Reading Comprehension Previous Year Questions (page 3)
185 Reading Comprehension (English) questions asked in BPSC TRE previous year papers, each with the correct answer and explanation. Read them free on UTpaper, or attempt the full papers as timed online tests.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
Among the relics of the Indus civilization are found the figures which are the prototype of Siva, suggesting that he who explores his inward nature and integrates it is the ideal man. This image has haunted the spiritual landscape of this country from those early times till today. The Upanishads require us to acquire Brahma-Vidyā or ātma-Vidyā. The Katha Upanishad says that man is turned outward by his senses so looses contact with himself. He has lost his way. His soul has become immersed in outer things, in power and possessions. It must turn round, avrtta - caksuh, to find its right direction and discover the meaning of reality it has lost. The Jina is one who conquers his self. He is the Mahāviŕa, one who has battled with his inward nature and triumphed over it. The Buddha asks us to seek enlightenment, bodhi. These different Vedic ideals ask us to change our unregenerate nature, to replace avidyā, ignorance, by Vidyā Wisdom.
Which one of the following is nearest in meaning to the terms brahma-vidya and atma- vidya?
AWorld that is changing and temporary
BExperience that is timeless and external
CLife that begins and ends
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) Experience that is timeless and external
Explanation
Brahma-vidya and atma-vidya are knowledge of the self and the Absolute, which the passage treats as timeless; the key gives (B).
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
Among the relics of the Indus civilization are found the figures which are the prototype of Siva, suggesting that he who explores his inward nature and integrates it is the ideal man. This image has haunted the spiritual landscape of this country from those early times till today. The Upanishads require us to acquire Brahma-Vidyā or ātma-Vidyā. The Katha Upanishad says that man is turned outward by his senses so looses contact with himself. He has lost his way. His soul has become immersed in outer things, in power and possessions. It must turn round, avrtta - caksuh, to find its right direction and discover the meaning of reality it has lost. The Jina is one who conquers his self. He is the Mahāviŕa, one who has battled with his inward nature and triumphed over it. The Buddha asks us to seek enlightenment, bodhi. These different Vedic ideals ask us to change our unregenerate nature, to replace avidyā, ignorance, by Vidyā Wisdom.
In what way, according to the passage, one may be in a position to know oneself ?
ABy looking round and within
BBy looking outward
CBy luxury and comfort
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) By looking round and within
Explanation
The passage says one must turn round (look back and within) to find the right direction and recover the lost meaning of reality.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
Among the relics of the Indus civilization are found the figures which are the prototype of Siva, suggesting that he who explores his inward nature and integrates it is the ideal man. This image has haunted the spiritual landscape of this country from those early times till today. The Upanishads require us to acquire Brahma-Vidyā or ātma-Vidyā. The Katha Upanishad says that man is turned outward by his senses so looses contact with himself. He has lost his way. His soul has become immersed in outer things, in power and possessions. It must turn round, avrtta - caksuh, to find its right direction and discover the meaning of reality it has lost. The Jina is one who conquers his self. He is the Mahāviŕa, one who has battled with his inward nature and triumphed over it. The Buddha asks us to seek enlightenment, bodhi. These different Vedic ideals ask us to change our unregenerate nature, to replace avidyā, ignorance, by Vidyā Wisdom.
Which one of the following is the true meaning of reality?
Aa knowledge of inward self only
Ba true integration of outward and inward selves
Ca knowledge of outward self only
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) a true integration of outward and inward selves
Explanation
Of the options, reality as a true integration of the outward and inward selves matches the passage's ideal of integrating one's nature.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
Among the relics of the Indus civilization are found the figures which are the prototype of Siva, suggesting that he who explores his inward nature and integrates it is the ideal man. This image has haunted the spiritual landscape of this country from those early times till today. The Upanishads require us to acquire Brahma-Vidyā or ātma-Vidyā. The Katha Upanishad says that man is turned outward by his senses so looses contact with himself. He has lost his way. His soul has become immersed in outer things, in power and possessions. It must turn round, avrtta - caksuh, to find its right direction and discover the meaning of reality it has lost. The Jina is one who conquers his self. He is the Mahāviŕa, one who has battled with his inward nature and triumphed over it. The Buddha asks us to seek enlightenment, bodhi. These different Vedic ideals ask us to change our unregenerate nature, to replace avidyā, ignorance, by Vidyā Wisdom.
Who is the Buddha or Mahavira according to the passage?
AOne who has conquered the senses
BOne who hasn’t conquered the senses
COne who has conquered the outward senses only
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) One who has conquered the senses
Explanation
The Jina (Mahavira) conquers his self, and the Buddha seeks enlightenment; the keyed answer is that he has conquered the senses.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
The fundamental concept of Indian religious life may first be briefly indicated. The goal of life is communion with the Supreme. It is a life of realization, agnosis, an inner intuitive vision of God, when man achieves absolute freedom and escapes from the blind servitude to ordinary experience. It is subtle interwovenness with the realities of the spiritual world. It is not knowledge or the recognition of universal ideas through a dialectical process or analysis of empirical data. It is analogous to Plato’s vision of an irrestible harmony with the deepest reality of the world inspired and sustained by the spiritual in us. Intellectual recognition and spiritual realization are different. We can free ourselves from the shackles of the body and in a split second we can see the truth and be overcome by it. We see God so intensely that the soul is more certain and more possessed by the sight of God than the bodily eye by the light of day.
Which one of the following is nearest in meaning to the word ‘Communion’?
Aa relationship only
Ban intimate relationship
Ca familiarity
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) an intimate relationship
Explanation
'Communion' means an intimate relationship (here with the Supreme), not just any relationship or familiarity.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
The fundamental concept of Indian religious life may first be briefly indicated. The goal of life is communion with the Supreme. It is a life of realization, agnosis, an inner intuitive vision of God, when man achieves absolute freedom and escapes from the blind servitude to ordinary experience. It is subtle interwovenness with the realities of the spiritual world. It is not knowledge or the recognition of universal ideas through a dialectical process or analysis of empirical data. It is analogous to Plato’s vision of an irrestible harmony with the deepest reality of the world inspired and sustained by the spiritual in us. Intellectual recognition and spiritual realization are different. We can free ourselves from the shackles of the body and in a split second we can see the truth and be overcome by it. We see God so intensely that the soul is more certain and more possessed by the sight of God than the bodily eye by the light of day.
Which one of the following is a result of the act of Communion having been successfully established?
AIt leads to the vision of deepest reality
BIt introduces us to the transitory experience
CIt is indescribable in nature
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) It leads to the vision of deepest reality
Explanation
Successful communion gives the inner intuitive vision of God, i.e. of the deepest reality.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
The fundamental concept of Indian religious life may first be briefly indicated. The goal of life is communion with the Supreme. It is a life of realization, agnosis, an inner intuitive vision of God, when man achieves absolute freedom and escapes from the blind servitude to ordinary experience. It is subtle interwovenness with the realities of the spiritual world. It is not knowledge or the recognition of universal ideas through a dialectical process or analysis of empirical data. It is analogous to Plato’s vision of an irrestible harmony with the deepest reality of the world inspired and sustained by the spiritual in us. Intellectual recognition and spiritual realization are different. We can free ourselves from the shackles of the body and in a split second we can see the truth and be overcome by it. We see God so intensely that the soul is more certain and more possessed by the sight of God than the bodily eye by the light of day.
Which one of the following is the most appropriate meaning of the word empirical?
AThat which is related to thought
BThat which is related to experience
CThat which is related to logic and reasoning
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) That which is related to experience
Explanation
'Empirical' means based on experience or observation.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
The fundamental concept of Indian religious life may first be briefly indicated. The goal of life is communion with the Supreme. It is a life of realization, agnosis, an inner intuitive vision of God, when man achieves absolute freedom and escapes from the blind servitude to ordinary experience. It is subtle interwovenness with the realities of the spiritual world. It is not knowledge or the recognition of universal ideas through a dialectical process or analysis of empirical data. It is analogous to Plato’s vision of an irrestible harmony with the deepest reality of the world inspired and sustained by the spiritual in us. Intellectual recognition and spiritual realization are different. We can free ourselves from the shackles of the body and in a split second we can see the truth and be overcome by it. We see God so intensely that the soul is more certain and more possessed by the sight of God than the bodily eye by the light of day.
Which one of the following best explains the observation ‘Intellectual recognition’ of spiritual?
ASomething which is based on logic and reasoning with body being the basis
BSomething which is based on experience with soul being the basis
CSomething which is based on cause and effect relationship
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) Something which is based on logic and reasoning with body being the basis
Explanation
Intellectual recognition is a matter of logic and reasoning with the body (mind) as basis, contrasted in the passage with spiritual realisation.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
The fundamental concept of Indian religious life may first be briefly indicated. The goal of life is communion with the Supreme. It is a life of realization, agnosis, an inner intuitive vision of God, when man achieves absolute freedom and escapes from the blind servitude to ordinary experience. It is subtle interwovenness with the realities of the spiritual world. It is not knowledge or the recognition of universal ideas through a dialectical process or analysis of empirical data. It is analogous to Plato’s vision of an irrestible harmony with the deepest reality of the world inspired and sustained by the spiritual in us. Intellectual recognition and spiritual realization are different. We can free ourselves from the shackles of the body and in a split second we can see the truth and be overcome by it. We see God so intensely that the soul is more certain and more possessed by the sight of God than the bodily eye by the light of day.
Which one of the following is nearest in meaning to the phraseology ‘Split second’?
AImmediately
BImminently
CConspicuously
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) Immediately
Explanation
'In a split second' means instantly, so 'Immediately' is the closest.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
The Divine is both in us and out of us. God is neither completely transcendent nor completely immanent. To bring about his double aspect, contradictory accounts are given. He is divine darkness as well as ‘unencompassed light’. The philosophers with their passion for unity emphasize the immanent aspect, that there is no barrier dividing man from the real. The unity of man and God is the fundamental thesis of the great philosophic tradition which has come down to us from the Upanishads and Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Samkara, Spinoza, Bradley and a host of others are witness to it.
Which one of the following best expresses the idea of ‘transcendent’?
Acontained in the ordinary experience
Bextending beyond the limits of all possible experience and knowledge
Cability to be one and all with everyday experience
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) extending beyond the limits of all possible experience and knowledge
Explanation
'Transcendent' means going beyond the limits of all possible experience and knowledge.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
The Divine is both in us and out of us. God is neither completely transcendent nor completely immanent. To bring about his double aspect, contradictory accounts are given. He is divine darkness as well as ‘unencompassed light’. The philosophers with their passion for unity emphasize the immanent aspect, that there is no barrier dividing man from the real. The unity of man and God is the fundamental thesis of the great philosophic tradition which has come down to us from the Upanishads and Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Samkara, Spinoza, Bradley and a host of others are witness to it.
Which one of the following is nearest in meaning to the word, ‘Immanent’?
Abeing within the limits of possible experience and knowledge
Bbeing outside ordinary experience
Cbeing born into logic and reason
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) being within the limits of possible experience and knowledge
Explanation
'Immanent' means existing within; being within the limits of possible experience and knowledge is the nearest.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
The Divine is both in us and out of us. God is neither completely transcendent nor completely immanent. To bring about his double aspect, contradictory accounts are given. He is divine darkness as well as ‘unencompassed light’. The philosophers with their passion for unity emphasize the immanent aspect, that there is no barrier dividing man from the real. The unity of man and God is the fundamental thesis of the great philosophic tradition which has come down to us from the Upanishads and Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Samkara, Spinoza, Bradley and a host of others are witness to it.
What does the term ‘unity’ mean according to the passage?
AGod and man have become one and all
BGod and man are distinct
CGod is transcendent whereas man is just a material entity
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) God and man have become one and all
Explanation
The passage says the unity of man and God is the fundamental thesis of philosophy, i.e. God and man become one.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
The Divine is both in us and out of us. God is neither completely transcendent nor completely immanent. To bring about his double aspect, contradictory accounts are given. He is divine darkness as well as ‘unencompassed light’. The philosophers with their passion for unity emphasize the immanent aspect, that there is no barrier dividing man from the real. The unity of man and God is the fundamental thesis of the great philosophic tradition which has come down to us from the Upanishads and Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Samkara, Spinoza, Bradley and a host of others are witness to it.
The great philosophical tradition of the world begins with which one of the following philosophical compositions?
AUpanishads
BDialogues
CMetaphysics
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) Upanishads
Explanation
The passage says the philosophic tradition of unity has come down from the Upanishads, so it begins with the Upanishads.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
The Divine is both in us and out of us. God is neither completely transcendent nor completely immanent. To bring about his double aspect, contradictory accounts are given. He is divine darkness as well as ‘unencompassed light’. The philosophers with their passion for unity emphasize the immanent aspect, that there is no barrier dividing man from the real. The unity of man and God is the fundamental thesis of the great philosophic tradition which has come down to us from the Upanishads and Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Samkara, Spinoza, Bradley and a host of others are witness to it.
Which one of the following is an explanation of the term ‘Divine’?
AThe Ultimate reality that is within
BThe apparent experience that is outside
CThe sensuous apprehension of thought
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) The Ultimate reality that is within
Explanation
The passage describes the Divine as both in and beyond us; the ultimate reality that is within fits best.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
The famous dialogue between the Indian philosopher and Socrates suggests that for the whole Western tradition man is essentially a rational being, one who can think logically and act in a utilitarian manner. The Western mind lays great stress on science, logic and humanism. Hindu thinkers, as a class, hold with great conviction that we possess a power more interior than intellect by which we become aware of the real in its intimate individuality, and not merely in its superficial or discernible aspects. For the Hindus, a system of philosophy is an insight, a darsana. It is the vision of truth and not a matter of logical argument and proof. They believe that the mind can be freed by gradual training from the influences of speculative intellect as well as post impressions, and that it can unite itself with the object whose nature is then fully manifested. They contend that we can control destiny by the power of truth. Knowledge means power. The lack of this knowledge is root of all trouble. Vidyā is Mokṣa : avidyā is saṃsāra.
Which one of the following is a characteristic of Western tradition?
AMan must analyse every experience in terms of the facts
BMan must be capable of sensuously apprehending the thought
CMan must become dogmatic
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) Man must analyse every experience in terms of the facts
Explanation
The Western tradition sees man as a rational being who analyses experience logically in terms of facts.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
The famous dialogue between the Indian philosopher and Socrates suggests that for the whole Western tradition man is essentially a rational being, one who can think logically and act in a utilitarian manner. The Western mind lays great stress on science, logic and humanism. Hindu thinkers, as a class, hold with great conviction that we possess a power more interior than intellect by which we become aware of the real in its intimate individuality, and not merely in its superficial or discernible aspects. For the Hindus, a system of philosophy is an insight, a darsana. It is the vision of truth and not a matter of logical argument and proof. They believe that the mind can be freed by gradual training from the influences of speculative intellect as well as post impressions, and that it can unite itself with the object whose nature is then fully manifested. They contend that we can control destiny by the power of truth. Knowledge means power. The lack of this knowledge is root of all trouble. Vidyā is Mokṣa : avidyā is saṃsāra.
Which one of the following is a characteristic of Indian tradition?
AIdeas are built around profit and loss
BIdeas are contained in the innate experience
CIdeas are born into the thought which is a fact
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) Ideas are contained in the innate experience
Explanation
For Indian thinkers truth comes through insight (darsana) contained in innate experience rather than argument.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
The famous dialogue between the Indian philosopher and Socrates suggests that for the whole Western tradition man is essentially a rational being, one who can think logically and act in a utilitarian manner. The Western mind lays great stress on science, logic and humanism. Hindu thinkers, as a class, hold with great conviction that we possess a power more interior than intellect by which we become aware of the real in its intimate individuality, and not merely in its superficial or discernible aspects. For the Hindus, a system of philosophy is an insight, a darsana. It is the vision of truth and not a matter of logical argument and proof. They believe that the mind can be freed by gradual training from the influences of speculative intellect as well as post impressions, and that it can unite itself with the object whose nature is then fully manifested. They contend that we can control destiny by the power of truth. Knowledge means power. The lack of this knowledge is root of all trouble. Vidyā is Mokṣa : avidyā is saṃsāra.
In which one of the following ways, the ‘real’ is capable of being known?
Aby utilizing the power contained deeper than the mind
Bby inferring just through certain examples
Cby comparing one with the other
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) by utilizing the power contained deeper than the mind
Explanation
The passage says the real is known through a power deeper than intellect, i.e. one more interior than the mind.
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
The famous dialogue between the Indian philosopher and Socrates suggests that for the whole Western tradition man is essentially a rational being, one who can think logically and act in a utilitarian manner. The Western mind lays great stress on science, logic and humanism. Hindu thinkers, as a class, hold with great conviction that we possess a power more interior than intellect by which we become aware of the real in its intimate individuality, and not merely in its superficial or discernible aspects. For the Hindus, a system of philosophy is an insight, a darsana. It is the vision of truth and not a matter of logical argument and proof. They believe that the mind can be freed by gradual training from the influences of speculative intellect as well as post impressions, and that it can unite itself with the object whose nature is then fully manifested. They contend that we can control destiny by the power of truth. Knowledge means power. The lack of this knowledge is root of all trouble. Vidyā is Mokṣa : avidyā is saṃsāra.
Which one of the following is the best meaning of the phraseology ‘Speculative intellect’ :
Adull reflection on the basis of logic and reason
Buncertainty in terms of factual analysis
Cto take to be true on the basis of insufficient evidence
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (C) to take to be true on the basis of insufficient evidence
Explanation
'Speculative intellect' means judging on the basis of insufficient evidence (taking a thing to be true without proof).
The questions 106 - 125 are based on comprehension of the passages. Answer the questions that follow each of the passages:
The famous dialogue between the Indian philosopher and Socrates suggests that for the whole Western tradition man is essentially a rational being, one who can think logically and act in a utilitarian manner. The Western mind lays great stress on science, logic and humanism. Hindu thinkers, as a class, hold with great conviction that we possess a power more interior than intellect by which we become aware of the real in its intimate individuality, and not merely in its superficial or discernible aspects. For the Hindus, a system of philosophy is an insight, a darsana. It is the vision of truth and not a matter of logical argument and proof. They believe that the mind can be freed by gradual training from the influences of speculative intellect as well as post impressions, and that it can unite itself with the object whose nature is then fully manifested. They contend that we can control destiny by the power of truth. Knowledge means power. The lack of this knowledge is root of all trouble. Vidyā is Mokṣa : avidyā is saṃsāra.
Which one of the following statements is true?
AVidya and Avidya are similar to intuition and intellect
BVidya and Avidya are at loggerheads hence do not complement each other
CVidya and Avidya are related to comprehension of an experience
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) Vidya and Avidya are similar to intuition and intellect
Explanation
Vidya (knowledge/insight) and avidya (ignorance) correspond to intuition and intellect, as the passage contrasts the two.
Directions (Q. Nos. E-1 to E-5) Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :
Amitabh Bachchan, popularly known as big B, was born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh on 11 October 1942. He is an iconic actor whose career in Indian Cinema has spanned four decades. His father H.R. Bachchan was a well-known Hindi poet. (Bachchan is actually his father’s pen name but has now become the family surname) Amitabh attended boys’ High School in Allahabad, followed by Sherwood College in Nainital and earned a degree in science from Delhi university. His first film was ‘Saat Hindustani’ (1969). He became well-known as a movie star in 1973 after the success of ‘Abhimaan’ and ‘Zanjeer’ which was followed by his box office successes such as ‘Sholay’ ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’, ‘Trishul’, ‘Don’ and ‘Deewar’. He often played the role of an angry young man fighting a corrupt establishment, a theme that had tremendous appeal in India at that time.
Which city is the birth place of Amitabh in India?
ABombay
BDelhi
CBangalore
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (E) None of the above
Explanation
The passage says Amitabh was born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Bombay, Delhi and Bangalore are all wrong, so the answer is None of the above.
Directions (Q. Nos. E-1 to E-5) Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :
Amitabh Bachchan, popularly known as big B, was born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh on 11 October 1942. He is an iconic actor whose career in Indian Cinema has spanned four decades. His father H.R. Bachchan was a well-known Hindi poet. (Bachchan is actually his father’s pen name but has now become the family surname) Amitabh attended boys’ High School in Allahabad, followed by Sherwood College in Nainital and earned a degree in science from Delhi university. His first film was ‘Saat Hindustani’ (1969). He became well-known as a movie star in 1973 after the success of ‘Abhimaan’ and ‘Zanjeer’ which was followed by his box office successes such as ‘Sholay’ ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’, ‘Trishul’, ‘Don’ and ‘Deewar’. He often played the role of an angry young man fighting a corrupt establishment, a theme that had tremendous appeal in India at that time.
How long has Amitabh Bachchan dominated Indian Cinema?
AThree decades
BFour decades
CTwo decades
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) Four decades
Explanation
The passage says his career in Indian Cinema "has spanned four decades".
Directions (Q. Nos. E-1 to E-5) Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :
Amitabh Bachchan, popularly known as big B, was born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh on 11 October 1942. He is an iconic actor whose career in Indian Cinema has spanned four decades. His father H.R. Bachchan was a well-known Hindi poet. (Bachchan is actually his father’s pen name but has now become the family surname) Amitabh attended boys’ High School in Allahabad, followed by Sherwood College in Nainital and earned a degree in science from Delhi university. His first film was ‘Saat Hindustani’ (1969). He became well-known as a movie star in 1973 after the success of ‘Abhimaan’ and ‘Zanjeer’ which was followed by his box office successes such as ‘Sholay’ ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’, ‘Trishul’, ‘Don’ and ‘Deewar’. He often played the role of an angry young man fighting a corrupt establishment, a theme that had tremendous appeal in India at that time.
From which university did Amitabh earn his degree in science?
AAligarh Muslim University
BBanaras Hindu University
CPunjab University
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (E) None of the above
Explanation
He earned his science degree from Delhi University, which is not among options A-C, so the answer is None of the above.
Directions (Q. Nos. E-1 to E-5) Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :
Amitabh Bachchan, popularly known as big B, was born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh on 11 October 1942. He is an iconic actor whose career in Indian Cinema has spanned four decades. His father H.R. Bachchan was a well-known Hindi poet. (Bachchan is actually his father’s pen name but has now become the family surname) Amitabh attended boys’ High School in Allahabad, followed by Sherwood College in Nainital and earned a degree in science from Delhi university. His first film was ‘Saat Hindustani’ (1969). He became well-known as a movie star in 1973 after the success of ‘Abhimaan’ and ‘Zanjeer’ which was followed by his box office successes such as ‘Sholay’ ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’, ‘Trishul’, ‘Don’ and ‘Deewar’. He often played the role of an angry young man fighting a corrupt establishment, a theme that had tremendous appeal in India at that time.
When did Amitabh got recognition as a movie star in India?
A1966
B1969
C1973
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (C) 1973
Explanation
The passage says he became well-known as a movie star in 1973, after 'Abhimaan' and 'Zanjeer'.
Directions (Q. Nos. E-1 to E-5) Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :
Amitabh Bachchan, popularly known as big B, was born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh on 11 October 1942. He is an iconic actor whose career in Indian Cinema has spanned four decades. His father H.R. Bachchan was a well-known Hindi poet. (Bachchan is actually his father’s pen name but has now become the family surname) Amitabh attended boys’ High School in Allahabad, followed by Sherwood College in Nainital and earned a degree in science from Delhi university. His first film was ‘Saat Hindustani’ (1969). He became well-known as a movie star in 1973 after the success of ‘Abhimaan’ and ‘Zanjeer’ which was followed by his box office successes such as ‘Sholay’ ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’, ‘Trishul’, ‘Don’ and ‘Deewar’. He often played the role of an angry young man fighting a corrupt establishment, a theme that had tremendous appeal in India at that time.
Which film of the following is Amitabh’s first film?
A‘Zanjeer’
B‘Abhiman’
C‘Saat Hindustani’
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (C) ‘Saat Hindustani’
Explanation
The passage states that his first film was 'Saat Hindustani' (1969).
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 1
Sports and games play a major role in keeping a person fit and fine. Furthermore, they increase the blood flow in the entire body. So, this helps in keeping the heart in best condition. Moreover, the immunity of the body increases by playing outdoor sports. Also, it helps in keeping your body fat percentage low. This makes the appearance of the body better and makes a person good-looking. Games like chess, card games increase the mental health of a person as they develop spontaneity and the response time of a person. As a result, a person’s mind can make a decision under pressure. Thus, this helps in increasing the IQ of a person and presence of mind.
Outdoor sports like football, cricket, basketball and hockey build the stamina of a person. As all these sports require a lot of running, the stamina of a person automatically increases. Therefore, a person can work for a longer period of time without getting tired. Some sports need individual participation, while some require teamwork. Thus, sport develops teamwork in a person which is essential in every fieldwork. A company can only run by working together and not individually. So, it becomes important for a person to know how to work together in a team. Only then you can achieve the desired goal. Sports can bring change to your day-to-day routine. Moreover, it can relieve you from stress as your body will experience a change. It gives your mind a boost of enthusiasm and happiness. As a result, this will fill you with energy for the next day.
How can playing basketball increase the stamina of a person?
AThe player takes supplements
BThe player eats nutritious food
CThe player runs a lot
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (C) The player runs a lot
Explanation
The passage says outdoor sports like football, cricket, basketball and hockey require a lot of running, so the stamina of the person automatically increases.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 1
Sports and games play a major role in keeping a person fit and fine. Furthermore, they increase the blood flow in the entire body. So, this helps in keeping the heart in best condition. Moreover, the immunity of the body increases by playing outdoor sports. Also, it helps in keeping your body fat percentage low. This makes the appearance of the body better and makes a person good-looking. Games like chess, card games increase the mental health of a person as they develop spontaneity and the response time of a person. As a result, a person’s mind can make a decision under pressure. Thus, this helps in increasing the IQ of a person and presence of mind.
Outdoor sports like football, cricket, basketball and hockey build the stamina of a person. As all these sports require a lot of running, the stamina of a person automatically increases. Therefore, a person can work for a longer period of time without getting tired. Some sports need individual participation, while some require teamwork. Thus, sport develops teamwork in a person which is essential in every fieldwork. A company can only run by working together and not individually. So, it becomes important for a person to know how to work together in a team. Only then you can achieve the desired goal. Sports can bring change to your day-to-day routine. Moreover, it can relieve you from stress as your body will experience a change. It gives your mind a boost of enthusiasm and happiness. As a result, this will fill you with energy for the next day.
Sport makes a person look better because
Aa lot of cosmetics are used
Btrendy clothes are worn
Cthe body loses fat
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (C) the body loses fat
Explanation
According to the passage, sports keep the body fat percentage low, which makes the appearance of the body better and the person good-looking.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 1
Sports and games play a major role in keeping a person fit and fine. Furthermore, they increase the blood flow in the entire body. So, this helps in keeping the heart in best condition. Moreover, the immunity of the body increases by playing outdoor sports. Also, it helps in keeping your body fat percentage low. This makes the appearance of the body better and makes a person good-looking. Games like chess, card games increase the mental health of a person as they develop spontaneity and the response time of a person. As a result, a person’s mind can make a decision under pressure. Thus, this helps in increasing the IQ of a person and presence of mind.
Outdoor sports like football, cricket, basketball and hockey build the stamina of a person. As all these sports require a lot of running, the stamina of a person automatically increases. Therefore, a person can work for a longer period of time without getting tired. Some sports need individual participation, while some require teamwork. Thus, sport develops teamwork in a person which is essential in every fieldwork. A company can only run by working together and not individually. So, it becomes important for a person to know how to work together in a team. Only then you can achieve the desired goal. Sports can bring change to your day-to-day routine. Moreover, it can relieve you from stress as your body will experience a change. It gives your mind a boost of enthusiasm and happiness. As a result, this will fill you with energy for the next day.
According to the passage, teamwork means
Aleading a team
Bworking together as a team
Ctraveling together as a team
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) working together as a team
Explanation
The passage explains that a company can only run by working together, so a person must know how to work together in a team - that is teamwork.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 1
Sports and games play a major role in keeping a person fit and fine. Furthermore, they increase the blood flow in the entire body. So, this helps in keeping the heart in best condition. Moreover, the immunity of the body increases by playing outdoor sports. Also, it helps in keeping your body fat percentage low. This makes the appearance of the body better and makes a person good-looking. Games like chess, card games increase the mental health of a person as they develop spontaneity and the response time of a person. As a result, a person’s mind can make a decision under pressure. Thus, this helps in increasing the IQ of a person and presence of mind.
Outdoor sports like football, cricket, basketball and hockey build the stamina of a person. As all these sports require a lot of running, the stamina of a person automatically increases. Therefore, a person can work for a longer period of time without getting tired. Some sports need individual participation, while some require teamwork. Thus, sport develops teamwork in a person which is essential in every fieldwork. A company can only run by working together and not individually. So, it becomes important for a person to know how to work together in a team. Only then you can achieve the desired goal. Sports can bring change to your day-to-day routine. Moreover, it can relieve you from stress as your body will experience a change. It gives your mind a boost of enthusiasm and happiness. As a result, this will fill you with energy for the next day.
Which games help to improve IQ?
ACricket and tennis
BChess and card games
CHockey and chess
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) Chess and card games
Explanation
The passage states that games like chess and card games develop spontaneity and response time, and thus help in increasing the IQ of a person.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 1
Sports and games play a major role in keeping a person fit and fine. Furthermore, they increase the blood flow in the entire body. So, this helps in keeping the heart in best condition. Moreover, the immunity of the body increases by playing outdoor sports. Also, it helps in keeping your body fat percentage low. This makes the appearance of the body better and makes a person good-looking. Games like chess, card games increase the mental health of a person as they develop spontaneity and the response time of a person. As a result, a person’s mind can make a decision under pressure. Thus, this helps in increasing the IQ of a person and presence of mind.
Outdoor sports like football, cricket, basketball and hockey build the stamina of a person. As all these sports require a lot of running, the stamina of a person automatically increases. Therefore, a person can work for a longer period of time without getting tired. Some sports need individual participation, while some require teamwork. Thus, sport develops teamwork in a person which is essential in every fieldwork. A company can only run by working together and not individually. So, it becomes important for a person to know how to work together in a team. Only then you can achieve the desired goal. Sports can bring change to your day-to-day routine. Moreover, it can relieve you from stress as your body will experience a change. It gives your mind a boost of enthusiasm and happiness. As a result, this will fill you with energy for the next day.
Pick the word that is the opposite of ‘stress’.
AWeight
BForce
CAccent
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (E) None of the above
Explanation
‘Weight’, ‘force’ and ‘accent’ are all near-synonyms of ‘stress’ (importance, pressure, emphasis), not opposites. An antonym would be a word like ‘relaxation’ or ‘calm’, so none of the options is correct.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 2
Just as you can ruin the stomach and impair the whole body by taking too much nourishment, so you can overfill and cook the mind by feeding it too much. The more you read, the fewer are the traces left by what you have read : the mind becomes like a tablet crossed over with writing. There is no time for ruminating, and no other way can you assimilate what you have read. If you read on and on without setting your own thoughts to work what you have read cannot strike root and is generally lost. It is, in fact, just the same with mental as with bodily food : hardly the fifth part of what one takes is assimilated. The rest passes out in evaporation, respiration and the like.
Another word for ‘impair’ is
Aobstruct
Bstrengthen
Cfortify
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) obstruct
Explanation
‘Impair’ means to weaken or hinder the working of something. ‘Strengthen’ and ‘fortify’ are its opposites, so ‘obstruct’ is the closest choice.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 2
Just as you can ruin the stomach and impair the whole body by taking too much nourishment, so you can overfill and cook the mind by feeding it too much. The more you read, the fewer are the traces left by what you have read : the mind becomes like a tablet crossed over with writing. There is no time for ruminating, and no other way can you assimilate what you have read. If you read on and on without setting your own thoughts to work what you have read cannot strike root and is generally lost. It is, in fact, just the same with mental as with bodily food : hardly the fifth part of what one takes is assimilated. The rest passes out in evaporation, respiration and the like.
When you read too much the mind cannot
Aruminate
Babsorb
Cremember
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) ruminate
Explanation
The passage says that when the mind is overfed with reading, ‘there is no time for ruminating’ - the mind cannot reflect on what it has read.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 2
Just as you can ruin the stomach and impair the whole body by taking too much nourishment, so you can overfill and cook the mind by feeding it too much. The more you read, the fewer are the traces left by what you have read : the mind becomes like a tablet crossed over with writing. There is no time for ruminating, and no other way can you assimilate what you have read. If you read on and on without setting your own thoughts to work what you have read cannot strike root and is generally lost. It is, in fact, just the same with mental as with bodily food : hardly the fifth part of what one takes is assimilated. The rest passes out in evaporation, respiration and the like.
Three-fourth part of our input is
Aabsorbed
Bunderstood
Cexcreted
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (E) None of the above
Explanation
The passage says hardly the fifth part of what one takes is assimilated and the rest passes out. It never speaks of a three-fourth part, so none of the options fits.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 2
Just as you can ruin the stomach and impair the whole body by taking too much nourishment, so you can overfill and cook the mind by feeding it too much. The more you read, the fewer are the traces left by what you have read : the mind becomes like a tablet crossed over with writing. There is no time for ruminating, and no other way can you assimilate what you have read. If you read on and on without setting your own thoughts to work what you have read cannot strike root and is generally lost. It is, in fact, just the same with mental as with bodily food : hardly the fifth part of what one takes is assimilated. The rest passes out in evaporation, respiration and the like.
‘Ruminate’ means the same as
Acontemplate
Bconsider
Cchew the cud
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (D) More than one of the above
Explanation
‘Ruminate’ literally means to chew the cud (as cattle do) and figuratively to think deeply, i.e. to contemplate or consider. All three options are correct meanings.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 2
Just as you can ruin the stomach and impair the whole body by taking too much nourishment, so you can overfill and cook the mind by feeding it too much. The more you read, the fewer are the traces left by what you have read : the mind becomes like a tablet crossed over with writing. There is no time for ruminating, and no other way can you assimilate what you have read. If you read on and on without setting your own thoughts to work what you have read cannot strike root and is generally lost. It is, in fact, just the same with mental as with bodily food : hardly the fifth part of what one takes is assimilated. The rest passes out in evaporation, respiration and the like.
Reading too much without setting one’s thoughts to work results in
Amental breakdown
Boverfilling the mind
Cincoherence
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (D) More than one of the above
Explanation
The passage says excessive reading overfills and ‘cooks’ the mind, just as too much food ruins the stomach and impairs the whole body, and what is read is not absorbed. The key treats more than one of the listed results as correct.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 3
Discipline is of the utmost importance in student life. If the young students do not obey their superiors and go without discipline, they will be deprived of much of the training they should have at this period and in future they will never be able to extract obedience from others in the society. Society will never accept them as persons fit for commanding and taking up any responsible positions in life. So, it is the duty of all students to observe discipline in the preparatory stage of their life. A college without discipline can never impart suitable education to students. The rule of discipline in the playground and the battle-field as well plays a very important role. A team without discipline may not fare well in spite of good players for want of mutual understanding and cooperation. In any army, everyone from the rank of the General down to the ranks of an ordinary soldier must observe discipline. In case a soldier does not obey his immediate superior, the army becomes a rabble quite unfit for the achievement of the common ends of war. At first sight, it may appear to us that discipline takes away individual liberty. But on analysis it is found that it does not do so, for liberty is not license. We find disciplined liberty at the root of all kinds of human happiness.
Another word for ‘rabble’ is
Ateam
Bregiment
Ccompany
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (E) None of the above
Explanation
A ‘rabble’ is a disorderly, undisciplined crowd or mob. ‘Team’, ‘regiment’ and ‘company’ all suggest an organised group, so none of them is a synonym.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 3
Discipline is of the utmost importance in student life. If the young students do not obey their superiors and go without discipline, they will be deprived of much of the training they should have at this period and in future they will never be able to extract obedience from others in the society. Society will never accept them as persons fit for commanding and taking up any responsible positions in life. So, it is the duty of all students to observe discipline in the preparatory stage of their life. A college without discipline can never impart suitable education to students. The rule of discipline in the playground and the battle-field as well plays a very important role. A team without discipline may not fare well in spite of good players for want of mutual understanding and cooperation. In any army, everyone from the rank of the General down to the ranks of an ordinary soldier must observe discipline. In case a soldier does not obey his immediate superior, the army becomes a rabble quite unfit for the achievement of the common ends of war. At first sight, it may appear to us that discipline takes away individual liberty. But on analysis it is found that it does not do so, for liberty is not license. We find disciplined liberty at the root of all kinds of human happiness.
The word ‘extract’ in the passage means
Aget
Bforce
Cunderstand
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) get
Explanation
In ‘extract obedience from others’, ‘extract’ means to obtain or get obedience from others.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 3
Discipline is of the utmost importance in student life. If the young students do not obey their superiors and go without discipline, they will be deprived of much of the training they should have at this period and in future they will never be able to extract obedience from others in the society. Society will never accept them as persons fit for commanding and taking up any responsible positions in life. So, it is the duty of all students to observe discipline in the preparatory stage of their life. A college without discipline can never impart suitable education to students. The rule of discipline in the playground and the battle-field as well plays a very important role. A team without discipline may not fare well in spite of good players for want of mutual understanding and cooperation. In any army, everyone from the rank of the General down to the ranks of an ordinary soldier must observe discipline. In case a soldier does not obey his immediate superior, the army becomes a rabble quite unfit for the achievement of the common ends of war. At first sight, it may appear to us that discipline takes away individual liberty. But on analysis it is found that it does not do so, for liberty is not license. We find disciplined liberty at the root of all kinds of human happiness.
What can a college with discipline give to students?
AGreat happiness
BComplete liberty
CSuitable education
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (C) Suitable education
Explanation
The passage says ‘a college without discipline can never impart suitable education to students’, so a disciplined college can give suitable education.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 3
Discipline is of the utmost importance in student life. If the young students do not obey their superiors and go without discipline, they will be deprived of much of the training they should have at this period and in future they will never be able to extract obedience from others in the society. Society will never accept them as persons fit for commanding and taking up any responsible positions in life. So, it is the duty of all students to observe discipline in the preparatory stage of their life. A college without discipline can never impart suitable education to students. The rule of discipline in the playground and the battle-field as well plays a very important role. A team without discipline may not fare well in spite of good players for want of mutual understanding and cooperation. In any army, everyone from the rank of the General down to the ranks of an ordinary soldier must observe discipline. In case a soldier does not obey his immediate superior, the army becomes a rabble quite unfit for the achievement of the common ends of war. At first sight, it may appear to us that discipline takes away individual liberty. But on analysis it is found that it does not do so, for liberty is not license. We find disciplined liberty at the root of all kinds of human happiness.
Choose the preparatory stage of life.
ACollege
BUniversity
CArmy
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) College
Explanation
The passage calls student life the preparatory stage of life and gives the college as its setting; the army is a later, working stage. The key gives ‘College’.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 3
Discipline is of the utmost importance in student life. If the young students do not obey their superiors and go without discipline, they will be deprived of much of the training they should have at this period and in future they will never be able to extract obedience from others in the society. Society will never accept them as persons fit for commanding and taking up any responsible positions in life. So, it is the duty of all students to observe discipline in the preparatory stage of their life. A college without discipline can never impart suitable education to students. The rule of discipline in the playground and the battle-field as well plays a very important role. A team without discipline may not fare well in spite of good players for want of mutual understanding and cooperation. In any army, everyone from the rank of the General down to the ranks of an ordinary soldier must observe discipline. In case a soldier does not obey his immediate superior, the army becomes a rabble quite unfit for the achievement of the common ends of war. At first sight, it may appear to us that discipline takes away individual liberty. But on analysis it is found that it does not do so, for liberty is not license. We find disciplined liberty at the root of all kinds of human happiness.
‘Liberty is not license’ in the passage means
Afreedom is absolute
Bfreedom has no constraint
Cfreedom is not possible
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (E) None of the above
Explanation
The phrase means that freedom is not permission to do anything one likes - true liberty works within discipline. Options (A) and (B) say the opposite and (C) denies freedom altogether, so none is correct.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 4
It is with much satisfaction that I hear this great city enquiring day by day after these my papers, and receiving my morning lectures with a becoming seriousness and attention. My publisher tells me, that there are already three thousand of them distributed every day : so that if I allow twenty readers to every paper, which I look upon as a modest computation, I may reckon about three score thousand disciples in London and Westminster, who I hope will take care to distinguish themselves from the thoughtless herd of their ignorant and inattentive brethren. Since I have raised to myself so great an audience, I shall spare no pains to make their instruction agreeable, and their diversion useful. For which reasons I shall endeavour to enliven morality with wit, and to temper wit with morality, that my readers may, if possible, both ways find their account in the speculation of the day. And to the end that their virtue and discretion may not be short, transient, intermitting starts of thought, I have resolved to refresh their memories from day to day, till I have recovered them out of that desperate state of vice and folly, into which the age is fallen. The mind that lies fallow for a single day, sprouts up in follies that are only to be killed by a constant and assiduous culture. It was said of Socrates that he brought Philosophy down from heaven, to inhabit among men; and I shall be ambitious to have it said of me, that I have brought Philosophy out of closets and libraries, schools and colleges, to dwell in clubs and assemblies, at tea-tables and in coffee-houses.
The observation, ‘becoming seriousness’ has which one of the following meanings?
AProfound seriousness with complete involvement
BProfound thoughtfulness with complete involvement
CThoughtfulness with little involvement
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) Profound thoughtfulness with complete involvement
Explanation
‘Becoming’ here means fitting or proper: the readers receive the lectures with due thoughtfulness and full attention, i.e. profound thoughtfulness with complete involvement.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 4
It is with much satisfaction that I hear this great city enquiring day by day after these my papers, and receiving my morning lectures with a becoming seriousness and attention. My publisher tells me, that there are already three thousand of them distributed every day : so that if I allow twenty readers to every paper, which I look upon as a modest computation, I may reckon about three score thousand disciples in London and Westminster, who I hope will take care to distinguish themselves from the thoughtless herd of their ignorant and inattentive brethren. Since I have raised to myself so great an audience, I shall spare no pains to make their instruction agreeable, and their diversion useful. For which reasons I shall endeavour to enliven morality with wit, and to temper wit with morality, that my readers may, if possible, both ways find their account in the speculation of the day. And to the end that their virtue and discretion may not be short, transient, intermitting starts of thought, I have resolved to refresh their memories from day to day, till I have recovered them out of that desperate state of vice and folly, into which the age is fallen. The mind that lies fallow for a single day, sprouts up in follies that are only to be killed by a constant and assiduous culture. It was said of Socrates that he brought Philosophy down from heaven, to inhabit among men; and I shall be ambitious to have it said of me, that I have brought Philosophy out of closets and libraries, schools and colleges, to dwell in clubs and assemblies, at tea-tables and in coffee-houses.
The phraseology, ‘this great city’ has which one of the following cities under reference?
AParis
BMilan
CLondon
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (C) London
Explanation
The author counts his ‘disciples in London and Westminster’, so ‘this great city’ is London (the extract is from Addison’s Spectator).
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 4
It is with much satisfaction that I hear this great city enquiring day by day after these my papers, and receiving my morning lectures with a becoming seriousness and attention. My publisher tells me, that there are already three thousand of them distributed every day : so that if I allow twenty readers to every paper, which I look upon as a modest computation, I may reckon about three score thousand disciples in London and Westminster, who I hope will take care to distinguish themselves from the thoughtless herd of their ignorant and inattentive brethren. Since I have raised to myself so great an audience, I shall spare no pains to make their instruction agreeable, and their diversion useful. For which reasons I shall endeavour to enliven morality with wit, and to temper wit with morality, that my readers may, if possible, both ways find their account in the speculation of the day. And to the end that their virtue and discretion may not be short, transient, intermitting starts of thought, I have resolved to refresh their memories from day to day, till I have recovered them out of that desperate state of vice and folly, into which the age is fallen. The mind that lies fallow for a single day, sprouts up in follies that are only to be killed by a constant and assiduous culture. It was said of Socrates that he brought Philosophy down from heaven, to inhabit among men; and I shall be ambitious to have it said of me, that I have brought Philosophy out of closets and libraries, schools and colleges, to dwell in clubs and assemblies, at tea-tables and in coffee-houses.
What does the observation ‘to enliven morality with wit, and to temper wit with morality’ mean?
ASimple yet reasonable
BTough yet didactic
CVague yet ludicrous
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) Simple yet reasonable
Explanation
The author wants his moral lessons to be lively and easy to enjoy, but his wit to stay sensible and moral - writing that is simple yet reasonable.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 4
It is with much satisfaction that I hear this great city enquiring day by day after these my papers, and receiving my morning lectures with a becoming seriousness and attention. My publisher tells me, that there are already three thousand of them distributed every day : so that if I allow twenty readers to every paper, which I look upon as a modest computation, I may reckon about three score thousand disciples in London and Westminster, who I hope will take care to distinguish themselves from the thoughtless herd of their ignorant and inattentive brethren. Since I have raised to myself so great an audience, I shall spare no pains to make their instruction agreeable, and their diversion useful. For which reasons I shall endeavour to enliven morality with wit, and to temper wit with morality, that my readers may, if possible, both ways find their account in the speculation of the day. And to the end that their virtue and discretion may not be short, transient, intermitting starts of thought, I have resolved to refresh their memories from day to day, till I have recovered them out of that desperate state of vice and folly, into which the age is fallen. The mind that lies fallow for a single day, sprouts up in follies that are only to be killed by a constant and assiduous culture. It was said of Socrates that he brought Philosophy down from heaven, to inhabit among men; and I shall be ambitious to have it said of me, that I have brought Philosophy out of closets and libraries, schools and colleges, to dwell in clubs and assemblies, at tea-tables and in coffee-houses.
‘The mind that lies fallow’ has which one of the following meanings?
ADecadent thoughts
BPragmatic opinions
CBold assertions
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) Decadent thoughts
Explanation
A mind left fallow (uncultivated) for a day ‘sprouts up in follies’, i.e. it falls into decadent, worthless thoughts.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 4
It is with much satisfaction that I hear this great city enquiring day by day after these my papers, and receiving my morning lectures with a becoming seriousness and attention. My publisher tells me, that there are already three thousand of them distributed every day : so that if I allow twenty readers to every paper, which I look upon as a modest computation, I may reckon about three score thousand disciples in London and Westminster, who I hope will take care to distinguish themselves from the thoughtless herd of their ignorant and inattentive brethren. Since I have raised to myself so great an audience, I shall spare no pains to make their instruction agreeable, and their diversion useful. For which reasons I shall endeavour to enliven morality with wit, and to temper wit with morality, that my readers may, if possible, both ways find their account in the speculation of the day. And to the end that their virtue and discretion may not be short, transient, intermitting starts of thought, I have resolved to refresh their memories from day to day, till I have recovered them out of that desperate state of vice and folly, into which the age is fallen. The mind that lies fallow for a single day, sprouts up in follies that are only to be killed by a constant and assiduous culture. It was said of Socrates that he brought Philosophy down from heaven, to inhabit among men; and I shall be ambitious to have it said of me, that I have brought Philosophy out of closets and libraries, schools and colleges, to dwell in clubs and assemblies, at tea-tables and in coffee-houses.
What does the author mean when he says, ‘I have brought Philosophy out of closets ...’?
AEven a common man can understand serious ideas
BEven serious ideas could be debated over a cup of tea
CEven a fool can understand Philosophy
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (D) More than one of the above
Explanation
By bringing Philosophy into clubs, tea-tables and coffee-houses, the author makes serious ideas accessible to ordinary people and fit for discussion over tea. Both (A) and (B) are correct.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 5
One would think that the larger the company is in which we are engaged, the greater variety of thoughts and subjects would be started in discourse; but instead of this, we find that conversation is never so much straitened and confined as in numerous assemblies. When a multitude meet together on any subject of discourse, their debates are taken up chiefly with forms and general positions; nay, if we come into a more contracted assembly of men and women, the talk generally runs upon the weather, fashions, news, and the like public topics. In proportion as conversation gets into clubs and knots of friends, it descends into particulars, and grows more free and communicative : but the most open, instructive, and unreserved discourse, is that which passes between two persons who are familiar and intimate friends. On these occasions, a man gives a loose to every passion and every thought that is uppermost, discovers his most retired opinions of persons and things, tries the beauty and strength of his sentiments, and exposes his whole soul to the examination of his friend.
Which one of the following is an ideal conversation?
AMany persons on the whole are having conversations
BTwo persons are talking intimately to each other
CTwo intimate friends are talking to each other
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (C) Two intimate friends are talking to each other
Explanation
The passage says the most open, instructive and unreserved discourse is the one that passes between two persons who are familiar and intimate friends.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 5
One would think that the larger the company is in which we are engaged, the greater variety of thoughts and subjects would be started in discourse; but instead of this, we find that conversation is never so much straitened and confined as in numerous assemblies. When a multitude meet together on any subject of discourse, their debates are taken up chiefly with forms and general positions; nay, if we come into a more contracted assembly of men and women, the talk generally runs upon the weather, fashions, news, and the like public topics. In proportion as conversation gets into clubs and knots of friends, it descends into particulars, and grows more free and communicative : but the most open, instructive, and unreserved discourse, is that which passes between two persons who are familiar and intimate friends. On these occasions, a man gives a loose to every passion and every thought that is uppermost, discovers his most retired opinions of persons and things, tries the beauty and strength of his sentiments, and exposes his whole soul to the examination of his friend.
What does the word ‘discourse’ mean?
AOrderly expression of thought
BChaotic expression of thought
CAssertive exposition of thought
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
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Correct answer: (A) Orderly expression of thought
Explanation
‘Discourse’ means communication of thought in speech or writing, i.e. an orderly expression of thought.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 5
One would think that the larger the company is in which we are engaged, the greater variety of thoughts and subjects would be started in discourse; but instead of this, we find that conversation is never so much straitened and confined as in numerous assemblies. When a multitude meet together on any subject of discourse, their debates are taken up chiefly with forms and general positions; nay, if we come into a more contracted assembly of men and women, the talk generally runs upon the weather, fashions, news, and the like public topics. In proportion as conversation gets into clubs and knots of friends, it descends into particulars, and grows more free and communicative : but the most open, instructive, and unreserved discourse, is that which passes between two persons who are familiar and intimate friends. On these occasions, a man gives a loose to every passion and every thought that is uppermost, discovers his most retired opinions of persons and things, tries the beauty and strength of his sentiments, and exposes his whole soul to the examination of his friend.
The word, ‘communicative’ has which one of the following meanings?
ASpeaker speaks and the listener listens
BSpeaker speaks and the listener listens and understands
CSpeaker speaks
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
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Correct answer: (B) Speaker speaks and the listener listens and understands
Explanation
Communication is complete only when the message is understood, so ‘communicative’ talk is one where the speaker speaks and the listener listens and understands.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 5
One would think that the larger the company is in which we are engaged, the greater variety of thoughts and subjects would be started in discourse; but instead of this, we find that conversation is never so much straitened and confined as in numerous assemblies. When a multitude meet together on any subject of discourse, their debates are taken up chiefly with forms and general positions; nay, if we come into a more contracted assembly of men and women, the talk generally runs upon the weather, fashions, news, and the like public topics. In proportion as conversation gets into clubs and knots of friends, it descends into particulars, and grows more free and communicative : but the most open, instructive, and unreserved discourse, is that which passes between two persons who are familiar and intimate friends. On these occasions, a man gives a loose to every passion and every thought that is uppermost, discovers his most retired opinions of persons and things, tries the beauty and strength of his sentiments, and exposes his whole soul to the examination of his friend.
What does the author mean when he says, ‘exposes his whole soul to the examination of his friend’?
APretentious talk
BHonest, truthful, sincere and committed talk
CRoguery
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
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Correct answer: (B) Honest, truthful, sincere and committed talk
Explanation
Between intimate friends a man reveals his most private opinions and feelings without reserve - honest, truthful and sincere talk.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Passage 5
One would think that the larger the company is in which we are engaged, the greater variety of thoughts and subjects would be started in discourse; but instead of this, we find that conversation is never so much straitened and confined as in numerous assemblies. When a multitude meet together on any subject of discourse, their debates are taken up chiefly with forms and general positions; nay, if we come into a more contracted assembly of men and women, the talk generally runs upon the weather, fashions, news, and the like public topics. In proportion as conversation gets into clubs and knots of friends, it descends into particulars, and grows more free and communicative : but the most open, instructive, and unreserved discourse, is that which passes between two persons who are familiar and intimate friends. On these occasions, a man gives a loose to every passion and every thought that is uppermost, discovers his most retired opinions of persons and things, tries the beauty and strength of his sentiments, and exposes his whole soul to the examination of his friend.
In having written such a piece of essay, what may be the intention of the author?
ATo find an easy and precise style which could be read and understood by the ordinary public
BTo expound a theory which remains buried in the book
CTo develop arguments so as to influence opinions and win favour
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (A) To find an easy and precise style which could be read and understood by the ordinary public
Explanation
The essay discusses an everyday subject (conversation) in a clear, easy style meant for the general reading public, as periodical essays of this kind were.
Read the passage and choose the right word for blank (101).
While a certain ____(101)____ attitude can be detected in the ____(102)____ of fast food in the narratives of the established ____(103)____, the popular writings which appear in cookbooks and dailies ____(104)____ the virtues of fast food. A quick ____(105)____ through some of the recipes published in ‘Metro Plus’ in The Hindu, a ____(106)____ Indian newspaper, will show the importance given to the time ____(107)____ to cook as well as the appliances which are ____(108)____ in cooking. On the cover of a popular ‘Readymade Paneer’, I have come across the ____(109)____ ‘no cooking required’. All that is required is heating the food in a microwave oven. This is probably the other end of the ____(110)____ of food writing in India where minimalism has become the buzzword. More importantly, their entry into the group of Indian English writers also signals a significant shift in the way we look at Indian writing in English.
Acelebratory
Bdisapproving
Celated
DMore than one of the above
ENone of the above
Show answerHide answer
Correct answer: (B) disapproving
Explanation
The sentence contrasts this attitude with popular writings that praise fast food (‘While ...’), so the established writers show a disapproving attitude.
How to use these BPSC TRE English questions
Every question here was asked in a real BPSC TRE paper; the paper and shift are shown on the card, and the number opens the question on its own page. Try each one before tapping Show answer, then attempt the full BPSC TRE papers as timed tests to check your speed under exam conditions.