Reading Comprehension

The European concept of continental division has led to

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


The word “continent” actually meant mainland in the past, when the Greeks and Romans ruled the western world. The common view is that a big mass of land that is bigger than a single country and separated from other big masses of land either by sea, mountains or deserts should be a continent. However, a continent is defined upon the needs of a person. Historians divide the world into continents in a different manner. Geography teachers see it differently. Geologists see it from their own viewpoint and people of different countries divide the world into continents to suit their own purposes. There is quite a bit of confusion in the world over the number of continents, their names and their areas. For example, in Europe, they still believe the world to be divided into five continents as represented in the five rings of the Olympic flag. However, Americans divide the Earth’s land mass into seven continents: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica, for such division is the most reasonable and easiest for studying the world.

Which of the following statements is accepted by all?

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


The word “continent” actually meant mainland in the past, when the Greeks and Romans ruled the western world. The common view is that a big mass of land that is bigger than a single country and separated from other big masses of land either by sea, mountains or deserts should be a continent. However, a continent is defined upon the needs of a person. Historians divide the world into continents in a different manner. Geography teachers see it differently. Geologists see it from their own viewpoint and people of different countries divide the world into continents to suit their own purposes. There is quite a bit of confusion in the world over the number of continents, their names and their areas. For example, in Europe, they still believe the world to be divided into five continents as represented in the five rings of the Olympic flag. However, Americans divide the Earth’s land mass into seven continents: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica, for such division is the most reasonable and easiest for studying the world.

Among all the planets (if Pluto could be called a planet), Mercury and Pluto are

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


There are millions of stars in the sky. We see many of them in the night sky. But, we can see only one during the day – the sun. The sun is also a star like so many others in the sky. But, it is ‘our’ star. It is the head of and at the centre of the family we call “The solar system”. All the planets in the solar system revolve around the sun.  Till recently, we were told that there are nine planets in the solar system, Mercury being the nearest to the sun and Pluto the most distant; Jupiter being the largest and Pluto again being the smallest. Some astronomers believe there could be more. They say that Pluto is too small to be called a planet.  It is a dwarf planet, though still much bigger than ordinary asteroids. The planets move around the sun in a definite orbit. This is what prevents them from striking each other.

What is the topic of discussion?

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

Barren Island, a possession of India in the Andaman Sea, about 135 km NE of Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, is the only historically active volcano along the N-S-trending volcanic arc extending between Sumatra and Burma (Myanmar). The 354-m-high island is the summit of a volcano that rises from a depth of about 2250 m.

The small, uninhabited 3-km-wide island contains a roughly 2-km-wide crater with walls 250-350 m high. The crater, which is open to the sea on the west, was created during a major explosive eruption thousands of years ago that produced lava-flow and surge deposits. The morphology of a fresh volcanic cone that was constructed in the center of the crater has varied during the course of historical eruptions. Lava flows fill much of the crater floor and have reached the sea.
The island, an uninhabited place, is accessible only to Coast Guard and naval ships maintaining regular patrol in the area. The volcano has been dormant since the last few years and there was no volcanic activity even after the tsunami that struck the Indian coastal areas on December 26, 2004.

The Barren Island constitutes of

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

Barren Island, a possession of India in the Andaman Sea, about 135 km NE of Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, is the only historically active volcano along the N-S-trending volcanic arc extending between Sumatra and Burma (Myanmar). The 354-m-high island is the summit of a volcano that rises from a depth of about 2250 m.

The small, uninhabited 3-km-wide island contains a roughly 2-km-wide crater with walls 250-350 m high. The crater, which is open to the sea on the west, was created during a major explosive eruption thousands of years ago that produced lava-flow and surge deposits. The morphology of a fresh volcanic cone that was constructed in the center of the crater has varied during the course of historical eruptions. Lava flows fill much of the crater floor and have reached the sea.
The island, an uninhabited place, is accessible only to Coast Guard and naval ships maintaining regular patrol in the area. The volcano has been dormant since the last few years and there was no volcanic activity even after the tsunami that struck the Indian coastal areas on December 26, 2004.

Coral reefs are made up of

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

Coral reefs are one of Earth’s most beautiful, ancient and complex ecosystems. They play an essential role in sustaining life in the sea and serve as a source of food and protection for human communities. But, coral reefs face an uncertain future. As a result of growing human and environmental assaults, reefs are among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. Ecological research provides information that is  fundamental to understanding and combating this trend. Corals are actually animals with plants living inside them. A coral structure is actually composed of hundreds or thousands of tiny animals growing together as a colony. Several polyps make a coral, which together form a reef.
Coral reefs are the most diverse and productive marine communities on the planet. They play a critical role as habitat and nursery grounds for 10 to 20% of the world’s fisheries. They are intimately connected to other marine communities such as mangrove forests, sea grass beds, and the open seas as water currents transport larvae, plants, animals, nutrients and organic materials. They play a significant role in the development of other ecosystems, such as mangroves and wetlands, and protect coastlines from waves, storm damage and erosion.

What is the total height of the volcano situated on the island?

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

Barren Island, a possession of India in the Andaman Sea, about 135 km NE of Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, is the only historically active volcano along the N-S-trending volcanic arc extending between Sumatra and Burma (Myanmar). The 354-m-high island is the summit of a volcano that rises from a depth of about 2250 m.

The small, uninhabited 3-km-wide island contains a roughly 2-km-wide crater with walls 250-350 m high. The crater, which is open to the sea on the west, was created during a major explosive eruption thousands of years ago that produced lava-flow and surge deposits. The morphology of a fresh volcanic cone that was constructed in the center of the crater has varied during the course of historical eruptions. Lava flows fill much of the crater floor and have reached the sea.
The island, an uninhabited place, is accessible only to Coast Guard and naval ships maintaining regular patrol in the area. The volcano has been dormant since the last few years and there was no volcanic activity even after the tsunami that struck the Indian coastal areas on December 26, 2004.

Which of the following words is the nearest in meaning to the word ‘accessible’ from the passage?

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

Barren Island, a possession of India in the Andaman Sea, about 135 km NE of Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, is the only historically active volcano along the N-S-trending volcanic arc extending between Sumatra and Burma (Myanmar). The 354-m-high island is the summit of a volcano that rises from a depth of about 2250 m.

The small, uninhabited 3-km-wide island contains a roughly 2-km-wide crater with walls 250-350 m high. The crater, which is open to the sea on the west, was created during a major explosive eruption thousands of years ago that produced lava-flow and surge deposits. The morphology of a fresh volcanic cone that was constructed in the center of the crater has varied during the course of historical eruptions. Lava flows fill much of the crater floor and have reached the sea.
The island, an uninhabited place, is accessible only to Coast Guard and naval ships maintaining regular patrol in the area. The volcano has been dormant since the last few years and there was no volcanic activity even after the tsunami that struck the Indian coastal areas on December 26, 2004.

The phrase ‘combating this trend’ refers to

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

Coral reefs are one of Earth’s most beautiful, ancient and complex ecosystems. They play an essential role in sustaining life in the sea and serve as a source of food and protection for human communities. But, coral reefs face an uncertain future. As a result of growing human and environmental assaults, reefs are among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. Ecological research provides information that is  fundamental to understanding and combating this trend. Corals are actually animals with plants living inside them. A coral structure is actually composed of hundreds or thousands of tiny animals growing together as a colony. Several polyps make a coral, which together form a reef.
Coral reefs are the most diverse and productive marine communities on the planet. They play a critical role as habitat and nursery grounds for 10 to 20% of the world’s fisheries. They are intimately connected to other marine communities such as mangrove forests, sea grass beds, and the open seas as water currents transport larvae, plants, animals, nutrients and organic materials. They play a significant role in the development of other ecosystems, such as mangroves and wetlands, and protect coastlines from waves, storm damage and erosion.

Why does the author think that coral reefs face an uncertain future?

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

Coral reefs are one of Earth’s most beautiful, ancient and complex ecosystems. They play an essential role in sustaining life in the sea and serve as a source of food and protection for human communities. But, coral reefs face an uncertain future. As a result of growing human and environmental assaults, reefs are among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. Ecological research provides information that is  fundamental to understanding and combating this trend. Corals are actually animals with plants living inside them. A coral structure is actually composed of hundreds or thousands of tiny animals growing together as a colony. Several polyps make a coral, which together form a reef.
Coral reefs are the most diverse and productive marine communities on the planet. They play a critical role as habitat and nursery grounds for 10 to 20% of the world’s fisheries. They are intimately connected to other marine communities such as mangrove forests, sea grass beds, and the open seas as water currents transport larvae, plants, animals, nutrients and organic materials. They play a significant role in the development of other ecosystems, such as mangroves and wetlands, and protect coastlines from waves, storm damage and erosion.

The phrase 'light up' as used in the passage implies

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

When you use tobacco products, nicotine is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream. Within 10 seconds of entering your body, the nicotine reaches your brain. It causes the brain to release adrenaline, creating a buzz of pleasure and energy.
The buzz fades quickly though, and leaves you feeling tired, a little down, and wanting the buzz again. This feeling is what makes you light up the next cigarette. Since your body is able to build up a high tolerance to nicotine, you’ll need to smoke more and more cigarettes in order to get the nicotine’s pleasurable effects and prevent withdrawal symptoms.
This up and down cycle repeats over and over, leading to addiction. Addiction keeps people smoking even when they want to quit. Breaking addiction is harder for some people than others. Many people need more than one try in order to quit. 
Research suggests that children and teens may be especially sensitive to nicotine, making it easier for them to become addicted. The younger the smokers are when they start, the more likely they are to become addicted. In fact, about three out of four high school smokers will become adult smokers.

Which of the following words is the nearest in meaning to the word 'addiction'?

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

When you use tobacco products, nicotine is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream. Within 10 seconds of entering your body, the nicotine reaches your brain. It causes the brain to release adrenaline, creating a buzz of pleasure and energy.
The buzz fades quickly though, and leaves you feeling tired, a little down, and wanting the buzz again. This feeling is what makes you light up the next cigarette. Since your body is able to build up a high tolerance to nicotine, you’ll need to smoke more and more cigarettes in order to get the nicotine’s pleasurable effects and prevent withdrawal symptoms.
This up and down cycle repeats over and over, leading to addiction. Addiction keeps people smoking even when they want to quit. Breaking addiction is harder for some people than others. Many people need more than one try in order to quit. 
Research suggests that children and teens may be especially sensitive to nicotine, making it easier for them to become addicted. The younger the smokers are when they start, the more likely they are to become addicted. In fact, about three out of four high school smokers will become adult smokers.

What does the brain release upon the use of tobacco products?

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

When you use tobacco products, nicotine is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream. Within 10 seconds of entering your body, the nicotine reaches your brain. It causes the brain to release adrenaline, creating a buzz of pleasure and energy.
The buzz fades quickly though, and leaves you feeling tired, a little down, and wanting the buzz again. This feeling is what makes you light up the next cigarette. Since your body is able to build up a high tolerance to nicotine, you’ll need to smoke more and more cigarettes in order to get the nicotine’s pleasurable effects and prevent withdrawal symptoms.
This up and down cycle repeats over and over, leading to addiction. Addiction keeps people smoking even when they want to quit. Breaking addiction is harder for some people than others. Many people need more than one try in order to quit. 
Research suggests that children and teens may be especially sensitive to nicotine, making it easier for them to become addicted. The younger the smokers are when they start, the more likely they are to become addicted. In fact, about three out of four high school smokers will become adult smokers.

What according to the author does one need to do to prevent withdrawal symptoms?

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

When you use tobacco products, nicotine is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream. Within 10 seconds of entering your body, the nicotine reaches your brain. It causes the brain to release adrenaline, creating a buzz of pleasure and energy.
The buzz fades quickly though, and leaves you feeling tired, a little down, and wanting the buzz again. This feeling is what makes you light up the next cigarette. Since your body is able to build up a high tolerance to nicotine, you’ll need to smoke more and more cigarettes in order to get the nicotine’s pleasurable effects and prevent withdrawal symptoms.
This up and down cycle repeats over and over, leading to addiction. Addiction keeps people smoking even when they want to quit. Breaking addiction is harder for some people than others. Many people need more than one try in order to quit. 
Research suggests that children and teens may be especially sensitive to nicotine, making it easier for them to become addicted. The younger the smokers are when they start, the more likely they are to become addicted. In fact, about three out of four high school smokers will become adult smokers.

Why did some families refuse vaccination for their children?

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

India’s polio-free certification, which was awarded by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014 for ensuring polio did not infect anyone in three straight years, took almost two decades of very hard work. Though vaccination against polio started in 1978 under India’s Expanded Programme in Immunisation, only about 40% children under five were being reached by 1984.
Following the WHO’s Polio Eradication Initiative, India launched its Pulse Polio Programme in 1995 with the target to vaccinate every child under five. It took some years, but it met targets. For successive years, each one of the country’s 26 million newborns was vaccinated against the paralysing infection not once but repeatedly for the first five years of their lives. The biggest challenges were geography (for example, in the Kosi river belt in Bihar annual floods isolate several hundred families), work-related migration and ignorance: some families would refuse vaccination because they were convinced the drops would make their children impotent.
Ensuring these lifesaving drops reach around 800 million children each year — 172 million children are reached in each nationwide round of vaccination, and then there are sub-national rounds — is a spectacular feat by any standards.