Comprehension
The compass is one of the oldest navigational tools we have. Since mankind began to understand more about navigation, compasses have been crucial to the achievement of major feats such as the first transoceanic voyages and the circumnavigation of the globe. None of this would have been possible without the aid of the compass in performing navigation calculations over long distances.
Early explorers had to use local landmarks and the stars to navigate. This made it very difficult to travel to far or unknown destinations. Compasses were one of the key breakthroughs that made such voyages possible. So how exactly does a compass work ?
A compass works by detecting and responding to the Earth’s natural magnetic fields. The Earth has an iron core that is part liquid and part solid crystal, due to gravitational pressure. It is believed that movement in the liquid outer core is what produces the Earth’s magnetic field. Like all such fields, the Earth’s magnetic field has two poles - North and South. These magnetic poles are slightly off from the Earth’s axis of rotation, which is used as the basis of the geographic poles - however the magnetic and geographic poles are close enough to allow a compass to serve as a valuable navigation tool, especially when adjustments are made for the polar differences - such adjustments being referred to as declination.
In September 2019, for the first time in over 360 years, compasses at Greenwich pointed true north. Most of the time, however, compasses don’t actually point precisely towards the North Pole.
True north is the direction that points directly towards the geographic North Pole. This is a fixed point on the Earth’s globe. Magnetic north is quite different : it is the direction that a compass needle points to as it aligns with the Earth’s magnetic field.
The magnetic North Pole shifts and changes over time in response to changes in the Earth’s magnetic core : it isn’t a fixed point.
This difference between true North and the North heading on a compass forms an angle, referred to as declination. Declination varies from place to place because the Earth’s magnetic field is not uniform - it dips and undulates.
Early explorers had to use local landmarks and the stars to navigate. This made it very difficult to travel to far or unknown destinations. Compasses were one of the key breakthroughs that made such voyages possible. So how exactly does a compass work ?
A compass works by detecting and responding to the Earth’s natural magnetic fields. The Earth has an iron core that is part liquid and part solid crystal, due to gravitational pressure. It is believed that movement in the liquid outer core is what produces the Earth’s magnetic field. Like all such fields, the Earth’s magnetic field has two poles - North and South. These magnetic poles are slightly off from the Earth’s axis of rotation, which is used as the basis of the geographic poles - however the magnetic and geographic poles are close enough to allow a compass to serve as a valuable navigation tool, especially when adjustments are made for the polar differences - such adjustments being referred to as declination.
In September 2019, for the first time in over 360 years, compasses at Greenwich pointed true north. Most of the time, however, compasses don’t actually point precisely towards the North Pole.
True north is the direction that points directly towards the geographic North Pole. This is a fixed point on the Earth’s globe. Magnetic north is quite different : it is the direction that a compass needle points to as it aligns with the Earth’s magnetic field.
The magnetic North Pole shifts and changes over time in response to changes in the Earth’s magnetic core : it isn’t a fixed point.
This difference between true North and the North heading on a compass forms an angle, referred to as declination. Declination varies from place to place because the Earth’s magnetic field is not uniform - it dips and undulates.
Question: 1
Select the option that corresponds to a ‘feat’.
Select the option that corresponds to a ‘feat’.
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- The diversion of traffic
- A student’s tribute to the mentor
- An acrobatic performance
- The cancellation of a flight booking
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The Correct Option is C
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The correct option is (C): An acrobatic performance.
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Question: 2
The writer refers to the compass as a “key” breakthrough, to highlight its ______ .
The writer refers to the compass as a “key” breakthrough, to highlight its ______ .
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- importance
- scientific nature
- ease of use
- novelty
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The Correct Option is A
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The correct option is (A): importance.
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Question: 3
Select the option that can be used, both as a noun as well as a verb, in the given form.
Select the option that can be used, both as a noun as well as a verb, in the given form.
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- uniform, magnetic, point
- Only uniform
- uniform and core
- point, iron and core
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The Correct Option is D
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The correct option is (D): point, iron and core.
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Question: 4
Identify the meaning of the adjective in the given line from the text.
‘..... compasses at Greenwich pointed true north.’
Identify the meaning of the adjective in the given line from the text.
‘..... compasses at Greenwich pointed true north.’
‘..... compasses at Greenwich pointed true north.’
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- aimed
- precise
- topmost
- sharp
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The Correct Option is B
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The correct option is (B): precise.
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Question: 5
Which action suitably corresponds with ‘undulates’ ?
Which action suitably corresponds with ‘undulates’ ?
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- praying
- walking a dog
- sharing a secret
- dancing
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (D): dancing.
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Question: 6
5 towers made by civilisation X were declared to be protected heritage building. Uniquely, four of them are placed geographically such that they are the vertices of a square. The fifth is placed at the point of intersection of the two diagonals of the square. Let the towers be named A, B, C, D and E. The following information is given to you about the five towers :- C, A and B are in a straight line (in no particular order) that runs from south-east to north-west.
- If one looks directly east from B, no tower is visible. This is not true for A and D.
- If one looks directly north from D, a tower is visible.
Based on the above information, which tower is in the centre ?
5 towers made by civilisation X were declared to be protected heritage building. Uniquely, four of them are placed geographically such that they are the vertices of a square. The fifth is placed at the point of intersection of the two diagonals of the square. Let the towers be named A, B, C, D and E. The following information is given to you about the five towers :
- C, A and B are in a straight line (in no particular order) that runs from south-east to north-west.
- If one looks directly east from B, no tower is visible. This is not true for A and D.
- If one looks directly north from D, a tower is visible.
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- A
- B
- C
- Insufficient information
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (D): Insufficient information.
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Question: 7
5 towers made by civilisation X were declared to be protected heritage building. Uniquely, four of them are placed geographically such that they are the vertices of a square. The fifth is placed at the point of intersection of the two diagonals of the square. Let the towers be named A, B, C, D and E. The following information is given to you about the five towers :- C, A and B are in a straight line (in no particular order) that runs from south-east to north-west.
- If one looks directly east from B, no tower is visible. This is not true for A and D.
- If one looks directly north from D, a tower is visible.
If one seeks to travel to D from A, one has to go
5 towers made by civilisation X were declared to be protected heritage building. Uniquely, four of them are placed geographically such that they are the vertices of a square. The fifth is placed at the point of intersection of the two diagonals of the square. Let the towers be named A, B, C, D and E. The following information is given to you about the five towers :
- C, A and B are in a straight line (in no particular order) that runs from south-east to north-west.
- If one looks directly east from B, no tower is visible. This is not true for A and D.
- If one looks directly north from D, a tower is visible.
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- East
- South-east
- West
- South
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The Correct Option is D
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The correct option is (D): South.
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Question: 8
5 towers made by civilisation X were declared to be protected heritage building. Uniquely, four of them are placed geographically such that they are the vertices of a square. The fifth is placed at the point of intersection of the two diagonals of the square. Let the towers be named A, B, C, D and E. The following information is given to you about the five towers :- C, A and B are in a straight line (in no particular order) that runs from south-east to north-west.
- If one looks directly east from B, no tower is visible. This is not true for A and D.
- If one looks directly north from D, a tower is visible.
If one seeks to travel to B from A, one has to go
5 towers made by civilisation X were declared to be protected heritage building. Uniquely, four of them are placed geographically such that they are the vertices of a square. The fifth is placed at the point of intersection of the two diagonals of the square. Let the towers be named A, B, C, D and E. The following information is given to you about the five towers :
- C, A and B are in a straight line (in no particular order) that runs from south-east to north-west.
- If one looks directly east from B, no tower is visible. This is not true for A and D.
- If one looks directly north from D, a tower is visible.
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- East
- South-east
- West
- Cannot be determined
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (B): South-east.
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Question: 9
5 towers made by civilisation X were declared to be protected heritage building. Uniquely, four of them are placed geographically such that they are the vertices of a square. The fifth is placed at the point of intersection of the two diagonals of the square. Let the towers be named A, B, C, D and E. The following information is given to you about the five towers :- C, A and B are in a straight line (in no particular order) that runs from south-east to north-west.
- If one looks directly east from B, no tower is visible. This is not true for A and D.
- If one looks directly north from D, a tower is visible.
At sunset, A’s shadow points ______ .
5 towers made by civilisation X were declared to be protected heritage building. Uniquely, four of them are placed geographically such that they are the vertices of a square. The fifth is placed at the point of intersection of the two diagonals of the square. Let the towers be named A, B, C, D and E. The following information is given to you about the five towers :
- C, A and B are in a straight line (in no particular order) that runs from south-east to north-west.
- If one looks directly east from B, no tower is visible. This is not true for A and D.
- If one looks directly north from D, a tower is visible.
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- Towards B
- Towards C
- Towards D
- Towards E
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (D): Towards E.
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Question: 10
A compass (circular in shape) consists of two parts : a magnetic needle that points towards the magnetic north, and a circular piece of paper with directions written on it. If, somehow, the piece of paper rotates a quarter-circle counter-clockwise, which geographic direction does needle point towards ?
A compass (circular in shape) consists of two parts : a magnetic needle that points towards the magnetic north, and a circular piece of paper with directions written on it. If, somehow, the piece of paper rotates a quarter-circle counter-clockwise, which geographic direction does needle point towards ?
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- Approximately east
- Exactly east
- Approximately west
- Exactly west
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The Correct Option is A
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The correct option is (A): Approximately east.
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Question: 11
A is holding a compass at the time of sunrise. He points it towards the direction of the sunrise and sees that it reads “SW”. This means that the compass has rotated ______ .
A is holding a compass at the time of sunrise. He points it towards the direction of the sunrise and sees that it reads “SW”. This means that the compass has rotated ______ .
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- 135 degrees counter-clockwise or 225 degrees clockwise
- 135 degrees clockwise or 225 degrees counter-clockwise
- 45 degrees clockwise or 315 degrees counter-clockwise
- 45 degrees counter-clockwise or 315 degrees clockwise
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (B): 135 degrees clockwise or 225 degrees counter-clockwise.
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Question: 12
In the facts of the question above, what actual direction is “NW” on the compass pointing towards ?
In the facts of the question above, what actual direction is “NW” on the compass pointing towards ?
Updated On: Aug 5, 2024
- North
- South
- East
- West
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (B): South.
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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
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- 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
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- Read the following passage and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
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
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- Read the book descriptions for three different books and answer the questions by choosing the most appropriate options.
\(\text{The Politics of Change}\) \(\text{The Change in Politics}\) \(\text{Politics and Change:}\) 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
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- The levels of dissolved oxygen in the world's ocean waters are declining precipitously. Just like humans, fish need oxygen to survive, and so in ocean areas experiencing significant levels of oxygen scarcity, or hypoxia, fish populations are plummeting. Although some hypoxic areas, called "dead zones," occur naturally, hypoxia in coastal areas and inland waters is caused mainly by agricultural run-off and by discharge of industrial wastewater. More than one hundred permanent dead zones, many covering thousands of square miles, exist worldwide today.
Since reproductive success is the most critical factor in the sustainability of any species, the extent of this threat to marine life and genetic diversity can hardly be overstated. After several months in hypoxic waters, female fish produce fewer eggs. Moreover, hypoxic conditions serve to alter the normal ratio between two particular hormones manufactured during the embryonic stage when a fish's gender is determined. During gestation and under these conditions, the mother produces more testosterone (and less estradiol), which inhibits the development of female reproductive organs and other female characteristics in the embryo, while promoting the development of male traits.
The implications of declining oxygen levels extend beyond individual species to entire ecosystems. Marine biodiversity is at risk as species that cannot adapt to hypoxic conditions may face extinction, leading to a cascade of effects throughout the food web. Predators may struggle to find adequate prey, while other marine organisms, such as coral reefs, which rely on healthy fish populations for symbiotic relationships, may also deteriorate. The loss of biodiversity can disrupt ecosystem services that are essential for human communities, including fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- English
- Reading Comprehension
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Questions Asked in AILET exam
- Issue: Is football the most popular sport in the world?
Argument 1: Yes, Football World Cup (FIFA) have over five times global viewership as compared to Formula 1 Grand Prix (Car racing) or the Wimbledon Championships (Tennis).
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.
Choose the most appropriate answer:- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- Statements and Arguments
- Vinay is trying to decide the sequence in which to watch the following movies –Sholay (SH), RRR, Slumdog Millionaire (SM), PK and Dangal (DL). The sequence must adhere to the following conditions:
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
Which of the following is a valid plan? - Assertion: The rise of OTT platforms is challenging the traditional movie theatre business.
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.
Choose the most appropriate answer:- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- Statements and Arguments
- All Rabbits are Sleepers. All Tortoise paints. Some Rabbits are Tortoise. Siri is a Rabbit. Examine the following statements:
I. Siri paints
II. Siri does not paint
III. Siri is a Sleeper
IV. Siri is not a Sleeper
V. Siri is a Tortoise
VI. Siri is not a Tortoise
Choose the most appropriate answer:
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