Reading Comprehension

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage.

How many Indian states touch the boundary of Punjab?

Punjab is a state of India, located in the northwestern part of the subcontinent. It is bounded by the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir to the north, Himachal Pradesh to the northeast, Haryana to the south and southeast, and Rajasthan to the southwest and by the country of Pakistan to the west. Punjab in its present form came into existence on November 1, 1966, when most of its predominantly Hindi-speaking areas were separated to form the new state of Haryana. The city of Chandigarh, within the Chandigarh union territory, is the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. The word Punjab is a compound of two Persian words, panj (“five”) and āb (“water”), thus signifying the land of five waters, or rivers (the Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej). The word’s origin can perhaps be traced to panca nada, Sanskrit for “five rivers” and the name of a region mentioned in the ancient epic the Mahabharata. As applied to the present Indian state of Punjab, however, it is a misnomer: since the partition of India in 1947, only two of these rivers, the Sutlej and the Beas, lie within Punjab’s territory, while the Ravi flows only along part of its western border. The state of Punjab has also gained true recognition among all individuals due to the presence of forestry, tourism, agriculture, industries and minerals. Livestock is also one of the other key highlights of the state. However, the state of Punjab has scarcity of basic minerals and fuels. This is one of the prime factors behind the poor rate of industrial development. Agriculture has been always a strong point in the economy of the state. The state has indeed made a huge impact in the overall economy of the country as far as the production of wheat is concerned. A few of the agriculture-based industries associated with the state include paper, wood, beverages and food products.

Which of the following can be made out from the second paragraph of the passage about Andrew's early life?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions by selecting the most appropriate options.

It was a sunny day in the month of May. The sun took its rightful position very early; lending credence to the general feeling that Andrew's birthday ceremony was going to be greeted with the blessing of a pleasant climate. The sky looked so bright that Andrew insisted on having an open air party. The habitual doubting Thomases had no dis­senting opinions to express. Andrew had gone to a great length to ensure a hitch-free party; a party which would remain the talk of the town. Although it was not intended to be free for all, a lot had been done to stamp the occasion on the memories of many people long afterwards.
The bright sun continued to smile. Andrew's face beamed with pleasure with every passing moment. Very few of his contemporaries have so succeeded in reaching the top of the ladder. Andrew in particular had been an orphan of storm. His father's death during his third year in the secondary school and that of his mother two years later were the only two of this orphan's `storms'. He suffered a physical misfortune when a machine severed his left middle finger. But Andrew did not despair.

Andrew wanted to make his birthday function a memorable one because

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions by selecting the most appropriate options.

It was a sunny day in the month of May. The sun took its rightful position very early; lending credence to the general feeling that Andrew's birthday ceremony was going to be greeted with the blessing of a pleasant climate. The sky looked so bright that Andrew insisted on having an open air party. The habitual doubting Thomases had no dis­senting opinions to express. Andrew had gone to a great length to ensure a hitch-free party; a party which would remain the talk of the town. Although it was not intended to be free for all, a lot had been done to stamp the occasion on the memories of many people long afterwards.
The bright sun continued to smile. Andrew's face beamed with pleasure with every passing moment. Very few of his contemporaries have so succeeded in reaching the top of the ladder. Andrew in particular had been an orphan of storm. His father's death during his third year in the secondary school and that of his mother two years later were the only two of this orphan's `storms'. He suffered a physical misfortune when a machine severed his left middle finger. But Andrew did not despair.

The expression 'The world was at his feet' means

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions by selecting the most appropriate options.

It was a sunny day in the month of May. The sun took its rightful position very early; lending credence to the general feeling that Andrew's birthday ceremony was going to be greeted with the blessing of a pleasant climate. The sky looked so bright that Andrew insisted on having an open air party. The habitual doubting Thomases had no dis­senting opinions to express. Andrew had gone to a great length to ensure a hitch-free party; a party which would remain the talk of the town. Although it was not intended to be free for all, a lot had been done to stamp the occasion on the memories of many people long afterwards.
The bright sun continued to smile. Andrew's face beamed with pleasure with every passing moment. Very few of his contemporaries have so succeeded in reaching the top of the ladder. Andrew in particular had been an orphan of storm. His father's death during his third year in the secondary school and that of his mother two years later were the only two of this orphan's `storms'. He suffered a physical misfortune when a machine severed his left middle finger. But Andrew did not despair.

What general feeling does the author discuss in the first paragraph?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions by selecting the most appropriate options.

It was a sunny day in the month of May. The sun took its rightful position very early; lending credence to the general feeling that Andrew's birthday ceremony was going to be greeted with the blessing of a pleasant climate. The sky looked so bright that Andrew insisted on having an open air party. The habitual doubting Thomases had no dis­senting opinions to express. Andrew had gone to a great length to ensure a hitch-free party; a party which would remain the talk of the town. Although it was not intended to be free for all, a lot had been done to stamp the occasion on the memories of many people long afterwards.
The bright sun continued to smile. Andrew's face beamed with pleasure with every passing moment. Very few of his contemporaries have so succeeded in reaching the top of the ladder. Andrew in particular had been an orphan of storm. His father's death during his third year in the secondary school and that of his mother two years later were the only two of this orphan's `storms'. He suffered a physical misfortune when a machine severed his left middle finger. But Andrew did not despair.

Which of the following is known as the real ozone killer?

We are today faced with a great ecological problem for which we ourselves are largely responsible. Our planet, the Earth, the only home of man is bathed in a steady rain of the sun's rays. Most of these rays supply us heat and light, but a small percentage is deadly. These are the ultraviolet - B rays (or UV - B). If these were to get to the surface of the Earth directly, they would kill us off. Luckily, the Earth’s surface is shielded from these rays by the ozone layer; but sadly enough this ozone layer is being destroyed by man.
The ozone layer is formed from a kind of oxygen with three atoms (O3) instead of the normal two (O2). Ozone oc­curs naturally in the stratosphere, several kilometres above the Earth's surface. It absorbs the dangerous UV -B rays but allows the much needed and safe light to pass through. There, in the stratosphere, it is constantly being created by the sun's rays; thus it is a self-repairing shield. But man is now gradu­ally destroying this vital shield with his industrial gases. The most lethal of these gases are the chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which are used in making all kinds of foamed plastic products, propellants in spray cans, coolants in air condi­tioners and refrigerators and solvents to clean electronic equip­ment.

Which of the following statements best describes the ozone layer?

We are today faced with a great ecological problem for which we ourselves are largely responsible. Our planet, the Earth, the only home of man is bathed in a steady rain of the sun's rays. Most of these rays supply us heat and light, but a small percentage is deadly. These are the ultraviolet - B rays (or UV - B). If these were to get to the surface of the Earth directly, they would kill us off. Luckily, the Earth’s surface is shielded from these rays by the ozone layer; but sadly enough this ozone layer is being destroyed by man.
The ozone layer is formed from a kind of oxygen with three atoms (O3) instead of the normal two (O2). Ozone oc­curs naturally in the stratosphere, several kilometres above the Earth's surface. It absorbs the dangerous UV -B rays but allows the much needed and safe light to pass through. There, in the stratosphere, it is constantly being created by the sun's rays; thus it is a self-repairing shield. But man is now gradu­ally destroying this vital shield with his industrial gases. The most lethal of these gases are the chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which are used in making all kinds of foamed plastic products, propellants in spray cans, coolants in air condi­tioners and refrigerators and solvents to clean electronic equip­ment.

The black ant is regarded as one of the smallest insects on earth and

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions by selecting the most appropriate options.

The black ant is indisputably one of the smallest visible insects on the earth. Except with the aid of a very powerful microscope, it is difficult, if not impossible, to locate the eyes, the mouth, the nostrils (if it ever has any) or any other part of its body. An air of mystery surrounds the existence of this little creature.

Have you ever taken time off your programme to watch these ants move in a row? What gives them the sense of direction, we do not know. Indeed, whoever sends them on an errand and how they even know the destination and the type of errand to run after are stories yet to be told. But they are an extremely well-organized lot.
Certainly, there are no defined routes for them on walls or trees, yet they move in an orderly manner, almost in a straight line. The beautiful thing about these insects is that, even when their line of movement is disorganized, they soon regroup and connect themselves again end to end. If in the process, one of them is killed, they quickly recognize that fact from their various positions. Then, one sees them run­ning helter-skelter with a seeming insistence on getting at the comrade to confirm its death.
When this has been done, some of them run zigzag at a tremendous speed to alert the others on the route. Soon, they disappear completely. Later, as if everything were over and forgotten, they reappear and .form a new route and continue their movement transporting food or going on one errand or the other as before. Bring your ears close to them and you hear nothing and you wonder what their means of communi­cation could be.
Perhaps, most surprising is their high sense of under­standing the weather and the climate. They are just like men in this area. They know when it is the rainy season and when the dry season comes. In fact, it is true to say that they prepare better for the future than man.

Which word in the passage can replace the word ' certainly'?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions by selecting the most appropriate options.

The black ant is indisputably one of the smallest visible insects on the earth. Except with the aid of a very powerful microscope, it is difficult, if not impossible, to locate the eyes, the mouth, the nostrils (if it ever has any) or any other part of its body. An air of mystery surrounds the existence of this little creature.

Have you ever taken time off your programme to watch these ants move in a row? What gives them the sense of direction, we do not know. Indeed, whoever sends them on an errand and how they even know the destination and the type of errand to run after are stories yet to be told. But they are an extremely well-organized lot.
Certainly, there are no defined routes for them on walls or trees, yet they move in an orderly manner, almost in a straight line. The beautiful thing about these insects is that, even when their line of movement is disorganized, they soon regroup and connect themselves again end to end. If in the process, one of them is killed, they quickly recognize that fact from their various positions. Then, one sees them run­ning helter-skelter with a seeming insistence on getting at the comrade to confirm its death.
When this has been done, some of them run zigzag at a tremendous speed to alert the others on the route. Soon, they disappear completely. Later, as if everything were over and forgotten, they reappear and .form a new route and continue their movement transporting food or going on one errand or the other as before. Bring your ears close to them and you hear nothing and you wonder what their means of communi­cation could be.
Perhaps, most surprising is their high sense of under­standing the weather and the climate. They are just like men in this area. They know when it is the rainy season and when the dry season comes. In fact, it is true to say that they prepare better for the future than man.

The ozone layer is

We are today faced with a great ecological problem for which we ourselves are largely responsible. Our planet, the Earth, the only home of man is bathed in a steady rain of the sun's rays. Most of these rays supply us heat and light, but a small percentage is deadly. These are the ultraviolet - B rays (or UV - B). If these were to get to the surface of the Earth directly, they would kill us off. Luckily, the Earth’s surface is shielded from these rays by the ozone layer; but sadly enough this ozone layer is being destroyed by man.
The ozone layer is formed from a kind of oxygen with three atoms (O3) instead of the normal two (O2). Ozone oc­curs naturally in the stratosphere, several kilometres above the Earth's surface. It absorbs the dangerous UV -B rays but allows the much needed and safe light to pass through. There, in the stratosphere, it is constantly being created by the sun's rays; thus it is a self-repairing shield. But man is now gradu­ally destroying this vital shield with his industrial gases. The most lethal of these gases are the chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which are used in making all kinds of foamed plastic products, propellants in spray cans, coolants in air condi­tioners and refrigerators and solvents to clean electronic equip­ment.

According to the author “An air of mystery surrounds the existence of this little creature”. Which of the following supports this view expressed by the author?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions by selecting the most appropriate options.

The black ant is indisputably one of the smallest visible insects on the earth. Except with the aid of a very powerful microscope, it is difficult, if not impossible, to locate the eyes, the mouth, the nostrils (if it ever has any) or any other part of its body. An air of mystery surrounds the existence of this little creature.

Have you ever taken time off your programme to watch these ants move in a row? What gives them the sense of direction, we do not know. Indeed, whoever sends them on an errand and how they even know the destination and the type of errand to run after are stories yet to be told. But they are an extremely well-organized lot.
Certainly, there are no defined routes for them on walls or trees, yet they move in an orderly manner, almost in a straight line. The beautiful thing about these insects is that, even when their line of movement is disorganized, they soon regroup and connect themselves again end to end. If in the process, one of them is killed, they quickly recognize that fact from their various positions. Then, one sees them run­ning helter-skelter with a seeming insistence on getting at the comrade to confirm its death.
When this has been done, some of them run zigzag at a tremendous speed to alert the others on the route. Soon, they disappear completely. Later, as if everything were over and forgotten, they reappear and .form a new route and continue their movement transporting food or going on one errand or the other as before. Bring your ears close to them and you hear nothing and you wonder what their means of communi­cation could be.
Perhaps, most surprising is their high sense of under­standing the weather and the climate. They are just like men in this area. They know when it is the rainy season and when the dry season comes. In fact, it is true to say that they prepare better for the future than man.

The greatest threat to the ozone layer is from

We are today faced with a great ecological problem for which we ourselves are largely responsible. Our planet, the Earth, the only home of man is bathed in a steady rain of the sun's rays. Most of these rays supply us heat and light, but a small percentage is deadly. These are the ultraviolet - B rays (or UV - B). If these were to get to the surface of the Earth directly, they would kill us off. Luckily, the Earth’s surface is shielded from these rays by the ozone layer; but sadly enough this ozone layer is being destroyed by man.
The ozone layer is formed from a kind of oxygen with three atoms (O3) instead of the normal two (O2). Ozone oc­curs naturally in the stratosphere, several kilometres above the Earth's surface. It absorbs the dangerous UV -B rays but allows the much needed and safe light to pass through. There, in the stratosphere, it is constantly being created by the sun's rays; thus it is a self-repairing shield. But man is now gradu­ally destroying this vital shield with his industrial gases. The most lethal of these gases are the chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which are used in making all kinds of foamed plastic products, propellants in spray cans, coolants in air condi­tioners and refrigerators and solvents to clean electronic equip­ment.

Which word in the passage is a synonym of 'deadly'?

We are today faced with a great ecological problem for which we ourselves are largely responsible. Our planet, the Earth, the only home of man is bathed in a steady rain of the sun's rays. Most of these rays supply us heat and light, but a small percentage is deadly. These are the ultraviolet - B rays (or UV - B). If these were to get to the surface of the Earth directly, they would kill us off. Luckily, the Earth’s surface is shielded from these rays by the ozone layer; but sadly enough this ozone layer is being destroyed by man.
The ozone layer is formed from a kind of oxygen with three atoms (O3) instead of the normal two (O2). Ozone oc­curs naturally in the stratosphere, several kilometres above the Earth's surface. It absorbs the dangerous UV -B rays but allows the much needed and safe light to pass through. There, in the stratosphere, it is constantly being created by the sun's rays; thus it is a self-repairing shield. But man is now gradu­ally destroying this vital shield with his industrial gases. The most lethal of these gases are the chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which are used in making all kinds of foamed plastic products, propellants in spray cans, coolants in air condi­tioners and refrigerators and solvents to clean electronic equip­ment.

Black ants always move in an orderly manner, almost in a straight line. Which of the following supports this?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions by selecting the most appropriate options.

The black ant is indisputably one of the smallest visible insects on the earth. Except with the aid of a very powerful microscope, it is difficult, if not impossible, to locate the eyes, the mouth, the nostrils (if it ever has any) or any other part of its body. An air of mystery surrounds the existence of this little creature.

Have you ever taken time off your programme to watch these ants move in a row? What gives them the sense of direction, we do not know. Indeed, whoever sends them on an errand and how they even know the destination and the type of errand to run after are stories yet to be told. But they are an extremely well-organized lot.
Certainly, there are no defined routes for them on walls or trees, yet they move in an orderly manner, almost in a straight line. The beautiful thing about these insects is that, even when their line of movement is disorganized, they soon regroup and connect themselves again end to end. If in the process, one of them is killed, they quickly recognize that fact from their various positions. Then, one sees them run­ning helter-skelter with a seeming insistence on getting at the comrade to confirm its death.
When this has been done, some of them run zigzag at a tremendous speed to alert the others on the route. Soon, they disappear completely. Later, as if everything were over and forgotten, they reappear and .form a new route and continue their movement transporting food or going on one errand or the other as before. Bring your ears close to them and you hear nothing and you wonder what their means of communi­cation could be.
Perhaps, most surprising is their high sense of under­standing the weather and the climate. They are just like men in this area. They know when it is the rainy season and when the dry season comes. In fact, it is true to say that they prepare better for the future than man.

Which of the following is the most surprising thing about black ants?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions by selecting the most appropriate options.

The black ant is indisputably one of the smallest visible insects on the earth. Except with the aid of a very powerful microscope, it is difficult, if not impossible, to locate the eyes, the mouth, the nostrils (if it ever has any) or any other part of its body. An air of mystery surrounds the existence of this little creature.

Have you ever taken time off your programme to watch these ants move in a row? What gives them the sense of direction, we do not know. Indeed, whoever sends them on an errand and how they even know the destination and the type of errand to run after are stories yet to be told. But they are an extremely well-organized lot.
Certainly, there are no defined routes for them on walls or trees, yet they move in an orderly manner, almost in a straight line. The beautiful thing about these insects is that, even when their line of movement is disorganized, they soon regroup and connect themselves again end to end. If in the process, one of them is killed, they quickly recognize that fact from their various positions. Then, one sees them run­ning helter-skelter with a seeming insistence on getting at the comrade to confirm its death.
When this has been done, some of them run zigzag at a tremendous speed to alert the others on the route. Soon, they disappear completely. Later, as if everything were over and forgotten, they reappear and .form a new route and continue their movement transporting food or going on one errand or the other as before. Bring your ears close to them and you hear nothing and you wonder what their means of communi­cation could be.
Perhaps, most surprising is their high sense of under­standing the weather and the climate. They are just like men in this area. They know when it is the rainy season and when the dry season comes. In fact, it is true to say that they prepare better for the future than man.