Comprehension
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
“The night I arrived in Delhi on a visit in January 1996, the elevator at the Maurya Sheraton took us up to the twelfth floor in a breath-taking six or seven seconds. “Remarkable,” I commented admiringly to the friendly hotel employee in a maroon sari and business-like pageboy haircut, who had draped a three-kilogram marigold garland around my neck as I stepped across the threshold. “We couldn’t have ascended faster in the U. S. of A.”
She took my praise in stride, as well she should have. Jet-lagged after an eighteen-hour journey from New York, I had failed to notice that this was not some superfast new elevator technology that the Maurya had brought to Delhi, but rather some highly creative labelling. When I finally woke up and looked out my window, I realized that what the elevator buttons had called the twelfth floor was in fact the second. The gleaming Maurya elevator had merely taken me for a ride – and a shorter ride I’d imagined.
I couldn’t help the accusatory tone out of my voice the next time I ran into the maroon sari. “Twelfth floor, huh ?” I said pointedly. “I didn’t think liberalization meant being liberal with the facts.”
She was surprised that I had taken offense. “Our foreign visitors much prefer to think of themselves as being on eleventh and twelfth floors than the first or second,” she replied with wide-eyed innocence. “And they don’t look out of the windows that much.”
Welcome, I thought, to the new India. An India I was discovering for the first time: an India of five-star hotels, welcoming garlands, and smooth-talking hotel staff, where nothing is quite what it seems (not even the elevator buttons), where windows are not meant to be opened and appearances are the only reality. [Shashi Tharoor, India : From Midnight to the Millennium and Beyond (Arcade Publishing, 1997) 275-276]
“The night I arrived in Delhi on a visit in January 1996, the elevator at the Maurya Sheraton took us up to the twelfth floor in a breath-taking six or seven seconds. “Remarkable,” I commented admiringly to the friendly hotel employee in a maroon sari and business-like pageboy haircut, who had draped a three-kilogram marigold garland around my neck as I stepped across the threshold. “We couldn’t have ascended faster in the U. S. of A.”
She took my praise in stride, as well she should have. Jet-lagged after an eighteen-hour journey from New York, I had failed to notice that this was not some superfast new elevator technology that the Maurya had brought to Delhi, but rather some highly creative labelling. When I finally woke up and looked out my window, I realized that what the elevator buttons had called the twelfth floor was in fact the second. The gleaming Maurya elevator had merely taken me for a ride – and a shorter ride I’d imagined.
I couldn’t help the accusatory tone out of my voice the next time I ran into the maroon sari. “Twelfth floor, huh ?” I said pointedly. “I didn’t think liberalization meant being liberal with the facts.”
She was surprised that I had taken offense. “Our foreign visitors much prefer to think of themselves as being on eleventh and twelfth floors than the first or second,” she replied with wide-eyed innocence. “And they don’t look out of the windows that much.”
Welcome, I thought, to the new India. An India I was discovering for the first time: an India of five-star hotels, welcoming garlands, and smooth-talking hotel staff, where nothing is quite what it seems (not even the elevator buttons), where windows are not meant to be opened and appearances are the only reality. [Shashi Tharoor, India : From Midnight to the Millennium and Beyond (Arcade Publishing, 1997) 275-276]
Question: 1
After reading the last line of the first paragraph, “We couldn’t have ascended faster in the U. S. of A.”, which of the options do you think the author is most likely to agree with ?
After reading the last line of the first paragraph, “We couldn’t have ascended faster in the U. S. of A.”, which of the options do you think the author is most likely to agree with ?
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- India never fails to surprise
- Indians have been great innovators
- Foreigners are turning to India’s technical advancement
- It’s a fact that India hasn’t made significant progress
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (A) : India never fails to surprise.
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Question: 2
As used in the third paragraph, the underlined word “accusatory” most nearly means all options, except
As used in the third paragraph, the underlined word “accusatory” most nearly means all options, except
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- denunciative
- criminate
- eulogistic
- censuring
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (C) : eulogistic.
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Question: 3
It can be inferred from the passage that the author’s impression
It can be inferred from the passage that the author’s impression
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- transgresses from being proud to being even prouder
- plummets from a sense of pride to a sense of disillusionment
- trends from a level of disappointment to a level of condemnation
- remains steadfast on the thought of being an Indian
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (B) : plummets from a sense of pride to a sense of disillusionment.
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Question: 4
In the line, “…taken me for a ride – and a shorter ride I’d imagined”. means
In the line, “…taken me for a ride – and a shorter ride I’d imagined”. means
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- the elevator had taken them very swiftly
- the hotel was treating its guests like royalties
- technology had advanced in third world countries
- people were being hoodwinked
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (D) : people were being hoodwinked.
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Question: 5
The tone of the passage could be summed up to be
The tone of the passage could be summed up to be
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- pensive and remorseful
- matter of fact and sombre
- humorous and reflective
- fiery and critical
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (C) : humorous and reflective.
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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.
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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.
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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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