Comprehension
Men have preserved their foods from ancient times in order to keep the results of harvesting for winter months, for resale, for storage, and for transporting from sea to inland, overseas, or cross-country. To do so, they generally used nature's methods, which are drying, parching and fermenting. Parching is the most natural method, but for many thousands of years, others have also been used. Direct fermentation of liquids, usually by the introduction of yeast, has not only preserved liquids but also enhanced their quality, the same of course applying to salting. Smoking has preserved, and sometimes improved both fish and meat. Hickory wood is generally used for the fires, and natural juices are contained by a slight coating of wood creosote.
It was not until recently that the causes of rottenness were understood, these being the reactions of bacteria, moulds, yeasts and micro-organisms. Some fermentation and moulds are, of course, necessary in the production of food and drink; moulds, for example, being used in cheese-making. But the real 'breakthrough' in preservation against the causes of rottenness came, when it was learnt how to deal with the micro-organisms present in all foods and drinks, and which react chemically over a period to produce unpalatable or poisonous food or drink.
Question: 1

What according to the author are the natural methods of preserving food?

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Drying, smoking and fermenting
  • Drying, parching and fermenting
  • Dripping, parching and fermenting
  • Drying, parching and fomenting
  • Drying, parceling and fermenting
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The question asks about the natural methods of preserving food according to the author. Based on the comprehension provided, let's analyze the text to find the correct answer.

The given passage explains various traditional methods used by humans to preserve food. The author mentions:

  • Drying: This involves removing moisture from food, making it less hospitable to bacteria and molds.
  • Parching: This is a process similar to roasting, where food is heated to dry it and preserve it.
  • Fermenting: This utilizes the natural process where yeast or bacteria convert sugars in the food into acids or alcohol, which helps in preservation.

These methods are stated in the passage as natural ways that have been used over thousands of years.

Now, let us evaluate the options:

  1. Drying, smoking, and fermenting.
  2. Drying, parching, and fermenting.
  3. Dripping, parching, and fermenting.
  4. Drying, parching, and fomenting.
  5. Drying, parceling, and fermenting.

Among these options, the correct set of methods according to the author is: Drying, parching, and fermenting.

Let's briefly explain why the other options are incorrect:

  • Option 1: Smoking is mentioned in the text but is not listed among the "natural" methods directly by the author alongside drying, parching, and fermenting.
  • Option 3: Dripping is not mentioned in the passage as a method of preservation.
  • Option 4: Fomenting is unrelated to fermentation and is not mentioned in the text.
  • Option 5: Parceling is not referenced in the text as a preservation method.

Thus, the correct answer is: Drying, parching, and fermenting.

Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 2

What does ‘to do so’ refer to in the passage?

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • To preserve the foods for winter months, for storage and for transporting
  • To preserve the foods for summer months, for resale, for storage, and for transporting
  • To harvest the foods in winter months, for sale and for transporting
  • To preserve the foods for winter months, for resale, for luggage, and for transporting
  • To preserve the foods for winter months, for resale, for storage, and for transporting
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is

Solution and Explanation

The question asks what the phrase "to do so" refers to in the given passage. To identify this, we must interpret the text carefully:

  1. The passage begins by discussing how humans have historically preserved foods. The intention has been to ensure food availability during the winter months and for other purposes like resale, storage, and transportation.
  2. It mentions that preservation methods used by humans were natural, like drying, parching, and fermenting.
  3. The phrase "to do so" is directly linked to the sentence preceding its occurrence, which is about preserving foods for various purposes.
  4. The complete sentence is: "Men have preserved their foods from ancient times in order to keep the results of harvesting for winter months, for resale, for storage, and for transporting from sea to inland, overseas, or cross-country. To do so, they generally used nature's methods, which are drying, parching, and fermenting."

From this analysis, "to do so" clearly refers to employing nature's methods to preserve foods for the specified purposes. Thus, the correct interpretation in the context of the passage is captured by the option:

  • To preserve the foods for winter months, for resale, for storage, and for transporting

The correct answer is: To preserve the foods for winter months, for resale, for storage, and for transporting.

Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 3

What do you think is the role of yeast in the preservation of food?

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • improves the shelf life of liquids when mixed with salt
  • Preserves solids and enhance their quality
  • enhances the quality of food when slightly coated with wood creosote
  • Preserves liquids and enhance their quantity
  • Preserves liquids and enhances their quality
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is

Solution and Explanation

The question revolves around the role of yeast in food preservation, particularly concerning its effect on liquids. Let's break down the information given in the comprehension text:

  1. The passage describes how ancient preservation methods included drying, parching, and fermenting.
  2. Fermentation is highlighted as a natural method, particularly the direct fermentation of liquids through yeast, which not only preserves but also enhances their quality.

Now, let's analyze each option provided:

  1. Improves the shelf life of liquids when mixed with salt: While salt does help in preservation, this description does not specifically mention the role of yeast.
  2. Preserves solids and enhances their quality: The passage focuses on the preservation of liquids, not solids.
  3. Enhances the quality of food when slightly coated with wood creosote: This refers to smoking, not the role of yeast.
  4. Preserves liquids and enhances their quantity: Yeast is known to enhance the quality, not necessarily the quantity of liquids.
  5. Preserves liquids and enhances their quality: This option aligns perfectly with the passage, as yeast is used in fermenting liquids to preserve their nature and improve quality.

The correct answer is Preserves liquids and enhances their quality because the passage explicitly indicates that fermentation via yeast helps preserve liquids while also enhancing their quality. This is a common practice in the production of beverages like beer and wine, where yeast fermentation conserves the drink and improves its taste and characteristics.

Therefore, the understanding of how yeast is utilized in food and drink preservation aligns with this option. It is important to note how this ancient technique still influences modern practices in the food industry.

Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 4

The action of bacteria, moulds and other micro-organisms on food results in

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Stinking
  • Drying
  • Rotting
  • Spotting
  • Freshening
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The question asks about the effect of bacteria, molds, and other microorganisms on food. To find the correct answer, let's analyze the options:

  1. Stinking: This is often a symptom of food spoilage, but it is not a direct action of microorganisms on food. It's a result of microbial activity, not the process itself.
  2. Drying: This is a method of food preservation that removes moisture to inhibit microbial growth. Microorganisms do not cause drying; rather, it's a technique to prevent spoilage.
  3. Rotting: This is the correct answer. Rotting refers to the decomposition of food caused by the chemical reactions of bacteria, molds, yeasts, and other microorganisms, which lead to the breakdown of food structure and unpalatability.
  4. Spotting: This is not a typical result of microorganism action; spots can appear due to various causes, but not solely because of microbes.
  5. Freshening: This is the opposite of what microorganisms typically do to food. Their action usually leads to spoilage, not freshness.

From the comprehension provided, it is clear that humans have used various methods of preservation to inhibit the action of microorganisms. These reactions are what cause food to become rotten. Thus, the correct choice is Rotting.

Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 5

What does the writer refer to, when he says ‘Moulds’?

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • A frame or template for producing mouldings
  • Fungus of a kind
  • Main ingredient in cheese – making
  • Mousse, a dish made in a mould
  • A hollow container used to give shape to molten material
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To solve the given question, we must analyze the passage provided to understand what the writer refers to when mentioning 'moulds'. Let's break this down:

  1. The passage discusses the preservation of food through various natural methods like drying, parching, fermenting, and the introduction of yeasts.
  2. It mentions that the "causes of rottenness were understood, these being the reactions of bacteria, moulds, yeasts and micro-organisms."
  3. Critically from the passage, it’s noted that "some fermentation and moulds are, of course, necessary in the production of food and drink; moulds, for example, being used in cheese-making." This indicates the usage of moulds in a beneficial context rather than just causing decay.
  4. Though the previous context talks about moulds causing spoilage, the specific mention of "moulds" in cheese-making alludes to a kind of fungus used beneficially in food processing.

Given the context of the passage, 'Moulds' refers to fungi that play a crucial role in both the spoilage and the preparation of certain foods, like cheese.

Now let's examine the options provided:

  • A frame or template for producing mouldings – This option is unrelated to the context of food preservation.
  • Fungus of a kind – This correctly refers to moulds as parts of the fungi kingdom, which align with their usage in cheese-making and the spoilage process.
  • Main ingredient in cheese-making – Although moulds are part of the cheese-making process, they are not the main ingredient.
  • Mousse, a dish made in a mould – This option is irrelevant as it refers to a culinary dish, not the organism 'mould'.
  • A hollow container used to give shape to molten material – This defines a physical mould used in shaping materials, unrelated to the biological context.

Based on these analyses, the correct answer is: Fungus of a kind.

Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 6

The real 'breakthrough' in preservation of food came when it was learnt how to

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • use chemical preservatives
  • destroy poisonous food
  • produce palatable drinks
  • deal with the micro-organisms
  • use Hickory wood for the fires
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

To determine the correct answer to the question, we need to understand the context provided in the comprehension passage. The passage details various methods of food preservation that have been historically used and points out a significant advancement in the preservation process.

The key information from the passage is:

  1. Ancient methods of food preservation include drying, parching, fermenting, salting, and smoking.
  2. The causes of food spoilage were not entirely understood until it was discovered that bacteria, moulds, yeasts, and micro-organisms are responsible for it.
  3. The breakthrough in food preservation was the ability to manage these micro-organisms.

The question asks for the real "breakthrough" in the preservation of food. The comprehension clearly states that the critical advancement was the understanding and managing of micro-organisms responsible for spoilage.

Analyzing the options:

  1. Using chemical preservatives: While this is a method of preservation, it is not mentioned as the key breakthrough in the passage.
  2. Destroying poisonous food: This option relates to the outcome of spoilage rather than a preservation method.
  3. Producing palatable drinks: This is unrelated to the breakthrough in food preservation as discussed in the passage.
  4. Dealing with the micro-organisms: This option directly matches the breakthrough described in the passage.
  5. Using Hickory wood for the fires: This is a specific method for smoking and not described as a breakthrough.

Thus, the correct answer is: deal with the micro-organisms.

Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 7

Which is the most natural method of preserving food?

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Drying
  • Parching
  • Fermenting
  • Salting
  • Smoking
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The question asks for the "most natural method of preserving food" among several given options, with a comprehension passage to aid in answering. To find the solution, let's analyze the provided passage.

  • From the passage, we understand that various natural methods of food preservation are mentioned. These are drying, parching, fermenting, salting, and smoking.
  • The passage specifically states: "Parching is the most natural method, but for many thousands of years, others have also been used." This confirms that among the listed methods, parching is explicitly identified as the most natural method of food preservation according to the textual evidence presented in the comprehension passage.

Let's briefly describe each method to further understand why parching fits the criteria:

  • Drying: This method involves removing moisture from food, which inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
  • Parching: This natural method involves lightly toasting or roasting grains or other food items, which removes moisture and thus helps in preservation. The passage identifies this as the most natural method.
  • Fermenting: This is the process where microorganisms like bacteria or yeast convert organic compounds (such as sugars and starch) into alcohol or acids, acting as a natural preservative.
  • Salting: Involves adding salt to draw out moisture, creating an inhospitable environment for harmful bacteria.
  • Smoking: Uses smoke to add flavor and preserve fish and meat by introducing wood creosote, which also has preservative qualities.

The correct answer is clearly stated in the passage and is Parching.

Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 8

Which of the following is the suitable title for the above passage?

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Cheese - making
  • Food preservation
  • Fermentation of food
  • Parching of food
  • Drying of food
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

  1. The passage discusses various methods that humans have historically used to preserve food. It mentions techniques like drying, parching, fermentation, salting, and smoking, all of which are natural or traditional methods of food preservation.
  2. The passage emphasizes the understanding of the causes of food spoilage, like bacteria, molds, yeasts, and microorganisms, and highlights the advancements made in combating these issues to enhance food preservation.
  3. Given the provided options:
    • "Cheese-making" is mentioned as part of fermentation but is not the main focus of the passage.
    • "Food preservation" is correctly aligned with the overarching theme of the passage, which discusses historical and modern methods to preserve food.
    • "Fermentation of food" is discussed but is only one aspect of the broader topic of food preservation.
    • "Parching of food" and "Drying of food" are specific techniques mentioned but not the central focus.
  4. The correct answer, according to the overall theme and content of the passage, is "Food preservation".
  5. The passage's detailed exploration of food preservation techniques justifies why this is the most suitable title, as it encompasses all methods discussed rather than focusing narrowly on one.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top Questions on Reading Comprehension

View More Questions