Comprehension
An urgent problem is now threatening libraries throughout the world. Their collections, which are crucial for
diverse purposes as economic development, educational research and recreational pursuits, are in danger
of disintegrating.
The problem is mainly due to one cause – the type of paper on which books have been printed for the past one and a half centuries. Until the 1850s, paper was produced from linen or cotton rags and proved to be relatively long-lasting. In the mid-19th century, however, the popular demand for paper and the commercial need for an economic method of production led to the use of mechanically ground wood pulp. Paper manufactured for wood pulp is highly acidic and therefore inherently unstable. It contains lignin – a major factor in causing paper to discolour and disintegrate. The useful lifespan of most 20th-century book papers has been estimated to be no more than a few decades.
Libraries comprise an important part of the market for printed books and they are increasingly aware of the fragility of this material. The extent of the deterioration of library collections is alarming. Surveys conducted at various major institutions reveal that 26% to 40% of the books they hold are seriously embrittled and thus unavailable for normal use.
Programmes are now being developed with two main aims in mind – on the one hand, to improve the physical condition of library collections, especially by the process called ‘mass de-acidification’ (which is designed to eliminate acid from the paper of published books and insert a buffer compound that will provide protection against future acid attack from the environment); and on the other, to transfer the contents of existing books to another medium (such as microfilm or optical disk).
Libraries will only be able to carry out these special tasks with the assistance of other experts such as book conservators and high-technology specialists. But here is another group with whom librarians have traditionally enjoyed strong affinities and whose co-operation will be crucial if the problem of decaying collections is to be arrested – namely, the printing and publishing industries. The existing problem – that of book collections already assembled in libraries – is of vast proportions, but it is intensified by the continuing use of acid-based paper in book publishing. The key issue is how to preserve the books of the future, not simply those of the past.
If the future dimensions of the conservation problem are to be curbed, there will need to be widespread adoption of paper which is of archival quality.
This change does not relate to a narrowly perceived need because the long term preservation of library collections is important – both for the overall social benefits they bring as well as for the special advantages they bestow on the printing and publishing industries.
In the first place, libraries are of critical importance to the future well-being of citizens since they provide the knowledge base of society. They contain the record of humanity – the accumulation of ideas and insights and discoveries on which social effort and progress are possible. The destruction of libraries would represent an immense cultural loss, a form of amnesia which would affect every member of society.
In the second place, printers and publishers have an economic interest in turning to paper of archival quality. So long as the libraries are acquiring books with a short lifespan they will be forced to devote an increasing share of their budgets to conservation. These budgets are severely strained by the combined impact of inflation and currency devaluation, and there is scarcely any prospect of enlarged government funding. As a result, libraries will be compelled to balance the preservation of their collections against the expansion of those collations. In short, the choice will be between conservation and acquisition – and the funds for conservation are likely to come from acquisition budgets. This unpalatable choice will damage both libraries and the printing and publishing industries and can only be minimized in its effects by a bold decision to convert to use of permanent paper.
The problem is mainly due to one cause – the type of paper on which books have been printed for the past one and a half centuries. Until the 1850s, paper was produced from linen or cotton rags and proved to be relatively long-lasting. In the mid-19th century, however, the popular demand for paper and the commercial need for an economic method of production led to the use of mechanically ground wood pulp. Paper manufactured for wood pulp is highly acidic and therefore inherently unstable. It contains lignin – a major factor in causing paper to discolour and disintegrate. The useful lifespan of most 20th-century book papers has been estimated to be no more than a few decades.
Libraries comprise an important part of the market for printed books and they are increasingly aware of the fragility of this material. The extent of the deterioration of library collections is alarming. Surveys conducted at various major institutions reveal that 26% to 40% of the books they hold are seriously embrittled and thus unavailable for normal use.
Programmes are now being developed with two main aims in mind – on the one hand, to improve the physical condition of library collections, especially by the process called ‘mass de-acidification’ (which is designed to eliminate acid from the paper of published books and insert a buffer compound that will provide protection against future acid attack from the environment); and on the other, to transfer the contents of existing books to another medium (such as microfilm or optical disk).
Libraries will only be able to carry out these special tasks with the assistance of other experts such as book conservators and high-technology specialists. But here is another group with whom librarians have traditionally enjoyed strong affinities and whose co-operation will be crucial if the problem of decaying collections is to be arrested – namely, the printing and publishing industries. The existing problem – that of book collections already assembled in libraries – is of vast proportions, but it is intensified by the continuing use of acid-based paper in book publishing. The key issue is how to preserve the books of the future, not simply those of the past.
If the future dimensions of the conservation problem are to be curbed, there will need to be widespread adoption of paper which is of archival quality.
This change does not relate to a narrowly perceived need because the long term preservation of library collections is important – both for the overall social benefits they bring as well as for the special advantages they bestow on the printing and publishing industries.
In the first place, libraries are of critical importance to the future well-being of citizens since they provide the knowledge base of society. They contain the record of humanity – the accumulation of ideas and insights and discoveries on which social effort and progress are possible. The destruction of libraries would represent an immense cultural loss, a form of amnesia which would affect every member of society.
In the second place, printers and publishers have an economic interest in turning to paper of archival quality. So long as the libraries are acquiring books with a short lifespan they will be forced to devote an increasing share of their budgets to conservation. These budgets are severely strained by the combined impact of inflation and currency devaluation, and there is scarcely any prospect of enlarged government funding. As a result, libraries will be compelled to balance the preservation of their collections against the expansion of those collations. In short, the choice will be between conservation and acquisition – and the funds for conservation are likely to come from acquisition budgets. This unpalatable choice will damage both libraries and the printing and publishing industries and can only be minimized in its effects by a bold decision to convert to use of permanent paper.
Question: 1
The tone of the passage is one of:
The tone of the passage is one of:
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Tone questions are best answered by focusing on whether the author offers solutions or just complains — solution-oriented writing is often “informed concern.”
Updated On: Aug 5, 2025
- informed concern.
- destructive criticism.
- derisive ridicule.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The passage discusses the serious issue of library book deterioration caused by acidic paper, presenting facts, causes, and possible solutions.
The author shows deep knowledge of the historical shift from rag-based paper to wood pulp, explains the chemical instability of acidic paper, and highlights statistics on current damage to collections.
At the same time, the author proposes practical remedies such as mass de-acidification, transferring content to other media, and switching to archival-quality paper.
This shows a tone of informed concern — the author is aware of the problem, understands its depth, and suggests solutions rather than simply expressing panic or blame.
Option (b) destructive criticism — is incorrect because the author does not simply attack libraries, publishers, or printers; instead, they aim for constructive change.
Option (c) derisive ridicule — is incorrect because there is no mocking or sarcastic tone present.
Option (d) helpless alarm — is incorrect because the author is not expressing hopelessness; they provide concrete ways to address the problem.
Therefore, (a) is the most accurate choice.
The author shows deep knowledge of the historical shift from rag-based paper to wood pulp, explains the chemical instability of acidic paper, and highlights statistics on current damage to collections.
At the same time, the author proposes practical remedies such as mass de-acidification, transferring content to other media, and switching to archival-quality paper.
This shows a tone of informed concern — the author is aware of the problem, understands its depth, and suggests solutions rather than simply expressing panic or blame.
Option (b) destructive criticism — is incorrect because the author does not simply attack libraries, publishers, or printers; instead, they aim for constructive change.
Option (c) derisive ridicule — is incorrect because there is no mocking or sarcastic tone present.
Option (d) helpless alarm — is incorrect because the author is not expressing hopelessness; they provide concrete ways to address the problem.
Therefore, (a) is the most accurate choice.
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Question: 2
The phrase ‘archival quality’ implies:
The phrase ‘archival quality’ implies:
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When interpreting phrases, focus on the functional meaning in the given context — here, “archival” refers to durability for preservation purposes.
Updated On: Aug 5, 2025
- a smooth paper.
- thick paper.
- long-lasting paper.
- alkaline paper.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
In the passage, “archival quality” paper is discussed as the type needed to ensure the long-term preservation of books in libraries.
Such paper would resist the acid deterioration that plagues wood-pulp paper and remain usable for decades or centuries without significant degradation.
Option (a) smooth paper — smoothness has no direct relationship to preservation or acid resistance, so it is irrelevant here.
Option (b) thick paper — thickness alone does not make paper long-lasting; chemical stability is more important.
Option (d) alkaline paper — while archival paper is often alkaline to neutralize acids, the broader meaning in this context is paper that lasts a long time, not just its pH property.
Thus, the most accurate general meaning is (c) long-lasting paper.
Such paper would resist the acid deterioration that plagues wood-pulp paper and remain usable for decades or centuries without significant degradation.
Option (a) smooth paper — smoothness has no direct relationship to preservation or acid resistance, so it is irrelevant here.
Option (b) thick paper — thickness alone does not make paper long-lasting; chemical stability is more important.
Option (d) alkaline paper — while archival paper is often alkaline to neutralize acids, the broader meaning in this context is paper that lasts a long time, not just its pH property.
Thus, the most accurate general meaning is (c) long-lasting paper.
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Question: 3
Wood-pulp as raw material for paper was developed because of:
Wood-pulp as raw material for paper was developed because of:
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Look for cause-and-effect clues in the passage — here, high demand and cost concerns directly led to the adoption of wood pulp paper.
Updated On: Aug 5, 2025
- the need to produce large quantities of paper.
- the shortage of linen.
- the need to develop non-acidic paper.
- scientific research.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The passage explains that until the 1850s, paper was made from linen or cotton rags, which was durable but limited in supply.
By the mid-19th century, public demand for books had increased, and there was a commercial need for a more economical method of production to meet large-scale demand.
This led to the adoption of mechanically ground wood pulp, which could be produced in large quantities at lower cost, despite being chemically unstable.
Option (b) the shortage of linen — while linen was more expensive and slower to produce, the main driver was mass demand rather than an explicit shortage mentioned in the passage.
Option (c) the need to develop non-acidic paper — is the opposite of what happened; wood pulp paper was acidic.
Option (d) scientific research — although technology was involved, the passage emphasizes commercial necessity, not purely scientific curiosity.
Thus, (a) correctly captures the main reason: the need to produce large quantities of paper economically.
By the mid-19th century, public demand for books had increased, and there was a commercial need for a more economical method of production to meet large-scale demand.
This led to the adoption of mechanically ground wood pulp, which could be produced in large quantities at lower cost, despite being chemically unstable.
Option (b) the shortage of linen — while linen was more expensive and slower to produce, the main driver was mass demand rather than an explicit shortage mentioned in the passage.
Option (c) the need to develop non-acidic paper — is the opposite of what happened; wood pulp paper was acidic.
Option (d) scientific research — although technology was involved, the passage emphasizes commercial necessity, not purely scientific curiosity.
Thus, (a) correctly captures the main reason: the need to produce large quantities of paper economically.
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Question: 4
If paper has to last long …
If paper has to last long …
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When dealing with preservation-related questions, focus on the root cause of deterioration mentioned in the passage.
Updated On: Aug 5, 2025
- it should be made of cotton rags.
- it should be non-acidic.
- it should be alkaline.
- preservatives must be used.
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The passage emphasizes that the main cause of deterioration in books printed in the past 150 years is the acidity of wood pulp paper.
Acidic paper contains lignin, which accelerates discoloration and disintegration, limiting a book’s life to a few decades.
To ensure paper lasts for a long time, it must be non-acidic, as acid-free paper resists these chemical breakdown processes.
Option (a) — cotton rag paper is indeed durable and was used before the 1850s, but the key property that ensures longevity is the lack of acidity, not necessarily the source material.
Option (c) — alkaline paper can neutralize acids, but in the context of the passage, the broader requirement is non-acidic composition; alkaline is a related but more specific property.
Option (d) — preservatives are not mentioned as the primary factor for durability in the passage.
Thus, (b) is correct because the primary condition for longevity is that the paper be non-acidic.
Acidic paper contains lignin, which accelerates discoloration and disintegration, limiting a book’s life to a few decades.
To ensure paper lasts for a long time, it must be non-acidic, as acid-free paper resists these chemical breakdown processes.
Option (a) — cotton rag paper is indeed durable and was used before the 1850s, but the key property that ensures longevity is the lack of acidity, not necessarily the source material.
Option (c) — alkaline paper can neutralize acids, but in the context of the passage, the broader requirement is non-acidic composition; alkaline is a related but more specific property.
Option (d) — preservatives are not mentioned as the primary factor for durability in the passage.
Thus, (b) is correct because the primary condition for longevity is that the paper be non-acidic.
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Question: 5
One of the reasons not mentioned in the passage in favour of producing long-lasting paper is:
One of the reasons not mentioned in the passage in favour of producing long-lasting paper is:
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For “not mentioned” questions, confirm each option against explicit statements in the text rather than assuming plausible effects.
Updated On: Aug 5, 2025
- it will help preserve the knowledge-base of society.
- it will enable more books to be brought by libraries.
- it will lead to more governmental allocation to libraries.
- it will help the publishing industry.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The passage lists two main benefits of using long-lasting (archival quality) paper:
1. Preserving the knowledge base of society — cultural and social benefit.
2. Helping the publishing industry — economic benefit, as it reduces the financial strain caused by conservation costs.
It also notes that by reducing conservation costs, libraries can spend more on acquiring new books, thus enabling more books to be bought.
However, there is no mention that producing long-lasting paper will result in increased government funding or allocations for libraries.
Option (a) is mentioned as a cultural reason.
Option (b) is mentioned as a benefit related to acquisition budgets.
Option (d) is explicitly mentioned as an economic advantage.
Thus, (c) is correct as it is the only option not supported by the passage.
2. Helping the publishing industry — economic benefit, as it reduces the financial strain caused by conservation costs.
It also notes that by reducing conservation costs, libraries can spend more on acquiring new books, thus enabling more books to be bought.
However, there is no mention that producing long-lasting paper will result in increased government funding or allocations for libraries.
Option (a) is mentioned as a cultural reason.
Option (b) is mentioned as a benefit related to acquisition budgets.
Option (d) is explicitly mentioned as an economic advantage.
Thus, (c) is correct as it is the only option not supported by the passage.
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Question: 6
Purchase of new books by libraries are bound to be curtailed because of all the following reasons except:
Purchase of new books by libraries are bound to be curtailed because of all the following reasons except:
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In “EXCEPT” questions, identify which option is unrelated to the specific category being tested — here, only (c) is not mentioned as a cause for reduced acquisitions.
Updated On: Aug 5, 2025
- drastic reduction in governmental funding.
- the need for spending more money for conservation of old books.
- the need to microfilm books.
- inflationary trends.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The passage explains that libraries will face a choice between conservation and acquisition due to:
- Severely strained budgets from inflation and currency devaluation.
- No prospect of increased government funding.
- Higher costs for conserving old collections.
It does not list “microfilming books” as a factor forcing reductions in new acquisitions; microfilming is mentioned earlier only as a preservation method, not as a major budgetary pressure affecting acquisitions.
Option (a) — reduced government funding is explicitly mentioned.
Option (b) — conservation costs are highlighted as a budget strain.
Option (d) — inflation is cited as part of the problem.
Thus, (c) is correct because it is not stated as a budgetary reason for reducing new purchases.
- No prospect of increased government funding.
- Higher costs for conserving old collections.
It does not list “microfilming books” as a factor forcing reductions in new acquisitions; microfilming is mentioned earlier only as a preservation method, not as a major budgetary pressure affecting acquisitions.
Option (a) — reduced government funding is explicitly mentioned.
Option (b) — conservation costs are highlighted as a budget strain.
Option (d) — inflation is cited as part of the problem.
Thus, (c) is correct because it is not stated as a budgetary reason for reducing new purchases.
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Question: 7
Continued use of wood-pulp paper in books will affect:
I. Libraries.
II. General public.
III. The publishing industry.
IV. The governments.
Continued use of wood-pulp paper in books will affect:
I. Libraries.
II. General public.
III. The publishing industry.
IV. The governments.
I. Libraries.
II. General public.
III. The publishing industry.
IV. The governments.
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In multiple-statement questions, confirm each item individually against the passage rather than assuming all plausible effects are mentioned.
Updated On: Aug 5, 2025
- I and III only
- II and III only
- I, II, III and IV
- I, II, and III only
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The passage explains that the continued use of acidic wood-pulp paper affects libraries directly because it shortens the lifespan of their collections, forcing them to spend more on conservation and potentially reduce acquisitions.
It also affects the general public, as deterioration of books threatens the preservation of the “knowledge base of society,” limiting access to information for everyone.
The publishing industry is impacted economically, since libraries — a major buyer of books — will have to divert funds from new purchases to preservation costs, thereby reducing demand for new books.
However, the passage does not discuss governments being directly harmed by the continued use of wood-pulp paper, except in the sense of general cultural loss; there is no mention of a direct operational or budgetary impact on governments.
Therefore, the groups affected, as explicitly described, are I (Libraries), II (General public), and III (Publishing industry).
It also affects the general public, as deterioration of books threatens the preservation of the “knowledge base of society,” limiting access to information for everyone.
The publishing industry is impacted economically, since libraries — a major buyer of books — will have to divert funds from new purchases to preservation costs, thereby reducing demand for new books.
However, the passage does not discuss governments being directly harmed by the continued use of wood-pulp paper, except in the sense of general cultural loss; there is no mention of a direct operational or budgetary impact on governments.
Therefore, the groups affected, as explicitly described, are I (Libraries), II (General public), and III (Publishing industry).
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Question: 8
The substance which causes paper to discolour is:
The substance which causes paper to discolour is:
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When a passage specifies a cause for a particular effect (e.g., discolouration), use that exact term in your answer — even if other factors contribute to related deterioration.
Updated On: Aug 5, 2025
- acid.
- linen.
- lignin.
- preservatives.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The passage clearly states that paper made from mechanically ground wood pulp contains lignin, which is a major factor causing paper to discolour and eventually disintegrate.
Lignin is a natural component of wood that reacts with light and oxygen, leading to yellowing and brittleness.
Option (a) acid — while acidity contributes to instability and deterioration, the passage specifically links discolouration to lignin.
Option (b) linen — is a durable fiber used in older, long-lasting papers, and does not cause discolouration.
Option (d) preservatives — are not mentioned as a factor in deterioration in the passage.
Thus, (c) is the correct answer because lignin is directly identified as the cause of paper discolouration.
Lignin is a natural component of wood that reacts with light and oxygen, leading to yellowing and brittleness.
Option (a) acid — while acidity contributes to instability and deterioration, the passage specifically links discolouration to lignin.
Option (b) linen — is a durable fiber used in older, long-lasting papers, and does not cause discolouration.
Option (d) preservatives — are not mentioned as a factor in deterioration in the passage.
Thus, (c) is the correct answer because lignin is directly identified as the cause of paper discolouration.
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