English Language

Reading Comprehension

7,656 Questions
All Explicit Fact Retrieval 2427 Inference and Logical Deduction 1147 Contextual Vocabulary Meaning 845 Main Idea and Title Selection 781 Cause and Effect Extraction 699 Synonym and Antonym Identification 692 Sentence Structure and Discourse Function 336 Author Tone and Perspective 194 Interpretation of Figurative Language 190 Passage Style and Organization 173 Pronoun Referent Identification 49

Reading Comprehension Questions

Multiple choice

Which words mean unable to pay?

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

It was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that greater access to financial services will be made available to India’s poor. This is expected to affect nearly 500 million Indians who do not have access to a bank account as well as those who are at the mercy of money lenders who charge extortionary amounts of interest.
While India has grown to become the third largest economy in Asia, there are still thousands of farmers who are poor that commit suicide every year because they cannot repay loans provided to them by loan sharks.
According to Modi, small farmers takes a loan from a money lender that he cannot return and ends up taking his life as a result. Furthermore, Modi says, “For his daughter’s marriage, a poor man takes a loan from a money lender that he cannot return.”
This initiative by Modi was announced during the landmark annual Prime Minister’s address that is delivered amongst the ramparts of the Red Fort, located in Old Delhi and built during the 17th century. This annual address is held each year on Indian Independence Day. During this address, Modi offered several other initiatives, but he emphasized his desire for more Indian participation in the financial sector.
His other big announcement was the doing away of the Soviet-style State Planning Commission. This is part of his focus on overhauling the system of government. He stated when he took office in May that the system of government was peppered with competing “fiefdoms”.

  1. take a loan

  2. charge extortionary amounts

  3. do not have access to a bank

  4. cannot repay
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect – To take a loan does not mean unable to pay, but cannot repay does mean this.
    2. Incorrect – To charge extortionary amounts does not mean unable to pay, but cannot repay does mean this.
    3. Incorrect – Not having access to a bank account does not mean unable to pay, but cannot repay does mean this.
    1. Correct – Cannot repay means unable to pay.
Multiple choice

When the writer says, “money lenders who charge extortionary amounts of interest”, the writer means that

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

It was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that greater access to financial services will be made available to India’s poor. This is expected to affect nearly 500 million Indians who do not have access to a bank account as well as those who are at the mercy of money lenders who charge extortionary amounts of interest.
While India has grown to become the third largest economy in Asia, there are still thousands of farmers who are poor that commit suicide every year because they cannot repay loans provided to them by loan sharks.
According to Modi, small farmers takes a loan from a money lender that he cannot return and ends up taking his life as a result. Furthermore, Modi says, “For his daughter’s marriage, a poor man takes a loan from a money lender that he cannot return.”
This initiative by Modi was announced during the landmark annual Prime Minister’s address that is delivered amongst the ramparts of the Red Fort, located in Old Delhi and built during the 17th century. This annual address is held each year on Indian Independence Day. During this address, Modi offered several other initiatives, but he emphasized his desire for more Indian participation in the financial sector.
His other big announcement was the doing away of the Soviet-style State Planning Commission. This is part of his focus on overhauling the system of government. He stated when he took office in May that the system of government was peppered with competing “fiefdoms”.

  1. money lenders are charging a small amount of interest

  2. money lenders are charging a very high amount of interest

  3. money lenders are charging no interest at all

  4. money lenders are at the mercy of banks
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect – The writer means that money lenders are charging a very high amount of interest, not a small amount.
    2. Correct – The writer means that money lenders are charging a very high amount of interest.
    3. Incorrect – The writer means that money lenders are charging a very high amount of interest, not that they are not charging interest.
    1. Incorrect – The writer states that poor people are at the mercy of money lenders who charge very high amounts of interest, not that money lenders are at the mercy of banks.
Multiple choice

Why does the writer suggest that India needs an industrial revolution along with another green revolution?

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

Economic activity in India has one foot in the past and is poised to step forward into the future. Currently it seems that India prefers to grow crops and selling services rather than making and manufacturing goods. As it stands, manufacturing is about 15% of India’s output which is far below the norms of other Asian countries. India needs a big manufacturing base, especially because there is nothing else which will likely hire 250 million youngsters who are set to reach working age in the next 15 years. Mahatma Gandhi once complained that India was engaged in reckless industrialization, but this is exactly what India needs to compete with its neighbors. Along with another green revolution, an industrial revolution within India will be very beneficial for the country. The brain drain, in which educated Indians are leaving the country, is a symptom not only of an exploding population, but also of a very weak economy. The Indian government needs to provide a cure by promoting competition among companies and regulation in order to curtail corruption.

  1. It will bring reckless industrialization.

  2. It will be very beneficial for India.

  3. It will provide a cure for India’s weak economy.

  4. It will provide jobs for many youngsters.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect – The writer is suggesting this, but along with a green revolution. This, however is not the reason, which is that it will be very beneficial for India.
    2. Correct – This is the reason why the writer is suggesting this. It will be beneficial for India.
    3. Incorrect – This might be true, but this is not the reason. The reason is that it will be very beneficial for India.
    1. Incorrect – This might be true, but this is not the reason. The reason is that it will be very beneficial for India.
Multiple choice

Why did the writer say that economic activity in India has one foot in the past?

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

Economic activity in India has one foot in the past and is poised to step forward into the future. Currently it seems that India prefers to grow crops and selling services rather than making and manufacturing goods. As it stands, manufacturing is about 15% of India’s output which is far below the norms of other Asian countries. India needs a big manufacturing base, especially because there is nothing else which will likely hire 250 million youngsters who are set to reach working age in the next 15 years. Mahatma Gandhi once complained that India was engaged in reckless industrialization, but this is exactly what India needs to compete with its neighbors. Along with another green revolution, an industrial revolution within India will be very beneficial for the country. The brain drain, in which educated Indians are leaving the country, is a symptom not only of an exploding population, but also of a very weak economy. The Indian government needs to provide a cure by promoting competition among companies and regulation in order to curtail corruption.

  1. Because India prefers to grow crops and sell services.

  2. Because India would rather manufacture goods.

  3. Because India’s manufacturing is 15% of output.

  4. India’s output is far below the norms of other Asian countries.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Correct – This is the reason. India prefers to grow crops and sell services.
    2. Incorrect- The passage states that India prefers to grow crops and sell service, not that it would rather manufacture goods. Hence, this is incorrect.
    3. Incorrect – The passage states this, but this is not the reason. The reason is that India prefers to grow crops and sell services.
    1. Incorrect – This is true according to the passage, but this is not the reason. The reason is that India prefers to grow crops and sell services.
Multiple choice

People are leaving the country not just because of its huge population, but because

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

Economic activity in India has one foot in the past and is poised to step forward into the future. Currently it seems that India prefers to grow crops and selling services rather than making and manufacturing goods. As it stands, manufacturing is about 15% of India’s output which is far below the norms of other Asian countries. India needs a big manufacturing base, especially because there is nothing else which will likely hire 250 million youngsters who are set to reach working age in the next 15 years. Mahatma Gandhi once complained that India was engaged in reckless industrialization, but this is exactly what India needs to compete with its neighbors. Along with another green revolution, an industrial revolution within India will be very beneficial for the country. The brain drain, in which educated Indians are leaving the country, is a symptom not only of an exploding population, but also of a very weak economy. The Indian government needs to provide a cure by promoting competition among companies and regulation in order to curtail corruption.

  1. the population is exploding

  2. they are suffering from brain drain

  3. they cannot curtail corruption

  4. the country’s economy is weak
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect – This is said in the question nor is this a reason. The reason is because of the country’s weak economy.
    2. Incorrect – This is not the reason. The reason is because of the country’s weak economy.
    3. Incorrect – This is not the reason. The reason is because of the country’s weak economy.
    1. Correct – This is a reason why people are leaving India. It is because of the country’s weak economy.
Multiple choice

What does the writer mean by “the brain drain”?

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

Economic activity in India has one foot in the past and is poised to step forward into the future. Currently it seems that India prefers to grow crops and selling services rather than making and manufacturing goods. As it stands, manufacturing is about 15% of India’s output which is far below the norms of other Asian countries. India needs a big manufacturing base, especially because there is nothing else which will likely hire 250 million youngsters who are set to reach working age in the next 15 years. Mahatma Gandhi once complained that India was engaged in reckless industrialization, but this is exactly what India needs to compete with its neighbors. Along with another green revolution, an industrial revolution within India will be very beneficial for the country. The brain drain, in which educated Indians are leaving the country, is a symptom not only of an exploding population, but also of a very weak economy. The Indian government needs to provide a cure by promoting competition among companies and regulation in order to curtail corruption.

  1. Youngsters are leaving the country.

  2. Educated people are leaving India.

  3. Exploding population is making people leave India.

  4. The weak economy is making people leave India.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect - This is not what is meant by brain drain. What is meant is that educated people are leaving the country.
    2. Correct - This is what the writer means by “brain drain”, that educated people are leaving the country.
    3. Incorrect - This is not what is meant by brain drain. What is meant is that educated people are leaving the country.
    1. Incorrect - This is not what is meant by brain drain. What is meant is that educated people are leaving the country.

Multiple choice

The Indian government needs to

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

Economic activity in India has one foot in the past and is poised to step forward into the future. Currently it seems that India prefers to grow crops and selling services rather than making and manufacturing goods. As it stands, manufacturing is about 15% of India’s output which is far below the norms of other Asian countries. India needs a big manufacturing base, especially because there is nothing else which will likely hire 250 million youngsters who are set to reach working age in the next 15 years. Mahatma Gandhi once complained that India was engaged in reckless industrialization, but this is exactly what India needs to compete with its neighbors. Along with another green revolution, an industrial revolution within India will be very beneficial for the country. The brain drain, in which educated Indians are leaving the country, is a symptom not only of an exploding population, but also of a very weak economy. The Indian government needs to provide a cure by promoting competition among companies and regulation in order to curtail corruption.

  1. promote competition among companies

  2. promote regulation among companies

  3. curtail corruption among companies

  4. promote competition and regulation among companies
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect - This is true, but this is just part of what India needs. It also needs to promote regulation in order to curtail corruption.
    2. Incorrect - This is true, but this is just part of what India needs. It also needs to promote competition among companies.
    3. Incorrect - This is true, but this is just part of what India needs. It needs to promote competition and regulation among companies. The regulation will curtail corruption.
    1. Correct - This is what India needs. It needs to promote both competition and regulation among companies.

Multiple choice

What is the general idea around which passage 2 revolves?

Answer the question based on the following passages.

Passage 1

            Wood was initially the sole heat energy provider. Later coal
            energized the western industry and finally came fuels like
            petroleum and natural gas to ignite the industrial sector. The
            triggered demand of energy has been due to boom in
(5)        modern luxuries like kitchen gadgets, air conditioners, heat
            pumps and the futuristic electric cars. So, to execute
            uninterrupted supply of energy, many coal fired and nuclear
            power plants have been set up. Even electric generators work
            with turbines to give hydroelectricity. Today electricity stands
(10)      distinctively as the most predominant energy provider. The
            oiling of kerosene lamps, hearth fires and cool iceboxes all are
            outdated. Now townships are planned near waterfalls so that
            easy energy can be obtained.
            Benjamin Franklin introduced the subject ‘electricity’ and Thomas
(15)      Edison brightened human life by inventing the first electric bulb.
            The electric charge was produced by the positive charge of
            protons and negative charge of electrons, both present in an atom.
            Their attraction to each other helps produce electrical charge.
            So the universally known principle of the attraction of opposites
(20)      helped produce electricity.

Passage 2

            Study of magnets acquaints us with the energy field which
            surrounds it, within which we feel the force of these magnets.
            A bar magnet pulls a piece of iron placed 2 cm away. If the
            potency is stronger it can make the iron almost dance to its
(5)        tune. Hence, if the attraction occurs, we can derive that the
            iron piece falls within the magnetic field. This comprehension
            of an energy field was difficult to relate in the past but for
            scientists today the concept stands clear that magnetic poles
            apply a force within a limit called its field. Even the molecules
(10)      of a liquid and air can be magnetized. Electric charge and
            magnetic charge both exert their force in a field. This electric
            field has both magnitude and direction represented by lines
            force or field lines, which begin on positive charges and
            terminate on negative charge. If electric energy could be
(15)      exploited for human use, can’t magnetic energy be not
            similarly used?

  1. It introduces the concept of charging a piece of iron.

  2. It relates magnetism to electrical charge and hints at similar use of the former.

  3. It discusses the technological use of magnetic field.

  4. It dwells on the possibility of utilization of magnets for deriving energy.

  5. It introduces the idea of magnetized air.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

If electric energy could be exploited for human use, can't magnetic energy be not similarly used?

Multiple choice

What is the purpose of passage 1?

Answer the question based on the following passages.

Passage 1

            Wood was initially the sole heat energy provider. Later coal
            energized the western industry and finally came fuels like
            petroleum and natural gas to ignite the industrial sector. The
            triggered demand of energy has been due to boom in
(5)        modern luxuries like kitchen gadgets, air conditioners, heat
            pumps and the futuristic electric cars. So, to execute
            uninterrupted supply of energy, many coal fired and nuclear
            power plants have been set up. Even electric generators work
            with turbines to give hydroelectricity. Today electricity stands
(10)      distinctively as the most predominant energy provider. The
            oiling of kerosene lamps, hearth fires and cool iceboxes all are
            outdated. Now townships are planned near waterfalls so that
            easy energy can be obtained.
            Benjamin Franklin introduced the subject ‘electricity’ and Thomas
(15)      Edison brightened human life by inventing the first electric bulb.
            The electric charge was produced by the positive charge of
            protons and negative charge of electrons, both present in an atom.
            Their attraction to each other helps produce electrical charge.
            So the universally known principle of the attraction of opposites
(20)      helped produce electricity.

Passage 2

            Study of magnets acquaints us with the energy field which
            surrounds it, within which we feel the force of these magnets.
            A bar magnet pulls a piece of iron placed 2 cm away. If the
            potency is stronger it can make the iron almost dance to its
(5)        tune. Hence, if the attraction occurs, we can derive that the
            iron piece falls within the magnetic field. This comprehension
            of an energy field was difficult to relate in the past but for
            scientists today the concept stands clear that magnetic poles
            apply a force within a limit called its field. Even the molecules
(10)      of a liquid and air can be magnetized. Electric charge and
            magnetic charge both exert their force in a field. This electric
            field has both magnitude and direction represented by lines
            force or field lines, which begin on positive charges and
            terminate on negative charge. If electric energy could be
(15)      exploited for human use, can’t magnetic energy be not
            similarly used?

  1. To elucidate the importance of electricity and the sources that help in power generation.

  2. To explain how hydroelectricity generation facilitates life.

  3. To elaborate the production of electrical charge.

  4. To ponder on the need for energy sources and various means to meet the need.

  5. To compare the medieval life with wood as chief energy source to the modern life well-illuminated by electricity.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

(1) correctly sums up the passage's purpose.

Multiple choice

What is the common attribute in both the passages?

Answer the question based on the following passages.

Passage 1

            Wood was initially the sole heat energy provider. Later coal
            energized the western industry and finally came fuels like
            petroleum and natural gas to ignite the industrial sector. The
            triggered demand of energy has been due to boom in
(5)        modern luxuries like kitchen gadgets, air conditioners, heat
            pumps and the futuristic electric cars. So, to execute
            uninterrupted supply of energy, many coal fired and nuclear
            power plants have been set up. Even electric generators work
            with turbines to give hydroelectricity. Today electricity stands
(10)      distinctively as the most predominant energy provider. The
            oiling of kerosene lamps, hearth fires and cool iceboxes all are
            outdated. Now townships are planned near waterfalls so that
            easy energy can be obtained.
            Benjamin Franklin introduced the subject ‘electricity’ and Thomas
(15)      Edison brightened human life by inventing the first electric bulb.
            The electric charge was produced by the positive charge of
            protons and negative charge of electrons, both present in an atom.
            Their attraction to each other helps produce electrical charge.
            So the universally known principle of the attraction of opposites
(20)      helped produce electricity.

Passage 2

            Study of magnets acquaints us with the energy field which
            surrounds it, within which we feel the force of these magnets.
            A bar magnet pulls a piece of iron placed 2 cm away. If the
            potency is stronger it can make the iron almost dance to its
(5)        tune. Hence, if the attraction occurs, we can derive that the
            iron piece falls within the magnetic field. This comprehension
            of an energy field was difficult to relate in the past but for
            scientists today the concept stands clear that magnetic poles
            apply a force within a limit called its field. Even the molecules
(10)      of a liquid and air can be magnetized. Electric charge and
            magnetic charge both exert their force in a field. This electric
            field has both magnitude and direction represented by lines
            force or field lines, which begin on positive charges and
            terminate on negative charge. If electric energy could be
(15)      exploited for human use, can’t magnetic energy be not
            similarly used?

  1. Both indicate the latest developments in science.

  2. Both explore the evolution from electric energy to magnetic energy.

  3. Both forms of charge operate within a limited field.

  4. Both occur in nature and can be utilized naturally.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Passage 2, lines 10-11: “Electric charge and magnetic charge both exert their force in a field”.

Multiple choice

What escape do the critics suggest from 'Absurdity'?

Answer the questions based on the following passages.

Passage 1                               

            Absurdity is a conjoining theme to existentialism. It is a
            concept which rises with a contrast between two aspects
            of human need and the fallacious quietness of the world.
            It’s true that mankind survives in a world that is and will
(5)        always be inimical and detached towards its requirements.
            The universe will never cater to humanity as the latter wants
            to. The non believers believe that people create legends or
            unrealistic pictures of God to fill this hollowness in an
            endeavor to satisfy their faith.
(10)      Basically absurdism is not an existentialist outlook. Its
            potent idea surfaces around the assumption that everything
            must have an intention which could give a reason to survive.
            But if every achieved height has a higher aim ahead, what
            is the purpose of the one that has been achieved? If all
(15)      mankind is a creation of the Almighty then who created HIM?
            So, all belief in God remains questionable, and his identity
            as absurd. Canaus suggested suicide the best reaction to
            absurdity though it was not very effective and potent in result.
            Critics support an altogether different philosophy. They
(20)      believe that instead of ending a purposeless life one
            should learn the art of coping with or retaliating against
            this lack of purpose and this should act as a motivation to
            mankind to live a life full of free will. Some consider this
            philosophy to be haughty because if the purpose of life
(25)      cannot be seen distinctly it does not mean that its existence
            is challenged.
            The absurdist drama’s role was not to dispirit the audience
            with adverse feelings but to give them a translucent picture
            of actuality so that they could comprehend their own
(30)      purpose in life. This theatre came after the Second World
            War. Its roots were embedded in existentialism. This form
            catered to the rationally inexplicable that is often called
            Absurd. This style caught the audience fascination a little
            too late because of its illogical approach. The plots often
(35)      diverged from the conventional structure and seemed to
            compass the same events, probably ending at the same
            argument it began with. The colloquy was nit witted and
            the scenic background was unacknowledgable.

Passage 2

            The existentialists showed undoubted love for life. They
            were cynically optimistic because of their inclination to their
            material pursuits. They had a centralized disposition,
            freedom of will and an attitude of self adjudgement, in
(5)        themselves. Sartre, Camus and Beckett all began from this
            philosophy but Beckett later took up as an absurdist. He
            called this world a mound of meaninglessness giving way
            to pessimism.
            But the question arises that if life is so meaningless then
(10)      why are we striving, why are we not resting ironically in
            death. If death is the ultimate motive, why is that we are
            undergoing so much stress. Sartre had no belief in deific
            element. He registered that no essences existed before
            mankind unlike the believers of God who think Almighty
(15)      primarily created the essences of the world and then
            created the human race. Hence existentialism believed
            ‘existence precedes essence’. Sartre being a rigid
            existentialist, believed the precedence of God’s presence
            to be a farce.
(20)      This is how existentialism gave way to Absurdity. If
            existentialists believe in the absence of God then there is
            no purpose or value left, which makes the world an
            unworthy, irrelevant, inanimate and vacant place called
            absurd. These ideas gained precedence when the society
(25)      was facing despondency of World War II. All belief in
            sanctity of life had been shattered.
            Existentialists agreed that all distress and devastations
            make life an ungratified experience. Slowly one loses the
            meaning of life. Hence existentialism helps one in his
(30)      journey and in scanning the real self and personal meaning
            of life. The existentialists did not want any power or beliefs
            overpower this motive because these could hamper
            individualism and suppress human desire. Existentialists
            believe that personal judgment predestined a person’s
(35)      fellowship either to an autocrat’s religion or to a secular
           free will.

 

  1. Suicide is the easiest way.

  2. Encounter negativities and reciprocate life.

  3. Learn to compromise

  4. Check all negativity in life

  5. Meditate for a serene mind.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

(Lines 20-21) Instead of ending a purposeless life, one should learn to cope with or retaliate.

Multiple choice

What, according to passage 1, does the term 'Absurdity' stand for?

Answer the questions based on the following passages.

Passage 1                               

            Absurdity is a conjoining theme to existentialism. It is a
            concept which rises with a contrast between two aspects
            of human need and the fallacious quietness of the world.
            It’s true that mankind survives in a world that is and will
(5)        always be inimical and detached towards its requirements.
            The universe will never cater to humanity as the latter wants
            to. The non believers believe that people create legends or
            unrealistic pictures of God to fill this hollowness in an
            endeavor to satisfy their faith.
(10)      Basically absurdism is not an existentialist outlook. Its
            potent idea surfaces around the assumption that everything
            must have an intention which could give a reason to survive.
            But if every achieved height has a higher aim ahead, what
            is the purpose of the one that has been achieved? If all
(15)      mankind is a creation of the Almighty then who created HIM?
            So, all belief in God remains questionable, and his identity
            as absurd. Canaus suggested suicide the best reaction to
            absurdity though it was not very effective and potent in result.
            Critics support an altogether different philosophy. They
(20)      believe that instead of ending a purposeless life one
            should learn the art of coping with or retaliating against
            this lack of purpose and this should act as a motivation to
            mankind to live a life full of free will. Some consider this
            philosophy to be haughty because if the purpose of life
(25)      cannot be seen distinctly it does not mean that its existence
            is challenged.
            The absurdist drama’s role was not to dispirit the audience
            with adverse feelings but to give them a translucent picture
            of actuality so that they could comprehend their own
(30)      purpose in life. This theatre came after the Second World
            War. Its roots were embedded in existentialism. This form
            catered to the rationally inexplicable that is often called
            Absurd. This style caught the audience fascination a little
            too late because of its illogical approach. The plots often
(35)      diverged from the conventional structure and seemed to
            compass the same events, probably ending at the same
            argument it began with. The colloquy was nit witted and
            the scenic background was unacknowledgable.

Passage 2

            The existentialists showed undoubted love for life. They
            were cynically optimistic because of their inclination to their
            material pursuits. They had a centralized disposition,
            freedom of will and an attitude of self adjudgement, in
(5)        themselves. Sartre, Camus and Beckett all began from this
            philosophy but Beckett later took up as an absurdist. He
            called this world a mound of meaninglessness giving way
            to pessimism.
            But the question arises that if life is so meaningless then
(10)      why are we striving, why are we not resting ironically in
            death. If death is the ultimate motive, why is that we are
            undergoing so much stress. Sartre had no belief in deific
            element. He registered that no essences existed before
            mankind unlike the believers of God who think Almighty
(15)      primarily created the essences of the world and then
            created the human race. Hence existentialism believed
            ‘existence precedes essence’. Sartre being a rigid
            existentialist, believed the precedence of God’s presence
            to be a farce.
(20)      This is how existentialism gave way to Absurdity. If
            existentialists believe in the absence of God then there is
            no purpose or value left, which makes the world an
            unworthy, irrelevant, inanimate and vacant place called
            absurd. These ideas gained precedence when the society
(25)      was facing despondency of World War II. All belief in
            sanctity of life had been shattered.
            Existentialists agreed that all distress and devastations
            make life an ungratified experience. Slowly one loses the
            meaning of life. Hence existentialism helps one in his
(30)      journey and in scanning the real self and personal meaning
            of life. The existentialists did not want any power or beliefs
            overpower this motive because these could hamper
            individualism and suppress human desire. Existentialists
            believe that personal judgment predestined a person’s
(35)      fellowship either to an autocrat’s religion or to a secular
           free will.

 

  1. Confusion of human mind on the absurdity of philosophical thought.

  2. Lack of animus and rationale makes one lose the perspective on survival.

  3. God's existence that is vague and open to endless interpretations.

  4. The void that exists between man and his unfulfilled desires.

  5. The negativities of human life that are compellingly festal.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Absurdity relates to the unexplained facts which cause anxiety and loss of interest in 'a purposeless life'.

Multiple choice

All of the following are true about existentialists EXCEPT

Answer the questions based on the following passages.

Passage 1                               

            Absurdity is a conjoining theme to existentialism. It is a
            concept which rises with a contrast between two aspects
            of human need and the fallacious quietness of the world.
            It’s true that mankind survives in a world that is and will
(5)        always be inimical and detached towards its requirements.
            The universe will never cater to humanity as the latter wants
            to. The non believers believe that people create legends or
            unrealistic pictures of God to fill this hollowness in an
            endeavor to satisfy their faith.
(10)      Basically absurdism is not an existentialist outlook. Its
            potent idea surfaces around the assumption that everything
            must have an intention which could give a reason to survive.
            But if every achieved height has a higher aim ahead, what
            is the purpose of the one that has been achieved? If all
(15)      mankind is a creation of the Almighty then who created HIM?
            So, all belief in God remains questionable, and his identity
            as absurd. Canaus suggested suicide the best reaction to
            absurdity though it was not very effective and potent in result.
            Critics support an altogether different philosophy. They
(20)      believe that instead of ending a purposeless life one
            should learn the art of coping with or retaliating against
            this lack of purpose and this should act as a motivation to
            mankind to live a life full of free will. Some consider this
            philosophy to be haughty because if the purpose of life
(25)      cannot be seen distinctly it does not mean that its existence
            is challenged.
            The absurdist drama’s role was not to dispirit the audience
            with adverse feelings but to give them a translucent picture
            of actuality so that they could comprehend their own
(30)      purpose in life. This theatre came after the Second World
            War. Its roots were embedded in existentialism. This form
            catered to the rationally inexplicable that is often called
            Absurd. This style caught the audience fascination a little
            too late because of its illogical approach. The plots often
(35)      diverged from the conventional structure and seemed to
            compass the same events, probably ending at the same
            argument it began with. The colloquy was nit witted and
            the scenic background was unacknowledgable.

Passage 2

            The existentialists showed undoubted love for life. They
            were cynically optimistic because of their inclination to their
            material pursuits. They had a centralized disposition,
            freedom of will and an attitude of self adjudgement, in
(5)        themselves. Sartre, Camus and Beckett all began from this
            philosophy but Beckett later took up as an absurdist. He
            called this world a mound of meaninglessness giving way
            to pessimism.
            But the question arises that if life is so meaningless then
(10)      why are we striving, why are we not resting ironically in
            death. If death is the ultimate motive, why is that we are
            undergoing so much stress. Sartre had no belief in deific
            element. He registered that no essences existed before
            mankind unlike the believers of God who think Almighty
(15)      primarily created the essences of the world and then
            created the human race. Hence existentialism believed
            ‘existence precedes essence’. Sartre being a rigid
            existentialist, believed the precedence of God’s presence
            to be a farce.
(20)      This is how existentialism gave way to Absurdity. If
            existentialists believe in the absence of God then there is
            no purpose or value left, which makes the world an
            unworthy, irrelevant, inanimate and vacant place called
            absurd. These ideas gained precedence when the society
(25)      was facing despondency of World War II. All belief in
            sanctity of life had been shattered.
            Existentialists agreed that all distress and devastations
            make life an ungratified experience. Slowly one loses the
            meaning of life. Hence existentialism helps one in his
(30)      journey and in scanning the real self and personal meaning
            of life. The existentialists did not want any power or beliefs
            overpower this motive because these could hamper
            individualism and suppress human desire. Existentialists
            believe that personal judgment predestined a person’s
(35)      fellowship either to an autocrat’s religion or to a secular
           free will.

 

  1. Existentialists did not believe in God and the world is an irrelevant place for them.

  2. Existentialist approach is the root of 'absurdism'.

  3. Initially, existentialists were disposed to love for life and cheerfulness.

  4. Existentialists believed not in personal judgment but in predestiny of a person's path in life.

  5. Existentialists and absurdists agreed on the irrelevance of life and ultimate destiny being death.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

(D) directly contradicts paragraph 1 of Passage 2.

Multiple choice

According to Passage 2, what does 'existence precedes essence' (line 17) mean?

Answer the questions based on the following passages.

Passage 1                               

            Absurdity is a conjoining theme to existentialism. It is a
            concept which rises with a contrast between two aspects
            of human need and the fallacious quietness of the world.
            It’s true that mankind survives in a world that is and will
(5)        always be inimical and detached towards its requirements.
            The universe will never cater to humanity as the latter wants
            to. The non believers believe that people create legends or
            unrealistic pictures of God to fill this hollowness in an
            endeavor to satisfy their faith.
(10)      Basically absurdism is not an existentialist outlook. Its
            potent idea surfaces around the assumption that everything
            must have an intention which could give a reason to survive.
            But if every achieved height has a higher aim ahead, what
            is the purpose of the one that has been achieved? If all
(15)      mankind is a creation of the Almighty then who created HIM?
            So, all belief in God remains questionable, and his identity
            as absurd. Canaus suggested suicide the best reaction to
            absurdity though it was not very effective and potent in result.
            Critics support an altogether different philosophy. They
(20)      believe that instead of ending a purposeless life one
            should learn the art of coping with or retaliating against
            this lack of purpose and this should act as a motivation to
            mankind to live a life full of free will. Some consider this
            philosophy to be haughty because if the purpose of life
(25)      cannot be seen distinctly it does not mean that its existence
            is challenged.
            The absurdist drama’s role was not to dispirit the audience
            with adverse feelings but to give them a translucent picture
            of actuality so that they could comprehend their own
(30)      purpose in life. This theatre came after the Second World
            War. Its roots were embedded in existentialism. This form
            catered to the rationally inexplicable that is often called
            Absurd. This style caught the audience fascination a little
            too late because of its illogical approach. The plots often
(35)      diverged from the conventional structure and seemed to
            compass the same events, probably ending at the same
            argument it began with. The colloquy was nit witted and
            the scenic background was unacknowledgable.

Passage 2

            The existentialists showed undoubted love for life. They
            were cynically optimistic because of their inclination to their
            material pursuits. They had a centralized disposition,
            freedom of will and an attitude of self adjudgement, in
(5)        themselves. Sartre, Camus and Beckett all began from this
            philosophy but Beckett later took up as an absurdist. He
            called this world a mound of meaninglessness giving way
            to pessimism.
            But the question arises that if life is so meaningless then
(10)      why are we striving, why are we not resting ironically in
            death. If death is the ultimate motive, why is that we are
            undergoing so much stress. Sartre had no belief in deific
            element. He registered that no essences existed before
            mankind unlike the believers of God who think Almighty
(15)      primarily created the essences of the world and then
            created the human race. Hence existentialism believed
            ‘existence precedes essence’. Sartre being a rigid
            existentialist, believed the precedence of God’s presence
            to be a farce.
(20)      This is how existentialism gave way to Absurdity. If
            existentialists believe in the absence of God then there is
            no purpose or value left, which makes the world an
            unworthy, irrelevant, inanimate and vacant place called
            absurd. These ideas gained precedence when the society
(25)      was facing despondency of World War II. All belief in
            sanctity of life had been shattered.
            Existentialists agreed that all distress and devastations
            make life an ungratified experience. Slowly one loses the
            meaning of life. Hence existentialism helps one in his
(30)      journey and in scanning the real self and personal meaning
            of life. The existentialists did not want any power or beliefs
            overpower this motive because these could hamper
            individualism and suppress human desire. Existentialists
            believe that personal judgment predestined a person’s
(35)      fellowship either to an autocrat’s religion or to a secular
           free will.

 

  1. God's existence is dispensable.

  2. Virtues were first created and then the human race.

  3. As there was no divinity, human existence anteceded virtue.

  4. All essence or virtue existed in the human society but a few were unversed.

  5. Existentialism gave way to the essence of absurdity.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Existentialism propagated that human race anteceded the essence of life 'No essences existed before mankind' (lines 13-14).

Multiple choice

What is the relationship between Passage 1 and Passage 2?

Answer the questions based on the following passages.

Passage 1                               

            Absurdity is a conjoining theme to existentialism. It is a
            concept which rises with a contrast between two aspects
            of human need and the fallacious quietness of the world.
            It’s true that mankind survives in a world that is and will
(5)        always be inimical and detached towards its requirements.
            The universe will never cater to humanity as the latter wants
            to. The non believers believe that people create legends or
            unrealistic pictures of God to fill this hollowness in an
            endeavor to satisfy their faith.
(10)      Basically absurdism is not an existentialist outlook. Its
            potent idea surfaces around the assumption that everything
            must have an intention which could give a reason to survive.
            But if every achieved height has a higher aim ahead, what
            is the purpose of the one that has been achieved? If all
(15)      mankind is a creation of the Almighty then who created HIM?
            So, all belief in God remains questionable, and his identity
            as absurd. Canaus suggested suicide the best reaction to
            absurdity though it was not very effective and potent in result.
            Critics support an altogether different philosophy. They
(20)      believe that instead of ending a purposeless life one
            should learn the art of coping with or retaliating against
            this lack of purpose and this should act as a motivation to
            mankind to live a life full of free will. Some consider this
            philosophy to be haughty because if the purpose of life
(25)      cannot be seen distinctly it does not mean that its existence
            is challenged.
            The absurdist drama’s role was not to dispirit the audience
            with adverse feelings but to give them a translucent picture
            of actuality so that they could comprehend their own
(30)      purpose in life. This theatre came after the Second World
            War. Its roots were embedded in existentialism. This form
            catered to the rationally inexplicable that is often called
            Absurd. This style caught the audience fascination a little
            too late because of its illogical approach. The plots often
(35)      diverged from the conventional structure and seemed to
            compass the same events, probably ending at the same
            argument it began with. The colloquy was nit witted and
            the scenic background was unacknowledgable.

Passage 2

            The existentialists showed undoubted love for life. They
            were cynically optimistic because of their inclination to their
            material pursuits. They had a centralized disposition,
            freedom of will and an attitude of self adjudgement, in
(5)        themselves. Sartre, Camus and Beckett all began from this
            philosophy but Beckett later took up as an absurdist. He
            called this world a mound of meaninglessness giving way
            to pessimism.
            But the question arises that if life is so meaningless then
(10)      why are we striving, why are we not resting ironically in
            death. If death is the ultimate motive, why is that we are
            undergoing so much stress. Sartre had no belief in deific
            element. He registered that no essences existed before
            mankind unlike the believers of God who think Almighty
(15)      primarily created the essences of the world and then
            created the human race. Hence existentialism believed
            ‘existence precedes essence’. Sartre being a rigid
            existentialist, believed the precedence of God’s presence
            to be a farce.
(20)      This is how existentialism gave way to Absurdity. If
            existentialists believe in the absence of God then there is
            no purpose or value left, which makes the world an
            unworthy, irrelevant, inanimate and vacant place called
            absurd. These ideas gained precedence when the society
(25)      was facing despondency of World War II. All belief in
            sanctity of life had been shattered.
            Existentialists agreed that all distress and devastations
            make life an ungratified experience. Slowly one loses the
            meaning of life. Hence existentialism helps one in his
(30)      journey and in scanning the real self and personal meaning
            of life. The existentialists did not want any power or beliefs
            overpower this motive because these could hamper
            individualism and suppress human desire. Existentialists
            believe that personal judgment predestined a person’s
(35)      fellowship either to an autocrat’s religion or to a secular
           free will.

 

  1. Both deal with a theistic approach.

  2. Both contend that absurdity was rooted in existentialism.

  3. Both deal with the meaninglessness of life.

  4. Both deal with post World War crisis arising out of loss of sanctity of life.

  5. Both propagate a life with moral inclination.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

(B) is correct because both the passages contend that existentialism existed before a few philosophers developed a totally pessimistic approach called absurdity.