Reading Comprehension - Multi-Topic Passages

What does the phrase “morally of right stature” mean?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

The young are those to whom we look for future strength and for future good; and the longer we live, the more anxious we become that they, who are to be the fresh recruits should be morally of right stature. Around them are peculiar temptations and trials, witching, cunning, insidious and forceful: and we are obliged to see thousands falling by the way, whose fall seems needless. They, like ourselves, are to have but one chance in life. We who are somewhat advanced in years, seeing how many perils there are round about that one chance, feel an earnest desire that every advantage should be given to those who are coming onto fill our places. We can live but once; and life is usually moulded and takes its shape very early.

Which one of the following is correct? The author looks upon the young as:

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

The young are those to whom we look for future strength and for future good; and the longer we live, the more anxious we become that they, who are to be the fresh recruits should be morally of right stature. Around them are peculiar temptations and trials, witching, cunning, insidious and forceful: and we are obliged to see thousands falling by the way, whose fall seems needless. They, like ourselves, are to have but one chance in life. We who are somewhat advanced in years, seeing how many perils there are round about that one chance, feel an earnest desire that every advantage should be given to those who are coming onto fill our places. We can live but once; and life is usually moulded and takes its shape very early.

What does the phrase “do not minister to it” mean?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

There are a great many people who have all the material conditions of happiness, i.e., health, sufficient income and clout, but who nevertheless, are profoundly unhappy. In such cases it would seem as if the fault must lie with a wrong theory as to how to live. We imagine ourselves more different from the animals than we are. Animals live on impulse and are happy as long as external conditions are favourable. Your needs are more complex than those of your pets but they still have their basis in instinct. In civilised societies, this is too apt to be forgotten. People propose to themselves some paramount objective and restrain all impulses that do not minister to it. A businessman may be so anxious to grow rich that to this end he sacrifices health and private affection. When at last he has become rich, no pleasure remains to him except harrying other people by exhortations to initiate his noble example.

Which one of the following is correct? Modern man is very unhappy because he

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

There are a great many people who have all the material conditions of happiness, i.e., health, sufficient income and clout, but who nevertheless, are profoundly unhappy. In such cases it would seem as if the fault must lie with a wrong theory as to how to live. We imagine ourselves more different from the animals than we are. Animals live on impulse and are happy as long as external conditions are favourable. Your needs are more complex than those of your pets but they still have their basis in instinct. In civilised societies, this is too apt to be forgotten. People propose to themselves some paramount objective and restrain all impulses that do not minister to it. A businessman may be so anxious to grow rich that to this end he sacrifices health and private affection. When at last he has become rich, no pleasure remains to him except harrying other people by exhortations to initiate his noble example.

Which one of the following is correct? The author is of the opinion that

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

There are a great many people who have all the material conditions of happiness, i.e., health, sufficient income and clout, but who nevertheless, are profoundly unhappy. In such cases it would seem as if the fault must lie with a wrong theory as to how to live. We imagine ourselves more different from the animals than we are. Animals live on impulse and are happy as long as external conditions are favourable. Your needs are more complex than those of your pets but they still have their basis in instinct. In civilised societies, this is too apt to be forgotten. People propose to themselves some paramount objective and restrain all impulses that do not minister to it. A businessman may be so anxious to grow rich that to this end he sacrifices health and private affection. When at last he has become rich, no pleasure remains to him except harrying other people by exhortations to initiate his noble example.

What does a ‘natural’ frontier mean?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

The first of the political causes of war is war itself. Many wars have been fought, among other reasons, for the sake of seizing some strategically valuable piece of territory, or in order to secure a ‘natural’ frontier, that is to say, a frontier which is easy to defend and from which it is easy to launch attacks upon one’s neighbours. Purely military advantages are almost as highly praised by the rulers of nations as economic advantages. The possession of an army, navy and air force is itself a reason for going to a war. ‘We must use our forces now’, so runs the militarist’s argument, ‘in order that we may be in a position to use them to better effect next time.’

Consider the following statements:

1. Presentations are not meant to change the point of view of the audience about the subject of the presentation.
2. Reciting of quotations in the presentation should be avoided as it makes the presentation appear superficial.
   Which of the statement(s) given above is/ are correct?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

The art of effective presentation is the fruit of persistent efforts and practice. Your personality is reflected in your presentation. Adequate planning and preparation are essential for a successful presentation. A thorough preparation is the best antidote for nervousness. If a person is not successful in presenting his views and ideas then it will become the greatest obstacle in his career and life. People form a perception about how competent you are by how you present yourself when you stand and speak. A successful presentation can help a person in winning orders for the company he works for. Most people who work in organisations find that their effectiveness and success depend on their ability to organise their ideas and present them effectively. Delivering your message in person provides immediate feedback that helps you clarify points and answer questions. Oral presentations are often more persuasive. As far as possible, one should never read a presentation or memorise it. Then the presentation will lose flexibility and communication will suffer. The spoken word wields great power. Face-to-face interaction demands thinking and speaking. Anecdotes, quotations and humorous touches often make a presentation interesting. One may consult his notes frequently when he is making his presentation. This may create a feeling among listeners that the speaker has taken pains to prepare for the occasion. A positive response will be generated and the speaker will be heard with respect. Speaker’s enthusiasm and confidence can influence people to accept or reject an idea in a way that a written document cannot. A presentation should be persuasive and should change the audience’s attitude. The topic of the presentation must be interesting to the audience. The topic should be of interest to the speaker also otherwise he will go only through the motions of making a presentation. No perfunctory approach should ever be resorted to while making a presentation. It is very important that the speaker is perceived by the audience as credible and trustworthy.

Consider the following statements:

1. One of the shortcomings of the immigration bill is that illegal immigrants will still be deprived of social security benefits.
2. India contributes the largest number of immigrants to the United States of America.
   Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

Diections: Read the passage and answer the question that follows:

The US Senate’s approval of an immigration Bill has been welcomed in India as well as in the IT industry in America because of the proposal of double H1-B visas for skilled foreign workers. However, the more important bit in the legislation, if approved by the House of Representatives, is the lifeline to millions of illegal immigrants in the US. Some of the key proposals in the Bill include allowing illegal immigrants, who have been in America for five years, to become legal residents by paying a certain amount in fines and back taxes. Those who have been in the country between two and five years can go to a point of entry at the US border and file an application. There is also a provision for creating a guest worker programme especially meant for farm workers. These are welcome moves to recognise the huge presence - according to some estimates 12 to 15 million - of illegal immigrants in the US and legitimising their existence. But it must be understood that the US is not considering this legislation out of a sense of altruism. The truth is that the bulk of immigrants are doing jobs that Americans simply don’t want to do. They are employed in jobs that pay minimum wages and entail long working hours.
But giving illegal immigrants the opportunity to become legal residents will at least ensure that they are not exploited by employers and that they are covered by social security benefits. American legislators, however need to go beyond this. They must recognise that the US needs trained people in various fields, particularly in schools and hospitals. India with its vast population of educated youth is a natural source of such personnel. Instead of just targeting India for its best brains, the US should open up its labour market for more school teachers, nurses and technicians from India. Compared to Mexicans, the largest component of immigrants to the US; Indians have a natural advantage in that they know English. They would also be willing to work in America’s inner cities and other supposedly ‘hardship’ stations. Along with nuclear deals and technology transfer, the two largest English-speaking democracies must realise that they could mutually benefit from bilateral employment agreements. India, with its one-billion plus and growing population, has the potential of supplying First World nations with declining birth rates much-needed labour.

Consider the following statements:

1. Persuasive skill - set is a prerequisite to an effective presentation.
2. At the end of a presentation, offering small gifts to the audience by the speaker is a good strategy.
   Which of the statement (s) given above is/ are correct?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

The art of effective presentation is the fruit of persistent efforts and practice. Your personality is reflected in your presentation. Adequate planning and preparation are essential for a successful presentation. A thorough preparation is the best antidote for nervousness. If a person is not successful in presenting his views and ideas then it will become the greatest obstacle in his career and life. People form a perception about how competent you are by how you present yourself when you stand and speak. A successful presentation can help a person in winning orders for the company he works for. Most people who work in organisations find that their effectiveness and success depend on their ability to organise their ideas and present them effectively. Delivering your message in person provides immediate feedback that helps you clarify points and answer questions. Oral presentations are often more persuasive. As far as possible, one should never read a presentation or memorise it. Then the presentation will lose flexibility and communication will suffer. The spoken word wields great power. Face-to-face interaction demands thinking and speaking. Anecdotes, quotations and humorous touches often make a presentation interesting. One may consult his notes frequently when he is making his presentation. This may create a feeling among listeners that the speaker has taken pains to prepare for the occasion. A positive response will be generated and the speaker will be heard with respect. Speaker’s enthusiasm and confidence can influence people to accept or reject an idea in a way that a written document cannot. A presentation should be persuasive and should change the audience’s attitude. The topic of the presentation must be interesting to the audience. The topic should be of interest to the speaker also otherwise he will go only through the motions of making a presentation. No perfunctory approach should ever be resorted to while making a presentation. It is very important that the speaker is perceived by the audience as credible and trustworthy.

Consider the following statements:

1. A speaker must memorise his talk so as to introduce more flexibility.
2. A written document is more efficacious than an oral presentation as it leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
   Which of the statement(s) given above is/ are correct?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

The art of effective presentation is the fruit of persistent efforts and practice. Your personality is reflected in your presentation. Adequate planning and preparation are essential for a successful presentation. A thorough preparation is the best antidote for nervousness. If a person is not successful in presenting his views and ideas then it will become the greatest obstacle in his career and life. People form a perception about how competent you are by how you present yourself when you stand and speak. A successful presentation can help a person in winning orders for the company he works for. Most people who work in organisations find that their effectiveness and success depend on their ability to organise their ideas and present them effectively. Delivering your message in person provides immediate feedback that helps you clarify points and answer questions. Oral presentations are often more persuasive. As far as possible, one should never read a presentation or memorise it. Then the presentation will lose flexibility and communication will suffer. The spoken word wields great power. Face-to-face interaction demands thinking and speaking. Anecdotes, quotations and humorous touches often make a presentation interesting. One may consult his notes frequently when he is making his presentation. This may create a feeling among listeners that the speaker has taken pains to prepare for the occasion. A positive response will be generated and the speaker will be heard with respect. Speaker’s enthusiasm and confidence can influence people to accept or reject an idea in a way that a written document cannot. A presentation should be persuasive and should change the audience’s attitude. The topic of the presentation must be interesting to the audience. The topic should be of interest to the speaker also otherwise he will go only through the motions of making a presentation. No perfunctory approach should ever be resorted to while making a presentation. It is very important that the speaker is perceived by the audience as credible and trustworthy.

Consider the following statements:

1. An effective presentation about the product of a company can help in increasing sales volumes.
2. Impromptu presentation can leave a more forceful impact on the audience.
   Which of the statement(s) given above is/ are correct?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

The art of effective presentation is the fruit of persistent efforts and practice. Your personality is reflected in your presentation. Adequate planning and preparation are essential for a successful presentation. A thorough preparation is the best antidote for nervousness. If a person is not successful in presenting his views and ideas then it will become the greatest obstacle in his career and life. People form a perception about how competent you are by how you present yourself when you stand and speak. A successful presentation can help a person in winning orders for the company he works for. Most people who work in organisations find that their effectiveness and success depend on their ability to organise their ideas and present them effectively. Delivering your message in person provides immediate feedback that helps you clarify points and answer questions. Oral presentations are often more persuasive. As far as possible, one should never read a presentation or memorise it. Then the presentation will lose flexibility and communication will suffer. The spoken word wields great power. Face-to-face interaction demands thinking and speaking. Anecdotes, quotations and humorous touches often make a presentation interesting. One may consult his notes frequently when he is making his presentation. This may create a feeling among listeners that the speaker has taken pains to prepare for the occasion. A positive response will be generated and the speaker will be heard with respect. Speaker’s enthusiasm and confidence can influence people to accept or reject an idea in a way that a written document cannot. A presentation should be persuasive and should change the audience’s attitude. The topic of the presentation must be interesting to the audience. The topic should be of interest to the speaker also otherwise he will go only through the motions of making a presentation. No perfunctory approach should ever be resorted to while making a presentation. It is very important that the speaker is perceived by the audience as credible and trustworthy.

Which one of the following is correct?
‘Military advantages’ and ‘economic advantages’ :

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

The first of the political causes of war is war itself. Many wars have been fought, among other reasons, for the sake of seizing some strategically valuable piece of territory, or in order to secure a ‘natural’ frontier, that is to say, a frontier which is easy to defend and from which it is easy to launch attacks upon one’s neighbours. Purely military advantages are almost as highly praised by the rulers of nations as economic advantages. The possession of an army, navy and air force is itself a reason for going to a war. ‘We must use our forces now’, so runs the militarist’s argument, ‘in order that we may be in a position to use them to better effect next time.’

Which one of the following is correct? The failure of many a young men and women is

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

The young are those to whom we look for future strength and for future good; and the longer we live, the more anxious we become that they, who are to be the fresh recruits should be morally of right stature. Around them are peculiar temptations and trials, witching, cunning, insidious and forceful: and we are obliged to see thousands falling by the way, whose fall seems needless. They, like ourselves, are to have but one chance in life. We who are somewhat advanced in years, seeing how many perils there are round about that one chance, feel an earnest desire that every advantage should be given to those who are coming onto fill our places. We can live but once; and life is usually moulded and takes its shape very early.

Why have wars been fought?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

The first of the political causes of war is war itself. Many wars have been fought, among other reasons, for the sake of seizing some strategically valuable piece of territory, or in order to secure a ‘natural’ frontier, that is to say, a frontier which is easy to defend and from which it is easy to launch attacks upon one’s neighbours. Purely military advantages are almost as highly praised by the rulers of nations as economic advantages. The possession of an army, navy and air force is itself a reason for going to a war. ‘We must use our forces now’, so runs the militarist’s argument, ‘in order that we may be in a position to use them to better effect next time.’

Which one of the following is correct? The “material conditions of happiness” do not include

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

There are a great many people who have all the material conditions of happiness, i.e., health, sufficient income and clout, but who nevertheless, are profoundly unhappy. In such cases it would seem as if the fault must lie with a wrong theory as to how to live. We imagine ourselves more different from the animals than we are. Animals live on impulse and are happy as long as external conditions are favourable. Your needs are more complex than those of your pets but they still have their basis in instinct. In civilised societies, this is too apt to be forgotten. People propose to themselves some paramount objective and restrain all impulses that do not minister to it. A businessman may be so anxious to grow rich that to this end he sacrifices health and private affection. When at last he has become rich, no pleasure remains to him except harrying other people by exhortations to initiate his noble example.

Consider the following statements:

1. The basic premise of the immigration Bill is a concern of the Federal Government of the UnitedStates of America for welfare of mankind.
2. Both Mexican and Indian immigrants enjoy an advantage of good communication skills in English.
   Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

Diections: Read the passage and answer the question that follows:

The US Senate’s approval of an immigration Bill has been welcomed in India as well as in the IT industry in America because of the proposal of double H1-B visas for skilled foreign workers. However, the more important bit in the legislation, if approved by the House of Representatives, is the lifeline to millions of illegal immigrants in the US. Some of the key proposals in the Bill include allowing illegal immigrants, who have been in America for five years, to become legal residents by paying a certain amount in fines and back taxes. Those who have been in the country between two and five years can go to a point of entry at the US border and file an application. There is also a provision for creating a guest worker programme especially meant for farm workers. These are welcome moves to recognise the huge presence - according to some estimates 12 to 15 million - of illegal immigrants in the US and legitimising their existence. But it must be understood that the US is not considering this legislation out of a sense of altruism. The truth is that the bulk of immigrants are doing jobs that Americans simply don’t want to do. They are employed in jobs that pay minimum wages and entail long working hours.
But giving illegal immigrants the opportunity to become legal residents will at least ensure that they are not exploited by employers and that they are covered by social security benefits. American legislators, however need to go beyond this. They must recognise that the US needs trained people in various fields, particularly in schools and hospitals. India with its vast population of educated youth is a natural source of such personnel. Instead of just targeting India for its best brains, the US should open up its labour market for more school teachers, nurses and technicians from India. Compared to Mexicans, the largest component of immigrants to the US; Indians have a natural advantage in that they know English. They would also be willing to work in America’s inner cities and other supposedly ‘hardship’ stations. Along with nuclear deals and technology transfer, the two largest English-speaking democracies must realise that they could mutually benefit from bilateral employment agreements. India, with its one-billion plus and growing population, has the potential of supplying First World nations with declining birth rates much-needed labour.

Consider the following statements:

1. Innate stage fright of a speaker can be countered by meticulous preparation of his presentation.
2. Confidence of a speaker is generally taken by the audience as a sign of arrogance.
   Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

The art of effective presentation is the fruit of persistent efforts and practice. Your personality is reflected in your presentation. Adequate planning and preparation are essential for a successful presentation. A thorough preparation is the best antidote for nervousness. If a person is not successful in presenting his views and ideas then it will become the greatest obstacle in his career and life. People form a perception about how competent you are by how you present yourself when you stand and speak. A successful presentation can help a person in winning orders for the company he works for. Most people who work in organisations find that their effectiveness and success depend on their ability to organise their ideas and present them effectively. Delivering your message in person provides immediate feedback that helps you clarify points and answer questions. Oral presentations are often more persuasive. As far as possible, one should never read a presentation or memorise it. Then the presentation will lose flexibility and communication will suffer. The spoken word wields great power. Face-to-face interaction demands thinking and speaking. Anecdotes, quotations and humorous touches often make a presentation interesting. One may consult his notes frequently when he is making his presentation. This may create a feeling among listeners that the speaker has taken pains to prepare for the occasion. A positive response will be generated and the speaker will be heard with respect. Speaker’s enthusiasm and confidence can influence people to accept or reject an idea in a way that a written document cannot. A presentation should be persuasive and should change the audience’s attitude. The topic of the presentation must be interesting to the audience. The topic should be of interest to the speaker also otherwise he will go only through the motions of making a presentation. No perfunctory approach should ever be resorted to while making a presentation. It is very important that the speaker is perceived by the audience as credible and trustworthy.

Consider the following statements:

1. One of the drawbacks of presentations is that they fail to provide a feedback from the audience.
2. While making a presentation one should, at times, refer to his written material.
   Which of the statement(s) given above is/ are correct?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

The art of effective presentation is the fruit of persistent efforts and practice. Your personality is reflected in your presentation. Adequate planning and preparation are essential for a successful presentation. A thorough preparation is the best antidote for nervousness. If a person is not successful in presenting his views and ideas then it will become the greatest obstacle in his career and life. People form a perception about how competent you are by how you present yourself when you stand and speak. A successful presentation can help a person in winning orders for the company he works for. Most people who work in organisations find that their effectiveness and success depend on their ability to organise their ideas and present them effectively. Delivering your message in person provides immediate feedback that helps you clarify points and answer questions. Oral presentations are often more persuasive. As far as possible, one should never read a presentation or memorise it. Then the presentation will lose flexibility and communication will suffer. The spoken word wields great power. Face-to-face interaction demands thinking and speaking. Anecdotes, quotations and humorous touches often make a presentation interesting. One may consult his notes frequently when he is making his presentation. This may create a feeling among listeners that the speaker has taken pains to prepare for the occasion. A positive response will be generated and the speaker will be heard with respect. Speaker’s enthusiasm and confidence can influence people to accept or reject an idea in a way that a written document cannot. A presentation should be persuasive and should change the audience’s attitude. The topic of the presentation must be interesting to the audience. The topic should be of interest to the speaker also otherwise he will go only through the motions of making a presentation. No perfunctory approach should ever be resorted to while making a presentation. It is very important that the speaker is perceived by the audience as credible and trustworthy.

Consider the following statements:

1. Besides high technology areas, India can be an effective source of manpower in the health and education sectors of the United States of America.
2. Only those illegal immigrants can file an application for getting status of legal residents who have stayed in the US for over five years.
   Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

Diections: Read the passage and answer the question that follows:

The US Senate’s approval of an immigration Bill has been welcomed in India as well as in the IT industry in America because of the proposal of double H1-B visas for skilled foreign workers. However, the more important bit in the legislation, if approved by the House of Representatives, is the lifeline to millions of illegal immigrants in the US. Some of the key proposals in the Bill include allowing illegal immigrants, who have been in America for five years, to become legal residents by paying a certain amount in fines and back taxes. Those who have been in the country between two and five years can go to a point of entry at the US border and file an application. There is also a provision for creating a guest worker programme especially meant for farm workers. These are welcome moves to recognise the huge presence - according to some estimates 12 to 15 million - of illegal immigrants in the US and legitimising their existence. But it must be understood that the US is not considering this legislation out of a sense of altruism. The truth is that the bulk of immigrants are doing jobs that Americans simply don’t want to do. They are employed in jobs that pay minimum wages and entail long working hours.
But giving illegal immigrants the opportunity to become legal residents will at least ensure that they are not exploited by employers and that they are covered by social security benefits. American legislators, however need to go beyond this. They must recognise that the US needs trained people in various fields, particularly in schools and hospitals. India with its vast population of educated youth is a natural source of such personnel. Instead of just targeting India for its best brains, the US should open up its labour market for more school teachers, nurses and technicians from India. Compared to Mexicans, the largest component of immigrants to the US; Indians have a natural advantage in that they know English. They would also be willing to work in America’s inner cities and other supposedly ‘hardship’ stations. Along with nuclear deals and technology transfer, the two largest English-speaking democracies must realise that they could mutually benefit from bilateral employment agreements. India, with its one-billion plus and growing population, has the potential of supplying First World nations with declining birth rates much-needed labour.

Consider the following statements:

1. The number of farm workers in the US is between 12 to 15 million.
2. The types of jobs which engage the immigrants are not sought after by the Americans.
   Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

Diections: Read the passage and answer the question that follows:

The US Senate’s approval of an immigration Bill has been welcomed in India as well as in the IT industry in America because of the proposal of double H1-B visas for skilled foreign workers. However, the more important bit in the legislation, if approved by the House of Representatives, is the lifeline to millions of illegal immigrants in the US. Some of the key proposals in the Bill include allowing illegal immigrants, who have been in America for five years, to become legal residents by paying a certain amount in fines and back taxes. Those who have been in the country between two and five years can go to a point of entry at the US border and file an application. There is also a provision for creating a guest worker programme especially meant for farm workers. These are welcome moves to recognise the huge presence - according to some estimates 12 to 15 million - of illegal immigrants in the US and legitimising their existence. But it must be understood that the US is not considering this legislation out of a sense of altruism. The truth is that the bulk of immigrants are doing jobs that Americans simply don’t want to do. They are employed in jobs that pay minimum wages and entail long working hours.
But giving illegal immigrants the opportunity to become legal residents will at least ensure that they are not exploited by employers and that they are covered by social security benefits. American legislators, however need to go beyond this. They must recognise that the US needs trained people in various fields, particularly in schools and hospitals. India with its vast population of educated youth is a natural source of such personnel. Instead of just targeting India for its best brains, the US should open up its labour market for more school teachers, nurses and technicians from India. Compared to Mexicans, the largest component of immigrants to the US; Indians have a natural advantage in that they know English. They would also be willing to work in America’s inner cities and other supposedly ‘hardship’ stations. Along with nuclear deals and technology transfer, the two largest English-speaking democracies must realise that they could mutually benefit from bilateral employment agreements. India, with its one-billion plus and growing population, has the potential of supplying First World nations with declining birth rates much-needed labour.