Reading Comprehension

What does the author’s company do?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

Self control is the ability to say no, in the face of temptation, and to take sustained action, despite the difficulty of a given challenge. At its heart, self-control requires the ability to delay gratification. More commonly, it’s called discipline, or will. Without self-control, we can’t accomplish almost anything of enduring value. And we rarely pay much attention to it.
Over the past decade, I’ve built a company, The Energy Project, which is devoted to helping people and organisations improve sustainable performance, in a large part by more systematically exercising self-control. Over the years, we’ve learned that nearly everything people tend to believe about self-control is wrong. Most of us assume the only way to resist our impulses, or persevere under pressure, is to grit our teeth, furrow our brows, steel our nerves, and tough it out. Precisely the opposite is true.
Energy is the fuel for self-control. We each have one reservoir of energy to get things done. Each act that requires self-control progressively depletes this energy reservoir, whether it’s when you use it to resist a piece of cake, or focus single-mindedly on a difficult problem, or stay calm when you feel provoked.
Eating strategically is the most fundamental way to increase the energy we have available for self-control. Eating more frequently — five to six times a day — provides us with regular doses of glucose, which is the body’s primary source of energy. It serves us best to eat low-glycemic foods, such as lean proteins and complex carbohydrates, which provide a more sustaining source of energy than sugars and simple carbohydrate.

What do we normally assume about self control as mentioned in the passage by the author?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

Self control is the ability to say no, in the face of temptation, and to take sustained action, despite the difficulty of a given challenge. At its heart, self-control requires the ability to delay gratification. More commonly, it’s called discipline, or will. Without self-control, we can’t accomplish almost anything of enduring value. And we rarely pay much attention to it.
Over the past decade, I’ve built a company, The Energy Project, which is devoted to helping people and organisations improve sustainable performance, in a large part by more systematically exercising self-control. Over the years, we’ve learned that nearly everything people tend to believe about self-control is wrong. Most of us assume the only way to resist our impulses, or persevere under pressure, is to grit our teeth, furrow our brows, steel our nerves, and tough it out. Precisely the opposite is true.
Energy is the fuel for self-control. We each have one reservoir of energy to get things done. Each act that requires self-control progressively depletes this energy reservoir, whether it’s when you use it to resist a piece of cake, or focus single-mindedly on a difficult problem, or stay calm when you feel provoked.
Eating strategically is the most fundamental way to increase the energy we have available for self-control. Eating more frequently — five to six times a day — provides us with regular doses of glucose, which is the body’s primary source of energy. It serves us best to eat low-glycemic foods, such as lean proteins and complex carbohydrates, which provide a more sustaining source of energy than sugars and simple carbohydrate.

Why did the author go to visit Ms. A?

Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the question.

Ms A was lying on bed 4B, clearly still weak as she was still recovering from her recent stroke. There were no relatives or friends with her. Even the bed beside her was empty. I sat down on a chair next to her bed, and in a low voice I introduced myself and asked how she was doing. She softly replied that she was getting better but the left side of her body was still weak. When I told her that I wanted to gather some additional information from her, she agreed. The questionnaire consisted of three simple yes or no questions. After I finished, I prepared to leave so I could go through more medical records. Before I could stand up, Ms A spoke up in her weak voice. “I haven’t seen you here before, doc. Are you new?”
“Not really, Ma’am. It’s just that I don’t come here every day,” I replied. She started making conversation, asking where I was from and why I was working so late in the evening. I was surprised someone in her condition would want to talk.
“Doc, do you think I can get back my normal life?” Ms A asked at one point.
Deep in my heart, I thought, God, I wish I was your doctor so I could answer you properly.
I replied that while I didn’t know much about her case, I could tell her what I had learned about the recovery of stroke patients. Depending on the severity of the stroke, quite a number respond well to rehabilitation. I was reluctant to go into too much detail as I was only a medical student. I didn’t know what to say. Looking into her eyes, I desperately tried to remember the lessons from a communication skills class I had taken a few years earlier, but my mind was blank. I cursed myself for not paying more attention.

Why was the author surprised?

Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the question.

Ms A was lying on bed 4B, clearly still weak as she was still recovering from her recent stroke. There were no relatives or friends with her. Even the bed beside her was empty. I sat down on a chair next to her bed, and in a low voice I introduced myself and asked how she was doing. She softly replied that she was getting better but the left side of her body was still weak. When I told her that I wanted to gather some additional information from her, she agreed. The questionnaire consisted of three simple yes or no questions. After I finished, I prepared to leave so I could go through more medical records. Before I could stand up, Ms A spoke up in her weak voice. “I haven’t seen you here before, doc. Are you new?”
“Not really, Ma’am. It’s just that I don’t come here every day,” I replied. She started making conversation, asking where I was from and why I was working so late in the evening. I was surprised someone in her condition would want to talk.
“Doc, do you think I can get back my normal life?” Ms A asked at one point.
Deep in my heart, I thought, God, I wish I was your doctor so I could answer you properly.
I replied that while I didn’t know much about her case, I could tell her what I had learned about the recovery of stroke patients. Depending on the severity of the stroke, quite a number respond well to rehabilitation. I was reluctant to go into too much detail as I was only a medical student. I didn’t know what to say. Looking into her eyes, I desperately tried to remember the lessons from a communication skills class I had taken a few years earlier, but my mind was blank. I cursed myself for not paying more attention.

How old was the girl when her mother died?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.

At the time, I didn’t appreciate the magnitude of the events of that day. As it turns out, it was pretty much a turning point where my life as I knew it, would change forever. It was a nice day in Kuala Lumpur; not too hot and not rainy either. Relatives gathered; cousins played hide and seek in the garden. I was soaking wet from apple-dunking in the yard. Not a good thing, considering we were at a wedding.
Cancer had claimed my mother nine months earlier, when I was ten. I wasn’t particularly close to her, but I was the youngest of four children, so I was definitely the baby of the family. She had been sick for a long time and Dad had done the best he could for her, even making it possible for her to travel in her last years to the Middle East, where she had relatives, and London, where she stayed for a while. That meant school holidays were spent in London, which made me a very lucky girl.
My two eldest siblings were already in boarding school in England, so after my mother’s death it was just me, my older sister Hani and Dad at home. Hani and I were pretty much left to our own devices while Dad worked, but luckily it was in an era when we could safely roam the streets in our neighbourhood with our friends. Our uncles and aunts regularly brought our cousins to play with us. I can’t remember being bored at all during my childhood.

What was the occasion, when the author was involved in apple-dunking?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.

At the time, I didn’t appreciate the magnitude of the events of that day. As it turns out, it was pretty much a turning point where my life as I knew it, would change forever. It was a nice day in Kuala Lumpur; not too hot and not rainy either. Relatives gathered; cousins played hide and seek in the garden. I was soaking wet from apple-dunking in the yard. Not a good thing, considering we were at a wedding.
Cancer had claimed my mother nine months earlier, when I was ten. I wasn’t particularly close to her, but I was the youngest of four children, so I was definitely the baby of the family. She had been sick for a long time and Dad had done the best he could for her, even making it possible for her to travel in her last years to the Middle East, where she had relatives, and London, where she stayed for a while. That meant school holidays were spent in London, which made me a very lucky girl.
My two eldest siblings were already in boarding school in England, so after my mother’s death it was just me, my older sister Hani and Dad at home. Hani and I were pretty much left to our own devices while Dad worked, but luckily it was in an era when we could safely roam the streets in our neighbourhood with our friends. Our uncles and aunts regularly brought our cousins to play with us. I can’t remember being bored at all during my childhood.

Why was the author wondering that the landlady was over-cautious?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.

It was the second day of a long-awaited winter holiday in Queenstown, New Zealand, three years ago. My three sisters and I arrived at our motel at about 10 pm, amidst rain, sleet and total darkness. Coming from warm, well-lit Singapore, it was unnerving. But the wood fire in the lobby and the warm, welcoming smile of our landlady eased my apprehension.
“You poor darlings! You are frozen!” she said as we checked in. “But don’t worry, I have turned on the electric blankets in your rooms and your beds will be soft and warm.”
She kept up the friendly chatter as she led us to our rooms, her torch revealing soft, falling snow and a wet asphalt road. We settled in and after a wash-up, crawled gratefully into our snug beds.
In the morning, I pulled back my curtains and for a split-second I was breathless. A winter wonderland stretched out before me: Lake Wakatipu surrounded by the snow-clad mountains of the Remarkables. A thick layer of fresh snow covered the ground. The clear, cobalt sky greeted the golden rays of the rising sun.
“Pretty, isn’t it?” Lost in nature’s beauty, I had not heard our landlady knock and enter the room. “Make sure you are well wrapped up today. The weather is like quicksilver and turns nasty in a split second. Head back the minute you see snowfall.”
I nodded. By the time we set out to explore Queenstown’s well-stocked shops, the day was bright and sunny, and I started to wonder if she was being unduly cautious.

What is the positive effect of Artificial sweeteners?

Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the question.

Bloating can be caused by a variety of factors like health issues, genetics, or medications; but it can also be caused by the foods we eat. Although we may be eating a healthy diet, some foods like broccoli and milk can cause painful gas and bloating that’s as uncomfortable as it is unsightly. Here is a list of six bloating culprits to watch out for.
Broccoli Although filled with fibre and vitamins, broccoli can also cause gas and bloating. Try eating broccoli very slowly to reduce gas.
Artificial sweeteners They may save on calories, but artificial sweeteners contain sugar alcohols which can cause bloating. Minimise your use of artificial sweeteners or skip them altogether to reduce uncomfortable gas.
Chewing gum While it may help to digest your food and keep your teeth white, chewing gum can bring excess air into your digestive system, which causes gas. Chew gum slowly to reduce gas.
Cabbage Delicious and healthy cabbage is a great vegetable to enjoy all year round. But this leafy veggie can also spur painful bloating. Avoid it or try eating it slowly for relief.
Carbonated drinks Although some popular sodas were created to help digestion, they may cause bloating as well. Limit your consumption of these bubbly treats to keep your digestive system on track.
Milk It may be filled with vitamins and nutrients, but milk is a major offender of bloating and gas. Try opting for lactose-free milk or almond milk for relief without sacrificing the milky taste.

Where did the author spend her school holidays, during the time her mother was sick?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.

At the time, I didn’t appreciate the magnitude of the events of that day. As it turns out, it was pretty much a turning point where my life as I knew it, would change forever. It was a nice day in Kuala Lumpur; not too hot and not rainy either. Relatives gathered; cousins played hide and seek in the garden. I was soaking wet from apple-dunking in the yard. Not a good thing, considering we were at a wedding.
Cancer had claimed my mother nine months earlier, when I was ten. I wasn’t particularly close to her, but I was the youngest of four children, so I was definitely the baby of the family. She had been sick for a long time and Dad had done the best he could for her, even making it possible for her to travel in her last years to the Middle East, where she had relatives, and London, where she stayed for a while. That meant school holidays were spent in London, which made me a very lucky girl.
My two eldest siblings were already in boarding school in England, so after my mother’s death it was just me, my older sister Hani and Dad at home. Hani and I were pretty much left to our own devices while Dad worked, but luckily it was in an era when we could safely roam the streets in our neighbourhood with our friends. Our uncles and aunts regularly brought our cousins to play with us. I can’t remember being bored at all during my childhood.

Why did the author not want to go in detail about her condition?

Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the question.

Ms A was lying on bed 4B, clearly still weak as she was still recovering from her recent stroke. There were no relatives or friends with her. Even the bed beside her was empty. I sat down on a chair next to her bed, and in a low voice I introduced myself and asked how she was doing. She softly replied that she was getting better but the left side of her body was still weak. When I told her that I wanted to gather some additional information from her, she agreed. The questionnaire consisted of three simple yes or no questions. After I finished, I prepared to leave so I could go through more medical records. Before I could stand up, Ms A spoke up in her weak voice. “I haven’t seen you here before, doc. Are you new?”
“Not really, Ma’am. It’s just that I don’t come here every day,” I replied. She started making conversation, asking where I was from and why I was working so late in the evening. I was surprised someone in her condition would want to talk.
“Doc, do you think I can get back my normal life?” Ms A asked at one point.
Deep in my heart, I thought, God, I wish I was your doctor so I could answer you properly.
I replied that while I didn’t know much about her case, I could tell her what I had learned about the recovery of stroke patients. Depending on the severity of the stroke, quite a number respond well to rehabilitation. I was reluctant to go into too much detail as I was only a medical student. I didn’t know what to say. Looking into her eyes, I desperately tried to remember the lessons from a communication skills class I had taken a few years earlier, but my mind was blank. I cursed myself for not paying more attention.

What are the negative effects of bloating?

(i) It causes an uncomfortable feeling. (ii) It is unsightly. (iii) Your genes could get affected.

Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the question.

Bloating can be caused by a variety of factors like health issues, genetics, or medications; but it can also be caused by the foods we eat. Although we may be eating a healthy diet, some foods like broccoli and milk can cause painful gas and bloating that’s as uncomfortable as it is unsightly. Here is a list of six bloating culprits to watch out for.
Broccoli Although filled with fibre and vitamins, broccoli can also cause gas and bloating. Try eating broccoli very slowly to reduce gas.
Artificial sweeteners They may save on calories, but artificial sweeteners contain sugar alcohols which can cause bloating. Minimise your use of artificial sweeteners or skip them altogether to reduce uncomfortable gas.
Chewing gum While it may help to digest your food and keep your teeth white, chewing gum can bring excess air into your digestive system, which causes gas. Chew gum slowly to reduce gas.
Cabbage Delicious and healthy cabbage is a great vegetable to enjoy all year round. But this leafy veggie can also spur painful bloating. Avoid it or try eating it slowly for relief.
Carbonated drinks Although some popular sodas were created to help digestion, they may cause bloating as well. Limit your consumption of these bubbly treats to keep your digestive system on track.
Milk It may be filled with vitamins and nutrients, but milk is a major offender of bloating and gas. Try opting for lactose-free milk or almond milk for relief without sacrificing the milky taste.

Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the question.

Bloating can be caused by a variety of factors like health issues, genetics, or medications; but it can also be caused by the foods we eat. Although we may be eating a healthy diet, some foods like broccoli and milk can cause painful gas and bloating that’s as uncomfortable as it is unsightly. Here is a list of six bloating culprits to watch out for.
Broccoli Although filled with fibre and vitamins, broccoli can also cause gas and bloating. Try eating broccoli very slowly to reduce gas.
Artificial sweeteners They may save on calories, but artificial sweeteners contain sugar alcohols which can cause bloating. Minimise your use of artificial sweeteners or skip them altogether to reduce uncomfortable gas.
Chewing gum While it may help to digest your food and keep your teeth white, chewing gum can bring excess air into your digestive system, which causes gas. Chew gum slowly to reduce gas.
Cabbage Delicious and healthy cabbage is a great vegetable to enjoy all year round. But this leafy veggie can also spur painful bloating. Avoid it or try eating it slowly for relief.
Carbonated drinks Although some popular sodas were created to help digestion, they may cause bloating as well. Limit your consumption of these bubbly treats to keep your digestive system on track.
Milk It may be filled with vitamins and nutrients, but milk is a major offender of bloating and gas. Try opting for lactose-free milk or almond milk for relief without sacrificing the milky taste.

What time did the author arrive at Queenstown motel?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.

It was the second day of a long-awaited winter holiday in Queenstown, New Zealand, three years ago. My three sisters and I arrived at our motel at about 10 pm, amidst rain, sleet and total darkness. Coming from warm, well-lit Singapore, it was unnerving. But the wood fire in the lobby and the warm, welcoming smile of our landlady eased my apprehension.
“You poor darlings! You are frozen!” she said as we checked in. “But don’t worry, I have turned on the electric blankets in your rooms and your beds will be soft and warm.”
She kept up the friendly chatter as she led us to our rooms, her torch revealing soft, falling snow and a wet asphalt road. We settled in and after a wash-up, crawled gratefully into our snug beds.
In the morning, I pulled back my curtains and for a split-second I was breathless. A winter wonderland stretched out before me: Lake Wakatipu surrounded by the snow-clad mountains of the Remarkables. A thick layer of fresh snow covered the ground. The clear, cobalt sky greeted the golden rays of the rising sun.
“Pretty, isn’t it?” Lost in nature’s beauty, I had not heard our landlady knock and enter the room. “Make sure you are well wrapped up today. The weather is like quicksilver and turns nasty in a split second. Head back the minute you see snowfall.”
I nodded. By the time we set out to explore Queenstown’s well-stocked shops, the day was bright and sunny, and I started to wonder if she was being unduly cautious.

Which methodology was used by the ‘neurolinguists’?

Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the question.

When grappling with finding the answer to a question, most people use one of the three dominant senses to seek the solution. If you ask people what their phone number was when they were twelve years old, three different people might use the three dominant senses of vision, hearing, and feeling. One might try to picture an image of the phone dial; one might try to remember the sound of the seven digits, as learned by rote as a small child; and the last may try to call the feeling of dialing that phone number. Notice that all three people were trying to remember an image, sound, or feeling from the past. But some thoughts involve creating new images, sounds, or feelings. Neurolinguists found they could determine both the operative representational system of their clients and whether they were constructing new images or remembering old ones before the clients even opened their mouth — by observing their eye movements.
There are seven basic types of eye movements, each of which corresponds to the use of a particular sensory apparatus. Please note that these “visual accessing cues” are for the average right-handed person; left-handers’ eyes ordinarily move to the opposite side. Also, “left-right” designations indicate the direction from the point of view of the observer.

What are the dominant senses, according to the passage, used while remembering things?

(i) Feelings and sight (ii) Sight and sound (iii) Feelings

Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the question.

When grappling with finding the answer to a question, most people use one of the three dominant senses to seek the solution. If you ask people what their phone number was when they were twelve years old, three different people might use the three dominant senses of vision, hearing, and feeling. One might try to picture an image of the phone dial; one might try to remember the sound of the seven digits, as learned by rote as a small child; and the last may try to call the feeling of dialing that phone number. Notice that all three people were trying to remember an image, sound, or feeling from the past. But some thoughts involve creating new images, sounds, or feelings. Neurolinguists found they could determine both the operative representational system of their clients and whether they were constructing new images or remembering old ones before the clients even opened their mouth — by observing their eye movements.
There are seven basic types of eye movements, each of which corresponds to the use of a particular sensory apparatus. Please note that these “visual accessing cues” are for the average right-handed person; left-handers’ eyes ordinarily move to the opposite side. Also, “left-right” designations indicate the direction from the point of view of the observer.