According to the passage, combining zinc-rich foods with vitamin C will result in:
- Reduced immunity.
- Increased immunity.
- Food allergy.
- A sore throat.
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.
What does the word ‘solution’ signify in ‘a secret solution’?
- Remedy.
- Drink.
- Function.
- Food.
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.
In the passage, which of the following is not a benefit connected to consuming zinc?
- Strengthens immune system.
- Anti-viral properties.
- Anti-inflammatory agent.
- Supports hair growth.
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.
Choose the word that means the opposite of ‘pivotal’.
- Unimportant.
- Important.
- Life-changing.
- Central.
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."
The passage encourages us to consume zinc in the form of:
- A variety of plant and animal foods.
- Unprocessed food grains.
- Zinc solution.
- Non-vegetarian sources only.
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.
Approach Solution -2
• 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.
The passage reminds us to 'stay hydrated', which means that:
- 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.
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.
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.
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
- The advent of social media has dramatically transformed the way individuals consume and share information. In earlier times, people largely depended on newspapers, radio, or television as their primary sources of knowledge about the world. These were institutions that followed established editorial practices and fact-checking processes. With the rise of digital platforms, however, the traditional ‘gatekeepers’ of information have been bypassed. Today, anyone with internet access can create content, express an opinion, or broadcast an idea to a global audience within seconds.
This shift has certainly democratized access and given voice to communities and individuals who were often ignored by mainstream media. Yet, this democratization comes with challenges. Alongside genuine voices, social media has also amplified misinformation, rumours, and half-truths. Unlike traditional journalism, where accountability and verification are built into the system, social media thrives on speed, virality, and emotion. A misleading headline, a misinterpreted statistic, or even a doctored image can travel across the world before fact-checkers have the chance to intervene.
The consequences of such unchecked information can be serious, ranging from the spread of fear and panic to the manipulation of public opinion. The impact of this transformation extends beyond individual users to institutions and democracies. Political campaigns, corporate branding, and even social movements are now shaped by algorithms that decide what people see and when they see it. These algorithms prioritize engagement, often promoting content that provokes stronger emotional reactions rather than balanced analysis.
As a result, echo chambers form, online spaces where people are repeatedly exposed to opinions that mirror their own, reinforcing biases and reducing openness to differing perspectives. This has contributed to increasing polarization in societies across the world. Moreover, the competition for attention has blurred the line between information and entertainment, leading to the rise of sensationalism even in serious public discourse. The credibility of expertise too has been undermined, as opinions from unverified sources are often placed on the same footing as evidence-based knowledge.
In response, several governments and technology companies are exploring ways to promote digital literacy, enhance transparency in algorithms, and strengthen fact-checking collaborations. Ultimately, the challenge lies in balancing the openness of digital spaces with mechanisms that ensure responsibility and trustworthiness in public communication.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- I have still to be brother to a Prince, though I once came near to kinship with what might have been a veritable King, and was promised the reversion of a Kingdom, army, law-courts, revenue, and policy, all complete. But, today, I greatly fear that my King is dead, and if I want a crown I must go and hunt it for myself. The beginning of everything was in a railway train upon the road to Mhow from Ajmir. There had been a deficit in the Budget, which necessitated travelling, not Second class, which is only half as dear as First class, but by Intermediate, which is very awful indeed. There are no cushions in the Intermediate class, and the population is either Intermediate, which is Eurasian, or native, which for a long night journey is nasty; or Loafer, which is amusing though intoxicated. Intermediates do not patronize refreshment rooms. They carry their food in bundles and pots, and buy sweets from the native sweet meat sellers, and drink the roadside water. That is why in the hot weather Intermediates are taken out of the carriages dead, and in all weathers are most properly looked down upon.
My particular Intermediate happened to be empty till I reached Nasirabad, when a huge gentleman in shirt sleeves entered, and following the custom of Intermediates, passed the time of day. He was a wanderer and a vagabond like myself, but with an educated taste for alcohol. He told daring tales of things he had seen and done, of out-of-the-way corners of the Empire into which he had penetrated, and of adventures in which he risked his life for a few days’ food. “If India was filled with men like you and me, not knowing more than the crows where they’d get their next day’s rations, it isn’t seventy millions of revenue the land would be paying, it’s seven hundred millions,” said he; and as I looked at his mouth and chin I was disposed to agree with him.
We talked politics, the politics of Loaferdom that sees things from the underside where the lath and plaster is not smoothed off, and we talked postal arrangements because my friend wanted to send a telegram back from the next station to Ajmir, which is the turning off place from the Bombay to the Mhow line as you travel westward. He had the air of one who had seen strange countries and stranger men, yet bore himself without vanity. There was a restless light in his eyes, the sort that belongs to men who have lived too long without a fixed purpose. When he spoke of the Empire, it was not with loyalty nor with bitterness, but with the detached amusement of one who has played his part and lost interest in the game. His laughter came easily, though it seemed to echo from some remembered hardship. It struck me then that his stories were less of adventure than of survival.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Democracy, often hailed as the most equitable form of governance, is a system where power ultimately rests in the hands of the people. The word derives from the Greek words ”demos” meaning people and ”kratos” meaning power or rule. Democracy aims to provide equal political participation and protect the individual freedoms of all citizens. However, while the idea of democracy is simple, its practice is frequently complex and fraught with challenges. At its core, democracy functions on the principle of majority rule, yet it simultaneously guarantees the protection of minority rights.
This balance ensures that while the majority has the power to make decisions through voting, the fundamental rights of minorities are not trampled upon. Such a system requires consistent vigilance and respect for the rule of law. Without these, democracies can devolve into majoritarian tyranny or authoritarianism. The practice of democracy is not merely limited to voting in elections. It encompasses freedom of speech, an independent judiciary, free press, and protection of individual rights. These elements together create a political environment where citizens can express dissent, hold leaders accountable, and participate actively in decision-making. When any component is weakened, the democratic process becomes vulnerable.
In recent times, democratic societies worldwide have grappled with new challenges. The rise of misinformation and fake news has eroded public trust in institutions and polarized societies. Social media platforms, meant to facilitate communication, have sometimes amplified divisive narratives and falsehoods. This has resulted in voter manipulation and a growing skepticism toward democratic processes. Literacy in media and critical thinking is increasingly vital to safeguard democracy from such threats. Economic inequality poses another significant challenge. While democracy promises equal rights politically, vast disparities in wealth and opportunity undermine this ideal.
This phenomenon raises questions about whether democracy is achievable without addressing socioeconomic inequalities. Furthermore, the involvement of citizens is crucial. Democracy requires that people are informed, engaged, and willing to participate beyond casting votes. Civic education and awareness campaigns play an essential role in nurturing responsible citizenship. Apathy or disengagement weakens the democratic fabric, opening avenues for corruption and other dangers to the system. In conclusion, democracy thrives on the collective responsibility of governments and citizens to protect its pillars and ensure inclusive, fair governance.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
The Rule of Law
by Tom BinghamJustice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?
by Michael J. SandelLetters to a Law Student
by Nicholas J. McBrideIn The Rule of Law, former Lord Chief Justice Tom Bingham explores how the principle of legality underpins modern democratic life. He defines the rule of law as more than just adherence to formal rules; it is the assurance that power is exercised within clear, fair, and publicly known boundaries.
Bingham distills the concept into eight principles, including equality before the law, access to justice, and respect for fundamental human rights. Drawing on cases and historical examples, he warns that national security and administrative efficiency must never override the rights of individuals.
The book bridges legal philosophy and practice, arguing that law must be both predictable and humane. For Bingham, the rule of law represents a moral ideal, one that sustains public trust in justice and curbs arbitrary governance.Michael Sandel’s Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? examines moral reasoning in law and politics. Through examples like price gouging, affirmative action, and taxation, Sandel invites readers to explore competing notions of fairness.
He engages with philosophical traditions such as utilitarianism, libertarianism, and Rawlsian egalitarianism, showing that questions of justice cannot be separated from questions of virtue and the common good.
Sandel rejects the idea of a morally “neutral” legal system, arguing that public deliberation about values is essential to democracy. Ultimately, he argues that a just society is one that cultivates civic responsibility, not merely individual rights.Nicholas McBride’s Letters to a Law Student is a practical and reflective guide for aspiring lawyers. Written as a series of letters to a student beginning law school, it explores what legal study truly involves.
This includes mastering case analysis, understanding precedents, and developing critical reasoning. McBride distinguishes between knowing the law and thinking like a lawyer, the latter requiring analytical discipline and ethical awareness.
He emphasizes that good lawyers combine intellectual rigor with moral judgment and clarity of expression. Beyond academic success, the book urges students to reflect on law’s purpose, balancing order, justice, and compassion in human affairs.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Urban gardening has become increasingly popular as a means to address food security, sustainability, and mental well-being in cities. By growing their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, individuals can reduce their reliance on commercial supply chains that contribute to extensive transportation, energy consumption, and synthetic chemical use. In addition to providing fresh, nutritious food, urban gardening also contributes to environmental sustainability by mitigating urban heat island effects, improving air quality, and managing water runoff. Furthermore, it offers psychological benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, and a sense of accomplishment. Despite its many benefits, urban gardening faces challenges like space limitations, poor soil quality, and inadequate sunlight, which gardeners overcome using innovative techniques such as vertical farming and hydroponics.
- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Questions Asked in CUET exam
- A person walks 10 m North, then turns right and walks 5 m, then turns right again and walks 10 m. What direction is he facing now?
- CUET (UG) - 2025
- Direction sense
- Statements:
1. All engineers are intelligent.
2. Some intelligent people are lazy.
Conclusions:
I. Some engineers are lazy.
II. All intelligent people are engineers.
Choose the correct option:- CUET (UG) - 2025
- Syllogism
Three friends, P, Q, and R, are solving a puzzle with statements:
(i) If P is a knight, Q is a knave.
(ii) If Q is a knight, R is a spy.
(iii) If R is a knight, P is a knave. Knights always tell the truth, knaves always lie, and spies sometimes tell the truth. If each friend is either a knight, knave, or spy, who is the knight?- CUET (UG) - 2025
- Logical Reasoning
- Statements:
All cats are dogs.
Some dogs are birds.
Conclusions:
I. Some cats are birds.
II. Some dogs are cats.
Which conclusions follow?- CUET (UG) - 2025
- Syllogism
- A train crosses a platform 200 m long in 36 seconds and a pole in 18 seconds. Find the speed of the train.
- CUET (UG) - 2025
- Speed, Time and Distance