Comprehension
Read the following passage carefully :
(1) Silk is a natural protein fibre, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. Silk has a long history in India. It is known as Resham in eastern and northern India, and Pattu in the southern parts of India. India is the second largest producer of silk in the world after China.
(2) Silk is renowned for its luxurious qualities with a natural soft and smooth texture that feels comfortable on the skin. One of its unique qualities is to absorb and release moisture, regulating the body temperature, and keeping the wearer cool and dry.
(3) Silk is one of the strongest natural fibres, but it loses up to 20% of its strength when wet. Its elasticity is moderate to poor: if elongated even a small amount, it remains stretched. It can be weakened if exposed to too much sunlight. It may also be attacked by insects, especially if left dirty.
(4) The process of silk production is known as sericulture. Silk is produced by several insects; but, generally, only the silk of moth caterpillars has been used for textile manufacturing. To produce 1 kg of silk, 104 kg of mulberry leaves must be eaten by 3000 silkworms.
(5) So what makes silk so costly ? Firstly, cultivation of silk is a labour-intensive work. Secondly, the silk fabric is carefully derived from the larva of the silkworms which spin silk threads around themselves to make cocoons from natural sources. This makes the production limited due to factors like - climate, availability of quality mulberry leaves and time required by silkworms to complete their lifecycle. Thirdly, the intensive work can only be carried out with specialized knowledge and expertise by skilled artisans andcraftsmanship. Lastly, superior quality silk fabrics are made from long and uniform silk fibres giving them a smooth and lustrous appearance. Thus, production requires careful selection, adding to the cost.
In 2021, Karnataka was the highest producer of raw silk at 8483 metric tonnes followed by Andhra Pradesh at 5520 metric tonnes with Assam close behind at 5038 metric tonnes. At the other end of the spectrum there was Chhattisgarh (248 metric tonnes), Nagaland (230 metric tonnes) and UP trailed behind at 179 metric tonnes.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :
(1) Silk is a natural protein fibre, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. Silk has a long history in India. It is known as Resham in eastern and northern India, and Pattu in the southern parts of India. India is the second largest producer of silk in the world after China.
(2) Silk is renowned for its luxurious qualities with a natural soft and smooth texture that feels comfortable on the skin. One of its unique qualities is to absorb and release moisture, regulating the body temperature, and keeping the wearer cool and dry.
(3) Silk is one of the strongest natural fibres, but it loses up to 20% of its strength when wet. Its elasticity is moderate to poor: if elongated even a small amount, it remains stretched. It can be weakened if exposed to too much sunlight. It may also be attacked by insects, especially if left dirty.
(4) The process of silk production is known as sericulture. Silk is produced by several insects; but, generally, only the silk of moth caterpillars has been used for textile manufacturing. To produce 1 kg of silk, 104 kg of mulberry leaves must be eaten by 3000 silkworms.
(5) So what makes silk so costly ? Firstly, cultivation of silk is a labour-intensive work. Secondly, the silk fabric is carefully derived from the larva of the silkworms which spin silk threads around themselves to make cocoons from natural sources. This makes the production limited due to factors like - climate, availability of quality mulberry leaves and time required by silkworms to complete their lifecycle. Thirdly, the intensive work can only be carried out with specialized knowledge and expertise by skilled artisans andcraftsmanship. Lastly, superior quality silk fabrics are made from long and uniform silk fibres giving them a smooth and lustrous appearance. Thus, production requires careful selection, adding to the cost.
In 2021, Karnataka was the highest producer of raw silk at 8483 metric tonnes followed by Andhra Pradesh at 5520 metric tonnes with Assam close behind at 5038 metric tonnes. At the other end of the spectrum there was Chhattisgarh (248 metric tonnes), Nagaland (230 metric tonnes) and UP trailed behind at 179 metric tonnes.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :
Question: 1
What does the phrase ‘luxurious qualities’ in paragraph (2) tell you about the silk fabric? Write in 40 words with evidence from the text.
What does the phrase ‘luxurious qualities’ in paragraph (2) tell you about the silk fabric? Write in 40 words with evidence from the text.
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When interpreting descriptive phrases, identify the characteristics listed in the passage that justify the use of such adjectives.
Updated On: June 02, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
The phrase “luxurious qualities” in paragraph (2) highlights silk fabric’s exceptional softness and smooth texture, making it very comfortable to wear. The text explains that silk feels natural and gentle on the skin, absorbing and releasing moisture to regulate body temperature, thus keeping the wearer cool and dry. These features emphasize silk’s high quality and comfort, making it a premium and desirable fabric.
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Question: 2
Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below:
Assertion: Silk production requires careful selection.
Reason: Long and uniform silk fibres give silk a glossy appearance.
Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below:
Assertion: Silk production requires careful selection.
Reason: Long and uniform silk fibres give silk a glossy appearance.
Assertion: Silk production requires careful selection.
Reason: Long and uniform silk fibres give silk a glossy appearance.
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For assertion-reason questions, verify both statements in the text and check if the reason directly supports or explains the assertion.
Updated On: June 02, 2025
- Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
- Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
- The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
- The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
To determine the correct option for the given assertion and reason about silk production, let's evaluate each statement:
Assertion: Silk production requires careful selection.
Reason: Long and uniform silk fibres give silk a glossy appearance.
According to the comprehension passage, the production of high-quality silk is indeed dependent on careful selection, particularly to ensure that long and uniform silk fibers are used, as these contribute to a smooth and lustrous appearance in the final product. This statement aligns with the information that superior quality fabrics are made from long and uniform silk fibres. Therefore, the reason accurately explains why the assertion is true.
Thus, the correct option is: Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
Assertion: Silk production requires careful selection.
Reason: Long and uniform silk fibres give silk a glossy appearance.
According to the comprehension passage, the production of high-quality silk is indeed dependent on careful selection, particularly to ensure that long and uniform silk fibers are used, as these contribute to a smooth and lustrous appearance in the final product. This statement aligns with the information that superior quality fabrics are made from long and uniform silk fibres. Therefore, the reason accurately explains why the assertion is true.
Thus, the correct option is: Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
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Question: 3
Justify the following statement:
Silk whispers luxury! Its price reflects not just its rarity but the value of the meticulous process behind its creation.
Justify the following statement:
Silk whispers luxury! Its price reflects not just its rarity but the value of the meticulous process behind its creation.
Silk whispers luxury! Its price reflects not just its rarity but the value of the meticulous process behind its creation.
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For justification questions, combine details about uniqueness, effort, and quality mentioned in the passage.
Updated On: June 02, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
The statement “Silk whispers luxury!” is justified because silk is known for its soft, smooth texture and natural qualities that make it highly comfortable and elegant to wear. Its price reflects not only its rarity as the second largest silk producer, India faces challenges like climate and limited mulberry leaves that restrict production. Additionally, the meticulous process of sericulture requires skilled artisans who carefully derive silk from silkworm cocoons. The labor-intensive work, specialized knowledge, and selection of long, uniform fibers contribute to silk’s superior quality and high cost, making it a true symbol of luxury.
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Question: 4
According to the passage, mention the top two countries that produce silk.
According to the passage, mention the top two countries that produce silk.
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Scan the introductory paragraph for global facts and rankings to identify such factual answers.
Updated On: June 02, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
According to the passage, the top two countries that produce silk are China and India. China holds the position as the largest producer of silk globally, known for its extensive silk industry and long history of silk production. India ranks second in the world in silk production and has a rich tradition of sericulture, with various regions producing different types of silk known by local names such as Resham in eastern and northern India and Pattu in the southern parts. This significant production highlights India’s important role in the global silk market alongside China.
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Question: 5
“Factors like climate, availability of quality mulberry leaves and time required by silkworms to complete their lifecycle are important factors for the production of silk.”
State any one inference that can be drawn from this.
“Factors like climate, availability of quality mulberry leaves and time required by silkworms to complete their lifecycle are important factors for the production of silk.”
State any one inference that can be drawn from this.
State any one inference that can be drawn from this.
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Look beyond what's stated—what is the passage implying or suggesting about the process?
Updated On: June 02, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
One inference that can be drawn from this statement is that silk production is highly dependent on natural and environmental conditions.
Any changes in climate or scarcity of quality mulberry leaves can directly affect the quantity and quality of silk produced.
Additionally, the lifecycle duration of silkworms means that silk production is a time-consuming process, limiting rapid or large-scale production.
Therefore, these factors collectively make silk cultivation a delicate and resource-intensive activity.
Any changes in climate or scarcity of quality mulberry leaves can directly affect the quantity and quality of silk produced.
Additionally, the lifecycle duration of silkworms means that silk production is a time-consuming process, limiting rapid or large-scale production.
Therefore, these factors collectively make silk cultivation a delicate and resource-intensive activity.
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Question: 6
Complete the following with a suitable reason from the text:
Though silk is considered one of the strongest fibres, it is .............
Complete the following with a suitable reason from the text:
Though silk is considered one of the strongest fibres, it is .............
Though silk is considered one of the strongest fibres, it is .............
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Use contrasting details from the same paragraph when dealing with “though/but” constructions.
Updated On: June 02, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
Though silk is considered one of the strongest fibres, it is weakened when exposed to too much sunlight and loses up to 20% of its strength when wet.
The passage explains that silk’s strength decreases under these conditions, making it less durable in certain environments.
This shows that despite its overall strength, silk requires careful handling to maintain its quality.
The passage explains that silk’s strength decreases under these conditions, making it less durable in certain environments.
This shows that despite its overall strength, silk requires careful handling to maintain its quality.
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Question: 7
Based on the given text, mention the states which produced the most and the least amount of raw silk in India in the year 2021.
Based on the given text, mention the states which produced the most and the least amount of raw silk in India in the year 2021.
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Numerical and comparative data are often found in the concluding section of a passage.
Updated On: June 02, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
Based on the given text, in the year 2021, Karnataka produced the most raw silk in India, with 8483 metric tonnes. On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh (UP) produced the least amount of raw silk, with only 179 metric tonnes.
Other states mentioned with high production include Andhra Pradesh and Assam, while states like Chhattisgarh and Nagaland also produced relatively low quantities.
This data highlights the regional variations in silk production within India.
Other states mentioned with high production include Andhra Pradesh and Assam, while states like Chhattisgarh and Nagaland also produced relatively low quantities.
This data highlights the regional variations in silk production within India.
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Question: 8
Complete the sentence suitably:
104 kgs of mulberry leaves eaten by 3000 silkworms results in .............
Complete the sentence suitably:
104 kgs of mulberry leaves eaten by 3000 silkworms results in .............
104 kgs of mulberry leaves eaten by 3000 silkworms results in .............
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Identify cause-effect details when working with “results in” or “leads to” patterns in the text.
Updated On: June 02, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
104 kgs of mulberry leaves eaten by 3000 silkworms results in the production of 1 kg of silk.
This fact emphasizes how resource-intensive the process of silk production is. A large amount of natural raw material, in the form of mulberry leaves, is consumed by thousands of silkworms to produce a relatively small quantity of silk.
It also reflects the delicate and laborious nature of sericulture, where every step from feeding silkworms to harvesting the silk threads requires careful attention.
This contributes to the exclusivity and high value of silk as a fabric.
This fact emphasizes how resource-intensive the process of silk production is. A large amount of natural raw material, in the form of mulberry leaves, is consumed by thousands of silkworms to produce a relatively small quantity of silk.
It also reflects the delicate and laborious nature of sericulture, where every step from feeding silkworms to harvesting the silk threads requires careful attention.
This contributes to the exclusivity and high value of silk as a fabric.
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Question: 9
With reference to the given passage, give one reason why silk production is considered labour-intensive.
With reference to the given passage, give one reason why silk production is considered labour-intensive.
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Focus on tasks that require human skill, precision, and time when explaining labour-intensive processes.
Updated On: June 02, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
Silk production is considered labour-intensive because it involves careful and specialized work carried out by skilled artisans and craftsmen.
The process of sericulture requires not only feeding thousands of silkworms with quality mulberry leaves but also carefully extracting silk threads from the cocoons spun by the larvae.
This meticulous process demands expertise and attention at every stage, from nurturing the silkworms to producing long, uniform silk fibers.
Additionally, factors like climate and the lifecycle of silkworms add complexity, making silk production time-consuming and requiring constant human involvement.
These combined efforts explain why silk cultivation cannot be easily mechanized and remains a highly manual, labour-intensive industry.
The process of sericulture requires not only feeding thousands of silkworms with quality mulberry leaves but also carefully extracting silk threads from the cocoons spun by the larvae.
This meticulous process demands expertise and attention at every stage, from nurturing the silkworms to producing long, uniform silk fibers.
Additionally, factors like climate and the lifecycle of silkworms add complexity, making silk production time-consuming and requiring constant human involvement.
These combined efforts explain why silk cultivation cannot be easily mechanized and remains a highly manual, labour-intensive industry.
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(1) Saffron is a spice that's long been revered across the globe,captivating hearts and palates with its deep-red hue and complex flavour. It is one of the most prized spices that you can find on this planet. Just like gold is among the most valuable metals in the world,saffron means the same in the world of spices. Also known as 'kesar' in Hindi, it has a rich history and is often called an ancient spice.Saffron is being used since ages in various foods made for the royals and the elite as it contains medicinal properties.
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