Reading Comprehension

Which word in the passage means “caring and protecting?”

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.
     
Scientists believe that life on Earth began in the ocean, approximately 4 billion years ago. And in fact, it was only about 500 million years ago that life emerged from the ocean onto the land. That means that ocean life has existed for 8 times longer period. So, no matter how unimaginably long it was since the first creatures crawled out on land, to the age of the dinosaurs and to our time, all of that is but a small slice of a pie compared to the vast span of time in which the oceans have nurtured life. And even today, although living things now exist on nearly every part of the Earth's surface, in so many different forms, the ocean continues to be critically important to life on Earth.
To begin with, the ocean covers 70% of the Earth's surface and is still the home of the majority of Earth's living creatures. Secondly, the oceans are a vital part of the water cycle that brings rain to our crops and forests -- and drinking water to our cities. And the ocean also produces much of the oxygen upon which all human beings and animals depend. Many of our recent medical and scientific breakthroughs have been made possible in one way or another through ocean based research. Finally, the oceans provide fish and shellfish and other vital resources upon which humans depend, including jobs for millions of people.

What is the relation between existence of life in oceans and all other life forms?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.
     
Scientists believe that life on Earth began in the ocean, approximately 4 billion years ago. And in fact, it was only about 500 million years ago that life emerged from the ocean onto the land. That means that ocean life has existed for 8 times longer period. So, no matter how unimaginably long it was since the first creatures crawled out on land, to the age of the dinosaurs and to our time, all of that is but a small slice of a pie compared to the vast span of time in which the oceans have nurtured life. And even today, although living things now exist on nearly every part of the Earth's surface, in so many different forms, the ocean continues to be critically important to life on Earth.
To begin with, the ocean covers 70% of the Earth's surface and is still the home of the majority of Earth's living creatures. Secondly, the oceans are a vital part of the water cycle that brings rain to our crops and forests -- and drinking water to our cities. And the ocean also produces much of the oxygen upon which all human beings and animals depend. Many of our recent medical and scientific breakthroughs have been made possible in one way or another through ocean based research. Finally, the oceans provide fish and shellfish and other vital resources upon which humans depend, including jobs for millions of people.

Which of the following is/are the merit(s) of oceans?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.
     
Scientists believe that life on Earth began in the ocean, approximately 4 billion years ago. And in fact, it was only about 500 million years ago that life emerged from the ocean onto the land. That means that ocean life has existed for 8 times longer period. So, no matter how unimaginably long it was since the first creatures crawled out on land, to the age of the dinosaurs and to our time, all of that is but a small slice of a pie compared to the vast span of time in which the oceans have nurtured life. And even today, although living things now exist on nearly every part of the Earth's surface, in so many different forms, the ocean continues to be critically important to life on Earth.
To begin with, the ocean covers 70% of the Earth's surface and is still the home of the majority of Earth's living creatures. Secondly, the oceans are a vital part of the water cycle that brings rain to our crops and forests -- and drinking water to our cities. And the ocean also produces much of the oxygen upon which all human beings and animals depend. Many of our recent medical and scientific breakthroughs have been made possible in one way or another through ocean based research. Finally, the oceans provide fish and shellfish and other vital resources upon which humans depend, including jobs for millions of people.

In what context is the phrase “small slice of the pie” used?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.
     
Scientists believe that life on Earth began in the ocean, approximately 4 billion years ago. And in fact, it was only about 500 million years ago that life emerged from the ocean onto the land. That means that ocean life has existed for 8 times longer period. So, no matter how unimaginably long it was since the first creatures crawled out on land, to the age of the dinosaurs and to our time, all of that is but a small slice of a pie compared to the vast span of time in which the oceans have nurtured life. And even today, although living things now exist on nearly every part of the Earth's surface, in so many different forms, the ocean continues to be critically important to life on Earth.
To begin with, the ocean covers 70% of the Earth's surface and is still the home of the majority of Earth's living creatures. Secondly, the oceans are a vital part of the water cycle that brings rain to our crops and forests -- and drinking water to our cities. And the ocean also produces much of the oxygen upon which all human beings and animals depend. Many of our recent medical and scientific breakthroughs have been made possible in one way or another through ocean based research. Finally, the oceans provide fish and shellfish and other vital resources upon which humans depend, including jobs for millions of people.

What is the belief of scientists about the life in oceans?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.
     
Scientists believe that life on Earth began in the ocean, approximately 4 billion years ago. And in fact, it was only about 500 million years ago that life emerged from the ocean onto the land. That means that ocean life has existed for 8 times longer period. So, no matter how unimaginably long it was since the first creatures crawled out on land, to the age of the dinosaurs and to our time, all of that is but a small slice of a pie compared to the vast span of time in which the oceans have nurtured life. And even today, although living things now exist on nearly every part of the Earth's surface, in so many different forms, the ocean continues to be critically important to life on Earth.
To begin with, the ocean covers 70% of the Earth's surface and is still the home of the majority of Earth's living creatures. Secondly, the oceans are a vital part of the water cycle that brings rain to our crops and forests -- and drinking water to our cities. And the ocean also produces much of the oxygen upon which all human beings and animals depend. Many of our recent medical and scientific breakthroughs have been made possible in one way or another through ocean based research. Finally, the oceans provide fish and shellfish and other vital resources upon which humans depend, including jobs for millions of people.

________ is/are the main source that brings water to crops.

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.
     
Scientists believe that life on Earth began in the ocean, approximately 4 billion years ago. And in fact, it was only about 500 million years ago that life emerged from the ocean onto the land. That means that ocean life has existed for 8 times longer period. So, no matter how unimaginably long it was since the first creatures crawled out on land, to the age of the dinosaurs and to our time, all of that is but a small slice of a pie compared to the vast span of time in which the oceans have nurtured life. And even today, although living things now exist on nearly every part of the Earth's surface, in so many different forms, the ocean continues to be critically important to life on Earth.
To begin with, the ocean covers 70% of the Earth's surface and is still the home of the majority of Earth's living creatures. Secondly, the oceans are a vital part of the water cycle that brings rain to our crops and forests -- and drinking water to our cities. And the ocean also produces much of the oxygen upon which all human beings and animals depend. Many of our recent medical and scientific breakthroughs have been made possible in one way or another through ocean based research. Finally, the oceans provide fish and shellfish and other vital resources upon which humans depend, including jobs for millions of people.

According to Chankaya, ___________ is superior to beauty.

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the following question.

One day, Emperor Chandargupt said to his proficient Prime Minister Chankaya, "O that you had also been beautiful!” Chankaya answered, "Beauty is a mirage. A man is recongnised by his qualities and wisdom and not by his beauty". The Emperor asked, “Is there any example where beauty eclipses qualities?” “There are many such examples," said Chankaya, "First of all, you should lighten your mind by drinking water." Then, he advanced two glasses of water one by one towards the Emperor. The Emperor drank both the glasses of water. "Maharaja! The first glass of water was from the golden pitcher and the second glass of water was from the earthen pot. Which water did you feel was sweet and tasty?" The Emperor said, “The water from the earthen pot was cool and tasty and it gave satisfaction." The Empress present there, said smilingly, "Maharaja! The Prime Minister has answered your question by his deep Knowledge. Of what use is the golden pitcher, the water of which is distasteful? On the other hand, black earthen pot though looks ugly, has a commonwealth of qualities. Its cool water provides satisfaction. Now tell. Which one is better, beauty or quality?"

Emperor liked the water taken out from the

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the following question.

One day, Emperor Chandargupt said to his proficient Prime Minister Chankaya, "O that you had also been beautiful!” Chankaya answered, "Beauty is a mirage. A man is recongnised by his qualities and wisdom and not by his beauty". The Emperor asked, “Is there any example where beauty eclipses qualities?” “There are many such examples," said Chankaya, "First of all, you should lighten your mind by drinking water." Then, he advanced two glasses of water one by one towards the Emperor. The Emperor drank both the glasses of water. "Maharaja! The first glass of water was from the golden pitcher and the second glass of water was from the earthen pot. Which water did you feel was sweet and tasty?" The Emperor said, “The water from the earthen pot was cool and tasty and it gave satisfaction." The Empress present there, said smilingly, "Maharaja! The Prime Minister has answered your question by his deep Knowledge. Of what use is the golden pitcher, the water of which is distasteful? On the other hand, black earthen pot though looks ugly, has a commonwealth of qualities. Its cool water provides satisfaction. Now tell. Which one is better, beauty or quality?"

Chankaya gave the Emperor two glasses of water. From where was the water taken?

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the following question.

One day, Emperor Chandargupt said to his proficient Prime Minister Chankaya, "O that you had also been beautiful!” Chankaya answered, "Beauty is a mirage. A man is recongnised by his qualities and wisdom and not by his beauty". The Emperor asked, “Is there any example where beauty eclipses qualities?” “There are many such examples," said Chankaya, "First of all, you should lighten your mind by drinking water." Then, he advanced two glasses of water one by one towards the Emperor. The Emperor drank both the glasses of water. "Maharaja! The first glass of water was from the golden pitcher and the second glass of water was from the earthen pot. Which water did you feel was sweet and tasty?" The Emperor said, “The water from the earthen pot was cool and tasty and it gave satisfaction." The Empress present there, said smilingly, "Maharaja! The Prime Minister has answered your question by his deep Knowledge. Of what use is the golden pitcher, the water of which is distasteful? On the other hand, black earthen pot though looks ugly, has a commonwealth of qualities. Its cool water provides satisfaction. Now tell. Which one is better, beauty or quality?"

What did Chankaya say about beauty?

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the following question.

One day, Emperor Chandargupt said to his proficient Prime Minister Chankaya, "O that you had also been beautiful!” Chankaya answered, "Beauty is a mirage. A man is recongnised by his qualities and wisdom and not by his beauty". The Emperor asked, “Is there any example where beauty eclipses qualities?” “There are many such examples," said Chankaya, "First of all, you should lighten your mind by drinking water." Then, he advanced two glasses of water one by one towards the Emperor. The Emperor drank both the glasses of water. "Maharaja! The first glass of water was from the golden pitcher and the second glass of water was from the earthen pot. Which water did you feel was sweet and tasty?" The Emperor said, “The water from the earthen pot was cool and tasty and it gave satisfaction." The Empress present there, said smilingly, "Maharaja! The Prime Minister has answered your question by his deep Knowledge. Of what use is the golden pitcher, the water of which is distasteful? On the other hand, black earthen pot though looks ugly, has a commonwealth of qualities. Its cool water provides satisfaction. Now tell. Which one is better, beauty or quality?"

What did Chankaya say to the Emperor when the Emperor asked him to give an example to prove that qualities excel beauty?

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the following question.

One day, Emperor Chandargupt said to his proficient Prime Minister Chankaya, "O that you had also been beautiful!” Chankaya answered, "Beauty is a mirage. A man is recongnised by his qualities and wisdom and not by his beauty". The Emperor asked, “Is there any example where beauty eclipses qualities?” “There are many such examples," said Chankaya, "First of all, you should lighten your mind by drinking water." Then, he advanced two glasses of water one by one towards the Emperor. The Emperor drank both the glasses of water. "Maharaja! The first glass of water was from the golden pitcher and the second glass of water was from the earthen pot. Which water did you feel was sweet and tasty?" The Emperor said, “The water from the earthen pot was cool and tasty and it gave satisfaction." The Empress present there, said smilingly, "Maharaja! The Prime Minister has answered your question by his deep Knowledge. Of what use is the golden pitcher, the water of which is distasteful? On the other hand, black earthen pot though looks ugly, has a commonwealth of qualities. Its cool water provides satisfaction. Now tell. Which one is better, beauty or quality?"

Which of the following cannot be inferred from the above passage?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

In the past, it was assumed that intellectual performance and physical fitness were two entirely different things. Some people were said to be all brawn and no brain. Others were all brain and no brawn. Now, research is beginning to show that there is no separating mind and body. Brain is a part of human body and physical health has a profound effect on mental health and vice-versa.

Over the last few decades, great strides have been made in the realm of physical health and nowadays people in the developed world are undoubtedly living longer than ever before. A century ago, a baby girl in Australia could expect to live no more than 58 years on an average. Now, she can expect to live upto 83 on an average, a massive shift of 25 years. And the fact that the average has shifted this much means that a great many Australian women are living beyond the age of 83.
It’s nothing new for the people to live well beyond 83, of course. History is full of famous examples of centenarians. What’s changed is that a century ago, an 83-year lifespan was a rarity. Now, it is the norm. A similar thing has been happening in the fitness levels of older people. A century ago, it was rare for old people to be fit and healthy. Now it is a norm.
What’s more, some of these over-60s are so fit that there is now a Veterans’ Olympics in which veterans compete to a very high standard. Any slight drop in their physical performance is often more than matched by the benefits of a lifetime’s experience. Sixty-four-year-old UK squash player Mike Thurgur is one such inspiring example. In a recent charity event, he was on court for 15 hours non-stop, taking on all comers, including many national-level players one third his age and beat them all. Equally impressive is the astronaut John Glenn. He coped with the rigours of space travel at the age of 77.
The average age of the people around the world is going up and up. Already, 1 in 10 is over 60. The United Nations estimate that by 2050, it will be 1 in 5. As this ‘greying’ of humanity gathers pace, more and more of us will be over 80, and many will even be over 100.
This is a phenomenal achievement. Barely a century ago, very few people ever had the chance to reach their 80s and beyond. All too many were cut down in their prime by disease and hardship. In 1900, 99 in every 100 people would die before they even reached 60. Only 1 in 100 would live long enough to collect a pension. The rare privilege of living out anywhere near the full human lifespan was reserved for a tiny elite. Now, thanks to better diet, steady improvement in public health and the benefits of modern medicine, most of us can expect to live until our 90s and beyond. In the West, life expectancy is going up year after year. Every American baby born in the year 2004 can expect to live up to the age of 77.9 years on an average. White girls can expect to live up to nearly 81.

According to the writer, which of the following is the norm now?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

In the past, it was assumed that intellectual performance and physical fitness were two entirely different things. Some people were said to be all brawn and no brain. Others were all brain and no brawn. Now, research is beginning to show that there is no separating mind and body. Brain is a part of human body and physical health has a profound effect on mental health and vice-versa.

Over the last few decades, great strides have been made in the realm of physical health and nowadays people in the developed world are undoubtedly living longer than ever before. A century ago, a baby girl in Australia could expect to live no more than 58 years on an average. Now, she can expect to live upto 83 on an average, a massive shift of 25 years. And the fact that the average has shifted this much means that a great many Australian women are living beyond the age of 83.
It’s nothing new for the people to live well beyond 83, of course. History is full of famous examples of centenarians. What’s changed is that a century ago, an 83-year lifespan was a rarity. Now, it is the norm. A similar thing has been happening in the fitness levels of older people. A century ago, it was rare for old people to be fit and healthy. Now it is a norm.
What’s more, some of these over-60s are so fit that there is now a Veterans’ Olympics in which veterans compete to a very high standard. Any slight drop in their physical performance is often more than matched by the benefits of a lifetime’s experience. Sixty-four-year-old UK squash player Mike Thurgur is one such inspiring example. In a recent charity event, he was on court for 15 hours non-stop, taking on all comers, including many national-level players one third his age and beat them all. Equally impressive is the astronaut John Glenn. He coped with the rigours of space travel at the age of 77.
The average age of the people around the world is going up and up. Already, 1 in 10 is over 60. The United Nations estimate that by 2050, it will be 1 in 5. As this ‘greying’ of humanity gathers pace, more and more of us will be over 80, and many will even be over 100.
This is a phenomenal achievement. Barely a century ago, very few people ever had the chance to reach their 80s and beyond. All too many were cut down in their prime by disease and hardship. In 1900, 99 in every 100 people would die before they even reached 60. Only 1 in 100 would live long enough to collect a pension. The rare privilege of living out anywhere near the full human lifespan was reserved for a tiny elite. Now, thanks to better diet, steady improvement in public health and the benefits of modern medicine, most of us can expect to live until our 90s and beyond. In the West, life expectancy is going up year after year. Every American baby born in the year 2004 can expect to live up to the age of 77.9 years on an average. White girls can expect to live up to nearly 81.

What was wrongly assumed in the past?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

In the past, it was assumed that intellectual performance and physical fitness were two entirely different things. Some people were said to be all brawn and no brain. Others were all brain and no brawn. Now, research is beginning to show that there is no separating mind and body. Brain is a part of human body and physical health has a profound effect on mental health and vice-versa.

Over the last few decades, great strides have been made in the realm of physical health and nowadays people in the developed world are undoubtedly living longer than ever before. A century ago, a baby girl in Australia could expect to live no more than 58 years on an average. Now, she can expect to live upto 83 on an average, a massive shift of 25 years. And the fact that the average has shifted this much means that a great many Australian women are living beyond the age of 83.
It’s nothing new for the people to live well beyond 83, of course. History is full of famous examples of centenarians. What’s changed is that a century ago, an 83-year lifespan was a rarity. Now, it is the norm. A similar thing has been happening in the fitness levels of older people. A century ago, it was rare for old people to be fit and healthy. Now it is a norm.
What’s more, some of these over-60s are so fit that there is now a Veterans’ Olympics in which veterans compete to a very high standard. Any slight drop in their physical performance is often more than matched by the benefits of a lifetime’s experience. Sixty-four-year-old UK squash player Mike Thurgur is one such inspiring example. In a recent charity event, he was on court for 15 hours non-stop, taking on all comers, including many national-level players one third his age and beat them all. Equally impressive is the astronaut John Glenn. He coped with the rigours of space travel at the age of 77.
The average age of the people around the world is going up and up. Already, 1 in 10 is over 60. The United Nations estimate that by 2050, it will be 1 in 5. As this ‘greying’ of humanity gathers pace, more and more of us will be over 80, and many will even be over 100.
This is a phenomenal achievement. Barely a century ago, very few people ever had the chance to reach their 80s and beyond. All too many were cut down in their prime by disease and hardship. In 1900, 99 in every 100 people would die before they even reached 60. Only 1 in 100 would live long enough to collect a pension. The rare privilege of living out anywhere near the full human lifespan was reserved for a tiny elite. Now, thanks to better diet, steady improvement in public health and the benefits of modern medicine, most of us can expect to live until our 90s and beyond. In the West, life expectancy is going up year after year. Every American baby born in the year 2004 can expect to live up to the age of 77.9 years on an average. White girls can expect to live up to nearly 81.

Why does the writer choose Mike Thurgur as an inspiring example?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

In the past, it was assumed that intellectual performance and physical fitness were two entirely different things. Some people were said to be all brawn and no brain. Others were all brain and no brawn. Now, research is beginning to show that there is no separating mind and body. Brain is a part of human body and physical health has a profound effect on mental health and vice-versa.

Over the last few decades, great strides have been made in the realm of physical health and nowadays people in the developed world are undoubtedly living longer than ever before. A century ago, a baby girl in Australia could expect to live no more than 58 years on an average. Now, she can expect to live upto 83 on an average, a massive shift of 25 years. And the fact that the average has shifted this much means that a great many Australian women are living beyond the age of 83.
It’s nothing new for the people to live well beyond 83, of course. History is full of famous examples of centenarians. What’s changed is that a century ago, an 83-year lifespan was a rarity. Now, it is the norm. A similar thing has been happening in the fitness levels of older people. A century ago, it was rare for old people to be fit and healthy. Now it is a norm.
What’s more, some of these over-60s are so fit that there is now a Veterans’ Olympics in which veterans compete to a very high standard. Any slight drop in their physical performance is often more than matched by the benefits of a lifetime’s experience. Sixty-four-year-old UK squash player Mike Thurgur is one such inspiring example. In a recent charity event, he was on court for 15 hours non-stop, taking on all comers, including many national-level players one third his age and beat them all. Equally impressive is the astronaut John Glenn. He coped with the rigours of space travel at the age of 77.
The average age of the people around the world is going up and up. Already, 1 in 10 is over 60. The United Nations estimate that by 2050, it will be 1 in 5. As this ‘greying’ of humanity gathers pace, more and more of us will be over 80, and many will even be over 100.
This is a phenomenal achievement. Barely a century ago, very few people ever had the chance to reach their 80s and beyond. All too many were cut down in their prime by disease and hardship. In 1900, 99 in every 100 people would die before they even reached 60. Only 1 in 100 would live long enough to collect a pension. The rare privilege of living out anywhere near the full human lifespan was reserved for a tiny elite. Now, thanks to better diet, steady improvement in public health and the benefits of modern medicine, most of us can expect to live until our 90s and beyond. In the West, life expectancy is going up year after year. Every American baby born in the year 2004 can expect to live up to the age of 77.9 years on an average. White girls can expect to live up to nearly 81.