Comprehension

MY LOVE OF NATURE, goes right back to my childhood, to the times when I stayed on my grandparents’ farm in Suffolk. My father was in the armed forces, so we were always moving and didn’t have a home base for any length of time, but I loved going there. I think it was my grandmother who encouraged me more than anyone; she taught me the names of wild flowers and got me interested in looking at the countryside, so it seemed obvious to go on to do Zoology at University.
I didn’t get my first camera until after I’d graduated, when I was due to go diving in Norway and needed a method of recording the sea creatures I would find there. My father didn’t know anything about photography, but he bought me an Exacta, which was really quite a good camera for the time, and I went off to take my first pictures of sea anemones and starfish. I became keen very quickly, and learned how to develop and print; obviously I didn’t have much money in those days, so I did more black and white photography than color, but I was still using the camera very much as a tool to record what I found both by diving and on the shore. I had no ambition at all to be a photographer then, or even for some years afterwards.
Unlike many of the wildlife photographers of the time, I trained as a scientist and therefore my way of expressing myself is very different. I’ve tried from the beginning to produce pictures which are always biologically correct. There are people who will alter things deliberately; you don’t pick up sea creatures from the middle of the shore and take them down to attractive pools at the bottom of the shore without knowing you’re doing it. In so doing you’re actually falsifying the sort of seaweeds they have and so on, which may seem unimportant, but it is actually changing the natural surroundings to make them prettier. Unfortunately, many of the people who select pictures are looking for attractive images and, at the end of the day, whether it’s useful or not doesn’t really matter to them. 
It’s important to think about the animal first, and there are many occasions when I’ve not taken a picture because it would have been too disturbing. Nothing is so important that you have to get that shot; of course, there are cases when it would be very sad if you didn’t, but it’s not the end of the world. There can be a lot of ignorance in people’s behavior towards wild animals and it’s a problem that more and more people are going to wild places; while some animals may get used to cars, they won’t get used to people suddenly rushing up to them. The sheer pressure of people, coupled with the fact that there are increasingly fewer places where no one else has photographed, means that over the years, life has become much more difficult for the professional wildlife photographer.
Nevertheless, wildlife photographs play a very important part in educating people about what is out there and what needs conserving. Although photography can be an enjoyable pastime, as it is to many people, it is also something that plays a very important part in educating young and old alike. Of the qualities it takes to make a good wildlife photographer, patience is perhaps the most obvious—you just have to be prepared to sit it out. I’m actually more patient now because I write more than ever before, and as long as I’ve got a bit of paper and a pencil, I don’t feel I’m wasting my time. And because I photograph such a wide range of things, even if the main target doesn’t appear I can probably find something else to concentrate on instead.

Question: 1

The writer decided to go to university and study Zoology because

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Always look for clues in the passage that connect the author's actions with personal interests or external influences.
Updated On: Aug 12, 2025
  • she wanted to improve her life in the countryside
  • she was persuaded to do so by her grandmother
  • she was keen on the natural world
  • she wanted to stop moving around all the time
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The writer mentions that her interest in nature began in her childhood, particularly through the influence of her grandmother, who taught her the names of wildflowers and encouraged her interest in nature. This suggests that her decision to pursue Zoology was rooted in her fascination with the natural world rather than external influences such as improving her life or stopping her moving around.
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Question: 2

Why did she get her first camera?

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For purpose questions, quote or paraphrase the author’s stated reason. Then check each option against that single sentence. If an option adds a new motive (curiosity, advice, skill-building) that the text {doesn’t} state, eliminate it.
Updated On: Aug 12, 2025
  • she needed to be able to look back at what she had seen
  • she wanted to find out if she enjoyed photography
  • her father thought it was a good idea for her to have one
  • she wanted to learn how to use one and develop her own prints
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1 (Locate the evidence): In the passage the writer says that she {got her first camera after graduating, when she was due to go diving in Norway and needed a method of recording the sea creatures she would find there}. This line clearly gives the {purpose} for obtaining the camera: to record what she would see.
Step 2 (Match the option to the idea): Option (a) paraphrases this idea most closely. “To be able to look back at what she had seen” is equivalent to “a method of recording the sea creatures” — both indicate keeping a visual record of observations.
Step 3 (Eliminate distractors): \begin{itemize} \item (b) is incorrect because she explicitly notes that she had {no ambition to be a photographer} then; the motive was not to test enjoyment of photography.
\item (c) is wrong because her father {didn’t know anything about photography}; he bought the camera, but not because he thought it was a good idea independently — it was to meet her recording need.
\item (d) is incorrect because learning to use and develop prints happened {after} getting the camera; it wasn’t the reason for getting it. \end{itemize} Conclusion: The camera was acquired primarily as a scientific/recording tool, not for hobbyist exploration or parental suggestion; hence (a) is correct.
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Question: 3

She did more black and white photography than colour because

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When a question asks “because…”, hunt for a causal connector in the passage (e.g., “so”, “therefore”, “since”). A sentence that directly states cause → effect usually settles the answer; then remove options that introduce motives the author never mentions.
Updated On: Aug 12, 2025
  • she did not like colour photograph
  • she did not have a good camera
  • she wanted quality photograph
  • she didn’t have much money in those days
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1 (Lift the key sentence): The author states, {“Obviously I didn’t have much money in those days, so I did more black and white photography than color.”} This is a direct cause–effect statement linking limited funds to the choice of black-and-white.
Step 2 (Reasoning from context): Black-and-white film and processing were cheaper than colour at the time; therefore, a budget-constrained beginner naturally shot more black-and-white.
Step 3 (Eliminate distractors): \begin{itemize} \item (a) Preference is never mentioned; the passage gives a financial reason, not a taste judgment.
\item (b) She actually had an {Exacta}, described as “quite a good camera for the time,” so lack of a good camera is false.
\item (c) The passage doesn’t claim black-and-white was chosen for “quality”; the reason is explicitly cost. \end{itemize} Conclusion: Since the text explicitly attributes the choice to limited money, option (d) uniquely matches the author’s stated rationale.
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Question: 4

How is she different from some of the other wildlife photographers she meets?

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When choices contrast motives (accuracy vs. attractiveness), quote the author’s stated principle. Words like “biologically correct,” “not altering,” or “falsifying” point straight to the answer.
Updated On: Aug 12, 2025
  • she tries to make her photographs as attractive as possible
  • she takes photographs which record accurate natural conditions
  • she likes to photograph plants as well as wildlife
  • she knows the best places to find wildlife
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1 (Find the author’s claim): In the passage the writer says she {trained as a scientist} and has {tried from the beginning to produce pictures which are always biologically correct}. She criticizes people who {alter things deliberately}, e.g., moving sea creatures to “attractive pools,” which falsifies nature.
Step 2 (Map to the best option): Option (b) restates this scientific ethic: recording the scene as it truly is.
Step 3 (Eliminate distractors): \begin{itemize} \item (a) is the opposite of her stance; she explicitly rejects prettifying at the cost of accuracy.
\item (c) is not a distinguishing trait discussed in contrast to others.
\item (d) is never claimed as her point of difference. \end{itemize} Conclusion: Her distinguishing feature is scientific accuracy and honesty in the natural setting—hence (b).
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Question: 5

Which does ‘them’ refer to in the 7\textsuperscript{th line in paragraph 3?}

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For pronoun reference questions, look for the nearest logical plural noun that fits the action described. Always test the substitution: does the sentence still make sense?
Updated On: Aug 12, 2025
  • sea creatures
  • attractive pools
  • seaweeds
  • natural surroundings
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1 (Quote the sentence): The relevant line ends, {“it is actually changing the natural surroundings to make \underline{them} prettier.”}
Step 2 (Resolve the pronoun): The nearest plural noun that logically can be “made prettier” by moving creatures is {natural surroundings}. “Sea creatures” or “seaweeds” are not what is being made prettier; rather, the environment is being altered to look attractive. “Attractive pools” are the {result}, not the referent.
Conclusion: Therefore, “them” points to the {natural surroundings}—option (d).
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Question: 6

What the writer means by ‘ignorance in people’s behaviour’ is

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When authors label something (e.g., “ignorance”), they often define it with an immediate example. Prefer that precise example over a vaguer, more general interpretation.
Updated On: Aug 12, 2025
  • altering things deliberately
  • people suddenly rushing up to animals
  • people taking photographs of wild animals
  • people not thinking about the animals in the first place
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1 (Read the definition by example): The author writes, {“There can be a lot of ignorance in people’s behaviour towards wild animals… while some animals may get used to cars, they won’t get used to people suddenly rushing up to them.”} This immediately follows the mention of “ignorance,” functioning as an illustrative example of what she means.
Step 2 (Check each option): \begin{itemize} \item (b) matches the explicit example—people running up to animals.
\item (a) refers to the earlier practice of {deliberately altering} scenes; that’s a different criticism (about falsifying nature), not the “ignorance” clause here.
\item (c) is too broad; photographing animals isn’t “ignorance” by itself.
\item (d) is thematically close (she does say “think about the animal first”) but the text defines the ignorance more concretely as the {rushing up} behaviour. \end{itemize} Conclusion: The passage clarifies the phrase by giving the concrete behaviour in (b).
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Question: 7

The writer now finds it more difficult to photograph wild animals because

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For “why more difficult now” questions, look for summary sentences with words like “means that,” “therefore,” or “as a result.” They usually tie multiple factors into a single cause.
Updated On: Aug 12, 2025
  • there are fewer of them
  • they have become more nervous of people
  • it is harder to find suitable places
  • they have become frightened of cars
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1 (Extract the causal statement): The passage states that the {sheer pressure of people}, together with the fact that there are {increasingly fewer places where no one else has photographed}, has made life {much more difficult} for wildlife photographers.
Step 2 (Infer the best paraphrase): “Fewer places left where no one else has photographed” $\Rightarrow$ it is harder to find undisturbed or suitable locations to work—precisely option (c).
Step 3 (Eliminate distractors): \begin{itemize} \item (a) The text doesn’t say animals are fewer; it speaks about places.
\item (b) While animals won’t get used to people suddenly rushing up, the difficulty highlighted is {crowding and scarcity of untouched places}, not a change in animal temperament.
\item (d) Opposite of the text—the author says some animals may get used to cars. \end{itemize} Conclusion: The main obstacle is the shortage of pristine, unphotographed locations; so (c) is correct.
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Question: 8

Wildlife photography is important because it can make people realize that

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When a question asks “{why is it important},” look for explicit evaluative sentences in the text (often with phrases like “play an important part”). Prefer exact paraphrases of those lines over pleasant but secondary ideas.
Updated On: Aug 12, 2025
  • photography is an enjoyable hobby
  • we learn little about wildlife at school
  • it is worthwhile visiting the countryside
  • wildlife photographs educate people about wild animals
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1 (Lift the author’s claim): In the latter part of the passage the writer states that {“wildlife photographs play a very important part in educating people about what is out there and what needs conserving.”} This is a direct statement of purpose and value.
Step 2 (Match wording to options): Option (d) is a faithful paraphrase of the quoted line—photographs {educate} people about wild animals and the wider natural world.
Step 3 (Eliminate distractors carefully): \begin{itemize} \item (a) Although the writer acknowledges photography can be an enjoyable pastime, that is presented as a side note, {not} the reason wildlife photography is “important.”
\item (b) The passage never comments on what schools teach; importing such a claim would be speculation.
\item (c) “Visiting the countryside” is not the stated social function; the emphasis is on {education and conservation awareness}. \end{itemize} Conclusion: Because the passage explicitly ties the importance of wildlife photography to its {educational role}, (d) is the only defensible choice.
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Question: 9

Why is she more patient now?

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For “Why” questions, hunt for causal markers like “because,” “so,” or “therefore.” Prefer the answer that mirrors the author’s stated cause rather than a plausible-sounding generalization.
Updated On: Aug 12, 2025
  • she does other things while waiting
  • she has got used to waiting
  • she can concentrate better than she used to
  • she knows the result will be worth it
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1 (Quote the cause stated by the author): The writer explains, {“I’m actually more patient now because I write more than ever before, and as long as I’ve got a bit of paper and a pencil, I don’t feel I’m wasting my time.”}
Step 2 (Interpretation): Her increased patience is {because} she occupies herself—she writes while waiting for wildlife shots—so the waiting doesn’t feel wasteful.
Step 3 (Option check): \begin{itemize} \item (a) exactly captures the mechanism: doing something else (writing) during the wait.
\item (b) “got used to waiting” describes habituation, which the text does not claim.
\item (c) “concentrate better” is never mentioned; the point is {passing time productively}.
\item (d) Anticipating good results may motivate patience, but the writer gives a different, explicit reason—having writing to do. \end{itemize} Conclusion: Only (a) aligns with the author’s explicit {because}-clause.
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Question: 10

Which of the following describes the writer?

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When asked to “describe the writer,” scan for repeated self-evaluations and the tone used about their work. Words that signal standards (e.g., “always,” “correct,” “never”) often point to confidence or pride rather than emotion-based descriptors.
Updated On: Aug 12, 2025
  • proud
  • sensitive
  • aggressive
  • disappointed
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1 (Survey tone and self-description): The writer speaks with confident assurance about her methods and standards: she {trained as a scientist}, strives for photographs that are {“always biologically correct,”} and contrasts her approach with those who {“falsify”} scenes. This shows a strong sense of professional pride in her ethical, accurate practice.
Step 2 (Consider alternatives): \begin{itemize} \item (b) While she clearly cares about animals (she sometimes {doesn’t take a picture} to avoid disturbance), the dominant register is not emotional sensitivity but principled confidence in her scientific approach.
\item (c) There is no hostility or forcefulness toward others; she criticizes practices but not in an aggressive manner.
\item (d) Nothing suggests a mood of discouragement; even when the main target doesn’t appear, she finds {something else to concentrate on}. \end{itemize} Step 3 (Synthesis): The consistent, assertive emphasis on correctness, standards, and patience reflects a writer who takes {pride} in her craft and principles; among the choices, (a) best captures this portrayal.
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