Comprehension
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words in the passage have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.
The University Grants Commission's directive requiring college and university lecturers to spend a minimum of 22 hours a week in direct teaching is the product of budgetary cutbacks rather than pedagogic wisdom. It may seem odd, at first blush, that teachers should protest about teaching a mere 22 hours. However, if one considers the amount of time academics require to prepare lectures of good quality as well as the time they need to spend doing research– it is clear that most conscientious teachers work more than 40 hours a week. In university systems around the world, lecturers rarely spend more than 12 to 15 hours in direct teaching activities a week. The average college lecturer in India does not have any office space. If computers are available, Internet connectively is unlikely. Libraries are poorly stocked. Now the UGC says universities must implement a complete freeze on all permanent recruitment, abolish. All posts which have been vacant for more than a year, and cut
staff strength by 10 per cent. And it is in order to ensure that these cutbacks do not affect the quantum of teaching that existing lecturers are being asked to work longer. Obviously, the quality of teaching–and academic work in general–will decline. While it is true that some college teachers do not take their classes regularly, the UGC and the institutions concerned must find a proper way to hold them accountable. An absentee teacher will continue to play truant even if the number of hours he is required to teach, goes up.
All of us are well aware of the unsound state that the Indian higher education system is in today. Thanks to years of sustained financial neglect, most Indian universities and colleges do no research worth the name. Even as the number of students entering colleges has increased dramatically, public investment in higher education has actually declined in relative terms. Between 1985 and 1997, when public expenditure on higher education as a percentage of outlays on all levels of education grew by more than 60 per cent in Malaysia and 20 per cent in Thailand, India showed a decline of more than 10 per cent. Throughout the world, the number of teachers in higher education per million population grew by more than 10 per cent in the same period; in India it fell by one per cent. Instead of transferring the burden of government apathy on to the backs of the teachers, the UGC should insist that needs of the country’s university system are adequately catered for.
The University Grants Commission's directive requiring college and university lecturers to spend a minimum of 22 hours a week in direct teaching is the product of budgetary cutbacks rather than pedagogic wisdom. It may seem odd, at first blush, that teachers should protest about teaching a mere 22 hours. However, if one considers the amount of time academics require to prepare lectures of good quality as well as the time they need to spend doing research– it is clear that most conscientious teachers work more than 40 hours a week. In university systems around the world, lecturers rarely spend more than 12 to 15 hours in direct teaching activities a week. The average college lecturer in India does not have any office space. If computers are available, Internet connectively is unlikely. Libraries are poorly stocked. Now the UGC says universities must implement a complete freeze on all permanent recruitment, abolish. All posts which have been vacant for more than a year, and cut
staff strength by 10 per cent. And it is in order to ensure that these cutbacks do not affect the quantum of teaching that existing lecturers are being asked to work longer. Obviously, the quality of teaching–and academic work in general–will decline. While it is true that some college teachers do not take their classes regularly, the UGC and the institutions concerned must find a proper way to hold them accountable. An absentee teacher will continue to play truant even if the number of hours he is required to teach, goes up.
All of us are well aware of the unsound state that the Indian higher education system is in today. Thanks to years of sustained financial neglect, most Indian universities and colleges do no research worth the name. Even as the number of students entering colleges has increased dramatically, public investment in higher education has actually declined in relative terms. Between 1985 and 1997, when public expenditure on higher education as a percentage of outlays on all levels of education grew by more than 60 per cent in Malaysia and 20 per cent in Thailand, India showed a decline of more than 10 per cent. Throughout the world, the number of teachers in higher education per million population grew by more than 10 per cent in the same period; in India it fell by one per cent. Instead of transferring the burden of government apathy on to the backs of the teachers, the UGC should insist that needs of the country’s university system are adequately catered for.
Question: 1
Why does the UGC want to increase the direct teaching hours of university teachers?
Why does the UGC want to increase the direct teaching hours of university teachers?
Updated On: Oct 25, 2024
- UGC feels that the duration of contact between teacher and the taught should be more
- UGC wants teachers to spend more time in their departments
- UGC wants teachers to devote some time to improve university administration
- UGC does not have money to appoint additional teachers
- None of these
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is(D),UGC does not have money to appoint additional teachers
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Question: 2
Which of the following is the reason for the sorry state of affairs of the Indian Universities as mentioned in the passage ?
Which of the following is the reason for the sorry state of affairs of the Indian Universities as mentioned in the passage ?
Updated On: Oct 28, 2024
- The poor quality of teachers
- Involvement of teachers in extra-curricular activities
- Politics within and outside the departments
- heavy burden of teaching hours on the teachers
- Not getting enough financial assistance
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The Correct Option is
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is(D),Not getting enough financial assistance
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Question: 3
Which of the following statement/s is /are TRUE in the context of the passage ?
(A) Most colleges do not carry out research worth the name.
(B) UGC wants lecturers to spend minimum 22 hours a week in direct teaching.
(C) Indian higher education system is in unsound state.
Which of the following statement/s is /are TRUE in the context of the passage ?
(A) Most colleges do not carry out research worth the name.
(B) UGC wants lecturers to spend minimum 22 hours a week in direct teaching.
(C) Indian higher education system is in unsound state.
(A) Most colleges do not carry out research worth the name.
(B) UGC wants lecturers to spend minimum 22 hours a week in direct teaching.
(C) Indian higher education system is in unsound state.
Updated On: Oct 25, 2024
- Only (A) and (C)
- All (A), (B) and (C)
- Only (C)
- Only (B)
- Only (B) and (C)
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is(B),All (A), (B) and (C)
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Question: 4
Besides direct teaching University teachers spend considerable time in/on
Besides direct teaching University teachers spend considerable time in/on
Updated On: Oct 28, 2024
- administrative activities such as admissions
- supervising examinations and correction of answer papers
- carrying out research in the area of their interest
- maintaining research equipment and libraries
- developing liaison with the user organizations
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is(C),carrying out research in the area of their interest
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Question: 5
Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE in the context of the passage ?
Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE in the context of the passage ?
Updated On: Oct 25, 2024
- UGC wants teachers to spend minimum 40 hours in week in teaching
- Some college teachers do not engage their classes regularly
- The average collect teacher in India does not have any office space
- UGC wants universities to abolish all posts which have been vacant for more than a year
- All are true
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is(A),UGC wants teachers to spend minimum 40 hours in week in teaching
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Question: 6
Between 1985–1997, the number of teachers in higher education per million population, in India.....
Between 1985–1997, the number of teachers in higher education per million population, in India.....
Updated On: Oct 25, 2024
- increased by\(60\%\)
- increased by\(20\%\)
- decreased by\(22\%\)
- decreased by\(10\%\)
- decreased by\(1\%\)
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is(D),decreased by decreased by\(10\%\)
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Question: 7
Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE in the context of the passage ?
Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE in the context of the passage ?
Updated On: Oct 25, 2024
- Indian universities are financially neglected
- All over the word, the university lecturers hardly spend more than 12 to 15 hours a week in direct teaching
- Indian Universities are asked to reduce staff strength by 10%
- Public investment in higher education has increased in India
- Malaysia spends more money on education than Thailand
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is(D),Public investment in higher education has increased in India
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Question: 8
Choose the word which is SIMILAR in meaning as the word ‘freeze’ as used in the passage.
Choose the word which is SIMILAR in meaning as the word ‘freeze’ as used in the passage.
Updated On: Oct 25, 2024
- cold
- halt
- decay
- control
- power
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is(B),halt
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Question: 9
What is the UGC directive to the universities ?
What is the UGC directive to the universities ?
Updated On: Oct 25, 2024
- Improve the quality teaching
- Spend time on research activities
- Do not appoint any permanent teacher
- Provide computer and internet facilities
- Do not spend money on counselling services to the students
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is(C),Do not appoint any permanent teacher
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Question: 10
Choose the word which is SIMILAR in meaning as the word ‘sustained’ as used in the passage.;continuous;frequent;careless;deliberate;sporadic
Choose the word which is SIMILAR in meaning as the word ‘sustained’ as used in the passage.;continuous;frequent;careless;deliberate;sporadic
Updated On: Oct 25, 2024
- continuous
- frequent
- careless
- deliberate
- sporadic
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is(A),continuous
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Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
- Read the excerpt from a Handicrafts Manual: ‘Advanced Knitting Techniques’ and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
THE FAIR ISLE METHOD: Fair Isle knitting is a traditional technique that involves using two or more colours of yarn in a single row to create intricate patterns and designs. This method requires careful tension management to ensure even stitches and prevent puckering. To begin, select your colours and cast on the desired number of stitches. As you knit, alternate between colours every few stitches, carrying the unused yarn along the back of the work. Mastering the Fair Isle technique allows you to create stunning visual effects in garments, accessories, and home textiles.
THE CONTINENTAL STYLE: The Continental knitting style, often referred to as “picking,” involves holding the yarn in the left hand while the right hand manipulates the needles. This method allows for greater speed and efficiency, particularly when working with complex patterns or multiple colours. To practice this style, start by casting on your stitches and using your left hand to tension the yarn. With each stitch, simply “pick” the yarn with your right needle, forming a quick and fluid motion. As you become comfortable with this technique, you may find that your overall knitting speed and comfort improve significantly.
THE SHORT-ROW TECHNIQUE: Short-row knitting is an advanced technique that allows for the creation of shaped garments, such as sleeves and shoulders, without the need for complex shaping. To make a sleeve using this technique, begin by casting on the required number of stitches. Work a portion of the row, then turn your work and return without completing the full row to create the “short rows” that shape the curves of the sleeve. To prevent holes at the turn, wrap the stitch before you turn your work. Repeat this process as needed to achieve the desired shaping and dimension of the sleeve. Once you have shaped the sleeve, you can then sew the side seams to connect the pieces of your garment and finally, complete the edges to ensure a clean finish. This method not only helps shape curves but also adds dimension to your piece, allowing you to enhance fit and style.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
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- Read the following passage and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
The Story of Coffee
Coffee, a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions around the globe, has a rich and captivating history that spans centuries. The story of coffee begins in the ancient highlands of Ethiopia, where, according to legend, a goat herder named Kaldi discovered the stimulating effects of coffee beans. One day, Kaldi noticed his goats frolicking with unusual energy after eating red berries from a certain tree. Curious, he tried the berries himself and experienced a newfound alertness. This discovery soon spread to monasteries, where monks used it to stay awake during long hours of prayer. From Ethiopia, coffee cultivation and consumption spread to the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in Yemen, where the practice of roasting coffee beans and brewing the drink began to take shape. By the 15th century, coffee had become a popular beverage in the Islamic world, with coffee houses known as ‘qahveh khaneh’ emerging as social hubs for conversation, music, and intellectual exchange. These coffee houses became centers of culture and commerce, influencing the spread of coffee to Turkey and beyond, eventually reaching Europe. In Europe, coffee initially faced resistance from religious authorities who considered it a ‘Muslim drink’ and tried to ban it. However, its popularity persisted, and by the 17th century, coffee houses had sprung up in major European cities, becoming important gathering places for artists, writers, and thinkers. The stimulating effects of coffee were embraced during the Age of Enlightenment, where it was seen as a catalyst for intellectual discussion and innovation. The journey of coffee continued with the establishment of colonial plantations in tropical regions such as the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia. These plantations fuelled the global demand for coffee, transforming it from a regional specialty to a major commodity. The industrial revolution further accelerated coffee production and consumption, leading to innovations in coffee brewing methods and the development of instant coffee. In the modern era, coffee has evolved into a deeply ingrained part of daily life for people worldwide. Its cultural significance spans from the bustling cafes of Paris to the quiet coffee farms of Colombia. Today, coffee remains not only a popular beverage but also a symbol of social interaction, productivity, and enjoyment. Whether sipped slowly over a conversation with friends or grabbed hastily on the way to work, the story of coffee continues to unfold, intertwining with the histories and cultures of countless societies across the globe.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- English
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- Read the following passage and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
The intricate world of modern manufacturing is a web of precision and innovation, where even the tiniest components play a pivotal role. One such element, often overlooked but crucial, is the sub-subpart. Whether it’s a carpenter fashioning a bespoke piece of furniture or an automobile engineer designing the next generation of vehicles, the creation of sub-subparts is a fundamental process that demands meticulous craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. In the realm of woodworking, carpenters frequently work with sub-subparts like dowels, screws, and hinges. These minute components may appear insignificant, yet they determine the structural integrity and functionality of the final product. Crafting a dowel, for instance, begins with selecting the appropriate wood species, followed by precision cutting and shaping. The result is a perfectly cylindrical, sturdy sub-subpart that seamlessly joins two larger pieces of wood. The advent of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer numerical control (CNC) machines has revolutionised this process, enabling carpenters to create sub-subparts with unparalleled precision.
Similarly, in the automobile industry, sub-subparts are the unsung heroes of vehicle construction. Take, for instance, the ball bearing—a minuscule but essential component in the wheels and transmission system. Manufacturing these precision-engineered spheres involves intricate processes like forging, heat treatment, and precision machining. Modern techniques such as laser cutting and 3D printing have streamlined production, ensuring that these sub-subparts meet the demanding standards of the automotive sector. The manufacturing of sub-subparts is a testament to the convergence of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. Whether it’s a carpenter’s workshop or a high-tech automotive assembly line, the quest for perfection in sub-subpart creation remains unwavering. The attention to detail and precision required in these processes is a testament to the dedication of craftsmen and engineers alike.
To conclude, while sub-subparts may be small in size, their significance in various industries cannot be overstated. Whether it’s a carpenter working on a timeless piece of furniture or an automotive engineer striving for superior performance, the manufacturing of sub-subparts is a crucial step towards achieving excellence in craftsmanship and technology. This fusion of tradition and innovation accentuates the essence of modern manufacturing.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- English
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- Read the book descriptions for three different books and answer the questions by choosing the most appropriate options.
\(\text{The Politics of Change}\) \(\text{The Change in Politics}\) \(\text{Politics and Change:}\) A Global Perspective} In "The Politics of Change," political analyst Dr. Emily Harper examines the dynamics of social movements and their impact on policy reform. Through detailed case studies, she explores how grassroots organizations, protests, and advocacy campaigns shape public opinion and influence lawmakers. Dr. Harper provides insights into the strategies that successful movements employ and discusses the challenges they face in a complex political landscape. She discusses key strategies, such as coalition-building, media engagement, and the use of digital platforms to amplify voices. This book by veteran journalist Mark Stevens investigates the shifting political landscape in the 21st century. Focusing on major elections, emerging political parties, and the role of social media, Stevens analyzes how technology and demographics are transforming political engagement and voter behaviour. Through interviews with political leaders, campaign strategists, and everyday voters, Stevens uncovers how demographic shifts and technological advancements are reshaping political discourse in urban areas. He analyzes the implications of these changes for traditional political institutions and explores how movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter have disrupted conventional narratives. In this insightful work, international relations scholar Dr. Anika Patel presents a global analysis of political change across various regions. She explores the factors that drive political transitions, including economic shifts, cultural movements, and international influences. Dr. Patel emphasizes the interconnectedness of global politics and how local changes can have far-reaching implications. She analyzes various factors driving political transitions, including economic upheaval, cultural shifts, and the impact of globalization. She provides case studies from diverse regions, such as the Arab Spring, democratic movements in Latin America, and shifts in power in Asia. The book serves as a vital resource for understanding the complexities of political evolution in a rapidly changing world. - AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
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- The levels of dissolved oxygen in the world's ocean waters are declining precipitously. Just like humans, fish need oxygen to survive, and so in ocean areas experiencing significant levels of oxygen scarcity, or hypoxia, fish populations are plummeting. Although some hypoxic areas, called "dead zones," occur naturally, hypoxia in coastal areas and inland waters is caused mainly by agricultural run-off and by discharge of industrial wastewater. More than one hundred permanent dead zones, many covering thousands of square miles, exist worldwide today.
Since reproductive success is the most critical factor in the sustainability of any species, the extent of this threat to marine life and genetic diversity can hardly be overstated. After several months in hypoxic waters, female fish produce fewer eggs. Moreover, hypoxic conditions serve to alter the normal ratio between two particular hormones manufactured during the embryonic stage when a fish's gender is determined. During gestation and under these conditions, the mother produces more testosterone (and less estradiol), which inhibits the development of female reproductive organs and other female characteristics in the embryo, while promoting the development of male traits.
The implications of declining oxygen levels extend beyond individual species to entire ecosystems. Marine biodiversity is at risk as species that cannot adapt to hypoxic conditions may face extinction, leading to a cascade of effects throughout the food web. Predators may struggle to find adequate prey, while other marine organisms, such as coral reefs, which rely on healthy fish populations for symbiotic relationships, may also deteriorate. The loss of biodiversity can disrupt ecosystem services that are essential for human communities, including fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
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Questions Asked in KMAT exam
- Study the following graph carefully to answer these questions :
- KMAT
- Line Graph
- These questions are based on the following table. Study it carefully and answer the questions.
Marks obtained by six students in different subjects
Subject History
(out of 75)Geography
(out of 60)Maths
(out of 120)Science
(out of 150)English
(out of 100)Hindi
(out of 50)Students A 45 43 95 135 64 36 B 56 36 105 140 72 28 C 46 52 100 120 76 42 D 62 48 110 100 58 38 E 60 50 99 125 70 40 F 58 54 112 90 68 34 - KMAT
- Table
- Study the following data carefully to answer these questions.
Ratio of Male (M) : Female (F) Discipline Ratio
M : F Management 5 : 7 Engin. Degree 5 : 3 Medicine 4 : 5 Pharmacy 8 : 7 Biotechnology 6 : 7 Biochemistry 5 : 9 Engineering Dip. 9 : 8 - KMAT
- Pie Charts
- These questions are based on the data given in following table,
Number of candidates appeared and qualified in a written examination from six states over the years State A B C D E F Year App. Qual. App. Qual. App. Qual. App. Qual. App. Qual. App. Qual. 2006 1260 240 2080 350 1600 275 2450 420 1800 270 3200 380 2007 840 190 2250 400 1700 290 2875 480 1950 290 3180 360 2008 1100 220 1850 320 1650 260 2700 450 2640 340 3520 430 2009 1425 300 1900 360 1820 280 3150 510 3380 310 3460 400 2010 1200 225 1680 280 1680 300 3200 515 2420 380 3380 390 2011 1050 240 1800 300 1900 350 3360 540 2250 360 3900 480 - KMAT
- Table
- Study the following arrangement carefully and answer the questions given below:
\(P 4 D \% I 9 K F 1 J 3 \# T 6 @ A Q 2 Z © 5 * 7 E W \$ 8 B H\)- KMAT
- Arrangements
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