Comprehension
It was a milestone ride to empowerment. A young girl, probably a decade ago, driving a scooter, a little un- steadily, with mom on the pillion. It was the gift of mobility; more significantly, it was a trip to liberation. Now, the girl swings her Scorpio round a dangerous kerb even as mom and a brood of aunt, grandma and nieces squeal in pride. The girl now has a handy tool: her cell phone. Mobility and communication!
Sure, gender cleansing is now a frightening reality. Girls are killed before or at birth, plunging the all-India sex ratio to 927 girls for 1,000 boys. If she survives, the girl cannot assume she'll get a fair share of the family's education budget. Chances are she will drop out; to look after her siblings, to cook at home, to work in the fields, to be married off for money. She might be 'gifted' to a temple. 'Dowry death', a term we gave the English lexicon, is not in danger of fading out. 'The only women likely to keep their daughters are the truly independent-minded, not just the financially independent,' said author Gita Aravamudan. We know of her resilience, ability to raise a family, find happiness somewhere and keep her sanity somehow. All of which is excellent fodder for exploitation.
Out of this tangled mess has emerged the New Woman; a woman 'pushing against the limits society imposed on her'. With an identity no longer defined by domesticity or relationships, she now comes across as a person with a strong sense of self and self worth. A woman taking a tough stand for her rights is no shrew but a woman of substance while a female globetrotter is no adventuress but a woman of spirit. In short, women are going where men fear to tread.
But there are nay-sayers too. "I'm wondering if it is even theoretically possible to define the 'New Woman' in terms of a single set of characteristics. Indian women are so different from each other in terms of their class, caste, regional, linguistic and religious identities that what is 'old' for one is 'new' for the other, and not even on the map for yet another. That said, I think the one thing that has changed is that women are no longer hesitant or apologetic about claiming a share of space and visibility within the family, at work, in public spaces, in the public discourse." said Kalyani Menon Sen of JAGORI. Small concessions to big achievements, she tastes freedom. Her aspirations are taken seriously; count the hailstorm of women-centric TV shows, commercials and food items aimed her way. "It comes with monetary independence," said Usha Srinivasan, HR Consultant.
How is it easier now? Sustained campaigns run by women groups since the national movement. Laws passed to make justice equitable, for corrective surgery of mindsets. Travel, definitely. Her willingness to take up non-traditional workplaces; job opportunities, with IT hiring in bulk. Women began to write and read what other women wrote. And cyberspace, she now blogs and networks, using it for the freedom denied so far to voice her angst, express outrage and disapproval, fulfill the need for acceptance and approval. To speak out.
Question: 1

Choose the meaning of 'resilience' as used in the passage.

Updated On: Dec 16, 2025
  • Susceptible to criticism or persuasion or temptation
  • Good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence
  • Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
  • The distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity
  • An acute but unspecific feeling of anxiety, usually reserved for philosophical anxiety about the world or about personal freedom
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

To determine the meaning of 'resilience' as used in the passage, we need to analyze the context in which it's mentioned. The passage discusses the challenges faced by women in India, emphasizing their ability to overcome difficult situations and emerge stronger. The phrase mentioning resilience highlights a woman's capability to raise a family, find happiness, and maintain her sanity despite challenges, serving as 'fodder for exploitation'.

  1. The correct meaning of 'resilience' in this context is 'Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.' The passage describes how women, despite societal challenges and constraints, display strength and endurance by pushing against societal limits, claiming space, and gaining visibility.
  2. Let us now eliminate the incorrect options:
    • Susceptible to criticism or persuasion or temptation: This option describes vulnerability, which contradicts the strength described in the passage.
    • Good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence: This relates more to patience rather than the ability to recover from adversity.
    • The distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity: While this describes individuality, it does not capture the aspect of recovering from difficulties.
    • An acute but unspecific feeling of anxiety: This describes a feeling of anxiety and does not match the context of overcoming challenges.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.' This accurately reflects the resilience shown by women as portrayed in the passage.

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Question: 2

The 'New Woman' emerged by

Updated On: Dec 16, 2025
  • Relieving herself from all sorts of restrictions laid down by Indian men
  • Breaking all the shackles set forth by the society authoritatively as obligatory
  • Creating her own 'space' within the confines of the four walls of her home
  • Pushing herself against the norms and traditions prevailing in the Indian society
  • Receiving the right kind of education at the right time that helped her to emancipate herself
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To solve this question, we need to understand the concept of the 'New Woman' as mentioned in the provided comprehension passage. The passage highlights how women have begun to break free from the societal limitations imposed on them. Let's analyze the context and reasoning to arrive at the correct answer.

  1. The comprehension discusses the transformation of women from being confined by traditional roles to becoming more independent and assertive in society.
  2. It describes how women have started to establish their identities beyond domestic and relational boundaries, seeking self-worth and pushing against societal norms.
  3. The 'New Woman' is portrayed as one who challenges and overcomes the authoritative constraints imposed by society.
  4. Considering the options provided:
    • The option "Breaking all the shackles set forth by the society authoritatively as obligatory" aligns with the passage's description of women striving against societal norms and limitations. This highlights an active rebellion against imposed limitations, which matches the context presented.
    • Other options either imply a passive role or dependency on others (like education or creating space within restrictions), which does not fully encapsulate the active transformation described in the passage.
  5. Thus, the correct answer is: Breaking all the shackles set forth by the society authoritatively as obligatory.

In conclusion, the 'New Woman' as outlined in the passage is one who actively challenges and defies the socio-cultural restrictions placed upon her, striving for her rights and asserting her identity boldly.

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Question: 3

What according to the author is a sign of women empowerment?

Updated On: Dec 16, 2025
  • Refusing to play stereotyped roles
  • Raising the voice against paradoxes
  • Earning more money than men
  • Seeking total liberation
  • Rebelling against the prevailing norms
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The question asks us to identify the sign of women empowerment according to the author's perspective in the provided comprehension passage. To solve this, we need to consider the themes and statements made within the text. 

The passage describes a journey towards empowerment for women, highlighting milestones like mobility, communication, independence, and a strong sense of self-worth. It emphasizes the transformation of women into individuals "pushing against the limits society imposed on her", defining themselves beyond traditional domestic roles.

The correct answer, "Seeking total liberation", aligns well with the passage's theme. Liberation here encompasses the notion of women breaking free from societal constraints, developing a distinct identity, and striving for equity and freedom in various facets of life.

Let's analyze why the other options are not the most suitable based on the passage:

  • Refusing to play stereotyped roles: While this is part of the empowerment process, it does not fully encapsulate the idea of total liberation, which includes gaining autonomy and exploring new opportunities.
  • Raising the voice against paradoxes: This is an aspect of empowerment, but it focuses on vocal opposition rather than the broader concept of liberation.
  • Earning more money than men: This focuses purely on financial aspects, whereas empowerment and liberation are more holistic, involving personal freedom and societal change.
  • Rebelling against the prevailing norms: An element of empowerment is indeed challenging norms, yet "seeking total liberation" suggests a more comprehensive journey towards freedom and self-fulfillment.

Therefore, based on the context provided in the passage, "Seeking total liberation" is the most comprehensive and fitting answer depicting women empowerment according to the author.

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Question: 4

Presently, what is the 'New Woman' engaged in?

Updated On: Jan 2, 2026
  • She is claiming monetary independence so that she can enjoy greater autonomy
  • She realized the significance of freedom and equality and so is fighting for equal rights
  • She is contesting for her share of space which is of utmost importance to a woman
  • She is very busy building a self image for herself and in keeping up her identity against all odds
  • She is courageously treading uncharted paths which are dreaded even by her male counterparts
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The Correct Option is

Solution and Explanation

  1. To determine what the 'New Woman' is presently engaged in, we need to analyze the provided passage. The passage gives us a detailed view of the contemporary evolution of women's roles in society and the challenges they face.
  2. The passage starts by describing the transition of a young girl to a woman who asserts her presence. It exemplifies the empowerment journey marked by mobility and communication advancements, illustrating broader societal evolution.
  3. It highlights serious challenges such as gender imbalance at birth, limited access to education, dowry-related issues, and societal exploitation.
  4. The 'New Woman' emerges from these challenges as someone "pushing against the limits" of societal expectations. This is key to understanding her current engagement, as it emphasizes a departure from traditional roles.
  5. The phrase "going where men fear to tread" indicates that the 'New Woman' is engaging in activities or professions that are traditionally considered male-dominated or challenging for women. This reflects her bravery in exploring new, often intimidating paths.
  6. This aligns with one of the given options: "She is courageously treading uncharted paths which are dreaded even by her male counterparts." Thus, this option accurately captures the essence of what the 'New Woman' is presently engaged in according to the passage.
  7. The other options, while touching on aspects of empowerment, like equality, independence, and identity, do not encompass the pioneering spirit of breaking new ground that is central to the correct answer. The passage uses terms like "woman of substance" and "woman of spirit" to depict women embracing new roles and responsibilities.

Therefore, the best choice is: "She is courageously treading uncharted paths which are dreaded even by her male counterparts."

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Question: 5

In the present days, what is the most terrifying actuality regarding a girl child?

Updated On: Dec 16, 2025
  • Increasing school dropout rate
  • Gifting the girl child to temples
  • Low allocation of education budget
  • Domestic violence and molestation
  • Gender cleansing
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The Correct Option is

Solution and Explanation

The question at hand is focused on identifying the most terrifying actuality regarding a girl child in present times. To arrive at the correct answer, we need to analyze the comprehension passage provided.

In the passage, several issues concerning the challenges faced by girl children are highlighted:

  • Gender Cleansing: The passage states that girls are killed before or at birth, which drastically affects the sex ratio. This is cited specifically with the sex ratio being 927 girls for 1,000 boys. This point is emphasized as a "frightening reality."
  • Increasing School Dropout Rate: The passage mentions that girls may drop out of school due to various domestic responsibilities or early marriage.
  • Gifting the Girl Child to Temples: This practice is also noted as a risk for girls due to societal issues.
  • Low Allocation of Education Budget: Although the passage indicates girls may not always receive a fair share of the family’s education budget, it does not mention the government's education budget allocation as a direct concern.
  • Domestic Violence and Molestation: While these are serious issues, the passage does not highlight them as the primary terrifying actuality.

Given the context and emphasis in the comprehension passage, Gender Cleansing is presented as the most severe and pronounced threat or actuality affecting girl children today. This is due to its direct impact on the very existence and survival of girls, as highlighted by the skewed sex ratio figures.

Other options, although significant, do not have the same immediate existential threat that comes with gender cleansing. Therefore, the correct answer is:

Gender Cleansing

In summary, while all options represent serious issues faced by girl children, the passage clearly designates gender cleansing as the most terrifying actuality due to its direct impact on the life and demographics of girls.

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Question: 6

According to the passage, which of the following statements is true?

Updated On: Dec 16, 2025
  • A woman of substance is the one who meekly surrenders to male domination
  • Blogs and network sites are now used as effective tools to express a woman's anger for denying her the freedom
  • Women writers articulate their experiences in a voice which is yet to be heard
  • The IT and travel sectors are the two upcoming fields that restricted growth opportunities for women
  • Ever since the days of freedom struggle, lack of sustained efforts by women organizations added to their already existing misery
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The question requires us to identify the statement that is true according to the given passage. Let's examine the passage and evaluate each option:

  1. Option 1: A woman of substance is the one who meekly surrenders to male domination.
    • This is incorrect based on the passage. The passage emphasizes women's empowerment and independence, describing a woman of substance as someone taking a stand for her rights, not surrendering to male domination.
  2. Option 2: Blogs and network sites are now used as effective tools to express a woman's anger for denying her the freedom.
    • This statement is true according to the passage. It states that women, by using cyberspace through blogs and networks, express their anger and voice their opinions on the freedom denied to them.
  3. Option 3: Women writers articulate their experiences in a voice that is yet to be heard.
    • The passage highlights that women are writing more and being heard. Thus, this statement is misleading as the passage suggests women are already making their voices heard.
  4. Option 4: The IT and travel sectors are the two upcoming fields that restricted growth opportunities for women.
    • This statement is inaccurate. The passage notes that job opportunities in sectors like IT have been beneficial, helping women gain monetary independence and encouraging them to pursue non-traditional workplaces.
  5. Option 5: Ever since the days of the freedom struggle, lack of sustained efforts by women organizations added to their already existing misery.
    • This statement contradicts the passage, which credits sustained campaigns by women's groups since the national movement for aiding women's progress and securing rights.

After reviewing the passage and the options, it is clear that Option 2 is the correct answer, as it aligns perfectly with the passage's discussion on the role of cyberspace in women's modern-day expression and empowerment.

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Question: 7

The author highlights the fact that

Updated On: Jan 2, 2026
  • Sons are at a premium in India
  • Girl child education is given utmost importance in urban areas
  • Discrimination extends to all areas including the food that is given to a girl
  • It is worrisome to note that the all-India sex ratio is declining rapidly
  • Daughters have choices of their own and are given total freedom
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

To determine the correct answer, we need to analyze the comprehension passage and the given options. The passage discusses various issues pertaining to gender inequality in India, particularly the challenges faced by girls and women in terms of societal bias and the fight for equality and empowerment.

  1. Understanding the Passage: The passage primarily focuses on the harsh reality faced by girls in India, mentioning gender discrimination, the skewed sex ratio, and the various challenges girls face, such as being denied education, being married off early, or becoming victims of dowry-related issues. It also touches on the empowerment and progress women are making despite these challenges.
  2. Evaluating Options:
    • Option 1: "Sons are at a premium in India" - The passage highlights the issue of sex ratio, which indicates a preference for sons over daughters. This is a recurring theme pointing towards deep-rooted societal preference for male children.
    • Option 2: "Girl child education is given utmost importance in urban areas" - The passage instead points out the challenges girls face in getting education and mentions they often miss out due to various reasons.
    • Option 3: "Discrimination extends to all areas including the food that is given to a girl" - While the passage discusses different forms of discrimination, it does not explicitly mention discrimination in terms of food.
    • Option 4: "It is worrisome to note that the all-India sex ratio is declining rapidly" - The passage does mention the declining sex ratio, but the focus seems more on the premium placed on sons, which is related to this statistic.
    • Option 5: "Daughters have choices of their own and are given total freedom" - This is contrary to the message of the passage, which illustrates the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality faced by girls and women in India.
  3. Conclusion: The passage emphasizes the societal preference for male children and the difficulties girls face from birth onwards, which directly supports the statement in Option 1. Therefore, the author highlights the fact that "Sons are at a premium in India." This aligns with the overarching theme of gender bias presented in the passage.
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Question: 8

What is the central theme of the present passage?

Updated On: Jan 2, 2026
  • What is 'new' for one woman maybe 'old' for another and some other woman might be facing severe male domination
  • There is tremendous diversity among the different groups of Indian women
  • Women are prone to violence in all walks of life and they are subjected to suppression right from their birth
  • Celebrating the New Age woman who scripts her own success stories
  • Dowry deaths are mostly prevalent in rural India and the girl child is neglected by the family members
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

To determine the central theme of the given passage, it is vital to analyze the content and structure closely. The passage highlights the journey and struggle of women towards empowerment in India. Key points raised include:

  • The progressive transformation from limited mobility and restricted rights to increased freedom and empowerment for women.
  • The perception of gender roles changing, where the New Woman is portrayed as independent and self-reliant, no longer confined by traditional domestic boundaries.
  • Despite the severe challenges like gender-based violence and disparities in educational opportunities, women are now more assertive in claiming their space and rights across various domains.
  • The narrative emphasizes the significant shift in society's attitude towards women's aspirations and achievements, fostering financial independence and visibility in public domains.

With these points in mind, let's evaluate the options provided:

  1. What is 'new' for one woman maybe 'old' for another and some other woman might be facing severe male domination: While this addresses diversity among women's experiences, it is not the central focus.
  2. There is tremendous diversity among the different groups of Indian women: This is a sub-theme, regarding variations in experiences but it doesn't encapsulate the passage's overall message.
  3. Women are prone to violence in all walks of life and they are subjected to suppression right from their birth: Though mentioned, the passage places more emphasis on overcoming these challenges rather than making them the core idea.
  4. Celebrating the New Age woman who scripts her own success stories: This best embodies the passage's main theme, focusing on the empowerment and success stories of the modern woman.
  5. Dowry deaths are mostly prevalent in rural India and the girl child is neglected by the family members: This is raised as a societal issue but is not the focus of the passage.

Therefore, the central theme of the passage is best captured by the option: Celebrating the New Age woman who scripts her own success stories.

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