Comprehension
Study the given passage to answer the questions that follows the passage.
Passage
Until a hundred years ago as humans we had a simple, uncomplicated biological connect. It was a straightforward equation: we drew roughly 3,000 calories each of energy out of the Earth for our food and life’s sustenance. Today that number per capita has grown to 1,00,000 calories. We still need only 3,000 calories each to nourish life itself. All the rest of this energy is what we extract from the Earth for everything else besides keeping ourselves alive. In some countries, like the US, this per capita number runs at over 2,00,000 calories. Some of us are concerned about this. We fret over what we could — and should — really be doing to soften this abuse of resources. Little things fox us in the welter of things that we get to read. What is sustainable development? How can it be started at our homes? Beyond the ceremonial planting of green and getting people to run marathons of various lengths in support of the environment, is there more that we can add to the abstract value of sustainability’? What are the little things we can do in our day-to-day lives, to reduce demand for things that people make and market? Of course, we know that it helps to avoid a plastic bag when you can use a newspaper bag, or a brown bag, or even a jute bag which you can use for many more years unlike a plastic bag which you throw away in less than a week or after a few uses. However, there’s actually quite a bit more that you and I can do, without compromise on comfort, with very little as cost incurred, with financial savings that you can gain on energy and water use, and with solutions that are very feasible and within your reach. It is possible to understand our ecological footprint and its disastrous consequences, not merely in terms of our own behaviour as consumers, but really in terms of the impact on the environment we make.
Passage
Until a hundred years ago as humans we had a simple, uncomplicated biological connect. It was a straightforward equation: we drew roughly 3,000 calories each of energy out of the Earth for our food and life’s sustenance. Today that number per capita has grown to 1,00,000 calories. We still need only 3,000 calories each to nourish life itself. All the rest of this energy is what we extract from the Earth for everything else besides keeping ourselves alive. In some countries, like the US, this per capita number runs at over 2,00,000 calories. Some of us are concerned about this. We fret over what we could — and should — really be doing to soften this abuse of resources. Little things fox us in the welter of things that we get to read. What is sustainable development? How can it be started at our homes? Beyond the ceremonial planting of green and getting people to run marathons of various lengths in support of the environment, is there more that we can add to the abstract value of sustainability’? What are the little things we can do in our day-to-day lives, to reduce demand for things that people make and market? Of course, we know that it helps to avoid a plastic bag when you can use a newspaper bag, or a brown bag, or even a jute bag which you can use for many more years unlike a plastic bag which you throw away in less than a week or after a few uses. However, there’s actually quite a bit more that you and I can do, without compromise on comfort, with very little as cost incurred, with financial savings that you can gain on energy and water use, and with solutions that are very feasible and within your reach. It is possible to understand our ecological footprint and its disastrous consequences, not merely in terms of our own behaviour as consumers, but really in terms of the impact on the environment we make.
Question: 1
What is the primary concern of the passage?
What is the primary concern of the passage?
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In a reading comprehension passage, always focus on the underlying theme. The main concern of the passage is usually outlined early on and can be identified through keywords like "energy," "sustainability," or "future."
Updated On: Mar 9, 2025
- Use of plastic bags should be completely banned.
- There is a need to save energy, especially for our future.
- All of us should not only plant trees but also run the marathon.
- We need to respect the Earth and consume less of its calories.
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The passage discusses the growing concern of energy consumption and its unsustainable impact on the Earth’s resources. Initially, it highlights how humans once consumed approximately 3,000 calories per capita for life’s sustenance. Over time, this number has escalated to 100,000 calories, with a significant increase in energy usage in countries like the US. The author emphasizes that while only 3,000 calories are required for survival, all additional energy is consumed for non-essential purposes, leading to the depletion of Earth's resources.
The passage stresses the need to shift from excessive consumption to a more sustainable approach by saving energy for the future, pointing out the impact of our current habits on the environment. This makes option (2) the most appropriate answer, as it directly addresses the primary concern of the passage, which is the need to save energy. Although actions like planting trees and avoiding plastic bags are mentioned, they are presented as part of a larger solution, not the central issue.
The passage stresses the need to shift from excessive consumption to a more sustainable approach by saving energy for the future, pointing out the impact of our current habits on the environment. This makes option (2) the most appropriate answer, as it directly addresses the primary concern of the passage, which is the need to save energy. Although actions like planting trees and avoiding plastic bags are mentioned, they are presented as part of a larger solution, not the central issue.
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Question: 2
Which one of the following statements cannot be inferred from the passage?
Which one of the following statements cannot be inferred from the passage?
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When asked which statement cannot be inferred, focus on any direct contradictions to the central message of the passage. Eliminate options that align with the general theme.
Updated On: Mar 9, 2025
- We do not depend on the Earth for our food and life sustenance.
- There are many little things we can do to save our Earth.
- Only running marathons of various lengths does not help.
- A lot many years before, our association with the Nature was quite simple.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
In the passage, the author first establishes that humans used to draw only about 3,000 calories per capita from the Earth to sustain life, indicating a simple and direct relationship with the Earth. Over time, however, the amount of energy consumed per person has increased drastically, leading to excessive exploitation of natural resources. The author stresses that this simple biological relationship has become complicated due to our growing demands for energy and resources.
Given this context, option (1) contradicts the message of the passage. The passage directly mentions that we do depend on the Earth for our food and life sustenance, making this statement impossible to infer. The Earth’s resources are essential for human survival, and the author highlights this from the very beginning, establishing the dependency humans have on the Earth.
Options (2), (3), and (4) are all supported by the passage. The author suggests various small actions that individuals can take to reduce their environmental impact, like avoiding plastic bags and taking part in marathons for the environment. The passage also mentions that humans once had a simpler relationship with nature, making option (4) valid as well.
Given this context, option (1) contradicts the message of the passage. The passage directly mentions that we do depend on the Earth for our food and life sustenance, making this statement impossible to infer. The Earth’s resources are essential for human survival, and the author highlights this from the very beginning, establishing the dependency humans have on the Earth.
Options (2), (3), and (4) are all supported by the passage. The author suggests various small actions that individuals can take to reduce their environmental impact, like avoiding plastic bags and taking part in marathons for the environment. The passage also mentions that humans once had a simpler relationship with nature, making option (4) valid as well.
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Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
“Why do they pull down and do away with crooked streets, I wonder, which are my delight, and hurt no man living? Every day the wealthier nations are pulling down one or another in their capitals and their great towns: they do not know why they do it; neither do I. It ought to be enough, surely, to drive the great broad ways which commerce needs and which are the life-channels of a modern city, without destroying all history and all the humanity in between: the islands of the past.” (From Hilaire Belloc’s “The Crooked Streets”)
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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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