English Passage

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow by selecting the most appropriate options :

            One of the unhealthiest emotions is anger. It destroys our ability to think clearly, properly and in totality. Anger also has adverse impact on health. If you ask a selection of people what triggers their anger, you would get a wide range of answers. However, whatever the cause, even a single word spoken in anger an leave a lasting impression on a person’s heart and has the ability to ruin the sweetness of any relationship.

  A sage once said, “How can there be peace on earth if the hearts of men are like volcanoes ?” We can live in harmony with others only when we overcome anger and make room for peace. So how can we set about creating that sense of peace within ourselves ? It starts with the realization that w do have the choice to think and feel the way we want to. If we look at what it is that makes us angry, we  might discover there is nothing that has the power to make us feel this way. We can only allow something to trigger our anger – the anger is a way in which we respond to an event or person. But because we are so used to reacting on impulse, we forget to choose how we want to feel, and end up reacting inappropriately, leaving ourselves with angry feelings.

            Mediation helps us create personal space within ourselves so that we have the change to look, weigh the situation, and respond accordingly, remaining in a state of self-control. When we are angry, we have no self-control. At that moment, we are in a state of internal chaos, and anger can be a very destructive force.

            Stability that comes from practice of meditation can create a firm foundation, a kind of positive stubbornness. Others can say whatever they want, and it may also be true, but we don’t lose our peace or happiness on account of that. This is to respect what is eternal within each of us.

                   We give ourselves the opportunity to maintain our own pace of mind, because let’s face it, no one’s going to turn up at our door with a box full of peace and say, “Here, I think you could do with some of this today !” There is a method which could be described as sublimation, or the changing of form. With daily practice and application of spiritual principles in our practical life, experience of inner peace can come naturally.

QUESTION:

1. How can we get peace of mind ?

(A) Through prolonged medication 

(B) By accepting life as it comes 

(C) By enjoying good health 

(D) By overcoming anger 

Show Answer

2. To overcome anger, meditation helps us by ______.

(A) removing the trigger 

(B) giving us the choice to think 

(C) remaining in a state of self-control 

(D) offering us a wide range of answers 

Show Answer

3. Why should we not get angry with a friend?

(A) It may give us a heart attack 

(B) It affects over health 

(C) It ruins our relationship 

(D) It damages our intellectual ability 

Show Answer

4. What is anger ?

(A) It is loss of control over our temper 

(B) It is our reaction to an event or person 

(C) It is release of our pent up emotions 

(D) It is an effort to avenge ourselves 

Show Answer

5. Getting angry _____.

(A) affects the clarity of our mind 

(B) gives us a feeling of superiority 

(C) makes us feel ashamed of ourselves 

(D) affects our digestive system 

Show Answer

(Source: CTET SEP-15 Paper-II)

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow by selecting the most appropriate options:

            Your attitudes are the perspectives from which you view life. Some people seem to have a good attitude towards most things. Some people seem to have a bad attitude towards everything. But when you look closer, you will find that most of us have a combination of attitudes, some good, some not so good.

            Whatever attitude we have towards anything will affect how we feel about it, which in turn determines whether or not we will do well. So our right attitudes play a very important part in  helping us become successful.

            In fact, as we can see, a good attitude is essential for achievement of any kind ! We so often hear of someone who is said to have a “bad attitude”. The term is often applied to young people, especially to teenagers whose frequently get into trouble, but we often hear it about adults, too. The implication is always that the individual in question is not going to make it if he doesn’t change his attitude.

            I would agree, without a good attitude it is not possible to see the opportunities ahead and set one’s sights to reach them. But even more important is the fact that in order to possess the kind of feelings which work for us, we’ve got to have the right attitude to start with.

                   But where do we get our attitudes from ? Are we born with them or do they just appear out of nowhere? Our attitudes are no accident. They don’t just happen. Our attitudes are created and influenced entirely by our beliefs.

QUESTION:

1. The term “bad attitude” is used for young people because they :

(A)  defy all kinds of authority 

(B) behave irresponsibly 

(C) often get into difficulty 

(D) are unpredictable 

Show Answer

2. Right attitudes are absolutely essential to 

(A) succeed in life 

(B) win the goodwill of our peers and superiors 

(C) have harmonious relations with others 

(D) promote our mental well-being 

Show Answer

3. Which one of the following statements is correct?

(A) We are born with our attitudes 

(B) Our attitudes are influenced by our parents only 

(C) Our attitudes are created and controlled by our beliefs 

(D) Our attitudes are the results of our personal experience 

Show Answer

4. A/An ________ attitude is absolutely necessary for attainment of any kind.

(A) virtuous

(B) cheerful

(C) optimistic

(D) good

Show Answer

(Source: CTET SEP-15 Paper-I)

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow by selecting the most appropriate options:

            One Sunday morning, I was travelling on a subway in Mumbai. People were sitting quietly – some reading newspapers, some lost in thought. It was a calm, peaceful scene.

            Then suddenly, a man and his children entered the subway car. The children were so loud and rambunctious that instantly the whole climate changed.

            The man sat next to me and closed his eyes, apparently oblivious to the situation. The children were yelling back and forth, throwing things, even grabbing people’s papers. It was very disturbing. And yet, the man sitting next to me did nothing.

            It was difficult not to feel irritated. I could not believe that he could be so insensitive as to let his children run wild and do nothing about it. It was easy to see that everyone else on the subway felt irritated, too. So finally, I turned to him and said, “Sir, your children are really disturbing a lot of people. I wonder if you couldn’t control them a little more ?”

            The man lifted his gaze as if to come to a consciousness of the situation for the first time and said softly, “Oh, you’re right. I guess I should do something about it. We just came from the hospital where their mother died an hour ago. I don’t know what to think and I guess they don’t know how to handle it either”.

                   Can you imagine what I felt at that moment. My paradigm shifted. Suddenly I saw things differently, and because I saw things differently, I thought, felt and behaved differently. My irritation vanished; my heart was filled with the man’s pain. Feelings of sympathy and compassion flowed freely. “Your wife just died ? Oh, I am sorry ! Can you tell me about it ? What can I do to help ?” Everything changed in an instant.

QUESTION:

1. It can be inferred from the man’s behavior that he was :

(A) insensitive

(B) an indulgent parent 

(C) mentally disturbed 

(D) unsocial

Show Answer

2. When the writer learnt the truth :

(A) he felt apologetic 

(B) his heart was filled with the man’s suffering 

(C) he was angry with himself for being judgemental 

(D) he decided to help the man out 

Show Answer

3. The primary purpose of the author is to :

(A) highlight the problems of subway travellers 

(B) narrate an amusing incident 

(C) show how indulgent parents spoil their children 

(D) show a radical shift in attitude 

Show Answer

4. The children’s behavior on the subway was :

(A) amusing

(B) irritating

(C) disgusting

(D) shocking

Show Answer

5. How did the man (children’s father) react to the unruly behavior of his children?

(A) He enjoyed their antics 

(B) He rebuked them 

(C) He tried to control them 

(D) He did nothing 

Show Answer

(Source: CTET SEP-15 Paper-I)

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow by selecting the most appropriate options:

Madam Cama’s Paris home became a shelter for world revolutionaries. Even Lenin, the father of Russian revolution visited her house and exchanged views. Savarkar got all encouragement in writing the history of the First India War of Independence from Cama. She helped its printing in Holland as no English publisher came forward to publish it. It was a banned book but found its way to India. Smuggled ingeniously under “Don Quixote” covers ! She became the publisher of “VandeMataram”, a revolutionary magazine and its distributor, an extremely difficult task in the days of British espionage. Another magazine “Madan’sTalwar” was also started in memory of MadanLalDhingra who laid down his life for the country. Both the magazines were outlawed in India and England. Madam Cama somehow found ways to sent them to Indian revolutionaries.

            Madam Cama also fought for the cause of women. Speaking at National Conference at Cairo, Egypt in 1910, she asked, :Where is the other half of the Egypt ? I see only men who represent half the country !” She stressed the role of women in building a nation.

  When the First World War broke out in 1914, Madam Cama took an anti-British stand and tried her best to make the Indian people aware of the exploitative nature of British imperialism.

                   The British had banned her entry into India, being afraid of her revolutionary past and staunch nationalistic outlook. But the lioness was getting old and 35 years of fighting on foreign-land had taken its toll. She decided to return to her motherland. Her health was worsening. After reaching Bombay, she was hospitalized and died on 13^th of August, 1936.

QUESTION:

1. Not only id Madam Cama participate in India’s struggle for freedom, she also :

(A) worked for the upliftment of the poor 

(B) opened schools in slums 

(C) created awareness of the importance of cleanliness among women 

(D) championed the cause of women 

Show Answer

2. Madam Cama’s entry into India was banned because :

(A) she was a revolutionary and staunch nationalist 

(B) she had a criminal past. 

(C) she spoke vehemently against the British 

(D) she was spreading rumours about the British 

Show Answer

3. The author’s atitiude to Madam Cama can be described as :

(A) hostile

(B) laudatory

(C) critical 

(D) contradictory

Show Answer

4. How did the book, ‘The First Indian War of Independence’ find its way to India’? The book was :

(A) couriered

(B) mailed

(C) smuggled

(D) sent through a secret agent 

Show Answer

5. Madan Lal Dhingra was a :

(A) businessman

(B) freedom fighter 

(C) poet

(D) journalist

Show Answer

(Source: CTET SEP-15 Paper-I)

In the following passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

Employee misconduct, (1) of leave, tardiness, abuse of lunch hours or coffee breaks, (2) to comply with the agency’s procedures, or any other (3) of the employee/employer relationship are examples of problems for which disciplinary actions may be (4). Such actions (5) from admonishments, warnings and oral or written reprimands (6) (7), reduction-in-grade or pay, or removal. Many agencies have formalized (8) in tables of penalties or guidelines (9) (10) action.

1.

(A) submission

(B) cancellation

(C) demand

(D) application

(E) abuse

Show Answer

2.

(A) displeasure

(B) failure

(C) reluctance

(D) anxiety

(E) hesitation

Show Answer

3.

(A) variation

(B) instance

(C) form

(D) breach

(E) conduct

Show Answer

4.

(A) appropriate

(B) sympathetic

(C) harsh

(D) unprecedented

(E) exorbitant

Show Answer

5.

(A) root

(B) disseminate

(C) range

(D) deviate

(E) emerge

Show Answer

6.

(A) to

(B) even

(C) with

(D) into

(E) for

Show Answer

7.

(A) punishment

(B) memos

(C) indiscipline

(D) suspensions

(E) curtailment

Show Answer

8.

(A) all

(B) these

(C) abundant

(D) which

(E) only

Show Answer

9.

(A) with

(B) under

(C) for

(D) on

(E) about

Show Answer

10.

(A) harsh

(B) decent

(C) quick

(D) responsible

(E) corrective

Show Answer

(Source: UCO Bank PO Exam Paper -2009)

India records the world’s highest per-capita incidence of water-borne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid and hepatitis, in spite of which concern for safe drinking water is still abysmally low even among educated Indians. This alarming indifference was borne out in a survey conducted by market research agency Research International Ltd. Based on a study of 3,000 households spread across all major cities in India. The survey found that over 73 per cent of all households in the highest income categories (SECA & B) drink tap water without boiling it and as many as 55 percent of the same group drink tap water after filtration through a cloth, but without boiling.

            Though every school child knows that unboiled tap water contains un-seen disease causing germs, and is unsafe to drink, the high level of indifference to boiling water will come as a surprise to many. Comments Dr. S.S. Narvekar, Deputy Director, Directorate of Health Services, Government of Maharashtra. “We regularly monitor water quality in all major urban centres in this State. During 1995-96, we found that 9,730 out of 159,233 samples of water were

contaminated with disease causing organisms, representing a high 6.11 per cent of the total number of samples collected and analysed. This is an alarmingly high level of contamination considering that Maharashtra is one of the more

developed states in India and it may be higher in other states. Also during late summer months when there is water scarcity, and during these months it is doubly important to ensure drinking water is adequately sanitised.”

QUESTION:

1. In India the concern of safe drinking water is:

(A) very low 

(B) good 

(C) enough

(D) more than expected 

Show Answer

2. In the highest number of categories the number of people drink tap water without boiling it is:

(A) about half of the house holds 

(B) all the house holds 

(C) nearly three fourths of the households 

(D) one fourth of the households 

Show Answer

3. During rainy season, drinking water should be:

(A) cleaned

(B) sanitised

(C) stored

(D) used

Show Answer

4. There is a high level of _____ to boiling water.

(A) interest

(B) indifference

(C) care

(D) curiosity

Show Answer

5. According to the passage, un-boiled tap water contains _____ .

(A) impurities

(B) chemicals

(C) germs

(D) waste matter 

Show Answer

(Source: SSC Higher Secondary Level Data Entry Operator & LDC Exam Held on—27-11-2010)

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. First read the passage over and try to understand what it is about. Then fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given.

A seminar is generally a form of (1) interaction, either at an academy (2) or a commercial or (3) organization. It has the function of (4). Small groups for (5) meetings, focusing each time on some (6) subject, in which everyone present in (7) to participate. This is often (8) through and ongoing dialogue with a seminar (9) or instructor. Normally participants must not be (10) in the field under discussion.

QUESTION:

1.

(A) academic

(B) social

(C) informal

(D) artificial

Show Answer

2.

(A) institution

(B) intermission

(C) intervention

(D) interference

Show Answer

3.

(A) provincial

(B) proverbial

(C) professional

(D) progressive

Show Answer

4.

(A)  bringing out 

(B) bringing together 

(C) bringing among 

(D) bringing off 

Show Answer

5.

(A) recurring

(B) repeating

(C) reverting

(D) reforming

Show Answer

6.

(A) particular

(B) partial

(C) previous

(D) prevented

Show Answer

7.

(A) entrusted

(B) encouraged

(C) enlarged

(D) endured

Show Answer

8.

(A) accomplished

(B) acknowledged

(C) acquainted

(D) acquired

Show Answer

9.

(A) follower

(B) member

(C) leader

(D) associate

Show Answer

10.

(A) professional

(B) teacher

(C) starter

(D) beginners

Show Answer

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. First read the passage over and try to understand that it is about. Then fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given.

            Experts are beginning to suspect that one of the major (1) of crime in modern cities in the actual design of the city. Oscar Newman, a professor of architecture, in his book titled “Defensible Space” has (2) the result of his research on this question. The effect of environment (3) crime is two-fold. Prof. Newman’s research shows that some buildings may encourage people not only to interfere but to allow crimes to (4) Crowded apartments in a huge block bring people physically together but isolate them (5) . People living in what is (6) one building with a common entry felt isolated within their own apartments.

  They are unconcerned (7) their neighbours. Some years ago, a girl was stabbed to death (8) a period of half an hour while hundreds of people living in the block (9) without interfering, without even calling the police.

          The other obvious effect of the design of buildings is that it affords room for crimes. Hidden nooks and corners, spaces between buildings out of (10) are convenient spots where crimes can be committed without the fear of detection.

QUESTION:

1.

(A) exposition

(B) causes

(C) theories

(D) results

Show Answer

2.

(A) published

(B) printed

(C) predicted

(D) pasted

Show Answer

3.

(A) on

(B) in

(C) over

(D) about

Show Answer

4.

(A) witness

(B) show

(C) appear

(D) happen

Show Answer

5.

(A) spiritually

(B) congnitively

(C) intellectually

(D) mentally

Show Answer

6.

(A) essentially

(B) deliberately

(C) accidentally

(D) ideologically

Show Answer

7.

(A) for

(B) with

(C) about

(D) at

Show Answer

8.

(A) between

(B) through

(C) over

(D) across

Show Answer

9.

(A) viewed

(B) studied

(C) observed

(D) watched

Show Answer

10.

(A) sight

(B) vision

(C) visual

(D) observation

Show Answer

(Source: SSC Data Entry Operator Exam – Held on – 02-08-2009)

In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words/phrases are suggested, one of which best fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

  Even after 60 years of independence it is disgraceful that we are yet to put our infrastructure in (1). There are two types of infrastructure in the country. One is the basic infrastructure such as water supply, drainage, education etc. The other is for comfort such as excellent roads, high speed trains etc. we· have not (2) on either. What is the problem? Is it lack of money or funds ? It may not (3) be so. We simply do not know how to go about things.

          What we have done is that we have (4) a number of layers of decision making authorities and too (5) agencies and regulations. We must get a number of (6) to get anything done. We need leadership not only in politics but also in administration. We need definition of our objectives such as what we need, why we need, and when we need it. (7) important point is clarity of ideology. Lastly and most importantly identification of a right person for the job is (8). What we need is systematic change. Leadership and commitment makes all the (9) in “getting things done. There has to be an appreciation that (10) in infrastructure delivers a force multiplier for the economy.

QUESTION:

1.

(A) organize

(B) place

(C) vicinity

(D) commitment

(E) duty

Show Answer

2.

(A) accomplished

(B) attained

(C) established

(D) qualified

(E) delivered

Show Answer

3.

(A) quietly

(B) inevitably

(C) because

(D) necessarily

(E) voluntarily

Show Answer

4.

(A) created

(B) resulted

(C) caused

(D) invented

(E) influenced

Show Answer

5.

(A) great

(B) abundant

(C) many

(D) much 

(E) manifold

Show Answer

6.

(A) hardships

(B) attempt

(C) bribe

(D) clearances

(E) skill

Show Answer

7.

(A) Another

(B) Different

(C) Others

(D) Moreover

(E) Distinctly

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8.

(A) expected

(B) dependent

(C) awaited

(D) inherent

(E) essential

Show Answer

9.

(A) basics

(B) similarity

(C) difference

(D) rigidity

(E) modesty

Show Answer

10.

(A) building

(B) investment

(C) developing

(D) generating

(E) modifying

Show Answer

(Source: SBI Assistant Manager (System) Exam – 2009)

In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These-numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words/phrases are suggested, one of which fits the blank, appropriately. Find out the appropriate word/phrase in each case.

                   The barter system for getting goods and services (1) back many centuries. In most cultures the barter system was used before money was (2). People who had specific items or services would (3) be these with others for the things they needed. Good negotiation was the (4) to making good trades. While the barter system (5) on based on basic needs, today the barter system continues to thrive. The barter system transcends the monetary system. The barter system is making a (6) today. What makes the barter system even better today than ever before is that it can now be done globally? In the past bartering was simply done with those that were located, nearby. Today the barter system can be used in a much more (7) way than ever before, yet it carries with it the same basic motivation – the need for something that you don’t have and the excess of something that someone else wants. The barter system is enjoying (8) interest today. Bartering allows you to get the things you need without having to (9) additional money. Instead you can use the things you no longer need or want to get the things you do need. There are swap markets and online auctions that (10) you to sell or trade your items or to purchase items that you want. Negotiation takes place just like it did hundreds of years ago.

QUESTION:

1.

(A) discovered

(B) dates

(C) began

(D) started

(E) initiated

Show Answer

2.

(A) bought

(B) imagined

(C) began

(D) emerged

(E) invented

Show Answer

3.

(A) buy

(B) sell

(C) exchange

(D) give

(E) return

Show Answer

4.

(A) important

(B) essential

(C) result

(D) key

(E) intention

Show Answer

5.

(A) originated

(B) stood

(C) generated

(D) created

(E) produced

Show Answer

6.

(A) issue

(B) comeback

(C) withdrawal

(D) recall

(E) fading

Show Answer

7.

(A) primitive

(B) promoted

(C) appreciated

(D) sophisticated

(E) better

Show Answer

8.

(A) diminishing

(B) revival

(C) perishing

(D) declining

(E) renewed

Show Answer

9.

(A) expend

(B) exchanging

(C) expand

(D) consume

(E) cost

Show Answer

10.

(A) insist

(B) force

(C) allow

(D) lure

(E) constraint

Show Answer

(Source: Reserve Bank Of India Officer Group B – 2009)

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.

QUESTION:

1. What, according to the author, should be done to avoid the destruction of life by the nuclear weapons?

(A) Ban the use of nuclear weapons throughout the world 

(B) Enforce stricter laws and boycotts against the nations using nuclear weapons 

(C) Generate more awareness regarding the harm of using the nuclear weapons 

(D) Work towards international harmony and understanding 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

2. Which of the following can be inferred from the given paragraph?

(A) Only A 

(B) Only B 

(C) Only B and C 

(D) Only A and C 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

(Source: Reserve Bank Of India Officer Group B – 2009)

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.

QUESTION:

1. Which of the following best explains the main idea of the paragraph?

(A) The Government has made a wrong move in compartmentalizing education 

(B) To highlight the superiority of India in higher education as compared to the rest of the world 

(C) To emphasize more on primary education rather than higher education 

(D) Higher education is important for the growth of a country 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

2. 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?

(A) Education-a fundamental right of every child 

(B) Indian education-an unfortunate neglect of the primary education 

(C) Lack of higher education opportunities in India. 

(D) A comparison of higher education in India with that of the west 

(E) Importance of higher education in growth of a country 

Show Answer

3. The author has listed the disadvantages of recycling to _______

(A) explain the reason why recycling is not a popular option besides having various positive effects on the environment 

(B) give argume.nts to support the stopping of the process of recycling completely 

(C) predict the effects of stoppage of recycling on the environment 

(D) show that there are better options than recycling available for utilization 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

4. 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 as compared to the recycle’s products.

(B) The overall effect of recycling on the environment is detrimental rather than beneficial.

(C) It does not give appropriate economic returns since recycled products lack demand in the market.

(A) Only A 

(B) Both B and C 

(C) Only C 

(D) Both A and B 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

(Source: Reserve Bank Of India Officer Group B – 2009)

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 stay 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.

QUESTION:

1. Which of the following statements finds least support by the argument made by the author in the given paragraph?

(A) Youngsters should be motivated to do constructive business rather than wasting time in fashion 

(B) The world of fashion being glamorous and glittery attracts people towards itself 

(C) Following latest fashion increases the self efficacy of people thus increasing their overall mental abilities 

(D) Many universities have implemented a dress code to put a check on the increasing fad amongst the youth which was affecting their grades 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

2. Which of the following can be inferred from the given paragraph?

(A) The author has made strong efforts to wipe out fashion from the minds of youth 

(B) Steps need to be taken in order to control the growing fad of fashion amongst the youth 

(C) The author is upset with the shift of fashion from the traditional ethnic wear to western outfits 

(D) Fashion world is responsible for lack of creativity among the youth 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

(Source: Reserve Bank Of India Officer Group B – 2009)

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 and 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.

QUESTIONS:

1. Which of the following can be inferred from the given passage?

(A) Only A 

(B) Only C 

(C) Both A and C 

(D) Both B and C 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

2. Which of the following best explains the usage of the phrase ‘brewing a disastrous stew’?

(A) The continuous rise in Earth’s temperature has been a proved to be very dangerous 

(B) Lack of efforts to curb the greenhouse effects would degrade the environment in the near future 

(C) The harmful ultraviolet radiations are slowly destroying the life on Earth 

(D) The fraternity of scientists has been, opposing the process of industrialization 

(E) The increased discharge of chemicals in the air is resulting in an atmosphere crisis 

Show Answer

(Source: Reserve Bank Of India Officer Group B – 2009)

In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

            Technology (1) lives. But (2) if people want it to. This qualification is important, and (3) to understanding progress. Akio Morita, the founder of Sony, used to make inventions not by writing code but by making minute, detailed studies of (4) people lived their lives. It is observable that when he relinquished direct involvement in product development at the company in the 1980s, Sony seemed to lose its (5) of developing a truly radical invention like the Walkman that the world takes to en masse.

                   However much it seems that machines are in (6) they are not, yet the belief that the technology alone holds the key to (7) the way people work, buy, and do business is strong. The rise of dotcoms\ in the late 1990s was (8) by a belief that technology was changing the rules of marketing and\ employee relationships. This is not .to say there have been no changes in the new economy; but that they (9) to appear where technology makes it (10) for people to communicate with each other, or have been unrelated to the technology. The dynamic is still a human one.

QUESTIONS:

1. 

(A) makes

(B) explains

(C) shakes

(D) ruins

(E) changes

Show Answer

2.

(A) seldom

(B) only

(C) never

(D) not

(E) occasionally

Show Answer

3. 

(A) encouraging

(B) supported

(C) disastrous

(D) key

(E) primarily 

Show Answer

4.

(A) when

(B) whether

(C) how

(D) why

(E) where

Show Answer

5.

(A) knack

(B) business

(C) plant

(D) share

(E) profit 

Show Answer

6.

(A) action

(B) operation

(C) transition

(D) progress

(E) control

Show Answer

7.

(A) determining

(B) highlighting

(C) informing

(D) encroaching

(E) accomplishing

Show Answer

8. 

(A) underlying

(B) disputed

(C) accompanied

(D) govern

(E) successful

Show Answer

9.

(A) fail

(B) refuse

(C) avoid

(D) tend

(E) cease

Show Answer

10.

(A) tough

(B) easier

(C) awkward

(D) essential

(E)  laborious 

Show Answer

(Source: Punjab National Bank P.O Exam – 2009)

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 that increases in energy costs are resulting in cost push inflation but the 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 oils to bio-fuels, which is significantly influenced by policy mandates. Very clearly this diversion to bio-fuels is a policy induced new reality, which coincided with price escalation in precisely those products and hence, is note worthy.

          The financialization 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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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 markets 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 tanks of automobiles rather than fill the empty stomachs of people. Similarly, it is sometimes held that the weight accorded to financial stability in public policy 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.

QUESTIONS:

1. In what way are bio-fuels responsible for the increasing cost of food?

(A)    It is a policy mandated 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.

(A) A only 

(B) B only 

(C) C only 

(D) A and B only 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

2. Which of the following situation(s) has/have prompted investors to look towards commodity markets ?

(A)       Dip in rates of interest in the U.S.

(B)       Easy Liquidity.

(C)     Volatility in commodity prices.

(A) A and B only 

(B) B and C only 

(C) A and C only 

(D) All the three 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

3. The passage lays emphasis on which of the following central theme(s)?

(A) A only 

(B) B only 

(C) C only 

(D) All the three 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

4. Which of the following statements is FALSE in the context of the passage?

(A) A and B only 

(B) B and C only 

(C) B only 

(D) C only 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

5. Which of the following shows a cause-effect relationship between its two components?

(A) Reduction in interest rates and abundance of food commodities 

(B) Reduction in energy prices and increase in food commodity prices 

(C) Turbulence in financial markets and escalation in production of food commodities 

(D) Dipping of U.S. dollar value and volatility in commodity markets 

(E) Injection of liquidity and the drop in investor confidence 

Show Answer

6.Which of the following statements is TRUE in the context of the passage?

(A)  Commodity markets have become erratic due to easy liquidity and low interest rate 

(B) Governments of many countries have begun paying better prices for food commodities to ensure their farmers are taken care of 

(C) Farmers in developing countries have to compulsorily produce a certain quantity of bio-fuels annually 

(D) The financialization of commodity trade has resulted in a dip in prices of food products 

(E) The weakening of other currencies against the US dollar has resulted in high fuel prices 

Show Answer

7. Which of the following best explains the phrase “this phenomenon” as used in the fourth paragraph of the passage?

(A) Volatility in commodity markets which has led to hoarding 

(B) Escalating food prices caused by high interest rates 

(C) Easy liquidity because of lack of investment in America 

(D) Weakening of the US dollar and consequent variability in commodity markets 

(E) Fluctuation in energy prices and outdated public policy 

Show Answer

8. Which of the following can 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.

(A) A and B only 

(B) B and C only 

(C) A and C only 

(D) None of these 

(E) All A B & C 

Show Answer

9. Which of the following can be a remedy of 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.

(A) A only 

(B) A and B only 

(C) B only 

(D) B and C only 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

(Source: Punjab National Bank P.O Exam – 2009)

PASSAGE-63

 In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word In each case.

            Clement Atlee became the Prime Minister of England after the Second World War. Winston Churchill, who had successfully (1) England and the allies to victory over Hitler was now rejected by the English people at the hustings. Labour Party was (2) to power and Atlee became the Prime

Minister. One of his memorable tasks was that he was (3) in granting India its freedom. Atlee was born in a well-to-do (4) but he always had (5) for the poor and the downtrodden. He is known for keeping (6) and cooperation among his cabinet colleagues. Not that there were no differences of opinion (7) his cabinet members, but Atlee, by his (8) nature and positive approach, always managed to keep them together and had control over them. (9) being sympathetic to the cause of India, and granting India freedom, he (10) many a constructive activity for his country too, like nationalization of some industries, and starting National Health Scheme.

QUESTIONS:

1.

(A) Blank

(B) led

(C) isolated

(D) established

(E) conquered

Show Answer

2.

(A) used

(B) immune

(C) averse

(D) close

(E) swept

Show Answer

3.

(A) reluctant

(B) particular

(C) interested

(D) instrumental

(E) eager

Show Answer

4.

(A) family

(B) community

(C) class

(D) origin

(E) country

Show Answer

5.

(A) jobs

(B) indifference

(C) concern

(D) reverence

(E) apathy

Show Answer

6.

(A) faith

(B) conflict

(C) assistance

(D) conviction

(E) harmony

Show Answer

7.

(A) from

(B) with 

(C) among

(D) within

(E) between

Show Answer

8.

(A) aggressive

(B) docile

(C) withdrawing

(D) gentle

(E) stubborn

Show Answer

9.

(A) Besides

(B) After

(C) Although

(D) Without

(E) He

Show Answer

10.

(A) observed

(B) did

(C) demonstrated

(D) imitated

(E) bypassed

Show Answer

(Source: Oriental Bank of Commerce (Bank Clerk) Held on: 27-12-2009)

For many years, the continent of Africa remained unexplored and hence unknown. The main reason was the inaccessibility to its interior region due to dense forests, wild life, savage tribals, deserts and barren solid hills. Many people tried to explore the land but could not survive the dangers. David Livingstone is among those brave few who not only explored part of Africa but also lived among the tribals bringing them near to social milieu. While others explored with the idea of expanding their respective empires, Livingstone did so to explore its vast and mysterious hinterland, rivers and lakes. He was primarily a religious man and a medical practitioner who tried to help mankind with it.

          Livingstone was born in Scotland and was educated to become a doctor and a priest. His exploration started at the beginning of the year 1852. He explored an unknown river in Western Luanda. However, he was reduced to a skeleton during four years of travelling. By this time, he had become famous and when he returned to England for convalescing, entire London, along with Queen Victoria the, turned to welcome him. After a few days, he returned to Africa.

          He discovered the origin of the River Nile in 1866. He again suffered many discomforts. He became too sick and could not even walk. He lost contact with rest of the world that grew anxious to know his whereabouts. Ultimately, it was Stanley, the American journalist, who found him after many efforts, but Livingstone had died in a tribal village in 1873. His body was brought to London and buried in Westminster with full honour.

QUESTIONS:

1. Which of the following shows that Livingstone had become very famous?

(A) Queen Victoria along with the people of London had come to meet him. 

(B) Queen Victoria arranged for his medical expenses 

(C) The tribals were grateful to him for bringing them in the social mainstream 

(D) He was assigned the task of a priest although he was a medical professional 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

2. Why were people not aware of the existence of Africa?

(A) It was inaccessible due to oceanic reefs 

(B) Its territory was covered with dense forests 

(C) People outside the continent were chased away by native tribals 

(D) Explorers were afraid of the risks involved 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

3. Livingstone deserves credit for which of the following?

(A) For expanding his empire 

(B) For enjoying the wild life of the continent 

(C) For exploring part of Africa and living among the tribals 

(D) For quenching his thirst for living in the company of nature 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

4. What was the impact of the four-year travelling on Livingstone?

(A) He could enjoy a social life among tribals’ society 

(B) He derived satisfaction with the exploration of an unknown river 

(C) He derived satisfaction as he became very famous 

(D) It badly affected his health 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

5. The American journalist Stanley can be credited for which of the following?

(A) Performing the last rites of Livingstone’s dead body.

(B) Relentless efforts for finding out the whereabouts of Livingstone.

(C) The anxiety to explore undiscovered parts of the world.

(A) (A) and (B) only 

(B) (B) and (C) only 

(C) (A) and (C) only 

(D) (B) only 

(E) (C) only 

Show Answer

6. Livingstone can best be described by which of the following?

(A) A person with an urge for exploration of unknown parts of the world 

(B) A person with religious mindset 

(C) A social reformer 

(D) A warm-hearted medical practitioner 

(E) A famous priest popular among the British 

Show Answer

7. Livingstone became too sick to walk and, as a result,

(A) people in the world lost contact with him.

(B) his whereabouts were not known.

(C) American journalist Stanley could not locate him despite many efforts.

(A) (A) only 

(B) (B) only 

(C) (C) only 

(D) (A) and (C) only 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

8. In what way were Livingstone’s exploration efforts different from those of others?

(A) Livingstone’s exploration was restricted only to unknown rivers whereas others explored dense forests 

(B) Others explored with selfish motives; Livingstone explored to know the mysterious parts of the world 

(C) Others explored new parts of the world for wealth, but Livingstone did so for religious purposes 

(D) Being a medical practitioner, he tried to explore medicines; others did for tribal population 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

9. Which of the following was/were explored by Livingstone?

(A) A river in Western Luanda

(B) Scotland

(C) The origin of river Nile

(A) (A) and (B) only 

(B) (B) and (C) only 

(C) (A) and (C) only 

(D) (A) only 

(E) (B) only 

Show Answer

(Source: Oriental Bank of Commerce (Bank Clerk) Held on: 27-12-2009)

In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

                   It is a pity that we do not have good books on insurance written by Indian authors (1) to the steady growth of literature on the subject in other countries specially, the U.S.A. whose insurance laws and (2) are very much similar to those of our country. And students studying in our colleges and the millions of insurance employees appearing for various insurance examinations have to depend (3) on books written by foreign authors. As these books mainly deal with the problems of insurance industry of foreign countries the (4) of the insurance scene in India and the various legal (5) and insurance procedures remains very weak. To (6) the insurance employees and the college students who have opted for (7) courses in insurance with different aspects of theory and practice of insurance we should have good and (8) textbooks. The -book under review written by V. M. R. Nair himself an experienced and (9) expert on insurance law based on leading Indian cases will be found very useful by students –of insurance sector as a (10) guide to the principles of insurance.

QUESTIONS:

1. 

(A) paving

(B) corresponding 

(C) following

(D) corresponding

(E) correcting

Show Answer

2.

(A) process

(B) product

(C) notes

(D) currency

(E) procedures

Show Answer

3.

(A) slightly

(B) upon

(C) still

(D) at

(E) until

Show Answer

4.

(A) prove

(B) search

(C) application

(D) understanding

(E) acknowledge

Show Answer

5.

(A) law 

(B) aspects

(C) experts

(D) books

(E) loop

Show Answer

6.

(A) equip

(B) arm

(C) decorate

(D) promote

(E) load

Show Answer

7.

(A) optional

(B) expensive

(C) tough

(D) deep

(E) specialized

Show Answer

8.

(A) authentic

(B) voluminous

(C) many 

(D) prompt

(E) shining

Show Answer

9.

(A) consulting

(B) qualified

(C) rich

(D) merchant

(E) tied

Show Answer

10.

(A) teamed

(B) powerful

(C) ready

(D) comprehensive

(E) prescribed

Show Answer

(Source: Nabard Bank Officer Exam – 2009)

Anyone who forms his own opinions and beliefs will feel that he owes no responsibility to the majority for his conclusions. If he is a genuine lover of truth, if he is inspired by a passion for seeing things as they are and a detestation of holding ideas which do not conform to facts, he will be wholly independent of the acquiesce of those around him. When he proceeds to apply his beliefs in the practical conduct of life, the position is different. There are then good reasons why his attitude should be less rigid. The society in which he is placed is an ancient and composite growth. The people from whom he dissents have not come by their opinions and institutions by a process of mere haphazard. These opinions and customs all had their origin in a certain real or supposed fitness. They have a certain depth of root in the lives of a proportion of the existing generation. Their fitness for satisfying needs may have misplaced, and their congruity with one another may have come to an end. That is only one side of the truth. The most passionate propagandist cannot penetrate to them.

          In common language we speak of a generation as something possessed of a kind of exact unity with all its part-s and members homogeneous. Yet plainly it is not this. It is a whole but a whole in a state of constant flux, its factors and elements are eternally shifting. It is not one, but many generations. Each of the seven ages of man is neighbour to all the rest. The column of the veterans is already sinking into the last abyss, while the column of the newest recruits is forming. To its tradition, the tendency and its possibilities, only a proportion of each can have nerve enough to grasp the banner of a new truth and endurance to bear it along rugged and un trodden ways.

          Then we must remember the substance of which life is made. We must consider what an overwhelming preponderance of the most persistent energies and most concentrated interests of a society must be absorbed between material cares and the solitude of the affections. It is obviously unreasonable to lose patience and quarrel with one’s time because it is tardy in throwing off its institutions and beliefs and slow to achieve the transformation which is the problem in front of it. Men and women have to live. The task for most of us is hard enough to make us well pleased with even such imperfect shelter as we find in daily use and customs. To insist on a whole community being made at once to submit to the supremacy of new practices and ideas that have just begun to acclaim themselves to the most advanced speculative intelligence of life time. This, even If it were a possible process, would do much to make life impracticable and to hurry on social dissolution.

QUESTIONS:

1. The overnight changes in social settings are not desirable because it will-

(A) retard the progress 

(B) lead to social disintegration 

(C) give vitality to social life 

(D) make a society too narrow to survive 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

2. The hard task according to author is to-

(A) Only A and C 

(B) Only B and C 

(C) Only A and B 

(D) Only A 

(E) Only C 

Show Answer

3. The problems which is discussed in the passage reflects-

(A) realist attitude of the author 

(B) the pessimistic views expressed by a group of people 

(C) a doctrinaire that explains the role of culture 

(D) making good use of genuine lover of truth 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

4. Which of the following best describes the phrase apply his beliefs in the practical conduct of life as used in the passage?

(A)  To indoctrinate what he believes 

(B) To denounce what he believes 

(C) To preach what is practiced 

(D) To practice what is preached 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

5. According to author a generation which is heterogeneous, should be perceive as

(A)  sum total of the parts of that subsystem 

(B) a whole which is not a total of the parts 

(C)  fragmented group of people 

(D) individual inter linkages connected through synergy 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

6. According to the passage which of the following is true?

(A) Impatience of intellectuals with practical problems is the source of progress 

(B) Day to day concerns dominates the life of most people 

(C) Intellectuals are the leaders of social transformation 

(D) Social change will be slow in the absence of effective leaders 

(E) None of these 

Show Answer

7. According to passage from which of the following do the customs and traditions originate?

(A) Ignorance of events happening around 

(B) Leadership prevailing in the contemporary society 

(C)  Social utility of the societal set up 

(D) Conflicts of individuals living in society 

(E)  None of these 

Show Answer

(Source: Nabard Bank Officer Exam – 2009)