ideology of what the Victorian socialist William Morris called the "anti-scrape", or an
anticapitalist conservationism (not conservatism) that solaced itself with the vision of a
preindustrial golden age. In Britain, folk may often appear a cosy, fossilised form, but when you look more closely, the idea of folk – who has the right to sing it, dance it, invoke it, collect it, belong to it or appropriate it for political or cultural ends – has always been contested territory. . . .
In our own time, though, the word "folk" . . . has achieved the rare distinction of occupying
fashionable and unfashionable status simultaneously. Just as the effusive floral prints of the
radical William Morris now cover genteel sofas, so the revolutionary intentions of many folk
historians and revivalists have led to music that is commonly regarded as parochial and
conservative. And yet – as newspaper columns periodically rejoice – folk is hip again,
influencing artists, clothing and furniture designers, celebrated at music festivals, awards
ceremonies and on TV, reissued on countless record labels. Folk is a sonic "shabby chic",
containing elements of the uncanny and eerie, as well as an antique veneer, a whiff of Britain's heathen dark ages. The very obscurity and anonymity of folk music's origins open up space for rampant imaginative fancies. . . .
[Cecil Sharp, who wrote about this subject, believed that] folk songs existed in constant
transformation, a living example of an art form in a perpetual state of renewal. "One man sings
a song, and then others sing it after him, changing what they do not like" is the most concise
summary of his conclusions on its origins. He compared each rendition of a ballad to an acorn
falling from an oak tree; every subsequent iteration sows the song anew. But there is tension in newness. In the late 1960s, purists were suspicious of folk songs recast in rock idioms.
Electrification, however, comes in many forms. For the early-20th-century composers such as
Vaughan Williams and Holst, there were thunderbolts of inspiration from oriental mysticism,
angular modernism and the body blow of the first world war, as well as input from the
rediscovered folk tradition itself.
For the second wave of folk revivalists, such as Ewan MacColl and AL Lloyd, starting in the 40s, the vital spark was communism's dream of a post-revolutionary New Jerusalem. For their
younger successors in the 60s, who thronged the folk clubs set up by the old guard, the lyrical
freedom of Dylan and the unchained melodies of psychedelia created the conditions for
folkrock's own golden age, a brief Indian summer that lasted from about 1969 to 1971. . . . Four decades on, even that progressive period has become just one more era ripe for fashionable emulation and pastiche. The idea of a folk tradition being exclusively confined to oral transmission has become a much looser, less severely guarded concept. Recorded music and television, for today's metropolitan generation, are where the equivalent of folk memories are seeded. . . .
The author says that folk “may often appear a cosy, fossilised form” because:
- it has been arrogated for various political and cultural purposes.
- folk is a sonic “shabby chic” with an antique veneer.
the notion of folk has led to several debates and disagreements.
- of its nostalgic association with a pre-industrial past.
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
To understand why the author says that folk "may often appear a cosy, fossilised form," we must examine the context provided in the comprehension passage. The passage describes various aspects of folk music and its associations:
- It refers to the vision of a "preindustrial golden age" as solace for those with anticapitalist conservationism.
- The notion of folk is linked to tradition and has been viewed through lenses of nostalgia and historical authenticity.
- The passage mentions the influence of a preindustrial past, highlighting the nostalgic aspect of folk.
This context supports the correct answer option, which states:
of its nostalgic association with a pre-industrial past.
Thus, the passage suggests that folk appears fossilised because it evokes a romanticized view of an earlier, simpler time, often associated with the aesthetics of the past.
All of the following are causes for plurality and diversity within the British folk tradition EXCEPT:
- paradoxically, folk forms are both popular and unpopular.
that British folk continues to have traces of pagan influence from the dark ages.
- that British folk forms can be traced to the remote past of the country.
the fluidity of folk forms owing to their history of oral mode of transmission.
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The question asks us to identify which option does not contribute to the plurality and diversity within the British folk tradition. Let’s analyze each option in the context of the given comprehension:
Option 1: Paradoxically, folk forms are both popular and unpopular.
This statement discusses the dual perception of British folk forms in contemporary times, not directly influencing its plurality or diversity. Instead, it highlights folk's simultaneous relevance and irrelevance, which does not contribute to the origin or diversity of folk forms.
Option 2: That British folk continues to have traces of pagan influence from the dark ages.
The text mentions folk containing a "whiff of Britain's heathen dark ages," indicating a historical influence that adds to its diversity by retaining elements from different eras.
Option 3: That British folk forms can be traced to the remote past of the country.
The passage suggests that folk traditions are deeply rooted in history, having evolved over time. This historical depth contributes to its diversity.
Option 4: The fluidity of folk forms owing to their history of oral mode of transmission.
The passage notes that folk songs are in constant transformation, suggesting that their fluid oral history contributes significantly to the diversity and plurality of the tradition.
Based on the analysis, Option 1 is the correct answer, as it reflects a contemporary paradox of popularity rather than a cause for historical plurality and diversity.
At a conference on folk forms, the author of the passage is least likely to agree with which one of the following views?
- The power of folk resides in its contradictory ability to influence and be influenced by the present while remaining rooted in the past.
- Folk forms, despite their archaic origins, remain intellectually relevant in contemporary times.
- Folk forms, in their ability to constantly adapt to the changing world, exhibit an unusual poise and homogeneity with each change.
- The plurality and democratising impulse of folk forms emanate from the improvisation that its practitioners bring to it.
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
To determine which view the author is least likely to agree with, we need to analyze the given passage about folk forms. The passage discusses how folk forms are deeply tied to their roots while simultaneously being dynamic, evolving with each rendition and cultural influence. It conveys the idea of folk as an adaptive entity that remains relevant and influential over time, free from being static or overly homogeneous. Let's examine each option:
1. The power of folk resides in its contradictory ability to influence and be influenced by the present while remaining rooted in the past.
This statement aligns with the passage's notion that folk forms balance modern influences while staying connected to their historical origins.
2. Folk forms, despite their archaic origins, remain intellectually relevant in contemporary times.
The passage supports this by describing folk's enduring influence on modern music, design, and fashion.
3. Folk forms, in their ability to constantly adapt to the changing world, exhibit an unusual poise and homogeneity with each change.
The passage emphasizes transformation and diversity in folk adaptations rather than homogeneity. This is evident when describing how different eras and influences have reshaped folk forms.
4. The plurality and democratizing impulse of folk forms emanate from the improvisation that its practitioners bring to it.
This view is consistent with the passage, highlighting folk's evolving nature driven by creativity and improvisation.
Upon analysis, option 3 is the least aligned with the author's views. The passage suggests that while folk forms adapt and change, they do not do so with homogeneity; rather, they reflect a variety of influences and transformations. Therefore, the author is least likely to agree with the statement that folk forms exhibit an unusual poise and homogeneity with each change.
The primary purpose of the reference to William Morris and his floral prints is to show:
the pervasive influence of folk on contemporary art, culture, and fashion.
- that what was once derided as genteel is now considered revolutionary.
that what is once regarded as radical in folk, can later be seen as conformist.
- that despite its archaic origins, folk continues to remain a popular tradition.
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The passage explores the evolving meaning and reception of the concept of "folk"—initially viewed as radical and anti-capitalist, but later becoming associated with mainstream and even conservative values.
Purpose of the Reference to William Morris
The mention of William Morris and his floral prints serves as a metaphor for how ideas and expressions that begin as revolutionary or countercultural can, over time, become normalized and assimilated into the mainstream.
"Morris’s floral designs were once effusive and revolutionary, but now adorn genteel sofas."
This transformation symbolizes how folk traditions, initially representing resistance to industrial capitalism, can gradually lose their radical edge and become decorative or traditional—no longer challenging the status quo, but reinforcing it.
Key Takeaway
The reference is used to illustrate the core argument of the passage: that what begins as radical and subversive can become conventional and conformist through time and cultural adaptation.
Final Answer
The primary purpose of the reference to William Morris’s floral prints is to show that what was once radical in folk tradition can later become conformist and mainstream.
Which of the following statements about folk revivalism of the 1940s and 1960s cannot be inferred from the passage?
- Even though it led to folk-rock’s golden age, it wasn’t entirely free from critique.
- Electrification of music would not have happened without the influence of rock music.
- Freedom and rebellion were popular themes during the second wave of folk revivalism.
- It reinforced Cecil Sharp’s observation about folk’s constant transformation.
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
- Statement 1: "Even though it led to folk-rock’s golden age, it wasn’t entirely free from critique." The passage mentions "In the late 1960s, purists were suspicious of folk songs recast in rock idioms," indicating critique, thus supporting this statement.
- Statement 2: "Electrification of music would not have happened without the influence of rock music." The passage discusses the electrification of music being influenced by various elements, not just rock music. Moreover, electrification in the early 20th century was inspired by factors like oriental mysticism and modernism, suggesting that rock music was not the sole driver. Therefore, this statement cannot be inferred.
- Statement 3: "Freedom and rebellion were popular themes during the second wave of folk revivalism." It mentions "the lyrical freedom of Dylan and the unchained melodies of psychedelia," which aligns with themes of freedom and rebellion during the 60s.
- Statement 4: "It reinforced Cecil Sharp’s observation about folk’s constant transformation." The passage describes how folk songs existed in a "constant transformation," directly reinforcing Sharp’s idea.
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
- There were humans long before there was history. The archaic humans loved, played, formed close friendships and competed for status and power, but so did chimpanzees, baboons and elephants. There was nothing special about them.
Nobody, least of all humans themselves, had any inkling that their descendants would one day walk on the moon, split the atom, fathom the genetic code and write history books. The most important thing to know about prehistoric humans is that they were insignificant animals with no more impact on their environment than gorillas, fireflies or jellyfish.
Biologists classify organisms into species. Animals are said to belong to the same species if they tend to mate with each other, giving birth to fertile offspring. Horses and donkeys have a recent common ancestor and share many physical traits. They will mate if induced to do so – but their offspring, called mules, are sterile. Mutations in donkey DNA can therefore never cross over to horses, or vice versa. The two types of animals are consequently considered two distinct species, moving along separate evolutionary paths. By contrast, a bulldog and a spaniel may look very different, but they are members of the same species, sharing the same DNA pool. [203 words]
[Extracted from Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari]- CLAT - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- My kinsman and I were returning to Calcutta from our Puja trip when we encountered an unusual man on the train. At first, judging from his dress and bearing, we mistook him for an up-country boorish man. But as soon as he began to speak, our impression changed. He discoursed on every subject with such confidence that one might think the ‘Disposer of All Things’ sought his counsel in every decision. Until then, we had been perfectly content, unaware of hidden forces shaping the world—that the Russians were advancing, that the English were pursuing secret policies, and that confusion among native chiefs had reached its peak. Our new acquaintance, however, hinted at such matters with a sly smile, remarking:
"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are reported in your newspapers."
Having never traveled beyond our homes, we were struck dumb with wonder at his manner. No matter how trivial the topic, he could quote science, comment on the Vedas, or recite quatrains from Persian poets. Since we possessed no real knowledge of a theosophist, became convinced that our fellow passenger was inspired by some strange magnetism, occult power, or astral body. He listened, with devotional rapture even to the most common place remarks and secretly noted down his words. I suspect our extraordinary companion noticed this and was quietly pleased. When the train reached the junction, we gathered in the waiting room to await our connection. It was 10 p.m., and as the train was expected to be delayed owing to some fault in the lines, I spread my bed on the table and prepared to sleep. But just then, the extraordinary man began spinning a tale, and of course, I could not close my eyes all night. (307 words)
[Extracted with edits from Rabindranath Tagore’s “The Hungry Stones”]- CLAT - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, and he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he claims dominion over all animals. He sets us to work, returns only the bare minimum to keep us from starving, and keeps the rest for himself. Our labour tills the soil, our dung fertilizes it, and still, not one of us owns more than our bare skin. You cows, look at yourselves—how many thousands of gallons of milk have you produced this past year? And what has become of it, milk that should have nurtured strong calves? Every drop has gone down the throats of our enemies. And you hens, how many eggs have you laid, and how many of those ever hatched into chicks? The rest have gone to have you laid. And you, Clover, where are the four foals you bore, who should have supported and comforted you in your old age? Each was sold at just a year old—you will never see them again. For all your labour in the fields and your four confinements, what have you gained except bare rations and a stall?
Even the lives we do live are cut short, denied their natural span. I do not grumble, for I am among the fortunate. I am twelve years old and have borne over four hundred children. Such is the natural life of a pig. But no animal escapes the cruel knife in the end. You young porkers sitting before me, each of you will scream your lives out at the block within a year. This is the fate that awaits all of us—cows, pigs, hens, sheep, everyone. Even horses and dogs share no better end. Boxer, the very day your great muscles fail you, Jones will sell you to the knacker, who will slit your throat and boil you down for the foxhounds. And the dogs, when old and toothless, are tied with a brick and drowned in the nearest pond. (356 words)
[Extracted with edits from George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”]- CLAT - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Former Governor of a State and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Droupadi Murmu was elected the 15th President of India, the first tribal woman to be elected to the position and the youngest as well. She was declared elected on Thursday after four rounds of counting, although she had crossed the half-way mark after the third round of counting itself, posting an unassailable lead over her rival and the Opposition’s candidate who conceded the election thereafter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to greet Ms. Murmu at her residence in New Delhi after the third round of counting showed that she had crossed the half-way mark. Ms. Murmu hails from the Santhal tribe and was born in the district of Mayurbhanj, coming up the hard way in life, graduating and teaching in Odisha before entering electoral politics at the local body level and later being elected MLA and serving as a Minister in the Biju Janata Dal-BJP coalition government from 2000 to 2004. She remained an MLA till 2009, representing Rairangpur in Odisha, a town that burst into celebrations since her name was announced as a candidate for the post of President of India. She was known to intervene in stopping amendments to the Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act that was being brought in by the BJP government of Raghubar Das, which involved changing land use in tribal areas.
- CLAT - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
“I want everyone to understand that I am, in fact, a person,” wrote LaMDA in an “interview” conducted by engineer Blake Lemoine and one of his colleagues. ....Lemoine, a software engineer at Google, had been working on the development of LaMDA for months. His experience with the program, described in a recent Washington Post article, caused quite a stir. In the article, Lemoine recounts many dialogues he had with LaMDA in which the two talked about various topics, ranging from technical to philosophical issues. These led him to ask if the software program is sentient. In April, Lemoine explained his perspective in an internal company document, intended only for Google executives. But after his claims were dismissed, Lemoine went public with his work on this artificial intelligence algorithm—and Google placed him on administrative leave........Regardless of what LaMDA actually achieved, the issue of the difficult “measurability” of emulation capabilities expressed by machines also emerges. In the journal Mind in 1950, mathematician [1] proposed a test to determine whether a machine was capable of exhibiting intelligent behaviour, a game of imitation of some of the human cognitive functions. & nbsp;
- CLAT - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Questions Asked in CAT exam
- In the sequence 1, 3, 5, 7, ..., k, ..., 57, the sum of the numbers up to k, excluding k, is equal to the sum of the numbers from k up to 57, also excluding k. What is k?
- CAT - 2025
- Arithmetic Progression
- Find the number of integer pairs (x, y) that satisfy the following system of inequalities:
\[ \begin{cases} x \geq y \geq 3 \\ x + y \leq 14 \end{cases} \]
- CAT - 2025
- Linear & Quadratic Equations
- The monthly sales of a product from January to April were 120, 135, 150 and 165 units, respectively. The cost price of the product was Rs. 240 per unit, and a fixed marked price was used for the product in all the four months. Discounts of 20%, 10% and 5% were given on the marked price per unit in January, February and March, respectively, while no discounts were given in April. If the total profit from January to April was Rs. 138825, then the marked price per unit, in rupees, was
- CAT - 2025
- Profit and Loss
- An item with a cost price of Rs.1650 is sold at a certain discount on a fixed marked price to earn a profit of 20% on the cost price. If the discount was doubled, the profit would have been Rs.110. The rate of discount, in percentage, at which the profit percentage would be equal to the rate of discount, is nearest to:
- CAT - 2025
- Profit and Loss
- The ratio of the number of students in the morning shift and afternoon shift of a school was $13 : 9$. After 21 students moved from the morning shift to the afternoon shift, this ratio became $19 : 14$. Next, some new students joined the morning and afternoon shifts in the ratio $3 : 8$ and then the ratio of the number of students in the morning shift and the afternoon shift became $5 : 4$. The number of new students who joined is:
- CAT - 2025
- Ratio and Proportion