Read the given passage and answer the six questions that follow.
On a chilly winter evening, nothing warms you up better than a cup of hot cocoa. Chocolate was first consumed in liquid form by the Olmec people of northwestern Central America around 1500 BCE. It was even enjoyed by the Aztec Emperor Montezuma, and the Aztec word for it (xocolatl, pronounced shoh-kwah-tl) evolved into the English word Chocolate.
But the Aztecs didn’t serve their cocoa hot. And since sugar had not yet arrived from Europe, back then, the drink was often flavoured with peppers and spices. It may not have been quite as indulgent as today’s version, but it was more palatable if you believed, as the Aztecs did, that chocolate was a gift from the Gods and had healing properties.
After the Spanish arrived in the Americas in the 1500s, liquid chocolate made its way across the pond, where wealthy Europeans added sugar and drank it warm. In Chocolate: History, Culture and Heritage, author Bertram Gordon says hot chocolate became ‘‘the beverage of the aristocracy,’’ as sugar was still a luxury.
Soon enough, though, hot choclate caught on with the masses. Chocolate houses — a cross between cafes and casinos — started popping up around 17th-century Europe. In these lively places, hot chocolate was poured from gilded pots into elegant cups (for a posh experience, one can still find it today at the famed Parisian tearoom Angelina’s, which is also in New York City). But by the end of the 18th century, chocolate houses had mostly died off, partly because the cost of chocolate was much higher than that of coffee or tea.
Taking a tour of international cups of cocoa, Italians serve it like a thick pudding. Colombians serve it with a dollop of soft cheese while Mexicans punch it up with vanilla, chilli powder and cinnamon. And Filipinos serve it with mango chunks.
Which of the following varieties of coffee is the most sold in the world?
- Coffea Canephora
- Coffea Arabica
- Coffea Eugenioides
- A blend of Coffea Canephora and Coffea Arabica
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
Coffea Arabica is the most sold variety of coffee worldwide.
Context: Coffea Arabica is the most popular and widely consumed variety of coffee across the globe. Known for its smooth flavor and aromatic qualities, Arabica coffee beans make up the majority of global coffee production and sales.
Characteristics of Coffea Arabica: Arabica coffee beans are generally considered to have a milder taste compared to other coffee varieties, such as Robusta. They are known for their delicate, fruity, and slightly acidic flavor profile, making them a favorite among coffee enthusiasts worldwide.
Global Popularity: Coffea Arabica is responsible for approximately 60-70% of the world's coffee production. It is grown primarily in higher altitudes in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Costa Rica, where the climate conditions are ideal for its cultivation.
Final Thought: Due to its superior taste and popularity, Coffea Arabica remains the most sold and consumed coffee variety globally, shaping coffee culture in many countries.
Which of the following species of coffee has more than two copies of each chromosome?
- Arabica
- Robusta
- Coffea Eugenioides
- A blend of Arabica and Robusta
The Correct Option is A
Approach Solution - 1
The question asks which species of coffee has more than two copies of each chromosome. This relates to the concept of polyploidy in biology, where an organism has more than two paired (homologous) sets of chromosomes. Arabica coffee is known to have this characteristic.
Arabica (Coffea arabica) is an allotetraploid, meaning it has four sets of chromosomes, which is more than the diploid number found in species like Coffea eugenioides and Robusta (Coffea canephora). Coffea eugenioides and Robusta typically have two copies of each chromosome (diploid).
Therefore, the correct answer is Arabica, which is a polyploid coffee species.
Approach Solution -2
Coffea Arabica is polyploid, meaning it has more than two copies of each chromosome.
Context: Coffea Arabica, the most popular variety of coffee, is polyploid, which means it has multiple sets of chromosomes. Unlike most organisms that are diploid (with two copies of each chromosome), polyploid organisms have more than two sets, which can influence their genetic diversity and characteristics.
Polyploidy in Coffea Arabica: Coffea Arabica is a hybrid species, resulting from the interbreeding of two other coffee species: Coffea canephora (Robusta) and Coffea eugenioides. As a result of this hybridization, Arabica coffee has four sets of chromosomes instead of the typical two, making it a tetraploid species.
Implications of Polyploidy: The polyploid nature of Coffea Arabica contributes to its genetic stability and may influence its resilience, flavor profile, and adaptability to different growing conditions. Polyploid species often have increased genetic variation, which can result in greater biodiversity and improved characteristics in crops.
Final Thought: The polyploid nature of Coffea Arabica plays a crucial role in its widespread cultivation and popularity, offering benefits in terms of genetic diversity and coffee quality.
Which of the following statements is true about Coffea Arabica?
- Hybridization is the main source of its genetic variation.
- It has only two copies of each chromosome.
- It displays the phenomenon of polyploidy.
- It is easily interbred with other species.
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
To determine the correct statement about Coffea Arabica, let's analyze the provided options based on what is generally known about its characteristics:
- Hybridization is the main source of its genetic variation. Hybridization can lead to genetic variation, but it's not the most significant factor for Coffea Arabica. This coffee species generally has less genetic diversity compared to other species.
- It has only two copies of each chromosome. This describes a diploid organism, but Coffea Arabica is not diploid.
- It displays the phenomenon of polyploidy. Coffea Arabica is known to exhibit polyploidy. It is a tetraploid species, meaning it has four sets of chromosomes, which is a direct result of polyploidy.
- It is easily interbred with other species. Coffea Arabica is generally not easily interbred with other coffee species due to reproductive barriers.
Based on this analysis, the statement "It displays the phenomenon of polyploidy." is true about Coffea Arabica.
Approach Solution -2
Coffea Arabica displays the phenomenon of polyploidy.
Context: Coffea Arabica is known for exhibiting the phenomenon of polyploidy, which refers to the presence of more than two sets of chromosomes in an organism. This characteristic sets Coffea Arabica apart from many other coffee species and contributes to its unique genetic makeup.
Polyploidy in Coffea Arabica: Coffea Arabica is a tetraploid species, meaning it has four sets of chromosomes, compared to the typical two sets found in diploid species. This is the result of a natural hybridization event between two other coffee species, Coffea canephora (Robusta) and Coffea eugenioides.
Significance of Polyploidy: Polyploidy in Coffea Arabica enhances its genetic diversity and stability, which can improve its adaptability to different growing conditions. Additionally, polyploidy can contribute to desirable traits such as increased size and resilience, which makes Arabica coffee a preferred variety for many consumers.
Final Thought: The polyploid nature of Coffea Arabica is a key factor in its cultivation and widespread popularity, influencing both its genetic characteristics and its suitability for global coffee production.
Which of the following species of coffee developed only in the last 50,000 years?
- Coffea Canephora
- Coffea Eugenioides
- Arabica
- Robusta
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
The origin of various coffee species can be complex, but Coffea Arabica is known to be a relatively recent hybrid. It is a cross between Coffea Canephora (commonly known as Robusta) and Coffea Eugenioides. This natural hybridization is believed to have occurred only within the last 50,000 years. In contrast, other coffee species like Robusta and Eugenioides have ancient lineages that stretch back much further.
Approach Solution -2
Coffea Arabica developed as a hybrid in the last 50,000 years.
Context: Coffea Arabica, the most widely consumed coffee species, developed as a hybrid relatively recently in geological terms. This hybridization occurred within the last 50,000 years and has contributed to its unique characteristics and widespread popularity.
Hybridization of Coffea Arabica: Coffea Arabica is the result of the interbreeding between two species: Coffea canephora (Robusta) and Coffea eugenioides. This hybridization process occurred naturally and led to the development of a new species with enhanced traits, such as improved flavor and higher resilience compared to its parent species.
Significance of Hybridization: The hybrid nature of Coffea Arabica gives it a distinct genetic profile, which not only makes it more adaptable to different environmental conditions but also contributes to the smooth, aromatic flavor that is favored by coffee drinkers worldwide. The hybridization also played a role in its dominance in coffee markets globally.
Final Thought: The hybridization of Coffea Arabica within the last 50,000 years has played a significant role in its development, leading to the emergence of a coffee species that is both genetically unique and commercially valuable.
Which of the following types of variability is not very high for Coffea Arabica?
- Variability at the structural level
- Variability at the chromosomal level
- Variability at the level of deletions and insertions
- Variability at the DNA level
The Correct Option is D
Approach Solution - 1
To determine which type of variability is not very high for Coffea Arabica, we analyze the options provided:
- Variability at the structural level: This refers to the variations in the overall morphology and physical structure of the plant.
- Variability at the chromosomal level: This involves changes and differences in the number or structure of chromosomes, which can lead to significant genetic diversity.
- Variability at the level of deletions and insertions: These are specific types of mutations that can lead to genetic changes, typically high in many organisms.
- Variability at the DNA level: This refers to variations in the DNA sequence itself, which can impact a large number of genes and phenotypes.
The correct answer is Variability at the DNA level. Generally, Coffea Arabica exhibits relatively low DNA-level variability compared to other types of variations mentioned, which affects its adaptability and resilience.
Approach Solution -2
Coffea Arabica has low variability at the DNA level.
Context: Coffea Arabica, although a hybrid species, exhibits relatively low genetic variability compared to other coffee species. This is due to its polyploid nature, where the four sets of chromosomes result in less genetic diversity at the DNA level.
Genetic Characteristics of Coffea Arabica: As a tetraploid species, Coffea Arabica has a more stable genetic structure compared to diploid species like Coffea canephora (Robusta). While this stability is beneficial for maintaining consistent traits, it also means that there is less genetic variation within the species, which can make it more vulnerable to disease and environmental changes.
Implications of Low Variability: The low genetic variability in Coffea Arabica limits the potential for rapid adaptation to changing environmental conditions or new threats. However, it also ensures that the high-quality traits associated with Arabica coffee, such as its smooth flavor and aroma, are preserved across generations.
Final Thought: While the low genetic variability in Coffea Arabica provides consistency in flavor and quality, it also presents challenges in terms of resilience and adaptability. This characteristic is an important factor in the cultivation and breeding of Arabica coffee.
Choose the statement that is factually incorrect from the options given below.
- It is possible to roast the beans of a single species of coffee.
- Two species of coffee can be blended to make a brew.
- Due to its genetic make-up, novel mutations do not occur in the species Coffea Arabica.
- Variations in disease resistance can be seen in the Arabica coffee plant.
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
To identify the factually incorrect statement from the given options, let's analyze each one based on general botanical and genetic knowledge related to coffee plants, specifically Coffea Arabica, a widely cultivated species of coffee:
- 1. It is possible to roast the beans of a single species of coffee: This statement is true as coffee beans from a single species, such as Coffea Arabica or Coffea Robusta, can indeed be roasted alone to produce coffee.
- 2. Two species of coffee can be blended to make a brew: This is a factual statement. Blending different species, such as Arabica and Robusta, is common to create varied flavors and strengths in coffee brews.
- 3. Due to its genetic make-up, novel mutations do not occur in the species Coffea Arabica: This is an incorrect statement. Mutations can occur in any species, including Coffea Arabica, due to genetic variation and environmental influences. Therefore, novel mutations can indeed occur in this species.
- 4. Variations in disease resistance can be seen in the Arabica coffee plant: This statement is correct as different strains of Coffea Arabica can show variations in resilience against diseases, influenced by genetic diversity and breeding.
Thus, the statement that is factually incorrect is: Due to its genetic make-up, novel mutations do not occur in the species Coffea Arabica.
Approach Solution -2
Novel mutations do occur in Coffea Arabica, despite its genetic make-up.
Context: Although Coffea Arabica has relatively low genetic variability due to its polyploid nature, novel mutations can still occur. These mutations contribute to small changes in its genetic make-up, which may influence various traits such as disease resistance, yield, and flavor characteristics.
Mutations in Coffea Arabica: Mutations are random genetic changes that can happen over time, even in species with low variability. In Coffea Arabica, these mutations can lead to new variations in traits, some of which may offer advantages, such as improved resistance to pests or environmental stresses.
Impact of Mutations: While the genetic stability of Coffea Arabica ensures consistency in its high-quality coffee production, the occurrence of novel mutations can introduce beneficial traits or unexpected challenges. These mutations may allow for the development of new coffee varieties, or in some cases, lead to unforeseen vulnerabilities.
Final Thought: Despite its low genetic variability, Coffea Arabica is not immune to novel mutations, which can play an important role in the evolution of the species, affecting everything from disease resistance to flavor profiles and growth characteristics.
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
- The advent of social media has dramatically transformed the way individuals consume and share information. In earlier times, people largely depended on newspapers, radio, or television as their primary sources of knowledge about the world. These were institutions that followed established editorial practices and fact-checking processes. With the rise of digital platforms, however, the traditional ‘gatekeepers’ of information have been bypassed. Today, anyone with internet access can create content, express an opinion, or broadcast an idea to a global audience within seconds.
This shift has certainly democratized access and given voice to communities and individuals who were often ignored by mainstream media. Yet, this democratization comes with challenges. Alongside genuine voices, social media has also amplified misinformation, rumours, and half-truths. Unlike traditional journalism, where accountability and verification are built into the system, social media thrives on speed, virality, and emotion. A misleading headline, a misinterpreted statistic, or even a doctored image can travel across the world before fact-checkers have the chance to intervene.
The consequences of such unchecked information can be serious, ranging from the spread of fear and panic to the manipulation of public opinion. The impact of this transformation extends beyond individual users to institutions and democracies. Political campaigns, corporate branding, and even social movements are now shaped by algorithms that decide what people see and when they see it. These algorithms prioritize engagement, often promoting content that provokes stronger emotional reactions rather than balanced analysis.
As a result, echo chambers form, online spaces where people are repeatedly exposed to opinions that mirror their own, reinforcing biases and reducing openness to differing perspectives. This has contributed to increasing polarization in societies across the world. Moreover, the competition for attention has blurred the line between information and entertainment, leading to the rise of sensationalism even in serious public discourse. The credibility of expertise too has been undermined, as opinions from unverified sources are often placed on the same footing as evidence-based knowledge.
In response, several governments and technology companies are exploring ways to promote digital literacy, enhance transparency in algorithms, and strengthen fact-checking collaborations. Ultimately, the challenge lies in balancing the openness of digital spaces with mechanisms that ensure responsibility and trustworthiness in public communication.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- I have still to be brother to a Prince, though I once came near to kinship with what might have been a veritable King, and was promised the reversion of a Kingdom, army, law-courts, revenue, and policy, all complete. But, today, I greatly fear that my King is dead, and if I want a crown I must go and hunt it for myself. The beginning of everything was in a railway train upon the road to Mhow from Ajmir. There had been a deficit in the Budget, which necessitated travelling, not Second class, which is only half as dear as First class, but by Intermediate, which is very awful indeed. There are no cushions in the Intermediate class, and the population is either Intermediate, which is Eurasian, or native, which for a long night journey is nasty; or Loafer, which is amusing though intoxicated. Intermediates do not patronize refreshment rooms. They carry their food in bundles and pots, and buy sweets from the native sweet meat sellers, and drink the roadside water. That is why in the hot weather Intermediates are taken out of the carriages dead, and in all weathers are most properly looked down upon.
My particular Intermediate happened to be empty till I reached Nasirabad, when a huge gentleman in shirt sleeves entered, and following the custom of Intermediates, passed the time of day. He was a wanderer and a vagabond like myself, but with an educated taste for alcohol. He told daring tales of things he had seen and done, of out-of-the-way corners of the Empire into which he had penetrated, and of adventures in which he risked his life for a few days’ food. “If India was filled with men like you and me, not knowing more than the crows where they’d get their next day’s rations, it isn’t seventy millions of revenue the land would be paying, it’s seven hundred millions,” said he; and as I looked at his mouth and chin I was disposed to agree with him.
We talked politics, the politics of Loaferdom that sees things from the underside where the lath and plaster is not smoothed off, and we talked postal arrangements because my friend wanted to send a telegram back from the next station to Ajmir, which is the turning off place from the Bombay to the Mhow line as you travel westward. He had the air of one who had seen strange countries and stranger men, yet bore himself without vanity. There was a restless light in his eyes, the sort that belongs to men who have lived too long without a fixed purpose. When he spoke of the Empire, it was not with loyalty nor with bitterness, but with the detached amusement of one who has played his part and lost interest in the game. His laughter came easily, though it seemed to echo from some remembered hardship. It struck me then that his stories were less of adventure than of survival.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Democracy, often hailed as the most equitable form of governance, is a system where power ultimately rests in the hands of the people. The word derives from the Greek words ”demos” meaning people and ”kratos” meaning power or rule. Democracy aims to provide equal political participation and protect the individual freedoms of all citizens. However, while the idea of democracy is simple, its practice is frequently complex and fraught with challenges. At its core, democracy functions on the principle of majority rule, yet it simultaneously guarantees the protection of minority rights.
This balance ensures that while the majority has the power to make decisions through voting, the fundamental rights of minorities are not trampled upon. Such a system requires consistent vigilance and respect for the rule of law. Without these, democracies can devolve into majoritarian tyranny or authoritarianism. The practice of democracy is not merely limited to voting in elections. It encompasses freedom of speech, an independent judiciary, free press, and protection of individual rights. These elements together create a political environment where citizens can express dissent, hold leaders accountable, and participate actively in decision-making. When any component is weakened, the democratic process becomes vulnerable.
In recent times, democratic societies worldwide have grappled with new challenges. The rise of misinformation and fake news has eroded public trust in institutions and polarized societies. Social media platforms, meant to facilitate communication, have sometimes amplified divisive narratives and falsehoods. This has resulted in voter manipulation and a growing skepticism toward democratic processes. Literacy in media and critical thinking is increasingly vital to safeguard democracy from such threats. Economic inequality poses another significant challenge. While democracy promises equal rights politically, vast disparities in wealth and opportunity undermine this ideal.
This phenomenon raises questions about whether democracy is achievable without addressing socioeconomic inequalities. Furthermore, the involvement of citizens is crucial. Democracy requires that people are informed, engaged, and willing to participate beyond casting votes. Civic education and awareness campaigns play an essential role in nurturing responsible citizenship. Apathy or disengagement weakens the democratic fabric, opening avenues for corruption and other dangers to the system. In conclusion, democracy thrives on the collective responsibility of governments and citizens to protect its pillars and ensure inclusive, fair governance.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
The Rule of Law
by Tom BinghamJustice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?
by Michael J. SandelLetters to a Law Student
by Nicholas J. McBrideIn The Rule of Law, former Lord Chief Justice Tom Bingham explores how the principle of legality underpins modern democratic life. He defines the rule of law as more than just adherence to formal rules; it is the assurance that power is exercised within clear, fair, and publicly known boundaries.
Bingham distills the concept into eight principles, including equality before the law, access to justice, and respect for fundamental human rights. Drawing on cases and historical examples, he warns that national security and administrative efficiency must never override the rights of individuals.
The book bridges legal philosophy and practice, arguing that law must be both predictable and humane. For Bingham, the rule of law represents a moral ideal, one that sustains public trust in justice and curbs arbitrary governance.Michael Sandel’s Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? examines moral reasoning in law and politics. Through examples like price gouging, affirmative action, and taxation, Sandel invites readers to explore competing notions of fairness.
He engages with philosophical traditions such as utilitarianism, libertarianism, and Rawlsian egalitarianism, showing that questions of justice cannot be separated from questions of virtue and the common good.
Sandel rejects the idea of a morally “neutral” legal system, arguing that public deliberation about values is essential to democracy. Ultimately, he argues that a just society is one that cultivates civic responsibility, not merely individual rights.Nicholas McBride’s Letters to a Law Student is a practical and reflective guide for aspiring lawyers. Written as a series of letters to a student beginning law school, it explores what legal study truly involves.
This includes mastering case analysis, understanding precedents, and developing critical reasoning. McBride distinguishes between knowing the law and thinking like a lawyer, the latter requiring analytical discipline and ethical awareness.
He emphasizes that good lawyers combine intellectual rigor with moral judgment and clarity of expression. Beyond academic success, the book urges students to reflect on law’s purpose, balancing order, justice, and compassion in human affairs.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Urban gardening has become increasingly popular as a means to address food security, sustainability, and mental well-being in cities. By growing their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, individuals can reduce their reliance on commercial supply chains that contribute to extensive transportation, energy consumption, and synthetic chemical use. In addition to providing fresh, nutritious food, urban gardening also contributes to environmental sustainability by mitigating urban heat island effects, improving air quality, and managing water runoff. Furthermore, it offers psychological benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, and a sense of accomplishment. Despite its many benefits, urban gardening faces challenges like space limitations, poor soil quality, and inadequate sunlight, which gardeners overcome using innovative techniques such as vertical farming and hydroponics.
- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Questions Asked in CUET exam
- You are a student of resource management. Which of the following career options can you take up after completion of your degree in Human Resource Management?
(A) Recruitment Consulting
(B) Career Counselling
(C) Dietary Counselling
(D) HR Consulting
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:- CUET (UG) - 2025
- Human Resource Management
- An object is placed 10 cm in front of a concave mirror of focal length 15 cm. The image formed is:
- CUET (UG) - 2025
- Ray optics and optical instruments
- Rearrange the parts to form a logical sentence:
A) the city's new policy
B) has significantly improved
C) air quality
D) over the past year- CUET (UG) - 2025
- Sentence Arrangement
- A train crosses a platform 200 m long in 36 seconds and a pole in 18 seconds. Find the speed of the train.
- CUET (UG) - 2025
- Speed, Time and Distance
- Two point charges \( q_1 \) and \( q_2 \) are placed at a distance \( r \) in vacuum. The force between them is \( F \). If the distance is doubled and both charges are halved, what will be the new force?
- CUET (UG) - 2025
- Electrostatics