Reading Comprehension

What is the passage about?

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

The effect of computers and instant communication technology has been far reaching ever since its development. Tremendous amounts of information can be stored in a small space which is amazing! Not only does a computer allow a person to attempt complex mathematical problems with ease but it also helps the users to communicate with one another through various social websites, forums and blogs. Today, personal computers can be used for performing a variety of tasks. It allows the user to store various multimedia and essential documents to suit the user’s demand. But they were surprisingly not built for such tasks. They were in fact designed to help a person calculate figures; the problem which dates back to 2000 B.C. when it was done with the help of the abacus. Ever since its invention by Charles Babbage, computers have really made everything convenient and even the most complex calculations can be solved instantaneously. Computers also transformed the manner in which we communicate with the society. People can now talk to one another with the use of social networking sites and live video chats. In a way, recent advancements in communication have evolved the world, which no one would have ever imagined fifty years ago.

Why do we use social networking sites?

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

The effect of computers and instant communication technology has been far reaching ever since its development. Tremendous amounts of information can be stored in a small space which is amazing! Not only does a computer allow a person to attempt complex mathematical problems with ease but it also helps the users to communicate with one another through various social websites, forums and blogs. Today, personal computers can be used for performing a variety of tasks. It allows the user to store various multimedia and essential documents to suit the user’s demand. But they were surprisingly not built for such tasks. They were in fact designed to help a person calculate figures; the problem which dates back to 2000 B.C. when it was done with the help of the abacus. Ever since its invention by Charles Babbage, computers have really made everything convenient and even the most complex calculations can be solved instantaneously. Computers also transformed the manner in which we communicate with the society. People can now talk to one another with the use of social networking sites and live video chats. In a way, recent advancements in communication have evolved the world, which no one would have ever imagined fifty years ago.

Why does a silk worm weave a cocoon?

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

Silk is the most beautiful of all textiles and is rightly known as the queen of textiles. It is obtained from the cocoon of silk worm with careful handling and processing which makes it one of the most expensive fibers. China is the leading producer of silk in the entire world. Silk is produced by the process of sericulture in which the silkworm is raised under proper conditions of environment and food. Mulberry silk moth is known to feed on mulberry plant leaves which then attaches itself to the tree and spins a cocoon to become a moth. At first, the cocoons are sorted according to colour, shape, size and textures as these affect the quality obtained from it. The colour varies from white and yellow to a grayish shade. Next, they are immersed into hot and cold water which is followed by drying them. After drying, strands are unwound from the cocoon and combed together to make a thread of raw silk by first pricking the cocoon with a needle. The thread is important to obtain in one single continuous thread. This stage requires careful handling. The final step is weaving by connecting the threads. Weaving can be either done manually or with a loom operating with power.

What is the last step in the production of silk?

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

Silk is the most beautiful of all textiles and is rightly known as the queen of textiles. It is obtained from the cocoon of silk worm with careful handling and processing which makes it one of the most expensive fibers. China is the leading producer of silk in the entire world. Silk is produced by the process of sericulture in which the silkworm is raised under proper conditions of environment and food. Mulberry silk moth is known to feed on mulberry plant leaves which then attaches itself to the tree and spins a cocoon to become a moth. At first, the cocoons are sorted according to colour, shape, size and textures as these affect the quality obtained from it. The colour varies from white and yellow to a grayish shade. Next, they are immersed into hot and cold water which is followed by drying them. After drying, strands are unwound from the cocoon and combed together to make a thread of raw silk by first pricking the cocoon with a needle. The thread is important to obtain in one single continuous thread. This stage requires careful handling. The final step is weaving by connecting the threads. Weaving can be either done manually or with a loom operating with power.

Which word in the passage is similar in meaning to ‘costly’?

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

Silk is the most beautiful of all textiles and is rightly known as the queen of textiles. It is obtained from the cocoon of silk worm with careful handling and processing which makes it one of the most expensive fibers. China is the leading producer of silk in the entire world. Silk is produced by the process of sericulture in which the silkworm is raised under proper conditions of environment and food. Mulberry silk moth is known to feed on mulberry plant leaves which then attaches itself to the tree and spins a cocoon to become a moth. At first, the cocoons are sorted according to colour, shape, size and textures as these affect the quality obtained from it. The colour varies from white and yellow to a grayish shade. Next, they are immersed into hot and cold water which is followed by drying them. After drying, strands are unwound from the cocoon and combed together to make a thread of raw silk by first pricking the cocoon with a needle. The thread is important to obtain in one single continuous thread. This stage requires careful handling. The final step is weaving by connecting the threads. Weaving can be either done manually or with a loom operating with power.

What is the passage about?

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

Silk is the most beautiful of all textiles and is rightly known as the queen of textiles. It is obtained from the cocoon of silk worm with careful handling and processing which makes it one of the most expensive fibers. China is the leading producer of silk in the entire world. Silk is produced by the process of sericulture in which the silkworm is raised under proper conditions of environment and food. Mulberry silk moth is known to feed on mulberry plant leaves which then attaches itself to the tree and spins a cocoon to become a moth. At first, the cocoons are sorted according to colour, shape, size and textures as these affect the quality obtained from it. The colour varies from white and yellow to a grayish shade. Next, they are immersed into hot and cold water which is followed by drying them. After drying, strands are unwound from the cocoon and combed together to make a thread of raw silk by first pricking the cocoon with a needle. The thread is important to obtain in one single continuous thread. This stage requires careful handling. The final step is weaving by connecting the threads. Weaving can be either done manually or with a loom operating with power.

When was abascus the used to calculate figures?

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

The effect of computers and instant communication technology has been far reaching ever since its development. Tremendous amounts of information can be stored in a small space which is amazing! Not only does a computer allow a person to attempt complex mathematical problems with ease but it also helps the users to communicate with one another through various social websites, forums and blogs. Today, personal computers can be used for performing a variety of tasks. It allows the user to store various multimedia and essential documents to suit the user’s demand. But they were surprisingly not built for such tasks. They were in fact designed to help a person calculate figures; the problem which dates back to 2000 B.C. when it was done with the help of the abacus. Ever since its invention by Charles Babbage, computers have really made everything convenient and even the most complex calculations can be solved instantaneously. Computers also transformed the manner in which we communicate with the society. People can now talk to one another with the use of social networking sites and live video chats. In a way, recent advancements in communication have evolved the world, which no one would have ever imagined fifty years ago.

Which word in the passage is opposite in meaning to ‘difficult’?

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

The effect of computers and instant communication technology has been far reaching ever since its development. Tremendous amounts of information can be stored in a small space which is amazing! Not only does a computer allow a person to attempt complex mathematical problems with ease but it also helps the users to communicate with one another through various social websites, forums and blogs. Today, personal computers can be used for performing a variety of tasks. It allows the user to store various multimedia and essential documents to suit the user’s demand. But they were surprisingly not built for such tasks. They were in fact designed to help a person calculate figures; the problem which dates back to 2000 B.C. when it was done with the help of the abacus. Ever since its invention by Charles Babbage, computers have really made everything convenient and even the most complex calculations can be solved instantaneously. Computers also transformed the manner in which we communicate with the society. People can now talk to one another with the use of social networking sites and live video chats. In a way, recent advancements in communication have evolved the world, which no one would have ever imagined fifty years ago.

How does bacteria save milk?

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

Cheese is a method to preserve milk in which cheese becomes completely different from milk. Cheese, however, has its own interesting and yummy taste. Cheese production is usually carried out with the help of bacteria (some are really good bacteria) and certain enzymes and natural acids which change the liquid milk into solid or semi-solid. The proteins and fats present in the milk are maintained by the saving action of such bacteria and enzyme products. The main ingredients which preserve cheese are salt and acids. The most important process in cheese-making, especially cheddar, which is one of its types, involves some basic steps. Bacteria and enzymes convert the lactose sugar present in milk into lactic acid. The rennet modifies milk proteins called caseinogens into insoluble casein. The casein, then turns into a gel-like product called curd. The curd stores most of the fat and calcium from the milk as well. The thick curd is pressed with a cheese press to solidify the cheese. The cheese is then stored in a dark, cool room for nine to twelve months to develop its taste and thickness by the good bacteria present. Some may have also seen holes in certain cheese. They are due to the presence of a special kind of bacteria which acts on cheese during the ripening or storage stage. Cheese-making  is a complex process, but it preserves the milk proteins and sugars which keep one healthy for long.

Why is cheese kept in a dark, cool room?

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

Cheese is a method to preserve milk in which cheese becomes completely different from milk. Cheese, however, has its own interesting and yummy taste. Cheese production is usually carried out with the help of bacteria (some are really good bacteria) and certain enzymes and natural acids which change the liquid milk into solid or semi-solid. The proteins and fats present in the milk are maintained by the saving action of such bacteria and enzyme products. The main ingredients which preserve cheese are salt and acids. The most important process in cheese-making, especially cheddar, which is one of its types, involves some basic steps. Bacteria and enzymes convert the lactose sugar present in milk into lactic acid. The rennet modifies milk proteins called caseinogens into insoluble casein. The casein, then turns into a gel-like product called curd. The curd stores most of the fat and calcium from the milk as well. The thick curd is pressed with a cheese press to solidify the cheese. The cheese is then stored in a dark, cool room for nine to twelve months to develop its taste and thickness by the good bacteria present. Some may have also seen holes in certain cheese. They are due to the presence of a special kind of bacteria which acts on cheese during the ripening or storage stage. Cheese-making  is a complex process, but it preserves the milk proteins and sugars which keep one healthy for long.

Which of the statements is true?

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

The effect of computers and instant communication technology has been far reaching ever since its development. Tremendous amounts of information can be stored in a small space which is amazing! Not only does a computer allow a person to attempt complex mathematical problems with ease but it also helps the users to communicate with one another through various social websites, forums and blogs. Today, personal computers can be used for performing a variety of tasks. It allows the user to store various multimedia and essential documents to suit the user’s demand. But they were surprisingly not built for such tasks. They were in fact designed to help a person calculate figures; the problem which dates back to 2000 B.C. when it was done with the help of the abacus. Ever since its invention by Charles Babbage, computers have really made everything convenient and even the most complex calculations can be solved instantaneously. Computers also transformed the manner in which we communicate with the society. People can now talk to one another with the use of social networking sites and live video chats. In a way, recent advancements in communication have evolved the world, which no one would have ever imagined fifty years ago.

What is the passage about?

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

Cheese is a method to preserve milk in which cheese becomes completely different from milk. Cheese, however, has its own interesting and yummy taste. Cheese production is usually carried out with the help of bacteria (some are really good bacteria) and certain enzymes and natural acids which change the liquid milk into solid or semi-solid. The proteins and fats present in the milk are maintained by the saving action of such bacteria and enzyme products. The main ingredients which preserve cheese are salt and acids. The most important process in cheese-making, especially cheddar, which is one of its types, involves some basic steps. Bacteria and enzymes convert the lactose sugar present in milk into lactic acid. The rennet modifies milk proteins called caseinogens into insoluble casein. The casein, then turns into a gel-like product called curd. The curd stores most of the fat and calcium from the milk as well. The thick curd is pressed with a cheese press to solidify the cheese. The cheese is then stored in a dark, cool room for nine to twelve months to develop its taste and thickness by the good bacteria present. Some may have also seen holes in certain cheese. They are due to the presence of a special kind of bacteria which acts on cheese during the ripening or storage stage. Cheese-making  is a complex process, but it preserves the milk proteins and sugars which keep one healthy for long.

Which of the following statements is true?

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

Cheese is a method to preserve milk in which cheese becomes completely different from milk. Cheese, however, has its own interesting and yummy taste. Cheese production is usually carried out with the help of bacteria (some are really good bacteria) and certain enzymes and natural acids which change the liquid milk into solid or semi-solid. The proteins and fats present in the milk are maintained by the saving action of such bacteria and enzyme products. The main ingredients which preserve cheese are salt and acids. The most important process in cheese-making, especially cheddar, which is one of its types, involves some basic steps. Bacteria and enzymes convert the lactose sugar present in milk into lactic acid. The rennet modifies milk proteins called caseinogens into insoluble casein. The casein, then turns into a gel-like product called curd. The curd stores most of the fat and calcium from the milk as well. The thick curd is pressed with a cheese press to solidify the cheese. The cheese is then stored in a dark, cool room for nine to twelve months to develop its taste and thickness by the good bacteria present. Some may have also seen holes in certain cheese. They are due to the presence of a special kind of bacteria which acts on cheese during the ripening or storage stage. Cheese-making  is a complex process, but it preserves the milk proteins and sugars which keep one healthy for long.

Which of the statements is true?

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

Silk is the most beautiful of all textiles and is rightly known as the queen of textiles. It is obtained from the cocoon of silk worm with careful handling and processing which makes it one of the most expensive fibers. China is the leading producer of silk in the entire world. Silk is produced by the process of sericulture in which the silkworm is raised under proper conditions of environment and food. Mulberry silk moth is known to feed on mulberry plant leaves which then attaches itself to the tree and spins a cocoon to become a moth. At first, the cocoons are sorted according to colour, shape, size and textures as these affect the quality obtained from it. The colour varies from white and yellow to a grayish shade. Next, they are immersed into hot and cold water which is followed by drying them. After drying, strands are unwound from the cocoon and combed together to make a thread of raw silk by first pricking the cocoon with a needle. The thread is important to obtain in one single continuous thread. This stage requires careful handling. The final step is weaving by connecting the threads. Weaving can be either done manually or with a loom operating with power.

What is the passage about?

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

Although antibiotics may get a criticism for their prevalence and overuse, life before them was fraught with untamable infection and few defensive tools. Penicillin was the first antibiotic, a discovery that happened in 1929 when a young bacteriologist, Sir Alexander Fleming, was making some alterations in his lab. After having been on vacation, he returned to work to find that a petri dish of Staphylococcus bacteria had been left uncovered; and he noticed that mold on the culture had killed many of the bacteria. He identified the mold as penicillium notatum, and upon further research found that it could kill other bacteria and could be given to small animals without ill effect. A decade later, Howard Florey and Ernst Chain picked up where Fleming left off and isolated the bacteria-killing substance found in the mold – penicillin. The three won the Nobel Prize in medicine in 1945 for the discovery of penicillin and its curative effect in various infectious diseases. A laboratory worker measures purified penicillin into bottles. In this process, the substance is freeze-dried and the ice evaporated off under vacuum. The powder left behind is penicillin.