Comprehension
As the weather changes, everyone is prone to colds and coughs. While we have all heard about the benefits of vitamin C for colds, few of us are aware of a secret solution– Zinc! Zinc is helpful as it can reduce the severity and duration of respiratory tract infections. It soothes sore throats with its anti-inflammatory properties. It plays a pivotal role in supporting various functions of the body like the immune system, wound healing and maintaining overall health. It prevents viruses from growing in the body. Zinc is also known to boost the immune system and fight infections. Notably, zinc is a vital mineral found in a variety of plant and animal foods. When consuming zinc-rich foods during a cough and cold, prioritise moderation and diversity in your diet. Include lean meats, poultry, sea food, dairy, nuts and seeds. Combine zinc-rich foods with vitamin C sources for enhanced immune support. Phytates, a substance found in unprocessed whole grains hinder the absorption of zinc, thereby making it less avail able for the body to utilise. Hence, vegetarians should follow some cooking techniques such as soaking them for 5-6 hours to reduce the phytate content and increase the bioavailability of zinc. Organic acids in fermented foods aid in higher absorption, so always include foods in your diet like buttermilk and yogurt along with some zinc-rich vegetarian sources. It is important to remember that a higher dosage of zinc supplement inhibits the absorption of other minerals. Therefore, it is always good to check with the healthcare professionals while taking supplements. Stay hydrated, choose cooking methods that preserve zinc, and be aware of factors like phytates affecting absorption.
Question: 1

According to the passage, combining zinc-rich foods with vitamin C will result in:

Updated On: May 9, 2025
  • Reduced immunity.
  • Increased immunity.
  • Food allergy.
  • A sore throat.
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Understanding Immunity and Zinc 

The correct answer is option 2.

The passage states, "Combine zinc-rich foods with vitamin C sources for enhanced immune support.” This indicates that the combination of zinc-rich foods and vitamin C will result in increased immunity. Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Explanation of the Options:

  • Reduced immunity (1): This is incorrect as the passage suggests the opposite effect—enhanced immunity with the combination of zinc and vitamin C.
  • Increased immunity (2): This is correct; combining zinc-rich foods and vitamin C enhances immune support, as mentioned in the passage.
  • Food allergy (3): This is unrelated to the passage content. The passage does not discuss food allergies.
  • A sore throat (4): This is incorrect; while the passage mentions soothing sore throats with zinc, it does not suggest a connection with food combinations.
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Question: 2

What does the word ‘solution’ signify in ‘a secret solution’?

Updated On: May 9, 2025
  • Remedy.
  • Drink.
  • Function.
  • Food.
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Understanding the Word "Solution" in Context

In the context of the passage, the word "solution" refers to something that addresses a problem or provides relief. Here, it signifies a remedy for colds and coughs, which is zinc. Therefore, the correct answer is option 1.

Explanation of the Options: 

  • Remedy (1): This is correct as it denotes a means of counteracting a condition.
  • Drink (2): This is incorrect; the passage does not suggest that "solution" refers to a beverage.
  • Function (3): This is incorrect; "solution" does not indicate a function in this context.
  • Food (4): This is incorrect; while zinc is found in food, the term "solution" here does not mean food.
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Question: 3

In the passage, which of the following is not a benefit connected to consuming zinc?

Updated On: May 9, 2025
  • Strengthens immune system.
  • Anti-viral properties.
  • Anti-inflammatory agent.
  • Supports hair growth.
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The passage mentions several benefits of zinc, such as strengthening the immune system, having anti-viral properties, and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, there is no mention of zinc supporting hair growth. Therefore, the correct answer is option 4.
 Strengthens immune system (1) : This is correct as mentioned in the passage.
 Anti-viral properties (2) : This is correct as the passage states zinc prevents viruses from growing. 
 Anti-inflammatory agent (3) : This is correct as it soothes sore throats due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
 Supports hair growth (4) : This is incorrect; the passage does not mention hair growth.

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Question: 4

Choose the word that means the opposite of ‘pivotal’.

Updated On: May 9, 2025
  • Unimportant.
  • Important.
  • Life-changing.
  • Central.
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Understanding the Opposite of 'Pivotal' 

The correct answer is option 1.

The term "pivotal" indicates something of crucial importance. Therefore, the opposite of pivotal would be something that is not important, which is captured by the word "unimportant." Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Explanation of the Options:

  • Central: This is incorrect; "central" implies importance, similar to "pivotal."
  • Important: This is incorrect; "important" is synonymous with "pivotal."
  • Life-changing: This is incorrect; while significant, it does not serve as an antonym for "pivotal."
  • Unimportant: This is correct as it is the direct opposite of "pivotal."
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Question: 5

The passage encourages us to consume zinc in the form of:

Updated On: May 9, 2025
  • A variety of plant and animal foods.
  • Unprocessed food grains.
  • Zinc solution.
  • Non-vegetarian sources only.
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The Correct Option is A

Approach Solution - 1

Zinc Consumption and Dietary Diversity 

The passage states that zinc is found in a variety of plant and animal foods, highlighting the importance of diversity in the diet for zinc consumption. Therefore, the correct answer is option 1.

Explanation of the Options:

  • Zinc solution: This is incorrect; the passage does not mention zinc in solution form.
  • Unprocessed food grains: This is incorrect; while they contain zinc, they also hinder absorption due to phytates.
  • A variety of plant and animal foods: This is correct, as explicitly mentioned in the passage.
  • Non-vegetarian sources only: This is incorrect; the passage encourages a varied diet, not just non-vegetarian sources.
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Approach Solution -2

The passage states that zinc is found in a variety of plant and animal foods, highlighting the importance of diversity in the diet for zinc consumption. Therefore, the correct answer is option 1.
• Zinc solution : This is incorrect; the passage does not mention zinc in solution form.
• Unprocessed food grains : This is incorrect; while they contain zinc, they also hinder absorption due to phytates.
• A variety of plant and animal foods : This is correct as explicitly mentioned in the passage.
• Non-vegetarian sources only : This is incorrect; the passage encourages a varied diet, not just non-vegetarian sources.
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Question: 6

The passage reminds us to 'stay hydrated', which means that:

Updated On: May 15, 2025
  • We should have plenty of water.
  • We should stay indoors.
  • We should have fermented foods like yogurt.
  • We should have zinc-rich foods with vitamin C.
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The Correct Option is A

Approach Solution - 1

The phrase "stay hydrated" is often associated with maintaining an adequate intake of fluids, primarily water, to ensure optimal bodily functions. In the context of the given passage, which discusses aspects of health like colds, zinc intake, and immunity, staying hydrated is crucial since it aids in overall well-being and supports the body's natural processes. 

The passage elaborates on dietary sources and practices that bolster the immune system, focusing on zinc and vitamin-rich foods. It also suggests methods to improve their absorption. However, among the options provided, the phrase "stay hydrated" is best captured by the suggestion to "have plenty of water," aligning with common health advice to drink sufficient water for maintaining health.

Therefore, the correct option is: We should have plenty of water.

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Approach Solution -2

Understanding Hydration 

The correct answer is option 1.

The phrase "stay hydrated" typically refers to maintaining adequate water intake for bodily functions. The passage emphasizes the importance of hydration, which aligns with this understanding. Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Explanation of the Options:

  • We should have plenty of water: This is correct; hydration implies sufficient water intake.
  • We should stay indoors: This is incorrect; staying hydrated does not relate to being indoors.
  • We should have fermented foods like yogurt: This is incorrect; while beneficial, they do not directly relate to hydration.
  • We should have zinc-rich foods with vitamin C: This is incorrect; although important, it does not pertain to hydration.
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