plains are vulnerable to
water. windborne long-range air pollution from crop
(b) it used to rain heavily. residue burning in the North, and now this
(c) they did not know how to build dams. study “shows the effect of dust storms during
(d) water was scarce at that time. the March-May time frame,” Sarkar pointed out.
“This really puts the Indo-Gangetic valley in a
Answers
unique spot in terms of it being targeted by these
1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (a)
different hazardous conditions which are
PASSAGE - 65 mostly outsourced from other areas.”
Dust storms of May 2018, in Northern India, SSC CGL Tier II 13/9/2019
contributed to the deteriorating air quality in
1. Dust storms in Delhi are a cause of concern
the region and the capital city of Delhi, with
as they-
implications for human health, a study found.
The high death toll from the severe dust storms (a) cause strong winds
that lashed the region was mainly attributed to (b) affect Delhi alone
the intense winds, which surprised even (c) challenge scientists
scientists and meteorologists. But apart from (d) are a health hazard
the immediate damage to life and property,

146 PPC Volume – I

2. Dust storms are caused by- Focusing on local participation and promoting
(a) winds from the North. more music and sports options for students, the
(b) winds from the South. island nation in the North Atlantic has dried
up a teenage culture of drinking and smoking.
(c) Westerly winds.
Icelandic teenagers now have one of the lowest
(d) Easterly winds. rates of substance abuse in Europe.
3. The notable fact about pollution in Oct to The Icelandic Centre for Social Research and
Nov is that ______ Analysis, the institute pioneering the project
(a) Westerly winds bring loose sand and for the past two decades, says it currently
soil particles advises 100 communities in 23 countries, from
(b) dust storms are a regular feature. Finland to Chile, on cutting teenage substance
(c) it is caused by crop burning in North abuse. “The key to success is to create healthy
India. communities and to get healthy individuals,’’
said Inga Dora Sigfusdottir, a sociology professor
(d) it is caused by the winds from Thar
who founded the Youth of Iceland programme,
Desert.
which now has rebranded as Planet Youth.
4. By saying, ‘This really puts the Indo-
The secret, she says, is to keep young people busy
Gangetic valley in a unique spot’ the writer
and parents engaged without talking much
refers to the fact that-
about drugs or alcohol. That stands in sharp
(a) the Indo- Gangetic valley receives its contrast to other anti-abuse programmes,
pollution from other areas or factors. which try to sway teenagers with school
(b) the valley is affected by pollution lectures and scary, disgusting ads showing
caused by hazardous industries. smokers’ rotten lungs or eggs in a frying pan to
(c) intense winds in the valley surprise represent an intoxicated brain.
even scientists and meteorologists. “Telling teenagers not to use drugs can backlash
(d) studies find that only the valley faces and actually get them curious to try them,” Ms
pollution all year round. Sigfusdottir said. In 1999, when thousands of
5. Choose the correct sequence in which events teenagers would gather in Reykjavik every
take place weekend, surveys showed 56% of Icelandic 16-
year-olds drank alcohol and about as many had
(a) Strong winds- poor air quality -dust
tried smoking.
storms- - death and disease
Years later, Iceland has the lowest rates for
(b) Dust storms- poor air quality- strong
drinking and smoking among the 35 countries
winds -death and disease
measured in the 2015 European School Survey
(c) Dust storms - death and disease-strong Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs.
winds- poor air quality
On average, 80% of European 16-year-olds have
(d) Strong winds- dust storms- poor air tasted alcohol at least once, compared with 35%
quality- death and disease in Iceland, the only country where more than
Answers half of those students completely abstains from
1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (d) alcohol. Denmark, another wealthy Nordic
country, has the highest rates of teenage
PASSAGE - 66 drinking, along with Greece, Hungary and the
Parents all over Iceland’s capital Reykjavik Czech Republic, where 92% to 96% have
embark on a two-hour evening walk around consumed alcohol.
their neighbourhood every weekend, checking In the US, teen drinking is a significant health
on youth hangouts as a 10 pm curfew concern, because many US teenagers are driving
approaches. The walk in Reykjavik is one step
cars and do not have access to good public
toward Iceland’s success into turning around a
transport like teenagers in Europe.
crisis in teenage drinking.

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Reykjavik mayor Dagur B. Eggertsson said the 3. The Icelandic Centre for Social Research and
Icelandic plan “is all about society giving better Analysis does the work of-
options” for teens than substance abuse. He (a) showing teenagers anti-abuse
believes the wide variety of opportunities that programmes, which stop teenagers
now keep students busy and inspired has from drinking.
dramatically altered the country’s youth (b) advising many countries on controlling
culture. use of drugs etc. by young adults
Local municipalities like Reykjavik have (c) legally allowing children 12 years and
invested in sport halls, music schools and youth more to remain outside their homes
centres.To make the programmes widely after 6 pm.
available, parents are offered a 500 US dollar (d) going around at night with patrolling
annual voucher toward sports or music groups in many European countries.
programmes for their children. 4. Teenage drinking in many countries like
Researchers say the Planet Youth prevention Denmark, Greece, Hungary, etc has been
model is evolving constantly because it is based reported as
on annual surveys to detect trends and measure (a) completely eradicated
policy effectiveness. By law, introduced when (b) the lowest in the world
Icelandic police routinely dealt with alcohol- (c) low compared to Iceland
fuelled street gatherings, children under 12 are (d) the highest in the world
not allowed to be outside after 8pm without 5. “Cutting teenage substance abuse” refers
parents and those 13 to 16 not past 10pm. “We to
tell the kids if they are out too late, polite and (a) teenagers consuming hazardous
nice, and then they go home,” said Heidar substances such as alcohol and drugs.
Atlason, a veteran member of the patrol. Over (b) parents shaming their young children
Iceland’s harsh winter, one parent admits, for their bad habits.
evenings sometimes pass without running into (c) reducing consumption of drugs and
any students. alcohol among young adults.
SSC CGL Tier II 13/9/ 2019 (d) teenagers who consume alcohol
1. Parents in Reykjavik take an evening walk abusing their parents.
at night in order to- 6. The programme Planet Youth was started
(a) remain fit and healthy by avoiding by
drinking at night (a) The Icelandic Centre for Social Research
(b) keep a watch on teenagers to ensure and Analysis
they don’t get into the habit of drinking (b) the local municipality of Reykjavik
(c) meet other parents to know and discuss (c) Inga Dora Sigfusdottir
how to control teenagers (d) Dagur B. Eggertsson
(d) enjoy the evening stroll with other 7. Which of the following does not contribute
to the success of the Planet Youth
parents after dinner
programme?
2. What is dramatic about the figures of
(a) Enacting laws against late night
teenage drinking in Iceland? movement of teenagers
(a) They’ve remained the same over the (b) Arranging street gatherings of
years teenagers
(b) They’ve become the lowest in Europe (c) Arranging opportunities for music,
(c) They’ve gone up by 36% sports etc.
(d) They’ve shot down by 96% (d) Ensuring parental control and influence

148 PPC Volume – I

8. From the passage one can conclude that to restrict the number of permits. It awarded a
(a) bad habits can be checked by engaging record 381 for this spring each fetching $11,000
teens in alternative activities. (climbing from the Tibet side is more expensive).
(b) by showing smokers’ diseased lungs to On 22nd May, 200 climbers ascended the
teens, parents can influence them. summit, a new record for a single day. Last year,
(c) parents must pay for sports and other 807 managed to reach the summit. In 2012, the
activities for their children. United Nations estimated that there were more
(d) strict punishment is needed as it acts than 26,000 visitors to the Everest region, and
as a deterrent. this figure has grown manifold since then. Nepal
9. The word from the passage that means officials argue that permits are not issued
‘change the image of an organisation or recklessly, and that jams such as this year’s near
program’ is the summit are on account of spells of bad
(a) abstain (b) rebrand weather, which result in mountaineers being
compelled to reach the summit within a narrow
(c) invest (d) embark
time frame. Waiting in sub-zero temperatures
10. ‘Over Iceland’s harsh winter, one parent
at rarefied altitude can be fatal— this season’s
admits, evenings sometimes pass without
deaths were mostly due to frostbite, exhaustion,
running into any students.’ This means
dehydration and lack of oxygen.
(a) parents are not motivated to get
This year ’s drama has caught public
involved in the programme.
imagination, as happened in 1996 when eight
(b) students are not bothered about the persons died in a single day amid an unexpected
efforts made for them. storm - events of and around that day were the
(c) the programme is having the right subject of Jon Krakauer’s bestselling book ‘Into
impact on teenagers. Thin Air’. The adventure industry that is built
(d) authorities are disappointed that the around the human desire to scale the peak has
programme has failed. meant many amateurs take up the challenge,
Answers confident that support teams and specialized
equipment will make up for their lack of
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (c)
adequate mountaineering experience. The
6. (c) 7. (b) 8. (a) 9. (b) 10. (c)
fallout is that in case of a disaster not only are
PASSAGE - 67 some of them unable to manage but they also
Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak at 8,848 hold up others, putting them in harm’s way.
metres, draws adventurers from all over. But The commercial operations have led to the
the mountain on the Nepal-China border is fast Everest being called the world’s highest garbage
becoming a dangerous place to visit even for dump as many climbers discard non-critical
the hardened mountaineer. The inherent risks gear, used oxygen cylinders, plastic bottles, cans,
were highlighted with a photograph by Nirmal batteries, food wrappings, fecal matter and
Purja, a Gorkha ex-soldier. The image, which kitchen waste on the mountains. It is unlikely,
went viral and altered the manner in which however, that this season’s tragedies will deter
people worldwide imagine what it is to scale future summiteers, as the hypnotic lure remains
Mt. Everest, showed a long queue awaiting a intact. But the authorities must learn from this
final tilt at the summit, with all the dangers year ’s tragedies and work out an optimum
such a wait holds. In the 2019 season, at least 11 number of climbers and strengthen safety
climbers have died or gone missing, including measures.
four Indians. Experts have been calling for Nepal SSC CGL Tier II 13/9/2019

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1. What is the theme of this newspaper 5. Why, according to the text, do most climbers
editorial? prefer to climb Everest from the Nepal side?
Select the most appropriate combination of (a) Nepali people are keen to help the
factors given below. climbers because this is their only way
to earn money.
A. Overcrowding of Mount Everest on
(b) International mountaineers are not
22nd May, 2019.
allowed in Chinese territory.
B. The urgent necessity to introduce and (c) Nepal provides better logistical support
implement adequate safety measures to than India.
prevent man-made disasters. (d) Climbing Everest from the Nepal side
C. Not to treat the ascent of the highest is cheaper than the Tibet side.
peak as an adventure sport. 6. Choose the factor, which was NOT
responsible for the death of mountaineers
D. Refuse permits to amateur climbers.
in May, 2019.
E. Disallow tour operating companies
(a) Dehydration
from crowding the base-camp.
(b) Lack of food
(a) c & d (b) b & c (c) Lack of oxygen
(c) a & e (d) a & b (d) Frostbite and exhaustion
2. Fill in the blank to complete the statement. 7. If an amateur mountaineer is one who
In 2019 ______ people have lost their lives climbs mountains as a hobby, which word
on Mt. Everest. in the text, describes an experienced one.
(a) reckless mountaineer
(a) eleven (b) eight
(b) ex-soldier climber
(c) nine (d) ten
(c) adventure climber
3. What image has Nirmal Purja’s viral
(d) hardened mountaineer
photograph captured?
8. How are amateur mountaineers a threat to
(a) A long queue of climbers on the final others?
stretch of a steep slope. (a) Amateurs are dependent on their
(b) Dead bodies of mountaineers on the support teams and cannot manage
route of the highest peak. anything on their own.
(b) Amateurs, because of their inexperience
(c) The accumulated garbage on the
and slow pace, are exposed to all kinds
mountain slopes.
of hazards.
(d) Exhausted mountaineers falling (c) Amateurs need specialized equipment
unconscious on the way up. to make up for their inexperience.
4. Why was the Nepal Government criticized (d) Amateurs hold up other mountaineers
recently? in case of unforeseen disasters because
they are not self-reliant.
(a) For not providing optimum facilities to
9. Identify the INCORRECT OPTION. The
the mountaineers.
Everest has become the ‘highest garbage
(b) For charging a hefty fee to issue a dump’ as many climbers leave behind
permit. ______
(c) For allowing too many tour operators (a) kitchen waste
at the Everest Base Camp Site. (b) protective clothing
(d) For issuing 381permits to aspiring (c) empty food cans and bottles
climbers. (d) spent oxygen tanks

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10. Select the INCORRECT Option. ‘Into Thin In a study published in the journal
Air’ is _____ Psychological Science, researchers looked at the
(a) a best- selling book. IQ scores and test scores of approximately 1,400
eighth-grade students. While schoolwork
(b) based on an unexpected storm in the
helped increase the students’ test scores, it had
Himalayas.
no effect on measures of fluid intelligence. The
(c) an account of the death of eight people authors suggest that fluid intelligence is a much
in a single day. better indicator of abilities such as problem
(d) an incident that happened in 1996. solving ability, abstract thinking skills, memory
capacity, and processing speed.
Answers
While the study found no indicator that test
1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (d)
preparation improved IQ, that does not mean
6. (b) 7. (d) 8. (d) 9. (b) 10. (d) that this preparation has no value. Research
PASSAGE - 68 clearly shows that having high scores on
Brain training is big business. From online standardized tests is linked to having high
websites to video games to mobile apps, it seems scores on other important tests including
like there are plenty of ways to give your brain Advanced Placement tests, the SAT etc.
a bit of a boost. But does all this brain training SSC CGL Tier II 13/9/2019
really work? Can it increase your cognitive 1 . In the passage, ‘give your brain a bit of a
abilities or your IQ? According to a few recent boost’ means to
studies, while these brain training tools might (a) increase its ability to grow stronger
help sharpen your abilities to retain information, (b) be able to play video games
they won’t necessarily increase your intelligence
(c) increase its size
or improve your ability to reason and think
(d) sharpen it
abstractly.
The parent company of one of the most 2 . What do brain training tools do?
prominent “brain training” websites was (a) Enable you to retain information
recently fined for deceptive advertising. (b) Sharpen the ability to think clearly
According to the complainant, the company (c) Increase intelligence
suggested its games could reduce or delay (d) Improve problem solving abilities
cognitive impairment such as one might find in 3 . A brain training site was fined for-
Alzheimer’s patients, which is false.
(a) making false claims
So while there may be some benefits to brain
(b) causing Alzheimer’s disease
training, don’t expect miraculous results. Earlier
studies have found no link between increased (c) helping improve learning ability
intelligence and brain training exercises. (d) decreasing intelligence
Same is the case with standardized tests. 4 . On comparing crystallized intelligence and
Students today take a wide variety of fluid intelligence it is found that-
standardized tests, from assessments (a) students have better fluid intelligence
throughout elementary school to evaluations and perform better because of
required for college admission. While test schoolwork and standardized test.
preparation for such assessments can increase (b) crystallized intelligence helps in
factual knowledge, one study suggests that this making you think with a logical mind
preparation does little to increase overall IQ. gives you better test scores.
Why is it so? While test preparation increases (c) fluid intelligence is what gives a learner
what psychologists refer to as crystallized skills such as problem-solving and
intelligence, it does not increase what is known processing of information.
as fluid intelligence. Crystallized intelligence
(d) crystallized intelligence is better
includes facts and information, while fluid
because it helps you learn facts and
intelligence involves the ability to think
abstractly or logically. information.

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5. From the passage one can arrive at the of the stela reads “the temples and the cities of
conclusion that both brain training and the gods and goddesses, starting from
standardized tests - Elephantine as far as the Delta marshes were
(a) do not really increase overall IQ and fallen into decay and their shrines were fallen
mental abilities. into ruin, having become mere mounds
(b) sharpen logical thinking through overgrown with grass. The gods were ignoring
intensive training. this land”.
(c) increase brain functioning and Archaeological evidence indicates that
performance. Tutankhamun suffered from ill health. A study
(d) make you more intelligent and get of his remains published in 2010 found that he
better results. suffered from a variety of maladies, including
malaria and Kohler disease (a rare bone
Answers disorder of the foot). A number of canes have
1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (a)
been found in Tutankhamun’s tomb, finds that
PASSAGE - 69 support the idea that the pharaoh had difficulty
Tutankhamun was an Egyptian pharaoh who walking at times. It’s not known what killed
was buried in a lavish tomb filled with gold Tutankhamun. There have been numerous
artifacts in the Valley of the Kings. His tomb hypotheses put forward over the years. It’s been
was discovered in 1922 by an archaeological suggested that he died from an infection caused
team led by British Egyptologist Howard Carter. by a broken leg or from injuries suffered in a
The tomb was mostly intact, an extraordinary chariot accident.
find given that most of the tombs in the Valley The boy king died in 1323 B.C. around the age of
of the Kings had been looted in ancient times. 18. His death was unexpected, and his tomb
But while Tutankhamun’s tomb was lavish, appears to have been finished quickly. Microbes
historical and archaeological evidence indicates found on the wall of the tomb indicate that the
that the young pharaoh was sickly and spent paint on the wall wasn’t even dry when the
his short rule trying to undo a religious tomb was sealed.
revolution that his father had started.
Howard Carter’s team discovered the tomb’s
Tutankhaten (as he was called at birth) was
entranceway on November 4, 1922, and on
born around the year 1341 B.C. His father was
November 26 they got inside.
the pharaoh Akhenaten, a revolutionary
pharaoh who tried to focus Egypt’s polytheistic While the treasures were incredible, the tomb
religion around the worship of the sun disc, the was unusually small for a pharaoh’s burial,
Aten. In his fervor, Akhenaten ordered the containing only 110 square meters (1,184 square
names and images of other Egyptian deities to feet) of floor space. The tomb’s small size may
be destroyed or defaced. have been because the pharaoh died young and
Tutankhamun ascended to the throne around unexpectedly and there wasn’t time to carve out
1332 B.C., when he was about 9 years old. Given a larger tomb.
his young age he would have relied heavily on
SSC-CPO 12/03/2019 (Morning)
his advisers. At some point his name was
changed to Tutankhamun, removing the word 1. What is the main theme of the passage?
“aten” — a reminder of his father’s religious (a) The tomb of Tutankhamun
revolution — from his name. (b) The discovery of an incredible treasure
Tutankhamun also condemned his father ’s (c) The life and death of the boy Pharaoh
actions in a stela (a stone with inscription) found
(d) The death of Tutankhamun and his
at Karnak, saying that Akhenaten’s religious
burial
revolution caused the gods to ignore Egypt. Part

152 PPC Volume – I

2. The discovery of a number of canes in the The ocean looks blue or green to us because of a
tomb indicates that Tutankhamun: combination of how sunlight interacts with
(a) suffered from an infection. water molecules and with whatever else lives
in that water.
(b) had difficulty in walking.
The molecules in water absorb all but the blue
(c) suffered from Malaria.
part of the spectrum of sunlight, and the water
(d) had fallen from a chariot. reflects that blue color back. That’s the color we
3. Tutankhamun’s father was a revolutionary. see.
What was his revolution? The water looks greener when it has more
(a) He wanted the Egyptians to worship phytoplankton, tiny, microscopic organisms
one God-Aten. that, like plants, can use chlorophyll to capture
(b) Egyptians were asked to have no mostly the blue portions of the spectrum of
religion and no god. sunlight. They then use photosynthesis to
(c) Images and names of all the Egyptian create the chemical energy they need to live.
When there are more of these creatures in the
deities had to be destroyed.
water absorbing sunlight, they make the water
(d) He wanted his people to be polytheistic. look greener. Conversely, if there are fewer
4. Tutankhamun had a short rule. Most of his phytoplankton, the water looks bluer.
time was used in: The creatures’ growth is dependent on how
(a) looking after the well-being of his people much sunlight, carbon dioxide and nutrients
(b) erecting stelas at different places are around. Climate change is altering the ocean
(c) fighting with his own diseases. currents, meaning there will be fewer nutrients
for phytoplankton to feed on in some areas, so
(d) trying to undo the religious revolution
there will be a decline in their number in those
of his father regions.
5. Which statement is NOT true according to Since the 1990s, satellites have taken regular
the passage? measurements of how much chlorophyll is in
(a) Tutankhamun’s tomb was lavishly the ocean. Those levels can change because of
filled with gold artifacts. weather events or because of climate change.
(b) The tomb was unusually small for a The study predicts that the blues will intensify,
pharaoh’s burial. most likely in subtropical regions where
(c) The tomb appears to have been finished phytoplankton will decrease. These are areas
quickly as the paint was not dry when near the equator like Bermuda and the Bahamas
it was sealed that are already quite low in phytoplankton.
(d) Howard Carter’s team discovered the Regions where there are a lot of nutrients, like
tomb’s entrance way on November 26, in the Southern Ocean or parts of the North
1922. Atlantic, will see even faster-growing
phytoplankton because those waters are
Answers warming with climate change. Those waters
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (d) will look greener.
PASSAGE - 70 Climate change will bring a color change to half
of the world’s oceans by the end of the 21st
The ocean will not look the same color in the
century, the study says. That’s bad for climate
future. Essentially, climate change will make the
change on several levels: For one,
blues of the ocean bluer and the greens greener. phytoplankton remove about as much carbon
Scientists from MIT, Boston, figured this out by dioxide from the air as plants and help regulate
creating a global model that simulates the growth our climate, research shows. They are also key
of a tiny creature that lives in the oceans and to other animals’ survival. “Phytoplankton are
affects the color we see. at the base, and if the base changes, it endangers

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everything else along the food web, going far Answers
enough to the polar bears or tuna or just about
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (c)
anything that you want to eat or love to see in
pictures.”said Stephanie Dutkiewicz, a principal PASSAGE - 71
research scientist in MIT. The much-awaited expansion of Delhi’s Indira
SSC-CPO 12/03/2019 (Evening) Gandhi International Airport is expected to
1 . The passage is mainly about: begin by March-end as the airport operator has
(a) The growth of phytoplankton in the received three bids for the R 9,000-crore project,
ocean. two officials familiar with the matter said.
(b) How the growth of phytoplankton will Two bids are from foreign companies while one
impact the food web is from an Indian firm. The airport operator, the
(c) The change of the ocean color due to GMR Group-led Delhi International Airport Ltd
climate change (DIAL), is expected to finalise the bidder this
(d) Why ocean water looks blue. week.
2 . The colour of the ocean depends on: After the announcement, the successful bidder
(a) the growth of phytoplankton in the is expected to take around two months to
ocean. mobilise the workforce and begin expansion
(b) the sunlight’s interaction with the work.
water molecules and sea organisms. The bid document says the selected company
(c) water molecules absorbing the blue of has to complete work in 42 months. All the three
the sunlight. bidders are reported to have quoted 39 months,
(d) the sunlight’s absorption by the sea the sources said.
organisms. The expansion is aimed to meet the rapid traffic
3 . In which areas will the ocean look bluer? growth that has already made IGI Asia’s
(a) Southern ocean seventh busiest airport. The selected company
(b) Areas near poles will work on the expansion of Terminal 1 and
(c) Areas near equator Terminal 3 and the construction of a new
(d) North Atlantic ocean runway and taxiways. Roads leading to the
airport will be widened and new approach
4 . Where do phytoplankton grow profusely?
roads will be built.
(a) Where the sun rays are absorbed by
ocean water The operator expects the expansion, which will
(b) Where the ocean water are hot as at start with Terminal 1, to be completed by 2021
equator taking the overall handling capacity of the
(c) Where there are a lot of nutrients in the airport to 85 million passengers per year from
ocean water the current 70 million.
(d) Where the ocean currents are cold It will be followed by Phase 2 of the expansion,
5 . Which statement is not true according to which includes construction of another brand
the passage? new terminal.
(a) By the end of the 21st century the colour Data released last year by Airports Council
of ocean waters will change. International, the trade grouping of world
(b) In subtropical regions phytoplankton airports, showed that Delhi, the country’s
will decrease. busiest airport by passenger traffic, grew 14.1%
(c) More blue colour in the ocean will affect year on year to 63.45 million in 2017. It was the
climate change. first time it breached the 60-million passenger
(d) Phytoplankton has a key role in the mark. In 2018, it was just below the 70-million
survival of other animals. mark.

154 PPC Volume – I

The new air traffic control (ATC) tower, which 4. Which of the following measures will help
will open in 2019, and the fourth runway, to be the airport reduce air congestion and handle
launched in 2021, would help it reduce air more flights for the time being?
congestion and handle more flights. (a) building Inter-terminal connectivity
“Terminal 1 handles domestic traffic for low- between T1 and T3
cost carriers. These have registered a (b) construction of air control tower and a
phenomenal growth in the last few years, calling new runway
for an expansion of the terminal. Delhi Metro (c) construction of taxiways and widening
under its Phase 3 programme is connecting this of approach roads
terminal to catchment areas of central and south (d) construction of a brand new terminal
Delhi. Since T1 is operating beyond its capacity, 5. Which agency has been appointed to
the expansion will begin from there and cover prepare the design for the expansion of the
the airside, terminal building and city side,” said Delhi airport?
a DIAL official According to the Master Plan, (a) Airports Council International
T1’s capacity will increase from 20 million to 40 (b) G M R group
million and that of Terminal 3 from 34 million (c) AECOM
to 45 million. (d) DIAL
Inter-terminal connectivity through the Airport
Answers
Metro between T1 and T3 is also part of the
1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (c)
expansion plan. DIAL has appointed AECOM, a
design and development consultant for PASSAGE - 72
infrastructure projects, to complete the Some 200 km from Leh are the villages of Dha,
preliminary design for the expansion work. Hanu, Garkone and Darchik on both sides of the
SSC-CPO 13/3/2019 (Morning) Indus River, inhabited by the Buddhist Dard
Tribes. The villages are together called the
1. From the reading of the paragraph it can be
“Aryan valley”. “The word ‘Dard’ is derived
inferred that it is: from a Sanskrit word, ‘Daradas’, which means
(a) a news item (b) a survey report people who live on hillsides,” said Virendra
(c) an airport novel (d) a promotional Bangroo, assistant professor at Indira Gandhi
article National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), who has
extensively researched on their lives, and also
2. The expansion of the airport will begin
curated the exhibition/seminar in Delhi. He
from:
added people of this region are culturally and
(a) Construction of a new terminal to linguistically different from those in other parts
handle the increasing load. of Ladakh. Among other researchers who have
(b) Terminal 3 which handles international gone into the community’s roots, there is a line
traffic. of thought that the “Aryans of Ladakh” or the
“Brokpas” might have descended from soldiers
(c) Construction of a new runway and
in Alexander’s army who had come to the region
taxiways.
over 2,000 years ago. The Dard Aryans, however,
(d) Terminal 1 which handles fast growing do not document their history, Bangroo said.
domestic traffic.
They rear goat and sheep for milk and meat,
3. In 2018, the number of passengers that the and their festivals are based on the solar
Delhi Airport handled was: calendar. Bangroo visited the regions inhabited
(a) 63.45 million by the Dard Aryan community back in 2017,
(b) 40 million where he helped set up two museums to archive
(c) just below 70 million their cultural heritage. Bangroo is of the view
(d) 45 million that their traditions go back 5,000 years; those

PPC Volume – I 155

who still follow the original customs worship 2. What is the main concern of the Dard
trees, rivers and mountains. During their visit Aryans?
to Delhi, they were also taken to Prayagraj for a (a) their heritage is facing a threat.
day to visit the Kumbh. These tribals are (b) many people are migrating from the
mainly dependent on agriculture; the apricots villages.
grown here are considered among the best in (c) some people are converting their
religion.
the world and there are 12 varieties of grapes in
the region. Bangroo said grape-wine is very (d) people of the community are becoming
modern.
popular in the “Aryan valley”.
3. What are the demands of the Dard Aryans
A number of researchers, as well as the tribals, from the government?
perceive a threat to the heritage of the (a) to provide livelihood and establish a
community owing to modernisation, migration tribal hostel
and religious conversion. The community now (b) to stop migration of people and set up a
numbers about 4,000. Over the last few decades, school
many of them have embraced Islam or (c) to boost tourism and take up
Buddhism. “The community prohibits marriage development work in the valley
with outsiders to keep the gene pool intact. Of (d) to set up a tribal hostel and declare the
late, the Dard men have been migrating to other Aryan Valley a heritage village
parts of the region (in search of livelihood) and 4. Which statement indicates best that the
marrying outside the tribe,” Bangroo said. “The Dard Aryans is a community with an
tribe is struggling to find a balance between ancient past?
modernity and traditional values.” Also, after (a) Some scholars think that they might
have descended from the soldiers in
the Kargil War, development work in this region
Alexander’s army who had come about
has been restricted. Some of the areas of the 2000 years ago.
Aryan valley are out of bounds for outsiders, (b) Dar Aryans rear goat and sheep for milk
since it borders Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. and meat, and their festivall are based
Members of the community said there are only on the solar calendar.
three high schools in their villages and very (c) The word ‘Dard’ is derived from a
limited resources for livelihood — mainly sanskrit word, ‘Darads’, which means
because of the harsh weather and difficult people who live on hillsides
terrain. As such, they have no option but to (d) Bangroo is of the view that their
traditions go back 5,000 years; those
migrate to cities for higher education and
who still follow the original customs
employment. They have demanded that the worship trees, rivers and mountains.
government set up a tribal hostel and declare
5. Which statement is NOT true according to
the “Aryan valley” a heritage village to boost the passage?
tourism. (a) The Aryans are culturally and
SSC-CPO 13/03/2019 (Evening) linguistically the same as the other
1. The first paragraph of the passage mainly people of Ladakh.
talks about (b) There are only three high schools in
their villages and very limited
(a) the concerns of Dard Aryans. resources for livelihood
(b) what the demands of Dard Aryans are. (c) Dard Aryans have to migrate to cities
(c) the customs of Dard Aryans. for higher education
(d) who the Dard Aryans are. (d) The valley has a difficult terrain and
faces harsh weather conditions

156 PPC Volume – I

 Answers are in place worldwide. Waiting lists for the
dogs, who are worth around $10,000 by the end
1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (d) 5. (a)
of training, can be long—sometimes five years—
PASSAGE - 73 because of the extensive breeding, training and
Twenty-five years ago, while travelling and bonding required.
teaching in Turkey, Nepal and Iran, Bonnie SSC-CPO 14/03/2019 (Morning)
Bergin noticed self-sufficient disabled people
1 . What inspired Bonnie Bergin to help
going about their unremarkable daily business,
disabled people become self-sufficient?
often using donkeys to hold pots, pans and other
(a) Her travels and teaching in foreign
wares to be sold. She later returned to the United
countries as part of her daily work
States to begin work on a master’s degree in
special education. (b) Her training in handling dogs and
“I thought hard about what can be done to get teaching them to help people
people out of institutions and onto the streets, (c) Her Master ’s degrees in Special
getting jobs, and it came to me: dogs,” says Education
Bergin, who today has a doctorate in education
(d) Her observation of disabled people who
and is founder of the Assistance Dog Institute
managed everyday chores using
and originator of the service-dog concept.
donkeys
She ran into fierce resistance from academics
and professionals at first: Dogs spread disease. 2. The academics and professionals tried to
Dogs are stupid. The disabled can’t take care of dissuade Bonnie from using dogs to help the
dogs, how could dogs take care of them? But the disabled basically because they
long list of negative reactions didn’t stop her. (a) believed that dogs spread diseases.
Her first trainee was Abdul, a golden retriever
(b) knew that the disabled couldn’t take
puppy someone had given her.
care of dogs.
Her first dog-assistance client was Kerry Knaus,
a soft-spoken 19-year-old woman who had a (c) thought dogs were stupid animals.
neuromuscular disorder that had left her (d) were convinced that dogs could not help
unable to move her legs and much of her arms. the disabled.
If Knaus accidentally fell forward in her 3. Which of the following approaches did
wheelchair, she could not get up. She clearly
Bonnie and Knaus NOT adopt to train
lacked the physical force to train and maintain
Abdul to help Knaus?
a dog. But Bergin was undeterred.
Bergin and Knaus concentrated not on physical (a) variations in facial expressions
gestures, but on verbal cues such as “sit” or (b) physical gestures to direct the dog
“stay,” using variations in tone of voice and (c) verbal clues like ‘sit’ or ‘stay’
facial expression to get Abdul to help Knaus.
(d) variations in tones of voice
By the end of his training, the dog could push
Knaus up from her in-chair falls, open doors, 4. At the end of the training, which of the
turn on lights, retrieve food and push levers to following was the most important help that
help her operate the chair lift to her van. Most Abdul could provide to Knaus?
important, Knaus developed a trusting (a) he could push Knaus up from her in-
emotional bond with Abdul simply by spending chair falls
time with him, much in the way humans get to
(b) he could retrieve food
know one another and develop subtle, complex
relationships based on mutual understanding. (c) he could open doors and turn on lights
Today, more than 150 programs provide similar (d) he could help her operate the chair lift
services, and an estimated 3,500 service dogs to her van

PPC Volume – I 157

5. Which statement is NOT true according to suggest we’re in the process of eating megafauna
the passage? to extinction,” Ripple said. “Through the
(a) Today more than 150 programs provide consumption of various body parts, users of
similar services of trained dogs to Asian traditional medicine also exert heavy tolls
disabled people. on the largest species,” he said.
“In the future, 70 per cent will experience
(b) Bonnie Bergin got her master’s degree
further population decline and 60 per cent of
from Assistance Dog Institute.
the species could become extinct or very rare,”
(c) Today about 3,500 service dogs are in he added. Nine mega fauna species have either
place worldwide for helping the gone extinct overall, or gone extinct in all wild
disabled. habitats, in the past 250 years, including two
(d) The service dogs cost about $10,000 species of giant tortoise, one of which
after the training. disappeared in 2012, and two species of deer.
“In addition to intentional harvesting, a lot of
Answers land animals get accidentally caught in snares
1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (b) and traps, and the same is true of gillnets, trawls
PASSAGE - 74 and longlines in aquatic systems,” Ripple said.
At least 200 species of ‘megafauna’ are declining “And there’s also habitat degradation to contend
in number, finds research. Humans’ meat-eating with. When taken together, these threats can
habits may be pushing at least 150 species of have major negative cumulative effects on
the planet’s largest animals towards the threat vertebrate species,” he said.
of extinction, a study has found. The research SSC-CPO 14/03/2019 (Evening)
was published in the journal Conservation Letters, 1 . The theme of the passage is
Of nearly 300 species studied, 70 per cent are in (a) survival of vertebrates is important for
decline, and 59 per cent of the species are the conservation of the ecosystem.
threatened with disappearing from the globe,
said William Ripple, a professor at the Oregon (b) the human appetite is driving many
State University in the US. animals to extinction
“Direct harvest for human consumption of meat (c) animals are becoming extinct due to the
or body parts is the biggest danger to nearly all destruction of their habitat.
of the large species with threat data available,” (d) over the last 500 years humans have
Ripple said. “Thus, minimising the direct killing become skillful in killing animals
of these vertebrate animals is an important 2 . Which of the following falls in the 40 kg
conservation tactic that might save many of category?
these iconic species as well as all of the
(a) cartilaginous fish (b) mammals
contributions they make to their ecosystems,”
said Ripple. (c) ray-finned fish (d) amphibians
Researchers were part of an international 3 . How many species of mega fauna are facing
collaboration that built a list of mega fauna extinction as a result of the direct human
based on body size and taxonomy qualifying for consumption?
the list were species unusually large in (a) 200 species (b) 250 species
comparison to other species in the same class. (c) 300 species (d) 150 species
The mass thresholds the researchers decided on
4 . “Intentional harvesting” refers to
were 100 kg for mammals, ray-finned fish and
cartilaginous fish and 40 kg for amphibians, birds (a) killing of animals for one’s safety
and reptiles since species within these classes (b) accidental killing of animals in traps
are generally smaller. Over the past 500 years, as and snares
humans’ ability to kill wildlife at a safe distance (c) the killing of animals deliberately
has become highly refined, two percent of mega
(d) killing of animals due to habitat
fauna species have gone extinct. For all sizes of
vertebrates, the figure is 0.8 per cent. “Our results degradation

158 PPC Volume – I

5. Which statement is NOT true according to Another way to experience the natural
the passage? splendour of the Blue Mountains is by biking or
(a) In the future, 80 per cent of the species walking. Blue Mountain Bikes provide a mobile
could become extinct or very rare. service that meets you with bikes, equipment
(b) of the 300 species studied, 59 per cent and maps. You can also discover the Blue
Mountains’ rich Aboriginal heritage on a
are threatened with disappearing from
walking tour with a local guide. It’s best to join
the globe.
a guided tour if you’re unfamiliar with the
(c) Nine mega fauna species have gone region and weather conditions. A trip to the Blue
extinct in the past 250 years Mountains wouldn’t be complete without
(d) Two per cent of mega fauna species have visiting Katoomba. There you can ride the Scenic
gone extinct due to killing by humans. Skyway gondola across Jamison Valley, taking
in views of the Three Sisters, Mount Solitary
Answers
and Katoomba Falls. You can also visit the
1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (a) Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest incline
PASSAGE -75 railway, descending more than 400 metres (0.25)
The Blue Mountains, just 90 minutes from down the escarpment. This thrilling ride passes
Sydney, get their name from the natural blue through a long tunnel and gorge, ending on the
haze created by vast eucalyptus forests in this valley floor, and is a huge hit with children.
World Heritage area. Tiny droplets of oil released With thousands of plants from the southern
from the trees mix with water vapour and hemisphere and around the world, including
sunlight to produce the distinctive colour. the rare Wollemi Pine, the Blue Mountains
Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah is a must-see
Etched with deep fissures that have been
for nature lovers. The cool climate garden is 1000
chiselled and shaped over ages from the
metres(0.62 miles) above sea level and has
sandstone of an ancient sea, the Blue Mountains stunning views across the area. Wander around
is ideal for the thrilling adventure sport of the estate and explore the many formal gardens.
canyoning. A rope-assisted descent into a The region is also worth checking out to
canyon or cave, canyoning gives access to a understand why it was classified a World
beautiful subterranean world. With its Heritage Area.
dramatic vistas, soaring forests deep gorges. SSC-CPO 15/03/2019 (Morning)
Waterfalls and hundreds of kilometres of
1 . The Blue Mountains get their unique colour
walking trails, the Blue Mountains saves its best
from-
for bushwalkers.
(a) Merging of sunlight and water droplets
A highlight of the Greater Blue Mountains World with eucalyptus oil.
Heritage Area, Jenolan Caves is a labyrinth of a
(b) water drops as they mix together in the
stalactite-lined limestone chasms carved by
sunlight.
underground rivers. Set in a deep and secluded
(c) drops of oil given out by trees in the
valley on the western edge of the Blue
region.
Mountains, the pure underground rivers and
amazing formations inside the caves make this (d) the eucalyptus trees that turn blue in
the bright sunlight.
one of the finest cave systems in the world.
2 . Which of the following experiences will a
With 11 spectacular show caves, underground
visit to the Jenolan caves NOT provide?
rivers and awe-inspiring formations, you can
explore the caves on a guided day tour, get goose (a) stalactite formations
bumps on a ghost tour or enjoy a monthly cave (b) cave concert with natural acoustics
concert with natural acoustics and fairy tale (c) underground rivers
ambience. (d) shows featuring popular fairy tales

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3. Match the places with experiences Europeans, the Masai [in east Africa, some Arab
1. Mount Tomah a) Sharp descent through groups as well. But that’s the exception, not the
a narrow valley; underground passages rule.”
2. Jenolan Caves b) sky ride across a That schism between milk-drinkers and the rest
valley; breathtaking views of – actually a series of independent genetic
mountains
mutations – appears to have occurred about
3. Scenic Railway c) entertaining shows;
10,000 years ago, around the time humans were
cave formations
domesticating farm animals. It is the reason that
4. Katoomba d)uncommon varieties of
in countries such as the UK, Sweden and Ireland,
pine trees; protected areas
more than 90% of adults can drink milk without
(a) 1-a), 2-d), 3-b), 4-c)
suffering any ill effects, but worldwide, more
(b) 1-a), 2-b), 3-d), 4-c)
than two-thirds of all adults are considered
(c) 1-d), 2-c), 3-a), 4-b)
lactose intolerant. For lactose-intolerant people,
(d) 1-d), 2-c), 3-b), 4-a) a glass of milk can induce bloating, stomach
4. What do the river waters do to the cave pains and diarrhoea. (Lactose intolerance
walls? should not be – though often is – confused with
(a) create fearful waterfalls cow’s milk allergy, an immune response to the
(b) give beautiful shapes and patterns proteins in cow’s milk that affects around 1% of
(c) create ghosts and fearful images UK adults.)
(d) provide a place to put up sound and Even in northern Europe, milk as we know it is
light shows
a recent phenomenon. Fresh milk, left
5. Where are you likely to read this piece? unrefrigerated, spoils quickly and can harbour
(a) essay book (b) travel brochure a variety of deadly pathogens, including E Coli
(c) personal diary (d) newspaper report and tuberculosis. For most of history it was
Answers either consumed within moments of milking,
1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (b) or processed as cheese or yoghurt. Few drank
PASSAGE -76 milk in its liquid form. “The Romans considered
it a sign of barbarism,” said Mark Kurlansky,
We are all born milk drinkers. Babies’ guts
produce the enzyme lactase, which breaks down author of Milk! A 10,000-Year FoodFracas. “The
lactose, the sugar in cow’s milk, into the simpler only people who drank milk were people on
sugars glucose and galactose. But for the farms, because they were the only ones who
majority of humans, production of the enzyme could get it fresh enough.” Even then, cow’s milk
lactase plummets after weaning. was considered inferior to alternatives such as
“From a human perspective – no, to go further goat or donkey. In the 19th century, “swill milk”
than that, from a mammalian perspective – the – so called because cows were fed the filthy
norm is to be able to tolerate your mother ’s runoff from inner-city breweries, turning their
breast milk, and then as you get past infancy, to
milk blue – was linked with thousands of infant
stop producing lactase and become lactose
deaths. Only in the early 20th century, with the
intolerant,” said Adam Fox, a consultant
paediatric allergist at Guy’s and St Thomas’s introduction of mandatory pasteurisation – in
hospitals, and one of the UK’s leading food which milk is heated to kill off any bacteria
allergy experts. before bottling – did milk become safe enough
“Then you’ve got a small group of humans that for most people to drink regularly.)
have a mutation which means they maintain SSC-CPO 15/03/2019 (Evening)
production of lactase into adulthood. Northern

160 PPC Volume – I

1. The author points out that in the 19th 5. What is this passage about?
century, swill milk was linked with (a) Weaning and the plummeting enzyme
thousands of infant deaths. Which ONE of lactase
the actions below would have, if familiar, (b) Why some adults develop milk
available and practicable for the people of intolerance
that time, saved these children? (c) Milk and lactose intolerance
(a) Treating lactose intolerance with (d) How pasteurized milk cured lactose
medicines intolerance
(b) Shutting down inner city breweries
Answers
(c) Feeding the cows uncontaminated 1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (c)
healthy food
PASSAGE -77
(d) Freezing the milk to remove the
pollutants Sedentary lifestyles are killing us – we need to
build activity into our everyday lives, not just
2. ‘Lactose intolerance’ is_____. leave it for the gym.Google searches relating to
(a) linked to discovery and propagation of physical fitness peak in January. Many people
plant milk even trawl the web to find out about “desk
(b) experience and suffering problems in exercises” and “workouts on the go” in case they
the digestive system are too busy to use their new gym
(c) a human body not being able to accept memberships.
cow’s milk allergy Our relationship with exercise is complicated.
Reports from the UK and the US show it is
(d) absence of the enzyme lactase in the gut,
something we persistently struggle with. As the
creating intolerance for milk
new year rolls around, we anticipate having
3. Most adults in India continue to have milk the drive to behave differently and become
without suffering any of the issues outlined regular exercisers, even in the knowledge that
in the passage because____. we will probably fail to do so. Why do we want
(a) genetic mutation has helped reduce to exercise? What do we expect it to do for us?
lactase production We all know we are supposed to be exercising,
but hundreds of millions of us can’t face actually
(b) they continue to live in farms and get
doing it. It is just possible the problem lies at
fresh milk
the heart of the idea of exercise itself.
(c) they have no other source of nutrients
Exercise is movement of the muscles and limbs
to nourish them
for a specific outcome, usually to enhance
(d) they maintain production of lactase into physical fitness. As such, for most of us, it is an
adulthood optional addition to the working day – yet
4. “More than 90% of adults in countries such another item on a long list of responsibilities
as the UK, Sweden and Ireland can drink alongside the fulfilment of parental duties or
milk without suffering any ill effects” earning money to put food on the table. But
because____. because the principal beneficiary of exercise is
ourselves, it is one of the easiest chores to shirk.
(a) these countries were farmland before
At the end of the working day, millions of us
they became sophisticated cities
prefer to indulge in sedentary leisure activities
(b) they have a lot of dairy products such instead of what we all think is good for us: a
as cheese and yoghurt workout.
(c) they have a history of domesticating Fitness crazes are like diets: if any of them
farm animals worked, there wouldn’t be so many. CrossFit,
(d) they always had pasteurized milk and the intensely physical, communal workout
avoided fresh milk incorporating free weights, squats, pull-ups and

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so forth, is still less than 20 years old. Spin 3. Why do Google searches related to physical
classes vigorous group workouts on stationary fitness peak in january?
bikes have only been around for about 30. (a) It is a common New Year’s resolution
Aerobics was a craze about a decade before that, (b) The cold weather encourages people to
although many of its high-energy routines had exercise.
already been around for a while. (The pastel (c) It is the time to renew gym membership
horror of 1970. Jazzercise is probably best
(d) In the new year people want to look slim
forgotten.) Before that, there was the jogging
and trim.
revolution, which began in the US in the early
4. The sentence- “Exercise is movement of the
1960s. The Joggers Manual, published in 1963
muscles and limbs for a specific outcome,
by the Oregon Heart Foundation, was a leaflet
usually to enhance physical fitness”
of about 200 words that sought to address the
(a) Defines exercise
postwar panic about sedentary lifestyles by
encouraging an accessible form of physical (b) Describes exercise
activity, explaining that “jogging is a bit more (c) Defends exercise
than a walk”. The jogging boom took a few years (d) Devalues exercise
to get traction, hitting its stride in the mid to 5. Which expression means the same as, ‘an
late-80s, but it remains one of the most popular intense and widely shared enthusiasm for
forms of exercise, now also in groups. something, especially one that is short-lived;
The exercise craze that dominated the 1950s a craze.
was, oddly, not even an exercise. The vibrating (a) Obsession (b) Phase
exercise belt promised users could achieve (c) Fad (d) Mania
effortless weight loss by having their midriffs Answers
violently jiggled. It didn’t work, but you can
1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (c)
still find similar machines available for purchase
today. PASSAGE -78
We often worry about lying awake in the middle
SSC-CPO 16/03/2019 (Morning)
of the night but it could be good for you. A
1. Why do most people make exercise their growing body of evidence from both science and
last priority? history suggests that the eight-hour sleep may
(a) The main beneficiaries of exercise are be unnatural.
people themselves. In the early 1990s, psychiatrist Thomas Wehr
(b) It does not help in earning their conducted an experiment in which a group of
people were plunged into darkness for 14 hours
livelihood.
every day for a month.It took some time for their
(c) They prefer to indulge in sedentary sleep to regulate but by the fourth week the
leisure activities. subjects had settled into a very distinct sleeping
(d) It is an added responsibility besides pattern. They slept first for four hours, then
looking after the family. woke for one or two hours before falling into a
second four-hour sleep. Though sleep scientists
2. Which of the following does not qualify as
were impressed by the study, among the general
an exercise? public the idea that we must be impressed by
(a) Using midriff vibrating belt the eight consecutive hours persists.
(b) Square and pull-ups In 2001, historian Roger Ekirch of Virginia Tech
(c) Workouts on stationary bikes published a seminal paper, drawn from 16 years
(d) High-energy Aerobic routines of research, revealing a wealth of historical

162 PPC Volume – I

evidence that humans used to sleep in two 2. What did the experiment conducted by
distinct chunks. Roger Ekirch says a 1595 Thomas Wehr prove?
engraving by Jan Saenredam is evidence of (a) It brought into question that sleeping
activity at night. His book At Day’s Close: Night for four consecutive hours is necessary.
in Times Past, published four years later, (b) It proved sleeping for eight consecutive
unearths more than 500 references to a hours is not a norm.
segmented sleeping pattern - in diaries, court (c) It established that when the nights are
records, medical books and literature, from longer, people slept in two distinct
Homer’s Odyssey to an anthropological account chunks.
of modern tribes in Nigeria. (d) It proved that all people slept in two
Much like the experience of Wehr’s subjects, distinct chunks of four hours.
these references describe a first sleep which 3. Roger indicated that______.
began about two hours after dusk, followed by (a) sleeping for eight consecutive hours is
a waking period of one or two hours and then a a modern standard for sleep.
second sleep. “it’s not just the number of (b) a segmented sleeping pattern was an
references-it is the way they refer to it, as if it established common habit in nations
was common knowledge, “Ekirch says. During with long winters.
this waking period people were quite active. (c) a segmented sleeping pattern was a
They often got up, went to the toilet or smoked historically established common old habit.
tobacco and some even visited neighbours. (d) the practice of sleeping for eight
Most people stayed in bed, read, wrote and often consecutive hours was popularized by epics
prayed. Countless prayer manuals from the late 4. Which of the following options is NOT true
15th Century offered special prayers for the with reference to the segmented sleeping
hours in between sleeps. Ekirch found that pattern?
references to the first and second sleep started (a) People were physically active.
to disappear during the late 17th Century. This (b) People were socially active
started among the urban upper classes in
(c) People prayed actively.
northern Europe and over the course of the next
(d) People visited all-night coffee shops.
200 years filtered down to the rest of Western
society. By the 1920s the idea of a first and second 5. What caused the idea of a first and second
sleep to entirely recede from our social
sleep had receded entirely from our social
consciousness?
consciousness. He attributes the initial shift to
improvements in street lighting, domestic (a) Industrialization and introduction of
night shifts
lighting and a surge in coffee houses - which
were sometimes open all night. As the night (b) All-night coffee shops
became a place for legitimate activity and as (c) A group of rich people defying sleep
that activity increased, the length of time people (d) An active nightlife facilitated by
could dedicate to rest dwindled. artificial lighting
SSC-CPO 16/03/2019 (Afternoon) Answers
1. The above passage_____that an eight-hour 1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (d)
sleep is natural. PASSAGE -79
(a) confirms the myth By the 1920s the improvements in street
(b) elaborates the myth lighting, domestic lighting and a surge in coffee
houses - which were sometimes open all night-
(c) promotes the myth
was complete. As the night became a place for
(d) examines the myth legitimate activity, the length of time people

PPC Volume – I 163

could dedicate to rest dwindled.” Evening’s maintenance insomnia, where people wake
Empire puts forward an account of how this during the night and have trouble getting back
happened. “Associations with a night before the to sleep, he suggests. The condition first appears
17th Century were not good,” it says. “The night in literature at the end of the 19th Century, at
was a place populated by people of disrepute- the same time as accounts of segmented sleep
criminals, prostitutes and drunks. Even the disappear.
wealthy, who could afford candlelight, had
better things to spend their money on. There SSC-CPO 16/03/2019 (Evening)
was no prestige or social value associated with 1. Which of the following is NOT true
staying up all night.” regarding the nights in 1920s in Europe?
That changed in the wake of the Reformation (a) Nights became a time for legitimate
and the counter-Reformation. Protestants and activity
Catholics became accustomed to holding secret
services at night. If earlier the night had (b) Socializing at night became common
belonged to reprobates, now respectable people among all classes.
became accustomed to exploiting the hours of (c) Protestants and Catholics started
darkness. This trend migrated to the social holding secret services at night.
sphere too, but only for those who could afford
to live by candlelight. With the advent of street (d) Mostly people of disrepute haunted the
lighting, however, socializing at night began to streets at night.
filter down through the classes. 2. Which of the following phenomena helped
In 1667, Paris became the first city in the world class-division vanish vis-a-vis nightlife?
to light its streets, using wax candles in glass (a) Reformation
lamps. It was followed by Lille in the same year
(b) Cheaper candles
and Amsterdam two years later, where a much
more efficient oil-powered lamp was developed. (c) Counter-reformation
A small city like Leipzig in central Germany (d) Streetlight
employed 100 men to tend to 700 lamps. London 3. The author observes, “by the end of the
didn’t join their ranks until 1684 but by the end century, more than 50 of Europe’s major
of the century, more than 50 of Europe’s major
towns and cities were at night.” Which
towns and cities were lit at night. Night became
century was he referring to?
fashionable and spending hours lying in bed
was considered a waste of time. (a) 19th century (b) 20th century
“People were becoming increasingly time- (c) 16th century (d) 17th century
conscious and sensitive to efficiency, certainly 4. In which city were 100 men employed to
before the 19th Century,” says Roger Ekirch. tend to 700 lamps?
“But the industrial revolution intensified that (a) London (b) Lille
attitude by leaps and bounds. Strong evidence
(c) Amsterdam (d) Leipzig
of this shifting attitude is contained in a medical
journal from 1829 which urged parents to force 5. Which is the most significant cause of sleep
their children out of a pattern of first and second maintenance insomnia?
sleep. “If no disease or accident there intervene (a) ubiquity of artificial light
they will need no further repose than that
(b) ignoring the human body’s natural
obtained in their first sleep.”
preference for segmented sleep
Today, most people seem to have adapted quite (c) a growing belief in eight-hour-sleep
well to the eight-hour sleep, but Ekirch believes blocs
many sleeping problems may have roots in the
(d) waking up during the night
human body’s natural preference for segmented
sleep as well as the ubiquity of artificial light. Answers
This could be the root of a condition called sleep 1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (d) 5. (b)

164 PPC Volume – I

 PASSAGE - 01 (d) the manner in which he was received
by the village.
George was a young man who had gone to the
big city from a small rural community and, in a Answers
relatively short time, attained prominence in the 1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (c)
business world. His sudden rise had gone into
his head, however, and he became unbearably PASSAGE - 02
conceited. Eventually, George returned home The assault on the purity of the environment is
after a visit, halfway expecting everyone in town the price that we pay for many of the benefits of
to be at the railway station to welcome him. modern technology. For the advantages of
Much to his surprise, George saw that no one,
automotive transportation we pay a price in
not even his family, was around to meet him
when he descended from the train. He looked smog-induced diseases; for the powerful effects
very neat in a new suit and carried a bulky of new insecticides, we pay a price in dwindling
suitcase full of fashionable clothes. wildlife and disturbances in the relation of living
After a little while, the station master came from things and their surroundings; for nuclear power,
his office and went over to the young fellow. we risk the biological hazards of radiation. By
"Well, hello there, George," he called out cheerily, increasing agricultural production with
"Are you going away "? [CDS 2012-I]
fertilizers, we increase water pollution.
1 . The station master's question implied that
The highly developed nations of the world are
(a) he offered help to George in climbing the
not only the immediate beneficiaries of the good
train.
that technology can do, they are also the first
(b) he is known to George very intimately.
victims of the environmental diseases that
(c) he is making fun of George.
technology breeds. In the past, the environmental
(d) George's absence from the town was not
noticed by him effects which accompanied technological progress
2 . George hoped for a big welcome because were restricted to a small place and relatively a
(a) of his achievement and success. short time. The new hazards are neither local nor
(b) he is returning home after a very long brief. Modern air pollution covers vast areas of
time. continents. Radioactive fallout from nuclear
(c) people loved him. explosions is worldwide. Radioactive pollutants
(d) his community wanted dynamic now on the Earth's surface will be found there for
leaders like him. generations, and in the case of Carbon-14, for
3 . George's great expectations are an indication thousands of years. [CDS 2012-I]
of his
1. The passage emphasizes that modern
(a) humility (b) optimism
technology
(c) pride. (d) love of his community.
4 . George's success was most clearly visible in (a) is totally avoidable.
(a) the station master's words. (b) has caused serious hazards to life.
(b) his clothes. (c) has greater effect on developed countries.
(c) his being unbearably conceited. (d) is the source of the miseries of mankind.

PPC Volume – I 165

2. The harmful effects of modern technology are 3. The Principal was unhappy because he
(a) did not like to deal with an arrogant
(a) widespread but short lived.
person
(b) widespread and long lasting. (b) was angry with Mr. Tagde
(c) local and long lasting. (c) could not enforce discipline in
(d) severe but short lived. (d) did not want to expel the boy
3. With reference to the passage, the following Answers
assumptions have been made: 1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (d)
1. The widespread use of insecticides has PASSAGE - 04
caused ecological imbalance. It was a bitterly cold night, and even at the far
2. Conservation of natural flora and fauna end of the bus the east wind that raved along the
is impossible in this age of modern street cut like a knife. The bus stopped, the two
technology. women and a man got in together and filled the
Which of the assumptions is/are valid ? vacant places. The younger woman was dressed
in sealskin and carried one of those Pekinese dogs
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
that women in sealskin like to carry in their laps.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 The conductor came in and took the fares. Then
Answers his eye rested with cold malice on the beady-eyed
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (a) toy dog. I saw trouble brewing. This was the
opportunity for which he had been waiting, and
PASSAGE - 03 he intended to make the most of it. [CDS 2012-II]
"Sit down", the Principal said, but Mr. Tagde 1 . The wind that blew on the night was
continued to stand, gaining courage from his
(a) mild (b) pleasant
own straight-backed stance, because he was
beginning to feel a little afraid now. (c) bitter (d) sharp
The Principal looked unhappy. He disliked being 2 . The younger woman was carrying the dog as
forced to perform this sort of an unpleasant task. (a) a necessity (b) a fashion
"I wish you would consider withdrawing this (c) an expression of provocation
report", he said. (d) an escort
"I am sorry, Sir, I cannot do that" Mr. Tagde said. 3 . Which of the following statements best
He was pleased with his unwavering voice and describes the nature of the conductor ?
uncompromising words. "It will be a very (a) He was dutiful
damaging report if put on record". "It is a factual (b) He was a law-abiding person
report on very damaging conduct". "You are
(c) He liked dogs
asking for the boy's expulsion from school. Don't
you think the punishment is too harsh for a few (d) He was unfriendly and malicious
boyish pranks"? [CDS 2012-II] 4 . It was a bitterly cold night, and even at the
1 . Mr. Tagde did not sit down because far end of the bus the east wind that raved
along the street cut like a knife". This
(a) he was angry with the Principal
sentence gives us an idea of
(b) he was in a defiant mood
(a) a lonely night-bus journey
(c) he did not like the student
(b) an unbearable cold night
(d) he was in a hurry
(c) the wind at the time that was still and
2 . He would not withdraw the report because
cold
(a) he was arrogant and bitter (d) the hardship of author's journey
(b) it was an accurate report
(c) he wanted to create problems for the Principal
Answers
(d) he wanted to show his authority 1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (b)

166 PPC Volume – I

 PASSAGE - 05 the inner lining of my handbag, but in vain. At
one place they needed a couple, at another a
Before an armed robber locked Mary Graves in
young man, and at another they wished to know
the sweltering trunk of her car, she dialled an
my employment status. And I realized that I was
emergency number on her portable telephone
a freak called the single woman and the job
and slipped it to her three-year-old daughter.
status being nothing more than a freelance
Though confused, the little girl saved the day.
writer with hardly any assignments in hand,
She told emergency operators that her mother
only dreams of making it some day. So the dream-
was locked in the trunk. Although she didn't
know where she was, she provided some house remained far away, gradually turning into
important clues: she could see airplanes and the a fantasy. [CDS 2012-II]
sky, according to the transcript of the emergency 1 . The author "trudged from one property
phone call. The operator called Tampa dealer to another" means that the author
international airport police, who searched the (a) had to walk a lot of distance
top floor of the airport parking garage where (b) had to do a brisk walk to save the time
the car was parked. The operator told the girl to
(c) visited several property-dealers
honk, enabling the police to locate the car and
without any success
free Mrs. Graves. [CDS 2012-II]
(d) acquired a good knowledge about the
1. The clues provided by the little girl suggest
property-dealers of that area
that the car was parked
2 . According to the passage, the author was
(a) outside but adjacent to the airport
(a) a novelist
(b) by the main street of the city
(b) an independent writer
(c) at the airport
(c) a publisher of journals
(d) in a parking garage in the side-lane
(d) an unemployed person
2. The passage indicates that the girl was 3 . Which of the following statements best
(a) clever and brave reflects the underlying tone of the passage ?
(b) had the maturity of an adult (a) People always let out their houses to well
(c) coy and shy employed persons only
(d) worried and excited (b) People always let out their houses only
3. The girl helped the police trace the car by to couples
(c) Single jobless women find it difficult to
(a) shouting loudly
rent a house
(b) making too much din
(d) Women always dream of a house
(c) shrieking frightfully
(d) sounding the horn
Answers
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (c)
4. Through the passage, the writer suggests the
importance and utility of PASSAGE - 07
(a) education of little children Galileo desired to use his telescope to make more
(b) parking garages discoveries in the heavens, but his instrument
was too small. He made another and larger
(c) portable telephones
telescope which magnified eight times, and then
(d) airports another which magnified thirty times, and
Answers pointed it at the moon. His heart leaped with
1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (c) joy, for he saw what no human eye had ever
before seen - ranges of mountains, deep hollows,
PASSAGE - 06 and broad plains! He turned his telescope on the
For days I trudged from one property-dealer to planets, and found they appeared with disks like
another, from one "to-let" notice to another, with the moon at a quarter full. He turned it on the
the estimated advance money tucked safely in Milky Way, and beheld innumerable tiny stars.

PPC Volume – I 167

 [CDS 2013-I] 3. To the generation of the writer's father,
1. Galileo made several telescopes because education was
(a) he needed all of them to explore the (a) an old fashioned enterprise
heavens (b) the result of good teaching
(b) he wanted to compare the findings (c) an exploration of the world of imagination
obtained from different telescopes
(d) one aspect of socialism
(c) the earlier ones he made were not
4. From the passage it is clear that the author
powerful enough
(a) loved and admired his father
(d) only some of them could magnify the
(b) disapproved his father's love of teaching
stars
(c) thought of him as vain
2. When Galileo saw what no human eye had
ever before seen he (d) considered his father's education inadequate.

(a) was overjoyed (b) was shocked Answers

(c) felt humble (d) was very proud 1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (a)

Answers PASSAGE - 09
We started looking on the ground for blood hair,
1. (c) 2. (a)
or a drag mark that would lead us to the deer
PASSAGE - 08 killed by the tiger. We had proceeded a hundered
My father was passionate about two things: yards, examining every foot of the ground and
education and socialism. He was himself a born going dead slow, when Mothi, just as I turned
teacher. Indeed, he could never restrain himself may head to look at him, started backwards,
form teaching, and as a small boy I was screaming as he did so. Then he whipped round
and ran for dear life, beating the air with his
frequently embarrassed by his desire to instruct
hands as if warding off a swarm of bees and
everybody -people in railway carriages, for
continuing to scream as he ran. The sudden and
instance - though I realized even then that it was piercing scream of a human being in a jungle
an innocent desire, quite free from vanity. He where a moment before all has been silent is
was equally ready to receive instruction. terrifying to hear. Instinctively I knew what had
Education, to men of his generation and happened. With his eyes fixed on the ground,
temperament, was something it has largely looking for the blood or hair of the kill, Mothi
ceased to be nowadays. It was the great golden had failed to see where he was going, and had
gateway to the enchanted realms of the mind. walked towards the tiger. [CDS 2013-I]
[CDS 2013-I] 1 . Mothi and the narrator were scanning the
ground because
1. The author wants us to know that his father
(a) they were looking for the tiger
(a) was a school teacher
(b) the forest was full of unpleasant
(b) was an educationist and socialist surprises
(c) used to travel a lot (c) they were trying to discover the tiger's
(d) loved teaching footprints
2. The author often felt embarrassed by the (d) they were looking for marks left by the
behaviour of his father because tiger's pray
(a) he taught badly 2 . Mothi began to scream when he
(b) he taught even at odd places (a) was attacked by a swarm of bees
(c) he wanted to show off his learning (b) was frightened by the sight of blood
(c) came face to face with the tiger
(d) he lost self-control while teaching
(d) stumbled on the tiger
168 PPC Volume – I
3. In the context of the passage 'kill means' cultivation. Indigo export to Europe was
(a) the act of killing lucrative for the British settlers who held a
(b) an animal killed by the tiger monopoly of this business. Within a few years,
most of the textile lands had undergone forcible
(c) a human being killed by the tiger
indigo cultivation, resulting in a famine situation
(d) a wounded tiger in Bengal. When the farmers declined to cultivate
4. Before Mothi screamed, the jungle was indigo, they were tortured, jailed and even killed.
(a) quiet (b) dark [CDS 2013-I]
(c) noisy (d) terrifying 1. The poor farmers in Bengal took up indigo
Answers cultivation because
1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (a) (a) the government encouraged them to do so
(b) it was a money earning crop
PASSAGE - 10
(c) they were forced to do so
When Ibbotson returned from Pauri, I told him
of the leopard's habit of going down the road (d) this was the only crop that would grow
between Rudraprayag and Golabrai on an in that region
average once in every five days, convinced him 2. British settlers bought land in Bengal in
that the only hope I now had of shooting the order to
man-eater was by sitting over the road for ten (a) introduce cultivation of cash crops in India
nights; for, the leopard would be almost certain
(b) cultivatie indigo
to use the road at least once during the period.
Ibbotson agreed to my plan reluetantly, for I had (c) settle down in India
already sat up many nights, and he was afraid (d) promote export business in Bengal
that another ten nights on end would be too 3. Indigo export was profitable for the British
much for me. [CDS 2013-I] settlers because
1. Ibbotson was reluctant to agree to the (a) they had no competitors
narrator's plan because he was afraid that (b) the crop yield was good
(a) the leopard would kill him (c) they could oppress the farmers
(b) the narrator would become very tired (d) the labour was cheap
(c) the narrator would kill the leopard
Answers
(d) the leopard might not come
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (a)
2. The narrator wanted to
(a) shoot the leopard (b) see the leopard PASSAGE - 12
(c) capture the leopard The first day out we met our first rhino, two of
them, and I had the fright of my life. The pair
(d) frighten the leopard
had got our scent before we spotted them, and
Answers being bad tempered beasts, they rushed towards
1. (b) 2. (a) where they thought we were. Now it just
PASSAGE - 11 happened that we were about fifty yards to one
side of where they expected to find us - which
Many poor farmers had been compelled to take
was just as well, for I must say I did not like
up indigo cultivation when the British settlers
their look. As they thundered past, we crouched
were given the right to purchase and cultivate
low and left them go. It did not strike me as a
land in India. Many whites, therefore, either
good opportunity for rhino photography.
acquired lanel or advanced loans to poor farmers
Anyhow. I was much too frightened to have been
and pressurised them to for sake the farming
able to hold the camera steady.
food grains and other cash crops for indigo

PPC Volume – I 169

1. From the above passage it appears that 1. The young man was well dressed because
rhinos (a) it was his habit to dress well
(a) run away they see human beings
(b) it was his wedding day
(b) rush to attack when they smell human
scent (c) he wanted to meet the manager of the shop
(c) hide under the bushes at the sight of (d) he wanted to impress the salesmen
human beings 2. The salesmen in the shop are described as
(d) stand still if they are not attacked people who pay attention to
2. When the author saw a rhino for the first (a) only young men and women
time, he was (b) pretty women
(a) excited (b) frightened (c) only rich customers
(c) charmed (d) surprised (d) regular customers
3. The author could not take the photographs 3. The young man moved away to the hosiery
of the rhinos because section because he
(a) he was too far away from rhinos
(a) was not interested in purchasing
(b) he was not carrying a good camera anything now
(c) it did not occur to him that he had a (b) did not like the readymade clothes
chance to do so
(c) wanted better clothes
(d) he did not like the look of rhinos
(d) was restless
Answers 4. The manager asked the young man what he
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (c) wanted because
PASSAGE - 13 (a) he would give him exactly what he was
A well-dressed young man entered a big textile looking for
shop one evening. He was able to draw the (b) the salesman had drawn his attention
attention of the salesmen who thought him rich to the indifferent attitude of the young
and likely to make heavy purchases. He was man
shown the superior varieties of suit lengths and (c) he thought could do more business
sarees. But after casually examining them, he
which him that way
kept moving to the next section where
readymade goods were being sold and further (d) he thought he visitor was dissatisfied
on to the hosiery section. By then, the salesmen 5. The young man left without making
had begun to doubt his intentions, and drew the purchases because he
attention of the manager. The manager asked (a) did not have money
him what exactly he wanted and he replied that
(b) could not find any item of his choice
he wanted courteous treatment. He explained
that he had come to the same shop in casual (c) had come only to make a point about
dress that morning and drawn little attention. the indifferent attitude of the salesmen
His pride was hurt and he wanted to assert towards casually dressed customers
himself. He had come in good dress only to get (d) decided to come to make the purchases
decent treatment. Not for getting any textiles. later on
He left without making any purchase. Answers
[CDS 2013-II] 1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (c)

170 PPC Volume – I

 PASSAGE - 14 PASSAGE - 15
The prisoner awaited his chance. For three solid Nationalism is only a curse when it becomes
years he had schemed for this opportunity. Now narrow and fanatical Like so many other things
that escape seemed so near at hand, those three available to man, say, religion, it can easily lead
years lost some of their monotony. But he would men astray Nationalism can lead people into
never forget the lashes, the close confinement, thinking only of themselves, of their own
low diet and worse still the mental strain of those struggles of their own misery. It can also cause a
black days. Suddenly the warden did what he nation to become suspicious and fearful of its
had hoped. He stopped to unlock the lower neighbours to look upon itself as superior, and to
padlock. With a dull thud he slumped forward become aggressive and it is when nationalism
with keys in his hands. Swiftly the prisoner impels a state to become expansionist and seek
seized his keys, unlocked the cell and ran into domination over others that it becomes a positive
the courtyard. It took him four seconds to reach curse and harmful internationally. [CDS 2013-II]
the rope-ladder secretly placed there by his 1. From the passage, which of the following
accomplices, five more to clamber over the wall, statements most correctly reflects the
and three more to jump into the waiting car to opinion of the author ?
be whisked away to freedom. Even though he (a) Nationalism makes people self centered
was guilty, the prisoner felt he had paid for his and self-conceited
crime. For the man he robbed three years ago (b) It helps a nation to become superior to
was still a millionaire. [CDS 2013-II] other nations
1. For what crime had the prisoner been (c) It regulates international relationships
punished ?
(d) It helps a nation to expand its territories
(a) Murder (b) Arson and become powerful
(c) Robbery (d) Kidnapping 2. Which of the following phrases most
2. When had the crime been committed ? correctly suggests the central theme of the
(a) Just before the escape passage ?
(a) Nationalism and religion
(b) Three years earlier
(b) Nationalism as an inspiration for
(c) Long ago (d) Dav earlier
development
3. Who slumped forward with a dull thud ?
(c) Nationalism as a cause of war
(a) The millionaire (b) The warden (d) Evils of narrow and aggressive
(c) The prisoner nationalism
(d) Prisoner's accomplice 3. From the passage which of the following
4. What did the prisoner suffer the most during statements can be assumed to be most likely
imprisonment? to be true ?
(a) The author believes that nationalism is
(a) Poor health
always a curse
(b) Mental strain
(b) He believes that it is possible for men to
(c) Physical torture misuse religion
(d) Absence from his family (c) He thinks that religion always leads
Answers man astray
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (b) (d) He pleads for a mix-up of religion and
nationalism

PPC Volume – I 171

 Answers Answers
1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (b) 1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (c)
PASSAGE - 16 PASSAGE - 17
Brown and his men, huddling round a fire, ate Those responsible for teaching young people
the last of the food that Kassim had brought have resorted to a variety of means to make their
them that day, Cornelius sat among them, half- pupils learn. The earliest of these was the threat
asleep. Then one of the crew remembered that of punishment. This meant that the pupil who
some tobacco had been left in the boat, and said was slow, careless or inattentive risked either
he would go and fetch it. He didn't think there physical chastisement or the loss of some
was any danger in going to the creek in the dark. expected privilege. Learning was thus associated
He disappeared down the hillside, and a moment with fear. At a later period, pupils were
later he was heard climbing into the boat and encouraged to learn in the hope of some kind of
then climbing out again. [CDS 2013-II] reward. This often took the form of marks
1. Consider the following statements : awarded for work done and sometimes of prizes
1. Brown and Cornelius sat round the fire. given at the end of the year to the best scholar.
Such a system appealed to the competitive spirit,
2. Cornelius lay half-asleep at a little
but was just as depressing as the older system
distance from the fire.
for the slow pupil. In the nineteenth century
3. All the people sat round the fire. sprang up a new type of teacher, convinced that
Which of the statements given above is/are learning was worthwhile for its own sake and
correct ? that the young pupil's principal stimulus should
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only neither be anxiety to avoid a penalty nor
ambition to win a reward, but sheer desire to
(c) 3 only (d) 1 and 3
learn. Interest, direct or indirect, became the
2. One of them disappeared down the hill keyword of instruction. [CDS 2014-I]
implies that
1. The educational system which caused fear
(a) the slope of the hill was slippery . in the pupil's mind was based on :
(b) he fell from the edge of the hill (a) rewards based (b) labour
(c) there was suddenly a sea beside the hill
(c) punishment (d) competition
(d) he walked down the hill
2. The system based on rewards satisfied all
3. "He didn't think...in the dark". This sentence except:
actually implies that he
(a) the slow pupil
(a) was bold and adventurous
(b) the very intelligent pupil
(b) was addicted to smoking
(c) the laborious pupil
(c) would face some trouble
(d) the casual pupil
(d) was the only person who knew where
3. The system which appealed to the
in the boat tobacco was
competitive spirit in the pupils was largely
4. What does the word "huddling" imply ? based on:
(a) Moving around (a) punishment (b) marks
(b) Falling into a slumber (c) chastisement (d) cash prizes
(c) Being close together Answers
(d) Merrymaking 1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (b)

172 PPC Volume – I

 PASSAGE - 18 1. Which one of the following alternatives
brings out the meaning of'to have a bearing
On a surface which is free from obstacles, such
upon' clearly?
as a clear road or a path, only two or three species
of snakes can hope to catch up with a human (a) to have an effect on
being, even if they are foolish to try. A snake (b) to carry the weight on oneself
seems to move very fast but its movements are
(c) to put up with
deceptive. Inspite of the swift, wave-like motions
of its body, the snake crawls along the ground at (d) to decrease friction
no more than the speed of man's walk. It may, 2. Which one of'the following statements is
however, have an advantage inside a jungle, correct?
where the progress of a man is obstructed by (a) There is a close relationship between
thorny bushes. But in such places, the footsteps
ambition and activity.
of a man are usually more than enough to warn
snakes to keep away; Although they have no cars (b) Ambition and activity belong to two
of the usual kind, they can feel slight vibrations different areas.
of the ground through their bodies, and thus get (c) Ambition is useless.
an early warning of danger. [CDS 2014-I] (d) Activity is responsible for ambition.
1. The snake has an advantage over men inside 3. The statement 'if one allows ambition to
a jungle, because there drive one to attempt things which are
(a) it can crawl faster beyond one's own personal capacity, then
(b) it gets advance warning unhappiness will result, means that:
(c) man's movement is obstructed (a) One must always try to do less than
(d) it is dark inside a jungle than one's capacity.
2. What helps the snakes to receive advance (b) One must always try to do more than
warning is their sensitivity to: one's capacity.
(a) obstacles in the path (c) Ambition must be consistent with one's
(b) smell of other beings capacity.
(c) sounds made by other beings (d) There should be no ambition at all.
(d) movements of other beings 4. Which one of the following statements best
reflects the underlying tone of the passage ?
Answers
(a) One must do everything as well as one
1. (c) 2. (d) can.
PASSAGE - 19 (b) One must try to be better than others.
This rule of always trying to do things as well as (c) One must continuously worry about
one can do them has an important bearing upon others.
the problem of ambition. No man or woman
(d) One must try beyond one's capacity to
should be without ambition, which is the
get results.
inspiration of activity. But if one allows ambition
to drive one to attempt things which are beyond 5. Which one of the following statements can
one's own personal capacity, then unhappiness be assumed to be true ?
will result. If one imagines that one can do (a) It is good to imagine oneself better than
everything better than other people, then envy others.
and jealousy, those twin monsters, will come to (b) One should not imagine oneself always
sadden one's days. But if one concentrates one's to be better than others.
attention upon developing one's own special
(c) All persons have equal capacity.
capacities, the things one is best at, then one does
not worry over much if other people are more (d) One should have more ambition than
successful. [CDS 2014-I] others.

PPC Volume – I 173

 Answers 3. A simple device which consisted of rods that
stood up on end like ninepins was replaced
1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (b)
by a more sophisticated one because it failed:
PASSAGE - 20 (a) to measure a gentle earthquake.
An earthquake comes like a thief in the night, (b) to measure a severe earthquake.
without warning. It was necessary, therefore, to (c) to record the direction of the earthquake.
invent instruments that neither slumbered nor (d) to record the facts with a pen on paper.
slept. Some devices were quite simple. One, for 4. The everyday observation referred to in the
instance, consisted of rods of various lengths and passage relates to:
thicknesses which would stand up on end like
(a) a moving bus or train.
ninepins. When a shock came it shook the rigid
table upon which these stood. If it were gentle, (b) the sudden start of a bus.
only the more unstable rods fell. If it were severe, (c) the tendency of a standing person to fall
they all fell. Thus the rods by falling and by the when a bus or train moves suddenly.
direction in which they fell, recorded for the (d) people standing in a bus or train.
slumbering scientist, the strength of a shock that 5. The early seismometers adopted the idea
was too weak to waken him and the direction that in order to record the earthquake, it is :
from which it came. But, instruments far more
(a) the pen that should move just as it
delicate than that were needed if any really serious
moves when we write on paper.
advance was to be made. The ideal to be aimed at
was to devise an instrument that could record (b) the pen that should stay still and the
with a pen on paper the movements, of the ground paper should move.
or of the table, as the quake passed by. While I (c) both pen and paper that should move.
write my pen moves but the paper keeps still. (d) neither pen nor paper that should move.
With practice, no doubt, I could, in time, learn to
write by holding the pen still while the paper Answers
moved. That sounds a silly suggestion, but that 1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (b)
was precisely the idea adopted in some of the early
instruments (seismometers) for recording PASSAGE - 21
earthquake waves. But when table, penholder and During the summer I was introduced to the game
paper are all moving how is it possible to write of cricket, and I felt my inherent foreignness for
legibly? The key to a solution of that problem lay the first time. The ball is far too hard for my
in an everyday observation. Why does a person taste. Even during my last games at the school,
standing in a bus or train tend to fall when a angry spectators would shout, "Butter fingers !"
sudden start is made? It is because his feet move But I smiled. Everyone knew in their hearts that
on, but his head stays still. [CDS 2014-I] 'I was going to drop the ball anyway, and nobody
1 . The passage says that early instruments for expected me to be able to play the game.
measuring earthquakes were: [CDS 2014-II]
(a) faulty in design (b) expensive 1 . The author first played cricket
(c) not sturdy (d) not sensitive enough (a) as a child in his own country
2 . Why was it necessary to invent instruments (b) when he was a school boy
to observe an eqarthquake ? (c) when he was a tourist
(a) Because an earthquake comes like a thief (d) when he returned home after his studies
in the night.
2 . "felt my inherent foreignness" means
(b) To make people alert about earthquakes
during their conscious as well as (a) felt very strange
unconscious hours. (b) felt very interested and excited
(c) To prove that we are technically (c) enjoyed learning new games
advanced. (d) fely my superiority over others
(d) To experiment with the control of man
over nature.
174 PPC Volume – I
3. Spectators would shout "Butter fingers" 3. According to the author reading with
when the author was playing because regression is like
(a) he liked butter (a) driving with poor quality brakes
(b) his fingers were like those of a lady (b) stepping backwards while walking
(c) he often dropped the ball (c) using several brakes in order to slow down
(d) he was very good at the game (d) making sudden spurts in reading speed
4. 'Spectator' means Answers
(a) glasses (b) onlooker 1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (b)
(c) watchman (d) player
PASSAGE - 23
Answers
Even in the most primitive societies the great
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (b) majority of people satisfy a large part of their
PASSAGE - 22 material needs by exchanging goods and
How can you improve your reading speed? By services. Very few people indeed can make for
taking off the brakes. You wouldn't think of themselves everything they need - all their food,
driving a car with the brake on. Yet as a reader their clothes, their housing, their tools. Ever since
you probably have several brakes slowing you men started living in communities,'they have
down. One very common brake is regressing— been satisfying their needs by means of
looking back every now and then at something specialization and exchange; increasingly each
already read. It is like stepping backwards every individual has concentrated on what he can do
few metres as you walk-hardly the way to move best, and has produced more of the special goods
ahead quickly. Regression may arise from a lack or services in which he has concentrated, than
of confidence, vocabulary deficiency, or actually he can consume himself. The surplus he has
missing a word or phrase. It makes a long exchanged with other members of the
sentence seem even more complex as the eyes community, acquiring, in exchange the things
frequently regress. Eye movement photographs he needs that others have produced.
of 12,000 readers in America showed that
[CDS 2014-II]
university students regress an average of 15
times in reading only 100 words. The average 1. Very few people can satisfy their needs today
student of class four was found to look back 20 by
times. In short, regression consumes one-sixth (a) providing things for themselves
of your precious reading time. Release this brake (b) exchanging goods and services
and enjoy a spurt in reading speed.
(c) concentrating on what they can do best
[CDS 2014-II]
(d) individual specialization
1 . In the context of the passage, what does
'regression' mean ? 2. Exchange of goods becomes possible only
(a) Lack of desire to improve the reading when
speed (a) there is no specialization
(b) Looking back at what is already read (b) goods are produced in surplus
(c) Lack of proper understanding of what (c) primitive societies become modern
one reads
(d) individuals make things for themselves
(d) Comparing the reading speed of school
and university students 3. Specialization and exchange began when
2 . In order to be a good reader you should men started
(a) regress whenever necessary (a) big industries
(b) be like a careful driver (b) concentrating on their work
(c) not look back frequently while reading (c) producing things for individual use
(d) test your vocabulary frequently (d) living in communities

PPC Volume – I 175

4. Exchange of goods and services becomes 3. Farmers are always careful
necessary because (a) to control insects and fungi that attack plants
(a) man is a social being (b) to encourage pests in the soil
(b) reciprocity is the law of life (c) to eliminate all bacteria from the soil
(c) trade and commerce are means of (d) to foster all kinds of worms in the earth
progress 4. Nowadays it is possible to reduce the loss
(d) we cannot produce everything we need caused by pests and harmful bacteria
ourselves. (a) with the use of chemical fertilisers
Answers (b) throught the development of resistant seeds
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (d) (c) by using weeds as killers
PASSAGE - 24 (d) by controlling earthworms
Soil scientists have shown that the soil teems with 5. The farmers today can also select seeds
millions of living things, many of them useful, (a) of slow ripening variety
others harmful. The living things which are useful (b) resistant to frost and drought
include earthworms and various kinds of bacteria. (c) for economy in costs
Earthworms loosen the soil and so enable air and
(d) of lower resistance to disease
water to enter it. Bacteria, which are microscopic
living things break down dead plants and animals Answers
and make humus, or take nitrogen from the air 1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (b)
and change it into substances that plants use. The
living things that do harm include other bacteria PASSAGE - 25
and fungi which cause diseases. Other harmful A little man beside me was turning over the
things are pests such as wire worms which feed pages of a magazine quickly and nervously.
on the roots of grass and other plants. While the Opposite me there was a young mother who was
farmer can usually keep weeds in check by careful trying to restrain her son from making a noise.
cultivation, this alone may not protect his crops The boy had obviously grown weary of waiting.
from insects, pests and diseases. Nowadays, He had placed an ashtray on the floor and was
however, he is much better able to control these making aeroplane-noises as he waved a pencil
enemies. He may plant specially resistant types of in his hands. Near him, an old man was fast
seeds or he may keep the pests and diseases-in asleep, snoring quickly to himself and the boy's
check with chemicals. With better seeds farmers mother was afraid that sooner or later her son
have been able to increase their crop yields. They would wake the gentleman up. [ CDS 2015-I]
can grow crops that ripen more quickly and have 1. The' noise was made by
a stronger resistance to disease, frost or drought.
(a) the old man (b) the aeroplane
[CDS 2014-II]
(c) the little man (d) the boy
1 . Scientists who study soil believe that
(a) all insects and bacteria are harmful 2. The person who was the least disturbed was the
(b) only microscopic living things are useful (a) observer (b) son
(c) only earthworms are useful (c) old man (d) little man
(d) not all worms and bacteria are harmful 3. The factor common to all the people was that
2 . The living things that do harm they were all
(a) break down plants and animals (a) watching a film
(b) use up the nitrogen from the air (b) waiting for something
(c) cause disease in the plants (c) looking at the little boy's playfulness
(d) loosen up the soil from air and water (d) reading magazine

176 PPC Volume – I

4. Among those present the one who appeared 4. The man came to know that
to be the most bored was the (a) the blacksmiths were not in their huts
(a) child (b) little man (b) the blacksmiths had exchanged huts
(c) old man (d) mother (c) the blacksmiths were going away
Answers (d) the blacksmiths had not kept their promise
1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (a)
Answers
PASSAGE - 26 1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (b)
A man has two blacksmiths for his neighbours. PASSAGE - 27
Their names were Pengu and Shengu. The man
The tigress was a mile away and the ground
was greatly troubled by the noise of their
between her and us was densely wooded,
hammers. He decided to talk to them. The next
scattered over with great rocks and cut up by a
day he called both of them and offered ? 100 each,
number of deep ravines, but she could cover the
if they found new huts for them selves. They took distance well within the half - hour — if she
the money and agreed to find new huts for wanted to. The question I had to decide was,
themselves. The next morning he woke up again whether or not I should try to call her. If I called
to the sound of their hammers. He went out to see and she heard me, and came while it was still
why the blacksmiths hadn't found new huts and daylight and gave me a chance to shoot her, all
he discovered that Pengu and Shengu had kept would be well; on the other hand, if she came
their promise. They had exchanged their huts. and did not give me a shot, some of us would not
[ CDS 2015-I] reach camp, for we had nearly two miles to go
and the path the whole way ran through heavy
1. The man was troubled because jungle. [ CDS 2015-I]
(a) the blacksmiths always fought with 1. According to the author
each others
(a) the tigress wanted to cover the distance
(b) the blacksmiths' hammers made a lot of within the half-hour
noise (b) the tigress did not wish to cover the
(c) he was afraid of blacksmiths distance within the-half-hour
(d) the blacksmiths did not do their work (c) the tigress actually covered the distance
properly within the half-hour
(d) there was a possibility of the tigress
2. The man gave them money because
covering the distance within the half - hour
(a) the blacksmiths were poor 2. The author says, "Some of us would not
(b) the blacksmiths had asked him for reach camp" because
money (a) it was two miles away
(c) he did not want them to make a noise (b) the tigress would kill some of them
(d) he wanted them to find new huts (c) the path is not suitable for walking
3. The man went out of his house because (d) the ground was scattered over with
great rocks
(a) he wanted to fight with the blacksmiths
3. The author found it difficult to decide the
(b) he wanted to ask the blacksmiths to stop question because.
the noise (a) he was afraid
(c) he wanted to find out why they hadn't (b) the tigress was only a mile away
found new huts (c) the ground between them was densely
(d) he wanted his money back from the wooded
blacksmiths (d) there was uncertainty about the
reaction of the tigress to his call

PPC Volume – I 177

4. The time available to the author for shooting 4. From the passage we learn that the writer
the tigress was was
(a) the whole day (b) one night (a) scared of living alone in the flat
(c) a few hours (d) thirty minutes (b) dissatisfied with the flat
5. When the author says 'all would be well', he (c) satisfied with the space in his bedroom
means (d) an eccentric person
(a) that they would be able to hide 5. "After lunch I felt at a loose end" means
themselves in the heavy jungle (a) he had nothing specific to do
(b) that the tigress would run away to the (b) had a rope with a loose end
deep ravines (c) had much work to do
(c) that they would be able to shoot her (d) had a feeling of anxiety
down without difficulty
(d) that they would be able to return in
Answers
daylight 1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (a)

Answers PASSAGE - 29
1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (c) Much rhapsodical nonsense has been written
about the "Mona Lisa" and her enigmatic smile,
PASSAGE - 28
and there have been endless speculations as to
After lunch, I felt at a loose end and roamed about her character and the meaning of her expression.
the little flat. It suited us well enough when It is all beside the mark. The truth is that the
mother was with me, but now I was by myself
"Mona Lisa" is a study of modeling. Leonardo da
it was too large and I'd moved the dining room
Vinci had discovered that the expression of
table into my bedroom. That was now the only
room I used; it had all the furniture I needed; a smiling is much more a matter of modeling of the
brass bedstead, a dressing table, some cane cheek and of the forms below the eye than of the
chairs whose seats had more or less caved in, a change in the line of the lips. It interested him to
wardrobe with a tarnished mirror. The rest of produce a smile wholly by these delicate changes
the flat was never used, so I didn't trouble to of surface; hence the mysterious expression.
look after it. [CDS 2015-II]
1 . The flat did not really suit him any more 1 . The word rhapsodical as used in the passage
because means
(a) the rooms were too small (a) plain (b) unreadable
(b) he was living on his own now (c) enthusiastic (d) uniformed
(c) his mother needed too much rooms
2. "Mona Lisa" is the name of
(d) the flat itself was too little
2 . He did not look after the rest of the flat (a) a beautiful woman who made history
because in ancient Rome
(a) he did not use it (b) a famous painting
(b) the bedroom was much too large (c) the artist's mistress
(c) he needed only the brass bedstead (d) an art technique
(d) he had too much furniture
3. The truth about the "Mona Lisa" is that it is
3 . ".....now I was by myself it was too large".
a study in
The word it here refers to
(a) feminine psychology
(a) the dining room table
(b) the dining room (b) facial expression
(c) the bedroom (c) feminine form
(d) the flat (d) modelling

178 PPC Volume – I

4. The painter was able to produce that 3. The 'unbirthday1 present is the best of all
strange smile on Mona Lisa's face by because
(a) delicate changes on the surface of cheeks (a) it cannot be ordered by postcard
below the eyes (b) it means giving expensive presents
(b) using bright colours (c) its choice needs the utmost care
(c) using a painting knife (d) other occasions are better than
(d) looking constantly at a smiling model birthdays for giving presents
while painting. 4. A 'golden rule' is a rule which
5. The author of the above passage has (a) brings profit (b) is very important
examined 'Mona Lisa' from (c) is very difficult (d) is very easy
(a) an idealistic angle 5. The writer is of the view that one should
(b) an imaginary point of View give a present that
(c) a purely artistic angle (a) one would like to possess oneself
(d) a scientific and realistic standpoint (b) one would like to get rid of
(c) cannot be ordered by mail
Answers
(d) is highly expensive and attractive
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (d)
Answers
PASSAGE - 30
1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (a)
It is possible to give wedding presents, birthday
and Christmas presents, without any thought PASSAGE - 31
of affection at all, they can be ordered by People project their mental processes into their
postcard; but the unbirthday present demands handwriting. They subconsciously shape and
the nicest care It is therefore the best of all, and it organise their letters, words and lines in ways
is the only kind to which the golden rule of that directly reflect their personalities. This
present-giving imperatively applies - the golden explains why no two handwritings are - or even
rule which insists that you must never give to can be - alike; the medium is just too personal.
another person anything that you would not Everyday observation confirms the link between
rather keep: nothing that does not cost you a handwriting and personality, at least in an
pang to part from. It would be better if this rule elementary way. Precise people construct their
governed the choice also of those other three words with care, slowly and exactly; dynamic
varieties of gifts, but they can be less exacting. people dash them off. Flamboyant people boldly
[CDS 2015-II] cover half a page with a few words and a
1 . The author says that wedding, birthday and signature, whose size fittingly reflects their
Christmas Presents expansive sense of self. Most of us have made
(a) are always indicators of the giver's such observations. But it takes a practiced eye
affection. to discern the scores of variations and interpret
the subtle interplay of forces at work in any given
(b) may not always be given with any
handwriting. In fact in Europe, handwriting
thought of affection.
analysis known as graphology, now enjoys
(c) are given only to flatter the recipient scientific acceptance and common use.
(d) are given only to fulfil an obligation
[CDS 2015-II]
2 . 'They can be ordered by postcard' means
1 . If you are a showy and colourful person,
that
your-handwriting is likely to be
(a) the present may only be a postcard
(a) neat and slow
(b) the present would be an expensive one
(b) dashing and careless
(c) the choice does not involve much care
(c) bold and large
(d) the present would not be worth giving
(d) legible but small

PPC Volume – I 179

2. Graphology is weld should normally be employed. It is rather
(a) the study of graphs stronger than the ordinary butt weld.
(b) the analysis of handwriting [CDS 2015-II]
(c) a special branch of phonetics 1. The simplest way of welding two pieces of
Metal together is
(d) a graphical description of handwriting
(a) heating the metal
3. Handwriting analysis is
(b) holding it in a flame
(a) not useful to us
(c) coating the metal with plastic
(b) an elementary study
(d) hammering heated pieces
(c) an imprecise science
2. Unless the surfaces are cleaned first
(d) a means of studying personality
(a) the metal will not take white heat
4. According to the author, people are:
(b) the resulting weld will be weak
(a) not conscious of what they write
(c) the joint will be rough
(b) aggressive in the nature of their writing
(d) the metal will be less plastic
(c) not conscious of the way they write
3. When iron is heated to about 1300 degree
(d) not used to personal writing centigrade
5. The fact that handwriting is related to (a) flames turn from white to blue
personality (b) chemical reaction starts
(a) has been noticed by most people (c) oxide film is found on its surfaces
(b) is appreciated by dynamic people (d) it turns into steel
(c) is restricted to persons who write arefully 4. The flux is used to
(d) is known only to graphologists (a) make the metal plastic
Answers (b) cool the heated metal
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (d) (c) cover up any dirt
(d) dissolve oxide and other impurities
PASSAGE - 32
5. For fairly thick bars of metals
The simplest method of welding two pieces of
(a) a vee shaped weld should be used
metal together is known as pressure welding.
(b) ordinary butt weld should be used
The ends of metal are heated to a white heat - for
iron, the welding temperature should be about (c) a number of different types of weld may
1300°C - in a flame. At this temperature the metal be used
becomes plastic. The ends are then pressed or (d) a pressure weld may be used.
hammered together, and the joint is smoothed
off. Care must be taken to ensure that the surfaces
Answers
are thoroughly clean first, for dirt will weaken 1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (b)
the weld. Moreover, the heating of iron or steel PASSAGE - 33
to a high temperature cause oxidation, and a film To avoid the various foolish opinions to which
of oxide is formed on the heated surfaces. For mankind is prone, no superhuman brain is
this reason, a flux is applied to the heated metal. required. A few simple rules will keep you. not
At welding heat, the flux melts, and the oxide
from all errors, but from silly errors. If the matter
particles are dissolved in it together with any
is one that can be settled by observation, make
other impurities which maybe present. The
the observation yourself. Aristotle could have
metal surfaces are pressed together, and the flux
avoided the mistake of thinking that women
is squeezed out from the centre of the weld. A
have fewer teeth than men. by the simple device
number of different types of weld may be used,
of asking Mrs. Aristotle to keep her mouth open
but for fairly thick bars of metals, a vee-shaped

180 PPC Volume – I

while he counted. Thinking that you know, when 4. The writer is of the opinion that
in fact you do not, is a bad mistake to which we (a) unicorns and salamanders were
are all prone. I believe myself that hedgehogs eat observed by ancient and medieval
black beetles, because I have been told that they writers but were unknown to modern
do, but if I were writing a book on the habits of writers.
hedgehogs, I should not commit myself until I (b) ancient and medieval writers wrote
had seen one enjoying this diet. Aristotle, authoritatively about unicorns and
however, was less cautious. Ancient and salamanders though they had never
medieval writers knew all about unicorns and seen them
salamanders: not one of them thought it (c) unicorns and salamanders do not exist
necessary to avoid dogmatic statements about (d) only those who had observed the habits
them because he had never seen one of them . of unicorns and salamanders wrote
[CDS 2016-I] about them
1. The writer believes that 5. A 'dogmatic statement1 in the context means
a statement which is
(a) most people could avoid making foolish
(a) convincing (b) proved
mistakes if they were clever
(c) unquestionable (d) doubtful
(b) through observation we could avoid
making many mistakes Answers
(c) Aristotle made many mistakes because 1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (c)
he was not observant PASSAGE - 34
(d) All errors are caused by our own error Since I had nothing better to do. I decided to go
in thinking to the market to buy a few handkerchiefs, the
2. With reference to the passage, which one of old ones had done vanishing trick. On the way I
met an old friend of mine and I took him to a
the following is the correct statement ?
nearby restaurant for tea and snacks.
(a) Aristotle was able to avoid the mistake Afterwards I went to the shop and selected a
of thinking that women have fewer teeth dozen handkerchiefs. I pulled out my purse to
than men make the payment, and discovered that it was
(b) Aristotle thought women have fewer empty: I then realized that it was not my purse,
teeth than men it was a different purse altogether. How that
happened is still a source of wonder to me and I
(c) Aristotle proved that women have
refuse to believe that it was the work of my good
fewer teeth by counting his wife's teeth
old friend, for it was his purse that I held in my
(d) Aristotle may have thought that women hand. [CDS 2016-I]
have fewer teeth because he never had a 1 . The man could not buy the handkerchiefs
wife because
3. The writer says that if he was writing a book (a) he did not like the handkerchiefs
on hedgehogs (b) his friend did not allow him to buy them
(a) he would maintain that they eat black (c) the shop did not have any handkerchiefs
beetles because he had been told so (d) he had no money in the purse
(b) he would first observe their eating 2 . When he tried to take out the purse, he
habits discovered that
(c) he would think it unnecessary to verify (a) it was not there (b) it was lost
that they are black beetles (c) it was a new purse
(d) he would make the statement that they
(d) it was his friend's purse
ate black beetles and later verify it

PPC Volume – I 181

 Answers achievements of generals politicians, and
statesment have an importance only in their
1. (d) 2. (d)
own time. Hence these people and their acts,
PASSAGE - 35 great as they ma;, have been are like milestones
A profound terror, increased still by the darkness, which mankind passes on its way to something
the silence and his waking images, froze his heart else. But with works of art it is not so. The place
within him. He almost felt his hair stand on end, which they occupy in the estimation of
when by straining his eyes to their utmost, he succeeding ages and the power which they
perceived through the shadows two faint yellow exercise over men's spirits are as great as they
lights. At first he attributed these gradually to were in the age which produced them; indeed,
distinguish the objects around him in the cave, their power tends to increase with time, as they
and he beheld a huge animal lying but two steps came to be better understood [CDS 2016-II]
from him. [CDS 2016-I] 1 . The power of art can be judged through
1 . The opening of the passage suggests that (a) its influence of a few individuals.
(a) darkness, silence and waking images (b) its influence on the people over the
added to his already being in profound years.
terror (c) the greatness of great artists.
(b) a profound terror increased the waking (d) the opinions of great thinkers.
images in his frozen heart 2 . The statement 'Newton's theory of
(c) the person was frightened by darkness gravitation has been superseded by
and silence Einstein's theory of relativity" suggests that
(d) a profound terror was caused in him by (a) the theory of relativity has nothing to
the silence and darkness of the night do with the theory of gravitation.
2 . When he perceived through the shadows (b) the theory of relativity is new in
two faint lights. comparison to: the theory of gravitation.
(a) he experienced a great strain (c) the theory of relativity is an
improvement over the theory of
(b) he felt his hair stand upright
gravitation.
(c) his eyes felt strained to their utmost
(d) the theory of relativity has suppressed
(d) his pupils dilated the theory of gravitation.
3 . The person in the story 3 . The achievements of generals, politicians
(a) imagined that he saw an animal and statement have been compared to
(b) could not recognize the animal milestones by the author because
(c) saw the animal by chance (a) they are inscribed on the milestones.
(d) expected to see the animal (b) they have contemporary relevance.
(c) they have topical and historical interest.
Answers
(d) they are strong and lasting stones.
1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (a)
4 . How is a work of art different from the work
PASSAGE - 36 of a scientist ?
One of the most important things to notice about (a) A work of art is as permanent as the
the power of art is the way in which great works work of a scientist
continue to exert their influence through the ages. (b) The influence of a work of art increases
Scientific discoveries which are of major from age to age unlike the work of scientist
importance at the time when they are made are which diminishes in course of time.
superseded. Thus, Newton's theory of (c) A work of art has no material value like
gravitation has been superseded by Einstein's the work of a scientist.
theory of relativity. Hence the work of great
(d) A work of art is an expression of creative
scientist has value in stages on the way to a goal
power while the work of a scientist is not.
whidi supersedes them. Broadly speaking, the

182 PPC Volume – I

 Answers (b) the author is not committed to any
opinion.
1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (b)
(c) in some of the activities woman do give
PASSAGE - 37 an impression that they are stronger
Most disputes about whether or not men are than men.
stronger than women are meaningless because (d) in fact women are inferior to men in
the word 'strong' may mean many things. Most every respect.
men can surpass most women in lifting heavy. 4. From the passage, which of the following
weights, in striking an object, in running, jumping statements is most likely to be correct?
or doing heavy physical labour. But most women (a) Women live longer than men because
live longer than most men, they have a better they can resist diseases better than men.
chance of resisting disease, they can beat men at
(b) Monotenous living conditions make
operations requiring finger dexterity and the
women stronger than men.
ability to work accurately under monotonous
conditions. So it would be legitimate to argue that (c) All women are incapable of running,
women are stronger than men. The truth is that jumping and doing physical labour
each gender can surpass the other in certain kinds because they are not strong.
of activities. To say that one is stronger than the (d) Statistically speaking, most women live
other is to indulge in futile arguments. longer than most men.
[CDS 2016-II] Answers
1 . Which one of the following statements best 1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (d)
reflects the main contention of the author?
PASSAGE - 38
(a) In most cases men are stronger than
In national no less than in individual life there
women.
are no watertight compartments. No sharp lines
(b) Since women are healthier than men can be drawn to mark off' the political from the
they are also stronger. moral, the social from the economic regions of
(c) In some activities men are stronger than life. Politicians often talk as though one has only
women and in some others women are to introduce certain political and economic
stronger than men. changes for paradise to descend on earth,
(d) Men and women are equally strong. forgetful of the fact that the efficiency of an
2 . The author says that any dispute about institution depends on the way it is worked,
whether or not men are stronger than which itself is determined by the character and
women is meaningless, because wisdom of the men who work it.
(a) it is an already established fact that men [CDS 2016-II]
are Stronger than women. 1 . Which one of the following statements most
(b) the word 'stronger' can be interpreted clearly suggests the central theme of the
passage?
in various ways.
(a) Political and economic changes can solve
(c) it is difficult to assess the comparative
all the problems facing the nation.
strength and women.
(b) There is no difference between the
(d) it is a dispute that might harm the man-
political, moral, social and economic
woman relationship in our society.
regions of life.
3 . The author says it would be legitimate to
(c) It is not the institutions that are
argue that women are stronger than men,
important but the character and
because
wisdom of the people who manage them.
(a) the author believes in the superior
(d) National progress depends solely on the
strength of women.
efficient running of our institutions.

PPC Volume – I 183

2. Which one of the following phrases best days. You look down and see the whole country
helps to bring out the precise contextual below you. You feel Godlike. Two Italian
meaning of' watertight compartments"? prisoners of war escaped from a prison camp in
(a) Activities of life unaffected by public Kenya during the war. They did not try to get
opinion. back to their own country, for they knew that
(b) Spheres of life where no liberty of was impossible. Instead they climbed to the top
opinion is tolerated of Mount Kenya, and then they came down again
(c) Ways of life peculiar to each nation and and gave themselves up. They had wanted to
each section of society. get that feeling of freedom that one has, after
(d) Spheres of life which are independent climbing a difficult mountain. [CDS 2016-II]
and unconnected with one another. 1. Some men like to climb mountains because
3. Which one of the following statements most (a) they do not like to play football or
correctly reflects the attitude of the author cricket.
towards politicians' opinions? (b) they know the trick of climbing.
(a) The author totally disbelieves what the (c) they want to have a wonderful feeling.
politicians say. (d) they like to face danger.
(b) The author believes what the politicians
2. To climb a mountain is often difficult because
say.
(a) mountains are big hills.
(c) The author is sceptical about the claims
of the politicians. (b) it consumes more time.
(d) The author thinks that the opinions of (c) prisoners often escape from camps and
the politicians are contradictory. settle there.
4. Which one of the following statements most (d) paths are steep and uneven.
correctly indicates the implication of the 3. It is a wonderful feeling............'It' refers to
phrase 'paradise to descend on earth'?
(a) the steep path (b) the prisoner
(a) A world of perfect economic, political
(c) the mountain (d) mountaineering
and social well-being.
4. Two Italian prisoners escaped the camp and
(b) A world ruled by religious persons.
climbed to the top of Mount Kenya to
(c) A world of total liberty and equality.
(a) escape to Italy.
(d) A world in which nobody needs to
labour. (b) come down and give up.
(c) gain fame as mountaineers.
Answers
(d) get the feeling of freedom.
1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (a)
PASSAGE - 39 Answers
Just as some men like to play football or cricket, 1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (d)
so some men like to climb mountains. This is PASSAGE - 40
often very difficult to do, for mountains are not
When Jonathan (the seagull) came, it was well
just big hills. Paths are usually very steep. Some after dark, and he floated in moonlight on the
mountainsides are straight up and down, so that surface of the ocean. His wings were ragged bars
it may take many hours to climb as little as one of lead, but the weight of failure was even
hundred feet. There is always the danger that heavier on his back. He wished, feebly, that the
you may fall off and be killed or injured. Men weight would be just enough to drag him gently
talk about conquering a mountain. It is a down to the bottom, and end it all. But soon he
wonderful feeling to reach the top of a mountain came back to normal. He pushed wearily away
after climbing for hours and may be even for from the dark water and few towards the land,

184 PPC Volume – I

grateful for what he had learned about work- 1. The writer likes travelling on the motorcycle.
saving low-altitude flying. [CDS 2017-I] What is the most likely reason for this ?
1 . The word ‘wearily’ means
(a) The motorcycle has no windows.
(a) tireless (b) exhausted
(c) sadly (d) unconscious (b) The motorcycle does not go as fast as a
2 . The seagull suffered because car.
(a) he had tried to do something that other (c) As the traveller is used to cars, travelling
seagulls had not done. by motorcycle is a change.
(b) probably he had been attacked by a (d) Travelling by motorcycle, the writer
stronger bird. feels that he is part of the scenery.
(c) probably he had been attacked by some
strong creature in the sea. 2. Which of the following statements is closest
(d) he had swooned and fallen into the to the truth ?
water. (a) The writer does not like TV as it gives a
3 . 'His wings were ragged bars of lead' means narrow view of things.
that (b) The writer likes TV but he does not like
(a) his wings were damaged and supported watching it from car windows.
by bars of lead.
(b) his wings were damaged and therefore (c) The writer does not like TV because the
very heavy. picture is in a frame.
(c) he had rags and bars of lead on his (d) The writer does not like TV because the
wings. programmes are boring .
(d) his wings were broken like pieces of 3. "In a car you are always in a compartment,
lead.
and because you are used to it you do not
4 . The lesson that he had learnt that day was
realise that........."In this sentence, 'it' refers
about
to
(a) not fighting with stronger birds.
(a) travelling in a car.
(b) flying carrying bars of lead on his wings.
(c) diving too deep into the sea. (b) always being in a compartment, e.g.
one's room, office.
(d) flying at low altitudes.
(c) seeing the scenery through the window
Answers frame.
1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (d) (d) seeing so much TV at home.
PASSAGE - 41 4. In the last sentence, the writer talks of a
Vacationing on a motorcycle, you see things in a 'sense of presence'. He is referring to the
way that is completely different from any other. presence of
In a car you are always in a compartment, and (a) his own self as part of the scene.
because you are used to it you do not realise that (b) the time that is now passing.
through that car window everything you see is
(c) the scene and the beauty.
just more TV. You are a passive observer and it
(d) senses with which one feels.
is all moving by you boringly in a frame. On a
motorcycle, however, the frame is gone. You are 5. The word 'overwhelming' means
completely in contact with it all. You are in the (a) very strong (b) unavoidable
scene, not just watching it anymore, and the (c) interesting (d) humorous
sense of presence is overwhelming. Answers
[CDS 2017-I] 1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (a)

PPC Volume – I 185

 PASSAGE - 42 tussle. The catcher half-opened the lid of the box
I was lying down in a dark, lonely compartment and calmly put the quarry in. [CDS 2017-I]
of the speeding train, trying to sleep. But, quite 1 . When the writer saw Yuri holding a cobra
unusually, sleep eluded me. A vague uneasiness by the neck, he was 'struck dumb'. This
gripped me. It was pitch dark outside. A few means that he was
points of light flashed by as we sped through a (a) extremely delighted.
small station and in the dim light I thought I
(b) very much helpless,
saw a hand gripping the bars of my window.
Once again the train was swallowed up by the (c) rather surprised.
impenetrable darkness. My heart pounded. My (d) absolutely shocked.
mouth was parched. I could not get up. I do not 2. From the passage, Yuri appears to be a man
know how long I remained thus before the train
who is
began to slow down. The reassuring bright
lights of the station we were entering revealed (a) calm and courageous
no intruder. I breathed again. [CDS 2017-I] (b) cunning and crafty
1 . The narrator could not sleep because (c) noisy and dangerous
(a) he usually found it difficult to fall asleep. (d) active and jumpy.
(b) he could not find a place to lie down. 3. With reference to the passage, the following
(c) he was disturbed by some unspecified assumptions have been made:
thoughts.
1. The incident took place early in the
(d) the people near him were disturbing' morning.
him.
2. Yuri threw the snake away.
2 . In the dim light he saw
Which of these assumptions is/are correct ?
(a) someone trying to climb into the train.
(b) someone clinging to the bars of the (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
window. (c) Both land 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) someone was attempting to steal his Answers
bag.
1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (a)
(d) someone standing outside the window.
PASSAGE - 44
3. Which of the following words best describes
the condition of the traveller ? For many years, ship captains navigating the
waters of Antarctica have been intrigued by
(a) Cautious (b) Imaginative
sightings of emerald icebergs. Scientists have now
(c) Observant (d) Nervous
explained their mystery. There icebergs are
Answers turned upside down. Icebergs are blocks of ice
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (d) that have broken off huge slabs of frozen snow
called ice shelves. Their green appearance results
PASSAGE - 43
from sea water that has frozen at the bottom over
I was abruptly awakened by a noisy scuffle. The
hundreds of years. The frozen sea water has
sun, a mere fringe over the horizon, immediately
dissolved organic matter which givens it a yellow
chased away the grey half darkness. I was too
tone and the fresh water 'ice shelf above has a
sleepy to notice what was happening. Yuri was
rolling over on the ground. I ran up to him but blue tinge. When the iceberg turns upside down,
was struck dumb. With his right hand he was it appears green through the visual mix of yellow
holding a cobra by the neck. Two sharp fangs with the blue from below. [CDS 2017]
showed from its jaws. The battle was over in a 1 . What is the meaning of ‘intrigued’?
few minutes. A hollow hissing and convulsive (a) Surprised (b) Fascinated
jerks were then only reminders of a just-ended (c) Muffled (d) Repulsed

186 PPC Volume – I

2. What are ice shelves? 3. Forests are being destroyed in order to
(a) They are huge pieces of chunks of ice (a) provide land for agriculture
(b) They are frozen sea water (b) provide wood for fuel
(c) They are pieces of ice which look like
(c) kill dangerous animals
shelves
(d) They are huge pieces of ice which are (d) provide necessities as well as needless
very old comforts and pleasures
3. What are icebergs? 4. The evil effect of destroying Nature instead
(a) Huge chunks of ice floating on water of using it is seen in
(b) Frozen sea water (a) the fall in production of our factories
(c) Green ice
(b) the fall in our standard of living
(d) Green yellow water below and blue
above (c) the unfavourable changes in climate
4. When the iceberg turns upside down, it (d) frequent occurrence of epidemics
appears 5. Climatic changes and soil erosion are results
(a) green (b) yellow of
(c) blue (d) white
(a) scientific developments
Answers (b) nuclear explosion
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (a)
(c) natural calamity
PASSAGE - 45 (d) deforestation
In its simple form, science has helped man to
protect himself from Nature and to overcome Answers
natural obstacles to movement. But with the 1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (d)
advance of science, a situation has arisen in
PASSAGE - 46
which Nature need to be protected from man.
He has used Nature's own gifts, not only of metal According to the-civil laws of most countries
but even tha human brain, to attack Nature. obedience is no longer the duty of a wife; every
Forests are being destroyed not only to satisfy woman has the political right to vote; but these
need but to provide luxuries. The evil effects of liberties remain theoretical as long as she does
deforestation are already making themselves not have economic freedom. A woman supported
clearly felt in climatic changes and soil erosion. by a man is not liberated from the male. It is
Man has at last begun to learn that he has to through gainful employment that woman has
protect if he wants Nature to protect him. travelled most of the distance that separated her
[CDS 2017] from the male; and nothing else can guarantee
1 . The use of science in its simple form has her liberty in practice.
helped man to I once heard a maidservant declare, while
(a) do such things as building shelter and cleaning the stone floor of a hotel lobby, "I never
make carts, boats, etc. asked anybody for anything; I succeeded all by
(b) make bombs and missiles myself." She was as proud of her self-sufficiency
(c) build factories using machinery as a Rockefeller, Ford or Birla.
(d) make planes However, the mere combination of the right to
2 . Nature now needs to be protected from man vote and a job does not mean complete liberation
because : working, today, is not a liberty.
(a) nature has become weak A recent study of women workers in a car factory
(b) man is rapidly destroying Nature shows that they would prefer to stay in the home
(c) man is cruel to animals rather than work in the factory. The majority of
(d) man has become irrational women do not escape from the traditional

PPC Volume – I 187

feminine world. Their jobs at the factory do not population explosion of crisis dimensions. It has
relieve them of housekeeping burdens; they get largely diluted the fruits of the remarkable
from neither society nor their husbands, the economic progress that the nation has made
assistance they need to become in concrete fact during the last four decades or so. The entire
the equals of men. [CDS 2017] battle against poverty is thwarted by the rapid
1. Which of the following helps women most increase in the population. The tragedy is that
to achieve equality with men? while over-population accentuates poverty, the
(a) The right to vote (b) Civil liberties country's stark poverty itself is in many areas a
(c) A job (d) Wealthy husbands major cause of over-population. [CDS 2018-I]
2. Why does the writer talk about the 1. What is the irony behind the over-
maidservant in the hotel lobby? population of India?
(a) The servants of today will one day be (a) Over-population gives birth to poverty,
freed from their rich masters which (poverty) itself is the cause of
over-population
(b) A servant can become as rich as
Rockefeller or Birla (b) Under nourishment and unemployment
are outcomes of flawed economic
(c) Even with a low paid job women can
progress
achieve equality
(c) Fragmentation of land is leading to over-
(d) Economic independence is necessary for
population
women's liberation
(d) Fruits of the remarkable economic
3. In which paragraph does the writer say that
progress are trickling down to the poor
it is revealed that some women would not
like to work in the factory? 2. What is the general tone of the passage?
(a) In paragraph four (a) funny/humorous (b) sombre
(b) In paragraph three (c) didactic (d) tragic
(c) In paragraph two 3. What, in the author's view, severely affects
the economic growth of our country?
(d) In paragraph one
(a) poverty
4. "These liberties" in the first paragraph refer to
(b) illiteracy
(a) The right to vote, not to obey and right
to a job (c) over-population
(b) The right to vote and not to obey (d) None of the above
(c) The rights of servants to disobey their 4. What, according to the author, is the biggest
master and the right of the master to reason behind over-population?
punish them (a) under-nourishment
(d) Women's right to vote and earn money (b) unemployment
Answers (c) excessive fragmentation of land

1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (b)

(d) poverty
5. "It has largely diluted the fruits of the
PASSAGE - 47
remarkable economic progress". Find
Over-population is the most pressing of India's antonym of the underlined word
numerous and multi-faceted problems. In fact it
(a) coalesced (b) compounded
has caused equally complex problems such as
poverty, under-nourishment, unemployment (c) cheapened (d) consolidated
and excessive fragmentation of land. Answers
Indisputably, this country has been facing a 1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (d)

188 PPC Volume – I

 PASSAGE - 48 PASSAGE - 49
To eat and not be eaten - that's the imperative of I have always opposed the idea of dividing the
a caterpillar's existence. The leaf roller reduces words into the Orient and the Occident. It is,
its risks of being picked off by predators by however, the tremendous industrial growth that
silking together a temporary shelter in which to has made the West what it is. I think the
feed and rest. Adopting a different line of defense, difference, say between India and Europe in the
the jelly slug extrudes a sticky translucent 12th or 13th century would not have been very
coating that may foul the mouth- parts of great. Differences have been intensified by this
marauding ants. For its part, the aquatic larva, process of industrialization which has promoted
by its watery element, fashions a portable material well-being tremendously and which is
hideout from fragments of aquatic leaves. destroying the life of the mind, which is in a
Cutting a serpentine trail as it feeds on tender process of deterioration, chiefly because the
young leaves, the minute citrus leaf miner spends environment that has been created by it does
its entire larval life inside its host plant, thus not give time or opportunity to individuals to
keeping its appetizing body safely under wraps. think. If the life of the mind is not encouraged ,
then inevitably civilization collapses .
[CDS 2018-I]
[CDS 2018-I]
1 . Which varieties of caterpillars ‘build’
1 . The words "the Orient and the Occident"
shelters to protect themselves?
mean
(a) Leaf roller and aquatic larva
(a) the West and the East respectively
(b) Leaf roller and jelly slug (b) the East and the West respectively
(c) Jelly slug and aquatic larva (c) the North and the South respectively
(d) Jelly slug and citrus leaf miner (d) the South and the North respectively
2 . Which one of the following caterpillars 2 . The author believes that the difference
produces a sticky covering? between India and Europe in the 12th or 13
(a) Leaf roller (b) Jelly slug th century was not very great because
(c) Aquatic larva (d) Citrus leaf miner (a) Indians and Europeans mixed freely
3 . Which one of the following pairs of words (b) Indians imitated the European way of
in the passage describes enemies of the living
caterpillar? (c) Europeans imitated the Indian way of
(a) Serpentine and host living
(b) Predator and marauding (d) Industrialization had not yet taken place
(c) Serpentine and marauding 3 . In the opinion of the author,
Industrialization is
(d) Predator and host
(a) an absolute blessing
4 . Which one of the following makes itself
(b) an absolute curse
unpalatable?
(c) neither a blessing nor a curse
(a) Leaf roller (b) Jelly slug
(d) more of a curse than a blessing
(c) Aquatic larva (d) Leaf miner
4 . The author says that the mental life of the
5 . The main idea of the passage is that world is in a process of deterioration because
caterpillars the modern generation is
(a) like to eat a lot (a) endowed with low mental powers
(b) have to protect themselves while feeding (b) too lazy to exert its mental powers
(c) are good to eat (c) taught that physical activities are more
(d) are not good to eat important than mental
Answers (d) brought up in an environment
unfavourable to the growth of the
1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (b) mental life

PPC Volume – I 189

5. The title that best expresses the central idea (c) without dementia and with Alzheimer's
of the passage is disease
(a) difference between the Occident and the (d) with dementia and with Alzheimer's
Orient disease
(b) impact of Industrialization on our 3. Which word in the passage means 'earlier' ?
civilization (a) Performance (b) Absorbed
(c) advantages of Industrialization (c) Properties (d) Previously
(d) disadvantages of Industrialization 4. Eating turmeric
Answers (a) will reduce the chance of getting
Alzheimer's disease
1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (b)
(b) will increase curcumin
PASSAGE - 50 (c) will enhance dementia
Daily consumption of a certain form of curcumin (d) will reduce chance of getting cancer
improved memory and mood in people with 5. _____of a disease in a region depends on the
mild, age-related memory loss. The research food habits too.
examined the effects of an easily absorbed (a) Dominance (b) Prevalence
curcumin supplement on memory performance (c) Affection (d) Death
in people without dementia, as well as
curcumin's potential impact on the microscopic
Answers
plaques and tangled in the brains of people with 1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (b)
Alzheimer's disease. Found in turmeric, PASSAGE - 51
curcumin has previously been shown to have Mr. Rowland Hill, when a young man, was
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties walking through the Lake district, when he one
in laboratory studies. It has also been suggested day saw the postman deliver a letter to a woman
as a possible reason that senior citizens in India, at a cottage door. The woman turned it over and
where curcumin is a dietary staple, have a lower examined it and then returned it, saying she could
prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and better not pay the postage, which was a shilling. Hearing
cognitive performance. [CDS 2018-II] that the letter was from her brother, Mr. Hill paid
the postage, in spite of the manifest unwillingness
1. Which of the following statements are true ?
of the woman. As soon as the postman was out of
1. Senior citizens in India have high level sight, she showed Mr. Hill how his money had
of Alzheimer's disease because of been wasted, as far as she was concerned. The
consumption of turmeric. sheet was blank. There was an agreement
2. Senior citizens in India do not have high between her brother and herself that as long as
prevalence of Alzheimer's because of all went well with him, he should send a blank
consumption of turmeric. sheet in this way once a quarter and she thus had
tidings of him without expense of postage.
3. Consumption of turmeric enhances
[CDS 2018-II]
cognitive performance.
1 . The story uses irony as a technique because
4. Curcumin is an antioxidant.
(a) the woman returned her own brother's
Select the correct answer using the code letter without opening it
given below:
(b) the woman broke the agreement of
(a) 2,3 and 4 (b) 1,3 and 4 receiving blank letters to convey well
(c) 1 and 4 only (d) 1 and 3 only being of her brother
2. Curcumin has positive effect on people (c) Mr. Hill accepted the letter addressed to
the woman
(a) without dementia
(d) in the modern times a brother has no
(b) with Alzheimer's disease time to write a letter to his own sister

190 PPC Volume – I

2. The woman returned the letter to the 2. The statement, 'A dog will bark more loudly
postman because and bite more easily when people are afraid
(a) she could not pay the postage of him, than when they treat him with
(b) the letter was not addressed to her contempt...' implies that
(c) she already knew the contents of the letter (a) barking dogs seldom bite
(d) she hated the person who wrote the (b) we should not be afraid of dogs
letter (c) if we are afraid of others, they will leave
3. Mr. Hill paid the postage because us alone
(a) the letter was from her brother (d) if we are afraid of people, they will try
(b) the woman was his relative to scare us more
(c) the letter was addressed to him 3. The author compares men with dogs in
(d) he wanted to be kind to her respect of
4. The envelope contained (a) attacking others without any reason
(a) a currency note (b) attacking others when they are weak
(b) two written sheets (c) barking and biting
(c) no sheet at all (d) faithfulness to the master
(d) a blank sheet 4. You give promise of good hunting' means
5. The woman and her brother had agreed that (a) you are vulnerable
(a) the letter with no postage meant good (b) you are challenging
news (c) you are indomitable
(b) the blank sheet meant being well (d) you are confused
(c) the blank sheet meant bad news Answers
(d) the letter with no postage meant 1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (a)
unimportant news
PASSAGE - 53
Answers From 1600 to 1757 the East India Company's role
1. (c) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (b) in India was that of a trading corporation which
PASSAGE - 52 brought goods or precious metals into India and
exchanged them for Indian goods like textiles
In good many cases unnecessary timidity makes
and spices, which it sold abroad. Its profits came
the trouble worse than it needs to be. Public
primarily from the sale of Indian goods abroad.
opinion is always more tyrannical towards those Naturally, it tried constantly to open new
who obviously fear it than towards those who markets for Indian goods in Britain and other
feel indifferent to it. A dog will bark more loudly countries. Thereby, it increased the export of
and bite more easily when people are afraid of it Indian manufacturers, and thus encouraged
than when they treat him with contempt and their production. This is the reason why Indian
the human herd has something of this same rulers tolerated and even encouraged the
characteristic. If you show that you are afraid of establishment of the Company's factories in
them, you give promise of good hunting, whereas India. But, from the very beginning, the British
if you show indifference, they begin to doubt manufacturers were jealous of the popularity
their own power and, therefore tend to let you that India textiles enjoyed in Britain. All of a
alone. sudden, dress fashions changed and light cotton
1. If we are afraid of public opinion, the textiles began to replace the coarse woolens of
attitude of the people towards us is the English. Before, the author of the famous
(a) sympathetic (b) indifferent novel, Robinson Crusoe, complained that Indian
cloth had "crept into our houses, our closets and
(c) admiration (d) ruthless
bed chambers; curtains, cushions, chairs, and at

PPC Volume – I 191

last beds themselves were nothing but calicos 4. Which source is cited by the author to argue
or India stuffs". The British manufactureres, put that Indian textile was in huge demand in
pressure on their government to restrict and 18th century England
prohibit the sale of Indian goods in England. By (a) The archival source
1720, laws had been passed forbidding the wear
(b) The scientific source
or use of printed or dyed cotton cloth. In 1760 a
lady had to pay a fine of 200 for possessing an (c) The journalistic source
imported handkerchief! Moreover, heavy duties (d) The literary source
were imposed on the import of plain cloth. Other 5. "New and advanced technology" in the
European countries, except Holland, also either paragraph refers to
prohibited the import of Indian cloth or imposed (a) the French Revolution
heavy import duties. In spite of these laws, (b) the Glorious Revolution of England
however, Indian silk and cotton textiles still held
(c) the Industrial Revolution
their own in foreign markets, util the middle of
the eighteenth century when the English textile (d) the beginning of colonialism
industry began to develop on the basis of new Answers
and advanced technology. [CDS 2019-I]
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (c)
1. The East India Company was encouraging
PASSAGE - 54
the export o: Indian manufacturers because
Zimbabwe's prolonged political crisis reached
(a) it was a philanthropic trading
the boiling point earlier this month when
corporation
President Robert Mugabe dismissed the Vice-
(b) it wanted Indian manufacturers to
President, Emmerson Mnangagwa. A battle to
prosper in trade and commerce
succeed the 93-year-old liberation hero-turned
(c) it profited from the sale of Indian goods President had already been brewing withing the
in foreign markets ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-
(d) it feared Indian Kings who would not Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF), with the old guard
permit them trade in India backing Mr. Mnangagwa, himself a freedom
2. The people of England used Indian cloths fighter, and 'Generation 40', a grouping of
because younger leaders supporting Mr. Mugabe's 52-
(a) they loved foreign and imported clothes years-old- wife, Grace. Ms. Mugabe, Known for
her extravagant lifestyle and interfering ways,
(b) the Indian textile was light cotton
has been, vocal in recent months about her
(c) the Indian cloths were cheaper political ambitions. Mr. Mugabe was seen to
(d) the Indian cloths could be easily have endorsed her when on November 6 he
transported dismissed Mr. Mnangagwa. But Mr. Mugabe,
3. What died the British manufacturer do to who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independance
compete the Indian manufacturers? in 1980, erred on two counts: he underestimated
(a) They pressurized the government to his own power in a system he has helped shape.
levy heavy duties on export of Indian In the good old days, Mr. Mugabe was able to
clothes rule with an iron grip. But those days are gone.
(b) They pressurized the government to Age and health problems have weakened his
levy heavy duties on import of Indian hold on power, while there is a groundwell of
clothes anger among the public over economic
mismanagement. So when he turnede against a
(c) They requested people to change their
man long seen by the establishment as his
fashion preferences
successor, Mr. Mugabe left little doubt that he
(d) They lowered the prices of the Britain
was acting from a position of political weakness.
made textile
This gave the security forces the confidence to

192 PPC Volume – I

turn against him and make it clear they didn't Answers
want a Mugabe dynasty. The military doesn't
1. (c) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (d) 5. (c)
want to call its action a coup d'etat, for obvious
reasons. A coup would attract international PASSAGE - 55
condemnation, even sanctions. But it is certain Much has been said of the common ground of
that the army chief, Gen. Constantino Chiwenga, religious unity. I am not going just now to venture
is in charge. His plan, as it emerges, is to force my own theory. But if anyone here hopes that
Mr. Mugabe to resign and install a transitional this unity will come by the triumph of any one of
government, perhaps under Mr. Mnangagwa, the religions and the destruction of the others, to
until elections are held. [CDS 2019-I] him I say, "Brother , yours is an impossible hope."
1. In the paragraph, who has been called Do I wish that the Christian would become
liberation hero? Hindu? God forbid. Do I wish that the Hindu or
(a) Constantino Chiwenga Buddhist would become Christian? God forbid.
(b) Emmerson Mnangagwa The seed is put in the ground, and earth and air
and water are placed around it. Does the seed
(c) Robert Mugabe
become the earth, or the air, or the water? No. It
(d) Army Chief becomes a plant. It develops after the law of its
2. Mrs. Mugabe is supported by own growth, assimilates the air, the earth, and
(a) Mr. Mnangagwa the water, converts them into plant substance,
(b) Mr. Mugabe and grows into a plant. Similar is the case with
(c) Generation 40 religion. The Christian is not to become a Hindu
or a Buddhist, nor a Hindu or a Buddhist to
(d) Zanu-PF
become a Christian. But each must assimilate the
3. Mr. Mugabe's political weakness became spirit of the others and yet preserve his
apparent when individuality and grow according to his own law
(a) he endorsed his wife of growth. If the Parliament of Religions has shown
(b) he turned against the army anything to the world, it is this: it has proved to
(c) he suffered from health issues the world that holiness, purity and charity are
not the exclusive possessions of any church in
(d) he dismissed Mr. Mnangagwa
the world, and that every system has produced
4. The security forces of Zimbabwe staged a men and women of the most exalted character. In
coup against the President because the face of this evidence, if anybody dreams of the
(a) they wanted Mrs. Mugabe as the exclusive survival of his own religion and
President destruction of the others, I pity him from the
(b) they were aware of Mugabe's failing bottom of my heart, and point out to him that
wealth upon the banner of every religion will soon be
(c) they disliked Mugabe's extravagent written in spite of resistance:: "Help and not fight,"
lifestyle "Assimilation and not Destruction," "Harmony
(d) they did not want a Mugabe dynasty and Peace and not Dissension." [CDS 2019-I]
1. According to the author of the passage,
5. Why does the military not want to call it a
people should
coup d'etat?
(a) change their religions
(a) Because coup is immoral
(b) follow their religions and persuade
(b) Because coup is illegal
others to follow it
(c) Because coup would lead to
(c) follow their own religions and respect
international censure and sanctions
other religions
(d) Because it would make the public revolt
(d) disrespect other religions
PPC Volume – I 193
2. The Parliament of Religions is Then came 'the pastoral stage', which was
(a) A Christian organisation marked by a certain amount of economic
(b) a Buddhist organisation activity. The nomadic and migratory nature of
man persisted and together with his goats and
(c) a Hindu organisation
cattle, he moved on to fresh pastures and
(d) a platform for discussion about every meadows. Some conflicts would sometimes take
religion of the world place among herd-owners, for, during this
3. What does the author think about those who period, the institution of nominal private
dream about the exclusive survival of their property ownership was not know.
own religions and the destruction of the This stage paves the way for 'the agricultural
others? stage', during which the class system began to
(a) He hates them develop. There was a small artisan class mostly
(b) He desires to imprison them self-employed; and there were also landed
(c) He pities them (d) He praises them proprietors or Zamindars as well as slaves.
4. According to the passage, what is Thus, arose the feudal system. During the fourth
"impossible hope"? stage of these developments, 'the handicrafts
stage', a number of social and economic changes
(a) One day, all the people of the world will
took place which marked the beginning of the
follow only one religion
labour problem in the world. The self-sufficient
(b) One day, there will be no religion economy of the village underwent a drastic
(c) Purity and charity are the exclusive change. The community of traders and
possessions merchants emerged. [CDS 2019-II]
(d) Banner of every religion will soon be 1. Humanity's evolution from primitive stage
written to the present has been
Answers (a) static and smooth
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (a) (b) huge and diversified
PASSAGE - 56 (c) always violent
(d) always peaceful
Mankind's experience of various evolutionary
changes from primitive times to the present day 2. ____ "man's problems were never before as
has been extensive and varied. However, man's complicated as they seem to be today" means
problems were never before as complicated as (a) the present times are the best times of
they seem to be today. Man's economic activity humanity
centres primarily around production. Labour is (b) the present times are the crucial period
said to be the primary factor of production; its for humanity
role, therefore, has been given a lot of importance. (c) the present times pose much more
It should be useful to have an overall view of the challenges to humans than the previous
economic history of man—from the nomadic times
times to the modern factory system—and study (d) the present times provide much more
its relevance to the various labour problems of facilities than the previous time
today.
3. Why does the author say that labour
Initially, man passed through 'the hunting and
problems did not exist during 'the hunting
fishing stage'. During this period, his basic needs
and fishing stage'?
were adequately met by Nature. Wild animals,
birds and fruits satisfied his hunger, and his (a) There was no nation existing at that
thirst was quenched by the waters of springs time
and rivers. Caves gave him shelter and barks of (b) There were no economic, political and
trees were used as clothing. During this stage of social systems
man's progress, labour problems did not exist (c) There was no capitalism and market
because of the absence of any economic, political (d) There was no labour law
and social systems.
194 PPC Volume – I
4. "The pastoral stage was marked by a certain laws is difficult. It is clear that without massive
amount of economic activity." How? mobilization of the rural poor and depending
(a) Human started migrating and held goat- on democratic governance in rural India, very
herds little can be achieved in this direction. Although
(b) Humans started owning land half of India's population continues to depend
on agriculture as its primary source of
(c) Conflicts started as humans owned livelihood, 83 percent of farmers operate
goats holdings of less than 2 hectares in size, and the
(d) Humans started doing agriculture average holding size is only 1.23 hectares. This
5. Which word in the passage means 'surfaced'? is often in fragments and unirrigated. There are
(a) Quenched (b) Emerged also those who are entirely landless, although
(c) Nomadic (a) Adequately agriculture is their main source of livelihood.
They have inadequate financial resources to
Answers purchase and often depend on leasing in small
1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (b) plots, on insecure terms, for short periods,
sometimes only for one season. Hence, many face
PASSAGE - 57
insecurity of tenure and the growing threat of
Ever since independence, land reforms have been land alienation and pressure from urbanization,
a major instrument of State policy to promote industrialization and powerful interest.
both equity and agricultural investment.
[CDS 2019-II]
Unfortunately, progress on land reforms has
been slow, reflecting the resilience of structures 1 . Why does the land reform prove to be slow?
of power that gave rise to the problem in the (a) Because of the disparity in power
first place. The main instrument for realizing structure
more equitable distribution of land is the land (b) Because of the power of the government
ceiling laws. These laws were enacted by several (c) Because States have different laws
States during the late 1950s and 1960s, and the (d) Because of the scarcity of land in the
early 1970s saw more stringent amendments in country
the laws to plug loopholes in the earlier laws.
2 . Which of the following statements is/are
But the record of implementation has not been
correct?
satisfactory. Around 3 million hectares of land
has been declared surplus so far, which is hardly 1. Land ceiling laws have proved to be
2 percent of net sown area in India. About 30 unsatisfactory.
percent of this land has not yet been distributed 2. The democratic structure of the
as it is caught up in the litigations. Besides, a government cannot provide solution to
number of Benami and clandestine transactions the problem of land reforms.
have resulted in illegal possession of significant 3. The owners of land have abundant
amounts of land above ceiling limits. There are natural resources.
widespread reports of allotment of inferior, 4. Identified land for distribution has not
unproductive, barren and wasteland to landless been distributed due to court cases
household, many of whom have been forced to against it. Select the correct answer
sell it off, in the absence of resources to make it using the code given below.
productive. In many instances, lands allotted to (a) 1 and 4 (b) 1 only
the rural poor under the ceiling laws are not in (c) 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 4
their possession. In some cases, Pattas were
3 . One of the reasons of selling off the lands by
issued to the beneficiaries, but possession of land
the allottees is that the lands were
shown in the Pattas was not given or
(a) unproductive and barren
corresponding changes were not made in the
records of right. The balance of power in rural (b) salty, not getting water
India is so heavily weighed against the landless (c) fertile, but uncultivable
and the poor that implementing land ceiling (d) with the powerful people

PPC Volume – I 195

4. Which word/group of words in the passage 1. Which one of the following statements is
means 'lawsuit? true according to the author?
(a) Amendments (b) Litigations (a) Agriculture has always been part of all
(c) Illegal possession (d) Fragments civilizations.
5. According to the author, what is the (b) Not all civilizations have undergone the
primary source of livelihood of majority of processes of agriculture.
India's population? (c) Agriculture gave birth to new civilizations.
(a) Industry (b) Forest (d) Communities discontinued agriculture
(c) Agriculture (d) None to become civilizations.
6. "There are also those who are entirely 2. A significant number of people were sent to
landless, although agriculture is their main carry out other work from agriculture
source of livelihood" means because
(a) they do not have money to buy lands (a) there were insufficient agricultural
(b) they have sold off their lands to others products.
(c) most of them are agriculture labourers (b) people were needed to build
(d) they are migrant labourers from other monuments, weapons, jewellery, etc.
places (c) there were sufficient agricultural
products.
Answers (d) this enabled the development of
1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (a) civilizations.
PASSAGE - 58 3. What kind of agriculture based societies
Not all agricultural societies become civilizations, would emerge as civilizations ?
but no civilization can become one without (a) Societies which achieved high
passing through the stage of agriculture. This is productivity in agriculture had the
because at some stage in the development of opportunity to find time for other work.
agriculture, as productivity improves, not all (b) Societies which depended on agriculture
people would need to be engaged in producing or completely moved to other fruitful work
procuring food. A significant number of people so as to move to many places.
could be freed up to pursue other activities such (c) Societies which transitioned from one
as building walls or monuments for new cities; stage of agriculture to another.
making new tools, weapons and jewellery; (d) Societies which could not do agriculture
organizing long-distance trade; creating new for lack of resources moved to other work.
artistic masterpieces; coming up with new
4. People as groups were convinced to do new
inventions; keeping accounts; and perhaps
work through
constructing new public infrastructure such as
irrigation canals that further improve the (a) reward, force and community
productivity of agriculture, thus realizing even persuasions.
more people to do new things. (b) ideologies, hierarchies and power
This can happen, of course, only if a society that structures.
has transitioned to high-productivity (c) excessive agricultural products.
agriculture has also, at some stage in its (d) very high rewards.
evolution, found a way to channel the bonanza 5. Which word in the passage means
of free time into other work fruitfully. In the 'changeover' ?
ancient world, this often involved creating new
(a) Transitioned (b) Channel
ideologies and new hierarchies or power
structures to coerce or otherwise convince large (c) Coerce (d) Hierarchies
groups of people to devote their time to the new Answers
tasks for very little reward. [CDS 2020-I] 1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (a)

196 PPC Volume – I

 PASSAGE - 59 (b) change the types of topics we read.
When we pick up a newspaper, a book or an (c) break the routine of reading the same
article, we come to our task with certain newspaper.
preconceptions and predispositions. We expect (d) stop reading for some time and then
to find a specific piece of information or be restart reading.
presented with an argument or an analysis of 4. Which quality does the author here
something, say, the likelihood of recession in the advocate, to be a good reader ?
next six months or the reasons why children (a) Being objective to the ideas of the author
can't read. We probably know a little about the
(b) Having preconceptions and
book or article we are reading even before we
predispositions
start. There was, after all, some reason why we
chose to read one piece of writing rather than (c) Having continuous routines
another. Our expectations and predispositions (d) Disagreeing with the author
may, however, blind us to what the article and 5. Which word in the passage means
its author is actually saying. If, for example, we Viewpoints' ?
are used to disagreeing with the author, we may (a) Preconceptions (b) Predispositions
see only what we expect to see and not what is (c) Pattern (d) Perspectives
actually there. Day after day in our routine
pattern of life we expose ourselves to the same Answers
newspaper, the same magazine, even books by 1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (d)
authors with the same perspectives. In order to
PASSAGE - 60
reflect on our reading habits and improve our
Post colonial cultural analysis has been
skills we need to break out of this routine, step
concerned with the elaboration of theoretical
back and look at what we are doing when we
structures that contest the previous dominant
read. [CDS 2020-I]
western ways of seeing things. A simple analogy
1 . According to the author, which one of the would be with feminism, which has involved a
following statements is not true ? comparable kind of project: there was a time
(a) Readers preconceptions influence their when any book you might read, any speech you
reading. might hear, any film that you saw, was always
(b) Readers have expectations when they told from the point of view of male. The woman
read an article or a book. was there, but she was always an object, never
a subject. From what you would read, or the
(c) Readers look for specific information in films you would see, the woman was always
any of their readings. the one who was looked at. She was never the
(d) Readers assume that everything they observing eye. For centuries it was assumed that
read will have new information. women were less intelligent than men and that
2 . Our expectations and predispositions may, they did not merit the same degree of education.
however, blind us because They were not allowed a vote in the political
(a) we may not get the actual ideas of the system. By the same token, any kind of
knowledge developed by women was regarded
author.
as non-serious, trivial, gossip or alternatively
(b) we will get the actual ideas of the author. as knowledge that had been discredited by
(c) we may disagree with the author. science, such as superstition or traditional
(d) we will agree with all the ideas of the practices of childbirth or healing. All these
author. attitudes were part of a larger system in which
women were dominated, exploited, and
3 . One of the ways to improve our reading
physically abused by men. Slowly, but
habits is to
increasingly, from the end of 18th century,
(a) break the routine by changing the time feminists began to contest this situation. The
of reading. more they contested it, the more it became

PPC Volume – I 197

increasingly obvious that these attitudes Answers
extended into the whole of the culture; social
1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (d)
relations, politics, law, medicine, the arts,
popular and academic knowledge. PASSAGE - 61
[CDS-2020-II] How wonder fill is the living world! The wide
1. Post colonialism is range of the living types is amazing. The
(a) a contestation of the then existing extraordinary habitats in which we find living
dominant western practices organisms, be it cold mountains, deciduous
(b) a contestation of western practices in forests, oceans, fresh water lakes, deserts or hot
colonial states springs, leave us speechless. The beauty of a
galloping horse, or a migrating bird, the valley
(c) a contestation of the superstitious practices
of flowers or the attacking shark evokes awe and
(d) an approval of indigenous practices a deep sense of wonder. The ecological conflict
2. What does '... she was always an object, and cooperation among members of a
never a subject' mean? population and among populations of a
(a) Women were given respect and wors community or even a molecular traffic inside a
hipped cell make us deeply reflect on - what indeed is
(b) Women were not given any right equal life? This question has two implicit questions
to men within it. The first is a technical one and seeks
(c) Women were treated at par with men answer to what living is as opposed to the
(d) Women liked to be treated inferior to nonliving, and the second is the philosophical
men one, and seeks answer to what the purpose of
life is.
3. Why was 'she never the observing eye'?
(a) She was beautiful, so she was observed What is living? When we try to define 'living',
by men we conventionally look for distinctive
characteristics exhibited by living organisms.
(b) She liked to be observed by men
Growth, reproduction, ability to sense
(c) Women were assumed to be less environment and mount a suitable response
intelligent than men
come to our mind immediately as unique
(d) Women were assumed to be more features of living organisms. One can add a few
intelligent than men more features like metabolism, ability to self-
4. The contestation to dominance of the male replicate, self-organize, interact and emergence
resulted in to this list. [CDS-2020-I]
(a) participation of women in social 1. Why are the living types amazing?
relations, politics, law, medicine, the
(a) The extraordinary diversity of habitats
arts, popular and academic knowledge
makes it amazing
(b) participation of men in social relations,
(b) The living organisms are acting as per
politics, law, medicine, the arts, popular
their interests
and academic knowledge
(c) The human thinking makes the living
(c) participation of women in social
types amazing
movements
(d) The evolution of life makes it amazing
(d) contestations with males in life leading
to divorce 2. Why does the author say, 'ecological conflict
and cooperation'?
5. Which word in the passage is opposite of
'contrast'? (a) Because living organisms are structured
this way
(a) Contestations (b) Trivial
(b) Because ecological mechanism works
(c) Discredited (d) Analogy with conflict and cooperation

198 PPC Volume – I

 (c) Because humans want to fight and live 4. At last she was able to get some solace as the
together matter has been resolved amicably
(d) Because living organisms some-times (a) comfort (b) relief
fight and sometimes live together
(c) punishment (d) aggravation
3. Which of the following statements is true of
the passage? 5. Twenty first century has turned out to be a
(a) Meaning of life could be reflected as to century of problems contrary to the thinking
what living is as opposed to the non- that it would be a better time
living and what the purpose of life is (a) similar (b) different
(b) Meaning of life could be reflected as to (c) divergent (d) good faith
how living organisms live and non-
living organisms exist 6. The poet said that poetry is a spontaneous
(c) Meaning of life could be reflected as to overflow of powerful feelings
where the life begins and where it ends (a) prepared (b) alerted
(d) Meaning of life could be reflected on how (c) deliberate (d) well executed
various living organisms differ
7. Language is an instrument for asserting
4. Distinctive characteristics exhibited by
one's identity, attitude and perspective
organisms indicate that
(a) they are living organisms (a) declaring (b) supporting
(b) they are non-living organisms (c denying (d) propagating
(c) they can be either living organisms or 8. He has been exonerated as he tendered an
non-living organisms apology
(d) they know the purpose of life
(a) honoured (b) pardoned
5. Which word in the passage means 'unique'?
(a) common (b) characteristics (c) convicted (d) felicitated
(c) distinctive (d) general 9. Persuasion is essential for people to work as
a team
Answers
1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (c) (a) Dislike (b) Discouraging
Directions: Each item in this section consists of (c) Convincing (d) Deter
sentences with an underlined word followed by 10. Every habitat has some distinctive
four words or group of words. Select the opption vegetation which defines the ecosystem
that is opposite in meaning to the underlined
word and mark your response on the answer (a) unique (b) common
sheet accordingly. [CDS-2021-I] (c) special (d) unfamiliar
1 . His arguments are not valid. People consider Answers
it bombastic
1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (a)
(a) outdated (b) straightforward
6. (a) 7. (c) 8. (c) 9. (b) 10. (b)
(c) verbose (d) not true
2 . The decision was absurd for many of the PASSAGE - 62
members of the team Conventional education makes independent
(a) bizarre (b) meaningless thinking extremely difficult. Conformity leads to
mediocrity. To be different from the group or to
(c) reasonable (d) thoughtful
resist environment is not easy and is often risky
3. Relatives of deceased have been informed as long as we worship success. The urge to be
about the accident successful, which is the pursuit of reward whether
(a) injured (b) alive in the materials or in the so-called spiritual
(c) dead (d) survived sphere, the search for inward or outward
security, the desire for comfort - this whole

PPC Volume – I 199

process smothers discontent, put an end to (c) uncomprehendingly
spontaneity and breed fear; and fear blocks the (d) discontent
intelligent understanding of life. With increasing 5. The word "uncomprehendingly" in the
age, dullness of mind and heart sets in. passage means
In seeking comfort, we generally find a quiet (a) Achieve success
corner in life where there is a minimum of (b) Earning money
conflict, and then we are afraid to step out of
(c) Without knowing
that seclusion. This fear of life, this fear of struggle
and of a new experience, kills in us the spirit of (d) With complete knowledge
adventure; our whole upbringing and education Answers
have made us afraid to be different from our 1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (c)
neighbour, afraid to think contrary to the
PASSAGE - 63
established pattern of society, falsely respectful
of authority and tradition. Noise is a common problem in both urban and
Fortunately, there are a few who are in earnest, rural areas, traffic noise in particular. Trees and
who are willing to examine our human problems shrubs are not only visually attractive but also
without the prejudice of the right or of the left; can make effective noise barriers. Therefore when
but in the vast majority of us, there is no real space permits we have to plant more trees and
spirit of discontent, or revolt. When we yield shrubs in areas where there is noise problem.
uncomprehendingly to environment, any spirit By doing this noise can be reduced by six decibels
of revolt that may have had died down, and our over a distance of 30 metres. The only thing we
responsibilities soon put an end to it. have to keep in mind is that the planting should
[CDS-2021-I] be particularly dense ; the trees which have
1. Why does conventional education make dense foliage and relatively vertical orientation
independent thinking extremely difficult ? of arrangements should be planted. It will
(a) It does not encourage disagreement. completely screen the source of noise. If there is
(b) It does not accept conformity. any gap in barrier it will still allow noise to
(c) It is not fact based, but problem based. penetrate. Single layer of trees is worthless as a
noise barrier. Due to inter-reflection, multi-rows
(d) It is only religious education.
of trees are more effective. The planted trees must
2. Wors hipping success leads to
be taller. We can reduce noise level by 1.5 decibels
(a) questioning the established practices with each additional 3 feet of tree height.
(b) accepting the established practices When the opportunity to use trees is restricted
(c) modifying the established practices a combination of shrubs and tall grass can be
(d) neither acceptipg nor rejecting the used. Instead of tarmac or gravel surfaces soft
established practices grass ground cover is preferable. It will absorb
3. Why do most people want to find a quiet noise rather than reflect it. Rows of trees, shrubs,
corner in life? crotons, ground covering plants, climbers and
(a) Becaue they do not like to be in peace their flowers not only reduce noise and provide
(b) Because they seek pleasure a beautiful backyard they also help block wind,
(c) Because they seek comfort provide shade, and absorb traffic pollution.
(d) Because they do not worship success 1. What distance a good number of trees can
4. Which word in the passage means 'bias' ? cover in reducing noise? [CDS-2021-I]
(a) contrary (a) 30 metres (b) 60 metres
(b) prejudice (c) 3 metres (d) 300 metres

200 PPC Volume – I

2. Trees can reduce noise only when when they enjoy a secure income, are as happy
(a) planted in isolation as the mice that eat the crumbs from their tables
(b) planted with flowering shrubs while the erudite gentlemen snooze. In this
respect, therefore, I am not convinced that there
(c) they are planted dense
has been any progress at all. [CDS-2021-II]
(d) planted with shorter ones
1 . The birds die of hunger in winter because
3. ' Single layer of trees is worthless as a noise
(a) they do not move to warmer places
barrier.' Why?
(b) people do not feed them
(a) Noise can't penetrate easily
(c) they do not get the food of their choice
(b) Help in the growth of shrubs
(d) they are too young to get the food
(c) Noise is sent back to the source
2. The birds do not foresee the cata-strophe
(d) Noise can penetrate easily
because they
4. Higher the trees
(a) cannot predict an accident
(a) higher the noise
(b) overlook a difficult situation
(b) lower the noise
(c) cannot expect a sudden disaster
(c) greater the decibels
(d) ignore the problems
(d) thinner the air
3. Human beings cannot be happy because
5. How do shrubs and tall grass reduce noise?
they
(a) They absorb noise
(a) do not get time to enjoy
(b) They reflect noise
(b) worry too much about their work
(c) They divert noise
(c) are not healthy
(d) They are neutral to noise
(d) worry too much about future
Answers 4. Which one of the following is the antonym
1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (a) of the word 'erudite' in the passage ?
PASSAGE - 64 (a) Qualified (b) Ill-educated
As to happiness, I am not so sure. Birds, it is (c) Logical (d) Learned
true, die of hunger in large numbers during the 5. Which one of the following is the central
winter, if they are not birds of passage. But theme of the passage ?
during the summer they do not foresee this (a) Life of the birds and the mice
catastrophe, or remember how nearly it befell (b) Starvation in India and central Europe
them in the previous winter. With human beings
(c) Progress of mankind
the matter is otherwise. I doubt whether the
percentage of birds that will have died of hunger (d) Disasters in 1946-47
during the present winter (1946-47) is as great Answers
as the percentage of human beings that will have 1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (b)
died from this cause in India and central Europe
during the same period. But even human death PASSAGE - 65
by starvation is preceded by a long period of More than eight months after the national
anxiety, and surrounded by the corresponding lockdown was announced in late March, urban
anxiety of neighbours. We suffer not only the India is learning to live with the Covid-19
evils that actually befell us, but all those that pandemic. In fact, indicating a positive outlook
our intelligence tells us we have reason to fear. for the future, many survey respondents in a
The curbing of impulses to which we are led by recent survey say they plan to return to pre-
forethought averts physical disaster at the cost lockdown levels of shopping, personal grooming,
of worry, and general lack of joy. I do not think going to cinemas and socializing as a pandemic
that the learned men of my acquaintance, even fears continues to recede.
PPC Volume – I 201
The survey findings highlight that the 5. What, according to the author, is the reason
suppression of consumer demand because of behind suppression of consumer demands ?
fears of job losses and salary cuts could be coming (a) The lack of vaccine till date
to an end. Increasingly, urban Indians are (b) Professional insecurity
shopping, increased confidence about the future (c) Motive to save up some money
of the economy. This could be an indicator of the
(d) Careful and calculative attitude of the
possible 'pent-up demand' that several
general public
economists have been talking about — a demand
that could be unleashed once a vaccine is Answers
developed and distributed, or when there are 1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (b)
signs of the pandemic's spread reducing to PASSAGE - 66
negligible levels or vanishing totally. Around 65 All organisms such as plants, animals,
per cent of respondents said they had settled microorganisms and human beings as well as
into new routines, or that they saw signs of the the physical surroundings interact with each
situation improving, or they had come to terms other and maintain a balance in nature. All the
with the pandemic and were moving on with interacting organisms in an area together with
their lives. And since the survey was conducted the non-living constituents of the environment
before the news of the successful trials of the form an ecosystem. Thus, an ecosystem consists
Pfizer vaccine for the coronavirus was of biotic components comprising living
announced, it is likely that the consumers are organisms and abiotic components comprising
now even more positive in their outlook about physical factors like temperature, rainfall, wind,
the future. [CDS-2021-II] soil and minerals. For example, if you visit a
1. The general tone of the passage is that of garden you will find different plants, such as
grasses, trees; flower-bearing plants like rose,
(a) Optimism (b) Pessimism
jasmine, sunflower; and animals like frogs,
(c) Fatalism (d) Defeatism insects and birds. All these living organisms
2. The willingness of consumers to go back to interact with each other and their growth,
normal lifestyle indicates their reproduction and other activities are affected by
(a) Casual attitude the abiotic components of the ecosystem. So a
garden is an ecosystem. Other types of
(b) Change of moods
ecosystems are forests, ponds and lakes. These
(c) Desire for future plans are natural ecosystems while gardens and crop-
(d) Sense of economic security fields are human-made ecosystems.
3. Which statement in the passage/phrase [CDS-2021-II]
indicates that 'Life must go on' ? 1 . The general tone of the passage is
(a) They settled into their new routines (a) critical. (b) satirical,
(b) Salary cuts could be coming to an end (c) analytical. (d) informational.
(c) People are moving on with their lives 2 . Which of the following is a non-living
(d) 'Pent-up demand' constituent of the environment?
4. What does the author mean by 'pent-up (a) Wind (b) Bacteria
demand' ? (c) Grasses (d) Frog
(a) Desire (suppressed) to spend money 3 . Abiotic components of the ecosystem refer to
once pandemic is controlled (a) living organisms.
(b) Economic normalcy of consumers (b) non-living organisms.
(c) Flamboyant shopping by consumers (c) natural surroundings.
(d) Criticism of the public on the pay-cuts (d) physical factors.

202 PPC Volume – I

4. Which of the following is not a natural this — cannot be over tomorrow, or for many
ecosystem? tomorrows. Somehow it is like being rubbed
(a) Crop-field (b) Forest down with sandpaper. I honestly do not know
(c) Pond (d) Lake how many storms there have been now, and
5. The word 'constituent' in the passage each leaves us progressively weaker.' "Tonight
implies we lie and wait. Nothing could save us if we get
into difficulties. No ship could get us off these seas
(a) constellation. (b) consternation,
even if it arrived in time. We are completely in
(c) component. (d) constriction.
God's hands, at the mercy of the weather. All night
Answers the wind screams louder and louder, and the
1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (c) sound of the sea grows. We talk of many things —
the night train to Scotland, the many things we've
PASSAGE - 67 done, and slowly we are overtaken by an
As we discussed food and sang every song we enormous feeling of humility and a desire to
could remember and talked incessantly, we were return to try and live a better life. The weather
slowly moving deeper into the Atlantic, and we reached a climax at 0300 and then declined
got the feeling, really, that we belonged there, rapidly Thank goodness we could not see the sea."
and that the ships that passed on the horizon [CDS-2021-II]
were only hurrying strangers. We were actually
1 . "We were actually living on the ocean."
living on the ocean. We discovered that the birds
implies
all seemed to league up at night-time, resting on
the water by the hundreds. When we came (a) they were homeless.
poking along, we seemed so much a part of the (b) they were on a long voyage into the
sea that the birds wouldn't move until We were Atlantic.
about five yards away. Then they'd flutter off, (c) they were without any source of income.
leaving feathers floating in the water, and settle (d) they were fishing deep into the Atlantic
again a few yards away. for their living.
The dolphins and porpoises would come up at 2 . "....... the birds all seemed to league up a night-
sunset and move in among us and the birds. time," implies
They'd come up very lazily under the birds,
(a) left alone at night-time.
which would go up on their heels and flap their
wings a bit, and then settle right down again. (b) isolated at night-time.
Two whales joined us one evening and played (c) get together at night-time.
ring-around-rosie so close to us that Chay could (d) stay in groups at night-time.
have reached out an oar and tapped one. 3 . What did the author write in his log?
We had calculated that we had just enough (a) They faced the worst kind of fear ever
rations to make England, but the easterly winds experienced.
caused an agonizing reappraisal. It would have (b) They were excellent in boxing and
been an interesting experience, running right parachuting.
down like that, but we fell, we must not risk
(c) They faced the storms bravely.
other people's lives by making them search for
us. We decided to accept rations from the next (d) They starved for food.
ship that stopped. Was it a mature decision ? 4 . They lost all hope of survival because
This was also the time when the strain of the (a) it was freezing cold.
voyage really began to tell on us. I wrote in my (b) there was no help coming to them.
log :' I have known fear many times in my life,
(c) they were facing a severe sea-storm.
and indeed I have often striven to develop a
situation that provided fear in both boxing and (d) they were frightened by the whales and
parachuting. I have never known anything like dolphins.

PPC Volume – I 203

5. "We are overtaken by an enormous feeling interference were intended to show the world
of humility." implies that they Beijing would not seek to become a global
(a) have lost faith in themselves. “hegemon”, its favoured term to describe the U.S.
(b) were ready to accept help from the ships 1. China’s objective of signing a security pact
around them. with Solomon Islands is
(c) needed equipment and food to survive. (a) to contribute in ensuring security in the
(d) have accepted the strength and power Pacific.
of nature with modesty. (b) to extend its territory.
Answers (c) to develop Solomon Islands.
1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (d) (d) to provide financial aid in enhancing
PASSAGE - 68 security measures in the Pacific.
China’s government announced on April 19 that 2. The Pact symbolises China’s doctrine of
it had signed a landmark security pact with the (a) advancing financial support to
Solomon Islands, evoking concern from Australia countries.
and the U.S. The agreement is the first of its kind (b) deployment of security forces wherever
that China has agreed with any country, and needed.
underlines its ambitions to play a security role
(c) advancement of defence technology.
in the Pacific. The final version has not been made
(d) principles of peaceful coexistence.
public. It will pave the way for China to deploy
its security forces there. The Solomon Islands 3. Which one of the following is implied by
can request police and military personnel “to ‘Beijing would not seek to become a global
assist in maintaining social order”, while China hegemon’?
can make ship visits and use its ports for (a) Beijing would aspire to become a strong
logistics. This will give China’s vessels a strategic ruler.
foothold in the Pacific, in a region close to (b) Beijing is ambitious of becoming a
Australia and Guam, where the U.S. has a naval Superpower
base. Both countries unsurprisingly expressed (c) Beijing is not aspiring to have control
concern, with Washington, even dispatching a over the world.
senior official to the Solomon Islands, who will
(d) Beijing will play an important role in
take up the pact as well as plans to reopen the
world politics.
U.S. Embassy there.
4. What does ‘square with that idea’ imply in
The significance of the pact extends beyond the
the passage ?
immediate regional security concerns in the
(a) Having multiple ideas
Pacific. The Solomon Islands government said
the agreement does not imply China will build a (b) Not in agreement with the idea
base there. The pact does, however, relate to a (c) Imposing personal views on others
second key pillar of China’s avowed “peaceful (d) Agreeing with the multiple views
rise” doctrine, which was, as popularised by 5. What does ‘strategic foothold’ imply in the
“Panchsheel” or the “five principles of peaceful passage?
coexistence” — the “non-interference” in the
(a) Valid entry
internal affairs of other countries. The
(b) Planned access
deployment of security forces in a foreign
country certainly does not square with that idea. (c) Legitimate passage
China has already begun to do so elsewhere, (d) Sanctioned routes
albeit on a limited scale. China’s past Answers
commitments on military bases and non- 1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (b)

204 PPC Volume – I

 PASSAGE - 69 3. ‘… forests to act as a carbon sink’ means
Among the major objectives of the Glasgow · (a) Forests reduce carbon emission.
Summit was to frame the foundation of an (b) Depletion of forest cover adds to carbon
international carbon trading system listed in the emission.
Paris Agreement to achieve the target of net zero (c) Forests cannot reduce carbon emission.
emissions by 2050. It would enable nations to (d) Forests can improve the environment.
transfer credits to each other and offset their 4. What is the concern about the integrity of
emission targets. Critics of the trading system, the accounting system ?
and there are many, say it would give leeway to
(a) Developed countries and companies
developed countries and companies that are
would not be adhering to the credit
highly polluting to stave off making deeper cuts
system.
in their low emissions by buying credits from
(b) Developed countries and companies
poorer countries at exploitative prices. There are
would be adhering to the credit system.
also major differences over whether the new
trading system will recognize historical (c) Poor countries would not be adhering
emissions permitted under earlier protocols. to the credit system on carbon emission.
Others want rules that permit double credits (d) Poor countries would be adhering to the
for the nation funding a particular carbon credit system on carbon emission.
reducing project, such as the regeneration of 5. Which of the following words is nearer to
forests to act as a carbon sink, and for the country the meaning of the word ‘protocol’ in the
implementing it. A third issue is whether a share text ?
of the revenue from such a bilateral trading (a) final truth
agreement will go toward the UN’s Adaptation (b) school of thought
Fund. There have also been concerns about the (c) formal ways of doing something
integrity of the accounting system for such
(d) meeting the target of 100%
credits. [CDS-2022]
1. What is ‘international carbon trading
Answers
system’ here? 1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (c)
(a) Counting carbon emissions by poor PASSAGE - 70
countries The RBI expects inflation at 6.7 percent in 2022 –
(b) A system of counting carbons every year 23. Recent government data also suggests that
(c) The exchange of carbon credits between inflation has . become more broad-based.
Excluding the volatile components such as food
nations
and fuel, çore retail inflation was around 7
(d) Counting how developed countries percent in April, with almost all subgroups in
evade accountability the index witnessing elevated inflation. And
2. What is the third issue being mentioned in considering the inflation in the pipeline — the
the context of ‘share of the revenue’? wholesale price index continues to be in double
(a) The revenue may not be shared with digits — price pressures are unlikely to dissipate
in the immediate term. According to analysts,
UN’s Adaptation Fund.
while manufacturing firms have been passing
(b) Developed countries would take the on the rise in input costs, it remains incomplete
revenue from bilateral trading in the case of the services sector. However, as
agreements. demand firms up, the pass through is likely to
(c) Poor countries will have to shoulder the gather traction. This combination of factors
major responsibilities. suggests that inflation may not fall dramatically
as and when commodity prices · fall — prices
(d) Accounting system will be in the hands
may prove to be a tad sticky on the downside.
of developed countries.
The RBI’s revised quarterly forecasts for inflation

PPC Volume – I 205

also seem to suggest so – inflation has now been (d) Because of pressure from subgroups:
projected at 7.5 percent in the first quarter, and
7.4 percent in the second quarter, trending 3. In what context are the words ‘pass through’
downwards thereafter to 6.2 percent in the third used in the passage ?
quarter, and 5.8 percent in the fourth quarter.
(a) That services sector will increase prices
Implicit in these quarterly inflation forecasts is as demand picks up
also the acknowledgment that inflation will
(b) That manufacturing sector is bearing
likely exceed the upper threshold of the central
the burden of input costs
bank’s inflation targeting framework for three
consecutive quarters. Considering the risks that (c) That the economy is passing through
the ‘unanchoring of inflation and inflation price pressures clay
expectations pose to macroeconomic stability, (d) That inflation will pass through the
and the country’s growth prospects, the central services sector
bank must look beyond its quotidian 4. Explain the meaning of the word ‘quotidian’
responsibilities and continue to focus on as used in the passage.
maintaining price stability, attaching primacy (a) Existing (b) Primary
to inflation management. [CDS-2022]
(c) Main (d) Day-to-day
1. What are the volatile components of inflation
5. Choose the most appropriate option that
?
describes the meaning of the term
(a) All subgroups in the index ‘unanchoring’ as used in the passage.
(b) Components such as food and fuel (a) Stability of inflation that will be
(c) Wholesale price index securely anchored
(d) Inflation in the pipeliner (b) The rising anchor will free inflation
2. Why are prices unlikely to abate in the short (c) The disjoint between inflation and its
term ? expectations
(a) Because of inflation in the pipeline (d) Runaway inflation that is out of control
(b) Because prices once up never come back
Answers
down
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (c)
(c) Because international price situation is
volatile.

206 PPC Volume – I

 PASSAGE - 01 Colonialism also led to the considerable
movement of people. It led to the movement of
At one level, colonialism simply means the
people from one part to another within India.
establishment of rule by one country over
For instance, people from present-day Jharkhand
another. In the modern period, Western
moved to Assam to work on the tea plantations.
colonialism has had the greatest impact. India's
past has been marked by the entry of numerous A newly emerging middle class particularly
groups of people at different times who have from the British Presidency regions of Bengal
established their rule over different parts of what and Madras moved as government employees
constitutes modern India today. The impact of and professionals like doctors and lawyers
colonial rule is distinguishable from all other moved to different parts of the country7. People
earlier rules because the changes it brought in were carted in ships from India to work on other
were far-reaching and deep. History is full of colonised lands in distant Asia, Africa and the
examples of the annexation of foreign territory Americas. Many died on their way. Most could
and the domination of weaker by stronger never return. Today, many of their descendants
powers. Nevertheless, there is a vital difference are known as people of Indian origin.
between the empire-building of pre-capitalist [SBI PO (Mains) 2022]
times and that of capitalist times. Apart from 1 . In the passage, a sentence is highlighted,
outright pillage, the pre-capitalist conquerors divided into four parts and jumbled, which
benefited from their domination by exacting a when arranged will form a logical and
continuous flow of tribute. On the whole, they coherent sentence. Rearrange to form a
did not interfere with the economic base. They meaningful sentence and choose the option
simply took the tribute that was skimmed off that represents the correct arrangement.
the economic surplus that was produced (a) DACB (b) DBAC
traditionally in the subjugated areas.
(c) ABCD (d) CDBA
For instance, it changed the very laws of the
(e) ABDC
land. (A) Every policy was geared towards the
strengthening and expansion of British 2 . What is the synonym of the word
capitalism. (B) It changed not just land conquerors?
ownership laws but decided even what crops (a) Underdog (b) Vanquished
ought to be grown and what ought not to be. (C) (c) Loser (d) Defeater
In contrast, British colonialism which was based (e) Quitter
on a capitalist system directly interfered to 3 . What is the synonym of the word tribute?
ensure the greatest profit and benefit to British
(a) Applause (b) Condemnation
capitalism. (D) It meddled with the
manufacturing sector. It altered the way the (c) Denunciation (d) Stricture
production and distribution of goods took place. (e) Dishonour
It entered into the forests. It cleared trees and 4 . What is the main idea of the passage?
started tea plantations. It brought in Forest Acts (a) Impact of colonialism
that changed the lives of pastoralists. They were (b) Understanding colonialism
prevented from entering many forests that had
(c) The history of colonialism
earlier provided valuable forage for their cattle.
The box carries a brief account of the impact of (d) British colonialism
colonial forest policy in North-East India. (e) Colonialism policy

PPC Volume – I 207

5. Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate representing the Australian Cotton Shippers'
option based on your reading of the passage. Association held meetings in Ludhiana, Mumbai
By using the phrase skimmed off, the author and Coimbatore between February 27 and
wants to say that they took the honour that March 3. "We came to promote and enhance use
was ........ from the economic surplus. of Australian cotton," Matthew Bradd, Chairman
(a) taken away (b) taken of Australian Cotton Shippers' Association, told
The Hindu here on Thursday. "We want India to
(c) gave away (d) seen from
become a consistent buyer of our cotton."
(e) taken to
Australia has nearly 1200 cotton growers and
6. What is the tone of the passage? can supply even small quantities of cotton to
(a) Cynical (b) Informative India. China purchased over 30% of Australia's
(c) Emotional (d) Arrogant cotton production last year. However, this was
(e) Commiserating lower than its usual purchase/India is a big
market for cotton and spinners. India said they
7. Choose which sentence is true/false.
have had good experience with Australian
Statement I : The impact of colonial ride is cotton," he said.
distinguishable from all other
According to Hamish Mclntyre, Vice-Chairman
earlier rules.
of Cotton Australia and a member of the eight-
Statement II: Because the changes it member delegation, India used to purchase 5%
brought in were . limited and to 7% of cotton produced in Australia every year.
shallow. In 2016, it shot up to nearly 23%. This was
(a) Statement I is true and statement II is mainly because of the drop in production in
false India last year. Indian textile mills can use
(b) Statement I is false and statement II is Australian cotton as a blend to produce high
true value garments. The area under cotton
(c) Both statements I and II are true production was increasing in Australia, he said.
(d) Both statements I and II are false KN Viswanathan, Vice-President of Indian
Cotton Federation, said that Australia cotton is
(e) None of the above
known for its quality' and strength. However,
8. What is the correct meaning of the word its production was limited until last year. India
descendants ? is the largest producer and consumer of cotton
(a) A person who held a job or office before globally. But, India's imports are also more to
the current holder. meet the need for Ion 2 staple cotton. For Indian
(b) A person or thing that succeeds another. spinners, with failure of monsoon in many
(c) A person, plant or animal that is places this year where long staple cotton is
descended from a particular ancestor. grown, Australian cotton can be an option.
(d) A person who inherits something; an At present, Australian cotton and Indian cotton
heir. prices seem to be almost at par. The Indian cotton
industry faced a number of problems. Most of
(e) None of the above
them did not have managerial leadership and
Answers technical knowledge except the financial
1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (b) capability so had to face the chill wind almost
6. (b) 7. (a) 8. (c) constantly.
The result was the frequent changes of managing
PASSAGE - 02
agents and liquidation of the companies on the
Australia, which is globally the fifth largest
one hand, and the oligarchic concentration of
exporter of cotton, is looking at India to emerge
the mills to a few agency firms on the other hand.
as a consistent and major buyer of its
The Indian cotton textile industry had to face
commodity. An eight-member delegation
stiff competition from Britain's most

208 PPC Volume – I

internationally aggressive cotton industry. And, 3. Is there any possibility of the Indian cotton
in the process, British industry suffered a lot, at industry getting benefitted by the
the hands of the Indian industry. But some Australian cotton industry? If yes, how?
events of the 1920s eroded the competitiveness (a) The Indian cotton industry can benefit
of the Indian industry. only if the tariffs are kept low.
After the end of the World War I, Japanese (b) Indian cotton can be blended with the
exports of cloth to India acted as a big threat to Australian cotton to produce higher
the Indian industry7 though such Japanese quality garments.
exports were held in check in the 1920s. But it (c) The problems faced from the labour
reappeared after 1930 despite a high tariff rate force can be reduced if the dependence
of 50 p.c. Most of the labourers of the cotton mills of the cotton industry increases on
were unsophisticated in the sense that they were Australia.
recruited from the small peasants and (d) The Indian cotton industry can get
agricultural labourers. seriously hampered as both the cotton
are of the same quality:
As a result, permanent textile labour force could
not arise. Textile machinery and technology used (e) There is competition between the two
countries and none can benefit from each
in this industry were imported before the World
other.
War I and it continued till the outbreak of the
World War II. However, India could not procure 4. What can be inferred from the problems
faced by the Indian cotton industry that
modern equipment from America and Japan
plays a major role in failure of the industry?
because technology of the cotton textile industry
was heavily Manchester-biased. (a) Competition with other countries
(b) Inefficient labourers
[SBI PO (Mains) 2022]
(c) Lack of financial capability
1. What is the central idea of the passage?
(d) Lack of technical and managerial
(a) Problems of the Indian cotton industry.
education
(b) The competitiveness of the Indian cotton (e) Impacts of a war
industry.
Answers
(c) Australia's eagerness to make a stable
position for its cotton industry in the 1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (d)
Indian market. PASSAGE - 03
(d) Competition of China and India as the Since 2011, the world's steelmakers have been
importer of cotton. feeling the heat. Prices for the metal have halved
(e) Need for India to import cotton from due to flatlining demand and rising exports from
Australia. China, which now smelts 50% of the global
output. Profits at steel firms around the world
2. What makes the Australian variant of cotton have fallen into a sea of red ink, shuttering plants
so popular? and laying off workers. New measures designed
(a) The Australian variety is much cheaper to raise the price of carbon in the EU to help the
than Indian cotton, bloc meet its climate-change targets, voted on
(b) Australian cotton is known for its by the European Parliament on February 15 th,
strength and quality. threaten to increase the pressure.
(c) Majority of the people of India are The industry is a heavy user of carbon;
responsible for 5% of 4 global emissions. Some
involved in the cotton industry.
steel firms have responded by calling for carbon
(d) Technology has played a big role in tariffs to prevent the measures undermining
making it popular. their international competitiveness. How do
(e) The stability of the Australian cotton border taxes on carbon emissions work? And
industry makes it popular. are they a good idea?

PPC Volume – I 209

The reforms the European Parliament passed between various systems. But the reason why
this week are an attempt to increase the price of trade economists are so squeamish about carbon
carbon by cutting the emissions allowances tariffs is the fear that they could cause a tariff
granted to firms. The measures include the EU's war. The EU and America are already in a
first border tax on carbon, levied on cement politically driven tit-for-tat over steel duties
imports. Steel firms, also heavy users of carbon, with China; they have risen in some cases to
say their exclusion from this scheme is unfair. over 500%.
This week Lakshmi Mittal, the CEO of Arcelor Rather than prod countries to tighten their own
Mittal, the world's biggest steelmaker, offered regulations, new carbon tariffs could make that
his support for the tax. Similar proposals in battle more vicious. Worse still, lobby groups
America are also being mooted. could easily pervert the charges into a form of
This month a group of Republicans—including quiet protectionism. Donald Trump's presidency
two former treasury secretaries, James Baker and has already rattled free-traders' nerves. Why
George Shultz—proposed a similar levy on risk giving the protectionists another opening?
imports at the border, as well as for domestic [SBI PO (Pre) 2021]
production. Their plan includes a carbon tax on
1. How can raising carbon prices affect the
imports of up to $40 for each tonne produced by
steel industry?
their manufacturer, which would increase over
time. The income from the levy would then be (a) Raising carbon prices cannot affect the
distributed to American households on a steel industry in anyway.
quarterly basis to make up for higher consumer (b) The steel industry is a heavy user of
prices. carbon and accounts for 5% of the global
Proponents of such policies say that they remove carbon emissions. Thus, raising carbon
the distortions caused by carbon taxes. Under prices will increase overall cost for the
the EU's reforms, steelmakers in Europe would steel industry ultimately lowering their
pay up to € 30 ($32) to emit a tonne of carbon, profit margin and cause further increase
but foreign producers selling in the EU would in already existing problems like closure
not have to pay a cent. This harms the cost of plants and laying off of workers.
competitiveness of European producers. It also (c) The steel industry is a heavy user of
encourages firms to move production outside carbon accounting for 5% of the global
the bloc rather than prompt them to use cleaner carbon emissions. Thus, if it has to pay
methods. Taxing imports on their embodied more fines, it will cut it from the salary
carbon—where this has not already happened of the workers causing worker unrest.
in their country of origin-would level the playing (d) The proposed increase in price has been
field between different systems, they say. It put forth by the European Union and it
would also give an incentive to countries is to be implemented on the European
without controls on emissions to introduce their steel industries. This would cause the
own carbon taxes, in order to grab a share of the European steel industry to lose out
revenues. against the Chinese steel industry in the
Economists say the idea works in theory. But global market as China doesn't have
many think it would be much more difficult in extra taxes on them.
practice. One big problem is the difficulty of (e) The steel industries are dying as the
calculating the embodied carbon in imports. This there is less requirement of steel in this
is not easy even for simple sheets of steel; for plastic age and a further rise in carbon
items made of several bits of metal from different prices would provide a death knell as
sources, it is hellishly complex. Disputes over they would lose out on their minimum
this could produce reams of litigation at the WTO profit margin.

210 PPC Volume – I

2. Why do carbon taxes cause firms to move (c) Carbon taxation is good only in theory.
production outside the bloc? (d) Carbon taxation is good in practice.
(a) Currently, carbon taxes are applicable (e) Carbon taxation should only be applied
on the firms that produce steel inside to firms producing within a certain
the European bloc's territory whereas territory.
any foreign producer selling to the bloc
4. Which word correctly describes the author's
need not pay the taxes. This creates price
opinion regarding protectionism?
parity between the producers
prompting many to produce outside the (a) Amused (b) Terrified
bloc and sell back to the bloc increasing (c) Jovial (d) Threatened
their profit margin. (e) Skeptical
(b) Currently, carbon taxes are applicable 5. From the given options, choose the correct
on the firms that produce steel inside synonym for the word 'Undermining' in
the European bloc's territory and also context of the given passage.
outside the bloc's territory. Thus the (a) Sabotage (b) Erode
firms are moving production outside
(c) Undercut (d) Hurt
the bloc to escape the additional burden
of the carbon taxes instead of moving to (e) Subvert
more cleaner practices of steel 6. From the given options, choose the correct
production. antonym for the word 'vicious' in context of
(c) Carbon taxes were put into play to the given passage.
control the emission of carbon by steel (a) Atrocious (b) Mild
producing firms. But it has failed to (c) Savage (d) Civilised
create a level playing field for the firms (e) Good
as they are losing out against foreign 7. Whose presidency has rattled the free-
competitors. traders' nerves?
(d) Carbon taxes are only applicable on
(a) Barrack Obama (b) Donald Trump
firms producing inside the European
(c) Vladimir Putin (d) Narendra Modi
territory. This lowers the profit margin
of the firms and also forces them to (e) Pranab Mukherjee
adopt more cleaner methods of Answers
production. Thus, it allows the lowering
1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (e) 5. (e)
of carbon emission.
6. (d) 7. (b)
(e) Carbon taxes are not causing firms to
produce outside the bloc but the forced PASSAGE - 04
methods of cleaner steel production is Most people spend (on average) half of their day
prompting many firms to move tapping away at their hand-held devices. Either,
production outside the bloc. surfing the net or checking notifications.
3. "One big problem is the difficulty of Facebook ranks the highest in all social
calculating the embodied carbon in imports. networking platforms, followed by Twitter,
Which option can be called an inference from Instagram and so forth.
this sentence? Social media is addictive - which is why so many
(a) Carbon particles are omnipresent in all people are hooked'. Often referred to as Social
things and hence, it is difficult to networking addiction, this phrase is often used to
calculate their quantity for purpose of describe someone who spends too much time on
taxation. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other channels.
(b) Carbon particles are limited in their A blog post, Instagram post, tweet, or YouTube
availability and hence, are difficult to video can be produced easily by anyone and
calculate. shared, which can then be viewed by millions for

PPC Volume – I 211

free. Psychologists and scientists have now taken Nevertheless, problems have arisen most
the time to study social media in terms of why commonly with school kids - whereby mobile
they believe it interferes with aspects of our daily phone devices have been confiscated because
life. There is no official medical term that identifies exam results have fallen severely due to lack of
addiction and social networking. It cannot be attention on homework or studies. Schools in
deemed as a disease or disorder as the cases are many westernised countries have had to take
not severe and the habit can easily be maintained drastic action - banning smartphones, iPad and
or prevented. Furthermore, instead of spending most portable devices from school premises- as
long periods of time on social media, we dip into it is claimed to be a huge distraction. Whereas,
and out of these sites all day long. We check for other schools use it for educational purposes and
updates from friends and family as well as news as a rewards system for their pupils.
and information. However, the behaviour Research has also indicated unsurprisingly that
associated with the excessive use of these channels Facebook is the most common activity that
has become the subject of much public and university students switch to, when studying.
sociological debate. We actively post, like, comment Worryingly, it has also found that those who
and share personal posts. Not only that, we tend most engage in this type of internet browsing
to share and reshare expressions (of either negative tend to have lower levels of educational
or positive) contagiously. But, why? achievement. Also, there have been many cases
Scientists believed some years ago that, of students posting or sharing content that is
dopamine was simply a pleasure chemical in unethical, which has caused parents and
the brain. Recent studies have shown that; academic institutions to limit the use of these
dopamine actually produces the desire in people online networking channels.
to want' by drawing out the need for us to-seek [IBPS PO/MT (Pre) 2021]
and search. Creating the ultimate drive to find 1 . Which is the most common activity that
what is that what we want. university students switch to when
Dopamine is spontaneous. It's stimulated by studying?
unpredictability and small bits of information (a) YouTube (b) Facebook
as well as reward cues which are the same
(c) Twitter (d) Whatsapp
conditions that social media presents to all users.
In addition, the pull of dopamine is so strong (e) All of these
that recent studies have shown that tweeting, 2 . Why is there no real medical term that
for example, can be harder to resist than identifies addiction and social networking?
cigarettes and alcohol. (a) Research is not yet done on the subject
Researchers at Chicago University studied the (b) It cannot be deemed as a disease or
effects of social media. They concluded quite disorder as cases are not severe
quickly that people presented higher levels of (c) The habit can easily be maintained or
addiction to social media than the need to smoke prevented
or drink. Media cravings ranked higher.
(d) (a) and (b) (e) (b) and (c)
And, let's not forget oxytocin, many call it the
3 . What stands true about Dopamine in the
cuddle chemical because the brain releases
present scenario?
pleasure chemicals that transpire usually when
you kiss and hug or tweet. It is also known as (a) It creates the ultimate drive to find what
the hormone that builds the strong yet unique is that what we want
bond between mothers and their babies. (b) It's stimulated by unpredictability and
Oxytocin is now regarded as the human small bits of information as well as
stimulant of empathy, generosity, trust, and reward cues
more. These are factors which many advertisers (c) Dopamine was simply a pleasure
and marketers play on when promoting a brand chemical in the brain
or business over social media. (d) (a) and (b) (e) (b) and (c)
212 PPC Volume – I
4. Why is Oxytocin regarded as the cuddle 9. What does the phrase 'Social Networking
chemical? Addiction mean?
(a) The brain releases pleasure chemicals (a) Stalking people socially
that transpire usually when you kiss (b) Creating fake profiles for fun
and hug or tweet (c) Finding your friend circle online
(b) It builds the strong yet unique bond (d) Someone who spends too much time on
between mothers and their babies social websites
(c) It produces the desire in people to want' (e) Someone who is an introvert socially
by drawing out the need for us to seek
10. Which of the below sentences summarises
and search the key idea of the passage?
(d) (a) and (b) (e) (b) and (c) (a) The Psychology of Social Addiction
5. Which of the following words is the most (b) The Addiction in Students
similar in meaning to the word contagiously'
(c) The Science behind Addiction
as given in the passage?
(d) Beliefs of Scientists for Social Life
(a) Assail (b) Ambivalent
(e) None of the above
(c) Arboreal (d) Malignant
(e) Cogent Answers
6. Which of the following words is the most 1. (b) 2. (e) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (d)
opposite in meaning to the word confiscated' 6. (e) 7. (e) 8. (e) 9. (d) 10. (a)
as given in the passage? PASSAGE - 05
(a) Cognisant (b) Covet India is the seventh-largest country in the world
(c) Expiate (d) Pithy by geographical area which is located at South
(e) Relinquish Asia. Moreover, India is the second populous
7. What were the conclusions taken out by the country and the second country which gets the
most frequent rainfalls. Then why is India
researchers at Chicago University on
experiencing a water shortage? Unfortunately,
studying the effects of social media':
there is an ecological unbalance on a global scale.
(a) People presented higher levels of
India is one of the eight countries which is
addiction to social media than the need
seriously facing a sharp increase in water crisis
to smoke or drink
that threatens humans, while a huge percentage
(b) Levels of addiction of smoking and of the world has no access to sanitation and
drinking were higher than that of media clean water.
craving
The average person only needs 20 or 30 liters of
(c) There was a higher rate of media water, while every Indian uses a big amount of
cravings water per day for different purposes than they
(d) (a) and (b) (e) (a) and (c) are supposed to. Additionally, overpopulation
8. What actions are taken by schools for and pollution have also been a cause of water
students regarding mobile phone devices as poverty in India. Therefore, young children
mentioned in the passage? under the age of five make up the 75% of 37.7
(a) Punish students who bring mobile million people who are affected by water-borne
phones to schools disease (Khurana 2008). The aim of this project
was to create three possible solutions and finally,
(b) Use it for educational purposes and as a
the most effective solution is recommended.
reward system for their pupils
Thus, several ways to deal with the problem of
(c) Banning smartphones, iPad and most water shortage in India include harvesting
portable devices from school premises rainwater, watershed management and river
(d) (a) and (b) (e) (b) and (c) interlinking. [IBPS PO (Mains) 2021]

PPC Volume – I 213

1. Which is not one of the several ways to deal Parliament on Friday. Real GDP growth could
with water shortage in India? be 11 per cent in the next financial year, the
(a) Rainwater harvesting survey said.
(b) River interlinking "Agriculture has remained the silver lining,
while contact-based services, manufacturing
(c) Developing farm-based water
and construction sectors were the worst hit by
conservation
the COVID-19 pandemic," said the survey. It
(d) Watershed management predicted a V-shaped economic recovery
(e) None of the above spurred by India's Covid-19 vaccination
2. The line emboldened in the given passage programme.
may or may not have an error. If there is an The survey sees headline inflation moderating
error, find the part that contains the error going forward: a development that could open
or choose no error as your answer. up room for the Reserve Bank of India to resume
India is one of the eight countries which is monetary policy easing to complement fiscal
seriously (A)/ facing a sharp increase in water measures to support the economy, said a
crisis that threatens (B)/ humans, while a Bloomberg report.
huge percentage of the world (C)/ has no access The Economic Survey, presented in Parliament
to sanitation and clean water. (D) by the Finance Minister two days before the
(a) A (b) B Union Budget, analyses the trends in
(c) C (d) D agricultural and industrial production,
employment, money supply, and other sectors.
(e) No error
The Union Budget, to be presented by Finance
3. Which is not one of the causes for water
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday, is
poverty in India?
expected to increase spending on healthcare,
(a) Overconsumption (b) Overpopulation raise levies on a range of imported goods and
(c) Pollution (d) Overgrazing likely introduce a COVID-19 cess. "Send me your
(e) None of these inputs so that we can see a Budget which is a
4. The line emboldened in the given passage Budget like never before, in a way.
may or may not have an error. If there is an Hundred years of India wouldn't have seen a
error, find the part that contains the error Budget being made post-pandemic like this,"
or choose no error as your answer. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told a
India is the seventh-largest (A)/ country in business summit in December.
the world by (B)/ geographical area which [IBPS PO (Mains) 2021]
is (C)/ located at South Asia (D). 1 . Which sector is expected to have more
(a) A (b) B spending according to Union Budget?
(c) C (d) D (a) Fishing (b) Agriculture
(e) No error (c) Healthcare (d) Manufacturing
Answers (e) None of these
2 . Choose the option that can complete the
1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (d)
given sentence.
PASSAGE - 06 India's economy could contract 7.7 per cent
India's economy could contract 7.7 per cent in in the financial year that ends on March
the financial year that ends on March 31,......mainly by the coronavirus pandemic
31,......mainly by the coronavirus pandemic and and the weeks-long nationwide lockdown
the weeks-long nationwide lockdown to contain to contain the disease, Chief Economic
the disease, Chief Economic Advisor Advisor Krishnamurthy Subramanian has
Krishnamurthy Subramanian has estimated in estimated in the Economic Survey 2020-21,
the Economic Survey 2020-21, tabled in tabled in Parliament on Friday.

214 PPC Volume – I

 (a) Pulled down (b) Pulled on distributed coverage of high spatiotemporal
(c) Pulled for (d) Pulled in resolution in near real time.
(e) Pulled up In Delhi, the number of air monitoring stations
3. Select the word that is close to 'spurred has increased in recent years. This has provided
highlighted in the passage given above. us with research-backed sources of air pollution
within a few parts of the capital.
(a) Disapproved (b) Backfired
By understanding the sources of pollution, AI
(c) Triggered (d) Disclosed
can be further used to track and predict the
(e) None of these
growth and reduction of air pollution. For
4. Which is one of the sectors that is not affected example, we could monitor whether an increase
by COVID-19 pandemic according to in industrial production is directly proportional
economic survey? to air pollution or a decrease in vehicles is related
(a) Contact-based services to a reduction.
(b) Manufacturing These decisions could be evaluated by AI, allowing
(c) construction sectors appropriate actions to be initiated. AI can also
(d) Agriculture help in modelling the chemical reactions between
(e) None of the above pollutants. Algorithms like Atmospheric
Transport Modelling System (ATMoS) helps
Answers
understand PM2.5 concentrations.
1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (d)
Additionally, there are advanced algorithms
PASSAGE - 07 that help in understanding and predicting smog,
According to a report by Greenpeace, 22 out of haze, visibility and observe meteorological
30 world's most-polluted cities are in India. As interventions as well as manage air quality
per recommendations, India requires a better. [IBPS PO (Mains) 2021]
minimum of 4000 air monitoring stations to
1. What is causing hindrance in policy making
check air quality. Currently, there are
to control air pollution?
approximately 160 air monitoring stations in
India. This implies we have less than 5 per cent (a) Lack in satellite data system
of the recommended number of air monitoring (b) Lack in the number of required air
stations. monitoring stations
This inadequacy is a hindrance to policymaking, (c) Inaccurate geospatial interpolation
harming the potential to generate solutions. A (d) Improper location of air monitoring
base dataset is needed for everything from city stations
planning to new drug development. Air quality7
(e) None of the above
monitoring forms the base layer for a number of
things, including human health. 2. Which is not one of the human activities that
affects accurate computation of air quality?
Like Peter Drucker said: "If you cannot measure
it, you cannot solve it". AI can help solve this (a) Traffic
problem. Accurate computation of air quality (b) Construction
not only requires combining existing air (c) Industrial location
monitoring infrastructure with satellite data but (d) Garbage burning
also factoring in human activities such as traffic,
(e) Population density
construction, garbage burning, industrial source
apportionment and population density. A feature 3. What is the advantage of accurately
engineered AI can be designed to utilise the above computing a geospatial interpolation of air
factors to accurately compute a geospatial quality data?
interpolation of air quality data. The advantage (a) To analyse chemical reaction between
of such an approach is that it provides a pollutants

PPC Volume – I 215

 (b) It provides a distributed coverage of However, further research is underway to
high spatiotemporal resolution in near support the claim. Yet another study published
real time. in PubMed.gov titled 'The Lunar Cycle : Effects
(c) It provides a undistributed coverage of on Human and Animal Behaviour and
high spatiotemporal resolution in near Physiology', claims that the lunar cycle may have
real time. an impact on human reproduction, including
(d) To understand PM 2.5 concentrations . fertility, menstruation and birth rate.
(e) None of the above The research indicates that the lunar cycle may
4. What is the tone of the passage? also impact hormonal changes in insects and
even the daily variations "in melatonin and
(a) Diplomatic (b) Apologetic
corticosterone disappear during full moon days
(c) Dogmatic (d) Sarcastic in birds".
(e) Analytical Another impact of the lunar cycle may be noted
Answers on laboratory rats when it comes to their taste
1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (e) sensitivity and even the ultrastructure of pineal
gland cells which regulates melatonin. Several
PASSAGE - 08 studies have shown that oysters have also fine-
A lunar eclipse is a phenomenon that occurs tuned their clock to the lunar rhythm.
when the Moon moves into the Earth's shadow. [LIC AAO 2021]
This occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon get
1 . By how much the time to fall asleep was
closely aligned. But have you ever wondered
reduced by during a full moon?
what impact this eclipse that falls on the night
of a full moon, has on your health? Well, science (a) 10 minutes (b) 8 minutes
has not been able to find any solid evidence (c) 6 minutes (d) 4 minutes
connecting health issues with a lunar eclipse, (e) 5 minutes
but people across the world do feel that the eclipse 2 . What is an antonym of the word aligned'?
poses certain risks to people's general well-being. (a) Combine (b) Unite
Let s try and figure out the various assumptions
(c) Co-operate (d) Collaborate
related to the effects of Chandra Grahan on
health. (e) Discrete
Traditional beliefs indicate that the strong 3 . What is a lunar eclipse?
ultraviolet rays emitted during a lunar eclipse, (a) A phenomenon that occurs when the Sun
make precooked food unsafe to consume. In fact, moves into the Earth's shadow.
it is also believed that the eclipse also (b) A phenomenon that occurs when the
contaminates drinking water. It is also said that Moon moves into the Sun's shadow.
one should not look at the eclipse without (c) A phenomenon that occurs when the
protective gear as the radiation emitted could Moon moves into the Earth's shadow.
harm the eyes. But science doesn't back this
(d) A phenomenon that occurs when the Sun
theory since the Moon doesn't emit strong light
moves into the Moon's shadow.
during a lunar eclipse, hence it's safe to look at it
without any protective glass. (e) A phenomenon that occurs when the
Earth moves into the Sun's shadow.
As per a study published in PubMed.gov, lunar
eclipse does impact human sleep and is said to 4 . Lunar cycle does not impact ....... .
trigger sleep deprivation. As per the research, (a) human reproduction
which was conducted 011 33 people, it was (b) menstruation
found that an indicator of deep sleep was (c) birth rate
decreased by 30 per cent and even the time to (d) eyes
fall asleep was reduced by 5 minutes during a
(e) hormonal changes in insects
full moon.

216 PPC Volume – I

5. Which of the following statements is/are 15600 TPD gets recycled. On World Environment
correct? Day, June 5, 2018, the then Environment Minister
A. Traditional beliefs indicate that the Harsh Vardhan announced that SUP will be
strong ultraviolet rays emitted during phased out by 2020-a deadline subsequently
a lunar eclipse make precooked food revised to 2022. In his August 15 speech, Prime
unsafe to consume. Minister Narendra Modi asked citizens to free
B. One should not look at the eclipse the country from SUP and hinted at an
without protective gear. announcement on October 2. However, this did
not happen.
C. Lunar eclipse does not impact human
sleep. Analysts believe the government is under
pressure from the industry to refrain from
(a) Only A (b) Only B
banning plastics because the measure would be
(c) A and B (d) A and C too disruptive at a time, when India is coping
(e) Only C with an economic slowdown and job losses. A
6. What is the synonym for the word representative of the All India Plastic
deprivation'? Manufacturers Association told The Print that
(a) Unavailability (b) Wealth there are over 50000 plastic manufacturing
industrial units, employing four to five million
(c) Possession (d) Availability
people. This number was compelling (l)/and even
(e) Profit
in good times (2)/a government will think (3)/
Answers twice before imposing a ban. (4)/
1. (e) 2. (e) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (a) There is another problem too. Despite the
6. (a) burgeoning plastic menace, there is still no clear
definition of SUP. Simply put, SUP means
PASSAGE - 09
products that are used once and then discarded.
Last week, I spent two days at an "eco-friendly" The Centre will ask states (l)/using some SUP
homestay near Jim Corbett National Park in products (2)/ such as polythene bags and
Uttarakhand. On day one, the owner, a nature Styrofoam (3)/ to enforce existing rules against
enthusiast who has done.........work in storing, manufacturing and (4)/ according to a
regenerating large tracts of forests, gave me a report, for now (5). Unfortunately, the track
list of do's and don’ts. But what alarmed me was record of states in implementing this has been
the fact that he did not have a plastic waste patchy.
collection/recycling plan in place. When, I asked
Instead of a no-ban on SUPs, the least the Centre
what they do with their plastic waste, the staff
could have done was ban six SUPs-plastic bags,
said that they either burn or bury it.
cups, plates, small bottles, straws and certain
Both are terrible practices. Burning plastic in types of sachets-and then others in a phased
open air releases carcinogenic gases (dioxin and manner. By opting for short-term relief, we have
furan) and burying it means it stays in the only aggravated our long-term problems. Of the
environment for years. And when it breaks total plastic generated, 19% are of chips and
down, plastics release toxic chemicals, polluting confectionery packets, 12% bottle caps and lids,
the soil and groundwater. This practice of 10% are PET bottles and 7% are straws. Around
burning/burying plastics is common because of 60 countries have already banned single-use
three reasons— the lack of awareness, lax plastic fully or partially.
governance and inspection and non-existent
What is most troubling is not the plastic
waste collection-and-disposal/recycling
challenge in cities because they would still have
systems.
the first access to information, technology, funds
India's plastic challenge is enormous. The and expertise to tackle the problem. The real
country generates approximately 25940 Tonnes challenge lies in smaller towns and kasbahs,
Per Day (TPD) of plastic waste. Of this, around especially those tucked away in pristine areas

PPC Volume – I 217

and ecotourism and adventure tourism 5. Which of these is opposite in meaning to the
destinations, especially, when the government word 'burgeoning'?
is opening up newer areas for tourism. (a) Proliferating (b) Extenuating
With a spike in tourists going to these places, (c) Transferring (d) Transpiring
who will ensure that plastic poison doesn’t enter (e) None, of these
the.....of the ecosystem, pollute the oceans, the
6. Rearrange the jumbled sentence to make a
streams and the mountains?
grammatically correct and meaningful
[IBPS RRBs Officer Scale-I (Mains) 2021] sentence.
1 . Fill the blank in the following sentence with The Centre will ask states (A)/using some
the most appropriate word. SUP products (B)/ such as polythene bags
On day one, the owner, a nature enthusiast and styrofoam (C)/ to enforce existing rules
who has done ........ work in regenerating against storing, manufacturing and (D)/
large tracts of forests, gave me a list of do's according to a report, for now (E).
and don'ts. (a) ABCDE (b) EADBC
(a) admonitory (b) culpable (c) AEDBC (d) EABDC
(c) astute (d) exemplary (e) None of these
(e) None of these 7. Which of these is closest in meaning to the
2. What is the most appropriate meaning of word pristine' ?
the word 'carcinogenic? (a) Consecrated (b) Venerate
(a) Can be spread easily from one person to (c) Immaculate (d) Primal
another
(e) None of these
(b) Having the potential to cause cancer
8. Fill in the blank.
(c) Affects the immune system of a person
With a spike in tourists going to these places,
(d) Can be fatal who will ensure that plastic poison doesn't
(e) None of the above enter the............of the ecosystem pollute the
3. Which announcement was expected on oceans, the streams and the mountains?
October 2? (a) acumen (b) pedestal
(a) A complete ban on SUP (c) paramount (d) sinews
(b) An eco-friendly initiative: o be taken up (e) None of these
by the government
Answers
(c) Mandatory recycling of waste
1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (b)
(d) Replace plastics with eco-friendly
options 6. (b) 7. (c) 8. (d)
(e) None of the above PASSAGE - 10
4. The following sentence may or may not Corruption in every stage of the tropical timber
contain an error in one of its parts. Identify trade fuels deforestation, which adversely affects
the part containing the error. If the sentence forest communities, lead to biodiversity loss and
is correct, select 'No error' as your answer. jeopardises the environment. A new report by
This number was compelling (A)/ and even international watchdog Global Witness says
in good times (B)/ a government will think that developing countries supplying timber to
(C)/ twice before imposing a ban. (D) the European Union (EU) witness high levels of
(a) A (b) B corruption. In Cambodia for instance, corruption
is deep-rooted due to the existing nexus between
(c) C (d) D
logging companies, politicians and government
(e) No error
officials.

218 PPC Volume – I

According to the United Nations Environmental according to the Indonesian law. The is part of
Programme and INTERPOL, illegal logging tops the EU's FLEGT Action Plan adopted in 2003 to
the ranking of environmental crimes with an promote measures to tackle legal timber trade
estimated value of US $ 50-152 billion annually. and contribute to sustainable forest
In terms of economic value, "governments lose management which features in the 2030
US $ 10 to 15 billion annually in lost revenue Sustainable Development Goals.
due to illegal logging, Robert Simpson, a Food [SBI PO (Mains) 2020]
and Agriculture Organization (FAO) expert says. 1 . The FLEGT license is part of the EU's FLEGT
He blames illegal logging for undermining action plan to promote
sustainable forest management and reducing
(a) peace between local communities and
forests' capacity to provide environmental
logging companies
services.
Illegal timber trade also gives rise to conflicts (b) in assisting the United Nations
between local communities and logging Environmental Programme and
companies a campaigner at Global Witness told INTERPOL
Down To Earth earlier. A June 2015 Global (c) to achieve Sustainable Development
Witness report blamed illegal and uncontrolled Goals
logging for alleged human rights violations. (d) to stop illegal timber trade from
Simpson adds that indigenous communities lose Indonesia
access rights to forests. Besides conflicts, legal (e) measures to tackle illegal timber trade
timber trade leads to biodiversity loss. Citing and contribute to sustainable forest
the example of the Democratic Republic of Congo management
(DRC), the 2015 report points out that logging is
2. Which of the following statements is not true
responsible for degrading the country's
rainforests. The report adds, “........it is illegal according to the passage?
industrial logging that is acting as a major driver (a) Illegal logging is responsible for soil
of forest degradation and deforestation”. degradation in rainforest.
In many timber-producing countries, the (b) Illegal timber trade gives rise to conflicts
government is the largest and owner and awards between local communities and logging
logging concessions and licences through public companies.
tendering processes. Such contracts concentrate (c) Illegal timber trade leads to biodiversity
power in the hands of those who award them loss.
and are highly lucrative to the companies that (d) In many timber-producing countries,
win them…... . the government is the largest
To tackle corruption, the EU should raise the landowner.
issue of corruption with producer countries, re-
(e) To tackle corruption, the EU should raise
shape policies and strengthen the enforcement
the issue of conniption with producer
of EU timber regulation. This is imperative for
countries.
consenting forests, biodiversity and climate. Last
year, the Food and Agriculture Organization 3. What is the logical inference that can be
welcomed an agreement by Indonesia and the drawn from the passage?
EU to issue the world's first Forest Law (a) Illegal timber trade is responsible for
Enforcement. Human Rights violations.
Governance and Trade (FLEGT) timber licence (b) The FLEGT license is effective against
as a ma or achievement in the fight against illegal illegal timber trade.
logging. The FLEGT license can accompany (c) Effective law enforcement is the need. of
shipments of timber exported from Indonesia to the hour to stop illegal tropical timber
EU countries to certify that the timber has been trade.
harvested transported, processed and traded

PPC Volume – I 219

 (d) Effective measures are needed to (b) Global Witness report author
minimise the conflicts between local (c) Environmentalist
communities and logging companies. (d) INTERPOL expert
(e) Sustainable Development Goals can (e) Food and Agriculture Organisation
only he achieved by effective Law (FAO) expert
enforcement.
7. A June 2015 Global Witness report blamed
4. In the following sentence, correct the illegal and uncontrolled logging for
emboldened phrase if it is incorrect. If the
(a) alleged human rights violations
phrase is correct, select no improvement
needed' as your answer. (b) nexus between logging companies,
politicians
In Cambodia for instance, corruption is
deep-rooted due to the existing nexus among (c) indigenous communities losing access
logging companies, politicians and rights to forests
government officials. (d) conflicts between local communities
(a) within and logging companies
(b) between (e) biodiversity loss
(c) No improvement needed 8. According to the United Nations
Environmental Programme and INTERPOL,
(d) from
illegal logging tops the ranking of
(e) inside environmental crimes with an estimated
5. Fill the blank in the following sentence with value of ........ annually.
the most meaningful sentence as per the (a) US $ 10-50 billion
context of the passage.
(b) US $ 50-152 billion
Such contracts concentrate power in the
(c) US $ 50-150 billion
hands of those who award them and are
highly lucrative to the companies that win (d) US $ 10-15 billion
them ....... . (e) US $ 10-150 billion
(a) This leads to the prosperity particularly Answers
in those countries that is economically 1. (e) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (c)
well-versed. Global Witness says.
6. (e) 7. (a) 8. (b)
(b) This leads to the division of the society,
particularly in those countries that PASSAGE - 11
suffer from unemployment challenges. The COVID-19 crisis has hit the tourism
Global Witness says. economy hard, with unprecedented effects on
(c) This leads to corruption, particularly in jobs and businesses. Tourism was one of the first
those countries that suffer from deep- sectors to be deeply impacted by the pandemic,
rooted governance and accountability as measures introduced to contain the virus led
challenges, Global Witness says. to a near-complete cessation of tourism activities
around the world. The sector also risks being
(d) This leads to economic crisis, small scale
among one of the last to recover, with the ongoing
industries in particular, Global Witness
travel restrictions and the global recession. This
says.
has consequences beyond the tourism economy,
(e) This leads to the exploitation of poor, with the many other sectors that support, and
particularly in those countries that have are supported by, tourism also significantly
diversity in culture and tradition, impacted.
Global Witness says.
The unprecedented shock to the tourism
6. Robert Simpson is a/an economy is being compounded by the evolving
(a) Expert of EU regulations sanitary situation. While positive news on

220 PPC Volume – I

vaccines has boosted the hopes of tourism, businesses, and the wider economy. Tourism
businesses and travellers alike, challenges generates foreign exchange, supports jobs and
remain. .......... This will further damage business businesses, drives regional development and
and traveller confidence, and business survival underpins local communities. Before the
prospects. Despite the proven resilience of the pandemic, the sector directly contributed 4.4%
tourism economy to previous shocks, the sheer of GDP, 6.9% of employment, and 21.5% of service
scale and combined economic and health nature exports in OECD countries, on average (and 6.5%
of this crisis means that the road to recovery is of global exports according to the World Trade
highly uncertain. While there has been some Organisation).
resumption of international tourism activity, However, these shares are much higher for
this remains very limited. Domestic tourism has several OECD countries, where tourism is a
restarted in many countries but can only major driver of economic activities, such as
partially compensate for the loss of inbound France (7.4% of GDP), Greece (6.8%), Iceland
tourism. (8.6%), Mexico (8*.7%), Portugal (8.0%) and Spain
OECD now estimates international tourism will (11.8%). The indirect impacts of tourism are also
fall by around 80% in 2021. No meaningful significant, exacerbating the size of the shock on
recovery in international tourism flows is national and local economies.
foreseen until well into 2021 and is likely to take [SBI PO (Mains) 2020]
some years. This is in line with recent projections 1 . According to the passage, which was the
by other organisations. Latest UN World first sector to be deeply impacted by the
Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) estimates point pandemic?
to a 70% decline year-on-year in international (a) Tourism (b) Education
tourist arrivals in the first eight months of the
(c) Medical (d) Agriculture
year, with the loss in export revenues from
international tourism eight times that recorded (e) Robotics
in 2009 amid the global financial crisis. UN WTO 2 . Fill the blank in the following sentence with
now foresees a decline in international arrivals the most meaningful sentence as per the
close to 70%. with recovery to précises levels context of the passage.
not expected before 2023. While positive news on vaccines has boosted
Domestic tourism is providing a much-needed the hopes of tourism, businesses and
travellers alike, challenges remain ........ .
boost to help sustain many tourism destinations
and businesses and will continue to be a key (a) Vaccine rollout will be done in hill
driver of recovery in the short to medium term. throttle.
There has been some pick up in domestic tourism (b) It will be independent of vaccine roll out
activities since the middle of the year, due in part and tourism is completely isolated.
to displacement effects of international travel (c) Vaccine rollout will take some time and
restrictions. the sector is potentially racing stop/start
However, this has been hindered as many cycles for some time.
countries face further waves of the virus, and (d) Vaccine rollout will improve the current
domestic tourism is expected to end the year scenario and tourism sector will boom.
significantly down on pre-COVID levels. Spain (e) Vaccine rollout is uncertain, and it puts
and the United Kingdom, for example, are the economy in danger.
forecasting a decrease in domestic tourism by 3 . According to the passage, OECD now
45-50% in 2020. Also, not all destinations or estimates that international tourism will
businesses have benefited, due to ongoing fall by around how much per cent in 2021?
restrictions on movement within countries and (a) 80% (b) 70%
steered demand patterns and behaviours. (c) 60% (d) 50%
This is having very tangible economic and social (e) 40%
consequences for many people places and

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4. Before the pandemic, how much per cent did (d) UNWTO now foresees a decline in
the tourism sector directly contribute to the international arrivals close to 70%, with
GDP? recovery to pre-crisis levels not
(a) 22.6 (b) 4.4 expected before 2023.
(c) 6.9 (d) 21.5 (e) None of the above
(e) 4.5 Answers
5. Which statement is grammatically incorrect 1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (a)
in the given options? 6. (a) 7. (c)
(a) The sector also risk being among one of PASSAGE - 12
the last to recover.
In some ways, we already do: every time we
(b) This is having very tangible economic spend our cash we are making an active choice
and social consequences for many about the companies we support and the
people. practices we endorse. Today, when corporations
(c) This has been hindered as many can be more influential than entire states, where
countries face further waves of the we put our pounds is where the power lies. The
virus. problem is, so it is difficult to confidently make
(d) These shares are much higher for several an informed choice.
OECD countries. Consider this: the retail manufacturing industry
(e) None of the above is the second most polluting industry on Earth,
second only to oil. According to Annie Leonard,
6. Why all destinations or businesses have not
an expert in overconsumption, only 1% of the
been benefited?
materials used to produce our consumer goods
(a) Due to ongoing restrictions on are still in use six months after sale. Somewhere,
movement within countries and altered the value of craftsmanship and of provenance
demand patterns and behaviours. has been lost. Price and speed are trumping
(b) Due to delay in vaccine rollout and the value.
sector is potentially facing stop/start However, the tide is turning. Increasing
cycles for some time. awareness around these issues has led to a rise
(c) Because there has been some pick up in in what is known as conscious consumption, a
domestic tourism activities since the movement of people who seek out ways to make
middle of the year. positive decisions about what to buy and look
(d) Because this is having very tangible for a solution to the negative impact
economic and social consequences for consumerism is having on our world.
many people As a growing tribe: a third of UK consumers
(e) As it drives regional development and claim to be very concerned about issues
regarding the origin of products. A study from
underpins local communities.
YouGov and the Global Poverty Project revealed
7. Which of the following statements is not true that 74% of those surveyed would pay an extra
according to the passage? 5% for their clothes if there was a guarantee
(a) While there has been some resumption workers were being paid fairly and working in
of international tourism activity, this safe conditions. If you're thinking that 5% doesn't
remains very limited. sound like a lot, consider the fact that the fashion
(b) Tourism was one of the first sectors to industry could take a staggering 125 million
he deeply impacted by the pandemic. people out of poverty by adding only 1% of its
(c) OECD now estimates international profits to workers' wages. Issues such as equal
tourism will fall by around 50% in 2021. pay, environmentally conscious manufacturing
processes, prevention of counterfeit goods,

222 PPC Volume – I

human trafficking, responsible fanning practices (e) None of the above
and overproduction of goods are all at the 3. What does the author mean by the idiom
forefront of consumers' minds when making the tide is turning?
these choices. (a) Things are changing for the better.
In an increasingly open, digital world where (b) Things are changing for the worse.
authenticity is the buzzword of choice,
businesses must keep up with growing demands (c) Someone's luck has changed.
for ethical behaviour and transparency in (d) It is the right moment to do something.
everything from employee rights and gender (e) None of the above
discrimination to the supply chain. In studying
4. According to the author, how can we tackle
for my PhD, I researched product supply chain
transparency in depth, looking at technologies the impact of consumerism?
to improve information about products and the (a) By using technology in order to increase
global network of people and resources that fuel transparency in supply chains.
them. I believe technology is the key to dealing (b) By replicating the resources which were
with the challenges created by consumerism. otherwise depleted due to
Open data, social networks and mobile tech can
overconsumption.
change the game. Ground-breaking technologies
could enable transparency in supply chains, (c) By increasing the lifespan of the
which is why this year I have ...(1)... on turning products so as to reduce the
my findings into a social enterprise to empower consumption.
businesses to take steps to being open. (d) By spending extra for the products if
[SBI PO (Pre) 2020] there was a guarantee workers were
1 . Why businesses must keep up with growing being paid fairly.
demands of ethical behaviour and (e) None of the above
transparency ?
5. Which of the following words is most
(a) As the world of business can be opaque
similar in meaning to the word endorse' as
and supply chains are murky.
given in the passage?
(b) As the value of craftsmanship and of
provenance has been lost. (a) Sabotage (b) Promote
(c) As they want to tackle the huge impact (c) Veto (d) Deliberate
our current production levels are (e) Censure
having on the world. 6. Which of the following words is most
(d) As customers are taking an increasing similar in meaning to the word 'staggering'
interest in the ethical practices of those
as given in the passage?
from whom they buy.
(a) Enfeebling (b) Common
(e) None of the above
2 . Which of the following statements is true in (c) Mundane (d) Draining
context of the passage? (e) Confound
(a) The people have not yet recognised the 7. Choose the most suitable word/phrase to fill
problems with consumerism. the given blank. (1).
(b) Consumers are not taking (a) persist (b) sustaining
environmental hazards into
(3) ceased (4) resist
consideration.
(e) embarked
(c) Conscious consumerism can help take
millions of people out of poverty. Answers
(d) Oil manufacturing industry is falling 1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (b)
into chaos and facing many losses in 6. (e) 7. (e)
today's world.

PPC Volume – I 223

 PASSAGE - 13 fewer digital skills has been declining, while it
If you're concerned that automation and artificial has been rising for those we identified as digital
intelligence are going to disrupt the economy jobs such as software developers, programmers
over the next decade, join the club. But while and aerospace engineering. At least some of the
policymakers and academics agree there'll be flattening in the college premium is due to the
significant disruption, they differ about its increasing number of bachelor's degrees that
impact. convey few skills that are valued in the
marketplace.
On one hand, techno-pessimists argue that new
forms of automation will displace most jobs Another research compares the measures of job
quality-such as a sense of purpose, enjoyability
without creating new ones. In other words, most
and career advancement-with income,
of us will lose our jobs. On the flip side of the
occupations and a range of demographic
debate, techno-optimists contend that continued
characteristics. It found that jobs that require
investments in education and research and
greater interaction with technology tended to
development will offset the job losses and score higher in quality, particularly in terms of
generate many new human tasks that measures like career advancement.
complement AI.
The fact that these jobs not only pay more but
Researchers have been studying jobs that also provide greater levels of employee
involve digital skills for years to try to satisfaction and engagement paints a more
understand their merit. But what does it really optimistic picture about the future of work. And
mean for a job or skill to be "digital"? that gives hope, particularly since the digital
In earlier research, all it meant was that a worker economy is growing at a pace nearly four times
used a computer. Since nearly all workers use a faster than the broader economy.
PC today, we need a more refined definition of The key is making tomorrow's jobs "robot-proof
digital skills that takes into account how much by designing them in a way that takes advantage
a job depends on doing things like programming, of the digital skills described above. And
crunching data in Excel spreadsheets and even universities must play a big role in this by
using a smartphone. identifying what a good job looks like and
ensuring future generations learn the necessary
In a particular research, a new way was created
skills. [IBPS PO (Pre) 2020]
to measure digital or information technology
skills in the labour market based on how 1 . According to the passage, why are some
frequently they're used in an occupation. For people concerned with the ongoing
example, how much time does a financial adviser transformation of the economy brought by
the use of automation and AI?
spend analysing data or an event planner use a
computer? (a) In the labour market, opportunities for
acquiring skills for handling automated
It was found that workers in occupations that
machines are scant.
rank higher in IT industry earn more than
(b) More automation will mean lesser
demographically similar peers in other
requirement of manual labour and thus
occupations and that this earnings gap has been
will result in loss of jobs.
growing. Not only that but it was also found
something interesting on the impact of a college (c) People do not find it enjoyable to expand
their knowledge base and avoid
degree on the lifetime earnings of a person in IT
embracing new technology.
industry. Historically, workers with a college
degree have earned a lot more than peers (d) It is not possible for automated
without one. Even the level of the college makes machines to do all the jobs currently
a difference. Recent research has shown that this being done by manual labour.
so-called college premium has been flattening. (e) Products produced by automated
machines driven by AI are cheaper and
The main cause, according to the analysis, is that
more in demand.
the college premium for occupations requiring

224 PPC Volume – I

2. Which of the following statement(s) can be (e) All of these
inferred about holding a higher rank in IT 5. A digital job or skill means
intensity? 1. The remuneration and perks generated
I. Degrees from better colleges offering skill by utilising the digital or information
sets hold value in the marketplace. technology skills.
II. Demographic background has either no 2. A worker using a computer.
or not much influence on the rank a 3. Frequency of using digital or
person hold. information technology skills.
III. A person at a higher rank has a greater (a) Only 1 (b) Only 3
sense of purpose and enjoys his role
(c) 2 and 3 (d) All 1, 2 and 3
more than someone at a lower rank.
(e) 1 and 2
(a) Only I (b) Only III
6. Which of the following words as used in the
(c) II and III (d) I and II
passage can be replaced by the word Value ?
(e) All of these
(a) impact (b) account
3. Which of the following is true with respect
(c) skills (d) merit
to the context of the passage?
(e) role
I. In terms of quality, jobs that involve a
greater interaction with technology, 7. Which of the following is the most similar
tend to score higher than ones that in meaning to the given word as used in the
require lesser interaction. passage?
II. The rate at which digital economy is Refined
sluggish when compared with the rate (a) Novice (b) Gallant
at which the broader economy is (c) Natural (d) Improved
growing. (e) Pure
III. Even with continued investments in 8. Which of the following is the most similar
education and research it will not be in meaning to the given word as used in the
possible to cover up the job losses which passage?
will happen due to increased use of
Pace
automated technology.
(a) Stride (b) Speedy
(a) Only I (b) Only III
(c) Rate (d) Crawl
(c) II and III (d) I and II
(e) Inhibit
(e) All of these
4. Which of the following is/are a reason(s) for Answers
the flattening in the college premiums? 1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (b)
I. The college premium for occupations 6. (d) 7. (d) 8. (c)
requiring fewer digital skills has been PASSAGE - 14
declining.
Their tea hot and fragrant, their pencils sharp
II. The college premium for digital jobs and red, delegates assembled in Beijing this week
such as software developers, for China's lianghui or "two meetings', the
programmers and aerospace annual gathering of the country's rubber-stamp
engineering. V Parliament (the National People's Congress) and
III. The increasing number of bachelor's its political advisory body (the Chinese People's
degrees that convey few skills that are Political Consultative Conference). There they
valued in the marketplace. heard the outgoing Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao,
(a) Only I (b) Only III declare the government's economic targets and
(c) II and III (d) I and II aspirations for the year ahead, including 7.5%

PPC Volume – I 225

growth. But the deliberations at these events bigwigs gathered in Beijing could pick up their
were upstaged by an earlier, more arresting pencils and urge them to hurry up.
announcement. On March 1, the State Council, [IBPS RRBs Officer Scale-I (Mains) 2020]
China's Cabinet, spelled out fresh curbs on 1 . Why the main discussion at the meeting
property speculation, sending the housing between National People's Congress (NPC)
market, the stock market and even the marriage and Chinese People s Political Consultative
market into a tizzy. The curbs impose higher Conference (CPPCC) diverted from the main
down-payments and stiffer mortgage rates on theme?
people buying second homes in property
(a) Because of the plunge in stock market
hotspots.
(b) As the outgoing Prime Minister
They also breathe new life into a pre-existing
announced 7.5% growth
20% capital-gains tax on second-home sales,
which had been a dead letter until now. It is not (c) Due to the rubber stamp policy of the
clear when this measure will take effect or what government
its consequences will be. In the long run, it should (d) As the cabinet announced a curb on
curb speculative demand, helping to ease prices. property speculation
In the shorter run, it may have the opposite effect, (e) Not clearly mentioned in the passage
discouraging some sellers and prompting others 2 . Which of the following is not an effect as per
to raise their asking price so as to pass on the tax the author that the curb on property
to buyers. The immediate effect of the speculation will have?
announcement was that China's stock markets
1. It will curb speculative demand..
plunged, before regaining some grounds.
Homeowners rushed to complete sales before the 2. Sellers may increase the price of the
tax arrived. The property office in Shanghai property.
reportedly stayed open late into the night to cope. 3. Mortgage rates will become stiffer.
Marriage registrars were equally busy. Couples (a) All are effect (b) Only 1
with multiple properties to their name hastened (c) Only 2 (d) Only 3
to divorce each other to dilute their tax bills. The (e) Not clearly mentioned in the passage
tax does not apply to homes bought over five 3 . Which of the following is not true as per the
years ago as a sole residence. So, married couples passage?
with two properties hoped to escape the charge
(a) The new curb on property speculation
by becoming singletons with one property each.
repealed the pre-existing 20% Capital
According to Shanghai Daily, a local newspaper,
Gain Tax.
a registrar in the Zhabei district of the city
recorded 53 divorces on March 5, surpassing the (b) The annual levy on the market value of
previous record of 42. There are better ways to a home is already applied to some
quell China's turbulent property market. luxurious homes in Chongqing and
Shanghai.
An annual levy on the market value of a home
would discourage owners from sitting on (c) Prime Minister Wen Jiabao targeted an
vacant flats in the hope of making speculative economic growth of 7.5% for the next
gains. By renting out their properties, these year.
hoarders could pass the tax on to the tenant. (d) The Chinese Stock Market moved
Such a tax could both curb demand for home downwards after the announcement of
purchases and increase the supply of rental curb on property speculation.
properties. The State Council promised last (e) All are true
month to extend a pilot version of this tax, which 4 . Why did the number of divorce cases
is now confined to a handful of luxurious increase after the announcement of curb on
Chongqing and Shanghai homes. But it has been property speculation?
saying that for a while. Perhaps some of the

226 PPC Volume – I

 (a) Couples used this announcement as an (a) Flexible Parliament.
excuse to get rid of their partner. (b) Stubborn Parliament which disrespects
(b) So that they could become the owner of CPPCC.
single property each after they become (c) Parliament that has complete power.
single. (d) Parliament is superior to any other body
(c) The curb was not applicable on divorced in China.
male and female. (e) Parliament which gives approval to the
(d) To divert the attention of the decision of CPPCC without consideration.
government from the main issue i.e.
property tax. Answers
(e) Not clearly mentioned in the passage 1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (c)
5. If all the divorce cases which had taken place 6. (c) 7. (c) 8. (d)
on March 5 (as mentioned in the passage) PASSAGE - 15
were due to the result of curb on property In the past few decades something amazing has
speculation then which of the following happened. The share and the number of
sentences can be true? extremely poor people in the world (on the
1. The marriage of all these couples had current definition, people who consume less than
completed at least 5 years. $1.90 a day at purchasing-power parity) have
2. None of the marriage had completed 5 plunged. This is hugely welcome. People who
years. live on less than $1.90 a day are very poor
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 indeed—poor, in fact, even by the standards of
the world’s poorest countries. So, it is regrettable
(c) Either 1 or 2 (d) None is true
that the steep decline in poverty is unlikely to
(e) Both are true continue. Extreme poverty will probably not fall
6. What alternative to the curb on property as quickly in the next few years as it has done for
speculation has the author mentioned? the past few decades. Why?
(a) Introduction of stiffer mortgage rate The World Bank, which tracks poverty,
(b) Make property market turbulence free estimates that 1.9 billion people were extremely
(c) To levy annual tax on the market value poor in 1981. In that year, the poor accounted for
of home 42% of the world's population. In 2013, by
contrast, only 767m people were poor. Because
(d) Protests by bigwigs must be organised
the world's population has grown so much in
(e) Not clearly mentioned in the passage the interim, the share of poor people in the
7. Which statement(s) is/are tri !? population has fallen even faster, to just below
1. Property offices in Shanghai remained 11%. The single biggest reason for this delightful
open late night due to rising number of trend is China. In 1981, almost unbelievably, 88%
divorce case. of Chinese (and 96% of rural Chinese) seem to
2. The exact date from when the curb have lived below the poverty line. In 2013, only
would be applicable was known. 2% of Chinese were extremely poor.
3. After the announcement, Chinese stock That cannot continue. China will soon eradicate
market moved downwards before extreme poverty, if it has not done so already.
gaining the momentum back. So, will countries like Indonesia and Vietnam
(a) All are true (b) All except 2 which have been almost as good at cutting
poverty. That leaves a rump of poverty in South
(c) Only 3 (d) All except 1
Asia, and, especially sub-Saharan Africa. In 2013,
(e) None is true for the first time, more than half of the paupers
8. What does the word 'Rubber Stamp' as in the world were African. Poverty will be much
mentioned in the passage mean? harder to root out in those places.

PPC Volume – I 227

South Asian countries like Bangladesh and India 3. Which among the following options is true
have decent economic growth but feeble welfare regarding the increasing population of the
systems. Africa doesn't even have the former, world as per the passage?
especially considering how quickly its (a) Population growth leaves a rump of
population is increasing. Besides, poor Africans poverty in South Asia and sub-Saharan
often live on much less than $1.90 a day. It is Africa.
hard to pull exceptionally poor people (b) Due to the world population growth, the
(sometimes called the ultra-poor') over the line. number of poor people in the population
Even African countries that are growing fairly has fallen.
well, like Ethiopia and Rwanda, will have huge
(c) In 2013, the poor accounted for 42% of
poor populations for many years even if incomes
the world's population.
rise across the board.
(d) It leads to loss in confidence.
The most obvious but least important
consequence of this change is that the world is (e) All of the above
likely to miss a target. The first of the UN's 4. What is appropriate title for die passage?
'sustainable development goals' has the world (a) Development against poverty
cutting poverty to 3% by 2030. That probably (b) Situation of India in poverty
will not happen. More important will be a broad
(c) Why the war on poverty is about to get
loss of confidence. The war on want has gone so
harder?
well over the years that a sudden slowdown
will come as a shock. But at least deep poverty is (d) Poverty: A comparison over different
contained. It is no longer a global scourge, just a countries
South Asian and African one. That is some cause (e) None is suitable for the passage
for celebration. Answers
[IBPS RRBs Officer Scale-I (Mains) 2020] 1. (e) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (c)
1 . Which among the following explains about
PASSAGE - 16
the reason behind the failure of sustainable
development goal? Wayanad, Congress President Rahul Gandhi s
choice as his second constituency, is arguably
1. Detriment of confidence
the safest seat for the Congress in South India
2. Desertion of the combat on want and among the safest in the entire country. Mr.
3. Increasing population Gandhi's main rival will be PP Suneer of the CPI.
(a) Only 1 is correct (b) Only 2 is correct The BJP has a marginal presence in the
(c) 1 and 2 are correct (d) Ail are correct constituency.
(e) 1 and 2 are correct The Congress chief had been undecided over
contesting from Wayanad, considering the
2 . Which of the following statements is false
multiple battles of perception that it brings. First,
regarding extremely poor people as per the
while he has been pointedly trying to define the
passage?
2019 election as a fight to save India from
(a) People who live on less than $1.90 a day advancing Hindutva, he will end up facing-off
are very poor. with the Left, an adversary in Kerala but an ally
(b) In the next few years extreme poverty nationally. Second, he will be accused of running
will probably not decline quickly. away from Amethi.
(c) Only 2% of Chinese were extremely poor Third, the more fundamental question: whether
in 2013. contesting two seats will be seen as a sign of
(d) The share and the number of extremely weakness. After weighing the pros and cons, on
poor people in the world have increased. which he received divergent opinions, the
(e) It is difficult to pull poor people over the decision was taken. Congress sources close to
line.

228 PPC Volume – I

Mr. Gandhi are emphatic that they sense no Answers
challenge in Amethi.
1. (b) 2. (e) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (e)
But the volatility in Uttar Pradesh, despite the
formation of the SP-BSP alliance and its PASSAGE - 17
declaration of support for Mr. Gandhi in Amethi, Renewable energy is the future and future is
is palpable. The battle lines in the critical State finally here. Global investment in renewable
have not been defined yet, and Prime Minister energy shot up last year, far outstripping
Narendra Modi's campaign blitz has only begun. investment in fossil fuels, according to a UN
That said, the reason for national leaders report. As the price of clean energy technology
contesting a second seat is less because of any plummets, it has become an increasingly
insecurity in one seat and more for expanding attractive prospect for world governments,
their personal imprint to critical territories, as China was by far the world's largest investor in
Mr. Modi himself did in 2014 by contesting from renewable energy in 2017, accounting for nearly
Vadodara in Gujarat and Varanasi in UP. half of the new infrastructure commissioned.
This was mainly a result of its massive support
[IBPS PO (Pre) 2019]
for solar power, which globally attracted nearly
1 . Which place according to the passage is the a fifth more investment than in the previous year.
safest seat for Congress in South India? Other countries including Australia, Sweden
(a) Kannur (b) Wayanad and Mexico more than doubled the amount of
(c) Kozhikode (d) Pathanamthitta money they pumped into clean energy projects.
(e) Vadodara 'Yet again, this was a record year for new
2 . Which word is in closest to the meaning of renewable power capacity being financed,"
the word emphatic? Francoise d’états from UN Environment's Energy
(a) Hesitant (b) Tentative and Climate branch told The Independent. "We
(c) Ambiguous (d) Lethargic had a record 157 gigawatts commissioned last
year, far outstripping the fossil fuel generating
(e) Decisive
capacity, which we estimated as 70 gigawatts."
3 . What is the main reason for national leaders
In just over a decade, concerted investment has
less contesting for a second seat?
increased the proportion of world electricity
(a) Over insecurity in one State
generated by wind, solar and other renewable
(b) Expanding their personal imprint to sources from around 5 per cent to 12 per cent.
critical territories
The electricity sector remains the brightest spot
(c) Both (a) and (b) for renewables with the exponential growth of
(d) Because of election lines not being solar photovoltaics and wind in recent years and
defined properly building on the significant contribution of
(d) None of the above hydropower generation/ But, electricity
4 . Why is Congress President undecided in accounts for only a fifth of global energy
contesting from Wayanad? consumption and the role of renewables in the
(a) Battle with the left transportation and heating sectors remains
(b) Accused of running away from Amethi ...(A)......to the energy transition.
(c) Sign of weakness The global replacement of traditional fuels with
(d) All the three renewables led to around 1.8 gigatonnes of
carbon dioxide emissions being avoided last year
(e) None of the above
- the equivalent of removing the entire US
5 . Which word is closest in meaning to the transport system. According to the Wind and
word 'divergent ?
Solar Atlas, there are opportunities and potential
(a) Correspondent (b) Homogenous for Wind and Solar plants in the East and West
(c) Similar (d) Uniform Nile areas that will produce around 31150 MW
(e) Diverse from wind and 52300 MW7 from solar. Egypt is

PPC Volume – I 229

also considering financing options to conduct 3. Which of the following is/are the positive
feasibility studies for building the world s effect(s) of renewable energy?
largest solar power plant for both electricity 1. Overall increase in the global
generation and water desalination. temperature.
The UK has been performing well in clean energy 2. Carbon dioxide emissions were reduced
generation, with recent figures showing wind to a considerable amount.
and solar sources had overtaken nuclear as
suppliers of electricity. However, despite these 3. Nile being converted into a .biodiversity
positive trends, 2017 saw a big drop of 65 per hotspot.
cent in British renewables investment. Experts (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
have criticised the withdrawal of UK support (c) Only 3 (d) 2 and 3
for onshore wind, as previous analysis has (e) All 1, 2 and 3
demonstrated it already has the capacity to
4. Why government subsidies are likely to
outcompete fossil fuels as a power source.
become less important?
As renewable energy prices continue to fall,
however, Professor Moslener said government (a) As China is increasing the investment
subsidies are likely to become less and less in this sector.
important. [SBI PO (Pre) 2019] (b) As the price of clean energy technology
1 . Which of the following facts are correct as continues to plummet.
per the given passage? (c) As fossil fuels are the better alternative.
1. The decrease in die cost of renewable (d) As there are opportunities and potential
energy resulted in its wide use. for wind and solar plants in the East and
2. China massively supported solar power West Nile areas.
and became largest investor in (e) None of the above
renewable energy.
5. Which of the following words will come in
3. Egypt is conducting feasibility studies place of (A) as given in the passage?
for building largest solar power plant.
(a) Elevate (b) Existence
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Erratic (d) Diabolic
(c) Only 3 (d) 2 and 3
(e) Critical
(e) All 1, 2 and 3
6. Which of the following words is most
2 . What did the author mean by the line "The
electricity sector remains the brightest spot similar in meaning to accounting for' as given
for renewables with the exponential growth in the passage?
of solar photovoltaics and wind in recent (a) Contradict (b) Contribute
years and building on the significant (c) Devious (d) Retrieve
contribution of hydropower generation" ? (e) Categorical
1. The growth of renewable energy in
7. Which of the following words is most
electricity sector is not that impressive.
similar in meaning to 'plummets' as given
2. Electricity sector has performed the best in the passage?
for renewables.
(a) Intensify (b) Escalate
3. Hydropower generation has made a
significant contribution in the electricity (c) Callous (d) Slump
sector. (e) Reminiscent
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 Answers
(c) None of these (d) 2 and 3 1. (e) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (e)
(e) All 1, 2 and 3 6. (b) 7. (d)

230 PPC Volume – I

 PASSAGE - 18 learn and discover new cases in new scenarios,
Thousands of claims, customer queries and large automatically evaluating damages and
volumes of diverse data make the insurance predicting the costs from historical data.
industry a natural use case for artificial Fraudulent cases can be detected more easily,
intelligence and cognitive technologies. A recent sooner and more reliably, capturing patterns and
study from Tata Consultancy Services reported traits that would be invisible to the human eye.
that the insurance sector has invested $ 124 This helps insurers with risk evaluations to
million in AI, compared to an average of $ 70 support fast, informed decision-making. In the
million invested by other industries. From insurance industry, Artificial Intelligence
customer service to claims processing, AI is powered chatbots are replacing human
frequently cited as a disruptive force in the assistants to deliver always available, fast and
insurance sector which is foreseen as the power efficient customer service. To be effective,
that will lead the insurance industry. chatbots must have natural language processing
Keeping up with the speed at which data is and sentiment analysis capabilities to
generated on a daily basis and our need to extract accurately understand what customers are
insight from that data requires powerful and saying in their own language.
innovative technology that can understand and Chatbot applications based on Artificial
......what is contained in information beyond intelligence allow users to interact directly with
keyword matching. It requires cognitive your business using their own words, through
technology. natural, human-like conversations. Chatbots
In the post, we will look at some of the most can be used to automatically provide
common applications of AI in the insurance information, facilitate the purchase and help
industry. Artificial Intelligence in the Claims connect customers to the services or information
Management Process. they need, 24 x 7, in order to provide them with
a faster and optimised experience.
Insurance industry processes are both data and
time-intensive. Consider the data types used Deep comprehension of the meaning of words
across the many steps of the claims management offers a great opportunity for extracting strategic
process: Claim form input, incident information from conversations with customers.
documentation, medical reports and repair Detailed preferences, comments, habits, feelings,
estimates contain both unstructured or semi- needs, etc., can be identified, tracked and
structured, making it more difficult to process. transformed into actionable intelligence to
identify not only trends, problems and signals
The evaluation and decision-making process
but also customised requirements.
depends on this data in order to evaluate the
validity of a claim, to ensure against fraud, and [LIC AAO 2019]
to eventually route it through all of the decision- 1 . Given below is a sentence from the passage.
making processes. Choose the correct word to fill the blank.
By automating claims processes, insurers can Keeping up with the speed at which data is
access and extract the relevant information from generated on a daily basis and our need to
documents and reduce processing times at the extract insight from that data requires
same time. Automated claims management powerful and innovative technology that
solutions have significant advantages. can understand and......what is contained in
Insurers can fast-track claims, reducing the time the information beyond keyword matching.
and costs of processing while enhancing (a) lament (b) amend
customer experience through smart (c) suspend (d) pretend
automatisation or Robotic Process Automation (e) comprehend
(RPA). AI can identify patterns in data and help 2 . Based on the passage, out of the five
identify fraudulent claims in the process. Using alternatives, select the word similar in
machine learning capabilities, AI systems can meaning to the word given.

PPC Volume – I 231

 Volume 6. According to the passage, how can AI
(a) Area (b) Amount systems learn to discover new cases in new
(c) Speed (d) Girth scenarios, automatically evaluate damages
and predict the costs from historical data?
(e) Span
(a) Through machine learning
3. Based on the passage, out of the five
(b) Through more data compilation
alternatives, select the word similar in
meaning to the word given. (c) Through enhanced chatbots
Optimise (d) Through a systematic disruption of the
industry
(a) Precise (b) Concise
(e) Through a new marketing strategy
(c) Enhance (d) Wise
7. Complete the following sentence.
(e) Surprise
The evaluation and decision-making process
4. Given below is a sentence from the passage. depends on this data in order to
Read it and choose the word closest in
(a) evaluate the validity of a claim
meaning to the word given in bold.
(b) ensure against fraud
From customer service to claims processing,
AI is frequently cited as a disruptive force in (c) eventually route the data through all of
the insurance sector which is foreseen as the the decision-making processes
power that will lead the insurance industry. (d) All of the above
(a) Descend (b) Ascend (e) None of the above
(c) Rise (d) Head Answers
(e) Fail 1. (e) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (c)
5. What does the sentence given below mean? 6. (c) 7. (d)
Deep comprehension of the meaning of PASSAGE - 19
words offers a great opportunity for With 2.5 billion people around the world still
extracting strategic information from excluded from the formal financial system, there
conversations with customers. is growing interest in how to extend financial
(a) It is only through an intense amount of services to the 'unbanked', many of whom live
knowledge of human vocabulary that in extreme poverty in developing countries.
the insurance industry function. Their exclusion from formal financial services
(b) The amount of knowledge of human forces them to rely on risky and expensive
vocabulary which is required for alternatives, which stifles both individual and
insurance industry already exists. macro-level economic development.
(c) An intense amount of knowledge of Evidence also shows that people want savings,
human vocabulary is required to take and demand for savings accounts outstrips
the important details out of the demand for credit in Sub-Saharan Africa. But
conversations with customers. the problem for many of the poorest people is
that they simply don't have a good way of doing
(d) No amount of knowledge of human
it. As Nelly Otieno, microfinance specialist with
vocabulary can help in taking the Care Kenya pointed out, in the absence of any
important details out of the savings vehicles, excess cash has tended to get
conversations with customers. put into something like livestock. A poor woman
(e) An intense amount of knowledge of with spare cash invests in a chicken. There's quite
human vocabulary is not required to a......between that form of investment and the
take out the important details out of the kind of formal products provided by banks.
conversations with customers.

232 PPC Volume – I

That's where community-led savings groups (a) Evidence shows that people want
have a role to play and what surprised Otieno savings, and demand for savings
was the fervour with which people joined these accounts outstrips demand for credit in
groups and how quickly they demanded more Sub-Saharan Africa.
advanced products as a group and wanted to (b) Lack of financial inclusion has a
invest individually too. "In the past three years, significant impact on the country 's
we've seen a huge demand coming from these economic development.
groups," she said. "Initially it's to start saving (c) 2.5 billion people around the world are
but in time as they build the confidence they still excluded from the formal financial
want to increase their savings and as they system.
increase their savings they also want to invest (d) In the past three years, we've seen huge
more in their own businesses." demand coming from community led
The seminar discussed how graduation from saving groups.
these community-led savings schemes into a (e) None of the above
wider array of formal financial services is 4. What can be inferred from the given
potentially risky. It is at this point, for instance, statement ?
that many financial services providers might "Evidence also shows that people want
identify an opportunity to step in and offer all savings, and demand for saving accounts
sorts of products to a burgeoning customer base, outstrips demand for credit in Sub-Saharan
which may or may not be in the interests of Africa. But the problem for many of the
those customers. [RBI Grade 'B' 2019] poorest people is that they simply don't have
1. Which of the following statements is/are true a good way of doing it."
according to the given passage? (a) People in Sub-Saharan Africa do not
1. The seminar discussed how graduation bother to save and prefer to take credit
from these community-led savings instead.
schemes into a wider array of formal (b) People in African countries do not have
financial services is potentially risky. access to financial services, so there is
2. If people do not have saving vehicles no demand for saving accounts.
they tend to put their excess cash into (c) In African countries demand for credit
something like livestock. outstrips the demand for saving
3. Exclusion of people from financial accounts.
services cannot force them to rely on (d) If banking services are available to
risky and expensive alternatives. people then people would prefer saving
over taking credit.
(a) Only 3 (b) Only 2
(e) None of the above
(c) 2 and 3 (d) All 1, 2 and 3
5. Which of the following is the most
(e) None of these
appropriate synonym of the given word as
2. Which of the given words is the most given in the passage?
appropriate for the given blank?
Burgeoning
There's quite a......between that form of
(a) Diminishing
investment and the kinds of formal products
(b) Ruined Completely
provided by banks.
(c) Flourishing
(a) competition (b) similarity
(d) Shrinking
(c) problem (d) mindset
(e) None of these
(e) gulf
3. Which of the following can be inferred from Answers
the given passage? 1. (e) 2. (e) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (c)

PPC Volume – I 233

 PASSAGE - 20 2. Which of the following words is the most
Imagine going to the refrigerator one morning similar in meaning to the word
only to find it empty. Then turning on the 'hypothetical?
television to discover that there is a world-wide (a) Relevant (b) Theoretical
food shortage because bees have gone extinct and, (c) Scrupulous (d) Sanctimonious
without our friendly pollinators, so has the food. (e) None of these
This hypothetical situation is not as far from our
3. Imagine going to the refrigerator one
future reality as we would like to think. Earth s
average temperature has risen almost two morning only to find it empty. Then turning
degrees since 1880. That might not seem like on the television to discover that there is a
much on paper, but the effects of this seemingly world-wide food shortage because bees have
small climate change can be seen in the weather, gone extinct and, without our friendly
sea levels, and the health of our global bee pollinators, so has the food."
populations. In fact, the impact of changing
temperatures on both native and introduced What does the author wish to convey by
pollinators has many experts believing slowing talking about that hypothetical situation?
climate change may be the only way to save the (a) That bees play a major role in fulfilling
bees. one of our basic requirements.
It's no secret that bee populations, especially (b) That we should start stocking up on
honeybees, have been struggling in recent years.
food.
In the short period of time between 2014 and
2017, an estimated 10 million hives were lost. (c) That the television is quick to bring
Today, honeybees play a significant role in both important news to the audience.
our natural ecosystem and our agricultural (d) That food is a non-renewable resource.
industry. However, in many ways, climate
change is harming native bee species and other (e) None of the above
pollinators far more than honeybees. It's robbing 4. Which of the following is the most opposite
them of there food and breeding fuel. Many native in meaning to the word 'significant ?
pollinators rely on only a small selection of
(a) Worthless (b) Meaningful
flowers as a food source or for breeding purposes.
Besides, insects take care of our food (c) Requisite (d) Basic
requirements too. Pollination is where insects (e) None of these
move pollen from one plait to another, fertilising
5. Which of the following can be inferred from
the plants so that, they can produce fruit
vegetables, seeds and so on. If all the bees went the passage?
extinct, it would destroy the delicate balance of A. Measures need to be taken to slow down
the Earth s ecosystem and after: global food climate change to save the bee
supplies. [RBI Grade 'B' 2019] population from extinction.
1 . Which of the following statements is true
B. Honeybees are going to become extinct
according to the given passage?
in the next three years.
A. Insects play an important role in food
production C. Honeybees are the most important
B. Climate change is harming bee insect species for our agriculture
population. industry.
C. Earth has gradually grown hotter in the (a) Only A (b) A and B
past century (c) Only B (d) A, B and C
(a) Only A (b) Only B (e) None of these
(c) A and B (d) A, B and C 6. Which of the following statements is not true
(e) None of these according to the passage?

234 PPC Volume – I

 A. Pollination is moving pollen from one printing press had made its way throughout
plant to another. Europe and news sheets (or news books) were
B. Climate change is harming native bee mass-distributed.
species and other pollinators far more The first weekly newspaper was published in
than honeybees. Germany by Johann Carolus in 1604. Called
C. Many experts believe that slowing 'Relation aller Furnemmen und
climate change may be the only way to gedenckwurdigen Historien', the publication
save the bees. satisfied the four tenets of a true newspaper' :
(a) Only B (b) Only A Accessibility by the public, Published at a
(c) Only C (d) A, B and C regular interval (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.),
(e) None of these Information is current, Covers a variety of topics
(politics, events, entertainment, sports, etc.).
7. Which of the following can be a suitable title
Despite meeting the requirements for a
for the given passage?
newspaper, there is some debate as to whether
(a) Bees and other pollinators
'The Relation' qualifies as the world's first
(b) Climate change and global warming newspaper since it was printed in quarto, not
(c) Effect of climate change on bees folio, size. It's worth noting the World
(d) Help from the honeybees Association of Newspapers considers 'The
(e) Either (a) or (b) Relation' the first true newspaper.
Answers Other German newspapers followed and in 1618
1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (a) the world's first broadsheet newspaper printed
in folio size was published in Amsterdam, called
6. (c) 7. (c)
'Courante uyt Italien, Duytslandt, 6c c. The
PASSAGE - 21 newspaper format soon spread throughout
People have long circulated news via word-of- Europe, with newspapers published in Spain,
mouth and as language evolved into writing and France and Sweden. The first English newspaper
literacy — and governments played larger roles was published in 1665 in Oxford, England.
in people's lives — sharing information became Known as the 'Oxford Gazette', the newspaper
a necessity. However, disseminating news and moved to London in 1666 and was renamed the
information on paper presented significant London Gazette'. It's still being published today.
challenges.
Soon after, the newspaper became a staple in all
When each copy had to be handwritten, mass major European countries. It then made its way
distribution was impossible. They were first to the New World. [SBI PO (Pre) 2018]
chiseled in stone or metal; later, they were
1. Which of the following options is satisfying
handwritten and distributed in public forums
the condition for being a tenet of a true
or read from scrolls by town criers. Though both
ancient Romans and Chinese — as well as other newspaper ?
ancient civilisations — had early forms of news (a) A newspaper which is accessible to only
media, they do not qualify as newspapers Asian readers.
because they could not be mass-distributed. (b) A newspaper which was published once
The first true newspaper arrived after Johannes in a month.
Gutenberg introduced his movable type printing (c) A newspaper which was printed in
press to the European world around 1440. quarto, not folio, size.
Though printing presses with movable type had
(d) A newspaper which covers historic
existed in Eastern Asia for around two centuries,
they never made it to Europe; furthermore, developments leading to various events.
Gutenberg's version made it significantly faster (e) A newspaper which is printed in press
to mass produce documents. By 1500, the and is not handwritten.

PPC Volume – I 235

2. Which of the following statements is false (c) The first English newspaper was
according to the passage? published in 1695 in Oxford, England
(a) 'The Relation' was not the first known as the 'Oxford Gazette'.
newspaper as it did not meet all the (d) The world's first broadsheet newspaper
required conditions. printed in quarto size was published in
(b) Information on paper was only possible Amsterdam, called Courante uyt Italien,
after the introduction of press. Duitsland, & c.
(c) The concept of newspaper was rejected (e) The first English newspaper known as
in Europe earlier. the 'Oxford Gazette', was renamed the
(d) 'London Gazette' is the first newspaper 'London Gazette' later.
to be published in the multiple 5. Choose the word which is the most nearly
languages. similar in meaning to the word
(e) All are incorrect 'disseminating' printed in bold as used in
the passage.
3. That paved the way for the 'true
newspapers'? (a) Agree (b) Taunt
(a) The world's first broadsheet newspaper (c) Barb (d) Sneer
printed in folio size. (e) Spread
(b) The invention of the printing press 6. In ancient time, what was the biggest
paved the way for 'true newspapers'. challenge that the people had to face while
(c) The technology which allowed it to be circulating the news?
printed in multiple languages. (a) The biggest challenge was of printing
(d) As the governments started playing a the news on a paper.
larger role in people's lives. (b) Earlier each copy had to be handwritten;
(e) None of the above mass distribution was next to
impossible.
4. Which of the following statements is true
regarding newspapers? (c) It was a herculean task for the editors to
get an affirmation by government for
(a) The first weekly newspaper was
printing the news.
published in Germany by Johann
Carolus in 1904. (d) Both (a) and (c)
(b) 'The Relation' qualifies as the world's (e) All are incorrect
first newspaper since it was printed in Answers
folio, not quarto. 1. (b) 2. (e) 3. (b) 4. (e) 5. (e)
6. (b)

236 PPC Volume – I