Comprehension
Read the given passage and answer the questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
Down in rain-swept Wiltshire last week, I was able to enjoy a Christmas tree, Christmas crackers, mistletoe, etc. I was able to sing carols and wish everyone I met a happy Christmas. In America, it seems, I’d have been outlawed if I’d attempted any such thing. According to Andrew Stephen in the New Statesman, Americans have become so desperate not to offend religious minorities that Christmas in America is now most definitely not politically correct and, in some cases, literally illegal. In Kentucky, for example, school bus drivers were warned on no account to say “Merry Christmas” to children getting on or off their buses. In Philadelphia, you are breaking the law, says Stephen, “if you have a Christmas tree in your home – you may be subject to a $300 fine”. A nursery school teacher in Washington, he goes on, has temporarily removed the “t” from the letters of the alphabet that she has strung around the classroom: “It looked a bit too much like a cross for comfort”. Oh, and schools in Scarsdale, New York “have banned the American tradition of “candy canes”, striped mint sweets in the shape of walking sticks; they could be construed as shepherds’ crooks, you see, and we all know what that means at the time of the year”. My Christmas in Wiltshire may have been wet but at least it felt like a real Christmas and not like this kind of anodyne travesty, disinfected of all reference to what the holiday is about.
Down in rain-swept Wiltshire last week, I was able to enjoy a Christmas tree, Christmas crackers, mistletoe, etc. I was able to sing carols and wish everyone I met a happy Christmas. In America, it seems, I’d have been outlawed if I’d attempted any such thing. According to Andrew Stephen in the New Statesman, Americans have become so desperate not to offend religious minorities that Christmas in America is now most definitely not politically correct and, in some cases, literally illegal. In Kentucky, for example, school bus drivers were warned on no account to say “Merry Christmas” to children getting on or off their buses. In Philadelphia, you are breaking the law, says Stephen, “if you have a Christmas tree in your home – you may be subject to a $300 fine”. A nursery school teacher in Washington, he goes on, has temporarily removed the “t” from the letters of the alphabet that she has strung around the classroom: “It looked a bit too much like a cross for comfort”. Oh, and schools in Scarsdale, New York “have banned the American tradition of “candy canes”, striped mint sweets in the shape of walking sticks; they could be construed as shepherds’ crooks, you see, and we all know what that means at the time of the year”. My Christmas in Wiltshire may have been wet but at least it felt like a real Christmas and not like this kind of anodyne travesty, disinfected of all reference to what the holiday is about.
Question: 1
Which of the statements do you think does not support the author’s idea in the passage ?
Which of the statements do you think does not support the author’s idea in the passage ?
Updated On: Aug 5, 2024
- A nursery school teacher’s extreme attempt not to offend authorities during holiday time
- The visible signs of festivities were not inconspicuous in America
- Prohibition of candy canes since they were obvious holiday shapes
- The conventional etiquette of the season was discouraged in public
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (B): The visible signs of festivities were not inconspicuous in America
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Question: 2
The last sentence in the passage conveys that the writer :
The last sentence in the passage conveys that the writer :
Updated On: Aug 5, 2024
- tacitly approves of the way Christmas is approached in America.
- disagrees with the views and opinions of Andrew Stephen.
- is content to have had his share of the season’s revelry in Wiltshire.
- sympathizes with the religious minorities.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (C): is content to have had his share of the season’s revelry in Wiltshire.
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Question: 3
Which of the following words from the passage, most closely resemble the meaning “anodyne” and “construed” ?
Which of the following words from the passage, most closely resemble the meaning “anodyne” and “construed” ?
Updated On: Aug 5, 2024
- pernicious, blatant
- jilted, misinterpreted
- unobjectionable, interpreted
- menacing, unequivocal
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (C): unobjectionable, interpreted
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Question: 4
What parts of speech do the words ‘religious’, ‘travesty’ and ‘temporarily’ belong to ?
What parts of speech do the words ‘religious’, ‘travesty’ and ‘temporarily’ belong to ?
Updated On: Aug 5, 2024
- adjective, noun, adverb
- noun, adjective, adjective
- adverb, verb, adverb
- noun, noun, adjective
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The Correct Option is A
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The correct option is (A):
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Question: 5
Which of the following is the most appropriate title for the passage?
Which of the following is the most appropriate title for the passage?
Updated On: Aug 5, 2024
- Abolishing Christmas
- Christmas past and present
- The everchanging tradition of Christmas
- Transcending beliefs
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The Correct Option is A
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The correct option is (A): Abolishing Christmas
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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
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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
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\(\text{The Politics of Change}\) \(\text{The Change in Politics}\) \(\text{Politics and Change:}\) 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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Argument 2: Yes, Lionel Messi is the most followed footballer across social media platforms.
Argument 3: No, the Cricket World Cup has been the most profitable sports event worldwide for the last three decades.
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I. SH and DL must not immediately precede or follow each other.
II. RRR must go after SM.
III. PK cannot be the first or the last movie.
IV. DL must necessarily be one removed from SM.
Which of the following is a valid sequence? - Sanjana is attempting to create an exercise plan for a 5-day week. She has decided on the following exercises – A, X, B, Y, C, in accordance with the following conditions.
I. A and Y cannot be on the consecutive days
II. C must always be followed by B
III. B and A cannot be done on alternate days
IV. X cannot be done on the first day of the week
V. No exercise can be repeated in the week
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Argument 1: OTT platforms and traditional movie theatre present completely different experience and therefore are unlikely to affect each other.
Argument 2: OTT platforms ensure instant availability of diverse content, which a traditional movie theatre cannot emulate.
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I. Siri paints
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III. Siri is a Sleeper
IV. Siri is not a Sleeper
V. Siri is a Tortoise
VI. Siri is not a Tortoise
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