Comprehension
Read the passage below and answer the 3 associated questions:
Once,during a concert of cathedral organ music,as I sat getting gooseflesh amid that tsunami of sound,I was struck with a thought:for a medieval peasant,this must have been the loudest human-made sound they ever experienced,awe-inspiring in now-unimaginable ways.No wonder they signed up for the religion being proffered.And now we are constantly pummeled with sounds that dwarf quaint organs.Once, hunter-gatherers might chance upon honey from a beehive and thus briefly satisfy a hardwired food craving.And now we have hundreds of carefully designed commercial foods that supply a burst of sensation unmatched by some lowly natural food.Once, we had lives that,amid considerable privation,also offered numerous subtle,hard-won pleasures.And now we have drugs that cause spasms of pleasure and dopamine release a thousandfold higher than anything stimulated in our old drug-free world.An emptiness comes from this combination of over-the-top nonnatural sources of reward and the inevitability of habituation;this is because unnaturally strong explosions of synthetic experience and sensation and pleasure evoke unnaturally strong degrees of habituation.This has two consequences.First,soon we barely notice the fleeting whispers of pleasure caused by leaves in autumn,or by the lingering glance of the right person,or by the promise of reward following a difficult,worthy task.And the other consequence is that we eventually habituate to even those artificial deluges of intensity.If we were designed by engineers,as we consumed more, we’d desire less.But our frequent human tragedy is that the more we consume,the hungrier we get.More and faster and stronger.What was an unexpected pleasure yesterday is what we feel entitled to today,and what won’t be enough tomorrow.
Once,during a concert of cathedral organ music,as I sat getting gooseflesh amid that tsunami of sound,I was struck with a thought:for a medieval peasant,this must have been the loudest human-made sound they ever experienced,awe-inspiring in now-unimaginable ways.No wonder they signed up for the religion being proffered.And now we are constantly pummeled with sounds that dwarf quaint organs.Once, hunter-gatherers might chance upon honey from a beehive and thus briefly satisfy a hardwired food craving.And now we have hundreds of carefully designed commercial foods that supply a burst of sensation unmatched by some lowly natural food.Once, we had lives that,amid considerable privation,also offered numerous subtle,hard-won pleasures.And now we have drugs that cause spasms of pleasure and dopamine release a thousandfold higher than anything stimulated in our old drug-free world.An emptiness comes from this combination of over-the-top nonnatural sources of reward and the inevitability of habituation;this is because unnaturally strong explosions of synthetic experience and sensation and pleasure evoke unnaturally strong degrees of habituation.This has two consequences.First,soon we barely notice the fleeting whispers of pleasure caused by leaves in autumn,or by the lingering glance of the right person,or by the promise of reward following a difficult,worthy task.And the other consequence is that we eventually habituate to even those artificial deluges of intensity.If we were designed by engineers,as we consumed more, we’d desire less.But our frequent human tragedy is that the more we consume,the hungrier we get.More and faster and stronger.What was an unexpected pleasure yesterday is what we feel entitled to today,and what won’t be enough tomorrow.
Question: 1
Which of the following options BEST reflects the author’s understanding of human perception of pleasure?
Which of the following options BEST reflects the author’s understanding of human perception of pleasure?
Updated On: Aug 9, 2024
- Pleasure comes from whatever we are exposed to for the first time
- Pleasure comes from what we are deprived of
- Pleasure comes from what appears to be a valuable discovery or invention
- Pleasure comes from what is perceived to be extraordinary
- Pleasure comes from what we are accustomed to
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (D): Pleasure comes from what is perceived to be extraordinary.
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Question: 2
Going by the author, which of the following options BEST answers the question“how can one sustain the pleasure derived from any experience?"
Going by the author, which of the following options BEST answers the question“how can one sustain the pleasure derived from any experience?"
Updated On: Aug 9, 2024
- Training to appreciate sweet whispers and fleeting moments of joy to sustain pleasure
- Periodic displeasure with synthetic experiences leads to sustaining pleasure
- The harder to replicate, the more sustainable the pleasure from that experience
- The closer the experience is to nature,the more sustainable it is
- Awareness of a habituation moment helps sustain pleasure
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (C): The harder to replicate, the more sustainable the pleasure from that experience.
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Question: 3
Which of the following options BEST describes“emptiness”as described in the passage?
Which of the following options BEST describes“emptiness”as described in the passage?
Updated On: Aug 9, 2024
- A feeling,evoked by the carefully designed commercial foods,alluring us to them
- A feeling of absence of sources of pleasure when extant sources are in abundance
- Yearning for newer sources of pleasure when extant sources are in abundance
- A feeling of weariness around extant sources of pleasure that are in abundance
- The inevitability of habituation that one gets from repeated consumption of man-made foods or drugs
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (B): A feeling of absence of sources of pleasure when extant sources are in abundance.
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Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
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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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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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