Reading Comprehension
Directions (Q. Nos. 1 to 15) Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases have been printed bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.
Passage I
Despite the economic crunch worldwide that saw pulverization of some of the largest banking and finance giants, Indian banking houses have managed to show positive growth this quarter. Some of India’s leading national banks have posted a net profit rise of more than 40% over the last quarter amid global turmoil. This would come as a big shot in the arm for the investors and consumers of these banks even though apprehension is mounting on other banking and broking firms worldwide. One of the main reasons behind the success of these banks this quarter, would be their direct backing by the Government of India. People take solace in their investments in public sector watching the bailout packages being cashed out by governments all over the word to save big business houses.
Other private banks in India have also reported a substantial net profit over the last quarter. Given the international and domestic scenario on cannot put this down as a mundane achievement. While others are on a cost cutting spree and firing employees, Indian companies are actually working on boosting staffing in banking and broking sectors. This can be seen as a big boon in the days to come when the current recession eases and the economy gradually comes back on to the fast track. The finance minister has assured Indian public about the sound health of all Indian banks. This could also be evident from the fact that there have been no mergers and takeovers in Indian banking sector in contrast to world scenario where finance houses are looking for mergers to cut costs on operations. We definitely are not looking to thrive; rather we are looking for growth. It is just that the pace of growth is a little slow now as compared to a y ear or two before. These are hard times to test the hard. The weak in business and career will be weeded out and it is sometimes very beneficial for business on the long run.
1. What, according to the author, is the reason for the success of Indian national banks in this quarter?
(1) Indian national banks do not have any commitments in troubled foreign markets
(2) These banks can never face financial crisis because of their sheer size
(3) These banks are ready to give loans at a very low rate of interest
(4) The public is ready to invest in these banks because of the knowledge that these banks get strong support from the Government
(5) None of the above
2. Which of the following statements is definitely true in the context of the passage?
(A) India has not been affected by the economic slowdown.
(B) Indian banks are showing growth in this quarter despite the recession.
(C) While baking industry in the West was severely affected by recession in the past, it is now gradually recovering and showing a positive growth.
(1) Only A
(2) Only B
(3) Only C
(4) Only A and B
(5) Only B and C
3. What, according to the author, will be a big boon in the days to come ?
(1) The economy coming back on the fast track
(2) The slowing down of the economy
(3) Increased hiring in Indian financial sector in times of economic slowdown
(4) The cost cutting carried out by all the companies
(5) None of the above
4. Which of the following strengthens the finance minister’s statement about the sound health of Indian banks with respect to the passage?
(A) There have been no acquisitions and mergers of Indian banks.
(B) The Indian banks are recording a positive growth.
(C) Layoffs have been observed worldwide.
(1) Only A and B
(2) Only A and C
(3) Only A
(4) Only B
(5) All A, B and C
5. How, according to the author, is the current recession beneficial?
(1) Worldwide, companies have realized that India is a strong power to reckon with
(2) India is surging ahead of the other companies throughout the world
(3) After the recession is over international companies will turn to India for investment
(4) Recession is bringing down the prices of essential commodities
(5) None of the above
6. What does the phrase ‘shot in the arm’ as used in the passage mean ?
(1) Shock
(2) Fear
(3) Encouragement
(4) Anxiety
(5) None of these
Directions (Q. Nos. 7 to 8) Choose the word/group of words which is most similar in meaning to the word/group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.
7. Pulverisation
(1) Polarization
(2) Mashing
(3) Debasement
(4) Fall
(5) Crushing
8. Turmoil
(1) Danger
(2) Shock
(3) Sadness
(4) Fear
(5) Chaos
Directions (Q. Nos. 9 to 10) Choose the word/group of words which is most opposite in meaning to the word/group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.
9. Mundane
(1) Extraordinary
(2) Regular
(3) Severe
(4) Visionary
(5) Routine
10. Thrive
(1) Succeed
(2) Deteriorate
(3) Worry
(4) Tremble
(5) Strive
Passage II
Modem bio-technology, especially the creation of genetically modified crops, is often presented as a magic solution or universal panacea for the problems of poverty, inadequate nutrition and even environmental degradation across the world. Conversely, there are people who present the picture of tech-generated monsters and major human health hazards being created by science. Many of the technological changes currently in the process of being utilized in agriculture can have unforeseen consequences, and their safety and future viability are far from secure.
The reality, as always, is far more complex than either of these two extremes. Even today the total food production in the world is adequate to feed the hungry of the world; the problem is rather one of unequal distribution, which deprives a large part of the population of even their minimal nutritional requirements. Similarly farmers, especially in developing countries, face many problems such as lack of infrastructure, poor or unstable market access, volatile input and output prices, etc. that bio-technology does not address, much less solve.
it is true that transgenic plants can offer a range of benefits which are above and beyond those which emerged from more traditional innovations in cultivation. It is suggested that such new technology offers more effective pest resistance of seeds and crops through genetic control mechanism, which also reduces the need for pesticide use and leads to improved yield. A basic question, of course, is whether the new GM technology is safe, and whether this is absolutely crucial since the effects may only be known much later. The jury is still very much out on this matter, and the controversy does not appear to be resolved quickly.
The trouble is that most governments in developing countries have relatively low food and beverage regulatory standards, and public systems for monitoring and surveillance of such items are poor or non-existent. This leaves them open to entry and even dumping of a range of agricultural products of the new technology, which may not pass regulatory standards in the more developed countries.
11. Which of the following is true in context of the passage?
(1) Genetically modified crops have been universally recognized as a solution to poverty and environmental degradation.
(2) The only way to improve the deficit in food requirement and food production in the world is by adapting genetically modified crops.
(3) Genetically modified crops produce more yield as compared to yield from the traditional methods
(4) Taking advantage of absence of regulatory standards, scientist have been dumping new products new products in the markets without appropriate approval
(5) None is true
12. Why, according to the author, is genetic modification of crops not an answer to the problem of hunger in the world?
(A) People being highly doubtful of the long term effects of genetically modified crops, do not buy the products grown by such methods.
(B) The problem of hunger in the world in not due to inadequate production of food but due to unequal distribution of it.
(C) Many developing countries have banned genetically modified products as developed countries have been using these countries as dumping grounds for new genetically modified products.
(1) Only A
(2) Only B
(3) Both B and C
(4) Both A and C
(5) None of these
13. The author of the given passage seems to be definitely
(1) suggesting the use of traditional methods of agriculture as against bio-technology by developing countries owing to their poor regulatory standards.
(2) in favour of utilizing bio-technology as a tool for alleviation of poverty from the world
(3) urging the policy makers to improve infrastructural facilities so that farmers can maximize the benefits of genetically modified crops
(4) Unconvinced of the long term effects and rationale for immediate requirement of genetically modified products
(5) None of the above
14. Choose the word/group of words which is most opposite in meaning to ‘VOLATILE’ printed in bold as used in the passage.
(1) Never-ending
(2) Meager
(3) Valuable
(4) Irreversible
(5) Stable
15. Choose the word/group of words which is most similar meaning to ‘OPEN’ printed in bold as used in the passage.
(1) Vulnerable
(2) Capable
(3) Threatened
(4) Uncertain
(5) Weak
Directions (Q. Nos. 16 to 30) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain word have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.
The great fear in Asia a short while ago was that the region would suffer through the wealth destruction already taking place in the US as a result of the financial crisis. Stock markets tumbled as exports plunged and economic growth deteriorated. Lofty property prices in China and elsewhere looked set to bust as credit tightened and buyers evaporated. But with surprising speed, fear in Asia swung back to greed as the region shows signs of recovery and property and stock prices are soaring in many parts of Asia.
Why should this sharp Asian turnaround be greeted with skepticism ? Higher asset prices mean households feel wealthier and better able to spend, which could further fuel the region’s nascent rebound. But just as easily, Asia could soon find itself saddled with overheated markets similar to the US housing market. In short the world has not changed, it has just moved places.
The incipient bubble is being created by government policy. In response to the global credit crunch of 2008, policy makers in Asia slashed interest rates and flooded financial sectors with cash in frantic attempts to keep loans flowing and economies growing. These steps were logical for central bankers striving to reverse a deepening economic crisis. But there is evidence that there is too much easy money around. It’s winding up in stocks and real estate, pushing prices up too far and too fast for the undenying economic fundamentals. Much of the concern is focused on China where government stimulus efforts have been large and effective. Money in China has been especially easy to find. Aggregate new bank lending surged 201% in the first half of 2009 from the same period a year earlier, to nearly 51.1 turn on. Exuberance over a quick recovery-which was given a boost by China’s surprisingly strong 7.9% GDP growth in the second quarter-has buoyed investor sentiment not just for stocks but also for real estate.
Former US Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan argued that bubbles could only be recognized in hind sight. But investors – who have been well schooled in the dangers of bubbles over the past decade are increasingly wary that prices have risen too far and that the slightest bit of negative, economic news cold knock markets for a loop. These fears are compounded by the possibility that Asia’s central bankers will begin taking steps to shut off the money. Rumours that Beijing was on the verge of tightening credit led to Shanghai stocks plunging 5%. Yet many economists believe that, there is close to a zero possibility that the Chinese government will do anything this year that constitutes tightening. And without a major shift in thinking, the easy-money conditions will stay in place. In a global economy that has produced more dramatic ups and downs than anyone thought possible over the past two years, Asia may be heading for another disheartening plunge.
16. To which of the following has the author attributed the 2008 Asian financial crisis ?
(A) Reluctance of Asian governments to taper off the economic stimulus
(B) Greed of Asian investors causing them to trade stocks of American companies at high prices
(C) Inflated real estate prices in Asian countries
(1) None
(2) Only A
(3) Only C
(4) Only A and B
(5) Only B
17. What does the author want to convey through the phrase “The world has not changed it has just moved places” ?
(1) At present countries are more dependent on Asian economies than on the US economy
(2) Economies have become interlinked on account of globalization
(3) Asian governments are implementing the same economic reforms as developed countries
(4) All economies are susceptible to recession because of the state of the US economy
(5) None of the above
18. Which of the following can be said about the Chinese government’s efforts to revive the economy?
(1) These were largely unsuccessful as only the housing market improved
(2) The government’s only concern was to boost investor confidence in stocks
(3) These efforts were ineffectual as the economy recovered owing to the US market stabilizing
(4) These were appropriate and accomplished the goal of economic revival
(5) They blindly imitated the economic reforms adopted by the US
19. Why do experts predict that Asian policymaker will not withdraw fiscal stimulus ?
(A) The US economy is not likely to recover for a long time.
(B) Stock markets are yet to regain their former levels.
(C) Fear of revolt by greedy citizens
(1) None
(2) Only C
(3) Only A and C
(4) Only B
(5) Only B and C
20. What do the statistics about loans given by Chinese banks in 2009 indicate ?
(1) There was hardly any demand for loans in 2008
(2) The Chinese government has borrowed funds from the US
(3) China will take longer than the US to recover from the economic crisis
(4) The GDP of China was below expectations
(5) None of the above
21. Why was investor confidence in the Chinese stock market been restored?
(A) Existing property prices which are stable and affordable.
(B) The government has decided to tighten credit.
(C) Healthy growth of the economy indicated by GDP figures.
(1) Only C
(2) Only A and B
(3) All A, B and C
(4) Only B
(5) None of these
22. What is the author’s main objective in writing the passage ?
(1) Illustrating that Asian economies are financial more sound than those of developed countries
(2) Disputing financial theories about how recessions can be predicted and avoided
(3) Warning Asian countries about the dangers of favouring fast growth and profits over sound economic-principles
(4) Extolling China’s incredible growth and urging other countries to emulate it.
(5) Advising governments about the changes in policy to strengthen economic fundamentals
23. Why does the author doubt the current resurgence of Asian economies?
(1) Their economies are too heavily reliant on the American economy which is yet to recover
(2) Central banks have slashed interest rates too abruptly which is likely to cause stock markets to crash
(3) With their prevailing economic conditions they are at risk for a financial crisis
(4) Their GDP gas not grown significantly during the last financial year
(5) None of the above
24. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
(A) All Asian economies are recovering at the same pace.
(B) Experts are apprehensive about the state of Asian economies despite their recovery.
(C) Developed countries should implement the same economies reforms as Asian ones.
(1) Only A
(2) Only B and C
(3) Only A and B
(4) Only B
(5) None of these
25. According to the passage, which of the following factor (s) has/have had a negative impact on the Asian stock markets?
(A) Abrupt drop in exports by Asian countries.
(B) Extravagant disbursement of housing loans in 2009.
(C) Raising of interest rates by the Central Bank.
(1) None
(2) Only A and B
(3) Only A
(4) Only A and C
(5) All, A, B and C
Directions (Q. Nos. 26 to 28) Choose the word or group of words which is most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
26. Fuel
(1) Petrol
(2) Stimulate
(3) Sustain
(4) Heat
(5) Charge
27. Flooded
(1) Surged
(2) Saturated
(3) Overflowed
(4) Deluge
(5) Overcome
28. Evaporated
(1) Dehydrated
(2) Melted
(3) Vaporized
(4) Vanished
(5) Dodgegd
Directions (Q. Nos. 29 to 30) Choose the word or group of words which is most opposite in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
29. Buoyed
(1) Heavy
(2) Stiffed
(3) Numbed
(4) Dull
(5) Abated
30. Sharp
(1) Blunt
(2) Incomplete
(3) Naive
(4) Indistinct
(5) Gradual
Directions (Q. Nos. 31 to 45) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain word have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.
Delays of several months in National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) wage payments and worksites where labourers have lost all hope of being paid at all have become the norm in many states. How are workers who exist on the margins of subsistence supposed to feed their families ? Under the scheme, workers must be paid within 15 days, failing which they are entitled to compensation under the Payment of Wages Act – upto Rs. 3,000/- per aggrieved worker. In reality compensation is received in only a few isolated instances.
It is often argued by officials that the main reason for the delay is the inability of banks and post offices to handle mass payments of NREGS wages. Though there is a grain of truth in this, as a diagnosis it is misleading. The ‘jam’ in the banking system has been the result of the hasty switch to bank payments imposed by the Central Government against the recommendation of the Central Employment Guarantee Council which advocated a gradual transition starting with villages relatively close to the nearest bank.
However delays are not confined solely to the banking system. Operational hurdles include implementing agencies taking more than fifteen days to issue payment orders, viewing of work measurement as a cumbersome process resulting in procrastination by the engineering staff and non-maintenance of muster rolls and job cards, etc. But behind these delays lies a deeper and deliberate ‘backlash’ against the NREGS. With bank payments making it much harder to embezzle NREGS funds, the programme is seen as a headache by many government functionaries-the workload has remained without the “inducements”. Slowing down wage payments is a convenient way of sabotaging the scheme because workers will desert NREGS worksites.
The commonsense solution advocated by the government is to adopt the business correspondent model where in bank agents will go to villages to make cash payments and duly record them on handheld, electronic devices. This solution is based on the wrong diagnosis that distance separating villages from banks is the main issue. In order to accelerate payments, clear timelines for every step of the payment process should be incorporated into the system as Programme Officers often have no data on delays and cannot exert due pressure to remedy the situation. Workers are both clueless and powerless with no provision for them to air their grievances and seek redress. In drought-affected areas, the system of piece rat work can be dispensed with, where work measurement is not completed within a week and wages may be paid on the basis of attendance. Buffer funds can be provided to gram panchayats and post offices to avoid bottlenecks in the flow of funds. Partial advances could also be considered provided wage payments are meticulously tracked. But failure to recognize problems and unwillingness to remedy them will remain major threats to the NREGS.
31. What impact have late wage payments had on NREGS workers ?
(1) They cannot obtain employment till their dues are cleared
(2) They have benefited from the compensation awarded to them
(3) They have been unable to provide for their families
(4) They have been ostracized by their families who depend on them for sustenance
(5) None of the above
32. Which of the following factors has not been responsible for untimely payment of NREGS wages ?
(1) Communication delays between agencies implementing the scheme
(2) Improper record keeping
(3) Behind schedule release of payments by banks
(4) Drought conditions prevalent in the country
(5) Delays in work measurement
33. What has been the outcome of disbursing NREGS wages through banks ?
(1) Theft of funds by administration officials responsible for the scheme has reduced
(2) Increased workload for local government officials
(3) Protests by workers who have to travel long distances to the nearest bank to claim their wages
(4) Time consuming formalities have to be completed by workers
(5) None of the above
34. According to the passage, which of the following has/have been the consequence (s) of delayed wage payments ?
(A) Compensation to victimized workers has amounted to crores.
(B) Banks will no longer be entrusted with remitting wages.
(C) Regulations to ensure punctual wage payments have come into force.
(1) None
(2) Only A
(3) Only A and C
(4) Only A and B
(5) Only B and C
35. To which of the following has the author attributed the delay in wage payments ?
(1) Embezzlement of funds by corrupt bank staff
(2) Lack of monitoring by the Central Employment Guarantee Council
(3) An attempt to derail the NREGS by vested interests
(4) Overworked bank staff deliberately delay payments to protest against extra work
(5) Engineers’ efforts to wreck the NREGS because of low wages
36. Which of the following is not true in the context of the passage ?
(A) Workers are reluctant to open bank accounts as branches are not conveniently located.
(B) Local officials often delay wage payments in drought prone areas to benefit workers.
(C) The Government has not implemented every recommendation of the Central Employment Guarantee Council.
(1) Only B
(2) Only A and B
(3) Only B and C
(4) All A, B and C
(5) None of these
37. Which of the following can be considered a deficiency in the NREGS ?
(1) Lack of co-ordination among Programme Officers
(2) Local officials are unaware of correct operational procedures
(3) Workers have no means of obtaining redressal for untimely wage payments
(4) Disbursing wages through banks instead of readily accessible post offices
(5) The Central Employment Guarantee Council is reluctant to award compensation to workers
38. What solution has the author suggested to expedite NREGS wage payments ?
(1) Empower the Central Employment Guarantee Council to monitor the NREGS
(2) Implement payment of wages in cash at all worksites
(3) Restrict the amount of funds to local government bodies in order to curb frauds
(4) Provide attendance records to workers so they have proof to claim their wages
(5) None of the above
39. What is the author’s view about the government’s solution to the problem of delayed wage payments ?
(1) He agrees with it as workers will not have to bear the expense of travelling long distances to claim their wages
(2) He is not in favour of it as funds can be misappropriated by agents
(3) he welcome it as the time consuming work measurement process will be done away with
(4) He feels it does not address the core issues plaguing the scheme
(5) He feels it will ensure flawless implementation of the scheme
40. Which of the following can be said about the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme ?
(A) Skilled engineers are not compensated under this scheme.
(B) The scheme should be implemented only in famine prone areas.
(C) Employers have not complied with all the requirements of the scheme.
(1) Only A
(2) Only C
(3) Only B and C
(4) Only A and B
(5) None of these
Directions (Q. Nos. 41 to 43) Choose the word which is most similar in meaning to the word printed bold as used in the passage.
41. Isolated
(1) Lonely
(2) Separated
(3) Detached
(4) Hidden
(5) Rare
42. Confined
(1) Locked
(2) Restricted
(3) Detained
(4) Captured
(5) Imprisoned
43. Desert
(1) Betray
(2) Escape
(3) Barren
(4) Abandon
(5) Vacant
Directions (Q. Nos. 44 to 45) Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
44. Convenient
(1) Troublesome
(2) Annoying
(3) Appropriate
(4) Easy
(5) Distant
45. Deliberate
(1) Unsteady
(2) Abrupt
(3) Mistake
(4) Chosen
(5) Accidental
Directions (Q. Nos. 46 to 60) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain word have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.
The education sector in India is in ferment, hit by a storm long waiting to happen. The butterfly that flapped its wings was the much-reiterated statement in a much publicized report that hardly a fourth of graduating engineers, and an even smaller percentage of other graduates, was of employable quality for IT-BPO jobs. This triggered ac cyclone when similar views were echoed by other sectors which led to widespread debate. Increased industry – academia interaction, “finishing school”, and other efforts were initiated as immediate measures to bridge skill deficits. These, however, did not work as some felt that these are but band-aid solutions; instead, radical systemic reform is necessary.
Yet, there will be serious challenges to overdue reforms in the education system. In India-as in many countries-education is treated as a holy cow; sadly, the administrative system that oversees it has also been deceived. Today, unfortunately, there is no protest against selling drinking water or paying to be cured of illness, or for having to buy food when one is poor and starving; nor is there an outcry that in all these cases there are commercial companies operating on a profit-making basis. Why, then, is there an instinctively adverse reaction to the formal entry of ‘for-profit’ institutes in the realm of education ? Is potable water, health or food, less basic a need, less important a right, than higher education ?
While there are strong arguments for free or subsidized higher education, we are not writing on a blank page. Some individuals and businessmen had entered this sector long back and found devious ways of making money, though the law stipulates the educational institutes must be ‘not-for profit’ trusts or societies. Yet, there is opposition to the entry of ‘for-profit’ corporate, which would be more transparent and accountable. As a result, desperately needed investment in promoting the wider reach of quality education has been stagnated at the time when financial figures indicate that the allocation of funds for the purpose is but a fourth of the need.
Well-run corporate organizations, within an appropriate regulatory framework, would be far better than the so-called trusts which-barring some noteworthy exceptions are a blot on education. However, it is not necessarily a question of choosing one over the other: different organizational forms can coexist, as they do in the health sector. A regulatory framework which creates competition, in tandem with a rating system, would automatically ensure the quality and relevance of education. As in sectors like telecom, and packaged goods, organizations will quickly expand into the hinterland to tap the large unmet demand. Easy Loan scholarship arrangements would ensure affordability and access.
The only real structural reform in higher education was the creation of the institutes for technology and management. They were also given autonomy and freedom beyond that of the universities. However, in the last few years, determined efforts have been underway to curb their autonomy. These institutes, however, need freedom to decide on recruitment salaries and admissions, so as to compete globally.
However, such institutes will be few. Therefore, we need a regulatory framework that will enable and encourage States and the Centre, genuine philanthropists and also corporate to set up quality educational institutions. The regulatory system needs only to ensure transparency, accountability, competition and widely-available independent assessments or ratings. it is time for radical thinking, bold experimentation and new structures; it is time for the government to bite the bullet.
46. Why, according to the author, did the initiatives such as increased industry-academia and finishing schools did not help to bridge the skill deficit?
(A) These steps were only superficial remedies and the problem could be answered only by reforming the entire education system.
(B) These initiatives operated on a profit-making basis rather than aiming at any serious systemic reforms.
(C) The allocation of funds to such initiatives was only one-fourth of the need.
(1) Only A
(2) Only B
(3) Only B and C
(4) Only A and B
(5) None of these
47. Which of the following suggestions have been made b y the author to improve the state of education in India?
(A) Allowing the corporate organizations to enter the education sector.
(B) Easy availability of loans and scholarships for making education more affordable.
(C) A rating system for all the organizations to ensure quality.
(1) Only A
(2) Only A and B
(3) Only A and C
(4) All A, B and C
(5) None of these
48. According to the author, what ‘triggered a cyclone’ which saw similar views on the state of education being echoed across other sectors as well?
(1) The campaign for allowing corporates in the education sector on a ‘for-profit’ basis
(2) The support for the increase in the industry-academia interaction
(3) The report mentioning that only a small percentage of graduates were employable in software industry
(4) The report supporting the idea of making the education completely ‘for-profit’ in order to improve upon the standards
(5) None of the above
49. Which argument does the author put forward when he compares the education sector with sectors catering for health and potable water, etc?
(1) Education should also be provided free of cost to all as health services and water
(2) Taking an example from these sectors, there should be a protest against the commercialization of education as well
(3) Allowing corporate entry in education would result in rampant corruption as in the sectors of health and potable water etc.
(4) As in these sectors, commercial organizations should also be allowed to enter the education sector
(5) None of the above
50. What does the author mean by the phrase ‘we are not writing on a blank page’ in context of t he passage?
(1) Corporates would never enter education if they are forced to function on a non-profit making basis
(2) The commercialization of education has already started in India
(3) Education has been reduced to a profit making sector by some corporate organizations
(4) Government will not allow corporate to enter education as India can’t afford to have costly-education
(5) None of the above
51. What is the author’s main objective in writing the passage ?
(1) To suggest the ways to improve quality of education in India
(2) To highlight the corruption present in the education sector
(3) To compare the education sector with other sectors
(4) The suggest some temporary solutions to the problems in education
(5) None of the above
52. According to the author, which of the following was the only step taken in order to reform the higher education ?
(1) Allowing organizations to enter the education sector on a ‘for-profit’ basis
(2) Creation of autonomous institutes for management and technology which were not under university control
(3) Setting up the regulatory framework for all the existing universities
(4) Making the availability of educational loans and scholarships easier
(5) None of the above
53. Which suggestion does the author make in order to make the institutes of higher learning for technology and management capable of competing globally?
(1) To limit their autonomy to acceptable limit and give partial controls to the government
(2) To allow corporate organizations to take them over in order to provide more funds
(3) To increase the allocation of funds to such institutes
(4) All of the above
(5) None of the above
54. Which of the following is not true in context of the given passage ?
(1) According to the law, education institutes should not be run for profit
(2) There has been no protest against the selling of drinking water and paying for the health services
(3) Only either corporate organizations or government controlled organizations can exist in the education sector
(4) The introduction of ‘for-profit’ corporates in the education sector has been facing a lot of criticism points
(5) All are true
Directions (Q. Nos. 55 to 57) Choose the word which is most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
55. Devious
(1) Dishonest
(2) Different
(3) Severe
(4) Various
(5) Trivial
56. Measures
(1) Amount
(2) Quantity
(3) Steps
(4) Capacity
(5) Length
57. Bridge
(1) Connect
(2) Eliminate
(3) Unite
(4) Link
(5) Fuse
Directions (Q. Nos. 58 to 60) Choose the word/phrase which is most opposite in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
58. Promoting
(1) Demoting
(2) Delaying
(3) Postponing
(4) Broadening
(5) Hampering
59. Noteworthy
(1) Unnoticed
(2) Insignificant
(3) Indefinite
(4) Remarkable
(5) Obsolete
60. Transparent
(1) Reputed
(2) Opaque
(3) Defective
(4) Corrupt
(5) Thick
Directions (Q. Nos. 61 to 67) Read the given paragraph carefully and answer the questions which follow.
We are living in the midst of a great chemical experiment, and some serious consequences are becoming apparent to scientists. More than two billion pounds of chemicals are spewed into the air each year which are brewing a disastrous stew. The greatest consequences of the atmosphere crisis may be global warming ande the ozone depletion. The Earth appears to be warming due to the greenhouse effect. Scientists estimate that average temperature could climb about 2 degrees Celsius in 20 years. Global warming is the predicted result of the greenhouse effect, created by the greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, in the atmosphere. This change in the global climate would have disastrous results, including drought, coastal flooding and increased species extinction. Also, the scientists have discovered a hole in the ozone layer. The ozone layer is the only protection for life on Earth against deadly ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. Once the ozone layer is completely destroyed, all life on Earth will cease to exist, killed by the deadly radiation. The planet will become a barren rock devoid of all life. And when this happens the process of industrialization would have to take the blame which has resulted in increased use of fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and diesel.
61. Which of the following can be inferred from the given passage ?
(A) The use of all chemical products should be immediately stopped.
(B) Scientists will have a hard time to estimate the rate of change of temperature in the years to come due to enormous changes in the environment.
(C) The environment disaster in the future will happen as a result of increased usage of fossil fuels.
(1) Only A
(2) Only C
(3) Both A and C
(4) Both B and C
(5) None of these
62. Which of the following best explains the u sage of the phrase ‘brewing a disastrous stew’ ?
(1) The continuous rise in Earth’s temperature has proved to be very dangerous
(2) Lack of efforts to curb the greenhouse effects would degrade the environment in the near future
(3) The harmful ultraviolet radiations are slowly destroying the life on Earth
(4) The fraternity of scientists has been opposing the process of industrialization
(5) The increased discharge of chemicals in the air is resulting in an atmosphere crisis
Directions (Q. Nos. 63 to 64) Read the given paragraph carefully and answer the questions which follow.
Fashion has become one of the largest fads among the youth. The amount of time wastage and expenditure on fashion is very large. What bothers however is the fact that fashion is here to say despite countless arguments against it. What is required therefore is that strong efforts should be made in order to displace the excessive craze of fashion from the minds of today’s youth.
63. Which of the following statements finds least support by the argument made by the author in the given paragraph ?
(1) Youngsters should be motivated to do constructive business rather than wasting time in fashion
(2) The world of fashion being glamorous and glittery attracts people towards itself
(3) Following latest fashion increases the self efficacy of people thus increasing their overall mental abilities
(4) Many universities have implemented a dress code to put a check o the increasing fad amongst the youth which was affecting their grades
(5) None of the above
64. Which of the following can be inferred from the given paragraph ?
(1) The author has made strong efforts to wipe out fashion from the minds of youth
(2) Steps need to be taken in order to control the growing fad of fashion amongst the youth
(3) The author is upset with the shift of fashion from the traditional ethnic wear to western outfits
(4) Fashion world is responsible for lack of creativity among the youth
(5) None of the above
Directions (Q. Nos. 65 to 66) Read the given paragraph carefully and answer the questions which follow.
The government cannot afford to compartmentalize education. It has to be emphasized that any country which does not have a good university education will never be listed as an independent country and will never be able to progress. Only countries prepared to tolerate a second rate and subjugate status in the world would neglect higher education. If India has had any poison in the comity of nations in past, it was only because it had a better higher education than many of its Asian counterparts. This, clear emphasis on the higher education, however, does not imply that it should be supported and developed at the cost of primary and secondary education.
65. Which of the following best explains the main idea of the paragraph ?
(1) The government has made a wrong move in compartmentalizing education
(2) To highlight the superiority of India in higher education as compared to the rest of the world
(3) To emphasize more on primary education rather than higher education
(4) Higher education is important for the growth of a country
(5) None of the above
66. Which of the following is the most likely title of the bigger passage (having the same main idea as that of the given paragraph) in which this paragraph might have appeared ?
(1) Education –A fundamental right of every child
(2) Indian education – An unfortunate neglect of the primary education
(3) Lack of higher education opportunities in India
(4) A comparison of higher education in India with that of the west
(5) Importance of higher education in growth of a country
Directions (Q. Nos. 67 to 68) Read the given paragraph carefully and answer the questions which follow.
Although an eco-friendly process and one of the main ways to save the environment, recycling, is not gaining pace in the industry. The process of recycling undergoes many processes. First is collecting and sorting of garbage. This requires a lot of manpower and tools which are expensive. Another disadvantage of recycling which makes it unviable is that for the manufacturers, economically,, the recycled material is not highly demanded since its quality is not as good as the original material. So if the marketing of recycled goods is not worthwhile, then the whole process of recycling cannot be economically efficient. Recycled products face other disadvantages as well, such as short shelf life, difficulty in de-inking the dyed products and less durability, etc.
67. The author has listed the disadvantages of recycling to
(1) explain the reason why recycling is not a popular option besides having various positive effects on the environment
(2) given arguments to support the stopping of the process of recycling completely
(3) predict the effects of stoppage of recycling on the environment
(4) show that there are better options than recycling available for utilization
(5) None of the above
68. Why is the marketing of recycled products not worthwhile according to the author ?
(A) The original products are being sold at a much lower price compared to the recycled products.
(B) The overall effect of recycling on the environment is detrimental rather than beneficial.
(C) It does not given appropriate economic returns since recycled products lack demand in the market.
(1) Only A
(2) Both B and C
(3) Only C
(4) Both A and B
(5) None of these
Directions (Q. Nos. 69 to 70) Read the given paragraph carefully and answer the questions which follow.
The human civilization stands on an edge of destiny. It lies today on the mercy of nuclear weapons which have the power to destroy us completely lest controlled wisely. In such a crisis situation, it is important to develop sensitivity towards basic values of life. It includes an explicit realization that humans swim in an ocean where they must swim together and sink together. At this juncture a single rotten fish would damage the ocean as a whole. Man cannot afford to tamper with his loyalty to peace and international understanding which is the only way to deal with the situation. Anyone who does so, dooms the entire past, present and the future of the human civilization.
69. What according to the author, should be done to avoid the destruction of life by the nuclear weapons ?
(1) Ban the use of nuclear weapons throughout the world
(2) Enforce stricter laws and boycotts against the nations using nuclear weapons.
(3) Generate more awareness regarding the harm of using the nuclear weapons
(4) Work towards international harmony and understanding
(5) None of the above
70. Which of the following can be inferred from the given paragraph ?
(A) Nuclear war, one day or the other, is poised to end the human civilization.
(B) It is not possible for the countries to exist in unison regardless of what happens in other countries.
(C) Unless all the nuclear weapons on earth are destroyed, peace cannot be restored.
(1) Only A
(2) Only B
(3) Only B and C
(4) Only A and C
(5) None of these
Directions (Q. Nos. 71 to 85) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.
The current global food situation is very serious and hence, we need to understand the reasons for such a dramatic increase in food prices in a short period. It is argued the increases in energy costs are resulting in cost push inflation but contribution of energy costs to overall costs in agriculture may not explain the huge increase in food prices.
Related to the current elevated energy prices, there has been a diversion of corn and edible to bio-fuels, which is significantly influenced by policy man-dates. Very clearly this diversion to bio-fuel is a policy induced new reality, which coincide with price escalation in precisely those products and hence, is noteworthy.
The financialisation of commodity trade and current extraordinary conditions in global financial markets could have influenced the spurt in prices. The recent reductions in interest rates in the US and the injection of liquidity have resulted in investors seeking new avenues such as commodity markets, in view of the turbulence in financial markets and the low returns in treasuries. The relatively easy liquidity and low interest rates by themselves make holding of inventories attractive and thus induce greater volatility in commodity markets. The weakening of the US dollar is also advanced as a reason for the recent volatility in commodity markets, including food items. It is evident that this phenomenon is now also coinciding with the across the board rise in food prices.
In brief, while there are demand and supply side pressures on food items, there is considerable merit in the argument that the recent extraordinary increases in food prices are closely linked to public policy responses to high energy costs in advanced economies, and the turbulence in financial market and financial institutions. It is said that the impact of such policy induced diversion of food to bio-fuels is significant at this juncture and reflects a preference to fill the fuel tank of automobiles rather than fill the empty stomachs of people. Similarly, it is sometimes held that the weight accorded to financial stability in public may now be at the expense of stability in real sector especially of sensitive commodities like food. At the same time, there is a general consensus that public policy in regard to food in many economies around the world has not provided adequate incentive to farmers to increase the supply of food and other agricultural products to comfortably match the growing demand over the medium term.
71. In what way are bio-fuels responsible for the increasing cost of food ?
(A) It is a policy mandate to use bio-fuel in place of petroleum products especially in developing countries.
(B) Certain essential food commodities are being used for manufacturing alternative fuels.
(C) The low cost of bio-fuels has created fluctuation in prices of other agricultural commodities.
(1) A only
(2) B only
(3) C only
(4) A and B only
(5) None of these
72. Which of the following situation (s) has/have prompted investors to look towards commodity markets ?
(A) Dip in rates of interest in the US
(B) Easy Liquidity
(C) Volatility in commodity prices
(1) A and B only
(2) B and C only
(3) A and C only
(4) All the three
(5) None of these
73. The passage lays emphasis on which of the following central theme (s) ?
(A) The abysmally throwaway prices offered for food commodities.
(B) The worldwide acute shortage of food commodities.
(C) Promoting the use of bio-fuel for automobiles
(1) A only
(2) B only
(3) C only
(4) All the three
(5) None of these
74. Which of the following statements is false in the context of the passage ?
(A) Unusual conditions in global financial markets have aggravated the food price
(B) No government would prefer fueling vehicles to feeding the hungry
(C) Maintenance of financial stability in public policy will be at the cost of stability in the real sector.
(1) A and B only
(2) B and C only
(3) B only
(4) C only
(5) None of these
75. Which of the following shows a cause-effect relationship between its two components ?
(1) Reduction in interest rates and abundance of food commodities
(2) Reduction in energy prices and increase in food commodity prices
(3) Turbulence in financial markets and escalation in production of food commodities
(4) Dipping of US dollar value and volatility in commodity markets
(5) Injection of liquidity and the drop in investor confidence
76. Which of the following statements is true in the context of the passage ?
(1) Commodity markets have become erratic due to easy liquidity and low interest rate
(2) Governments of many countries have begun paying better prices for food commodities to ensure their farmers are taken care of
(3) Farmers in developing countries have to compulsorily produce a certain quantity of bio-fuels annually
(4) The financialisation of commodity trade has resulted in a dip in prices of food products
(5) The weakening of other currencies against the US dollar has resulted in high fuel prices
77. Which of the following best explains the phrase “this phenomenon” as used in the fourth paragraph of the passage ?
(1) Volatility in commodity markets which has led to hoarding
(2) Escalating food prices caused by high interest rates
(3) Easy liquidity because of lack of investment in America
(4) Weakening of the US dollar and Consequent variability in commodity markets
(5) Fluctuation in energy prices and outdated public policy
78. Which of the following an be inferred from the contents of the passage ?
(A) At present, the demand for food items exceeds the supply.
(B) Fuel production has been given higher priority than caring for the millions who are starving.
(C) Farmers have not been motivated to increase their production of food.
(1) A and B only
(2) B and C only
(3) A and C only
(4) None of these
(5) All A, B and C
79. Which of the following can be thought of as a measure to remedy the global situation mentioned in the passage ?
(A) Reducing the production of cars and thereby the demand for energy
(B) Inducing farmers to increase their food and other agricultural produce
(C) Increasing the prices of food items to compensate farmers for their losses.
(1) A only
(2) A and B only
(3) B only
(4) B and C only
(5) None of these
Directions (Q. Nos. 80 to 82) Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning of the word given in bold as used in the passage.
80. Consensus
(1) Deviant
(2) Disagreement
(3) Dejection
(4) Denial
(5) Dissuasion
81. Elevated
(1) Raised
(2) Stabilized
(3) Inclined
(4) Fallen
(5) Slanted
82. Volatility
(1) Agitation
(2) Effervescence
(3) Optimism
(4) Disparity
(5) Inactivity
Directions (Q. Nos. 83 to 85) Choose the word/group of words which is most nearly the same in meaning as the word given in bold as used in the passage.
83. Incentive
(1) Acceleration
(2) Surplus
(3) Baiting
(4) Inspiration
(5) Encouragement
84. Advanced
(1) Put forward
(2) Set aside
(3) Taken over
(4) Marched forward
(5) Escalated further
85. Turbulence
(1) Passion
(2) Rage
(3) Turmoil
(4) Seige
(5) Tide
Directions (Q. Nos. 86 to 100) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words have been printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.
Capitalism is a great slave, but a pathetic master. This truth unfortunately gets lost in our chase for that elusive dream …………. especially in the West, the land that has been marketed as the land of the dreams – the great western dream. It’s the dream of being independent masters of our lives, of making big bucks and of being happy – even if that happiness is being bought by money which all of them chase out there. No doubt, the West, on its part has been fairly successful in creating material comforts aplenty. It has improved the living standard of its average citizen. However it has been achieved as a result of more than 200 years of unbridled growth and exploitation. And that is what has made the rest of the world mindlessly chase Westernism, not necessarily happiness or an ideal form of society. All because the shop window looks very impressive and it has been marketed very well.
But a deep look inside the shop tells a different tale. A different world lies behind, a world that is not quite visible to the starry eyed millions – for whom the Western way of life seems to be the ultimate dream.
Thus, we have Indians dreaming to become or to get married to an NRI and Indian middle class fathers dreaming of their sons reaching the Bay area and landing tech jobs, unmindful of the second class life they end up leading in the West. What goes unseen and almost unheard is that the West also happens to be the land that is right amongst the top in terms of the number of divorces per thousand, the number of single parent families per thousand, the number of old people in old age homes, the number of suicides, homicides, and of course, the number of college/school shootouts.
And why not! After all, such societies are constantly drive towards higher profits and materialism. Expectedly, this materialism comes at a cost that the world is paying today. This s the reason why we have millions dying of curable diseases in Africa and other underdeveloped countries, while the rich grow richer. Their growth will be reduced, if they were to start thinking of the poor. So what do they do to justify their greed for more? They most shrewdly propagate and market a ridiculously primitive law of the jungle for our 21st century civilization, the ‘Law of Survival of the Fittest!’ The interesting thing about material things is that they only think of happiness; how much happiness is always momentary in nature. Ergo, at this future, you feel you are the happiest person in the world, after buying your new car or flat screen TV, and just a few days later, these are the very possessions that cease to make you happy. While you chase the bigger car and spend that extra bit of the wealth, you intercept someone’s share of the daily bread and also sacrifice those who have the maximum power to make you happy-family, emotions and love. Prolonged abstinence in feeling emotions finally destroys bliss; and you don’t even realize when you’ve become a dry-eyed cripple……. and then you land up in a sermon workshop to find out the real meaning of life – or whatever these workshops are capable of explaining. The truth is that such workshops are also driven by merchants who cash in o the dejected state of the people, a state related by their own fictional dreams. But by then it’s really too late.
By then, you have made profits out of arms, and engineered wars to keep that industry alive. You’ve sold guns across counters at supermarkets and trade more profits. You’ve lobbied that guns should be made accessible to the common man, and all for the sake of profits. This makes you realize one day that they are your own children who are in their one of the fire against the school goer, one who open fire at his schoolmates.
This is the society that finally creates an emotionless monster, who gets satisfaction in killing innocent adults and children alike for no cause, no reason and for none, but himself. It is the utter destruction of spiritualism and the total focus none endless self-gratification. Where so many single parent families and divorces exist, it is impossible to bring up children or influence the killers, any better.
86. Who does the author hold responsible for the shooting spree in schools and colleges ?
(A) Lack of love and emotion in the society in general.
(B) Increased focus on self-gratification even when it comes at the cost of innocent lives.
(C) Deteriorating social structure leading to break up of families resulting in lack of moral development in children.
(1) Only A
(2) Only C
(3) Only B and C
(4) All of these
(5) None of these
87. Why does the author refer to the law of survival of the fittest as ridiculous ?
(1) This law is primitive and does not hold good for developed nations
(2) The law is often used to justify the accumulation of wealth by a selected few
(3) People from developing countries use it to rationalize their immigration to the Western countries
(4) It does not lead to any material profits and material wealth
(5) None of the above
88. According to the passage, which of the following is a reason for poverty and hunger in underdeveloped countries ?
(A) Mindlessly chasing the Western way of living
(B) They have fallen prey to the idea of happiness through material comforts rather than love and emotional bond.
(C) They do not have marketing techniques as good as the western countries.
(1) Only B
(2) Only C
(3) Only A
(4) Only B and C
(5) Not mentioned in the passage
89. Why do the ‘starry eyed millions’ harbor a wish to become an NRI ?
(A) They are driven towards higher profits and materialism
(B) They appreciate the western way of life as it appears to them.
(C) They have become emotionless and have lost any attachment to the motherland.
(1) Only A
(2) Only B
(3) Only A and B
(4) Only C
(5) All A, B and C
90. Why does the author disregard the Western way of living even though an average citizen in the West enjoys better living standards ?
(1) Many Indians want to ape their lifestyle leading to a cultural dilution of their own traditions
(2) The West has failed to market their lifestyle in an appropriate way
(3) According to him the law of ‘survival of the fittest’ is now obsolete
(4) It only looks forward to material comfort rather than happiness within
(5) None of the above
91. What does the author mean by ‘intercepting someone’s share of daily bread’ ?
(1) Hindering the process of marketing in underdeveloped countries by the developed countries
(2) Denying material comfort to the Western world
(3) Affecting the social life of those working towards material comforts only
(4) Excess of wealth in western world while people in poorer nations struggle for survival
(5) None of the above
92. What does the author mean by ‘shop window of the West’ when the suggests to look inside the shop ?
(A) The sprawling super markets have been making profits out of inhuman activities.
(B) To look closely at the existing societal structure rather than superficially appreciating the delusive dazzle.
(C) To study their marketing techniques closely.
(1) Only A
(2) Only B
(3) Only A and B
(4) Only B and C
(5) Only C
93. The author’s main objective in writing the passage is
(1) to explain that consumerist societies have their own drawbacks which are overlooked by those who are blinded by its material glare
(2) to explain how too many material comforts have improved the living standard of common man in the West
(3) that young children should not be given access to guns and other ammunitions
(4) all NRIs are leading unmindful, second class lives abroad
(5) None of the above
94. Which of the following is not true according to the passage ?
(1) Over indulgence in accumulating material wealth has lead to many problems on the social and emotional fronts
(2) People should visit the sermons more often since this is the only way to achieve peace and happiness
(3) For the sake of making profits, people have taken decisions which have proved to be harmful to the society
(4) There are plenty of material comforts in the Western countries
(5) All are true
Directions (Q. Nos. 95 to 97) Choose the word which is most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
95. Shrewdly
(1) Roughly
(2) Rightly
(3) Rudely
(4) Courteously
(5) Astutely
96. Chase
(1) Follow
(2) Capture
(3) Run
(4) Catch
(5) Conquer
97. Elusive
(1) Terrifying
(2) Unusual
(3) Unachievable
(4) Haunting
(5) Displeasing
Directions (Q. Nos. 98 to 100) Choose the word/phrase which is most opposite in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
98. Dejected
(1) Apologetic
(2) Anxious
(3) Accepted
(4) Elated
(5) Enlightened
99. Unbridled
(1) Enthusiastic
(2) Controlled
(3) Rebellious
(4) Considerate
(5) Approved
100. Momentary
(1) Sporadic
(2) Futuristic
(3) Brief
(4) Homogenous
(5) Perpetual
Directions (Q. Nos. 101 to 115) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words have been printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.
Indeed the western recession is really the beginning of good news of India! But to understand that we will have to move away for a while from the topic of western recession….. to the Japanese recession ! For years the Japanese style of management has been admired. However, over the last decade or so, one key question has sprung up ‘if Japanese management style is as wonderful as described then why has Japan been in a recession for more than a decade ?’
The answer to this question is very simple. Culture plays a very important part in shaping up economies. What succeeds in one culture fails in another. Japanese are basically non-materialistic. And howsoever rich they become, unlike others, they cannot just keep throwing and buying endlessly. Ad once they have everything they need, there is a saturation point. It was only when companies like Toyota realized that they cannot keep selling cars endlessly to their home market that they went really aggressive in the western markets – and the rest is history. Japanese companies grew bigger by catering to the world markets when their home markets shrunk.
And the markets have to shrink finally after attaining a level of affluence ! and that’s great for the world because earth needs sustainable development. It does not need monstrous consumers who keep consuming at the cost of the environment and the earth. There should be limits to growth so that consumers are not converted into material dustbins for the profit of a handful of corporations.
Owing to the materialistic culture elsewhere, it was possible to keep selling newer products to the consumers despite having existing ones which served equally well. They were lured through advertising and marketing techniques of ‘dustbinisation’ of the customer; and then finally, once they became ready customers, they were given loans and credits to help them buy more and more. When all the creditworthy people were given loans to a logical limit, they ceased to be a part of the market. Even this would have been understandable if it could work as an eye opener. Instead of taking the ‘Right Step’ as Toyota did, they preferred to take a ‘shortcut’. Now banks went to the non-creditworthy people and gave them loans. The people expectedly defaulted and the entire system collapsed.
Now like Toyota western companies will learn to find new markets. They will now lean towards India because of its common man ! The billion plus population in the next 25 years will become a consuming middleclass. Finally, the world’s attention will shift to the developing world. Finally, there will be a real surge in income of these people and in the next fifty odd years, one can really hope to see an equal world in terms of material plenty, with poverty being almost nonexistent ! And this will happen not by selling more cars to Americans and Europeans. It will happen by creating markets in India, China, Latin America and Africa, by giving their people purchasing power and by making products for them.
The recession has made us realize that it is not because of worse management techniques, but because of limits to growth. And they will realize that it is great for planet earth. After all, how many cars and houses must the rich own before calling it enough ? It’s time for them to look at others as well, Many years back, to increase his own profits, Henry Ford had started paying his workers more, so that they could buy his cars. In similar fashion, now the developed world will pay the developing world people so that they can buy their cars and washing machines.
The recession will kick-start the process of making the entire world more prosperous, and lay the foundation of limits to growth in the west and the foundation of real globalization in the world – the globalization of prosperity. And one of its first beneficiaries will be India !
101. What does the author mean by the “Right Step” in the passage ?
(1) Giving loans to creditworthy people only
(2) Considering market growth along with environment protection
(3) Restricting people to buy only such products which are needed by them.
(4) To start looking at newer avenues and markets
(5) None of the above
102. Although admired since years, why did the skepticism over the Japanese management style start since the last decade ?
(1) Japanese companies have been moving out of their home markets, since the last decade
(2) Japanese banks have provided loans indiscriminately to the creditworthy as well as non-creditworthy people
(3) Because Japanese markets have been going through a period of continuous recession since the last decade
(4) The unlimited growth of the Japanese markets has come at the cost of the western market
(5) None of the above
103. Why does the author foresee the markets being created in the developing countries instead of America and Europe ?
(1) All developing countries have materialistic culture.
(2) Developed countries are willing to make an effort to achieve globalization.
(3) American and European markets have had a large number of credit defaulters
(4) Recession has not hit the markets of developing countries yet
(5) None of the above
104. According to the author, what is the main cause of Japanese recession ?
(1) Only a handful of corporations earned profits and not the people in general
(2) Non-creditworthy people defaulted which lead to a collapse of the entire system
(3) Consumers were sold newer products which were similar in quality to the existing ones
(4) Japanese do not purchase endlessly and thus when product had been sold to every customer, the markets slowed down
(5) None of the above
105. How does the author foresee the future globalization as an analogy to Henry Ford’s example ?
(A) Car companies would start selling cars in developing countries as well.
(B) By paying the developing world the developed world would increase its own profit, in turn bringing affluence to developing world as well.
(C) To earn profit, the companies in developing countries would move to foreign land.
(1) Only A
(2) Only B
(3) Only C
(4) Only A and C
(5) None of these
106. According to the passage, which of the following was not an effect of providing loans and credits to the customers ?
(A) The non creditworthy people defaulted.
(B) People bought new products which were not needed.
(C) Poverty became non-existent.
(1) Only A
(2) Only B
(3) Only A and B
(4) Only B and C
(5) Only C
107. Why is recession the beginning of good news for India in the author’s view?
(A) India can provide an attractive market to the western companies.
(B) India has remained largely unaffected by recession owing to its huge population.
(C) Indians keep purchasing products despite owning equally good products.
(1) Only C
(2) Only B
(3) Only A
(4) Only B and C
(5) None of the above
108. What does the author mean by ‘Dustbinisation’ of the customer ?
(1) Convincing the customer to buy products he does not need
(2) Denying non-creditworthy people of any loans
(3) Denying more loans to people who have already taken loan to a logical limit
(4) Moving from old customers at the home market to foreign markets
(5) None of the above
109. Why according to the author is the current recession great for ‘Planet Earth’ ?
(A) It will make people non-materialistic like the Japanese.
(B) The unlimited market growth which caused hazards to the environment would be checked to a certain extent.
(C) Banks will now provide loans only to the creditworthy people.
(D) Developing countries will also by benefited by shifted markets.
(1) Only A
(2) Only B and C
(3) Only A and B
(4) Only B
(5) None of these
Directions (Q. Nos. 110-112) Choose the word which is most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
110. Catering
(1) Considering
(2) Lending
(3) Supplying
(4) Working
(5) Indulging
111. Key
(1) Foundation
(2) Solution
(3) Requisite
(4) Difficult
(5) Important
112. Aggressive
(1) Violent
(2) Determined
(3) Demanding
(4) Offensive
(5) Brutish
Directions (Q. Nos. 113 to 115) Choose the word/phrase which is most opposite in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
113. Prosperous
(1) Distressed
(2) Helpless
(3) Worse
(4) Worthless
(5) Underprivileged
114. Consuming
(1) Destroying
(2) Exhausting
(3) Greedy
(4) Curtailing
(5) Spending
115. Surge
(1) Decrease
(2) Deteriorating
(3) Weakening
(4) Atrophy
(5) Crumble
Directions (Q. Nos. 116 to 130) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words have been printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.
Goldman Sachs predicted that crude oil price world hit $200 and just as it appeared that alternative renewable energy had a chance of becoming an economically viable option, the international price of oil fell by over 70%. After hitting the all-time high of $147 a barrel, a month ago, crude fell to less than $40 a barrel. What explains this sharp decline in the international price of oil ? There has not been any major new discovery of a hitherto unknown source of oil or gas. The short answer is that the demand does not have to fall by a very sizeable quantity for the price of crude to respond as it did. In the short run, the price elasticity of demand for crude oil is very low. Conversely, in the short run, even a relatively big change in the price of oil does not immediately lower consumption, it takes months, or years, of high oil price to inculcate habits of energy conservation. World crude oil price had remained at over $60 a barrel for most of 2005-2007 without making any major dent in demand.
The long answer is more complex. The economic slowdown in the US, Europe and Asia along with dollar depreciation and commodity speculation have all had some role in the downward descent in the international price of oil. In recent years, the supply of oil has been rising but not enough to catch up with the rising demand, resulting in an almost vertical escalation in its price. The number of crude oil futures and options contracts have also increased manifold which has led to significant speculation in the oil market. In comparison, the role of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in fixing crude price has considerably weakened. OPEC is often accused of operating as a cartel restricting output thus keeping prices artificially high. It did succeed in setting the price of crude during the 1970s and the first half of the 80s. But, with increased futures trading and contracts, the control of rude pricing has moved from OPEC to banks and markets that deal with futures trading and contracts. It is true that most oil exporting regions of the world have remained politically unstable fuelling speculation over the p rice of crude. But there is little evidence that the geopolitical uncertainties in west Asia have improved to weaken the price of oil. Threatened by the downward slide of oil price, OPEC has, in fact announced its decision to curtail output.
However most oil importers will heave a sigh of relief as they find their oil import bills decline except for those who bought options to import oil at prices higher than market prices. Exporting nations, on the other hand, will see their economic prosperity slip. Relatively low price of crude is also bad news for investments in alternative renewable energy that cannot compete with cheaper and non – renewable sources of energy.
116. What does the phrase “the price elasticity of demand for crude oil is very low” imply ?
(1) When the price rises the demand for crude oil falls immediately
(2) A small change in demand will result in a sharp change in the price of crude
(3) Within a short span of time the price of crude oil has fluctuated sharply
(4) Speculation in oil does not have much of an impact on its price
(5) None of the above
117. Which of the following factors is responsible for rise in speculation in crude oil markets ?
(A) OPEC has not been able to restrict he oil output and control prices.
(B) The supply of oil has been rising to match demand.
(C) Existence of large number of oil futures and oil contracts.
(1) Only A
(2) Both A and B
(3) Only C
(4) All A, B and C
(5) None of these
118. Why are oil importing countries relieved ?
(1) Price of crude reached $147 not $200 as was predicted
(2) Discovery of oil reserves within their own territories
(3) Demand for crude has fallen sharply
(4) There is no need for them to invest huge amounts of money in alternative sources of energy
(5) None of the above
119. Which of the following is not true in the context of the passage ?
(A) OPEC was established in 1970 to protect the interests of oil importing countries.
(B) When demand for oil exceeds supply there is a sharp rise in price
(C) Today futures trading markets set the oil prices to a large extent.
(1) Only A
(2) Only C
(3) Both A and C
(4) Only B
(5) None of these
120. Which of the following is the function of OPEC ?
(1) Controlling speculation in oil
(2) Ensuring profits are equally distributed to all its members
(3) Monitoring inflation in oil prices and taking necessary steps to lower it
(4) Guaranteeing political instability in oil exporting countries does not impact output
(5) Determining prices of crude oil
121. What does the author want to convey by citing the statistics of 2005-2007 ?
(1) The prices of crude were rising gradually so people were not alarmed
(2) The dollar was a strong currency during that period
(3) Many people turned to alternative renewable energy sources because of high oil prices
(4) If the price of oil is high for a short time it does not necessarily result in a drop in consumption
(5) People did not control their demand for fuel then which created the current economic slowdown
122. Which of the following factors is not responsible for the current drop in oil prices ?
(1) Economic crisis in America, European and Asian nations
(2) Speculation in oil markets
(3) Weakening of the dollar
(4) Political stability in oil exporting countries
(5) All the above are not responsible for the current drop in oil prices
123. Which of the following is/are true in the context of the passage ?
(A) The decline in oil prices has benefited all countries.
(B) Renewable energy sources are costlier than non renewable ones.
(C) Lack of availability of alternative renewable energy resulted in rise in demand for crude.
(1) Only B
(2) Both A and B
(3) Both B and C
(4) Only C
(5) None of these
124. What has been the impact of the drop in oil prices ?
(1) Exploration for natural gas resources has risen
(2) The dollar has fallen sharply
(3) OPEC has decided to restrict its production of oil
(4) Economic depression in oil importing countries
(5) Drastic fall in demand for crude oil
125. What led to alternative energy sources being considered economically feasible ?
(1) The price of oil rose by 70 percent while renewable energy sources are cheap
(2) Exorbitant crude oil prices made alternative energy sources an attractive option
(3) Expert predictions that the price of oil would alternately escalate and plunge sharply
(4) Evidence that no new sources of oil and gas are available
(5) None of the above
Directions (Q. Nos. 126 to 128) Choose the word which is most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
126. Fuelling
(1) Incentive
(2) Supplying
(3) Stimulating
(4) Irritating
(5) Restoring
127. Dent
(1) Reduction
(2) Break
(3) Tear
(4) Breach
(5) Split
128. Inculcate
(1) Modify
(2) Construct
(3) Initiate
(4) Fix
(5) Instill
Directions (Q. Nos. 129 to 130) Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
129. Conversely
(1) Compatibly
(2) Similarly
(3) Likely
(4) Aligning
(5) Resembling
130. Weaken
(1) Powerful
(2) Nourish
(3) Intense
(4) Boost
(5) Energize
Directions (Q. Nos. 131 to 139) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.
Hiero, King of Syracus, had commissioned from a goldsmith of the town a crown of pure gold, but, having taken delivery of the finished article, he was suspicious. There was reason to believe that the craftsman had mixed with the gold a certain amount of other metal of inferior value. But how to find out ? There was no direct evidence, and it was therefore obviously a case for the learned men of the city. And who more learned than Archimedes ?
The mathematician was, therefore, charged with the task which would nowadays be considered a simple one, but was then a matter for serious thought. Nothing known to science could be brought forward to p rove fraud or otherwise on the part of the goldsmith. It is more than probable that the human side of the problem interested Archimedes not at all, but the scientific puzzle worried him intensely. This worry pursued him everywhere he went for days, and persisted through the routine acts of his daily round.
In the normal course of that routine, he went to the public baths. We can imagine him standing at the edge of the bath tub as he prepares to enter it, absently allowing the water to flow until he cannot help noticing it. Suddenly, he splashed out of his tub, shouting at the top of his voice : “Eureka! Eureka! (I have found it! I have found it!) Without waiting, or even thinking of such a detail” as clothes, he tore out of the building and rushed through the streets of Syracuse, still shouting : “Eureka! Eureka!”
Arrived at his house, the mathematician put his newly found discovery to a practical test, and found indeed that a body plunged in a fluid loses an amount of its weight which is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by it. With this as a starting point-as it was to prove the starting point of many subsequent discoveries to importance-Archimedes was able to tell his king how much pure gold was his crown, Thus was the first fundamental law in hydrostatics enunciated.
Archimedes was by this time well-known to his fellow townsmen, and his sometimes strange appearance and unusual actions probably met with indulgent smiles.
He came from a good family; his father Pheidias was an astronomer; he was on intimate terms with, and – according to some – was even a kinsman of king Hiero himself.
131. Why could the king not punish the fraudulent goldsmith?
(1) By that time Archimedes had not discovered the law of hydrostatics
(2) The king did not have concrete evidence to prove the fraud
(3) The finishing of the crown was perfect but deceptive
(4) The king had lot of faith in the goldsmith
(5) None of the above
132. Why was Archimedes charged with the task of finding out if there was any impurity in the crown?
(1) Archimedes was famous as the most learned man and mathematician
(2) The king was worried that the goldsmith will tell the truth of Archimedes
(3) The finishing of the crown was perfect but deceptive
(4) The king had lot of faith in the goldsmith
(5) None of the above
133. What was the king’s suspicion ?
(1) The goldsmith had made a crown with some inferior metal instead of gold
(2) The craftsman had replaced gold with a cheaper metal
(3) The goldsmith had mixed a cheaper metal with gold in the crown
(4) The finishing of the crown was not upto the mark
(5) None of the above
134. Which of the following statements is definitely TRUE in the context of the passage ?
(1) Archimedes’ action of running nude through public places was not taken lightly by the onlookers
(2) Archimedes eccentric actions used to create anguish among the public
(3) The goldsmith has mixed inferior quality metal in the crown
(4) Archimedes could prove that there was no impurity in the gold used by the goldsmith in the crown
(5) Archimedes could measure the purity of gold in the king’s crown
135. When Archimedes was entrusted with the task, he was curious because :
(1) he was thrilled by the human side of the problem
(2) he used to forget all his routine matters and concentrate on the problem
(3) he had never worked on such scientific challenged in the past
(4) it was challenge to unearth scientific fact
(5) None of the above
136. ‘Eureka! Eureka!” as spelt out by Archimedes was
(1) an outburst of unreasonable pride of inventing a novel principle
(2) a spontaneous reaction of excitement due to a discovery
(3) an immature expression of a half baked idea
(4) an exhibition of encouragement for a useful discovery
(5) None of the above
137. What was the impact of Archimedes’ tremendous mental involvement in solving the king’s riddle ?
(1) he was worried but able to take care of his daily routine
(2) The involvement ultimately led to a failure in completing the assignment
(3) He was not able to think of the details of the problem entrusted to him
(4) Because of his involvement he forgot to put the discovery to a practical test
(5) None of the above
138. A body submerged in a liquid loses its weight equal to
(1) the weight of the liquid in which it is submerged
(2) the volume of the liquid in which it is submerged
(3) the weight of the body which is submerged in the liquid
(4) the weight of the liquid displaced by it
(5) None of the above
139. Which of the following is false in the context of the passage ?
(A) Archimedes’ father was not an astronomer
(B) Before Archimedes’ discovery, science had limitation to detect the goldsmith’s fraud.
(C) Archimedes discovered his principle while he was in the tub for bath.
(1) A and B
(2) B and C
(3) A and C
(4) A only
(5) B only
Directions (Q. Nos. 140 to 148) Read the following passage carefully and answer questions given below it.
There is absolutely no point in complaining that over the years, there has been pressure for increased productivity and higher earning for workers in industry. There are several ways for increasing employees’ earnings. Employee earning can be increased by raising the selling price of the firm’s products and services, reducing profits of costs of raw materials, or augmenting labour productivity. However, increasing employee earnings by means other than increased labour productivity jeopardizes the firm’s competitive strength in the market. Higher prices quality. But, increasing labour productivity by enhancing skills and motivation creates an almost unlimited resource. The development of economic resources, human as well as non-human motivation.
Enthusing employees with workaholic spirit through traditional authority and financial incentives has become increasingly difficult as employees become economically secure and their dependency on any one particular organizations decreases. According to expectancy theorists, nevertheless, the motivation to work in many organization today employees are entitled to organizational rewards just by being employed. Unions, governmental regulation, and the nature of the job itself in some cases prevent management from relating financial rewards to performance. People may be attracted to join an organization is not the same as being motivated to exert effort in an organization. The challenge to management is to find and administer alternative forms of incentives which will ‘induce’ employees to improve work performance. Such alternative form of reinforcement will require increased understanding of motivational theories and programs.
140. Which of the following statement is true in the context of the passage ?
(1) Development of economic resources is primarily the product of market conditions
(2) Earnings can be increased by lowering the selling price of products
(3) Employees can be best motivated by providing financial incentives
(4) All employees should be entitled to organizational rewards just by being employed
(5) None of the above
141. Organizations can derive maximum advantages by
(1) providing financial incentives to employees regardless of performance
(2) enhancing labour productivity by increasing skills and motivation
(3) encouraging employees to expand greater physical energy
(4) inducing employees to improve word performance and control their demands
(5) None of the above
142. According to the passage, all of the following contribute to an increase in employee earnings EXCEPT
(1) increasing the selling price of the company’s products
(2) reducing profits in favour of employees
(3) providing incentives and fringe benefits to employees
(4) enhancing labour productivity
(5) increased capital investment
143. Employees feel motivated to work when they
(1) experience good working conditions in the organization
(2) decide to produce goods and services as a result of team work
(3) think of performance as a tool for obtaining rewards
(4) relate rewards to material prosperity
(5) are members of the union
144. Choose the word which is most similar in meaning as the word ‘induce’ as used in the passage.
(1) Appreciate
(2) Stimulate
(3) Exhibit
(4) Inflate
(5) Threaten
145. Which of the following factors, according to the passage, adversely affects the organization’s competitive strength ?
(1) Making rewards contingent on performance
(2) Anti-productivity and anti-management activities of labour unions
(3) Motivating employees with traditional authority earnings regardless of their productivity
(4) Increasing employee earnings regardless of their productivity
(5) None of the above
146. Which of the statements is/are not true in the context of the passage ?
(A) Human effort is the cause of the development of economic resources.
(B) Management is free to relate financial rewards to performance
(C) Employees can be easily motivated with traditional authority
(1) Both A and B
(2) Only C
(3) Both A and B
(4) Only A
(5) Only B
147. Which of the following factors determines the quality of human efforts ?
(1) Desire and willingness of an individual to excel in whatever the undertakes
(2) Economic resources available with the organization
(3) The individual’s innovativeness
(4) Authoritarian leadership and job security
(5) None of the above
148. In the context of the passage, a company’s competitive strength in the market is affected mainly because of ………..
(A) a slump in the international market.
(B) poor inter-department coordination.
(C) decreased labour productivity
(1) Only A
(2) Only B
(3) Only C
(4) Both B and C
(5) None of these
Directions (Q. Nos. 149 to 156) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.
Off the coast near Jeddah, about six years ago I slipped a pair of flippers onto my feet, put on a face mask and gingerly poked my head beneath the placid surface of the Read Sea. I am not sure, now, exactly what I saw in that first glimpse; shafts of sunlight, probably, slanting off through clear blue water : a coral reef of fantastic beauty and, no doubt, many fish. But I do recall that by the time I surfaced I had already developed a need to return to that incredibly lovely world below. So I did. Indeed, it would not be much of an exaggeration to say that except for such periods as were necessary to earn a living, I have rarely been anywhere else. Diving became a passion and then a way of life one, as you will gather, I totally endorse.
For the first year after that initial experience I amused myself by hunting fish with a spear gun. It was not at all difficult. Fish are so abundant there that divers do not need to use tanks to get down to where the fish are; they find them near the surface. Furthermore, the water of the Red Sea like the Caribbean, the South Seas and parts of the Indian Ocean, is so transparent that you can see so to 150 feet away. Thus, all you really need are a mask, a snorkel tube to breathe through, flippers and a spear gun.
Hunting, however, began to pall on me. I began to wonder if it wouldn’t be more interesting – and more sporting – to photograph some of these magnificent creatures rather than kill them. It was certainly an ideal place for underwater photography. In addition to hundreds of species of fish the Red Sea coast offers thousands of miles of what they call “fringing reefs’-great barriers of coral 10 to 200 miles wide that wind along the African shore from Egypt to Djibouti and down the Asian shore from Aqaba to the Bab-al-Mandab att he gate of the Indian Ocean. Although no more than the accumulation of billions of coral polyps-minute creatures that produce a calcareous deposits-the reef have grown to fantastic sizes, the largest being the 1,200 mile-long Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
149. What made the author revisit the underwater reef ?
(1) Placid surface of the Red Sea
(2) Glimpses of the sunlight
(3) Clear blue sea water
(4) Scenic beauty of the underwater world
(5) His face mask
150. What does the sentence “So I did” convey ? The author
(1) wore a face mask
(2) slipped a pair of flippers onto his feet
(3) saw glimpses of sunlight
(4) exaggerated the lovely world below water
(5) None of these
151. What did the author do at the coat near Jeddah?
(1) He drowned in a minor accident
(2) He drowned into the Red Sea
(3) Dived into the Red Sea
(4) He walked on the sandy coast
(5) None of these
152. In what way, is the Red Sea Similar to the Caribbean Sea, the South, Seas, etc ?
(1) Variety of Fish
(2) Fantastic Reefs
(3) Clear and transparent water
(4) Both (1) and (2)
(5) None of these
153. What are ‘fringing reefs” ?
(1) Calcareous deposit formation
(2) Collection of fish
(3) Sea-food accumulation
(4) Collection of minute creatures other than fish
(5) None of these
154. Fishing in the Red Sea off the coast near Jeddah was
(1) difficult because the water was transparent
(2) risky because tanks are needed to spot the fish
(3) easy because the fish are clearly visible near the surface itself
(4) cumbersome because of the tools like mask, snorkel tube, flippers, etc.
(5) None of the above
155. Through the passage, the author gives an account of
(1) his underwater journey by a submarine
(2) how he was fascinated by the underwater world
(3) his hobby of fishing
(4) his expertise in the art of photography
(5) None of these
156. The author does not consider it an exaggeration to state that
(1) he had dedicated his leisure time to watch people diving in the Red Sea
(2) he had devoted his spare time to diving activity to watch the world below water
(3) the beauty of the world under water was very fantastic
(4) diving is a passion to most of the people in the world
(5) None of the above
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