Reading Comprehension

Which of the following is not an instance of being independent ‘only on paper’, even as the author concedes this is not unique to India?

a. Directors, the corporate houses have on the board, do not protect the long-term interests of shareholders and other stakeholders. b. Directors are not objective in their decisions and that affects corporate governance. c. Legal counsels are being appointed to the boards of the company they advise. d. Directors are very often chosen based on friendship and pliability.

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

Recently, we have seen many instances of fraud and misuse in the corporate world. Elsewhere, we see corporate governance reforms being enacted with a sense of urgency. It is time to act in India as well — we should not be waiting for problems to occur. We should avoid ‘governance by embarrassment’ and be proactive. What should be done in India? There is need to dwell on the steps that need to be taken, especially from the perspective of corporations and regulatory agencies.
The most important task, it would appear, is revitalising the institution of independent directors. The independent directors of a company should be faithful fiduciaries, protecting the long term interests of shareholders while ensuring fairness to employees, investors, customers, regulators, the government of the land and society. Unfortunately, very often, directors are chosen based on friendship and, sadly, pliability. Therefore, it is appropriate to define what we mean by ‘independent directors’. An independent director is one who will be objective in board decisions. Generally, this independence stems from stature, competence, integrity, character, upbringing, confidence in oneself, openness and, of course, from not having any material income (apart from the director’s fee) derived from the company while he/she is on the board. Today, unfortunately, in the majority of cases, independence is only true on paper. This is the case not just in India, but all over the world. In India, we have seen many instances of legal counsels being appointed to the boards of the company they advise. Such actions will not enhance the independence of the board. Rather, they will become ‘decorative and decorous baubles with no real purpose, as Professor Myles Mace calls it.   
The need of the hour is to strengthen the independence of the board. We have to put in place stringent standards for the independence of the directors. The board should adopt global standards for director -independence, and should disclose how each independent director meets these standards. It is desirable to have a comprehensive report showing the names of the company employees or fellow board members who are related to each director on the board. This report should accompany the annual report of all listed companies.
Another important step is to regularly assess the board members for performance. The assessment should focus on issues like competence, preparation, participation and contribution. Ideally, this evaluation should be performed by a third party. Underperforming directors should be allowed to leave at end of their term in a gentle manner, so that they do not lose face.

In the line 'they will become decorative and decorous baubles with no real purpose', 'they' does not refer to

1. boards with faithful fiduciaries
2. boards with independent directors
   
3. boards with legal counsels
   
4. members on the board

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

Recently, we have seen many instances of fraud and misuse in the corporate world. Elsewhere, we see corporate governance reforms being enacted with a sense of urgency. It is time to act in India as well — we should not be waiting for problems to occur. We should avoid ‘governance by embarrassment’ and be proactive. What should be done in India? There is need to dwell on the steps that need to be taken, especially from the perspective of corporations and regulatory agencies.
The most important task, it would appear, is revitalising the institution of independent directors. The independent directors of a company should be faithful fiduciaries, protecting the long term interests of shareholders while ensuring fairness to employees, investors, customers, regulators, the government of the land and society. Unfortunately, very often, directors are chosen based on friendship and, sadly, pliability. Therefore, it is appropriate to define what we mean by ‘independent directors’. An independent director is one who will be objective in board decisions. Generally, this independence stems from stature, competence, integrity, character, upbringing, confidence in oneself, openness and, of course, from not having any material income (apart from the director’s fee) derived from the company while he/she is on the board. Today, unfortunately, in the majority of cases, independence is only true on paper. This is the case not just in India, but all over the world. In India, we have seen many instances of legal counsels being appointed to the boards of the company they advise. Such actions will not enhance the independence of the board. Rather, they will become ‘decorative and decorous baubles with no real purpose, as Professor Myles Mace calls it.   
The need of the hour is to strengthen the independence of the board. We have to put in place stringent standards for the independence of the directors. The board should adopt global standards for director -independence, and should disclose how each independent director meets these standards. It is desirable to have a comprehensive report showing the names of the company employees or fellow board members who are related to each director on the board. This report should accompany the annual report of all listed companies.
Another important step is to regularly assess the board members for performance. The assessment should focus on issues like competence, preparation, participation and contribution. Ideally, this evaluation should be performed by a third party. Underperforming directors should be allowed to leave at end of their term in a gentle manner, so that they do not lose face.

Why did the Mound Builders migrate to the Central America?

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

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.

A specific example of earthwork featuring animals is found in

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

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.

Mounds are normally used for

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

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.

In the passage, the phrase 'ducts carrying water' can be replaced by

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

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.

A lot of monuments in Ohio were constructed by Mexicans.

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

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.

What is the area covered by the mound opposite to St. Louis?

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

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.

Which of the following remains prove the settlement of Indians in The United States?

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

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.

The United States has various kinds of ruins and remains.

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

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.

According to the passage, remains of which of the following have not been discovered in Peru ?

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

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.

Which of the following was not the occupation of Mound Builders?

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

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.

Why was the writer afraid?

Directions: Given below is a brief passage followed by a question. Read the passage carefully and choose the best alternative out of the four given alternatives.

I was in a mysterious place. The place was like frozen in time. Everything was black and white. I was running on a dirty road with lots of stones and holes. I had long brown hair and extremely pale skin. I was afraid, afraid of whatever that was chasing me. For a moment I looked back to see what my pursuer was doing but there was no one. Then I came face to face with a door which was not there earlier. It was ajar. I entered the room which was very dark. I could not see anything. I stumbled forward to find myself falling down the step of stairs. I quickly stood up as I reached the bottom of the stairs. I could feel pain from falling earlier. Blood was slowly trickling down my arm where a small cut had formed. I felt dizzy for a second and then the next moment it looked like I was being strangled. I struggled for breath fighting my invisible enemy. I moved forward in the room which seemed to be a basement. Then as suddenly as it had come, the feeling of being choked disappeared.

Which of the following incidents happened with the author in the dark room?

Directions: Given below is a brief passage followed by a question. Read the passage carefully and choose the best alternative out of the four given alternatives.

I was in a mysterious place. The place was like frozen in time. Everything was black and white. I was running on a dirty road with lots of stones and holes. I had long brown hair and extremely pale skin. I was afraid, afraid of whatever that was chasing me. For a moment I looked back to see what my pursuer was doing but there was no one. Then I came face to face with a door which was not there earlier. It was ajar. I entered the room which was very dark. I could not see anything. I stumbled forward to find myself falling down the step of stairs. I quickly stood up as I reached the bottom of the stairs. I could feel pain from falling earlier. Blood was slowly trickling down my arm where a small cut had formed. I felt dizzy for a second and then the next moment it looked like I was being strangled. I struggled for breath fighting my invisible enemy. I moved forward in the room which seemed to be a basement. Then as suddenly as it had come, the feeling of being choked disappeared.

Why did the author use the phrase "invisible enemy"?

Directions: Given below is a brief passage followed by a question. Read the passage carefully and choose the best alternative out of the four given alternatives.

I was in a mysterious place. The place was like frozen in time. Everything was black and white. I was running on a dirty road with lots of stones and holes. I had long brown hair and extremely pale skin. I was afraid, afraid of whatever that was chasing me. For a moment I looked back to see what my pursuer was doing but there was no one. Then I came face to face with a door which was not there earlier. It was ajar. I entered the room which was very dark. I could not see anything. I stumbled forward to find myself falling down the step of stairs. I quickly stood up as I reached the bottom of the stairs. I could feel pain from falling earlier. Blood was slowly trickling down my arm where a small cut had formed. I felt dizzy for a second and then the next moment it looked like I was being strangled. I struggled for breath fighting my invisible enemy. I moved forward in the room which seemed to be a basement. Then as suddenly as it had come, the feeling of being choked disappeared.