UPSC CSE 2011 CSAT QUESTIONS WITH EXPLANATIONS

 

CSAT 2011 Solved paper – 2 SET-A

 

 

Directions for the following 8 (eight) items:

 

Read each of the following two passages and answer the items that follow.

Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

 Passage-I

For achieving inclusive growth there is-a critical need to rethink the-role of the State. The early debate among economists about the size of the Government can be misleading. The need of the hour is to have an enabling Government. India is too large and complex a nation for the State to be able to deliver all that is needed. Asking the Government to produse all the essential goods, create all the necessary jobs, and keep a curb on the prices of all goods is to lead to a large cumbersome bureaucracy and widespread corruption. The aim must be to stay with the objective of inclusive growth that was laid down by the founding fathers of the nation and also to take a more modern view of what the State can realistically deliver. This is what leads to the idea of an enabling State, that is, a Government that does not try to directly deliver to the citizens everything that they need. Instead, it (1) creates an enabling ethos for the market so that individual enterprise can flourish and citizens can, for the most part, provide for the needs of one another, and (2) steps in to help those who do not manage to do well for themselves, for there will always be individuals, no matter what the system, who need support and help. Hence we need a Government that, when it comes to the market, sets effective, incentive-compatible rules and remains on the side-lines with minimal interference, and, at the same time, plays an important role in directly helping the poor by ensuring that they get basic education and health services and receive adequate nutrition and food.

 

1. According to passage:

1. The objective of inclusive growth was laid down by the founding fathers of the nation.
2. Need of the hour is to have an enabling Government.
3. The Government should engage in maximum interference in market processes.
4. There is a need to change the size of the Government.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

 All the mentioned statements are correct.

2. According to the passage, the strategy of inclusive growth can be affected by focussing on

(a) Meeting all the needs of every citizen in the country.

 (b) Increasing the regulations over the manufacturing sector.

(c) Controlling the distribution of manufacturing goods.

(d) Delivery of the basic services to the deprived sections of the society.

Answer: D

Hence we need a Government that, when it comes to the market, sets effective, incentive-compatible rules and remain on the side-lines with minimal interference, and, at the same time, play an important role in directly helping the poor by ensuring that they get basic education and health services and receive adequate nutrition and food.

3. What constitutes an enabling Government?

1. A large bureaucracy.
2. Implementation of welfare programmes through representatives.
3. Creating an ethos that helps individual enterprise
4. Providing resources to those who are underprivileged.
5. Offering direct help to the poor regarding basic services.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

 (b) 4 and 5 only

(c) 3, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: C

This is what leads to the idea of an enabling State, that is, a Government that does not try to directly deliver to the citizens everything that they need. Instead, it (1) creates an enabling ethos for the market so that individual enterprise can flourish and citizens can, for the most part, provide for the needs of one another, and (2) steps in to help those who do not manage to do well for themselves, for there will always be individuals, no matter what the system, who need support and help.

4. Why is the State unable to deliver "all that is needed"?

1. It does not have sufficient bureaucracy.
2. It does not promote inclusive growth.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

 (a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

India is too large and complex a nation for the State to be able to deliver all that is needed.

India is too large and complex a nation for the State to be able to deliver all that is needed. Asking the Government to produse all the essential goods, create all the necessary jobs, and keep a curb on the prices of all goods is to lead to a large cumbersome bureaucracy and widespread corruption.

 

5. What is essential message being conveyed by the author of the passage?

(a) The objectives of inclusive growth laid down by the founding fathers of the nation should be remembered.

(b) The Government needs to make available more schools and health services. (c) The Government needs to establish markets and industries to meet the needs of the poor strata of the society.

(d) There is a need to rethink the role of the State in achieving inclusive growth

Answer: D

For achieving inclusive growth there is-a critical need to rethink the-role of the State. The early debate among economists about the size of the Government can be misleading. The need of the hour is to have an enabling Government.

 

Passage-2

The concept of 'creative society' refers to a phase of development of a society in which a large number of potential contradictions become articulate and active. This is most evident when oppressed social groups get politically mobilised and demand their rights. The upsurge of the peasants and tribals, the movements for regional autonomy and self-determination, the environmental movements, and the women's movements in the developing countries are signs of emergence of creative society in contemporary times. The forms of social movements and their intensity may vary from country to country and place to place within a country. But the very presence of movements for social transformation in various spheres of a society indicates the emergence of a creative society in a country.

6. What does the author imply by "creative society"?

1. A society where diverse art forms and literary writings seek incentive.
2. A society where social inequalities are accepted as the norm.
3. A society where a large number of contradictions are recognised.
4. A society where' the exploited and the oppressed groups grow conscious of their human rights and upliftment.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 4 only

(c) 3 and 4

(d) 2 and 4

Answer: C

The concept of 'creative society' refers to a phase of development of a society in which a large number of potential contradictions become articulate and active.

The upsurge of the peasants and tribals, the movements for regional autonomy and self-determination

7. What according to the passage are the manifestations of social movements?

1. Aggressiveness and being incendiary.
2. Instigation by external forces.
3. Quest for social equality and individual freedom.
4. Urge for granting privileges and self-respect to disparaged sections of the society.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 3 and 4 only

 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: C

The very presence of movements for social transformation in various spheres of a society indicates the emergence of a creative society in a country.

8. With reference to the passage consider the following statements:

1. To be a creative society, it is essential to have a variety of social movements.
2. To be a creative society, it is imperative to have potential contradictions and conflicts.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

 (a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

The concept of 'creative society' refers to a phase of development of a society in which a large number of potential contradictions become articulate and active. This is most evident when oppressed social groups get politically mobilised and demand their rights.

9. Consider the following three statements:

1. Only students can participate in the race.
2. Some participants in the race are girls.
3. All girl participants in the race are invited for coaching.

Which one of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements?

 (a) All participants in the race are invited for coaching.

 (b) All students are invited for coaching.

(c) All participants in the race are students.

 (d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct.

Answer: C

Statement: Only students can participate in the race

Conclusion: All participants in the race are students

Directions for the following 2 (two) items:

Each of the following two items consists of four statements. Of these four statements, two cannot both be true, but both can be false. Study the statements carefully and identify the two that satisfy the above condition. Select the correct answer using the codes given below each set of statements:

 

 

10. Examine the following statements:

1. All animals are carnivorous.
2. Some animals are not carnivorous.
3. Animals are not carnivorous.
4. Some animals are carnivorous.

 Codes:

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 1 and 2

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 3 and 4

Answer: A

All animals are carnivorous and Animals are not carnivorous, these statements cannot both be true, but both can be false.

 

11. Examine the following statements:

1. All trains are run by diesel engine.
2. Some trains are run by diesel engine.
3. No train is run by diesel engine.
4. Some trains are not run by diesel engine.

Codes:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 1 and 4

Answer: C

All trains are run by diesel engine and No train is run by diesel engine. These statements cannot both be true, but both can be false.

12. Consider the four age pyramids given below namely A, B, C and D representing four different countries

Which one of them indicates the declining population?

(a) A

(b) B

(c) C

(d) D

Answer: C

The base of the pyramid indicates the number of children and the top denotes number of senior citizens.

If the top is wider than the bottom indicates fewer births are taking place and more deaths are taking place. Hence population will reduce.

 

13. The followings figures has four curves namely A, B, C and D, Study the figure and answer the item that follows.

Which curve indicates the exponential growth?

(a) A

 (b) B

(c) C

(d) D

Answer: C

Exponential curve is the one where the slope of the curve increases exponentially. The equation is y=.

Curve A is not exponential as its shows a slight decrease.

Curve B is linear

Curve C is exponential as it increases continuously and also slowly in the early stage and at a fast pace in later stages.

Curve D is not exponential as it remains constant for a period of almost up to 1000 years and then shows a sudden increase.

 

 

Directions for the following 2 (two) items:

The following pie charts show the break-up of disease categories recorded in the patients from two towns, Town A and Town B. Pie charts plot the disease Categories as percentage of the total number of patients. Based on these answer the two items that follow the charts.

 

14. Which of the two towns has a higher number of persons with Diabetes?

(a) Town A

(b) Town B

(c) Same in Town A and Town B

 (d) No inference can be drawn

Answer: D

The total number of persons from Town A and Town B are not given hence we cannot determine the number of persons with Diabetes.

15. What can we say about persons with more than one disease from these graphs?

(a) There are likely to be persons with more than one disease in Town A.

(b) There are likely to be persons with more than one disease in Town B.

(c) There are likely to be persons with more than one disease in both Towns A and B.

(d) No inference can be drawn.

Answer: B

The percentage of town A is 100, but the town is 121.

If a person has more than one disease can be counted twice leads to increase in the percentage.

16. Consider the following Velocity-Time graph. It shows two trains starting simultaneously on parallel tracks.

With reference to the above graph, which one of the following statements is not correct?

 (a) Train B has an initial acceleration greater than that of Train A.

(b) Train B is faster than Train A at all times.

(c) Both trains have the same velocity at time to'

(d) Both trains travel the same distance in time to units.

Answer: D

B’s slope is more than A, which means for the same time period, it is changing velocity faster than that of A.

 

Directions for the following 6 (six) items:

Read each of the following two passages and answer the items that follow.

Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage-1

Ecosystems provide people with a variety of goods and services; food, clean water, clean air, flood control, soil stabilization, pollination, climate regulation, spiritual fulfilment and aesthetic enjoyment, to name just a few. Most of these benefits either are irreplaceable or the technology necessary to replace them is prohibitively expensive. For example, potable fresh water can be provided by desalinating sea-water, but only at great cost. The rapidly expanding human population has greatly modified the Earth's ecosystems to meet their increased requirements of some of the goods and services, particularly food, fresh water, timber, fibre and fuel. These modifications have contributed substantially to human well-being and economic development. The benefits have not been equally distributed. Some people have actually been harmed by these changes. Moreover, short-term increases in some ecosystem goods and services have come at the cost of the long-term degradation of others. For example, efforts to increase the production of food and fibre have decreased the ability of some ecosystems to provide clean water, regulate flooding and support biodiversity.

 

17. With reference to the passage, consider the following statements. Expanding human' population has an adverse effect on:

1. Spiritual fulfilment
2. Aesthetic enjoyment
3. Potable fresh water
4. Production of food and fibre
5. Biodiversity

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 4 and 5 only

(c) 3 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: C

For Example, efforts to increase the production of food and fibre have decreased the ability of some ecosystems to provide clean water, regulate flooding and support biodiversity.

18. The passage mentions that "some people have actually been harmed by these changes." What does it imply?

1. The rapid expansion of population has adversely affected some people.
2. Sufficient efforts have not been made to increase the production of food and fibre.
3. In the short term some people may be harmed, but in the long term everyone will benefit from modifications In the Earth's ecosystems.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2

(c) 1 and 3

(d) None of the statements given above

Answer: A

The rapidly expanding human population has greatly modified the Earth’s ecosystems to meet their increase requirements of some of the goods and service, particularly food, fresh water, timber, fibre and fuel.

These modifications have contributed substantially to human well-being and economic development.

The benefits have not been equally distributed. Some people have actually been harmed by these changes.

19. With reference to the passage, consider the following statements:

1. It is imperative to modify the Earth's ecosystems for the well-being of mankind.
2. Technology can never replace all the goods and services provided by ecosystems.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

 (a) 1 only

 (b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

The rapidly expanding human population has greatly modified the Earth’s ecosystems to meet their increase requirements of some of the goods and service, particularly food, fresh water, timber, fibre and fuel.

These modifications have contributed substantially to human well-being and economic development.

Passage-B

 A moral act must be our own act; must spring from our own will. If we act mechanically, this is no moral content in our act. Such action would be moral, if we think it proper to act like a machine and do so. For, in doing so, we use our discrimination. We should bear in mind the distinction between acting mechanically and acting intentionally. It may be moral of a king to pardon a culprit. But the messenger carrying out the order of pardon plays only a mechanical part in the king's moral act. But if the messenger were to carry out the king's order considering it to be his duty, his action would be a moral one. How can a man understand morality who does not use his own intelligence and power of thought, but lets himself be swept along like a log of wood by a current? Sometimes a man defies convention and acts on his own with a view to absolute good.

 

20. Which of the following statements best describe/describes the thought of the writer?

1. A moral act calls for using our discretion.
2. Man should react to a situation immediately.
3. Man must do his duty.
4. Man should be able to defy convention in order to be moral.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 3

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 4

Answer: D

A moral act must be our own act; must spring from our own will.

Man should be able to defy convention in order to be moral.

 

21. Which of the following statements is the nearest definition of moral action, according to the writer?

(a) It is a mechanical action based on official orders from superiors.

(b) It is an action based on our sence of discretion.

(c) It is a clever action based on the clarity of purpose.

(d) It is a religious action based on understanding.

Answer: B

A moral act must be our own act; must spring from our own will. If we act mechanically, these are no moral content in our act.

22. The passage contains a statement "lets himself be swept along like a log of wood by a current." Among the following statements, which is/are nearest in meaning to this?

1. A person does not use his own reason.
2. He is susceptible to influence/pressure.
3. He cannot withstand difficulties/challenges.
4. He is like a log of wood.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2

(c) 2 and 3

 (d) 1 and 4

Answer: A

How can a man understand morality that does not use his own intelligence and power of thought, but let’s himself be swept along like a log of wood by a current? Sometimes a man defies convention and acts on his own with a view to absolute good.

23. Consider the following distance - time graph. The graph shows three athletes A, Band C running side by side for a 30 km race.

With reference to the above graph consider the following statements:

1. The race was won by A.
2. B was ahead of A up to 25 km 26 mark.
3. C ran very slowly from the beginning.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

 (a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

A has taken 30 minutes to complete race and B has taken more than 35 minutes and C did not finish the race.

B has taken less time than A up to 25 Kms

C is very fast in the beginning compared with the A and B.

 

 

24. Consider the following figures: What is the missing number?

 (a) 7

 (b) 8

(c) 9

(d) 10

Answer: C

2 is multiple with 3, get 6 in the second column, 6 is multiple with 4, get 24 in the third column and 2 is multiple with 40 and get 80 in the fourth column.

Similarly 3 is multiple with 3, get 9 in the second column, 9 is multiple with 4 get 36 in the third column and 3 is multiple with 40 get 120 in the fourth column.

25. Study the following figure: A person goes from A to B always moving to the right or downwards along the lines. How many different routes can he adopt?

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

(a) 4

(b) 5

(c) 6

(d) 7

First technique

1. AGB
2. APB
3. AEODB
4. AEOFB
5. ACODB
6. ACOFB

 

Second technique

From A to B in the given manner from point A node in two ways (right or downward).

In each way there are 3 ways to go to B. hence total 3+3=6.

 

Third technique

Formula

Consider an m×n rectangular grid with top left cornor A and bottom right corner B.

The number of distinct paths available to traverse from A to B moving downward and rightward is

                                                         

ENGLISH COMPREHNSION

Directions for the following 8 (eight) items:

Read each of the following two passages and answer the items that follow. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage-I

For achieving inclusive growth there is a critical need to rethink the-role of the State. The early debate among economists about the size of the Government can be misleading. The need of the hour is to have an enabling Government. India is too large and complex a nation for the State to be able to deliver all that is needed. Asking the Government to produce all the essential goods, create all the necessary jobs, and keep a curb on the prices of all goods is to lead to a large cumbersome bureaucracy and widespread corruption. The aim must be to stay with the objective of inclusive growth that was laid down by the founding fathers of the nation and also to take a more modern view of what the State can realistically deliver. This is what leads to the idea of an enabling State, that is, a Government that does not try to directly deliver to the citizens everything that they need. Instead, it (1) creates an enabling ethos for the market so that individual enterprise can flourish and citizens can, for the most part, provide for the needs of one another, and (2) steps in to help those who do not manage to do well for themselves, for there will always be individuals, no matter what the system, who need support and help. Hence we need a Government that, when it comes to the market, sets effective, incentive-compatible rules and remains on the sidelines with minimal interference, and, at the same time, plays an important role in directly helping the poor by ensuring that they get basic education and health services and receive adequate nutrition and food .

1. According to passage :

1.The objective of inclusive growth was laid down by the founding fathers of the nation.

2.Need of the hour is to have an enabling Government.

3.The Government should engage in maximum interference in market processes.

4.There is a need to change the size of the Government.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

(a)1 and 2 only

(b)2 and 3 only

(c)1 and 4 only

(d)1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution: a

 

2.What constitutes an enabling Government?

1.A large bureaucracy.

2.Implementation of welfare programmes through representatives.

3.Creating an ethos that helps individual enterprise

4.Providing resources to those who are underprivileged.

5.Offering direct help to the poor regarding basic services.

 

Select the correct answer from the codes given below :

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 4 and 5 only

(c) 3, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Solution: c

 

4. Why is the State unable to deliver "all that is needed"?

1.It does not have sufficient bureaucracy.

2.It does not promote inclusive growth.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below :

a.1 only

b.2 only

c.Both 1 and 2

d.Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: d

 

5.What is the essential message being conveyed by the author of the passage?

a.The objectives of inclusive growth laid down by the founding fathers of the nation should be remembered.

b.The Government needs to make available more schools and health services.

c.The Government needs to establish markets and industries to meet the needs of the poor strata of the society.

d.There is a need to rethink the role of the State in achieving inclusive growth.

Solution: d

 

Passage-2

 

The concept of 'creative society' refers to a phase of development of a society in which a large number of potential contradictions become articulate and active. This is most evident when oppressed social groups get politically mobilized and demand their rights. The upsurge of the peasants and tribals, the movements for regional autonomy and self-determination, the environmental movements, and the women's movements in the developing countries are signs of emergence of creative society in contemporary times. The forms of social movements and their intensity may vary from country to country and place to place within a country. But the very presence of movements for social transformation in various spheres of a society indicates the emergence of a creative society in a country.

 

6.What does the author imply by "creative society"?

1.A society where diverse art forms and literary writings seek incentive.

2.A society where social inequalities are accepted as the norm.

3.A society where a large number of contradictions are recognised.

4.A society where' the exploited and the oppressed groups grow conscious of their human rights and upliftment.

 

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a)1, 2 and 3

(b)4 only

(c)3 and 4

(d)2 and 4

Solution: c

 

7. What according to the passage are the manifestations of social movements?

1.Aggressiveness and being incendiary.

2.Instigation by external forces.

3.Quest for social equality and individual freedom.

4.Urge for granting privileges and self-respect to disparaged sections of the society.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a)1 and 3 only

(b)2 and 4 only

(c)3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution: c

 

8. With reference to the passage consider the following statements:

1.To be a creative society, it is essential to have a variety of social movements.

2.To be a creative society, it is imperative to have potential contradictions and conflicts.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b)2 only

(c)Both 1 and 2

(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: d

 

 

Passage-1

 

Ecosystems provide people with a variety of goods and services; food, clean water, clean air, flood control, soil stabilization, pollination, climate regulation, spiritual fulfillment and aesthetic enjoyment, to name just a few. Most of these benefits either are irreplaceable or the technology necessary to replace them is prohibitively expensive. For example, potable fresh water can be provided by desalinating sea-water, but only at great cost. The rapidly expanding human population has greatly modified the Earth's ecosystems to meet their increased requirements of some of the goods and services, particularly food, fresh water, timber, fibre and fuel. These modifications have contributed substantially to human well being and economic development. The benefits have not been equally distributed. Some people have actually been harmed by these changes. Moreover, short-term increases in some ecosystem goods and services have come at the cost of the long-term degradation of others. For example, efforts to increase the production of food and fibre have decreased the ability of some ecosystems to provide clean water, regulate flooding and support biodiversity.

 

17.With reference to the passage, consider the following statements. Expanding human' population has an adverse effect on:

1.Spiritual fulfillment

2.Aesthetic enjoyment

3.Potable fresh water

4.Production of food and fibre

5.Biodiversity

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

a.1, 2 and 3 only

b.2, 4 and 5 only

c.3 and 5 only

d.1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Solution: c

 

18. The passage mentions that "some people have actually been harmed by these changes." What does it imply?

1.The rapid expansion of population has adversely affected some people.

2.Sufficient efforts have not been made to increase the production of food and fibre.

3.In the short term some people may be harmed, but in the long term everyone will benefit from 4.modifications In the Earth's ecosystems.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a.1 only

b.2 only

c.1 and 3

d.None of the statements given above

Solution: a

 

19. With reference to the passage, consider the following statements:

1.It is imperative to modify the Earth's ecosystems for the well being of mankind.

2.Technology can never replace all the goods and services provided by ecosystems.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

a.1 only

b.2 only

c.Both 1 and 2

d.Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: b

 

Passage-B:

 

A moral act must be our own act; must spring from our own will. If we act mechanically, there is no moral content in our act. Such action would be moral, If we think it proper to act like a machine and do so. For, in doing so, we use our discrimination. We should bear in mind the distinction between acting mechanically and acting intentionally. It may be moral of a king to pardon a culprit. But the messenger carrying out the order of pardon plays only a mechanical part in the king's moral act. But if the messenger were to carry out the king's order considering it to be his duty, his action would be a moral one. How can a man understand morality who does not use his own intelligence and power of thought, but lets himself be swept along like a log of wood by a current? Sometimes a man defies convention and acts on his own with a view to absolute good.

 

20. Which of the following statements best describe/describes the thought of the writer?

1.A moral act calls for using our discretion.

2.Man should react to a situation immediately.

3.Man must do his duty.

4.Man should be able to defy convention in order to be moral.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below :

a.1 only

b.1 and 3

c.2 and 3

d.1 and 4

Solution: d

 

21.Which of the following statements is the nearest definition of moral action, according to the writer ?

a.it is a mechanical action based on official orders from superiors.

b.It is an action based on our sense of discretion.

c.It is a clever action based on the clarity of purpose.

Solution: b

 

22.The passage contains a statement "lets himself be swept along like a log of wood by a current." Among the following statements, which is/are nearest in meaning to this?

1.A person does not use his own reason.

2.He is susceptible to influence/pressure.

3.He cannot withstand difficulties/challenges.

4.He is like a log of wood.

 

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a.1 only

b.1 and 2

c.2 and 3

d.1 and 4

Solution: a

 

 

 

Passage

 

A country under foreign domination seeks escape from the present in dreams of a vanished age, and finds consolation in visions of past greatness. That is a foolish and dangerous pastime in which many of us indulge. An equally questionable practice for us in India is to imagine that we are still spiritually great though we have come down, in the world in other respects. Spiritual or any other greatness cannot be founded on lack of freedom and opportunity, or on starvation and misery. Many western writers have encouraged the notion that Indians are other-worldly. I suppose the poor and unfortunate in every country become to some extent other-worldly, unless they become revolutionaries, for this world is evidently not meant for them. So also subject peoples.As a man grows to maturity he is not entirely engrossed in, or satisfied with, the external objective world. He also seeks some inner meaning, some psychological and physical satisfactions. So also with peoples and civilizations as they mature and grow as adults. Every civilization and every person exhibits these parallel streams of an external life and an internal life. Where they meet or keep close to each other, there is an equilibrium and stability. When they diverge conflict arises and the crises that torture the mind and spirit.

 

27.The passage mentions that "this world is evidently not meant for them". It refers to people who

1.seek freedom from foreign domination.

2.live in starvation and misery.

3.become revolutionaries .

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

a.1 and 2

b.2 only

c.2 and 3

d.3 only

Solution: b

 

28. Consider the following assumptions :

1.A country under foreign domination cannot indulge in spiritual pursuit.

2.Poverty is an impediment in spiritual pursuit.

3.Subject peoples may become other-wordly.

With reference to the passage, which of the above assumptions is/are valid ?

a.1 and 2

b.2 only

c.2 and 3

d.3 only

Solution: a

 

29.According to the passage, the torture of the mind and spirit is caused

1.by the impact of foreign domination.

2.by the desire to escape from foreign domination and find consolation in visions of past greatness.

3.due to lack of equilibrium between an external life and an internal life.

4.due to one's inability to be either revolutionary or other-worldly.

Solution: 3

 

Passage

 

A species that exerts. an influence out of proportion to its abundance in an ecosystem is called a keystone species. The keystone species may influence both the species richness of communities and the flow of energy and materials through ecosystems. The sea star Pisaster the flow of energy and materials through ecosystems. The sea star Pisaster ochraceus, which lives in rocky intertidal ecosystems on the Pacific coast of North America, is also an example of a keystone species. Its preferred prey is the mussel Mytilus californianus . In the absence of sea- stars, these mussels crowd out other competitors in a broad belt of the intertidal zone. By consuming mussels, sea stars create bare spaces that are taken over by a variety of other species. A study at the University of Washington demonstrated the influence of Pisaster on species richness by removing sea stars from selected parts of the intertidal zone repeatedly over a period of five years. Two major changes occured in the areas from which sea stars were removed. First, the lower edge of the 46. the mussel bed extended farther down into the intertidal zone, showing that sea stars are able to eliminate mussels completely where they are covered with water most of the time. Second, and more dramatically, 28 species of animals and algae disappeared from the sea star removal zone. Eventually only Mytilus, the dominant competitor, occupied the entire substratum. Through its effect on competitive relationships, predation by Pisaster largely determines which species live in these rocky intertidal ecosystems.

 

43.What is the crux of the passage ?

a.Sea star has a preferred prey.

b.A preferred prey determines the survival of a keystone species.

c.Keystone species ensures species diversity.

d.Sea star is the only keystone species on the Pacific coast of North America.

Solution: c

 

44.With reference to the passage, consider the following statements :

1.Mussels are generally the dominant species in intertidal ecosystems.

2.The survival of sea stars is generally determined by the abundance of mussels.

Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

a.1 only

b.2 only

c.Both 1 and 2

d.Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: d

 

46. Which of the following is/are implied by the passage ?

1.Mussels are always hard competitors for sea stars.

2.Sea stars of the Pacific coast have reached the climax of their evolution.

3.Sea stars constitute an important component in the energy flow in intertidal ecosystem.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a.1 and 2

b.2 only

c.1 and 3

d.3 only

Solution: d

 

47. Consider the following assumptions:

1.The food chains/food web in an ecosystem are influenced by keystone species.

2.The presence of keystone species is a specific characteristic of aquatic ecosystems.

3.If the keystone species is completely removed from an ecosystem, it will lead to the collapse of the ecosystem.

With reference to the passage, which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

a.1 only

b.2 and 3 only

c.1 and 3 only

d.1, 2 and 3

Solution: a

 

Passage

 

Now India's children have a right to receive at least eight years of education, the gnawing question is whether' it will remain 'on paper' or 'become a reality. One hardly needs a reminder that this right is different from the others enshrined in the Constitution, that the beneficiary - a six year old child cannot demand it, nor can she or he fight a legal battle when the right is denied or violated. In all cases, it is the adult society which must act on behalf of the child. In another peculiarity, where a child's right to education is denied, no compensation offered later can be adequate or relevant. This is so because childhood does not last if a legal battle fought on behalf of a child is eventually won, it may be of little use to the boy or girl because the opportunity missed at school during childhood cannot serve the same purpose later in life. This may be painfully true for girls because our society permits them only a short childhood, if at all. The Right to Education (RTE) has become law at a point in India's history when the ghastly practice of female infanticide has resurfaced in the form of foeticide. This is "symptomatic of a deeper turmoil" in society which compounds the traditional obstacles to the education of girls. "Tenacious prejudice against the intellectual potential of girls runs across our cultural diversity and the system of education has not been able to address it.

 

87.With reference to the passage, consider the following statements:

1.When children are denied education, adult society does not act on behalf of them.

2.Right to Education as a law cannot be enforced in the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

a.1 only

b.2 only

c.Both 1 and 2

d.Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: d

 

53. According to the passage, what could be the traditional obstacles to the education of girls?

1.Inability of parents to fight a legal battle when the Right to Education is denied to their children.

2.The traditional way of thinking about a girl's role in society.

3.The prejudice against the intellectual potential of girls.

4.Improper system of education.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

a.1 and 2 only

b.2, 3 and 4 only

c.1, 3 and 4 only

d.1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution: b

 

54. On the basis of the passage, consider the following statements:

1.Right to Education is a legal right and not a fundamental right.

2.For realizing the goal of universal education, the education system in the country must be made identical to that of developed countries.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a.1 only

b.2 only

c.Both 1 and 2

d.Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: d

 

36.Which one of the following statements conveys the key message of the passage ?

a.India has declared that education is compulsory for its children.

b.Adult society is not keen on implementing the Right to Education.

c.The Right to Education, particularly of a girl child, needs to be safeguarded.

d.The system of education should address the issue of the right to education.

Solution: c

55.Which one of the following statements conveys the inference of the passage?

a.Society has a tenacious prejudice against the intellectual potential of girls.

b.Adults cannot be relied upon to fight on behalf of children for their Right to Education.

c.The legal fight to get education for children is often protracted and prohibitive.

d.There is no sufficient substitute for education received in childhood.

Solution: d

 

Passage-I

He walked several miles that day but could not get anything to eat or drink except some dry bread and some water, which he got from cottagers and farmers. As night fell, he slept under a haystack lying in a meadow. He felt frightened at first, for the wind blew awfully over the empty fields. He felt cold and hungry, and was feeling more lonely than he had ever felt before. He however, soon fell asleep, being much tired with his long walk. When he got up next day, he was feeling terribly hungry so he purchased a loaf of bread with a few coins that he had.

 

78.When the night fell, he slept

a.in the open field

b.under a pile of dry grass

c.in a farmer's cottage

d.under a tree

 Solution: b

 

57.He soon fell asleep because

a.he was exhausted

b.he was all alone

c.he had not slept for days

d.he was very frightened

Solution: a

 

58.With reference to the passage, consider the following statements :

1.He was walking through the countryside,

2.The cottagers and farmers gave his enough food so that he could sleep at night without feeling hungry.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

a.1 only

b.2 only

c.Both 1 and 2

d.Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: a

 

Passage - II

 

I opened the bag and packed the boots in; and then, just as I was going to close it, a horrible idea occurred to me - Had I packed my toothbrush ? I don't know how it is, but I never do know whether I've packed my toothbrush. My toothbrush is a thing that haunts me when I'm traveling, and makes my life a misery, I dream that I haven't packed it, and wake up in a cold perspiration, and get out of bed and hunt for it. And, in the morning, I pack it before I have used it, and it is always the last thing I turn out of the bag; and then repack and forget it, and have to rug upstairs for it at the last moment and carry it to the railway station, wrapped up in my pocket-handkerchief.

 

55.When he was going to close the bag, the idea that occurred to him was

a.unpleasant

b.sad

c.fantastic

d.amusing

Solution: a

 

56.What makes his life miserable whenever he undertakes traveling?

a.Going to railway station

b.Forgetting the toothbrush

c.Packing his bag

d.Bad dreams

 

Solution: b

 

45.toothbrush is finally

a.in his bag

b.in his bed

c.in his handkerchief

d.lost

Solution: a

 

Passage-III

 

In spring, polar bear mothers emerge from dens with three month old cubs. The mother bear has fasted for as long as eight months but that does not stop the young from demanding full access to her remaining reserves. If there are triplets, the most persistent stands to gain an extra meal and it may have the meal at the expense of others. The smallest of the litter forfeits many meals to stronger siblings. Females are protective of their cubs but tend to ignore family rivalry over food. In 21 years of photographing polar bears, I've only once seen the smallest of triplets survive till autumn.

 

54.Female polar bears give birth during

a.spring

b.summer

c.autumn

d.winter

Solution: d

 

32.Mother bear

a.takes sides over cubs

b.lets the cubs fend for themselves

c.feeds only their favorites

d.see that all cubs get an equal share

Solution: b

 

33.In reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made:

1.Polar bears fast as long as eight months due to non-availability of prey.

2.Polar bears always give birth to triplets.

Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?

a.1 only

b.2 only

c.Both 1 and 2

d.Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: d

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