From a very early age, I knew that when I grew up, I should be a writer. I had the lonely child's habit of making up stories and holding conversations with imaginary persons, and I think from the very start my literary ambitions were mixed up with the feeling of being isolated and undervalued. I knew that I had a facility with words and a power of facing unpleasant facts, and I felt that this created a sort of private world in which I could get my own back for my failure in everyday life. I wanted to write enormous naturalistic novels with unhappy endings, full of detailed descriptions and arresting similes, and also full of purple passages in which words were used partly for the sake of their sound. I give all this background information because I do not think one can assess a writer's motives without knowing something of his early development.
His subject-matter will be determined by the age he lives in — at least this is true in tumultuous, revolutionary ages like our own — but before he ever begins to write he will have acquired an emotional attitude from which he will never completely escape. It is his job to discipline his temperament, but if he escapes from his early influences altogether, he will have killed his impulse to write. I think there are four great motives for writing, at any rate for writing prose. They are: (i) Sheer egoism: Desire to seem clever, to be talked about, to be remembered after death, to get your own back on grown-ups who snubbed you in childhood; (ii) Aesthetic enthusiasm: Desire to share an experience which one feels is valuable and ought not to be missed (iii) Historical impulse: Desire to see things as they are, to find out true facts and store them up for the use of posterity (iv) Political purpose: Desire to push the world in a certain direction, to alter other people's idea of the kind of society that they should strive after.
[Extracted with edits from George Orwell's "Why I Write"]
George Orwell's loneliness during childhood led to
- Estrangement with his father
- Unhappy days
- Making up stories
- Unpleasant incidents
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
George Orwell's childhood experiences played a significant role in shaping his future ambitions as a writer. From the passage provided, it is clear that Orwell's loneliness during his formative years contributed to his habit of making up stories and engaging in imaginary conversations. This solitary activity not only provided him with a creative outlet but also laid the foundation for his literary ambitions. The isolation he felt as a child fueled his desire to create an internal world where he could address his feelings of being undervalued and face unpleasant facts. This tendency is explicitly mentioned in the comprehension passage:
"I had the lonely child's habit of making up stories and holding conversations with imaginary persons..."
Therefore, Orwell's loneliness directly led to his habit of making up stories, as indicated by the correct answer:
Making up stories.
Approach Solution -2
George Orwell's loneliness during childhood led to his habit of making up stories. This can be inferred from the comprehension passage where Orwell reflects on his early life, stating, "I had the lonely child's habit of making up stories and holding conversations with imaginary persons." The passage elaborates on how his feelings of isolation and being undervalued contributed to his literary ambitions and storytelling. Therefore, among the options given: Estrangement with his father, Unhappy days, Making up stories, and Unpleasant incidents—the correct answer is Making up stories. This aligns with the passage where storytelling is directly attributed to his childhood loneliness.
Why does Orwell give background information?
- He had the lonely child's habits
- It is essential to know about motives of writers
- Because of his historic impulse
- Due to the aesthetic enthusiasm
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
In the comprehension provided by Orwell from "Why I Write," he discusses the importance of understanding a writer's early development and motives. He provides background information to highlight that one cannot assess the motives of writers without this context. Orwell suggests that a writer's motives are influenced by personal experiences and early emotional attitudes, which play a vital role in their subject matter and writing style. He indicates that knowing about a writer's motives is crucial to understanding their work fully. Therefore, the correct answer to why Orwell gives background information is: It is essential to know about motives of writers.
Approach Solution -2
If writer escapes from early impulses, he will ...
- Lose his urge to write
- Be unable to imagine creatively
- Be able to converse with imaginary characters
- Be able to influence others
The Correct Option is A
Approach Solution - 1
The question posed is based on understanding a passage regarding a writer's early influences and motivations. If a writer escapes from their early impulses, as described in the passage, they will lose their urge to write. This conclusion is drawn from the following points in the passage:
- Early Influences: The writer's childhood and early development are crucial in shaping their literary ambitions and motivations.
- Emotional Attitude: Before a writer begins writing, they possess an emotional attitude gained from early experiences, which they cannot completely escape.
- Discipline vs. Escape: While it is the writer's role to discipline this temperament, escaping from these fundamental early influences altogether would result in losing their inherent impulse to write.
Thus, the correct answer is that if a writer escapes from these early impulses, which shaped their motivations, they will lose their urge to write.
Approach Solution -2
The comprehension passage highlights the connection between a writer's early influences and their writing impulse. The author shares personal experiences of aspirations to become a writer stemming from loneliness and a facility with words. The writer’s subject matter is shaped by personal history and the societal context. It's emphasized that if writers completely abandon their early influences, they risk losing their writing impulse. This aligns with the statement, "if he escapes from his early influences altogether, he will have killed his impulse to write," which corresponds to the correct answer: Lose his urge to write.
For the author, aesthetic enthusiasm is an important motive for writing because it…
- Shapes the thoughts
- Creates an artistic piece
- Becomes invaluable
- Non-utilitarian
The Correct Option is D
Approach Solution - 1
The comprehension passage delves into the motivations behind writing, as expressed by the author. Among the key motivators listed are sheer egoism, aesthetic enthusiasm, historical impulse, and political purpose. Specifically focusing on aesthetic enthusiasm, the passage describes it as the writer's desire to share valuable experiences that should not be missed. However, it is crucial to notice the aspect of non-utilitarianism implicit in this motivation.
The term 'non-utilitarian' relates to activities undertaken not for practical purposes but for their intrinsic value. Aesthetic enthusiasm, as explained by the author, aligns well with this concept because the motive is not to serve a utilitarian purpose but to engage in the artistic and experiential aspects of writing for their own sake. This non-utilitarian nature makes aesthetic enthusiasm significant to writers as they pursue the art itself rather than any external benefit or practical outcome.
Therefore, the correct answer can be inferred as Non-utilitarian, as it captures the essence of engaging in writing for its artistic merits rather than practical or utilitarian goals.
Approach Solution -2
To solve the question of why "aesthetic enthusiasm" is an important motive for writing according to the author's explanation, we need to understand the context provided in the text. The author outlines four primary motives for writing: sheer egoism, aesthetic enthusiasm, historical impulse, and political purpose. Focusing on "aesthetic enthusiasm," the author states it as the "desire to share an experience which one feels is valuable and ought not to be missed." This indicates that aesthetic enthusiasm is driven by the intrinsic value of the experience itself, without requiring a utilitarian purpose or practical outcome. Hence, it is non-utilitarian because it's motivated by the pure enjoyment and appreciation of the experience rather than by any practical application.
The author strongly advocates the writers to:
- Avoid any egoistic impression in their work
- Be apolitical in their approach
- Be contemporary in their treatment of their work
- None of the above
The Correct Option is A
Approach Solution - 1
The author's perspective on writing is deeply rooted in the personal experiences and emotional development of the writer. In the comprehension passage, it is emphasized that a writer's motives can be influenced by their early life experiences and internal conflicts. The author discusses four distinct motives for writing, with 'sheer egoism' being one of them. This egoistic tendency, as described, involves the desire for recognition, remembrance, and personal vindication.
Given this context, when considering the options provided, the key takeaway is that the author acknowledges the struggle with egoism but ultimately advises against allowing it to dominate the writing process. Thus, the statement that the author strongly advocates for writers to "avoid any egoistic impression in their work" aligns with the overarching message. Writers are encouraged to discipline their temperament and not be driven by sheer egoism.
In conclusion, based on the passage, the correct choice is:
Avoid any egoistic impression in their work.
Approach Solution -2
Which of the following is a synonym for the word “tumultuous”?
- Chaotic
- Turbulent
- Disorderly
- All of the above
The Correct Option is D
Approach Solution - 1
- "Chaotic": This word refers to a state of complete confusion and disorder, which aligns well with "tumultuous."
- "Turbulent": This indicates something that is in a state of agitation or tumult, also synonymous with "tumultuous."
- "Disorderly": This term describes a lack of organization or order, a synonym for chaos, which ties back to "tumultuous."
All of the above
Approach Solution -2
- Chaotic: This is synonymous with tumultuous as it describes a situation that's disorderly and confused.
- Turbulent: Also synonymous with tumultuous, it refers to instability and disturbance, often used to describe rough conditions.
- Disorderly: This word matches tumultuous since it refers to a lack of order or predictability.
- All of the above: Since all previous options are synonyms of tumultuous, this answer is correct.
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 CLAT exam
- In a language laboratory, students were given an interesting puzzle involving the word "ELECTROCARDIOGRAPH." The teacher explained that such exercises not only test logical skills but also sharpen attention to detail. According to the challenge, the word had to undergo a series of transformations. First, the class was asked to take the first half of the letters, reverse their order and make the arrangement of letters look quite different from the original. Next, the students were told to identify the last but one letter of the original word and place it at the very beginning, a step that changed the opening appearance of the sequence completely. Finally, as a finishing touch, they had to add the letter 'S' at the end. Following these steps carefully would lead them to the correct transformed word, and only those who adhered to each condition in the exact order could solve the puzzle successfully. (150 words)
- CLAT - 2026
- Coding Decoding
On the night of October 12th, the "Sunburst Medallion" was stolen from the highly secured display case in the city museum. The theft occurred sometime between the museum closing at 10:00 PM and the night guard, Mr. Hemant, completing his final round at 1:00 AM. Three primary suspects were identified, all of whom had recently been dismissed from their museum positions: Anjali, the former curator; Bharat, the former security expert; and Chitra, the former exhibits designer.
Here are the established facts and their alibis:
- The security system logs show that the display case was opened using a specific five-digit code, which only Anjali and the museum director (who was out of the country) knew.
- Bharat's alibi is that he was at a distant relative's birthday party from 8:00 PM to 1:30 AM. Multiple independent witnesses confirmed his presence throughout the entire period.
- Chitra's alibi is that she was working late at a downtown graphic design studio. A time-stamped security camera from the studio's entrance shows her entering at 7:00 PM and exiting at 11:45 PM. The studio is a 20-minute drive from the museum.
- Mr. Hemant, the night guard, stated he checked the medallion at 10:30 PM, and it was still there.
Further investigation revealed that a small, distinctive silver button was found near the display case. Anjali is known to frequently wear a coat with similar unique silver buttons. The security expert, Bharat, had previously boasted that he could remotely disable a certain type of magnetic lock—the same type used on the medallion's case—without needing the code, though the log suggests the code was used. (269 words)
- CLAT - 2026
- Assertion and Reason
In a small town lived a close-knit family where every relation could be expressed through simple symbols. For instance, when they said \( A \times B \), it meant \( A \) is the father of \( B \), while \( A \div B \) meant \( A \) is the mother of \( B \). The younger ones were often introduced with \( A + B \), meaning \( A \) was the daughter of \( B \), and the bond of brotherhood was shown by \( A - B \) (A is brother of B).
One day, the children in the family turned these symbols into a playful code. Instead of introducing their parents and siblings in words, they spoke only in symbols. “Look,” giggled little Meena, “\( M + N \div O \)!” Everyone laughed, because they knew it meant Meena was the daughter of \( N \), and \( N \) was the mother of \( O \), making her \( O \)’s sister. What started as a code soon became a family game, making the bonds of father, mother, daughter, and brother not just relations, but symbols of love and togetherness. (165 words)
- CLAT - 2026
- Blood Relations
Four teams – Red (R), Blue (B), Green (G), and Yellow (Y) – are competing in the final four rounds of the Inter-School Science Olympiad, labeled Round A, Round B, Round C, and Round D. Each round consists of one match between two teams, and every team plays exactly two matches. No team plays the same opponent more than once.
The final schedule must adhere to the following rules:
- Rule 1 (Consecutive Play): The Green team (G) must play their two matches in consecutive rounds.
- Rule 2 (Fixed Appearance): The Yellow team (Y) must play in Round B.
- Rule 3 (Positional Constraint): The Red team (R) must play against the Blue team (B) in a round that is immediately before a round in which neither R nor B is playing.
- Rule 4 (Timing): The Blue team's (B) first match must occur in an earlier round than the Green team's (G) first match.
- Rule 5 (Opponent Link): The team that plays against the Red team (R) in the round that is not against the Blue team (B), is the same team that plays in Round D.
(193 words)
- CLAT - 2026
- Seating Arrangement
Health insurance plays a vital role in ensuring financial protection and access to quality healthcare. In India, however, the extent and nature of health insurance coverage vary significantly between urban and rural areas. While urban populations often have better access to organized insurance schemes, employer-provided coverage, and awareness about health policies, rural populations face challenges such as limited outreach of insurance schemes, inadequate infrastructure, and lower awareness levels. This urban-rural divide in health insurance coverage highlights the broader issue of healthcare inequality, making it essential to analyze the factors contributing to this gap and explore strategies for more inclusive health protection. A state-level health survey was conducted.
The survey covered 1,80,000 adults across urban and rural areas. Urban residents formed 55% of the sample (that is, 99,000 people) while rural residents made up 45% (that is, 81,000 people). In each area, coverage was classified under four heads – Public schemes, Private insurance, Employer-provided coverage, and Uninsured. In urban areas, Public coverage accounted for 28% of the urban population, Private for 22%, Employer for 18%, and the remaining 32% were Uninsured. In rural areas, where formal coverage is generally lower, Public coverage stood at 35%, Private at 10%, Employer at 8%, while 47% were Uninsured.
For this survey, “Insured” includes everyone covered by Public + Private + Employer schemes, and “Uninsured” indicates those with no coverage at all. Officials noted that public schemes remain the backbone of rural coverage, while employer and private plans are relatively more prevalent in urban centres. (250 words)
- CLAT - 2026
- Ratio and Proportion