Comprehension
Astrologers habitually prone to goof-ups now have an excuse for why their predictions have been going haywire: the emergence of newer and newer planets that have caused their calculations to go awry. For the international zoom of astronomers who recently discovered eight new planets, new arrivals are, however, a cause of excitement. Indeed, even as the rest of the world continues to be consumed by a morbid passion for shiny new machines, deadly chemicals, and sinister war tactics, astronomers have been doggedly searching the heavens for more heavenly bodies in the belief that the search will take us closer to a more exalted goal, that of knowing the truth about us and the universe. ”Reality is much bigger than it seems... the part we call the universe is the nearest tip of the iceberg,” one scientist remarked. How true. In the beginning, sceptics could not accept that the Earth not only moves, but alone that it revolves around the Sun, because of an unshaken belief that the Earth was the centre of the universe. We’ve come a long way. Today, scientists have spotted nearly 80 extra-solar planets using sophisticated instruments.
Question: 1
According to the passage, which of the following have non-astronomers not been busy with?
According to the passage, which of the following have non-astronomers not been busy with?
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When reading comprehension questions, carefully analyze the passage to identify the contrasts or exclusions mentioned. In this case, the passage pointed out areas where non-astronomers are not engaged, helping us choose the correct answer.
Updated On: May 21, 2025
- Sinister war tactics
- Being sceptical about the universe
- Deadly chemicals
- Shiny new machines
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the passage.
The passage talks about how astronomers are excited about the discovery of new planets and exploring the universe. Non-astronomers, however, are described as being "consumed by a morbid passion for shiny new machines, deadly chemicals, and sinister war tactics." Step 2: Identifying the key point.
The passage contrasts the astronomers’ pursuit of knowledge about the universe with the general public's lack of interest in exploring the universe. Specifically, it mentions that the public has been more focused on other topics like machines and chemicals, rather than engaging with the cosmos. Step 3: Analyzing the options.
(1) Sinister war tactics: The passage clearly mentions that non-astronomers are interested in sinister war tactics, so this is not the correct answer.
(2) Being sceptical about the universe: This is the correct answer. The passage suggests that non-astronomers are not focused on the universe, implying that they are sceptical about it, rather than being actively involved in its exploration.
(3) Deadly chemicals: Non-astronomers are also interested in deadly chemicals, as mentioned in the passage, so this is not the correct answer.
(4) Shiny new machines: Non-astronomers are also described as being interested in shiny new machines, so this is not the correct answer. Step 4: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (2) Being sceptical about the universe, as this is the activity that non-astronomers have not been busy with according to the passage.
The passage talks about how astronomers are excited about the discovery of new planets and exploring the universe. Non-astronomers, however, are described as being "consumed by a morbid passion for shiny new machines, deadly chemicals, and sinister war tactics." Step 2: Identifying the key point.
The passage contrasts the astronomers’ pursuit of knowledge about the universe with the general public's lack of interest in exploring the universe. Specifically, it mentions that the public has been more focused on other topics like machines and chemicals, rather than engaging with the cosmos. Step 3: Analyzing the options.
(1) Sinister war tactics: The passage clearly mentions that non-astronomers are interested in sinister war tactics, so this is not the correct answer.
(2) Being sceptical about the universe: This is the correct answer. The passage suggests that non-astronomers are not focused on the universe, implying that they are sceptical about it, rather than being actively involved in its exploration.
(3) Deadly chemicals: Non-astronomers are also interested in deadly chemicals, as mentioned in the passage, so this is not the correct answer.
(4) Shiny new machines: Non-astronomers are also described as being interested in shiny new machines, so this is not the correct answer. Step 4: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (2) Being sceptical about the universe, as this is the activity that non-astronomers have not been busy with according to the passage.
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Question: 2
As per the passage,
As per the passage,
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When answering questions about a passage, look for direct statements or paraphrases that match the content. Avoid choosing answers that make broader claims not directly supported by the text.
Updated On: May 21, 2025
- The author insists new planets have disturbed the world
- New planets have made astrologers’ predictions go wrong
- The author has a positive disposition towards scientific discoveries in general
- New planets are discovered by astrologers.
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the passage.
The passage explains that astrologers have faced difficulties in making predictions due to the discovery of new planets. It specifically mentions that astrologers' predictions have gone wrong because of these new planets. Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(1) The author insists new planets have disturbed the world: The passage does not say that the new planets "disturbed the world." It mentions that astrologers' predictions have gone awry because of the new planets, but it does not make a broad claim about the world being disturbed.
(2) New planets have made astrologers’ predictions go wrong: This is the correct answer. The passage directly states that the new arrivals (planets) are a cause of excitement, but they have caused astrologers' predictions to go awry.
(3) The author has a positive disposition towards scientific discoveries in general: The passage does not explicitly mention the author's overall attitude toward scientific discoveries, so this is not correct.
(4) New planets are discovered by astrologers: The passage states that astronomers discovered the new planets, not astrologers. Thus, this option is incorrect. Step 3: Conclusion. The correct answer is (2) New planets have made astrologers' predictions go wrong.
The passage explains that astrologers have faced difficulties in making predictions due to the discovery of new planets. It specifically mentions that astrologers' predictions have gone wrong because of these new planets. Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(1) The author insists new planets have disturbed the world: The passage does not say that the new planets "disturbed the world." It mentions that astrologers' predictions have gone awry because of the new planets, but it does not make a broad claim about the world being disturbed.
(2) New planets have made astrologers’ predictions go wrong: This is the correct answer. The passage directly states that the new arrivals (planets) are a cause of excitement, but they have caused astrologers' predictions to go awry.
(3) The author has a positive disposition towards scientific discoveries in general: The passage does not explicitly mention the author's overall attitude toward scientific discoveries, so this is not correct.
(4) New planets are discovered by astrologers: The passage states that astronomers discovered the new planets, not astrologers. Thus, this option is incorrect. Step 3: Conclusion. The correct answer is (2) New planets have made astrologers' predictions go wrong.
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Question: 3
According to the author, who are continually searching for the truth about us and the universe?
According to the author, who are continually searching for the truth about us and the universe?
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Pay attention to who is described as performing the action in the passage. In this case, it is astronomers who are described as continually searching for knowledge about the universe.
Updated On: May 21, 2025
- Astronomers
- Astrologers
- Sceptics
- The author himself/herself
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the passage.
The passage discusses how astronomers are continually searching the heavens to understand the truth about us and the universe, driven by the belief that their search will lead them to more knowledge about the cosmos. Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(1) Astronomers: This is the correct answer. The passage specifically mentions that astronomers are searching the heavens to get closer to the truth about the universe.
(2) Astrologers: Although astrologers are mentioned in the passage, they are not depicted as actively searching for the truth about the universe. Instead, they are portrayed as struggling with the new discoveries that challenge their predictions.
(3) Sceptics: The sceptics are mentioned as doubting the Earth’s position in the universe, but they are not described as actively seeking the truth about the universe in the passage.
(4) The author himself/herself: The author is not explicitly mentioned as being involved in the search for the truth in the passage, so this option is not correct.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (1) Astronomers, as the passage clearly states that astronomers are actively searching for the truth about the universe.
The passage discusses how astronomers are continually searching the heavens to understand the truth about us and the universe, driven by the belief that their search will lead them to more knowledge about the cosmos. Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(1) Astronomers: This is the correct answer. The passage specifically mentions that astronomers are searching the heavens to get closer to the truth about the universe.
(2) Astrologers: Although astrologers are mentioned in the passage, they are not depicted as actively searching for the truth about the universe. Instead, they are portrayed as struggling with the new discoveries that challenge their predictions.
(3) Sceptics: The sceptics are mentioned as doubting the Earth’s position in the universe, but they are not described as actively seeking the truth about the universe in the passage.
(4) The author himself/herself: The author is not explicitly mentioned as being involved in the search for the truth in the passage, so this option is not correct.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (1) Astronomers, as the passage clearly states that astronomers are actively searching for the truth about the universe.
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Question: 4
Mentioning "The morbid passion for war", the author
Mentioning "The morbid passion for war", the author
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When interpreting a passage, pay attention to key phrases that highlight the author's viewpoint. In this case, the "morbid passion for war" directly correlates to the world's focus on new war tactics.
Updated On: May 21, 2025
- is not happy with war and spending on war.
- says it is natural to spend on war.
- says the world is after new war tactics.
- is happy that the world is not disturbing astronomers.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the passage.
The passage mentions that, as the world is consumed by a "morbid passion for shiny new machines, deadly chemicals, and sinister war tactics," the author points out that new war tactics are of great interest to non-astronomers.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(1) is not happy with war and spending on war: The passage doesn't directly mention the author’s unhappiness with war spending, so this option is incorrect.
(2) says it is natural to spend on war: The passage does not make this claim; it doesn't suggest that spending on war is natural.
(3) says the world is after new war tactics: This is the correct option. The passage directly mentions the world’s focus on new war tactics as part of the "morbid passion" non-astronomers have.
(4) is happy that the world is not disturbing astronomers: This is not mentioned in the passage, so it is incorrect.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (3) says the world is after new war tactics, as the passage highlights the world's obsession with new war tactics.
(1) is not happy with war and spending on war: The passage doesn't directly mention the author’s unhappiness with war spending, so this option is incorrect.
(2) says it is natural to spend on war: The passage does not make this claim; it doesn't suggest that spending on war is natural.
(3) says the world is after new war tactics: This is the correct option. The passage directly mentions the world’s focus on new war tactics as part of the "morbid passion" non-astronomers have.
(4) is happy that the world is not disturbing astronomers: This is not mentioned in the passage, so it is incorrect.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (3) says the world is after new war tactics, as the passage highlights the world's obsession with new war tactics.
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Question: 5
The net understanding of the passage is
The net understanding of the passage is
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Look for the central theme or idea in the passage when answering questions. In this case, the passage highlights the shift from a rigid belief to a scientific, reasoned understanding.
Updated On: May 21, 2025
- Astronomers are better than astrologers.
- Science has moved us from the conclusive belief to reasonable understanding.
- That the Sun is not revolving around the Earth but the Earth is revolving around the Sun.
- Astrologers are to be rejected.
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the passage.
The passage describes how humanity’s understanding of the universe has evolved. The author talks about how, in the past, people had an unshaken belief that the Earth was the center of the universe, and how this belief has been replaced with scientific reasoning, such as the Earth’s rotation around the Sun. Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(1) Astronomers are better than astrologers: While astronomers are portrayed positively in the passage, it does not directly compare them to astrologers, so this option is not accurate.
(2) Science has moved us from the conclusive belief to reasonable understanding: This is the correct answer. The passage clearly indicates that science has shifted our understanding from rigid beliefs to a more reasonable, scientific understanding, as evidenced by the rejection of the Earth-centric view.
(3) That the Sun is not revolving around the Earth but the Earth is revolving around the Sun: This statement is true but only partially relates to the larger point of the passage. The passage is more focused on the progress of scientific understanding, not just this specific detail.
(4) Astrologers are to be rejected: This is not mentioned in the passage. The passage talks about the challenges astrologers face but does not state that they should be rejected. Step 3: Conclusion. The correct answer is (2) Science has moved us from the conclusive belief to reasonable understanding, as the passage emphasizes the shift in understanding, particularly regarding the Earth’s position in the universe.
The passage describes how humanity’s understanding of the universe has evolved. The author talks about how, in the past, people had an unshaken belief that the Earth was the center of the universe, and how this belief has been replaced with scientific reasoning, such as the Earth’s rotation around the Sun. Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(1) Astronomers are better than astrologers: While astronomers are portrayed positively in the passage, it does not directly compare them to astrologers, so this option is not accurate.
(2) Science has moved us from the conclusive belief to reasonable understanding: This is the correct answer. The passage clearly indicates that science has shifted our understanding from rigid beliefs to a more reasonable, scientific understanding, as evidenced by the rejection of the Earth-centric view.
(3) That the Sun is not revolving around the Earth but the Earth is revolving around the Sun: This statement is true but only partially relates to the larger point of the passage. The passage is more focused on the progress of scientific understanding, not just this specific detail.
(4) Astrologers are to be rejected: This is not mentioned in the passage. The passage talks about the challenges astrologers face but does not state that they should be rejected. Step 3: Conclusion. The correct answer is (2) Science has moved us from the conclusive belief to reasonable understanding, as the passage emphasizes the shift in understanding, particularly regarding the Earth’s position in the universe.
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Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
- Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
It is clear that language is used for more than one purpose. The man who hits his thumb nails with a hammer and utters a string of curses is using language to relieve his feeling and needs no audience but himself. But when a philosopher uses language to clarify his ideas on a subject, he is using it as an instrument of thought. When two women gossip over the fence or two men exchange greetings as they pass in the street, language is being used to strengthen the bonds between the members of society. Language, it seems, is a multipurpose instrument. One function, however, seems to be basic — language enables us to influence people's behaviour and thereby makes human co-operation possible. Some animals co-operate especially the social animals like bees and ants, but human co-operation is more thorough, more detailed, more effective than that found anywhere in the animal kingdom. The human co-operation would be unthinkable without language.
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It is clear that language is used for more than one purpose. The man who hits his thumb nails with a hammer and utters a string of curses is using language to relieve his feeling and needs no audience but himself. But when a philosopher uses language to clarify his ideas on a subject, he is using it as an instrument of thought. When two women gossip over the fence or two men exchange greetings as they pass in the street, language is being used to strengthen the bonds between the members of society. Language, it seems, is a multipurpose instrument. One function, however, seems to be basic — language enables us to influence people's behaviour and thereby makes human co-operation possible. Some animals co-operate especially the social animals like bees and ants, but human co-operation is more thorough, more detailed, more effective than that found anywhere in the animal kingdom. The human co-operation would be unthinkable without language.
(b) For what purpose does a philosopher use language?- UP Board XII - 2025
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- Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The Indian National Army plans went away with the defeat of Japan. Subhash Bose was killed in a plane accident while on his way to Tokyo. It is true that many leaders did not like the idea of India winning freedom with the assistance of a country like Japan and her fascist allies. But during the closing years of the war, Subhash Bose and the Indian National Army served to hold up the dropping spirits of the nationalist Indians at home, who were feeling helpless and frustrated. They set before all sections of the Indian people, including those serving in the army, an example of courage and patriotism which was both inspiring and ennobling. Therefore, when the Government announced their decision to prosecute some of the Indian National Army officers for treason because they had broken their oath of loyalty to the British crown, there was a wave of nationalist protest. There were massive demonstrations all over the country. There were persistent demands that the officers should be released.
(a) What was the result of the defeat of Japan?- UP Board XII - 2025
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- Reading Comprehension
- Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The Indian National Army plans went away with the defeat of Japan. Subhash Bose was killed in a plane accident while on his way to Tokyo. It is true that many leaders did not like the idea of India winning freedom with the assistance of a country like Japan and her fascist allies. But during the closing years of the war, Subhash Bose and the Indian National Army served to hold up the dropping spirits of the nationalist Indians at home, who were feeling helpless and frustrated. They set before all sections of the Indian people, including those serving in the army, an example of courage and patriotism which was both inspiring and ennobling. Therefore, when the Government announced their decision to prosecute some of the Indian National Army officers for treason because they had broken their oath of loyalty to the British crown, there was a wave of nationalist protest. There were massive demonstrations all over the country. There were persistent demands that the officers should be released.
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Read the extract and complete the activities given below :
I spent 32 years in Information Technology out of which I was a Chief Executive Officer or MDorthe software head for 23 years for large global multinational software companies with thousands of software professionals worldwide and 6 offices in the US, 3 in Europe, 1 in Japan and 1 in Australia. I had to travel all over the globe around 150 times for business. During this period, I had also written 4 books with 500-700 pages each on Information Technology published by Tata McGraw-Hill and then translated into Chinese for global distribution.
I learnt a lot of things when I was running these large companies. The first one was the importance of team work. In today’s world, nothing is possible without team work. You cannot be successful if you are a loner and an egoistic person. Secondly, you need to lead from the front by setting a good example in front of your staff. Third was that you need to treat your subordinates and your colleagues as friends. In my career, I made a few mistakes, but learnt a lot about motivation, being a good listener, target setting and the art of delegation which forms such an important part of today’s management.
After working for all these software companies for so many years, I wanted to retire from my line of work and write on various subjects concerning human life and existence. Therefore, I gave up two offers of around 3 crore rupees per annum to become a writer. This is how my second innings as a writer in Marathi began.
After this, I have written about 34 books in Marathi. Most of them have become bestsellers with tens of thousands of copies sold for each. However it is not sales or the money that is important to me as much as the fact that these books have brought about very good changes in the lives of thousands of readers.- Maharashtra Class XII - 2025
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