Reading Comprehension

Directions: Based on the information from the paragraph, choose the appropriate number 1 - 4 to complete the following statement.

The castle that was built in the late eleventh century

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

WINDSOR PALACE
Windsor Palace is the world's largest and oldest, continuously inhabited castle. Occupying over 484,000 square feet, it is over 240 times the size of an average house. William the Conqueror built the first castle between 1070 and 1086, but the castle that exists today was largely built in 1350 by Edward of Windsor, who authorized the construction of a large chapel, and new fortifications. From a distance, the castle appears to be dominated by a massive round tower in its centre. In 1475, King Edward IV authorized construction of St. George’s Chapel as a cathedral and royal mausoleum. The chapel became an important destination for pilgrims in the late medieval period and is probably the most famous of the structures within Windsor Palace. During the 1500’s and 1600’s, Windsor Castle was damaged as a result of various wars. In 1660, however, Charles II became interested in restoring the castle and laid out plans for “The Long Walk,” a three-mile long avenue running from the south of the castle. Charles II also had the royal apartments and the St. George’s Hall rebuilt. The royal apartments were spectacular, with numerous carvings, frescoes, and tapestries. The artwork acquired during the rebuilding of Windsor Castle became known as the Royal Collection, which remains relatively unchanged today. In 1824, George IV moved into the castle and was granted 300,000 pounds to renovate the Windsor Castle. The entire castle was remodelled and the architect, Jeffrey Wyattville, succeeded in blending the castle to seem like one entity rather than a collection of buildings. Wyattville raised and lowered the heights of various buildings to give them symmetry and improved the appearance and structure of others.

Directions: Which of the given options best represents the information in the reading passage? Choose the appropriate number (1 – 4).

The author prefers the roller coaster rides because

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

CARNIVAL
There are lots of things to do at a carnival. The first thing you do when you get to a carnival is buy tickets, which are also called script. You pay for everything at a carnival with script instead of money. You can use script to buy food like caramel popcorn or cotton candy. You can also use script to play games for prizes. When I go to a carnival, I spend all my script on the best part: the rides. There are many different rides at a carnival, but my favourite is the roller coaster. Roller coasters are thrilling. They go so fast that you feel as if you are flying. All roller coasters are a little bit different, so you never know what to expect on a new one. Some roller coasters have loops that make you go upside down. Some roller coasters have one huge hill. On all roller coasters, at some point you will probably feel like your stomach is dropping out of your body. Although I love roller coasters, not everyone likes them. Some people think they are too scary. Some people feel sick because of the speed and the curves. These people would probably like other rides better, like the tea cups or the Ferris wheel. Some people even go to a carnival and do not go on any rides. They spend all their script on food or games. It seems strange to me, but they say they still have a good time.

Directions: Which of the given options best represents the information in the reading passage? Choose the appropriate number (1 – 4).

In a carnival, people play games for

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

CARNIVAL
There are lots of things to do at a carnival. The first thing you do when you get to a carnival is buy tickets, which are also called script. You pay for everything at a carnival with script instead of money. You can use script to buy food like caramel popcorn or cotton candy. You can also use script to play games for prizes. When I go to a carnival, I spend all my script on the best part: the rides. There are many different rides at a carnival, but my favourite is the roller coaster. Roller coasters are thrilling. They go so fast that you feel as if you are flying. All roller coasters are a little bit different, so you never know what to expect on a new one. Some roller coasters have loops that make you go upside down. Some roller coasters have one huge hill. On all roller coasters, at some point you will probably feel like your stomach is dropping out of your body. Although I love roller coasters, not everyone likes them. Some people think they are too scary. Some people feel sick because of the speed and the curves. These people would probably like other rides better, like the tea cups or the Ferris wheel. Some people even go to a carnival and do not go on any rides. They spend all their script on food or games. It seems strange to me, but they say they still have a good time.

Directions: Which of the given options best represents the information in the reading passage? Choose the appropriate number (1 – 4).

Some people do not like roller coasters because they

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

CARNIVAL
There are lots of things to do at a carnival. The first thing you do when you get to a carnival is buy tickets, which are also called script. You pay for everything at a carnival with script instead of money. You can use script to buy food like caramel popcorn or cotton candy. You can also use script to play games for prizes. When I go to a carnival, I spend all my script on the best part: the rides. There are many different rides at a carnival, but my favourite is the roller coaster. Roller coasters are thrilling. They go so fast that you feel as if you are flying. All roller coasters are a little bit different, so you never know what to expect on a new one. Some roller coasters have loops that make you go upside down. Some roller coasters have one huge hill. On all roller coasters, at some point you will probably feel like your stomach is dropping out of your body. Although I love roller coasters, not everyone likes them. Some people think they are too scary. Some people feel sick because of the speed and the curves. These people would probably like other rides better, like the tea cups or the Ferris wheel. Some people even go to a carnival and do not go on any rides. They spend all their script on food or games. It seems strange to me, but they say they still have a good time.

Directions: Which of the given options best represents the information in the reading passage? Choose the appropriate number (1 – 4).

What is the first thing to do, according to the author, when you reach a carnival?

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

CARNIVAL
There are lots of things to do at a carnival. The first thing you do when you get to a carnival is buy tickets, which are also called script. You pay for everything at a carnival with script instead of money. You can use script to buy food like caramel popcorn or cotton candy. You can also use script to play games for prizes. When I go to a carnival, I spend all my script on the best part: the rides. There are many different rides at a carnival, but my favourite is the roller coaster. Roller coasters are thrilling. They go so fast that you feel as if you are flying. All roller coasters are a little bit different, so you never know what to expect on a new one. Some roller coasters have loops that make you go upside down. Some roller coasters have one huge hill. On all roller coasters, at some point you will probably feel like your stomach is dropping out of your body. Although I love roller coasters, not everyone likes them. Some people think they are too scary. Some people feel sick because of the speed and the curves. These people would probably like other rides better, like the tea cups or the Ferris wheel. Some people even go to a carnival and do not go on any rides. They spend all their script on food or games. It seems strange to me, but they say they still have a good time.

Directions: Which of the given options best represents the information in the reading passage? Choose the appropriate number (1 – 4).

In a carnival, one can enjoy

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

CARNIVAL
There are lots of things to do at a carnival. The first thing you do when you get to a carnival is buy tickets, which are also called script. You pay for everything at a carnival with script instead of money. You can use script to buy food like caramel popcorn or cotton candy. You can also use script to play games for prizes. When I go to a carnival, I spend all my script on the best part: the rides. There are many different rides at a carnival, but my favourite is the roller coaster. Roller coasters are thrilling. They go so fast that you feel as if you are flying. All roller coasters are a little bit different, so you never know what to expect on a new one. Some roller coasters have loops that make you go upside down. Some roller coasters have one huge hill. On all roller coasters, at some point you will probably feel like your stomach is dropping out of your body. Although I love roller coasters, not everyone likes them. Some people think they are too scary. Some people feel sick because of the speed and the curves. These people would probably like other rides better, like the tea cups or the Ferris wheel. Some people even go to a carnival and do not go on any rides. They spend all their script on food or games. It seems strange to me, but they say they still have a good time.

Directions: Which of the given options best represents the information in the reading passage? Choose the appropriate number (1 – 4).

Which discovery helped Einstein to win the Nobel Prize?

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

ALBERT EINSTEIN
Albert Einstein is perhaps one of the most celebrated scientists in history, especially for the 20th century. His work in physics led to an era of new discoveries and knowledge of our universe. He is however, not just known for his famous equation e= mc2, but he is also known for his contributions to other fields in science. Without Einstein, we would not have computers, be able to travel into space or have a deeper understanding of our own biology, of outer space, time and the universe.
His first major discovery was made while he was pursuing his doctorate. This discovery was the formula that could accurately describe Brownian motion which is the movement of particles in a fluid, such as liquid or gas. The idea that the motion of particles can be explained by their interaction on the molecular level has been around since ancient times. Einstein however was the first to develop an accurate mathematical model for this movement. What is fascinating is that at one point it was considered to be incorrect. Einstein, through further experimentation, proved it otherwise.
His next discovery was even more amazing and helped to build the foundation of quantum physics. This was the discovery of the quantum nature of the photoelectric effect. This phenomenon had been observed by other scientists for some time. The effect comes about when light strikes certain types of photosensitive materials. In response, these materials emit electrons. According to classical theory, it was thought that light was a wave of pure energy. If this was so, then the intensity of the light would increase the energy of the electrons being emitted. What actually happens is that increased intensity of light only increases the amount of electrons being released, but does not increase their energy. Something was not right with this model and Einstein offered an alternative. Einstein proposed that light was not just a wave of energy, but a series of particles with a specific energy. This was the proposal of light being comprised of photons and this led to his winning the Nobel Prize for science in 1921.

Directions: Which of the given options best represents the information in the reading passage? Choose the appropriate number (1 – 4).

Apart from Einstein's work in physics, he also contributed to the invention of _______

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

ALBERT EINSTEIN
Albert Einstein is perhaps one of the most celebrated scientists in history, especially for the 20th century. His work in physics led to an era of new discoveries and knowledge of our universe. He is however, not just known for his famous equation e= mc2, but he is also known for his contributions to other fields in science. Without Einstein, we would not have computers, be able to travel into space or have a deeper understanding of our own biology, of outer space, time and the universe.
His first major discovery was made while he was pursuing his doctorate. This discovery was the formula that could accurately describe Brownian motion which is the movement of particles in a fluid, such as liquid or gas. The idea that the motion of particles can be explained by their interaction on the molecular level has been around since ancient times. Einstein however was the first to develop an accurate mathematical model for this movement. What is fascinating is that at one point it was considered to be incorrect. Einstein, through further experimentation, proved it otherwise.
His next discovery was even more amazing and helped to build the foundation of quantum physics. This was the discovery of the quantum nature of the photoelectric effect. This phenomenon had been observed by other scientists for some time. The effect comes about when light strikes certain types of photosensitive materials. In response, these materials emit electrons. According to classical theory, it was thought that light was a wave of pure energy. If this was so, then the intensity of the light would increase the energy of the electrons being emitted. What actually happens is that increased intensity of light only increases the amount of electrons being released, but does not increase their energy. Something was not right with this model and Einstein offered an alternative. Einstein proposed that light was not just a wave of energy, but a series of particles with a specific energy. This was the proposal of light being comprised of photons and this led to his winning the Nobel Prize for science in 1921.

Directions: Which of the given options best represents the information in the reading passage? Choose the appropriate number (1 – 4).

Brownian motion involves

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

ALBERT EINSTEIN
Albert Einstein is perhaps one of the most celebrated scientists in history, especially for the 20th century. His work in physics led to an era of new discoveries and knowledge of our universe. He is however, not just known for his famous equation e= mc2, but he is also known for his contributions to other fields in science. Without Einstein, we would not have computers, be able to travel into space or have a deeper understanding of our own biology, of outer space, time and the universe.
His first major discovery was made while he was pursuing his doctorate. This discovery was the formula that could accurately describe Brownian motion which is the movement of particles in a fluid, such as liquid or gas. The idea that the motion of particles can be explained by their interaction on the molecular level has been around since ancient times. Einstein however was the first to develop an accurate mathematical model for this movement. What is fascinating is that at one point it was considered to be incorrect. Einstein, through further experimentation, proved it otherwise.
His next discovery was even more amazing and helped to build the foundation of quantum physics. This was the discovery of the quantum nature of the photoelectric effect. This phenomenon had been observed by other scientists for some time. The effect comes about when light strikes certain types of photosensitive materials. In response, these materials emit electrons. According to classical theory, it was thought that light was a wave of pure energy. If this was so, then the intensity of the light would increase the energy of the electrons being emitted. What actually happens is that increased intensity of light only increases the amount of electrons being released, but does not increase their energy. Something was not right with this model and Einstein offered an alternative. Einstein proposed that light was not just a wave of energy, but a series of particles with a specific energy. This was the proposal of light being comprised of photons and this led to his winning the Nobel Prize for science in 1921.

Directions: Which of the given options best represents the information in the reading passage? Choose the appropriate number (1 – 4).

Which of the following statement is false?

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

ALBERT EINSTEIN
Albert Einstein is perhaps one of the most celebrated scientists in history, especially for the 20th century. His work in physics led to an era of new discoveries and knowledge of our universe. He is however, not just known for his famous equation e= mc2, but he is also known for his contributions to other fields in science. Without Einstein, we would not have computers, be able to travel into space or have a deeper understanding of our own biology, of outer space, time and the universe.
His first major discovery was made while he was pursuing his doctorate. This discovery was the formula that could accurately describe Brownian motion which is the movement of particles in a fluid, such as liquid or gas. The idea that the motion of particles can be explained by their interaction on the molecular level has been around since ancient times. Einstein however was the first to develop an accurate mathematical model for this movement. What is fascinating is that at one point it was considered to be incorrect. Einstein, through further experimentation, proved it otherwise.
His next discovery was even more amazing and helped to build the foundation of quantum physics. This was the discovery of the quantum nature of the photoelectric effect. This phenomenon had been observed by other scientists for some time. The effect comes about when light strikes certain types of photosensitive materials. In response, these materials emit electrons. According to classical theory, it was thought that light was a wave of pure energy. If this was so, then the intensity of the light would increase the energy of the electrons being emitted. What actually happens is that increased intensity of light only increases the amount of electrons being released, but does not increase their energy. Something was not right with this model and Einstein offered an alternative. Einstein proposed that light was not just a wave of energy, but a series of particles with a specific energy. This was the proposal of light being comprised of photons and this led to his winning the Nobel Prize for science in 1921.

Directions: Which of the given options best represents the information in the reading passage? Choose the appropriate number (1 – 4).

Which discovery of Einstein led to the start of quantum physics?

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

ALBERT EINSTEIN
Albert Einstein is perhaps one of the most celebrated scientists in history, especially for the 20th century. His work in physics led to an era of new discoveries and knowledge of our universe. He is however, not just known for his famous equation e= mc2, but he is also known for his contributions to other fields in science. Without Einstein, we would not have computers, be able to travel into space or have a deeper understanding of our own biology, of outer space, time and the universe.
His first major discovery was made while he was pursuing his doctorate. This discovery was the formula that could accurately describe Brownian motion which is the movement of particles in a fluid, such as liquid or gas. The idea that the motion of particles can be explained by their interaction on the molecular level has been around since ancient times. Einstein however was the first to develop an accurate mathematical model for this movement. What is fascinating is that at one point it was considered to be incorrect. Einstein, through further experimentation, proved it otherwise.
His next discovery was even more amazing and helped to build the foundation of quantum physics. This was the discovery of the quantum nature of the photoelectric effect. This phenomenon had been observed by other scientists for some time. The effect comes about when light strikes certain types of photosensitive materials. In response, these materials emit electrons. According to classical theory, it was thought that light was a wave of pure energy. If this was so, then the intensity of the light would increase the energy of the electrons being emitted. What actually happens is that increased intensity of light only increases the amount of electrons being released, but does not increase their energy. Something was not right with this model and Einstein offered an alternative. Einstein proposed that light was not just a wave of energy, but a series of particles with a specific energy. This was the proposal of light being comprised of photons and this led to his winning the Nobel Prize for science in 1921.

The word in the passage that means ‘decaying meat of dead animal' is ______.

Directions: Read the passage and answer the given question.

The great white shark is at the top of the marine food chain. In the shark family, it is the king that will eat anything, even other sharks. But as it gets older, bigger and slower, it develops a preference for seals, penguins and carrion - especially dead whales.

In locating their food, most sharks use all their senses including excellent vision. Their sense of smell is incredible and their ears are aided by pressure-sensitive cells along each side of their body. Nothing escapes this eavesdropping system, which is attuned to vibrations in the water. Sharks also have a sixth sense which enables them to detect the weak electrical fields emanating from the beating heart or the muscles of a potential prey.

The white shark's most fearsome assets are its huge head, its black eyes, and its razor-sharp, serrated teeth. The circulatory system of the white shark is different from that of most other sharks. Its blood temperature is about three to five degrees Celsius above water temperature. This speeds up digestion and adds to its strength and endurance.

It is known that the white shark spits out its wounded prey after an initial, powerful bite. Then it waits for the victim to die before eating it. Why does it use this bite-and­ spit strategy? Experts speculate that this is because of its eye. Unlike other sharks, the white shark has no eyelid like membrane to protect its eyes. Rather, it rotates them in their­ sockets when a collision is imminent. At the moment of impact, the eye is exposed, perhaps to the flaying, claws of a seal. "Therefore for the white shark a quick mortal strike and release is common behaviour.”

The public image of sharks has been greatly coloured by the novel Jaws which was turned into a popular movie. Overnight the white shark became evil incarnate. However, it is not a demon craving human flesh. The smell of blood does not drive it into a feeding frenzy as it does certain other sharks. Nevertheless it is the dangerous animal that should be treated with caution and respect.

It is believed that ancestors of the Hunza people deserted the army of Alexander the Great because

Directions: Read the passage and answer the given question.

The earthly paradises of Bali and of the South Sea Islands, and the gentle, non-acquisitive civilization of Burma have been aptly described and romanticized. One can add to them the Nicobar Islands, where a small population lives happily on a very low cultural level. But perhaps the most remarkable and the least known of these earthly paradises is the small kingdom of Hunza in the Himalayas, which was recently visited and enthusiastically described by the journalist, Noel Barber (Daily Mail, 5, 6, 8 June 1962).

A fair-skinned population of 18,000,  live in a fertile and almost inaccessible valley not far from the Sinkiang border, 8,000 feet up. A legend has it that they are the descendants of three deserters from the army of Alexander the Great, who settled here with Persian wives - which make one inclined to believe that pacifism may be hereditary, because these people had no war in 2,000 years. They have no money, no crime, and no diseases, they rarely die before ninety. Their psychosomatic control is almost unbelievable, childbirth is painless and toothache, a joke. They keep their numbers stationary without contraceptives, and without abortion, but by sheer abstinence, though Noel Barber saw the new born son of a chuckling father aged eighty-nine. Their diet, which consists mostly of apricots and raw vegetables, may have something to do with their unshakeable serenity. It makes one gasp with surprise that human nature can be like this. One is reminded of Huxley's Island, but unlike the Palanese, the Hunza people have no art, only serenity.

How many arguments did the new student offer to counter the geography master's routine argument?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the given question.

Returning home after a decade-and-half abroad, our ge­ography master remained incurably addicted to foreign ways and ideas for years after landing here. He would forever stick to his theory of Africans suffering from a curse inflicted on them by the Almighty God for some heinous sins committed centuries ago. He would, in support of this theory ask listen­ers, “Why would our mosquito inflict deadly malaria on us whereas the British mosquito does not bite? Why aren't there poisonous snakes in Britain whereas here most snakes are deadly? Why should the deadly sickle cell disease be peculiar to the black race?”

Of course, he would hardly wait for answers to these and similar questions before jumping to the same inevitable con­clusion. However, he met his match one day when a new student joined the class and heard the litany we were used to. The new boy calmly said. "Sir, I happened to know a few white men who suffer from the sickle cell disease: some are Italians and some are Spanish. The mosquito is equally deadly in India, South East Asian countries and South America. The United States and some other South American countries have their deadly snakes. And, sir, I know many white folks; some of them British, who would prefer our brilliant sunshine to their horribly cold winter." And he sat down.

I had never, before that day, seen our master so con­sumed with anger. He directed a burning look at the poor boy who had no answer to this new battle. Without as much as saying a single word, the master stalked out of the classroom. Needless to say, our anger was turned on the new boy, who had decided to rock the boat without taking the time to sound the water. A delegation was sent to the master to apologise to him. He was appeased. But we all noticed something rather unusual thereafter; never again did he dwell on the issue of Africans being the accursed people.

The unshakable serenity of the Hunza people is possibly attributable to

Directions: Read the passage and answer the given question.

The earthly paradises of Bali and of the South Sea Islands, and the gentle, non-acquisitive civilization of Burma have been aptly described and romanticized. One can add to them the Nicobar Islands, where a small population lives happily on a very low cultural level. But perhaps the most remarkable and the least known of these earthly paradises is the small kingdom of Hunza in the Himalayas, which was recently visited and enthusiastically described by the journalist, Noel Barber (Daily Mail, 5, 6, 8 June 1962).

A fair-skinned population of 18,000,  live in a fertile and almost inaccessible valley not far from the Sinkiang border, 8,000 feet up. A legend has it that they are the descendants of three deserters from the army of Alexander the Great, who settled here with Persian wives - which make one inclined to believe that pacifism may be hereditary, because these people had no war in 2,000 years. They have no money, no crime, and no diseases, they rarely die before ninety. Their psychosomatic control is almost unbelievable, childbirth is painless and toothache, a joke. They keep their numbers stationary without contraceptives, and without abortion, but by sheer abstinence, though Noel Barber saw the new born son of a chuckling father aged eighty-nine. Their diet, which consists mostly of apricots and raw vegetables, may have something to do with their unshakeable serenity. It makes one gasp with surprise that human nature can be like this. One is reminded of Huxley's Island, but unlike the Palanese, the Hunza people have no art, only serenity.