BANK K aie ies ban© PUBLISHERS Bank Probationary Officers’ Exemination Price: Rs.450.00 ISBN: 81-7254-059-0 INO ONE IS PERMITTED TO COPY OR TRANSLATE IN ANY OTHER LANGUAGE THE CONTENTS OF THIS BOOK OR PART THEREOF IN ANY'FORM WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHERS] ‘Sura COLLEGE OF COMPETITION Head Office: Branch; ~ 1620, ' Block, * 3001/2328, New Kalavath Road, ‘16th Main Read, Opp. toBSNL, Near Chennoth Glass, Anna Nagar, Polorivattom, ‘Chennai - 600040. Emakulam - 682025. Phones: 26162173, 26161099. Phones: 0.484-2782934, 9895610498 Printed at T. Krishna Press, Chennat - 600 102 and Published by VVK.Subbura} for Sura College of Competition, 1620, J Block, 16th Main Road, Anna Nagar, Chennai - 600040. Phones: 26162173, 26161099. Fax: (91) 44-26162173. i net; www.surabooks.com: 0708 1800GENERAL ENGLISH Directions (Q. 1-66), Read each sentence to find ‘out whether there is any error in it. The error, if ‘any, will be in one part of the sentence. The number ‘of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (e). (Ignore the errors of punctuation, if any) 1. (a) Societies which until few decade ago /(b) were able to live in almost total ignorance / (c) of each other are today in Ad) increasingly close and regular contact. (e) No error 2, (a) Over the centuries, (b) the courses of history have /(c) led to steady expansion /(d) in the use of some languages. (e) No error. 3. (a) The lack of reading and /(b) writing skills drastically limits /(¢) the expansion of a person's /(d) overall capacities and abilities. (e) No error 4. (a) Because of man has a role (b) in each of his social institutions, /(c) it is important that common bond /{4) exists between him and his society. (e) No error 5. (a) Radio is perhaps today /(b) the least transnationalised communication medium, / (c) in bath terms of /(d) ownership and programme flows. (e) No error 6 (a) The growth rates of /(b) Christian Population has been /(e) declining over / (d) the Last four decades. (e) No error 7. (a) As Delhi's experitnent with /(b) power privatisation shows /{c} private monopolies can be /(a) as bad as worse then public monopolies. (9) No error 8 (a) The younger generation of upper castes / (b) can't be held responsible /(c) for the discrimination practised Ad) by people of previous generations. (e) No error 8. (a) Bangalore today has many /(b) more English medium schools /(c) from it has /(d) Kannada medium ones. (e) No error 10. (a) It is disappointing not only /tb) to the players and spectators, but /(c) to the n. 12. 13, 14, 15. 16. Ww, 18. 19. 20. 21. 22, organisers and advertisers as well /(d) as who stand to lose financially. (e) No error (a) It is not enough if /(b) politicians with film stars /(c) get together once annually and/ (d) issue statements on World AIDS Day. (e) No error (a) No living sage would Ab) be able ever / (©) to fully free the (d) world from its suffering. (e) No error (a) As for the asymmetry /{b) between the strong /{c) and the weak, the /(d) tables could turn anytime. le) No error (a) It’s a colossal waste /(b) of the public's money /(c) which could have been /(d) put to much better use, /(e) Na error (a) Not only the party president /(b) but also her colleagues (ec) was present during /{d) the inaugural ceremofiy. (e) No error (e) Had he really wanted Ab) to bribe the vaters/ (c) he could have /(d) easily done stealthily. (o) No error (a) The film had to be /(b) shot where the / (c) great saint Meera lived /(d) and invented her immortal songs. (e) No error {a) Justice for Gujarat riot victims (b) only will be complete (c) when the state wins back/ (a) the trust of its citizens. (e) No error (a) An opinion poll is /(b) as unconstitutional as N(c) asking for votes /(4) for the name of religion and caste. (e) No error (a) Though most time /(b) opinion polis have proved wrong /{c) they have resulted in /(d) heated debates and quarrels. (e) No error (a) It is not for the /(b) Election Commission to tell (c) the citizens what information (@) is right for him and her. (e) No error (a) The vested interests there /(b) will oppose the move precisély /(c) because of the possibility (d) of greater integration. (e) No errorSura’s « General English 23, 25. 26. 31. 33, 35. (a) Bureaucratic rounds of talks yielded lite / {b) and only the will of the Ac) political leadership broke the barriers /(d) that have long smoothen relations. {e) No error (a) The decision was regarded likely /(b) a political move, triggered by vote / (©) considerations and detrimental to/(d) the growth of a healthy society. (e) No error (a) Modern India was visualised /(b) on being a castless and secular /(c) State where aach individual ((4) could hold his head high. (@) No error {a) To preserve the unity of our people / (b) the tyranny of the caste system /(c) was given a nourishment /(d) by the Constitution makers. (e) No error {a) It is to be accepted that /{b) in many parts of the developing /(c) world, democratic institutions (a) co-exist only in name, (@) No error (a) The Indian vulnerability /(b) to secessionism and /{c)¢eparatism should also/ (4) not be lost sight of. (e) No error {a) People have always used /(b) the earth's resources and itis /(c) unreasonable now, with explosing populations /(d) to expect them to ‘stop. (8) No error {a) The compromising Christian message / {b) of love, humility and charity /{c) is at variance with /(d) common human behaviour, (e) No error (a) The biggest achievement of /(b) NATO is its winning /{(c) of the Cold War (a) against the Soviet Union. (e) No error (a) The act is to be operative Ab) only in select districts Ae) with no guarantee (a) of its expanding. (6) No error (a) The tussle is nothing /(b) but a clash / (c) of egoes against (d) the two brothers. (0) No error (a) Whether it is the price rise /(b) or rallies, it Is c) the common man who is /(d) over the receiving end. (e) No error (a) In Bihar, more people /(b) would had voted / (o) had security arrangements /(d) been better. (e) No error 36, 37. 38, a. 45. a7. 49. (2) Education is about (b) unleashing the forces/ (c) of creativity and freedom /(d) in an individual. (e) No error (a) More and more government bodies /(b) and official agencies are /(c) issuing warnings for heavy use /{d) of cellphones especially by children. (e) No error (a) The introduction of value-added tax/ (b) will do more to bring the {c) black economy into the open (d) than compared to any amnesty scheme. (a) No error {a) In such a circumstances /(b) that justice would not be done /{c) to either the defendant {d) or the accused is clear. (e) No.error {a) Not only would such /(b) an exercise delay the /(c) march of science but itis likely /(d) to result in wrong interpretations. (e) No error (a) Had security concerns been cited Ab) as the reason behind /(c) the decision, it had / (d) carried some weight. (e) No error (a) The country should /(b) realise the justice machinery has /(¢) to be organised immediatelyf (d) to deliver speedier justice. (e) No error (a) Human beings essentially (b) lives their lives Ae) with a sonse of (a) maral order and. responsibility. (0) No error (e) He ran with a plan and /{b) purpose, and given the /{c) political opportunity he would/ (@) have steamrollered to act. (e) No error (a) Ethical concerning over human genes/ (b) used in food, and the use of /(c) animal genes in plants Ad) will definitely raise alarm. (e} No errér {e} Consumer groups are not opposed tof {b) genetic engineering, but believe that caution Ac) must be applied until its impact is Ad) known and safeguards are in place. (@) No error (@) India is determined /(b) to defeat Pakistary (c) in the war proxy /(d) it has unleashed in Kashmir. (6) No error (a) As when the stranger entered /{b) the town he was met by a policeman /(c) who asked him (4) if he was a traveller. (0) No error (a) The general told his (b) mutinous traps that /(¢) they had charged disgrace /(4) upon a famous regiment. (¢) No error FacSura’s # General English 51. 87. (a) He cautioned his sons /(b) not to quarrel amongst /{¢) themselves when he was dead/ {@) but to remain united. (e) No error (a) The traveller asked /(b) the peasant if he could Ac) tell him the way /(d) to the nearest him, (e) No error (a) While the government and the planners/ (b) continue to show /(c) their helplessness, farmers are /(d) being driven besides the wall. (@) No error. (a) The sharp decline in farm incomes /(b) is happening upon a time /(c) when incomes in the Ad) urban centres are increasing. (e} No error (a) The UNCTAD report not only / (») substantiates though also goes /(c) much beyond the Ad) computation done by the government. (e) No error (a) Radio is perhaps today /(b) the least transnationatised communication medium/ (c) in both terms for /(d) ownership and programme flows. (e) No error: (a) The lacking of reading and writing skills/ () drastically limits /(c) the expansion of a Pewson's overall /(d) capacities and abilities. {e) No error. {a) These external reverses were overshadowed/ (b) with a tide of domestic disturbances sparked by the /{c) faltering economy and struggles between /(d) conservative hardliners and more liberal forces. (e) No error {a) It is not any /(b) exaggeration to state that (c) this modest development / CARD CRED 61. 65. (4) revolutionised contemporary music making, (e) No error (a) As a schoolboy from an /(b) Andhra town he was denied Ac) drinking water from / (d) the common well, (¢) No error (a) Pollution levels in some of the areas /(b) of Delhi were very high so that /(e) the test instruments failed to measure them as the levels /(d) were beyond the in-built measuring scabs, (e) No error (a) I was having a light lunch /(b) of sweet potato fries {e) with sour cream and /d) a couple of friends. (e) No error (@) There is a strong lésson to be learnt /(b) in taking for granted any /(c) retrospective view of the past /(@) including the recent past of business. (e) No error (a) Whistler storms are caused by radio energy/ (b) from lightning strokes travelling and spreading /{c) across thousands of miles Aa) of the earth's magnetic field, (e) No error (a) In most cases they are only visible/ (b) through a television monitor hooked/ (©) to a low-light but high-intensity (4) video camera in a simulated environment. (9) Noerror {a) I pick up the views and thoughts of / (b) people within my industry, Ac) but also from friends /{d) local politicians and educationalists. (e)No error {o) From that data a neurologist is able to determine /(b) whether or not the nerve has been affected Ac) by injury, a motor disease/ {d) or any other problems. (e) No error CREDSura‘s e General English Directions (Q. 1-145}: In each of the following sentences there are two blank spaces. Below each sentence there are five pairs of words denoted by numbers (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e). Find out which pair of words can be filled up in the blanks in the sentence in the same sequence to make it meaningfully complete. 1, Culture and education___the___of sacial + roots, (@) manifest, depth () creates, branch (c) shapes, origin (@) maintains, evolution (@) foster, growth 2. No country is truly modernised until all its productive and social capacities have__the highest existing world___. (@) attained, standard (6) evoked, response (©) matched, zenith (@) challenged, competition (e) qualified, parameter 3, Discipline for the rulers and the ruled is an if we mean. in fields and essential factories. () condition, prosperity &) ingredient, business (©) input, ourpuc (@) quality, example (© principle, intensity 4. Books arean irreplaceable___of knowledge and of cultural__. (@) world, diversity @) vision, contours (c) storehouse, values (@) poari, wisdom (0) gem. ethos 5. Man's joy knows no bounds when he___ something his__hopes. (@) soaks, against (b) gain, encompassing (© earns, ahead (@ obtains, beyond : . (©) embraces, dreaming 10. nn. 12. Islam____upon its believers to strive to purify themselves, as well as___peace in society. (a) enjoins, establish (b) dictates, prevail (©) preaches, spread (@) proposes, award (€) prepares, harmonise ‘The new government must live up to the __uof the voters as far as restoring law and order is . (a) manifesto, talked (b) aspirations, question (©) promise, subject “d) expectations, concerned (©) assurance, priority The maximum number of acquittals in criminal cases are on____of witnesses changing their statement or turning__. (a) reason, approver (b) ground, accused (©) logic, against —_(@) basis, around (@) account, hostile It is a woll-established___that fertility is ___More to literacy and social development than caste or religion. (a) issue, attached —_(b) notion, answerable (©) fact, linked {d) dogma, prone (© idea, surrounded A committee should be____to review the entire ambit of elections and meke__. (a) elected, interpretations (b) appointed, recommendations (©) evolved, solutions (@ nominated, revisions (@) tasked, parameters Dafence forces are relevant to the existence: of India, in so much as____its borders: and____its system of governance. {a) strengthening, supporting (b) patrolling, reviving (© defending, protecting {@ maintaining, operating (@) positioning, assisting The market scams___investor___foryears, before the present bull run came into being.13. 14, 15. 16. 17. 18, 19. {@) drove, capital (©) chased, morale {e) guided, mood If this company intends to___itselfin world markets, it should learn to take higher costs of corporate governance inits___. {@) establish, stride (b) stand, policy {) focus, profession (d) compete, meet {@) align, agenda No matter which government is in power, the common man’s security is of____to the authorities. {@) prime, stake () basic, contemplation (© due, deliberation (@) Yeast, concem (©) much, curiasity It is___ifany of these scenarios will change politics in the state for the__. (@) imaginable, governance (0) uncertain, mass (O) naive, welfare (@) proven, uplift (0 doubtful, better The Bihar elections have___that misrule cannotbe in thename of caste and creed. (@) proved, perpetuated (b) emphasised, countered (© pointed, confined (@) debated, voted —_(e) stressed, dignified When private firms___in corrupt practices, their competitors or the government are there to __the whistlo. (@) manipulate, warn (b) flourish, target (© deal, raise (a) usher, sound {e) engage, blow ‘The government must___taxpayers that it is as___about reforming the tax system as itis about social and economic development. (a) approve, forward (b) confide, concerned {c) address, receptive (d) convince, serious (@) plead, answerable It is unfortunate that the Centre should have to____to a cess to mop up funds for a Justifiable__ (@) adopt, act ) enforce, deed {c) resort, cause (b) eroded, confidence (@) dipped, return al, 22. 23. 24, 25. 26. Sura’s e General English (d@) turn, work (¢) levy, programme The state and civil socioty can enter into new arrangements with moré___where earlier systoms failed to__. (@) credibility, initiate () accountability, deliver (©) transparency, respond (@) preparation, proceed (e) ease, result Civilisation is like a plant that___its__ to the land on which it grows. (@) spreads, wings (b) raises, roots (©) owes, existence (4) bears, fruits (©) utilises, potential We live in ani age of globalisation, where all barriers are, tos . (a) meant, disappear (b) raised, halt (©) supposed, soften (4) geared, smoothen (@) driven, doom People worry that science has___, in religion. (@) countered, spirit (b) lost, direction (©) invented, miracles {@) undermined, faith (©) identified, irrationality She reached the___of success because of hor___to and total involvement with music. ) realm, incarnation (6) zenith, dedication (©) taste, devotion —_(¢) pinnacle, heritage (©) race, surrender Political___is as important as courts and commissions if justice is to be delivered in its true. (a) agenda, sense () viowpoint, direction (@) manifestation, judgement {@ connotation, policy (e) will, spirit Recent history only __the cynical view that the state cannot___ justice to victims of communal violence. (@) certifies, comply (b) confirms, deliver (c) negates, implement (d) reinforce, ensures (@) drags, manageSura’s © General Eng! 27. 32. Investigations by the media have___that administrators and politicians conspired to prolong the riots and even___riotors. @) indicated, abetted () exposed, conspired (©) raised, strengthen (qd) revealed, ignited + (@) focussed, shielded The Election Commission cannot ____ dictatorial powers to__democ (@) allow, compete () control, supersede (c) manage; conspire (@) manipulate, consolidate (6) assume, safeguard It is____that for the conduct of free and fair elections ___to curb freedom of speech and expression are being propotod. (@) whimsical, judgement @) ironical, measures (©) ridiculous, ways (@) bewildering, notion (©) imperious, constriction Every citizen has a constitutional right to free and fearless___of his_-_. (@) opinion, feclings () presentation, choices (©) expression, views (@) painting, caricature (©) reflection, mindset Thereisno____in discussing morality in the “of war, for war itself is an immoral act. @) justification, ground (©) humanity, period . (©) logic, context (@) significance, battle ( lesson, midst Human beings are___to fear, cruelty and envy just.as they areto__. (@) susceptible, devotion (b) subjected, positivism (©) succumbed, generosity (@) taught, friendship {€) prone, love Instead of___the blame game, one should now on relief and rescue. (@) playing, concentrate () driving, devote a7. a. (©) charging, focus {@) indulging, help (©) throwing, prepare __4o the forgotten tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Istands catch the___of the national media. (@) Never, reporting () Rarely, imagination {© Unusually, limelight {@ Little, layout (@) Often, headlines It isn’t coincidental that the marginalised bear the___in the__of calamities. (@) trauma, strike (b) abuse, relief (6) tragedy, influence (@) brunt, event (@) hardship, rescue Spending to____children for a better life is, an___for a healthy economy and society. {@) literate, ideology (b) evolve, example (©) initiate, urgency (d) raise, onus (©) prepare, imperative Relief cannot and ought not to be__solely inmonetary__. () distributed, transactions (6) measured, terms (©) delivered, donations @ directed, aspects (©) managed, measures Israel has mado it cloar that it will not___ its___even if it means facing more violence from extremist groups. (@) compromise, interests (b) surrender, resistance (© down, effort (@) change, targets (©) rescue, prisoners The US is___to___out its huge budget deficits in the near future. (@) hardly, bail‘ (o) alarmed, buren (©) concerned, sell (@) unlikely, wipe () set, deal Sincefateisan___ofhuman____each person is the maker of his or her own {@) incarnation, spirit (b) emblem, persona (©) effect, efforts (a) album, emotions (@) episode, experience India has no doubt___for the first course anid has opened a “mail-box" for applications for patents.45. 47. (a) headed, sending () geared, running (©) opted, receiying ‘@) hastened, diverting {e) fought, rushing ‘There should be a full-fledged national debate on all issues__the TRIPs and other agreements____to the establishment of the wro, {@) involving, supporting () surrounding, causing () encompassing, reflecting (@) concerning, leading (6) saving, creating Learning to dois___to become a productive sitizen,___the quality of human life. (@) important, curtailing b) vital, enhancing (6) effective, changing (@) essential, altering (@) accurate, deciding Secondary education is at____andis also the fastest___ sector {a) pace, evolving 4b) climax, driving 4©) crossroads, expanding 4€) turn, growing 40) loss, decreasing ‘This change in policing tactics has wider___depending on the___and skill of the police officials, (a) ramifications, initiative () effects, place (©) consequences, side (@) surroundings, skull (©) concern, efforts Global society needs to employ education as a powerful weapon in its__for avercoming the___tensions of the 21st century. (@) initiative, different (@) decision, international (@) strategy, diverse World peace isanimportant__inthe for the future. @ topic, dialogue ©) issue, hurdles 49. 51. 53. ‘Sura’s © General English (©) tool, paving . (a) element, agenda (@) chapter, book ‘Situation becomes more___when a university is___over by a Vice-Chancellor of mediocre stuff. (a) exacerbated, presided () grim, took (© perishable, run (@ worthy, held (®) charming, looked Asif this experience had opened an inner___, the beauty around became more___to our eyes. (@) view, decadent (®) sight, explicit (©) strength, charming (@) feeling, wide (@) complex, bright Through the dark green____and pale yellow grasslands, the jeep___different terrains. (a) thicket, traversed (b) fields, completed (©) way, bumped’ —_(@) forests, headed {e) valley, came Rising temperatures increase the amount of____from the oceans, which tends to___rainfall in many flood- prone areas. (a) radiation, support (@) clouds, heavy (0) heat, absorb (4) evaporation, te} gas, reduce To___agricultural sector and increase the employment opportunities food and agro- industries must be given a major___. (@) restore, blow ) regain, sweep (¢) arrange, plan (6) help, aict (e) rejuvenate, thrust With___and resilience on the part of the management, the company may yet save the ship and keep it sea-warthy in the__waters of competition. . (@) concern, difficult (b) pragmatism, turbulent (©) prediction, smooth (d) vision, chaotic (e) competency, highSura’s e General English s sa: 59. This is probably a___phase, and Indian cinema will soon return to its social__. (@) transitory, moorings ) disturbing, duty (©) negative, obligation (@) changing, dimension (e) hard, softness Poople ina democracy have freedom of _and economic____to earn their livelihood. (@) religion, tolerance (8) vocation, pursuit (©) wealth, limits (@) expression, agenda (©) birth, activities Amajor___in our electoral system has been that the electoral verdict is not offectively mirrored in the___of the legislature. (@) lacuna, composition ) dilemma, distribution (©) agony, shifting (@) default, assembling (©) thrust, making Everyone ignores the____impact that the____of casteist and religious feelings has had on our political system. (@) worst, tool (b) present, role (©) severe, sentiment (@) problematic, nature (©) devastating, exploitation Poverty is the principal and parent cause for the__and__of child labour. (a) boginning, end ) utilisation, continuating (©) prevalence, persistence (@) abuse, use (©) existence, ban Autonomy willmainly that the television is mot subjected to government pressure in the___of its programmes. (@) imply, shooting —(b) focus, screening (©) state, objectivity (d)ensure, telecast (©) enforce, making of information and analysis must be improved to____in setting up priorities, and formulating policies. (@) Dissemination, assist (©) Modes, help 61. _ lack of, 4c) Areas, delve 4d) Field, enhance fe) Avenues, focus -~- Corruption refers to the acts of___and commission committed under a____ influence, (a) treason, noble @) treachery, surreptitious {6) violence, ostensible {@) omission, vitiating {e) irregularity, perverse __regionalism has always the danger of geneating____tendencies. (a) Incessant, propagating (b) Intense, frivolous (©) Tacit, acceding (d@) Dangerous, corrupt (@) Intensified, secessionist ‘The disadvantaged___have also got a share in the new preduction ___ (a) people, scenario (by players, scene (6) groups, potential (d) units, boom (6) theorists, package Aproblem of some____has been the low rate of___of foreign investment. (a) views, capacity ) intensity, propagation (6) significance, utilisation (@) dominance, trickling {@) concern, management ‘The government should make it a___to implement the_-_in the spirit in which they le, recommendations ) duty, voice (0) habit, legalities {€) knowledge, concerns (@) rule, actions ‘Ifthe political parties fear that the results of ‘opinion polls can___voters, it shows their towards the people and their issues. - {@) sway, commitment ) target, conviction {@) violate, vision 4@) trap, publicity 40) return, confidenceSura’s e General English 1. 73, Strong institutions and an civil society are the basis for political and development. (@) alert foundation (8) euphoric, connection (c} eager, balance {@) active, stability (©) upright, activities Lack of autonomy has____to the__of important institutions in this country. (a) driven, edge - + (b) led, decline (©) resulted, confinement (@) affected, performance (@) forced, freedom Such action will go along way in___the of the Army. @ managing, contribution (b) utilising, troops (©) refurbishing, image @ clearing, placing (©) dealing, goal Only a politically___ electorate can. force self-serving politicians to_ (a) alive, retirement) enthusiastic, rule (©) motivated, govern (d) rigid, answer (©) aware, deliver One hopes that good sense___with the, Board and it doesn’t miss such an__. (@ occurs, occasion (2) prevails, opportunity (2) evolves, effort (@ mix, appeal (@) strikes, idea Boing constitutional entities, governors are, to act___. (9) entitled, independently (b) empowered, forcibly (© directed, bravely (@) posted, historically (©) expected, impartially A governor must be. from, any political office in future. (@) penalised, running (b) warned, joining (©) prevented, supporting (@) debarred, holding (@) denied, addressing 74, 75, 78. With extended borders and___neighbours, India cannot____to be a soft state. (@) hostile, afford (b) expanding, stand (0) scared, manage —_(d) nefarious, oblige (2) vigilant, bear India cannot___its rightful place in tho of nations if it is sean to be militarily woak. (@) voice, group (© claim, comity (©) support, team While____a practical philosophy Confucius repeatedly ___the greatness of man. fe) preaching, highlighted (8) discovering, reminded {c) implementing, assured (¢) swearing, preached (©) spreading, explained to high office is a legitimate___in Politics, but parties can survive, and even grow, without it. (@) Climbing, pattern (b) Positioning, birthright (©) Aiming, monopoly {@) Holding, requirement (©) Aspiring, ambition Unless security is taken care of, we cannot successfully____our economic and social (b) establish, series (@) unfold, symmetry (@) grasp, hazards (b) pursue, agendas (©) interpret, lesson (d) define, target (@) forward, problems No nation in the world today is prepared to____with its sovereignty and accept the of an outside agency. (@) compfomising, mediation (b) dopose, gauntlet (©) dispense, authority (@ mutilate, diktat (©) part, involving The main aim of education isto___students with____to discover the truth and reality. (a) render, grit (b) embellish, eminence (©) empewer, solitude (@) equip, knowledge (e) gamer, prescienceSura's ¢ General English a1. Previously war was taken asthe only__of disputes between nations, @ source, suppressing (b) means, settling (©) advantage, answering (@) solution, countering (©) authority, commanding For the progress of the whole nation, it is that individuals be allowed to, (a) essential, assert (b) basic, franchise (6) obvious, declare (qd) natural, proceed {e) intended, visualise Men and women should have freedom to have their grievances, so that the society does not get lethargic. (a) enormous, disposed ©) conclusive, worked (©) ostensible, observed {@) absolute, absolved (e) adequate, redressed It is high time that India. a coherent on Iraq. @ designs, viewpoint ) defines, script (©) sketches, observation (@) formulates, policy (©) observes, framework In the of the positive global reaction tothe Iraq polls, India is trying to the fallout of the elections. (a) event, interact @) episode, manipulate (c) wake, assess () incident, pursue () nature, gauge He.__all his money__. (a) squandered, wisely ) deposited, prudence (©) expended, notoriously (@ earned, decent (©) spent, foolishly Tt was my, that, problem. (@) desire, brought 2) negligence, led (c) fault, lauded {d) mistake, subjected (©) decision. put to the serious If you are, , you can. any task effectively. (a) interested, avoid ) diligent, perform (@) busy, accomplish (@) expert, prepare (©) able, neglect Bocauso hoe was, earlier and. home. (@) tired, brought (b) precarious, approached (©) preoccupied, sent (@ ill, contacted (©) unwell, retumed. The present education system ic___and needs, (@) adequate, betterment (b) wrong, improve (6) defective, reforming {@) good, nothing (e) excellent, improvement ‘An impartial person, others without any. (6) likes, reservation (b) judges, bias (c) blames, prudence (@) prais’s, point () wishes, malice A dull student sometimes gots than does student. (@) better, mediocre () good, better (©) more, brilliant @ less, wiser (©) excellent, brilliant . he left the party marks ” Many people coming from villages thomselves so. that they don’t go back. @) enjoy, immensely (b) earn, well (©) feed, much {d) strain, well {e) make, well AsIwashis companion, he satuially all his comments to me. (a) genuine, told (©) fond, contested (©) extreme, positioned - (@) sole, addressed fe) best, executed 1095. 199, He expressed. for his hasty. : (@) regret, action () pleasure, speech (©) repentance, movement {@) anguish, provocation (@) displeasure, win In the past, snajor developments have always beon____bytheprecautionary__. (@) boosted, reassurances (b) guided, principle (©) proceeded, evidence {@) monitored, suspension © encireléd, images ‘The effects of large-scal of genetically modified organisms into the environment are flew of____ greater than what happens in nature, (@) evaporation, concern () turnout, problem (¢) configuration, tragedy (@) releases, magnitude (e) assembling, worry Indian fiction in English today presents a rich and landscape, with a. of claims and multiplicity of voices. {a) mighty. plethora (6) potential, series {c) diverse, multitude (d) multiple, host (@) variety, system Children’s literature is being examined everywhere for its value. and. {@) appropriateness, educational ) merit, simplicity (©) minuteness, cross (@) softness, mystical (@) fairness, spiritual 100. ‘Trade unions in our country became powerful 101. because politicians were to___ their large vote-banks. (@) ready, increase —_(b) reluctant, displease (©) supposed, generate @ eager, assemble (e) vehernent, soar With our large area of Jand and plentiful sunshine, India can become a major global power in, . (2) forest, fishery —_(b) natural, greenery (©) arable, agriculture (@) water, horticulture {e) potential, geography \02, Ambition is one of those 103, 104. Sura’s @ General English which ere never . (a) ideas, prolonged (b) fancies, desired (0 needs, met (@) aspirations, availed. (©) passions, satisfied On account of the, of grass on the arid plains the cattle becam: (a) dearth, emaciated (b) abundance, lured (©) hope, curious (d) emergence, aggressive (©) greenery, hungry Govemment___on protecting wildlife has grown, ‘over the years. (a) expenses, proportionally . (b) exchequer, immensely 105, 106, 107, 108, liture, substantially (e) economy, rapidly The protection of is the most crucial of wild-life conservation. (@) animals, significance (b) habitats, component (e) areas, figure (@) geography, development (e) tiger, fact It is____tho political leadership, gets the to change for the better. (@) moment, party (b) opportune, leaders (c) wise, strategy (d) ideal, sway (©) time, system Both the countries should not forget their past while working towards a progressive. {e) hostility, confrontation (b) trial, bond (e) credentials, record (d) euphoria, tomorrow (© partnership, future Traditional medicine has____in areas like chronic and degenerative diseases where modem medicine is yet to__. (2) market, challenge ®) relevance, develop (©) experimented, success ~ (@) flourished, sell (@) vanished, experiment WwWSura's e General English 108. 110. 111. 112. 113. 114. ‘There have been other committees which had these problems and had made quite practical__. (a) scrutinised, institution ) ventured, impact (© examined, proposals (@ geared, solutions (@ emphasised, generalisations Asa____of systematic inadequacies, India as a nuclear-weapons state is yat to resolve the___of organising its defence forces. (a) consequence, dilemmas () flaw, dispute (@) standpoint, chaos (@ crux, essence (@ dictum, pending Itis___that aparty which claims tobe the saviour of the poor is__the cause of rich farmers. (@) whimsical, thwarting 2) paradoxical, espousing s (©) detrimental, suppressing (@ agenising, endangering (@) laudable, uplifting Deepavali should not bean _ and concem go up in smoke. (@) area, care @)avenuo, rituals (©) occasion, caution (a) auspices, peril (©) engine, fuel We should____ways toutilise the knowledge. of our traditional medicineto plugthe___in. modem healthcare. (@) tackle, unawareness ) implement, efficiency (©) forward, research (@) evolve, loopholes (© sketch, healing It is really sad that an organisation which openly____ the constitution and the national flag and the____ national mavement is not being checked. (@) challenges, sustains () decries, betrayed (c) disawns, hails (a) reviews, rebuked ' e) abolish, tHwart where, 115. 116, uz. 18. 19, 120. 121, Maturity comes to those who___that the humanity’s charter____the whole small world, {0} realise, embraces (b) intend, evolves (©) excel, abounds (d) mark, survives (6) recall, imbibes ‘The new policy will lay__on the removel of disparities and equalise educational__. (a) hand, criteria (©) guidelines, area {c) emphasis, opportunities (@) claim, concerns (©) stress, curriculum Our nation is characterized by a of cultural traditions and. of languages. (@) number, depth —_@) variety, mulsplicity {c) range, host (@ genre, plethora (e) group, simplicity ‘At present no solution to the problem is in, and the region is @ threat to peace, (a) possibility, dangerous (b) perspective, wild (€) pipeline, grave (@) sight. potential (@) focus, utter Bureaucracy plays aleading role, inthe__ cand. of all policies in our democracy, (0) framing, execution {b) nature, jurisdiction {€) infplementing, drawing {@) making, grafting (@) proposal, finalisation ‘The old values and practices that_ inthe ‘way of progress should be_ with, {@) obstruct, rejected {b) hamper, decried (e) deviate, superseded (@) figure, dispersed {e) stand, dispensed. It is said that woman, the second line of defence in the battle of life which man against circumstances. {@) raises, persuades (b) constitutes, wages (©) operates, performs (d) evolves, battles (©) throws, manages 12Sura's ¢ General English 122. The problem of malnutrition, its, in India to the ignorance of our masses. (@) serves, ground —_(b) spreads, wings (©) beholds, root —_(@)strikes, force (e) owes, existence 123. Despite the success of democracy in India doubts and fears have been about its (a) expressed, future (b) generated, experiment (©) concerned, sustenance {@) shaped, approaching {e) debated, continuity 124. The. of multiparty system lends colour and charm to Indian politics instead of, menace to Indian democracy. (a) election, throwing (b) emergence, countering (©) rule, gearing {@) presence, posing (e) combination, hurling 125. If we really wish to peace on this earth, the dangers to world peace will have to be. . (@) pursue, responded (b) usher, suppressed (6) ensure, eliminated (d) pray, challenged (e) negotiate, shifted 126. Farmers in our country have. suicide because of their___" to repay loans. (@) faced, pressure () met, dearth (©) committed, inability (@) done, condition (@) adopted, poverty 127. The present thrust of the economic for agriculture doss not go beyond the producer with the markets. (a) policy, recognising * (b) security, directing (c) criteria, liberalising (@) agenda, linking ‘@) system, dealing 128. The need of the hour is to come up with, that, stablo and assured income to ‘the farm sector. (@) strategies, provide () targets, return (©) revenue, results 129. 130. 131, 132, 133, (@) basic, defines (@) investments, awe Much of the agrarian distress that has the countryside is being misconstrued as the of non-availability of credit. (@ wrapped, phenomenon (b) dragged, case (©) ignited, lack (@) hunted, crunch (@) engulfed, outcome Books are an irreplaceable. of knowledge and of cultural, . (@) replica, nationalism ) philosophy, idealism (© symbols, ethos (@ storehouse, values (©) record, configuration Over the centuries the, of history has led to, expansion in the use of some languages. . (@) graph, enormous @) pattern, great (©) course, steady (@) path, continuing () trend, strategic World Trade Organisation, A specific type of mochanism for the trading nations to G) prescribes, observe () regulates, compete (©) didulges, forward (@) caters, monitor (@) strives, excel Byno means should it be, that, up a code for foreign investment will be a cakewalk for the industrial nations. (@) diagnosed, evolving @) applied, initiating (© presumed, dealing (@ assumed, drawing (©) projected, dialling 134, The Commission has not prescribed any. formula for uniform____by all the countries. (a) negotiable, practice () common, adoption (©) novel, pursuing (d) liberal, appliance (e) unique, claim 13Sura’s e General English 135. 136, 137. 138. 139, 140, 141. Ifthe values are only. and not practised, they becom (@) preached, diminishing ©) influenced, distinct (©) cherished, odd (@) harboured, complex (e) conceived, redundant ‘Sunspot activity is tobe at a peak over the next few years, an increase in ‘magnetic storms. (@) supposed, bringing (©) hoped, stimulating (c) thought, generating (@) probable, highlighting (©) projected, signalling His business____were___by his father, who set up a confectionery company in Bombay. (@) ideas, promoted (b) aspirations, encouraged (¢) sense, honed (@) inspirations, promulgated () connections, initiated Such are the small, of allowing people their, . (@) benefits, maturity () rules, privacy {e) bonuses, rights {@) dividends, individuality (©) cases, prestige Unfortunately, far from appreciating the enormous of the term ‘minority’, we have reduced it to something of a__- (@) idea, triviality (hb) vision, spectacle (6) import, pejorative (d) fallout, miracle (©) potency, stigma India used to be consciously__at one time; every community was a minority of sorts and at being so. . (@) squeamish, dreamed ©) anarchist, revelled () prejudiced, prided (@) judicious, chastised (©) pristine, languished ‘We have to realise that the system, involves substantial financial inputs and end results should ____—-justify the investment. (@) necessarily, probably () implementation, invariably (© crucially, justifiably (@) strenously, alterably (e) genuinely, economically 142. The second type of standards are those, usage and practice, the behaviour of all market players. {a) about, regarding () specifying, timing {c) impressing, stimulating {@) involving, influencing {e) facilitating, developing 143. non-proliferation rhetoric can produce only negative, : (@) pressurised, effects (©) verbose, ideas (©) grandiose, images @) unrelenting, fallout (©) perennial, signals 144, The amendments were introduced tofurther protect the country’s___placed wildlife. (@) specifically, precariously ) specially, dangerously (©) initially, veritably {) finally, endearingly {¢) annually, scarcely 145, Last year's protest by the Delhi children must be placed in the context of the___against the use of child labourinthe of crackers. (@) subject, factory () case, building (©) awareness, delivery (@ ambit, making (©) outery, manufacture Directions (Q.146-167): Pick out the most effective word from the given words to fill in the ‘blank to make the sentence meaningfully complete. 146, I felt. very proud___myself. @) for Qo) of (co) with (Mat () on 147. Ihave just___reading an interesting novel. (a) been (©) completely (0) finished @) start (@) over148. I felt so___that I couldn't sleep. 151. 153, 184, 155. (0) exciting (b) excited (@) exciting as such (4) excited for (@) excited with ). The three men____for an hour. (@) are playing (b) had been playing (©) have been playing (@) were played (©) will have been playing ). Integrity of character, honesty, dependability and discipline____with a genuine interest in your work will go a long way for achieving success. (@) coupled () adjoined (© fixed (@) attached (@) entrusted Drinking too much___one’s judgement. (@) imposes () impels (©) impairs. (@) impedes (0) effects For quite a long time he bore the burden but finallyhehadto___. @) yield () reconcile (2) leave (@) succumb (@) refuse ‘The suspect was taken to the police, but the __revealed nothing. G@investigation ——_(b) inquiry (©) probe {@) interrogation. () attempt The History Professor___a great respect from his students by virtue of his mastory over his subject. (@) commanded ) acquired (© attained @) observed (©) expected When I first met Sudha___as a lecturer in the college. (@) she was working (b) she working (©) she had been working (@) must have been working (@) she has been working 156, Lacking the time to examine the treatise in its entirety, the editors asked the author to provide them with a/an. instead. (@) compendium ——() facsimile (©) exegesis @dissertation (@) elaboration 157. 158. 159, 160. 161, 162, 163. Sura’s e General English Since the propensity to migrate has persisted in every epoch, its explanation requires a. ‘theory_ any particular period of time. (@) tailored to (b) unconscious of (©) inapplicable to (d) independent of (©) anomalous in We lost confidence in him because he never. the grandiose promises he had made. (@) forgot about (c) tired of (©) delivered on Ifyou are trying to make a strong impression on your audience, you cannot do so by being understated, tentative, or, . (b) retreated from (@ reneged on (a) hyperbolic (b) argumentative (c) passionare (d) restrained (e) eloquent To the dismay of the student body, the class president was berated by the principal at a school assembly. (@) privately (©) ignominiously (© magnanimousty The child was so spoiled by her indulgent parents that she pouted and became: when she did not receive all of their attention. ©) fortuitously (@ inconspicuously {@) discreet )'pulten (©) tranquil {d) elated {e) suspicious The reasoning in this editorial is so, that we cannot se how anyone can be deceived by it. (@) specious (©) astute () dispassionate _ The other day I was channel-zapping when I caught a fragment of a ‘lowest common denominator’ game show. I was instantly gr when treated to the spectacle of one's fellows willingly offering themselves to be skewered, (@) for once ®) like myself © for @ as one is () into jubilation (©) coherent @eogent 15Sura’s » General English 164. The great Indian middle class is carefully 165. stratified, judging by the moming programmes on television. They all cater to it, . (@) and like being so (b) but are miles apart (© and are all divided (d) in their own ways (@) but there are subtle differences How would you like to be welcomed to the theatre by bright, smiling children and join them in cavorting around the foyer? (@) It would be brilliant () With a couple of clowns to add to the carnival mood? (@) In the school where your child studies? (@ Ata place where there is absolute peace? * (@) It would be emphatic. 168. Brain imaging is not the only technique you can use to probe the honesty of hypnosis 167, subjects. It is well known that people who are unresponsive to hypnosis__. (@) can mimic the effects of being hypnotised (8) are psychotic. patients (©) can be treated by psychoanalysts only (@) do not allow their brains to be ‘imaged’ properly (e) are few James’ first novel used conventional narrative techniques: explicit characterization, action which related events in distinetly phased sequences, __. (a) storylines which border more on the realm of reflective passages () settings firmly outlined and specifically described (©) ideas drawn out of dreazy extracts (@) taken directly from boardroom conversations (e) and implicit expressions, CHUED ERED CRIED 16[COMPLETION OF PARAGRAPHS & SENTENCES Sura’s ¢ General English (Re-ordering of sentences) ) Directions (Q. 1-6): Given below are six ‘sentences are (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F). Arrange them in a meaningful order so as to form a P agraph and them answer the following questions. i. (A) It might, for the US, Japan ond Germany, hold forth exciting possibilities. {B) Therefore, for countries such as India, globalisation only heralds subjection, (©) The history of capitalism as a world order denotes its inevitable tendency to promote differentiation and domination. @)To them globalisation does not augur | freedom and progress; instead, it would ‘only ensure the necessary climate for domination and hegemonisation by the consortium of world’s capitalist countries. ® But to expect the same for the weak in the world, like India, Bangladesh and other post-colonial countries in Africa and Latin America, is to hope for the impossible. F) When post-colonial societies without “post-coloniality” are being reintegrated into a global order, it would only ensure ‘the subordination of the economically weaker countries. Which sentence will come at SECOND place in the paragraph? @B wc @E @D OF Which sentence with come at FOURTH place in the paragraph? @a )B as @p ()E Which sentence will come at FIRST place in the paragraph? (a) F OE (9D @c OB Which will be the LAST sentence of the Paragraph? (@)B Cc {) D (@)E }F, 5, Which ‘will be the THIRD sentence of the Paragraph? @a QE (Cc (aD (e) B 6. Which will be the FIFTH sentence of the Paragraph? f@ D BE fc Wa @B (ii) Directions (Q.1-5): Rearrange the following sentences into a meaningful paragraph and then answer the question given below. (A) There are any number of newly-elected ‘MLAs who have a criminal record and they should be kept out of the government. (B) Development is possible if there is social Peace, . {C) This requires an end to the criminalisation of polities. {D) Governance, after all, is a political task. © Such a peace is possible only if the social consensus is for an equitable distribution of political and economic gains. 1, Which will be the FIRST sentence of tho Paragraph? () A @)B wc @D . @E 2, Which will be the LAST sentence of the Paragraph? @E @)D fc @B A 3, Which sentence will come at THIRD placein the paragraph? A &)B ec (@D @E 17Sura’s e General English 4 Which sentence will come at FOURTH place in the paragraph? ME )D Cc (OB eA Which will be the SECOND sentence of the paragraph? wa )D @c WE @B (IT) Directions (Q.1-5}: Rearrange the following sentences into a meaningful paragraph. and thon answer the question given below. (A) Political campaigns as well as legislative and administrative initiatives have contributed in equal measure to nation- building since 1947. (B) Buc that has not been the case. {C) Progressive legislations have played on important role in the evolution of the * modern Indian state (D)In the euphoria of independence, we forgot to address the contradiction of continuing with a bureaucracy that was tailored to implement the Empire's agenda (© The result is that we are a democracy that functions within a legal and administrative framework that is essentially autocratic, (F) Laws like the Official Secrets Act, 1923, have made instruments of state a law unto themselves (G)Democratisation of the political process should have ideally transformed the character of the state. Which will be the FIRST sentence in the paragraph? @A mB ac @D @E Which will be the LAST sentence in the paragraph? @ F OE ©@D @B @A Which will be the THIRD sentonce in the paragraph? @) B OA wc @E @G ‘Which sentence will come at FIFTH place in the paragreph? @F WE wc (aD a ‘Which sentence will come at SECOND place in the paragraph? @A &)B OF @c ME ‘Which will be the FOURTH sentence in the ‘paragraph? @) E OF @G @c eB (Iv) Directions (Q. 1-6): Rearrange the following sentences into a meaningful paragraph and then answer the question givenbelow. 4A) These variegated desires could not have ‘emerged from nowhere. {B) Such presumptions would be violating the code of science. (©) Every human being enters the world with his pattern of thought and feeling. (D)To accept that they have come out of nothing would be as irrational as to presume that they disappear suddenly. © Hence the great thinkers of the past made careful scrutiny of this world and found hordes of desires disappearing and ‘appearing perennially. (F) And people are born with a variety of desires. Which will be the FIRST sentence of the paragraph? () F OE aD @c @A Which will be the THIRD sentence of the Paragraph? @A @)B @E @F @D Which sentefice will come at FIFTH place in the paragraph? @c ®)B (E @F ASura's ¢ General English Which sentence will come at SECOND place in the paragraph? @) D . @)E @F GA @B Which will be the FOURTH sentence in the paragraph? @)F OE @B we @D Which will be the LAST sentence in the paragraph? (9) D Q)E wc @B @F (Vp Directions (Q.1-5}. Rearrange the following Sentences into a meaningful paragraph and then answer the question given below. (A)Much depends upon the situational factors. (B) These boys still maintain regular relations with their families and are the easiest to be tackled in the field. (©) Often they come out of famities where vagrant behaviour in children up to a certain age is inevitable and can be taken as & matter of course. (D) And if timely action is taken and necessary changes made in the social milieu and situations obtaining around, there are Possibilities of vagrant behaviour being gradually deflected into normal and wholesome channels. (©) The early vagrants are the boys who have recently taken to vagrancy. (F) As these boys belong to the early stage of vagrancy, the chances of continued vagrancy or return to the normal course of life are almost equal (G)If they continue as they are, or worsen, there is every probability that these vagrants will move up to higher stages of vagrancy, What is the LAST sentence of the paragraph? @aA mC Dd @G @)B What is the FOURTH sentence of the Paragraph? a) G BA () D (ac () F What is the SECOND sentence of the ‘paragraph? (a) E @D cc @A @r ‘What is the FIFTH sentence of the paragraph? @G EF @c @pD @B What is the FIRST sentence of the paragraph? @A OG . ()E @F ec (VI) Directions (Q.1-5): Rearrange the following sentences into a meaningful paragraph and then answer the question given below. 2. (A) The socialisation function of the family is a generalised one and is aimed at preparing tus for membership of kingship group and the community. 4B) The family is only one of the varieties of agencies of socialisation, (C) In other words, through the socialisation process we learn the basic facts necessary for the performance of a variety of social roles in the society in which we grow up. {D) Socialisation is the process by which cultural, social and moral values and beliefs are transmitted fromone generation to the next. {E) The way in which the process operates will depend largely upon the views taken by the parents of what their children ought to be like when they are grown up. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement? fe) A (b) B fc @D WE Which of the following should be the FOURTH sentence after rearrangement? @A &)B wc @D @E 19Sura’s © General English 3. Which of the following should be the FIRST. sentence after rearrangement? aA ‘@)B wc @D @E 4, Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement? (A &)B wc @D WE 5. Which of following will be the FIFTH sentence after rearrangement? @a ©) B (Cc (aD @E (Vit) Directions (Q.1-5): Given below are five sentences, i.e. (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E), which are the part of a paragraph. Arrange them in a proper order so as to form @ meaningful paragraph and. then answer the following questions, (A)In recent years, the game has been promoted as a means of improving ties between the two countries. (B) And, it did live up to the name. (© Cricketing ties between India and Pakistan have always reflected the political and diplomatic discourses in the subcontinent. @) Cricket has been a casualty whenever the two countries went to war or even when they amassed troops alang the border. (©) Thatis why the Indo-Pak series in Pakistan last year was called the Friendship Series. Which will be the FIRST sentence in the Paragraph? A @)B wc @D @E Which will be the LAST sentence in the paragraph? . @E )D oc @B @A Which will be the THIRD sentence in the Paragraph? @a ME ©@D @B fe) C 5. Which sentence will come at SECOND place in the paragraph? @E @)D (A (B wc ‘Which sentence will come at FOURTH piace in the paragraph? @) A )B oc @D @E (VII) Directions (Q. 1-5): Rearrange the following six sentences (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them. 20 (A) Happiness, if at all found, is accompanied with sorrow. 4B) This attitude helps us to cope up with our unhappiness. (©) The world is full of miseries, problems, risks and discomfiture, @)It also helps us ta be sympathetic to others who are more unhappy. {®) Therefore, it seems to be wise to compare ‘our lot with the lor of those who are less fortunate. 4F) None can find here perfect happiness. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement? @ B )C ©@D @E @F Which of the following should be the FIFTH sentence after rearrangomont? @B )C @D @E @F Which of the following should be the SIXTH Sentence after rearrangement? @B oc @D @E OF Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement? @)B @)C (aD @E (eFSura’s General English ' Which of the following should be the FOURTH sentence after rearrangement? @B mC @D @E @F (1X) Directions (Q. 1-6): Given below are six ‘sentences, i.e. (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F). Arrange them in a meaningful order so as to form a paragraph and then answer the following questions. 1 4 (A)And this is not only limited to the developing countries where policy makers tend to blindly ape the farm model from the industrialised countries, (B) Today it is no more than 3 to 4 per cent, {€) While the Indian farmers are being lured to abandon the existing system of public sector procurement of farm produce, the fact remains that they are getting Further marginalised. (®) The emphasis on allowing foreign direct wwestment in the retail sector, therefore, is aimed at taking advantage of the farmer's plight. : @ Their profits are being shared among the traders, processors, wholesalers, and retailers. {FY In the United States, for instance, till as Jateas 1990, a farmer used to receive about ‘70 per cent of every dollar spent on food. Which will be the THIRD sentence in the Paragraph? wa m8 fac (aD @E Which will be the FIRST sentence in the paragraph? @F )B (} D (aa we Which sentence will come at FOURTH place in the paragraph? A &)F (@D ac @E Which sentence will come at FIFTH place in the paragraph? ) E &)D OF @ec eB 5. Which will be the LAST sentence in the paragraph? @A OB WE @F @c 6, Which will be the SECOND sentence in the paragraph? @F mc Dd @E (A (X) Directions (Q. 1-5): Rearrange the following sentence into a meaningful paragraph and then answer the questions given below. (A)From ‘97, the government has tried to follow an easy money policy to revive demand. (B) And despite some success on both these counts there has been no impact on the economy. (© Thus, while goods became less expensive, there wais little money left to buy them. (D) The slowdown in India’s economy since 1995 had been accompanied by a tight money policy that sought to curb inflation. © While the monetary policy succeeded in bringing down inflation, it also brought down the growth rate. {F) There has been a lot of talk of easing credit and lowering interest rates, 1, What is the SIXTH sentence of the paragraph? @aA OE oc @E ©@B 2. What is the THIRD sentence of the paragraph? @D @)c () F dA @)E 3. What is the FIRST sentence of the paragraph? f@D @A fc @B @F 4. What is the FOURTH sentente of the paragraph? @B A OF (@E @D 21Sura‘s e General English 5. What is the SECOND sentence of the paragraph? @A OB wc @E ©) F (4) Directions (Q. 1-5): Rearrange the following sentences into a meaningful paragraph and then answer the question givan below. (A) Lighting the entrance at night will attract more energy into your home. (B) Flower beds should also be curved. (© Keep your front door clean and sparkling and grow an evergreen plant in a round container on each side of the entrance. (D) Ifyou have a path leading to the front door, it should be curved rather than straight. (©) The entrance to your home is most important. 1. What is the FIRST sentence of the paragraph? WE BA (ac @B @D ‘What is the LAST sentence of the paragraph? (a B OD (E A @c What is the SECOND sentence of the paragraph? @B @)C (@D @A @E What is the FOURTH sentence of the paragraph? @E @)B WA @D wc What is the THIRD sentence of the paragraph? wa @)D @B ac @E GRUED GRUED Ente 22Sura’s e General English Directions (Q, 1-43): In each of the questions ‘below four sentences are given which are denated by (A), (B), (C) and (D). By using all the four ‘sentences you have to frame a meaningful para. The -correct order of the sentences is your answer. Choose from the five eltematives the one having the correct. ‘order of sentences and mark it as your answer. 1. (A)Geography has been a “very European” science from around 1500 to 1950, dubbed “the Vasco da Gama era”, {B) The origins of modern geography are inextricably tied to the practice of exploration. {© Beginning with the 16th century, it was the European exploration of the non- European world. (D) Among all the social disciplines, none equals Geography in its imperialist hangover. Codes: (@) ABDC. (>) ADBC (c) ABCD, (@) DBAG (e) DABG. 2. (A)Now itis often lumped into a group called "General Studies”. (B) As children, we spent hours tracing maps, learning about strange places, peoples and customs. (@) No wonder, it has fallen on hard times. (D2) Back in the 30s and 40s, Geography was a full-fledged subject in school. Codes: (a) ABCD b) CABD: () CDAB 4d)DBAC (@) DCBA 3. (A) Its Serb minority has been forced to swallow a peace agreement that forces it to remain part of Bosnia. (B) There is also the danger of the NATO action destroying the fragile peace in Bosnia. (© But it could well precipitate an even larger disaster. (D) NATO has supposedly intervened in Kosove to stop a disaster. Codes: (a) ADBC () ACBD (c) DCBA (d) DABC (e) DBCA (A) The fact of the matter is that Pakistan has certain deep- seated grudges against India. {B) It has not got over the suspicion that India is not reconciled to the idea of Partition. {C) Pakistan has also not forgotten that India’s army dealt a humiliating dofeat to the Pakistan army is East Pakistan which lead to the formation of Bangladesh () The visit of Vajpayee to Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore should help allay this suspicion. Godes: (@) ACBD . b) ABDC (©) ACDB (d) ADCB (e) BADG (A) The increase in population, in fact, dilutes every improvement in India’s national development. , (B) Ifthe population rise had been contained, the economic achievements would have resulted in.a significant development of our people. (©) India's GDP grew at an average of 352% from 1950-51 to 1980-81. {D) Our population went up to 2.15% a year, resulting in per capita GDP rise of only 1.37% a year, Codes: (@) ACBD ) ADBC (©) ADCB (@ ABCD (e) CABD (A) They have also looked after the outcasts of society like lepers. () Conversions apart, there is no denying that Christian missionaries have undertaken enormous social work in tribal areas. (© They have taken basic services in such remote areas where even the government hhas yet to reach. (D) In this regard, itis improper to drive them ‘out resorting to violent means, 23Sura's ¢ General English : 7 ‘Codes: (a) ABCD (B,DCBA {c) BCAD (d) DBAC (@) CABp . (A) The boy was so scared that he reverted to his pre-Christian identity. (B) Two years ago, Chambra Soi and his sons were badly beaten up by the villagers. {C) The boy refuses to divulge his name. (D) But Eshwar is eager to provide the details. Codes: (a) CDBA (b) DBCA. (¢) ADBC (@) ABDC (@ DCAB (A) In the changing scenario of the rise of the regional pawer, support of these groups is extremely important in coalition polities, (B) States like Assam and Bihar which are rich in natural resources have remained poor and backward. (©) The regional parties will demand greater autonomy as a precondition for supporting any government at the Centre. (©) In many instances this apparent injustice has led to separatist movements. Codes: (@) ADCB (b) BADC (e) CADB (4) BDAC (e) DBAC (A) But in most other cases, the judiciary had the support of the common man. {B) While in some cases the judiciary did seem to go overboard — the remarks by a judge in the Rajan Pillai and the Kalpanath Rai cases, {©) They undoubtedly believed ‘that no one could question them and when the courts started putting pressure these complaints gained ground. {D. Ifthe courts tried to ensiure some decency in public life, it was natural that Politicians would start complaining of Judicial activism. Codes: fa) ABCD (&) BDCA (c) BACD (@) ACBD te) DCBA 10. 11. 12. 13, 14, (A) The official machinery for planning was confined to the State headquarters. (B) The first step towards decentralisation was taken in the light of the experiences of the First Plan. (©) In the First Plan detailed directives were issued for State plans at various levels - villages, towns and districts. (D) But thesedirectives remained unimplernented as the proposed and regular association of the people could not be assured. Codes: (@) BCDA (o) BADG (e) CADB The Indian woman wants (A) ina male-dominated society B)as an equal partner (Q)and this is not too much to demand @)her rightful place @) ADCB (a) DCBA Codes: (@) DBAC )) BACD {c) ACDB {d) BADC (e) None of these Some of our social sciences (A) that cannot be attacked by modern society {) such as psychology and sociology (C) seem to have become (D) sacred cows Codes: (@) ACDB {@) ADCB: (@) BCDA 4d) BACD. (e) None of these ‘The future beckons to us. (A) In fact, we have hard work ahead. {B) Where do we go and what shall be our endeavour? (€) We shall also have to fight and end poverty, ignorance and disease @) It will be to bring freedom and opportunity to the common man. Codes: (a) ADCB (>) BADC (©) BDCA (@) DCAB (e) None of these India has been a land (A) but in the sense that learning has always been very highly valued 24Svura’s ¢ General English 15. 16, 17. {B) not indeed in the sense that education has been universal (C) and the learned man has been held in a higher esteem (D) of learning throughout the ages: ‘Codes: © (@) BADC (c) DBCA (@) None of these Reading books (jis a habit 4B) but also enlarges the mind (©) because it not only increases knowledge {D) which must be cultivated by everybody Codes: (a) ABDC 4c) ADCB {e) None of these (A) In India, banking is the largest national for (b) CBAD (@ DCBA (b) ACDB (@) BACD instrument development B)The surest way to ensure that is to strengthen banks and professionalise their managements. {© When banks fail, taking with them the money of depositors, confidence in the banking sector slips and damages the investment climate, () We need focussed and well-directed Tending to agriculture and industry; banks can and should play a crucial role in a growing economy. socio-economic Codes: (@) ABCD (b) DCBA (©) CABD (@) DABC. (@) ADBC (A) Today it is arguably the most backward and underdeveloped state. | (B) It gava the country leaders like Rajendra Prasad and Jayaprakash Narayan. {C) In the early years of independence, Bihar was one of the best-administered states. {)Consistent neglect by the Centre in allocation of funds and policies skewed against the state have been major reasons for its backwardness. Codes: (@) BCAD (b) ACBD (©) CBAD (@) DACB (©) CDAB 18. 19, 21. (A) The number of HIV-positive is increasing atan alarming rate. (B) Even with crores being spent on AIDS awareness programmes, we seem to be making little headway. (C)It is obvious that prevention and control strategies have been ineffective. (D) According to reports, there are around 50 million HIV-positive in the world. Codes: @ DBAC @) BACD (©) DCBA (@ BADC (®) CABD (A)It is the result of a long-drawn campaign by disabled rights activists. @) itis only because of a sustained campaign and the judiciary’s pressure that the executive has finally given in. (© The move to open up non-technical Aand B category posts in the civil service to the disabled is commendabk (D) The judiciary’s stand in this regard has also been encouraging. Codes: (a) DABC b) CADB (ce) BCAD 4a) ABCD (@) CDBA. (A) The Indian government's response to post- election Iraq shows a new flexibility and vibrancy in our foreign policy. (8) The way India deals with Iraq can be used as a benchmark for future foreign policy. (€) An ability to react quickly is required today. (D)As the geopolitical situation changes rapidly, India cannot afford to have a rigid foreign policy. Codes: (@) ADCB @) BCDA (© CDAB (@DABC (@) CABD (A)In a TV set an echo within the erystal is used to set the timing for the electron beam that scans the screen. (8) Toshiro Higuchi and his colleagues at the Department of Precision Engineering at the University of Tokyo built their motor using asliver of lithium niobate 60 millimetres tong and 15 millimetres wide. 25Sura’s ¢ General English 22. 23, (© But when these waves bounce along the surface of a crystal small objects on top will’ surf along with them. (©) Applying a small voltage to a piezoelectric crystal flexes and stretches its atomic lattice, creating a surface acoustic wave. Codes: (@) ABCD (b) DBCA () ADCB (@) CDAB. () DACB (A) The name malaria itself has its “mal air’ conveying “foul air (B)In those days malaria was considered a mysterious scourge on mankind causing untold havoc over centuries, (C) No one knew its cause and how it spread. (D) Rather, it was widely believed, the disease was transmitted through a foul, poisonous gas known as Marsh Miasma. Codes: (@) ADCB @) BCDA () CDBA (@ ABDC (e) BACD (AJIf there is a large problem that fits ESs, then perhaps this is the approach to be followed, @) Many companies choose to build large systams which usually must be run on mainframe computers. (© The benefits of large systems are that the savings can be large. (P) The downside to building large systems is that they require special programmers to build, Codes: (a) ADCB () BDAC () CABD (@BCAD (©) ADBC (A) Chemical reactions are about to become ‘easier to control, as German researchers have built a laser that ‘learns’ to direct them. (B) But chemists seldom know the energies of bonds well enough to tailor the laser for the task. (C) Now the team has built the first working system that relies on the feedback to find the right laser pulse for the job. 25. 27, @)By exciting specific bands, precisely shaped laser pulses can split large molecules into desired products. Codes: (@) ADBG (b) BCDA. (©) DBAG (a) DABG (e) BDAC (A)A carbon crystal that might eventually be used to make optical circuits (which use light beams instead of electric currents) has been developed by an American electronic company. (8) They then chemically removed the gemstone, leaving the carbon in a form. they dub ‘inverse opal’. (©) The resulting crystal can strongly diffract visible light, a quality the researchers have exploited to build an optical switch. (D) Researchers took a synthetic version of the gemstone opal and filled the spaces in its lattice with carbon. Codes: (a) BCDA (b) ABCD (c) ADBC (@)CDBA. (e) DACB (A) Dobson's conclusions, they contend, area stretch based on highly circumstantial evidence and at odds with evolutionary biology. {B) “We sometimes have to rock the boat,” said Dr. Karl W. Butzer, a geographer at the University of Texas at Austin. (© Paleontologists who specialise in Neanderthal research have raised sharp objections. () But some anthropologists and other geographers said that the data, seemed impressive and that the interpretations should be taken seriously." Codes: @) ABCD (6) ABDC. () CADB (@) BDCA (@) CABD (A) Call monitoring features are useful in terms of security, but also enable tracking of call volume and logging of all connections so that administrators can optimise the number of ISDN lines ordered. ASS 26{8)Cali monitoring is also an important ‘element of any ISDN data communications solution, (©) Given that ISDN costs are often usage- related, this checking and recording also serves to prevent any nasty surprises that user might receive with the monthly phone bill {D) At the same time, usage logs can provide managers with the justification required toad ISDN linesas the need for additional bandwidth arises. Codes: fe) ABDC. (») BACD {e) DABC. (@) DACB {e) ACDB. (A) And if one has more products one will have to forecast which market, which city, which shop and when they will need a particular brand and a particular size. (B) The focus of most CPG companies used to be first to get the manufacturing right. (©) There are lots of issues around the supply chain management side. (D)Once they achieve this they go for the distribution right. Codes: (@) CABD (b) CDBA () CBAD @)ADBC (@) BDCA (AyIt has been prone to systemic failures. (B)If it has retained substantial strength in the tactical field, it is in spite of the slow moving system (©) This could be tolerated in the past but can be catastrophic in a nuclear weapons environment. (@)The Indian security system with its colonial structures is quite unsuited to manage the demands of defence in ‘strategic and operational terms. Codes: (@) ACBD (&) DBAC (<} CBAD (a) BCAD (e} CDBA 30. (A)Women had played a very active role in Iran’s Islamic revolution from the beginning. 31. 32. Sura’s © General English (B)It was more an imitation of western culture than true freedom for women, (C)However, these reforms were quite superficial as women had no freedom to participate in political activities. (D) The Shah had imposed modern secular reforms and had abolished the veil and western dress was encouraged. Codes: (@) DCBA ») CBAD (©) BADG (@) ADCB (e) CBDA (A) Perhaps this will take a long time as it is very difficult to get together equals and to decide who is primus inter pares. (®) In this, China and India have to play major roles not to mention Japan and the ASEAN. (Q)But as a first step, we can have a cooperative community structure embracing certain parts of China adjacent to India, north Myanmar, Bangladesh and the Seven sisters of the Northeast. (D) In the coming years, India should pave the way for.an Asian Common Market like its Europe counterpart. Codes: (@) DBAC ®) BCAD () CABD (ay acs (©) BDCA (A) But it has always been the other way round for Indian participants who either lost their cool or are subjected to a sudden illness, (B) Besides all these shortcomings, what is glaringly missing is the genuine government efforts. (Q)The Government of India should concentrate more on developing the necessary infrastructure for Indian Sportspersons to acquire skills to compete in international events, (D) Iv is important that any sports participant in big events like Olympics should have a poised mind besides being physically fit at least during the days of his or her stay in the sports venue. Codes: (@) BCAD (®) CDBA. (©) ACDB (@) CBAD (e) DABC 27Sura’s e General English 33. (A)That is what health is all about — not illness and hospitals. (B) On the contrary, it is concerned with the well-being and ability to perform tasks in a vibrant society. (C) The word ‘health’ is often misunderstood and linked with hospitals and treatment by medical doctors. (@)After all, staying healthy is the most important thing Codes: (@) BACD @) ACDB (} DBAC (@CBDA (e) CADB (A) Drugs are big business after all. (B) This is because pharmaceutical companies do not actively promote generic drugs. (€) Several generic drugs are better than brand name drugs. (D) Yet doctors largely prescribe brand name drugs. Codes: (@) BACD (© DBAC (e ADCB (A)But as long as advertising achieves its objective it is effective, {B) People classify advertising as good or bad depending on how it appeals to them. ()In the ultimate analysis there is only effective and ineffective advertising. (D) There is no such thing as good or bad ) CABD (@)CDBA advertising, Codes: (@) ACBD ) DBAC (@ ABCD (@CABD (@ BCDA (A) Private property rights alone enable the freedom of expression. (B) However, in reality, this is a completely mepningless right. (€) Where these rights are non-existent, or flouted by the authorities, the freedom of expression disappears. D)Journalists are the first to defend the ‘freedom of expression’. Codes: (@) BACD (6) CADB () ABCD. (@)BDCA. (e) DBAC (A) The system of nature set up by God already rests on the basis of peace. (8) Peace is no external factor to be artificially imposed upon man. (©) Peace is inherent in nature itself. (@)IF this system is not disrupted, it will continue to stay the course set for it by the Almighty. Codes: ” (a) DACB () ACBD (@ BCAD (@DBAC (e) ADCB (A) Which is why we need to promptly stop the ringfencing of petro-product sales, and thoroughly open up retailing. B) In a liberalising economy it is sheer folly to provide sky-high protection for oil refining. © Besides, we do need proper price signals for everyday consumption, and fast. D) It would summarily distort investment decisions. Codes: (@) BDCA (b) DCAB () ADCB (@) CABD (@) ABCD (1) While commercial exchanges () seemed consigned to the wings, {Q) between India and the rest of the world ® cultural exchanges until lately (S) have been on the increase (6) ater a period of glory a decade and a half ago. Codes: (@) PROS (by QSRP (e) SQPR (a) RSQP (@) PQRS. (1) It is desirable that @) and the global experience so that () needful is done in rural areas and major ®) lessons learnt from the past earthquakes (8) oarth scientists and engineers benefit from © urban cities of our countries. 28Sura’s General English” 41. Codes: (@) PSQR ©) QRSP (© RSQP (4) SPQR (e)} SRPQ (2) Blaming modern medicine ®) ignorance of the health indicators (Q)modicine to thrive is just () for the failure of traditional (5) of the nation after the {© advent of modern medicine. Codes: (a) QRSP {c) ROPS (@) SRPQ () After: fer websites began @) it was only a matter of time (Q before the lavish public celebration (R) of traditional arranged marriages (8) to feature matrimonial advertisements, ()) QPRS: {d) PQSR: (©) should also become visible on the Internet. CAD CalieD Calied 29 (@) SPOR (b) PQRS () QRSP (@) RSPQ (@ QRPS (1)‘Common people all over the world irrespective of () and cleavages of religions, nations and economic interests (Q)the countries or religions to which they belong should (F) should create a world free of {S) come together and transcending all the constraints (®) conflict, insecurity, poverty and exploitation, Codes: (a) SROP ) QSPR {e) PROS (a QRsP (@) RSQP*Sura’s ¢ General English PASSAGE COMPLETION Directions: In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate words. I) Indians seem to do exceedingly well in sports Which J the mind and upper limb. Take for 2.chess, carrom, snooker, table tennis, badminton, golf and cricket where we generally 3. But when it comes to field-and-track 4 our 5 is not as 6. We have the intelligence but not the 7. That's the 8 we 9 out in international competitions. We need to 10 on what we are good at. 1. @) involve (©) grasp {c) behold (@) govern fe) express 2. (a) experimenting _{b) guaranteed Xe) instance (@) practice (e) participation 3. (@) compete (b) manage {c) supersede (d) target fe) excel 4. (@) championship —_@yevents (¢) tours (@) episodes ()genre 5. (@) hold (b) supremacy (©) lead (@) performance {e) stake 6. (9) astonishing () good (© deliberate (@) soothing fe) basic 7. @) stamina (b) option (6) skill (@) gameplan (©) orieritation 8. (@) area ) field (©) reason (@) theory (e) weakness 9. (@) bow () drive (c) figure (d@) lose (e) surrender 10. (a) pretend (b) plead (© pride (@) combat (@) concentrate IT) The political crisis in Goa 1 the lack of morality 2 the political class. Goa, known for its scenic beauty, is fast 3 a 4 for political ugliness. ‘The state has seen 15 CMs in as many years. In the present crisis, the first mistake was 5 by the ‘Speaker, who 6 in a7 manner, suspended an indepen- ‘dent member of the House. The governor, too, has 8 criticism for the unprecedented 9 with which he 10 in a Congress chief minister. The controversy has brought to the 11 the 12 of the governor and ‘the Speaker. . 1. (@) resemble 0) réfiects (e) gears {@) negates (@ drags 2. (a) beyond 4) governed (&) among 4d) beneath (e) unfolding 3. (@) shaping ) defining (s} painting {@) depicting (@) acquiring 4. @ reputation @) syndrome (© condition (@) stage (©) monopoly 5. (a)conducted () deliberated (@} placed (@) committed (©) pondered 6. (a) delivering ) dictating . (©) acting (@) judging (e) directing 7. (@) arrogant ) partisan (©) severe (@) rapid (e) restrained 8. (@) ignited @) incensed (©) invited (@) mounted (©) provoked 9 (a) haste @) incident (©) example (command (e) move 10. (@) planted (b) formed (©) incorporated (a) swore (@) managed 11, @) mainstream &) momentum, (c) agenda (d) gameplan {@) fore 30Sura’s © General English 12. (@) ruling ‘) prestige © role (@) limitations (©) jurisprudence TIT) the success of a product's performance in the market-place is based on its 1 strengths in 2 of the 2 it 4. Similarly, the success or otherwise of our mortal lives is 5 through our intent and through our intent and deeds. Just as successful products are based on good 6 as 7. by consumers, we 8 impressions and perceptions based on what and how we 9 ourselves and how we 10 to different situations and circumstances 1. (@) cost 4b) consumption (©) intrinsic 4d) consumer (@) sale 2. (a) terms (b) addition (c) response (@) pursuance (@) ways 3. (@) productivity () lasting (©) results @)appeal @ value 4. @) enjoys (b) adopts (©) practices {d) delivers @) marks: 5. (@) driven (h) reflected (©) surrounded @) empowered (e) enlightened 6. @) pricing (2) handling (c) performance 4@) marketing (© promotion 7. (@) utilised ‘) experimented (e) adopted (@) operated (@) experienced 8. () generate ‘) reflect (c) ascertain (d) assess {e) gauge 9% (@) suppose * {h) express (©) comfort @) relax (9) gear 10. (@) counter ) experiment (c) change (a) rise (@) respond TV) the cancer of corruption has I every 2 of life. Even the judiciary does not seem 3 to it. An Abdul Kalam or a Manmohan Singh is a 4 in public life today. Political parties are 5 in crores through 6 7. ‘The cancer of corruption which is 8 into our body politic needs 9 treatment. But do we have the appropriate physicians to 20 this treatment? 1, (a) evaded () permeated (c) degraded (d) ruined (6) raised 2. (@) stretch ) genre (©) domain (@ range (e) walk 3. (@) bothered (®) concerned (© immune (@) deprived (e) beyond 4 (@) rarity @) exception {e) gem (@ figure (e) star 5. @) playing @) plundering (©) gathering (@) dealing (e) raking 6. @) external ) dubious (©) outstanding (@ abnormal () strange 7. (@) means @) deals (©) policies (@) system (6) packages 8, (@) affecting ) harming (©) creeping (d) eating (©) entering 9. @) holistic ) diagnostic (c) extreme (@) fair (©) urgent 10. (@) attend (b) approve (©) render (@) respond (e) cater V)since the 1 of planning in our country, continuous 2 has been laid on 3 distribution of income as a broad objective. As the 4 of poverty was higher in the rural areas, where majority of the population lives, it was considered 5 to shift the focus of poverty § programmes to the rural areas. But, despite several programmes being 7 by the government, it was 8 towards the end of the Fifth Five-Year Plan that frults of development had failed to 9 down to the poorer sections living in the rural areas and a frontal assault on the problem of rural poverty was 10. 1. (@)'involvement ——@) strategy (© accuracy (@need (e) inception vuSura’s e General English * 2. @) opinion (b) stress (©) question {d) focus {e} depth 3. (@) right (b) logical (c) reasonable (d) equitable (©) faithful 4. (@ event (b) sequence (©) incidents (@) incidence {e) number 5.. (a) needless () inoperative * (c} imperative (@) irrelevant {e) congenial 6. (@) oriented (@) addressing (@) checking 7. (@) cooperated (b) tackled (@) presided (@) spread (@ launched 8. (a) scrutinised () highlighted (©) realised. (@) advocated (@) grudged 9. _ (@) accompany ) side (©) stride (@) trickle (e) climb 10. (@) enacted (c) envisaged (©) staged (@) prolonged (e) confined VI) communatism continues to 1 hurdles in the way of nation-building by 2 steps towards growth and prosperity. Progress is possible only when a nation can 3 march onwards. 4 forces such as communalism 5 only a § to the realisation of this goal. Where the communities 7 in communal violence are concerned, the sufferings of their peopleand theirnear and dear ones onty 8 the pain, anger and hatred. In other words, communalism 9 only communal feelings. The destruction of material, wealth and, most of all, men is not only. loss for the communities 10 but is alsoa national loss. 1. @ play (b) press » (©) augur (a) pose (e) flick 2. (a) driving () swift (© thwarting (@) building {e) haunting a) directly ®) unitedly (¢) vehemently (@ supposedly (6) amazingly 4. (@) Strong (b) Adequate (©) Forcible @Divisive (@) Traumatic 5. (a) wish ) tolerate (©) devour @ provide (6) diminish 6. (a) adversity b) hostility (6) setback (@ halting (6) background 7. (@) trapped ) involved (©) attached @ feelings (@) stake 8. (a) intensify (b) pacify (c) reflect (@) signify (e) imply 9. (@) thwarts (b) consummates (©) elates (@ breeds (6) sketches : 10. (@) fighting ) concerned (©) encircled (@enorvated () hostility VII) Several shopkeepers 1 the need for a government 2 scheme to take back — without 3 — the still undeclared or 4 stock of oil, which may or may not be adulterated. Many of them are 5 to be still 8 on to their 7, expecting a government 8 in the near, if not 10. 1. (@) aggrieved (b) complained (c) presented (@ wondered (©) expressed 2. (a) ratified @) sponsored (©) helpage (a) regulated (©) modified 3. {@) action (b) compromise (©) moderation @strings: {e) panic 4 (@) untold (b) undisplayed (©) unbranded (@ unused (©) unlicensed 5. (a) expected (b) understood (©) probably (@) reported ©) seen 326. (@) hoarding (8) holding (©) carrying (@ taking ) stocking 7. (a) stocks ©) pile (©) brand (@) stockpile {@) booty 8.) reprisal () action (©) scheme (@) promation (©) raid 9. @) future ) post (©) arena (@) days (@) present 10. (@) late © later (© earlier (@)quickty (©) immediately VIII) tea prices in the domestic 1 continue to rule high in the 2 year despite the expectation of a 3 production as compared to the previous year. According to a preliminary assessment 4 on the weather § in recent months, tea output in the next year may reach 800 tons as § 780 tons last year. During the past three months tea prices have shown in Z. Unlike last year when tea prices were dramatically low, this year prices seem to have & atrather high level. In the subsequent four months, the 9 average price showed a downtrend, but in September the price has 10 hardened to a considerable extent 1. G@) market () area (© sector (@profit (© production 2 (@) last ) first (©) current (@)second (@ cartier 3. @) lower ) large (©) higher @ maximum (0) reasonable 4. (@) shared (©) based (0) carried (@) strategy (0) conducted 5. (a) pattern ) forecast (©) condition (@) outbreak (©) out bursts 6 @rto ©) per (©) above against (©) compared Sura's ¢ General English 7. () upgrade: ®) uptrend (©) increased (@) increment () incline 8. (@) stabilised - (b) surfaced (©) increased (@ moderated (©) synchronised 9. G@) annval ) weekly (© daily (@ quarterly (©) monthly 10. (a) now ©) then (c) since , @ never (©) again TEX) There are enough issues 1 the nation that we Indians could feel 2 about. But some of us are 3 in @ hhair-splitting on non-issues. Take the recent debate ‘over'Sindh’ in the national anthem. A nation or state Is § not § by ls geographical boundaries but by its cultural ethos, tradition and language. Tagore 7 this idea Sby 9 the 20 of unity in diversity in the anthem. 1. (e) ahead ®) facing (©) beyond (@) driving (8) raising 2G) engaged () familiar () campaigning ——(@) agitated (©) proud 3. (@) engaged ©) focussed (© striking (@avaiting (©) training 4s) monotonous ——(b) fragile (@ estrange (@ ineffable (©) needless 5. (a) surrounded Q)encircted (0) represented ‘{@) painted (©) earmarked (a) extremely ‘bY firmly (€) strictly (€) merely (@ convincingly 7. (a) articulated ‘b) captured (0) raised (@) thought (@) experimented . BG) strangely (b) eloquently (rarely (desperately (@) impetuously (@) scaling () striving (© judging (@) debating (@) capturing 33Sura’s e General English 10. (a) rhyme &) rhythm (© spirit (d)range (©) fiction XX) 1a national disaster management authority is a 2 step taken by the government. It should now 3, that the right professionals are 4 for the job. They must have dedication and 5 if the organisation is to be Gand play a crucial role in 7 loss of life in the 8 of disaster. We cannot 9 mediocrity in this vital 10. One hopes that the government will take the new organisation 11, . 1, (a) Implementing _(b) Discovering (©) Creating {@) Signalling (@) Raising 2. (a) politicised (b) visionary (© affable {@) sceptical (©) commendable 3. (@) promise () ensure (©) gamer @adevote (©) assess 4. @ entrust ) confined (©) equipped (@) handpicked (@) competed 5. (@) vision (b) backing (©) contribution (@)swurdiness (e) rapture 6 (a) launched () vigorous (©) recognised (@) delivering (0) effective 7. (@) managing (6) minimising (©) dealing @addressing (©) concern 8. (a) advent ®) toll (©) face (qd) impending (©) possibility 8. (@) maintain ) sustain (0) digest @afford = (@) yea 10. (a) event b) sector {e) group (€) chain (6) issue 11, () seriously O) effectively (©) ideally (@ convincingly (©) intentionally XI) The J of the employees of PSUs, measured by the amounts of goods/services 2 by a person as well as 3 per person has to be raised. They have to gear up their employees’ 4 and pay them § so that they are not lost to their 6. The most serious 7 in the government systems that their employees and the PSU managers are 8 to function without a/an 9 about matters 10 to money, cost or price movement. 1. (a) strength (b) lacuna (©) productivity @ talent {o) condition 2, (@) measured (b) produced {c) provided (d) presented {e) developed 3. (@) tax-rate @) tariff (©) value-added (a) value-generated (©) production 4. ° (@) potential @) salaries (©) manifestations (d) talent (©) services 5. (a) money ) poorly (©) in time (@) regularly (@) adequately 6. (a) companies (b) employees (©) properties (€) competitors (@) duties 7 @) flaw ) presentation (© bid (@aury (6) case 8 @) led (b) bribed (c) professed (@) generated {e) allowed 9. (b) awareness {d) generality 10. (6) propounding (€) levelling (@relating (0) grinding XII) when it comes to tea, India is 1 a follower of European 2. The concept of a Tea Lounge, 3 since olden times with 4 Europeans, is slowly 5 on in India. It is 6 a place where a person could read, 7 ‘or chat at leisure over a cup of tea or coffee with friends. In 8, everything that is 9 with a 10 life- style. 1. @) now ®) always () largely (@) certainly (©) famously 2, (a) hostage (6) hangover (©) regalia @ etiquerte (©) manners3. (a) meaningful (b) popular {c) fond (@) careful (e) started 4. @tme (b) sophisticated © parent (@) popular (@) naturalised 5. (a) catching 6) prowling (¢) pouring (@) thriving (©) driving 6 (@) nicely (b) enchantingly (©) basically (@) probably (@) ruefully 7. @) snore (b) sleep (©) wait (@) relax (@) love 8. (a)end () style (@) right (a) measure (@) short 9. (a) targeted (b) associated {o) benefitted (@ propelled (©) catalysed 10. (a) regal () colonial (e) eloquent (a) quiet (@) nice XII) tran i is genius, hez the penalty of genius Ifhe has only talent, various cares and worries make life extremely 3. He takes great pains 4 compose He meets with continuous § at his inability to reveal , Also he is often 7 with the difficulty of 8 the public ear. A literary life 9, therefore, mostly an unhappy 10. 1. @) individual () ideal (©) invention (event (@) author 2. (a) tolerates () prevents (¢) suffers 44) imposes (©) inflicts 3. @) miserable (@) impatient {¢) comfortable (@) happy (e) bearable 4. (@ about (>) with (in @to (©) and 5. (a) admiration (@) disappointment (©) disapproval (eriticism (@) satisfaction Sura’s ¢ General English 6. (@) public (b) them (©) himself {@)literature (e) others 7. @) down (b) engaged (©) busy (@) leading (@) faced 8. (@) entering (6) sounding (©) awakening @gaining (6) listening 9 @is () governs {c) leads (d) begins (©) wishes 10. (@) thing (b) one (c) ending (event (©) incidence XIV) the 2 of india-China interaction is 2 as old as the two civilisations themselves. From the mid-1920s, Indian 3 in China took a different 4 when the Indian National Congress (INC), particularly Jawaharlal Nehru, began 5 a world 6 from an Indian 7 in an anti-imperialist 8. In 1947, India won freedom from the British and in 1949 the Communist Party of China (GPC) came to power in the newly 9 People’s Republic of Ghina. Since then in the regional context, India-China relations have held the 10 to stability and development. 1. @) context (b) history (© criterion (@) utility (e) progress 2. (@) almost (b) reasonably (©) largely _ (8) surprisingly (©) avowedly 3. (@) shift @) strategy (©) behold (d) interference (9) interest 4. @) jump @) turn (© gamble @ gesture (©) domain 5. (a) contesting (b) dominating (©) enhancing @)articutating {@) signalling 6. (a) change (b) theory (©) humanity (2) forum fe) view 7. (a) perspéctive ) base (©) background (@) philosophy (e) citadel 35Sura’s ¢ General English 8 (a) propaganda () theory (c) context (d) move (©) ideology 9. (a) launched ) federation (©) proclaimed (@ascertained (@) marked 10. (a) chain (by events (6) breath (@) confirmation (@) key XV) Deepavali is no longer a festival of lights. L, it has more todo with noise and dip, smoke and smog that doctors 2 can harm not only the agea and the sick, during even and the healthy. Crackers serious sound 4, whose effects on man have been well documented. Apart from leading to deafness, high decibel levels can push up your blood pressure and affect your heart. What is even more 5 is the way erackers poison the air we §. The Central Pollution Control Board found at a New Delhi locality a few years ago an 7 build-up of noxious fumes on Deepavali day: the air was unusually thick wich sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and total particulate matter. While the 8 of each of these on the human body has been 9, no one knows how 10 the cocktail of all four can be 1. (@) Because (b) Rather (©) Above (@)Although {@) Absolutely 2. (@) advise yassist 4©) question (@concern (@) wam 3. fa) blast (b)dispose (©) burst (@)cause (@) provide 4. (@) disaster ()) peril {e) pollution (@)disorder fe) chaos 5. 4a) peculiar (b) dangerous {c) bewildering (a) emphatic (©) unacceptable 6. (a) suppose (by reside ©) live (@) inhale » (e) consume 7. (a) atrocious (b) undue (e) alarming (@) irregular (@) irrational 36 8 (@) impact (6) diagnosis (c) cause (apply {e) influence 9. (@) finalised () analysed (© configurated (@) serialised {e) reported 10. (a) agonizing (©) crucial (©) lethal (@) devastating @ immense XVI) Having seen off our 1 small 2 for the Olympics, it's time to 3 over our 4 in the field of sports. China is way 5 of us when it comes to sports. It’s time to stop the 6 game and do something 7. All of us as parents of 8 future champs have an important role to play if india has to come up as a sporting superpower. We must all take a9 to make our children 10 in one game or the other, come hell or high water. 1. (little (b) rather {c) supposedly {@) strictly (0) usually 2. (@) consortium ©) tally @nn (@) participation (e) contingent 3. (a) ponder (6) manipulate (©) wipe (@) lead (@) narrate 4. (@) counterpart (b) champipns (@ claim (@) frailties (©) deserving 5. (a) beyond ) leading (c) ahead @ far (e) top . 8. (a) next (2) proposed (@) negative (@) politics {e) blame 7. (@) worthwhile ®) winning @ @ strange (@) deliberate 8. (a) bright {b) dynamic {c) potential (4) glamorous (@) promising 8. (a) fight @) vow (6) solemn (@) direction (0) mandateSura’s e General English 10.) preserve ) participate (c) resolve (@) excel (6) preside XVID) comparisons between the trial of Saddam Hussein now opening in Baghdad and the “victor's justice’ 1 out to Nazi war criminals at Nuremberg miss the 2. The Nuremberg trials were held after the Nazis were decisively defeated and the Allies had 3 their 4 over Germany, while a civil war is still in § in Iraq, whose victors are not yer §. The 7 of confidence and defiance with which Hussein 8 down the tribunal 9 this point, not to 10 the extraordinary security 11 under which even the names of most of the judges have not been 12 1, (@) sentenced ‘@) thrown (c) meted (d) bailed (©) worked 2. (a) strategy ) task (c) target (@) ethos (©) point ’ 3. (a) covered @) assumed (©) raised ‘{@) consolidated (e) evolved 4. (a) firm ®) grip (e) sway @) rein (@) plight 5. (a) hold @) ongoing (@) battle (@) progress (@) field 6 (e) established ) drawn, (e) reflected {@) nominated (6) championed 7. (a) manner ) emblem (©) sense (a) methodology (©) concern 8. (a) managed @) challenged (@) rebuked (@) raided (@) faced 9. (@)-underscored (b) raised (@) highlighted (@) gained (@) widened 10. (a) recognising ) mention (© deviate @) underneath (e) strike Y. @) preserves (@) protections * (c} measures (@) fencing (@) agenda 12, (@) recognised () presided (©) debated (@fevealed (©) reserved ‘ XVIII) atmos: every year, 1 areas of ourcountry are 2 by floods, causing 3 of life and national 4. Many years ago a committee recommended § rivers through canals especially § for this purpose, so that the 7 from a river would be 8 before it could 9 * the countryside. This wauld serve as a 10 solution. 1. @) new ()same (©) vast @low (@) agrarian 2. (a) penetrated () drenched (©) encroached @ experienced (©) ravaged 3. (a) death (b) misuse (¢) loss @) fear (6) toll 4. (@) prosperity @) prestige (©) endeavour (d@) wealth (©) health 5. (a) diverting (b) connecting (©) blocking (@) transforming , (©) transferring 6 (@) designed (b)laved (©) made @dug (@) carved , 7. (@) water () flood (e) force (A) overflow (e) current , 8. (@) diverted () changed (©) moved (@) slowed (©) hastened 9. (@) drench (b) flood (©) pilfer (d) damage © ruin 10. (@) accurate ) proper (©) long (@ plausible (©) permanent XIX) the passengers who pay for 1 expect the official in 2 of the compartment to see that no 3 person is allowed 4. The 5 of the train are very few, During such halts, the TTE can easily control by 7 the offside doors and keeping open only one or two doors on the g side and the pasgengers who 10 the train. 37Sura’s ¢ General English 1. (a) tickets (©) travelling {e) seats (0) duty (©) charge © security {@) unrecognised (©) unreserved {e) infamous @) license (© permit (©) near (@) speed (©) passengers (@) length (b) berths (@) reservation (b) vigilance (d) presence (b) untoward (d) unwanted ) entry (@) anywhere &) halts (@) TTEs 6. (@) traffic (©) rush (e) intruders: 7. (@) opening (© bolting (©) screwing 8. @) platform (c) Front (e) off-platform, 9. (@) forcing (©) helping (e) scrutinising 10. (@) approach (©) embark (©) see CRED ERED Cntiad 38 (>) movement (@) crowd (6) clearing (rushing ) rear (@) window (b) coercing (@ monitoring (b) board (@) descendSura’s @ General English Directions; Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words are given in bold to help you locata ‘them while answering some of the questions. PASSAGE -1 ‘The discourse on the question of the individual and the community (or caste) rights of religion in relation to Hinduism must also be viewed from the point of view of strengthening democracy in India. It-is a known fact that religion is a civil societal system and democracy is a political system. Some of the recent political theoreticians, of course, divided democracy into “civil democracy” and “political democracy” only to expand the scope of democracy to non-political spheres — particularly to the sphere of civil society. But the relationship between religion and democracy always remained a dark area in theoretical discourses, In the day-to-day life of the individual and the castes, religion and democracy reinforce each other; they also operate antithetically, de- legitimising each other. For example, in a country such as ours even in the absence of the right to religion for several castes and communities in civil society, in the political sphere they could get the right to vote after we adopted constitutional democracy. If civil society closes some important options to individuals the right to vate in the political sphere does not make the individual a fully nature democratic being. Only when all options in civil society are open to all, does a personality that can make use of political rights evolve. In Hindu civil society, the options before its Youth in choosing their direction of life — spiritual. secular or political — is closed to all except Brahmin youth, For all athers, the right to choose spiritual profession is clesed. For Dalit-Bahujans, Hindu religion does not even give an initiation. In the universally known non-Hindu religious civit societies such as Christianity, Islam or Buddhism, all youth, (at least mate youth — the gender discrimination must ke taken nove of are given religious initiation. They can choose to become a Jesuit, a Mullah or a Monk or they can choose a secular profession such as medicine or engineering, Or they cain choose to become political leaders. But for all Sudras (OBC, SC and ST) youth, the option to pursue the spiritual line of life is closed. Thus, a major section of the Indian youth in the present religious relationship cannot enter inte the religious profession at all. Though this is basically a civil societal right, its absence impinges upon the formation of the personality of the individual and this has implications for democracy. Who is responsible for this situation? The years of work of the political parties with Hindu ideology did not do anything to resolve this contradiction, They did not address the basic question of untouchability, leave alone the right to religion. They worked very hard to politicise Hinduism but never to democratise it. Today some parties with Hindu ideology are sending a large number of its cadres to tribal areas to spread Hinduism, Do alt those tribals who are taken into Hinduism get dwija-hood or equal rights within that religion? What is the mode of initiation they undergo to call themselves Hindus? Can they call themselves Hindus by retaining their historical food culture, whiclr includes beef as well? Within Hinduism in which caste will they be located? If the tribals embrace Christianity or Islam these religions offer that scope because they made all food and linguistic cultures inclusive? Vegetarianism for the Shankaracharyas or for that matter for any Brahmin priest, for example, is not a question of a personal habit but a religious condition. In this mode of religious conditioning how does the tribal essence of life (food, drink and so on) fit in? 1. Which of the following demarcates the line of difference betwean democracy and religion? (a) Democracy is related with ruling class, whereas religion is related with ordinary people. ) Religion has a vast area whereas democracy is confined to a single country. (c) Democracy is a state subject whereas religion is a social subject. (@) Democracy is made by the people whereas religion is created by divine forces. (® None of these 39Sura’‘s ¢ General English 2. Dividing democracy between ‘civil democracy” and ‘political democracy’ intends to (@) broaden the horizons of democracy. (b) confirm the hollowness of democracy. (0 bring democracy at par with religion. {@) combine democracy and religion. {e) make democracy more acceptable in society, What does it reflect that "Even in the absence of the right to religion for several castes and communities in civil society, in the political sphere they could get the right to vote after ‘we adopted constitutional democracy.” (@) Democracy is more strong in our country than religion. ) Religion and democracy reinforce each other. (© There may be little religious awakening among the people in our society but they are aware of their democratic rights. (d) Religion and democracy work opposing each other and questioning the authenticity oF each other. (@) None of these How can an individual become a fully mature democratic person? (6) if he gets full political rights ) if he gers full religious rights (¢) if he gets participation in the system of governance {@) if he gets the freedom to choose his line of profession (©) None of these What shows the discriminatory nature of ‘Hinduism’ as compared to other religions? {a) Ir is more rigid than any other religion. (b) In Hinduism spiritual profession is allowed on.caste basis which is not the case with other religions. (©) There is lack of transparency in Hinduism. whereas any ather religion is transparent. (4) Hinduism has the provision to punish low- caste people whereas in other religions all castes deserve same treatment. (e) None of these Which of the following is ‘true’ in the context of the passage? (@) Hinduism has stood as a perfect religion in our democratic society. (©) Other religions are not as flexible as Hinduism (c) Democracy is more a social subject than a political subject. (@ Gender discrimination is a common phenomenon in all religions. {e) None of these 7. What makes the author suspicious about the practical aspect regarding tribals’ induction into Hinduism? (a) the difficulty in including food and linguistic cultures of the tribals in Hinduism b)other religions offering better opportunities to tribals in comparison with Hinduism (©) the difficulty in making tribals vegetarian {d) the difficulty in purifying the tribals (e) Nope of these 8. What is the complaint of the author with political parties propagating ‘Hinduism’? (@) They have mixed religion and politics together which is bad for the society. () They have presented a wrong picture of Hindu religion before the people. {¢) They have used Hindu religion for mere political gain instead of making it accessible to all. {@) They have not separated religion and politits. (e) None of these 9, Suggest a suitable title for the passage, (@) Hinduism in comparison with other religions (b) Religion and democracy {c) Democracy and its shortcomings (@) Religion for all {e) Society and politics PASSAGE - II ‘Today, more and more people from all strata of society, even from the most traditional and orthodox families, are transcending mental barriers, rejecting earlier myths and misconceptions to come forward to adopt, openly and with pride, children both male and female. 40Sura‘s « General English ‘Of particular interest has been the spectacular growth of girl child adoptions as opposed to previous years, when there was an overwhelming preference for the male Aquantum leap has occurred in attitudes, with Indians now ready to adopt an unknown orphan child, rather than take in children only from within their own families For years, agencies struggled with issues of caste, colour and sex, in determining the placement of children with Indian families. The change in the last few years has been so dramatic, that most agencies can now place most healthy, normal, young children with Indian couples. In fact, today we face a situation where (to put it crudely) demand exceeds supply, and the number of families waiting to adopt far outstrips the number of children legally free for adoption. This dees not mean that there are not children available for adoption. On the contrary there are huge numbers of children in institutions, which do not favour adoption, thereby denying children the most important factor in their lives, their precious childhood and the right to a family. In spite of all the législations, policies and conventions, such as Justice Bhagawati’s landmark Judgement (1984), the National Policy on Children (1974) and the UN Convention on the Right of the Child, children continue to be incarcerated in hundreds of institutions around the country. Government schemes perpetuate the institutional model of care, even though planners are perfectly aware of the disastrous effects of long- term institutionalisation. Government schemes are pegged to numbers and targets, and grants are released on the basis of these numbers, Children, thereby, become hostage to the schemes, Moreover, the low quantum of funds provided as against actual need, implies that institutions, which are unable to supplement funding, can only provide sub- standard care. Institutions do not teach children how to live a life: they only teach them to live within the institutions. Children have a right to life, not to institutions. The same pattern of apathy and callousness and no sense of urgency repeats itself throughout the country and in spite of the Juvenile Justice Act 2000, the implementation of this Act leaves much to be desired. Till two years ago families were able to take their babies home at two to three months ‘of age; today it is rare for a child to be placed in its parents’ arms before it is six to eight months old, due to long-drawn-out procedures. Social workers and adoption practitioners face the difficult task of telling hopeful and eager prospective parents that they have a long wait of up to two to three ‘years ahead of them. a Unfortunately, the government has had neither the vision nor the will to enforce policy and legislation, to expand the adoption programme significantly to include the innumerable institutions, across the length and breadth of the country, who continue to incarcerate children indefinitely within their grim wails, rather than make it mandatory, wherever possible, to release these children for adoption. 1. “Adoption of children was not popular in the past because” {a) people had enough children those days as there were no birth control measures. (2) people were conservative and not receptive to such ideas. (e) it was viewed as an anti-social activity. (4) people were unable to bear the burden of extra children. (e)} people were not aware about the background of the children. It was difficult for the agencies to place orekan children with families in the past becai 2, (@) there were no takers forginl child in those days. (b) the case of child abuse was common in those days (c) there were many legal formalities involved in the process. (d) the policies were not clear in this regard. (©) people were much selective in adopting children * Which of the following is ‘true’ in the context ofthe passage? (a) Caste, colour and sex were the main determining factors in child adoption in the past. @) There are certain myths and misconceptions regarding adoption of children even today. 3. alSura’s ¢ General English (6) It is only the female children who are adopted these days, {@) Institutions provide proper care to the children. (©) None of these Which of the following is ‘false’ in the context ofthe passage? (@)4mplementation of laws and policies regarding children has not been sound in our country. @) Institutions sheltering children do not support adoption in general. (©) Child adoption has become popular now a days. (@ Female children are least preferred for adoption even these days. (@) None of these What is the most serious charge against institutions sheltering children? (@ They look after children only for commercial gain. (©) They keep children in a total unhygienic condition (©) They keep children cramped in little spaces {@) They deny family life to children by not supporting their adoption in general. (e) None of these What is the central message in this passage? (a) Orphanages should be denied government support if they are run with commercial motive. (2) The right to childhood and family life must be ensured for every children, (©) Juvenile laws should be made stricter. (A) Government should change its policies regai (©) None of these PASSAGE - Ill The December 26 tsunami tragedy, claiming over 1,20,000 lives, is perhaps the worst natural disaster to have occurred in living memory. India’s large coastline was made to look vulnerable to heavy damage and loss of life and property, not to speak of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Indian government as well as governments in the affected states have responded admirably to this calamity. Even more encouraging has been the response of large numbers the corporate sector and several other organisations which share the pain and plight of millions in our country and the entire neighbourhood. But if we look beyond this immediate occurrence, there are some crucial lessons to be Jearnt, Tie new minister for science and technology needs to set the creaky house of this country’s scientific establishment in order. A beginning must bemade with the Indian Meteorological Department {IMD}. This was an organisation that not too long ago boasted of infrastructure comparable with the best in the world. It was led by scientists of distinction. Unfortunately, things have changed for the worse. An organisation such as IMD needs a degree of autonomy,-which has not come its way. This has prevented the IMD from advancing its capability and infrastructure to a level where it stands out not only within the country but also globally. In this era of outsourcing and globalisation, India can help other developing countries, particularly small island-states, whose very existence depends on climate and weather. ‘The tsunami that hit India should awaken us to the importance of a detailed study of climate change. With a rise in sea level as a consequence of global warming, a level of even a foot higher than what we have today would have stretched the tsunami toll beyond imagination, with the sea rolling several kilometres inland. Under such a scenario, the Maldives would have been completely inundated by the fury of the sea, perhaps with total Joss of life and property, Even with the current sea level, it is fortunate that the impact of the tsunami on Bangladesh was mild. If the sea had rolled on the land area of Bangladesh with the same fury that it unleashed on Sri Lanka and India, the tragedy ‘would have defined description. An early warning system and online capacity to assess possible impacts ean save precious lives Small island-states have been particularly active in climate change negotiations for very understandable reasons. Their very existence is gravely threatened by its likely impact. A country ike India would, of course, suffer an additional set ‘of impacts, such as an increase in frequency and severity of floods and droughts. increasing scarcity of water, rapid melting of the Himalayan glaciers, increase in vector-borne diseases and a reduction 42Sura’s # General English in agricultural yields. Tt is for these reasons that developing countries have been raising their voice on. the importance of adaptation measures to counter and withstand the impact of climate change. Such measures, as faras India is concerned, would follow only from focused location-specific research on the impact of climate change in different, arts of the subcontinent. second most populous nation, India also has a role beyond its own borders. India should provide generous assistance to small island-states in implementing adaptation measures against the impact of climate change on an ongoing basis. This is a community of 43 nations who are members of the United Nations, If we are to become a member of the UN Security Council, we should begin by acting in accordance with our size as an outward- locking and responsible global power, Sensitivity to the plight of some of the smallest members of the UN would be an essen 1. What shows the face of humanity and With a rapidly growing economy and as the | part of such a role. ‘compassion after the Tsunami tragedy? (@) people unitedly fighting this natural calamity (2) the huge number of lives lost (¢) the help from the government, the business community and other groups to the affected people 4a) the number of people rendered homeless and their plight (@) None of these ‘What has marred the quality and infrastructure of the Indian Meteorological Department? 4a) lack of good scientists &) lack of freedom or excessive control and hurdles: {¢) lack of professionals in the concerned field {@) excessive burden over it for performing (@) None of these ‘Climate and weather patterns are of much significance for the people of coastal areas andislands because () their work and livelihood are based on it. (6) they have to adjust their routine according to it. (©) they are always prepared to negotiate with the change in it. (@ their very survival depends on it. (©) they have to remain in che sea for livelihood. How can we minimise the damage to life and property in cases like tsunami? (a) by having a large-scale rescue operation () by rehabilitating people into the areas much away from the sea (©) by prediction, timely warning and likely impact of such occurrences among the people (@) by inventing equipment and exploring methods to lessen the impact of tsunami (©) None of these Which of the following is ‘true’ in the context of the passage? () Bangladesh was spared from the impact of tsunami. ) Bangladesh was comparatively better prepared to handle tsunami. (o) Tsunami can be prevented by the advancement of science and technology. (@) The past record of the IMD has been excellent. (@) None of these Which of the following is ‘false’ in the context of the passage? (@) Tho Indian Meteorological Department is going through rouigh weather. @) Incidents like tsunami are related to climate change. (c) This it the first time tsunami has strock in recorded history. (@) Island-states are more concerned about climate change. (©) None of these Why is global warming becoming a cause for concern for us? (a) because global warming is resulting in rise in sea level which will submerge our adjoining low areas () because only global warming is responsible for tsunami-like incidents (c) because we discuss such issues only after the tragedy strikes (d) because we cannot check it with scientific experiments and methods (0) None of these 43Sura’s General English 8. What does the author want to convey through this passage? (@) India should take a lead in study and research on climate change and help small nations in this regard. (b) All the nations with coastal areas and islands should unitedly prepare against. natural calamities, (©) India should become a member of the UN Security Council and tackle issues like climate change and global warning. (@) Every natural calamity gives us an additional strength to rebuild our origin. (©) None of these PASSAGE - IV India can sharply cut poverty this decade with an employment guarantee. Its growth experience in the last two decades differs sharply from that of China in atleast one respect — China managed to increase employment rapidly, mostly in manufacturing and construction. Industrial employ- ment accounts for 22% of China's labour force, compared to 16% in India (2000). China's poverty declined dramatically in the first decade after economic reforms because of expanding township and village enterprises (TVEs), which absorbed surplus labour in rural areas. While in 1978 just under one-third of all manufacturing employment took place in the countryside, by 2000 this had risen to half, Despite rapid growth and increase in income inequality in the two countries, poverty declined to barely 30-40 million people in Ghina. Average incomes, education levels and life expectancy rose to levels much higher than India’s. Hence, rising income inequality in the two countries does not make their social situation comparable. Although India managed to reduce poverty in the 1990s, increasing inequality now could lead to social tensions, frightening away investors. While the economic growth rate increased in the 1990s in India, it was a process of jobless growth. Unless this pattern of growth changes, the momentum on poverty reduction will decline in future. Only employment-intensive growth will make continued poverty reduction possible. The employment elasticity of manufacturing has fallen sharply in the 1990s. It is only due to growth in services that employment is growing as rapidly as the labour force. But that has left the majority dependent upon India’s slow-growing agriculture behind. Agriculture still accounts for 59% of all employment. While in the medium run the transfer of labour out of agriculture is necessary, direct action by the government, in the form of employment guarantee, could dramatically reduce rural poverty within five Years. The original proposal would have given a statutory right to 100 days a year of employment at the minimum wage ineach state to one person per household. The new draft, unfortunately, contains no time horizon for the scheme to cover the entire country, and even undermines the statutory right by allowing the government to withdraw the legal guarantee in particular districts at any time. It will initially cover the 150 poorest districts in the country. ‘Most poor families are in casual employment or self-employed, while those in regular employment are least likely to be poor. The Employment Guarantee Act will ensure at least 100 days a year of regular employment. On the basis of a minimum wage for all states of Rs. 60 per day, 100 days’ work will raise incomes by Rs. 6,000 a year for poor house-holds, raising two-thirds of India’s population above the poverty line. 1, What is the main difference between the growth experience in China and that in India? (a) China's growth has been more rapid than India’s. @)China’s growth has been more employment-intensive than India’s. (© China's growth has been mainly in rural areas whereas India’s growth has been in urban areas. {@) China’s growth bas been steady whereas India’s growth has been fluctuating, (6) None of these ‘What led to the dramatic decline in poverty in Ghina in the first decade after its economic reforms? ‘ (a) employment opportunities for the entire ‘manpower in villages (b) total focus on industrialisation in urban aroas {©) migration of rural people in the urban areas 44(@ ensuring equal distribution of work and income for all (@) None of these According to the author, the economic growth which is jobless (a) can hamper growth itself in near future. (b) can create additional burden on resources. (©) can bring economic burden with itself. {a} can give birth to income inequality. (@) cannot ensure quick fall in poverty for a long time. What should be the basic approach in order to fight poverty in our country? (a) We should concentrate on economic reforms with a long-term perspective. )We should ensure equ: opportunities for all. (©) We should provide monetary and other help to the weaker sections. (@ We should adopt economic growth policies income which are job-oriented. (©) Nene of these : Which of the following is ‘false’ in the context: of the passage? (a) Industrial employment in China has been more than India's. @) Expansion of township and village enterprises in China was the result of its economic reforms. (©) Rising income inequality has resulted in social tensions in India and China. {@) China and India both have seen rise in income inequality. (e} None of these Which of the following is ‘true’ in the context of the passage? (@ Majority of employment in our country is in the agriculture sector. () Employment generation cannot guarantee fall in poverty. (©) India’s economic reforms have been more ‘successful than China’s (@) In our rural areas poverty is not directly related ta unemployment. (0) None of these What kind of step is necessary to bring the rural people above poverty line? 45 Sura’s ¢ General English (@) They should be shifted from villages to urban areas. (&) They should be encouraged to look for self- employment. (©) They should be given regular monetary assistance. (@) They should be freed from lowly paid agricultural work. (©) None of these Give a suitable title to the passage. (a) Economic growth and its burden - (©) China and India: An economic battle (©) Plan of economic growth (@ Employment guarantee as a growth measure (@) Ramifications of economy PASSAGE -V that the civilisation and culture of a country are judged by the status it bestows on the women. Vedic literature says that God dwells in the house where women are worshipped. The extract of Indian culture lies in its respect to the mother, the father and the teacher. The mother is régarded as the highest deity, as the originatorand sustainer of life. The society which allows freedom to its women and enables them to make a suitable contribution to its development is an ideal society. It is worthy of being called civilised and cultured. ‘Women possess more fortitude than the menfolk. ‘Women know how to face the reverses in love and fortune. They know how to die for love and duty. They survive the calamity which would break down many men. Nothing can be more touching than the sight of a soft-hearted woman who suddenly utilises her moral force to become the consoler to her depressed father or despairing husband. According to some scholars, the word ‘woman’ means one who relieves man of all his woes, In ancient India, women enjoyed full respect and honour and were regarded as the better halves of men. No sacrifice was complete without women participating in it. They enjoyed equal right with men with full liberty to receive education and prepare themselves in the manner that was deemed fit to face the strenuous battle of life, They had full voice in the settlement of matrimonial relations.Sura’s General English The custom of holding swayamber gave them full liberty to choose their life partners. History is full of prominent women in various fields of human endeavour. Women have proved to be great patriots. Rani Durgavati, Chandbibi, Rani of Jhansi and Razia Sultan have left behind indelible memories of their patriotic fervour in the minds of all Indians. During India’s struggle for freedom, women worked shoulder to shoulder with men and madea remarkable contribution 1. What is ‘true’ about God in context of the passage? (a) God is omnipresent. (6) God and women both are worshipped at a time. (c) God worships women. “(@ God is present wherever women are adomed. (©) None of these Why is mother regarded as highest deity? (a) She rears her children. (b) She sacrifices for her children. (©) She is behind the life-cycle of human beings. (@ She runs the world directly. (e) None of these What makes a women soft-hearted? (a) their being a deity and love-possessing () their getting ready to do anything for husbands or fathers (©) their not being as powerful as men (@) their role of comforter in adverse circumstances (e) None of these ‘What does the word ‘women’ mean according tothe passage? (8) a thing of comfort (b) an object of recreation (¢) areliever of man’s woes {d) an entertainer (e) None of these What was the condition of women in ancient India? {@) Full liberty was granted to them. (b) They shared equal status with men. {c) Their social status was not sound. (@) They were superior to men, (©) None of these 8. How did the custom of holding swayamber benefit the women? (@) They were able to contro! their husbands. ©) They got equal right in life. (©) They got respect and honour. (@) They got freedom to choose their husband, (©) None of these 7. Which of the following statements is ‘true’ in the.context of the passage? (@) The culture of a country cannot bo measured by the status of women. (b) Women were worshipped in ancient India. (©) Women never participated in home work. (@ Cultured women possessed more endurance, {e) Nane of these 8. Which of the following statements is ‘wrong’ in the context of the passage? (a) Women have contributed more than men to our freedom. (b) Sacrifice was possible only with women’s participation. () Women possessed equal rights. (a) Awoman is a symbol of love and modesty. (0) None of these 9. What suitable title can be given to the ‘passage? (@) Women's place in our culture (2) Women as freedom fighters (©) Women and God {@) Women as a mother {e) None of these PASSAGE - VI The civilization India has evolved is not to be beaten in the world. Nothing can equal the seeds sown by our ancesrs. Rome went, Greece shared the same fate, the might of the Pharaohs was broken. Japan has become Westernized; of China nothing can be said, but India is still, somehow or other, sound at the foundation. The people of Europe learn their lessons from the writings of the men of Greece or Rome which exist no longer in their former glory. In trying to learn from them, the Europeans imagine that they will avoid the mistakes of Greece and Rome. Such is their pitiable condition. “In the midst of all this, India remains immovablé and that her glory. It is a charge against, 46Sura’s « General English India that her people are so uncivilized, ignorant, and stolid that it is not possible to induce them to adopt any changes. Itis a charge really against our merit. What we have tested and found true on the anvil of experience, we dare not change. Many thrust their advice upon India, and shé remains steady. This is her beauty; it 1s the sheet anchor of our hope. points out to man the path of duty. Performance of duty ‘and observance of morality are convertible terms. To observe morality is to attain mastery over our minds and our passions. So doing, we know ourselves, The Gujarati equivalent for civilization leans “good conduct”. many writers have shown, has nothing to lear from. anybody else, and this is as it should be. ‘The more it gets the more it wants, and still remains unsatisfied. The more we indulge in our passions, the more unbridled they become. Our ancestors, therefore, set a limit to our indulences. They saw ‘that happiness was largely a mental condition, rich, or unhappy because he is poor. The rich are often seen to be unhappy: the poor to be happy. Millions will always remain poor. Observing all this, our ancestors dissuaded us from luxuries and pleasures; We have managed with the same kind of plough as existed thousands of years ago. We have retained the same kind of cottages that we ha former times and our indigenous education remains the same as before. We have had no system of life- corroding competition. Each followed his own. occupation or trade and charged a regular wage. It was not that we did not know how to invent machinery, but our forefathers knew that, ifwe set our hearts after such things, we would become slaves and lose our moral fibre. They, therefore, after due deliberation decided that we should only do what we could with our hands and feet. They saw that our real happiness and health consisted ina proper use of our hands and feet. 1 Civilization is that mode of conduct which If this definition be correct, then India, as so We notice that the mind is a restless bird. Aman is not necessarily happy because he is in Which of the following countries is/are directly connected with the European civilization? (i) Japan Rome i) China (iv) Greece 47 Codes: (@) (i) and i) only (b) (i) and (ii) only (6) (iii) and (iv) onty (4) (i), Gi), (i) and (iv) (©) None of these What does author mean by ‘nothing can equal the seeds sown by our ancestors’? (@) Indian civilization founded by our ancestors is unique. (©) Our forefathers laid the foundation of our civilization. (©) Seeds sown by our ancestors were unmatched. (@) Our ancestors were great. (©) None of these What type of charge is lovelled against India by the westem countries? (a) Indian people are hostile. (by India boasts about her civilization. (©) Indian people cannot be persuaded forany change. {@) Indian people are superstitious. (@) None of these . . What is true about ‘mind is a restless bird. The more it gets the more it wants, and still remains unsatisfied."? (2) Mind is always active. () Mind does not take rest at any moment. {c) Desire is an endless thing. (@ Mind is involved behind everything. (©) None of these Which of the following is ‘true’ about civilization? (@) It preaches the gospel of humanity. (5) It preaches kindness. (©) It preaches the right to liberty. (@) It connects us with our ancestors. (©) None of these What can be said about the probable author ofthe passage? (@) He was'a European living in India. (6) He was from Japan. (©) He was a critic of European civilization. (@ He was a spokesman of Indian civilization. (©) None of these Why did our ancestors dissuade us from luxuries and pleasures? i) They were against richness. ii) They wanted a limit on our extravagances.‘Sura’ General English ) They were against life-corroding competition. iv) Thoy were unable to invent machinery. Codes: (a) Only (i) is correct ) Only (ii) is correct © Gii) and (iii) both are correct (d) (iii) and (iv) both are correct (01 None of these . Which of the following statements is ‘false’ in.context of the passage? (a) Indian civilization is unparalleled. (b) European civilization is not older than the Indian civilization. (©) Indian civilization has stood firm on the tide of time. (@ Happiness is related to our mind. (0) None of these Give a suitable title to the passage. (@) Indian civilization and culture (b) Our ancestors and modernity (© European civilization and culture (@) Civilization and its relevance (@) None of these PASSAGE - VII Its been a surfeit of nostalgia, history and Independence this past year. Golden jubilees have taken on a new meaning, So have centenaries and, now, a sesquicentenary. Yes. one of the oldest international news organisations is now giving an account of itself— a full one-and-a-half century after, ‘it was born. That's Associated Press, which over the past 150 years had lived up to its motto. “Get it first, get it fast, and get it right.” Apart from getting the news first, fast and right, AP also has a long tradition — of being fair. And AP has Mahatma Gandhi's guarantee on it being a stickler for fairness, Apart from photographs of Gandhiji on show: now at Max Mueller Bhavan in New Delhi till ‘September 17, AP treasures his pronouncement on the agency's can't-help-it compulsion to be where news gets made “I suppose when I go to the Here after and ‘wait for my turn at the Golden Gate, the first person I shall see will be a correspondent from. The Associated Press,” Gandhiji is quoted as telling AP reporter Jim Mills, on his release from prison, as he waited for a midnight train at a small station in western India in 1932, A decade later, AP had a full-fledged news bureau in India, and the present collection on display at Max Mueller Bhavan is a magnificent tribute to the journalism of the day, as it frames great moments in the history of India’s Indepen- dence struggle. The exhibition is not about India and its 50 years of Independence, however. It is about 150 years of AP as a disseminator of information. Which means that the oeuvre includes photographs that have become legends by themselves — the famous one Of Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe whose frock billows up naughtily in an unexpected gust of wind; the classic picture of Gandhiji and Pandit Nehru laughing together, which has since baen issued as a postage stamp; and the US Marines raising the national flag on Iwo Jinia island during World War IZ, ‘These photographs frame worlds from another era. And the thought that journalists and photographers were recording what we now perceive as history, is a sobering thought indeed, And AP has been everywhere, seen it all. Pictures that are perhaps best forgotten, And some that will remain etched in human memory forever. Looking at the picture of a terror-stricken nine-year-old Vietnamese girl running stark naked as she flees from napalm attacks, the temptation is perhaps strong to question the ethics of taking that picture, What possessed the shutter bug to- capture that scene on camera? ive enough to wonder whether it was an invasion of privacy, an incursion into the private terror of a girl whose world has come crashing down about her ears? And what did he do afterwards — stretch out a helping hand, or move away with a precious commodity which he had re- trieved from Time on behalf of posterity? Some answers, perhaps, can be found in a second photograph of the same girl, now a resident of Canada, with a family of her own, Captured on lens by AP, the two pictures symbolise the “ yresence” and continuity of AP as an extraordinary news agency which is part of history. 48Sura's # General English 1. What sort of a passage is this? () historical () descriptive (© memoir (@) nostalgic © interesting What prompted Gandhiji to remark that he would probably meet an AP correspondent on his way to heaven? (@) The near-omnipresence of AP correspondents at any where and ‘everywhere Gandhiji went (b) His amazement at the perseverance of the AP reporter whom he met while waiting “for a midnight train. (©) The fact that it might actually so happen (8) Both (a) and «b) * (@) Both (a) and {c) What was the occasion for the display of Gandhiji's photographs at the Max Mueller Bhavan? {@) India’s 50 years of Independence (®) A fortnightly affair in remembrance of Gandhiji (©) 150 years of AP's oxistance (@) AP's golden jubilee (@) None of these Why is the author so impressed when he says ‘photographs frame worlds from another era’? (first lino of seventh paragraph) fa) Because he did not expect such old photographs to be there (b) Because the thought of journalists and photographers recording such unique moments of the era which we’ now consider history had sobering influenceon the author. (@ Because the author had never seen those photographs before. (@) Both (a) and (b)- (©) All the three Why does the author express his concern about the nine-year old Vietnamese girl’s picture? (a) The author was shocked to see the terror stricken face’of the girl () The author was upset at the thought of whether the girl survived the napalm attacks. (©) The author was concerned about the fact that instead of trying to save the distraught girl the photographer had actually taken a picture of her, with the hope of seeking commercial benefit of it. (@) Both (a) and (c) (©) All the three Why do the two pictures of the girl express AP’s ‘omnipresence’ and continuity as anews. agency, according to the author? (@) That AP had traced the same girl back in Canada in her new life from the terror stricken, war-ravaged Vietnam, speaks volumes of its omnipresence, continuity and dedication as a news agency, (b) AP's business interests regarding the girl prompts the author's view. (€) Not given in the passage. (@) Eithor (a) or (b) (©) None of these The author does NOT say which of the following in the context of the passage? (0) AP is one of the oldest international news organisations (b) AP has always presented its views fairly. (© The collection of photographs at Max Mueller Bhavan all relate to India’s independence. (@) Mahatma Gandhi was highly appreciative of AP's journalistic credibility. (© All of these The author does say which of the following in the passago? (@) Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian freedom fighter, (®) Gandhi and Nehru were not very good friends. (©) Before Independence, AP had a full-fledged news bureau in India @ All of AP’s photographs will remain embedded in human-memory forever. (e) None of these Givo a suitable titlo to the passage. (@) AP's 150 years () Get it first, get it fast and get it right (©) Adedicated newsgroup (@) AP a saga of journalistic excellence (©) None of these —_——<$S— SS a9Sura's ¢ General English PASSAGE - VIII Though commercial banking of the western type has been of recent development in India, banking as such has not been unknown to India, From very ancient days indigenous banking as different from the modern westem banking had been organised in the form of family or individual busi- ness. The indigenous bankers have been variously called as Shroffs, Seths, Sahukars, Mahajans, Chettis, etc in different parts of the country. They vaty in their size from petty money-lenders to substantial shroffs who carry on large and specialised business which at times extceeds that of the scheduled banks. ‘The indigenous bankers lend money, act as money changers, and finance the internal trade of India by means of hundis or internal bills of exchange. The business of the indigenous bankers is generally a family concern. They employ their own working capital. These indigenous bankers do not generally get deposits from the public but in some exceptional cases some of them do accept deposits against all kinds of securities such as gold jewellery, land, promissory notes, hundis, ete. They lend against personal credit of the borrowers. They also buy and sell remittances and discount hundis. In regard to their banking business they still follow their traditional methods; they keep accounts according to the vernacular system and their prin- cipal instrument is the hundi, which is the internal bill of exchange drawn up in a flowery language and which carries a high rate of interest ranging from 9 to 12 per cent. ‘The indigenous bankers do not normally have contacts with the other banking institutions in the country; the main reason for this is that they generally depend upon their own funds. Among the various defects mentioned about this form of banking, we may emphasise the following: (@) They are unorganised and do not have any contact with the ather sections of the banking world. (b) They combine banking with trading and commission business and thus they have introduced trade risks into their banking business. (c) They do not distinguish between short- term and long-term finance and also between the purposes of finance . (a) They follow vernacular methods of keeping accounts. They da not give receipts in most cases and the interest which they charge is out of proportion to the rates of interest charged by the other banking institutions in the country. In spite of all these defects, they occupy a very prominent pesition in the money market in the country. * Despite the predominant role played by the indigenous bankers in India’s economic life, they have always remained outside the pale of organized banking. As early as 1931, the Central Banking Enquiry Committee emphasised the necessity to unify the two sectors of the Indian money market and recommended the linking of the indigenous bankers with RBI when the latter was created. The Committee specially recommended that appropriate . steps should be taken to evolve a modern bill market of the western type in which the hundi, the traditional bill of exchange used by the indigenous bankers, would figure actively. Since 1935, when RBI was started, many attempts were made by the Bank to bring the indigenous: bankers under its orbit. RBI issued a draft scheme for direct linking of these bankers, RBI suggested that the indigenous bankers should give up their trading and commission business, switch over to western system of accounting, develop the deposit side of banking activities, have their accounts audited by certified accountants, submit to RBI periodical statements of their affairs, etc. RBI desired that the ambiguous character of the hundi should cease and that it should become a negotiable instrument always representing a genuine trade transaction. The indigenous bankers, with their age-old traditions of independence, declined to accept the restrictions as well as the compensating benefits of securing accommodation from RBI on favourable terms. They disagreed with the suggestions regarding accepting deposits and giving wide publicity to their accounts and their state of affairs. They were unwilling to give up their trading and commission business, and confine themselves to banking business only. Besides, they did not consider that the prerogative offered by the RBI 50was adequate enough to compensate for the loss of their non-banking business. As a result, the scheme proposed by RBI to bring the indigenous bankers under its direct irffluence fell through 1 2 Which of the following is-NOT one of the reasons why indigenous bankers were not ready to accept the scheme prepared by the REI? . {a) They were against accepting deposits and giving wide publicity to their accounts and other state of affairs. () They did not want to get their accounts audited by certified accountants (c) They were against the ceasing of Hundi (@) They did not consider the benefits offered by RBI sufficient enough to recompense the loss of their trading business. (©) They wanted to stick to their age-old traditions ‘The most harmful defect of indigenous bankers according to the writer is that fa) they are unorganised and do not have any contact with the other sections of the banking world. (®) they combine banking with trading and commission business and thus they have introduced trade risks into their banking business. (©) they do not distinguish between short- term and long- term finance and also between the purposes of fi- nance. (@) they follow vernacular methods of keeping accounts. They do not give receipts in ‘most cases and the interest which they charge is out of proportion to the rates of interest charged by the other banking institutions in the country. fe) None of these What could be the main reason for indigenous bankers having no contacts with the other banking institutions? {a) Generally the indigenous bankers depend on their own fund. &) They do not distinguish between long- term and short- term finance. (©) The rate of interest is high. {@) They follow vernacular method of keeping accounts. (©) They combine banking with trading. Sura's ¢ General Eng The reason according'to the writer why indigenous bankers flourish is the (a) high rate of return (b) use of ‘Hundi’, which is of an ambiguous nature: (o) high risk involved (@) the use of traditional methods by them (©) None of these How do commercial banking and indigenous banking differ? (a) The former is organised while the latter is unorganised () The former includes staff of managers and the latter depends on Shroffs, Seths, Sahukars, Mahajans, Chettis etc for functioning. (© The former has high rate of interest and the latter low rate of interest. {d) The former has deposits from outside and the latter has internal money changers. (@) All of these What does the writer actually want to say through the words “flowery language’? (a) The language full of floral designs () The special language used by indigenous bankers to carry out transactions (©) Try to.manipulate the words to fool the rurals (4) Omate language (e) None of these What does the writer want to express when he says “Indigenous bankers act as money changers”? (a) They change the currency and provide facility to foreigners. . () They reap profit by lending money at high interest rate and using that sum in trading. () They lend the money to the needy at nominal interest rate. (4) They employ their own working capital. (@) None of these What is the writer’s approach towards the role and future of Indigenous Banks? {e) Optimistic ) Pessimistic (©) Critical (@) Worried (©) None of these Which of the following best conveys the meaning of the word vernacular as used in the passage? 51Sura’s ¢ General English (@) Aspecial system of maintaining accounts by the Indigenous Banks (@) A special system of accounting in which principal instrument is the ‘Hundi’ (©) The everyday language {@) An internal bill of exchange drawn up in flowery language (0) Accounting principles PASSAGE - 1X Rarely do the forgotten tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands catch the imagination of the national media. The tsunami candavahas brought them into the national consciousness. Killer waves rolled over the scattered istes in Bay of Bengal, home to many of these aboriginal tribes who have been on the verge of extinction. With islands like Car Nicobar and Nancowry cut off from the mainland, the fate of the Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas, Sentinelese, and Shompens is anybody's guess. All that is certain is that the islands haven't been swallowed by the sea. Most of the tribals are semi+nomadic food-gatherers. With the ecological devastation wreaked by the sea, those who have survived the waves will find it difficult to return to their traditional way of living. Tribes like the Jarawas are hostile to outsiders even in normal times, How amenable they will be to outside intervention has to be seen. Being anthropological curiosities, they may stay in the headlines forsoms days bofore fading away. The same applies to the coastal fisherfolk. Every monsoon, they face the onslaught of marauding waters. Homes are washed away, people and ships lost to the ocean. Those who live on the margins of our polity figure in public discourse only when natural disasters strike Itisn’t coincidental that the marginalised bear the brunt, in the event of calamities. Qur skewed polity, despite well-intentioned legislation, neglects people who are not influential stakeholders, The disconnect between the state and its vulnerable citizens is most obvious when nature strikes, as it did on Sunday. After routine visits by dignitaries and a few moments of compassion and outrage on news bulletins, the ‘victims’ are left to themselves. True, aid will flow to these battered people once the enormity of the tragedy sinks in. But it will take more than money, medicine and food supplies to rebuild communities. Reconstruction has to be an organic process. It is essential to have local participation in the planning and execution of reconstruction work. This will ensure not just transparency in disbursing aid, but meaningful rebuilding. In the case of the fisherfolk, it is time we started thinking beyond the immediate. Social security measures like community insurance could go a long way in alleviating seasonal miseries, and reduce the burden on the state when tragedy strikes. These measures have to be put in place before the sea tums killer again. 1. “Rarely do the forgotten tribes of Andaman. and Nicobar Islands catch the imagination of the national media” means (a) our media has no access to these tribes. (b) our media does not consider them as the part of our saciety. (c) our media has very little knowledge about their existence. (a) our media does not bother to cover the issues related ta these tribes (@) these tribes have no interest in being in the limelight. What does the author mean by saying that the tsunami thas brought them inte the national consciousness? (@) Tragedy makes us look at the marginalised. (b) Tsunami has made the tribes approachable. (© People get united in times of disaster. (¢) Natural calamities do not differentiate between human beings. (e) None of these What has been the fate of islands in the Bay of Bengal in the event of tsunami? (a) They have lost their existence. ®) They have been wiped out. (c) They have been ravaged. (d) They have been dislocated, (e) None of these ‘What kind of difficulty will be faced by the remaining tribal population after tsunami? (@ They will doubt any external intervention or aid. (4) Thay will have to fight the wrath of nature again and again. (di) They will have to change their mindset. Gv) They will find difficulty in gathering food. (v) They may face difficulty in continuing with their old living style 3. 4 “52Sura’s © General English 7 Codes: (9) Only (i) and (ii) (b) Only iv) and (v) {c) Only (ii) and (iii) (d) All of the above (0) None of these Which of the following is ‘true’ in the context of the passage? . (@) Our media is the least concerned about the tribals of Andaman and Nicobar. (@) Most of the tribes of Andaman and Nicobar islands are alien to these places, (C) There is no appropriate legislation for the vulnerable sections of our society. (4) The tribals of Andaman and Nicobar islands do not accept outsiders in their area. () None of these What is the most crucial step that needs to be taken to rebuild affected communities? (a) They should be rehabilitated at their places of chaice. (b) Adequate monetary help should be provided to the affected community. (c) Such communities should be shifted to safe areas, (€) The affected community itself should be involved in the process of rebuilding. (@) None of these What should be done to reduce the miseries of the fisherfolk? (@) We should have advanced and long-term planning for them to adopt security measures. (2) We should insure the coastal areas during the monsoon season. (ce) We should train them to tackle the calamity. (@) We should come forward for help and free the state of any obligation. (© None of these Which of the following is false’ in the context of the passage? (@) Only money, medicine and food cannot rebuild affected communities. () Our political system is the least concemed for its vulnerable citizens (©) Most of the aboriginal tribes of Andaman and Nicobar islands have become extinct. (d) Jarawas tribe is unfriendly to people unknown te them. (©) None of these 9, What is the central message behind the passage? (@) We should bring the tribals in the mainstream of our society. )Our system should care for the marginalised sections of our society, (©) We should evacuate and rehabilitate affected communities to safe areas. (¢) We should have proper policy on natural calamities. {e) None of these PASSAGE - X ‘The recent peresived standoff between the Political class and the Supreme Court on reservation in non-aided professional colleges was unfortunate, mainly because it is viewed only as a constitutional issue. Even media articles have given this spin to the matter, thus neatly obscuring the more fundameptal question of what constitutes higher education and what kind of regulation should be imposed on it. This latter issue is what I will deal with here. If one takes a poll I am willing to bet that most will agree that education should not be commercialised. Yet if the same poll asked people to indicate whether they agree that all education should be public-owned or controlled most would ‘Say no. Partly this apparent paradox is due to an insufficient understanding of the nature of the education sector. Education comprises the whole gamut of primary, secondary and higher education. The last can be further subdivided into technical and non-technical education and distance education, Once one accepts this division it is not too difficult to take a dispassionate view. When one argues vehemently that education should not be commercialised one is certainly referring to primary and secondary education — what the layman would call school education, There is worldwide agreement that school education should be treated as a public good: one whose delivery to every person is important net only for the person but for the society as a whole. At one level. universal school education is a precondition 53Sura’s ¢ General English for a healthy functioning democracy: individuals should be educated enough to know the consequences of their political choices. This is probably why in a discussion in the WTO on trade in services, no country wants to open up school education to market forces. The strangth of developed countries lies in their success in bringing school education to all at little or no cost. This is precisely where the state has failed in India in contrast to countries of S-E Asia. However, as one moves on to higher education the matter becomes hazy. In one sense, the state has an important role to play in R&D and higher ‘education. Yet, at another level the state does not necessarily have a role to play. This, for example, is in areas where the demand for the education comes mainly from the private sector. It is this demand that has been booming after 1991 for services of hotel managers, air hostesses, actuarial analysts, finance professionals, etc. Should subsidised state education supply labour to the private sector, both in India and abroad? It is such demand that the private sector alone shauld meet. Itis not for the state to use scarce public resources to subsidise supply of tabour to the private sector. It is for the state to step in and provide a regulatary body to protect the consumers. This regulatory agency should be autonomous of the government with'the objective of ensuring transparency in operation of the private educational institutions. Thus, for example, there is the issue of whether the- private institution has the basic faculty, library and other infrastructure necessary for imparting the education, which the institution claims in its promotional campaign. Beyond that itis for competition to determine the fee structure of these institutions. Why would these institutions not charge more than the market could bear? Because, as of now, most students would then prefer to leave and study in institutions outside the country. The logic of the regulatory apparatus is to provide a forum for the consumers to redress any grievances they may have in terms of the quality of education provided by the private service provider. Itis when viewed in this light that the ruling of the Supreme Court makes a lot of sense and the proposed legislation to overturn the ruling does not. The proposed legislation would simply lead to demand for direct subsidies by the private sector. 54 The bottomline? One instrument (education services) cannot do justice to two objectives— social service and technical efficiency. One of the two objectives will not be achieved. 1, The controversy on reservation in non-sided professional colleges has been called as unfortunate by the author because () legislative and judiciary are in direct confrontation for the first time. @) this issue has not been viewed in its complete context. (©) the opinion of judiciary should not be challenged in democracy. {d) any confrontation over constitutional issues cannot be justified. (©) it is not an issue that should be given such ‘weight. What has been the role of media regarding the controversy on resarvation in non-aided professional colleges? (@) Ithas deviated from the issue and taken it into a different direction. (®) It has raised questions over the role of " judiciary. : . (c) It has questioned the authority of the legislative and the judiciary both in this context, (@) It has taken a biased stand over this issue. (@) None of these ‘The controversy on reservation in non-aided professional colleges would not have gone too far if (@) it had not been given politital colour. 4b) it had not hurt the sentiments of people. {c) it had taken the people in confidence. {@) the judiciary had not been attacked. (©) people had a proper understanding of higher education, Why are most of the countries against the commercialisation of school education? {@) because education should not viewed as . an area of business (b) because education is a state subject (©) because it will make education expensive and thus out of reach for many {@ because it is different from professional education (©) None of theseSura’s e General English 5, Which of the following is ‘true’ in the context of the passage? (@) South-East Asian countries have an edge over India in making school education accessible to people. @) People in general support commercialisation of secondary education, (©) Education can provide social service and. technical expertise at the same time. (@ The state has no rote to play in the area of higher education, {e) None of these 6 What will happen if reservation is implemented in non-alded professional colleges? (a) Tt will affect the business of the institutes. 2) It will create public resentment (©) It-will lead to further intervention of the Judiciary. (a Te will affect the quality and technical aspect of education (@) None of these 7. Which of the following is ‘false’ in the context ofthe passage? (@) Reservation in non-aided professional colleges should not be viewed only as a constitutional issue, b) The media is also to be blamed for deviating from the main point over the issue of reservation in non-aided professional colleges (©) Commercialisation of education does not find favour among people in general. (d) Education makes people politically aware and sensible. (©) None of these ‘B. What logic does the author place against the proposed legislatiori to overtum the ruling of the Supreme Court? (@) Universal school education is a pre- condition for a healthy functioning democracy. ) It is for the state to step in and provide regulatory bedy to protect the consumers, (¢) Private sector alone should: cater to demand of the private job market. (@) School education should be treated as a public good. {e) None of these PASSAGE - XI Hunger is about people; it is also about oppression and inequities. Hunger is about corrupt politicians and corrupt bureaucracy; it is also about power and powerlessness. Hunger is about borrowed ideas of science and technology and development which have not worked in local realities; it is also about the disintegration of local communities; ebour loss of values, traditions, culture and spirituality. Ending hunger is the most important unfinished agenda of this century and of \dependent India. ‘The world as a whole has achieved dramatic Increase in food production, enough to cover the minimum needs of the projected population globally, Yet hunger and malnutrition persist in alarming measure in India and other Third World countries. The World Bank's estimates are that over a billion people in the world have problems of food security. The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAQ) estimates point out that for the decade of the Nineties, 64 developing countries out of 117 will be unable to feed their population adequately, and that 38 out of these developing countries will be able to feed less than half of their populations adequately. India believes that its problems of hunger and food security are almost over because of the significant increase in productivity achieved through the use of new technologies of the Green Revolution. Foodgrains per eapita increased from 395 grams in 1951 to 466 grams in 1993. There are reports about surplus stocks used for exports; also reports about surplus stocks rotting because there are not enough storing facilities. And yet in ‘such a situation, we have millions who go hungry and who die a silent death of starvation and malnutrition, In 1974, the FAO organised the first ‘World Food Conference, where its members taoka pledge to end hunger by 1984. Henty Kissinger, ‘then US Secretary of State vowed at the meeting that “within @ decade, no man, woman or child ‘will go to bed hungry.” A quarter ofa century later more people are dying of hunger. FAO organised its sécond World Food Security Conference in 1985 ‘which reaffirmed its moral commitment “to achieve ‘the objective of ensuring that all people at all times ‘are in a position to produce or procure the basic food thoy need”. In 1996, yet again, FAO organised 55Sura's « General Eng! its third global conference on food security with much fanfare. The result of this third summit meeting was another declaration, called the Rome Declaration, affirming once again the right of everyone to be free of hunger. The summit also offered an action plan to reduce the numbers of hungry people by half within two-decades - a more modest commitment than made by Kissinger a quarter of a century ago. . In spite of the three global conferences, the future of food security looks as bleak as ever. If hungry people could anly live on promises, then FAQ should be lauded for the promises made. Fidel Castro, who was also attending the third FAO summit meeting, pointed out “Hunger is the off- spring of injustice and the unequal distribution of the wealth of this world. Indeed, the history of hunger has always been a history of unjust social and economic surplus which have marginalised the poor and deprived them of the means to eat.” ‘The NGOs and people's representatives who had also gathered for this summit meeting said in their final declaration, "Ensuring food security demands an approach to agriculture policy that is in almost every respect the reverse of that adopted by the Summit's delegates.” They suggested that instead of pursuing policies that encourage corporate agriculture, there should be’ policies in favour of the farmer. Instead of industrial ed agriculture they favoured organic production, reducing or eliminating the use of pesticides and other agro-chemicals. And instead of locking farmers into1a global economy over which they have no control, they suggested that resources be shifted in favour of local farming and regional food producers and food systems. 1 According to the World Bank, __people face problems of food scarcity. (@) 2 million (6) 1000 million {c) 500 million (@) 10 million (e) None of these What has ted India to believe that it dees not face any food crisis? . {a) The presence of surplus stocks of exports ®) Reports about surplus stocks rotting (©) The apparent success of the Green Revolution (@) Both (a) and (c) fe) None of these 3. 4. Why did the third FAO summit moderate the pledge made by Kissinger in the first summit? {@) Because Kissingor’s promise was too ambitious. (©) Because in reality, it is never possible to eliminate hunger and poverty from the world {c) Because Kissinger’s promise had started to look unattainable as more and moze people were dying out of hunger. {@) Because FAO's resources to- eliminate poverty were limited. (©) Both (a) and (a) What was the major point in the NGOs’ stand after the third FAO summit? . {@) The agriculture policy adopted by the Summit's delegates will never lead to food security. (2) Farmers should be provided security first to achieve food security for the world. (@) Local farming should be encouraged more. (@) Change pattern of agriculture from * corporate: agriculture to policies that favour the farmer. (@) None of these All the following are instances of commercial agriculture EXCEPT (a) usage of pesticides (b) usage of agro-chemicals (@) inorganic production (@) large-scale methods of production (0) bringing up regional food producers What is the basic paradox of India’s food systems? (@) That in spite of being @ Third World country, it has enough food surplus. () That in spite of food surplus, several people die annually. : (That in spite of large-scale food production, the farmers are all poor. (@) Both (b) and (c) (©) None of these What, according to the author, is the basic cause of hunger? (a) faulty agricultural policy (b) lack of purchasing power (© faulty governmental policies (d) inequality and powerlessness (©) population 56Sura’s e General English The author says all the following EXCEPT (@) Per capita availability of foodgrains has decreased from 1951 to 1993 in India, () FAO's promises in its summits have mostly gone unfulfilled. (c) Fidel Castro is a communist leader. (@ Hunger and malnutrition constitute * serious impending, crisis to the world. (e) All of these The author definitely says which of the following in the context of the passage? (a) Hunger is caused, at least in part, due to non-implementation of borrowed scientific ideas. (b) Several Third World countries are in the process of eliminating hunger. (©) Green Revolution was based on borrowed technology. (@) As of now, there seems to be a new direction to acquire food security. (©) None of these How does the author corroborate the third, sentence of the passage later? (@) By pointing to the inadequacies of the policies of the government. () By pointing to the failed promises of FAO. (©) By pointing to the words of Fidel Castro. (@) By pointing to the resolution adopted by the NGOs, (@) None of these What sort of a passage is this? (@) agriculture-related (b) concerned with the economics of hunger (©) concerned with the mechanism of ._ alleviating hunger (@ concerned with the activities of FAO @) related with hunger and misplaced opportunities « PASSAGE - XII ‘The rapid and unprecedented changes in the external environment such as liberalisation of the economy, globalisation of international markets, deregulation of the financial system and implications of various clauses under WTO exerted considerable pressure on the agricultural system, The inadequate levels of capital formation in the agricultural sector, distancing of farm technologies from requirements of the market, inadequate and 10, 1", untimely supply of credit and post-harvest losses are the worrying factors. Agricultural sector employs about 64% of the workforce, contributes 27.4% of Gross Damestic Product (GDP) and accounts for about 18% share of the value of the country’s exports. It supplies bulk of wage goods required by non-agricultural sector and raw material for a large section of the industry, In terms of gross fertilizer consumption, India ranks 4th in the world after USA, Russia and China. The country has the largest area in the world under pulse crops while in the field of cotton, India is the first to evolve a cottdn hybrid. In 1996-97, the er capita net availability of foodgrains touched 528.77 gms, which was a mere 395 gms at.the time of India’s independence. Therefore, it has a vital place in the economic development of the country, Significant strides have been made in agricultural production towards ensuring food security. There has been a significant improvement in agricultural productivity which has helped in reducing rural poverty. The trend in the growth of foodgrain production, particularly in high productivity areas like Haryana and Punjab, is on thedecline. Agricultural productivity in the Basten region, excepting West Bengal, is low, and it is mainly attributed to weak infrastructure. Indian agriculture is also on the threshold of becoming globally competitive and is ina position to make major gains in the export market, Foodgrains account for 63% of country’s agricultural output and hence even a marginal production has ‘ripple effect’ on the rest of the economy. In 1997; the foodgrains output was 199 million tonnes but in 1998 it was lowered by over 4 million tonnes owing to a fall in the pulse production. Initiatives for increasing the production and productivity of cereal crops on the basis of cropping systems approach continued during the year 1996-97. In 1997-98, 31.2 million tonnes of, coarse cereals was produced. However, barring the record production of 69.3 million tonnes of wheat in 1996-97, the production of wheat at 66.5 million tonnes in 1997-98 and expected rice production at. 83.5 million tonnes is said to be the highest ever. 57Sura’s ¢ General English Procurement of wheat during the rabi marketing season 1998-99 touched a record high of 10.61 million tonnes. Pulses production in the country has been stagnating around 8-14 million tonnes for the last 40 years. The production of pulses is expected to be about 13 million tonnes in 1997-98 compared to 13.19 million tonnes during 1995-96. their impact on the production of commercial crops. The production of 9 major oilseeds in 1997-98 is expected to be 24 million tonnes, as compared to 25 million tonnes in 1996-97 and 22.4 million tonnes in ‘95-96. Among the nine oilseed crops grown in the country, groundnut and rapeseed/ mustard together account for 62% of the total oilseeds production. The production of groundnut and rapeseed and mustard is expected to touch 8 million and 6 million tonnes compared to 9 million and 7 million tonnes in 1996-97. 1 The adverse agro-climatic conditions have had The author has mentioned the following factors that influenced the agricultural systom EXCEPT (@ Bringing international markets together (b) Freeing various economic activities from restrictions {¢) Automation in agro and industrial sectors (4) Deregulation of financial system (e} None of these Which of the following is ‘true’ about China? (a) It has the largest area under pulse crops () It exceeds India’s gross fertilizer consumption, (c} It is just @ rank below in gross fertilizer consumption. {@) It is next in rank after India to evolve a cotton hybrid . (e) None of these Decline in production of commercial crops is mainly due to (@) want of timely procurement of foodgrains (6) inadequate fertilizer feeding (©) reduction in production of oilseed crops (@) decline in rabi crops as compared to oilseeds : (e) None of these + 58 According to the passage, haw is agro sector helpful to other industries? (@) It utilizes 64% of the workforce. ) It contributes to more than one-fourth of the GDP. (6) It contributes to about 18% of the value of the country’s exports. (@) It provides raw material to various - industries. None of these What is the author's assessment about Indian agriculture in terms of the world scenario? (@) It is not gaining the desirable impact. @) It is likely to show only a marginal inerease in production. ~ (©) It will fetch reasonable gain by way of exports. {@) It is on the fourth position in global competition. (©) None of these The sharp decline in foodgrain production in 1998 over its preceding year is attributed to (@) increasing productivity of cereal crops () cropping system approach (©) sub-standard production of coreals (@) decrease in the pulse production (©) None of these What is the impact of increage in food and other agro-production, according to the Passage? (@) Total elimination of rural poverty in the entire country (6) Haryana and Punjab have shown a decline in food production. (©) West Bengal has improved in foodgrains production. (@) Infrastructural facilities have improved. (@) None of these ‘What, according tothe passage, is the RIPPLE ‘EFFECT? {a) Increase in foodgrains leads to over- consumption and in effect generates pressure on economy {b) Substantial influence on certain things; slight decrease or increase in certain other thingsSura’s ¢-General English (©) Decrease in production of one commodity because of decrease in production of same other commodity (@) Increase in production of one commodity due to decrease in production of some other commodity (0) None of these Which of the following is ‘false’ in the context ofthe passage? (a) Farm technologies are not in contrast with market requirements. (@) Capital formation in agricultural sector is less than required. (c) The supply of credit to agro-sector is less and ill-timed -(d) Mechanism of compensation for crop losses is not adequate (0) None of these PASSAGE - XIII The collective voice of the common people of the world has been stifled. The United Nations, ‘which was brought into existence to avoid the scourge of war, has been successfully marginalised by the superpower. It led war in Iraq and Kasovo ‘without the UN resolution and the Secretary General became a mute witness to this marginalisation of the United Nations. This sad situation should be rolled back. Any outside intervention should take place only after getting the sanction of the UN. The peace-keeping operations of the United Nations have been handicapped by financial crunch. The US, which talks in the name of the international community, ‘owes $1.7 billion to the UN as its contribution, which has led to its severe financial crunch. All the countries must be asked to fulfil their obligations of the UN. ‘The position and authority of the UN should be restored. It should truly become a representative body of the world community. At present it is dominated by the powers which became victorious in World War II. These countries, viz the US, Britain, France, Russia and China are five permanent members of the Security Council and each of them have veto power. The UN must be reconstructed and should be the true voice of humanity. Its Constitution must be democratised. India, which is the largest democracy in the world, must be a permanent member of the Security Council. Though wars are born in the minds of men, men are influenced by politics, economics and religion, The two World Wars were essentially fought between European powers in their struggle to establish their imperial hegemony in Asia and Africa, The hegemony ended after World War If and the era of decolonisation began. Countries of Asia and Africe under the tutelage of the imperial powers for centuries awoke to life and freedom. But soon this was followed by the struggle between the capitalist and socialist blocs of countries which led to a prolonged cold war. With the collapse of socialism, contrary economic systems as a source ‘of conflict has disappeared. Socialism is no longer a challenge to capitalism and totalitarianism no longer a challenge to democracy. As Francis Fukuyama has asserted, “weare atthe end of human history”. Market capitalism has become the last word in economic organisation and democracy the last word in political organisation. Does it mean that humanity can live happily forever hereafter without any challenge to peaceful existence? 1, The role of the United Nations has suffered because (@) it has been openly challenged by the US. (®) it has been ignored by the powerful nations. (c) ithas adopted a partisan attitude towards weaker countries, {¢) ithhas damaged the interest of developing nations, (@) its machinery are/is not working praperly, Tho officiont functioning of the United Nations is mainly based on (a) the support it gets from member- countries. ©) its peacekeeping force. (©) the aid it gets from rich and powerful countries. (@ the collective voice of the common people’ of the world. (6) the efficiency of its office-bearers. What message comes out of the wars that took place in Iraq and Kosove? (0) US is the most powerful country in the world. (b) US is not bound to obey the rules of the UN. 59Sura’s e General English (@) United Nations does not interfere in every case (@ United Nations openly salutes the supremacy of the US. (eo) None of these If any country interferes in the affairs of another country it should (a) ask for the UN peace-keeping farce (b) be mandatory for it to seek the permission of the UN. (©) be penalised by the UN. (@) be considered as an attack on the UN. (e) None of these Whar is the aim of the United Nations? (a) to create a level world order (b) to provide aid to poor countries (©) to save weaker nations’ interest (@) to ensure peace in the world (@) None of these Which of the following is/are common between the five permanent members of the Security Council? G) All of them were involved in the war with Iraq. (ii) World War II proved their might. (ii) They are equally powerful in the UN. Gv) All of them have violated the rules of the UN Codes: (a) Only (i), Gi) and (iit) @) Only (iv) (©) Only (iii) (a) Only (ii) and (iii) {0} All of the above Why are Asia and Africa seen as the cause of World Wars? (@) because their people refused to bow to European countries (b) because people in this region revolted against Europeans (c} because both of them were united against Europe . (@) because first the war broke in this region « (@) None of these Where do you find ‘capitalism’ and ‘democracy’ standing today? (@) against socialism and ‘totalitarianism* respectively (b) these are the buzzwords of today s society (c) both of them have reached their nadir {€) every country in the world is practising them (@) None of these The author of the passage wants the UN to (@ become more powerful than the US. (b) represent the voice of the, world community. (©) make ‘socialism’ the order of the day. (@) expand its areas of operation. (6) clip the wings of super powers. PASSAGE - XIV Every technology has its positive and negative sides. It is the social process that controls the use and application of a technology which determines whether a particular technology delivers more good than bad. Unfortunately, the social process controlling the use and application of large dams has been extremely weak in India. Studies on corruption show that corrupt institutions focus much more on the “hardware” of a technolagy rather than on its “software”. Whether it is corruption, incompetence or plain ignorance, it is a matter of fact that the software of the vast irrigational resources created by large dams has been totally ignored, especially the dimensions of equity and sustainability. How should the water be used? What should be the cropping patterns? How should the water be shared? How are we going to deal with the problem of resetylement? Many such questions remain unaddressed in large irrigation systems buitt ‘around big dams. The problem of resettlement is going to grow, ifnothing else, because of population growth. A watershed that supported one lakh people will today support probably three lakh people and, inthe years tocome, even more. Will it be easy to resettle so many People? Many large dams, especially’ in the humid regions, have not brought many benefits. Even where they have boosted agricultural production, as in the arid, semiarid and sub-humid areas, the irrigational resources, in most cases, have been comered by the more powerful farmers to grow water-intensive, but high-value, crops like rice and sugarcane leaving many poor farmers without water. In any case, large, dams mainly benefit 60Sura’s ¢ General English farmers in the plains and not farmers. in the hill and mountain regions (lands being up and down), which constitute a large part of land area where a number of poor farmers live. The ultimate problom is that even if the most optimistic projections for large dams and inter- basin transfers were to become a reality, a very substantial part of India will not get irrigation facilities, Until now, the Government has not come up with a real programme to address the problems farmers in existing rainfed agricultural lands face. It has simply left these farmers in misery, destitution and poverty. This is where the use of the local rainfall endowment and dependence on local water harvesting, whose potential is not small, to provide not only stability but also increase productivity is critical, 1. The social process ensures (@) how to make use of the negative effects of a particular technology. (b) how to upgrade a technology for the society. (c) how to make out a particular technology more beneficial for mankind. (@ how to make a technology eco-friendly. (@) how to enhance the negative aspects of a particular technology. 2, What do you mean by the statement that corrupt institutions focus much more on the “hardware” of a technology rather than on its “software”? (@) Such institutions pay attention to the technical or machinery side of a technology rather than on its implications on mankind, () Such institutions think only of money- making from a technology rather than its results. (©) Such institutions only judge the upper part of a technology and not its inner part. (@) Both (b) and (c) (@) None of these 3. The issue of resettlement will get more serious with the passage of time because (@) it needs to be addressed urgently. &) it cannot be solved in a given timeframe. (©) no one wants to leave their native place. {@) population bears population. {@) we have no policy to tackle it. Rice and sugarcane are the crops which {@) put question mark on the efficiency of dams ©) only rich farmers can grow. (©) can only be grown beside dams. (@) consume a large quantity of water. (©) are grown in the arid atmosphere. ‘Why are the large dams not so successful in ‘the hill and mountain regions? (a) because average farmers are poor there and they cannot pay for the service (b) because of corruption in the system (©) because supplying of water through. channels need level field : (@) because it is costly to build dams in these regions {@) because the population is very scant in these regions ‘Which are the grey areas the government must look into besides building dams? 4) providing alternate establishment to the affected i) ensuring equi-distribution of water to farmors i) decision on cropping patterns ivjincentives for the workers engaged in dams’ construction ‘Codes: {@) Only (i) and (iii) (@) Only (ii) and (iv) {c) Only (i), (ii) and (iii) {@) All of the above {e) None of these Which of the following does NOT match with the thinking of the author? {@) The problem of resettlement of people created by building dams multiplies with the passage of time. (b) Corruption is there in the system. (©) Dams are more beneficial in areas where moisture in atmosphere is maximum. {@) Dams are little successful in hill regions, (©) None of these According to the author, on the whole the damsSura’s ¢ General English (a) can not bear good results in our country. (b) can only benefit the big farmers. (©) have not yielded desired results. (@) only generate corruption. (©) are the symbol of misgovernance. Give a suitable title to the passage, (a) Dams as a curse on our society (b) Agriculture and monsoon (@ Misery of our farmers (d) Relevance of irrigation in agriculture (©) Need for a clear policy on dams PASSAGE-XV If growth were possible through brute strength, dinosaurs would still be ruling the earth. The US's subjugation of Iraq by the use of brute force and noisy weapons has diminished its stature a5 a world leader, and cut into the influence it had. built over the world where youngsters were accused, of ‘aping America’. Over time, there have been. instances of cultural influences outlasting and overpowering the might of the sword and physical, borders. It’s time India realised its real strength is in its people, its numbers and culture, and began. using them to grow out of its borders rather than. try to hold them inside and stymie growth in a world that is now growing beyond the globe. India. is fortunate in a unique way — it has a huge demographic palette while poor nations like Uganda, Zambia and Ethiopia are fast tosing manpower of any sort. What we suggest is for India to send its people, with all their entrepreneurial skills and cultural attributes, to countries like these, take over their debilitated businesses and tabour, and work the kind of miracle Gujaratis did in South Africa, Kenya and Uganda in the 19th century: These countries are not poor in resources, but lack the technology and capital to harness them. Indians are known for their resourcefulness, and have the resilience to extract water from stone, India has fought and won the battle against adversity. Instead of hanging on to that learning, it should use it to pull other poor countries out of the ditch. This will win India more respect than, say, Indian dentists in the UK. Already, acceptance of the Indians” diligence is universal— whether we talk about the US spelling bee or the outsourcing baom. It is generally admitted — and validated by business intelligence research — that Indian professionals, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs of Indian origin helped promote India as.an outsourcing destination in the US, UK and Canada By 1999, many Indian engineers who moved tothe US in the 60s had either started their own companies with backend operations in India, or persuaded their American employers to hire professionals in India. With Africa, the challenge is greater, but the rewards will be as great. 1. What does the author want to convey by hinting that dinosaurs are not ruling the earth today? (@) Dinosaurs have become totally extinet. (©) Brute force does not get favour in the- world. (©) US has no challengers on earth today. (@) Nothing can compete with brute force. (©) None of these What had attracted the youngsters towards the US? (@) Its aggression over Iraq ) Its nuclear status (6) Its theory of ‘might is right” (@ Its cultural influence and might as well (©) None of these According to the passage, what kind of similarity can be drawn between dinosaurs and the US? (@) Both have lost respect among the people, {b) Both have destroyed different nations, (©) Both have applied brute force. (@ Both have ruled the world at different times. (@) None of these ‘Which of the following is ‘true’ in the context of the passage? (a) Culture is the greatest asset of mankind. (@) African countries, face shortage of resources. (©) Gujaratis were the first among the Indians to settle abroad {@) Indian dentists are infamous in the UK. (@) None of these India can tap the potential in poor nations like Uganda, Zambia and Ethiopia by (@) taking over their economy and enterprise. (©) investing there in a huge way. (©) providing training to their manpower here 62(@) engaging its trained workforce in their different key areas. (e) transforming their weak areas in politics, economy, culture ete. 6. Which of the following is “false’ in the context ofthe passage? (@) India has stood firm against rough weather. () Indian manpower does not find easy acceptance in western countries. (©) The US has not gained prestige by using its foree against Iraq. {@) India has the ability to change the fortune of other nations. (©) None of these 7. What makes Indians unique in the world? (@) They are generous and easily-mixing people, G) They easily adjust to alien cultures. (© They are buoyant and result-oriented people, (@) They are cheerful and fun-loving people. (©) None of these 8. What message does the author want toconvey through this passage? (@) Indian workforce should tap the potential in Afeica, @) India should compete with America in any field. {c) Nothing is permanent in this world. (@) India should lead the world. (@) None of these PASSAGE - XVI Forquite some time, national interest has been used as an excuse to block caste-based reservation in the armed forces. False concern has been created over the issue, with alarmists citing impending disaster for national defence if caste-based reservation is implemented in the forces Such inductions, we are repeatedly tald, would compromise the strength of the Army. The question that needs to be asked is, would a preferential policy really weaken the defence system of the country? To my mind, there is no relationship between caste background and the military calibre required to defend the country. If that was the case, lower caste soldiers would not have been recipients of gallantry awards. If the Indian Army can claim to Sura’s ¢ General English have done well with personnel from certain caste background, why should preferential policy based on social background be detrimental to its credibility? Soldiers are not born, they are made robust through rigorous training. Secondly, protection is the primary concern both in defence and in the civil sphere. The former requires an army with rifles, while the latter requires an army with brooms to protect the civil order from epidemics. Thus, both these armies are entitled to equal recognition. But do they get equal Tecognition from the socio-political system? Army personnel deservedly get recognition, but the sanitary army gets humiliation. [fthe Army is treated as an essential sphere of recognition, why not offer an opportunity to Dalits to get into the Army through reservation so that they also get equal recognition? . Are they not entitled to equal recognition? Should they nat move from scavenging into more generic roles? Is it not the moral responsibility of society to advocate the placement of disadvantaged people either in the private sector or in the military establishment? Should the opponents of reservation get away by saying, “Lot the scheduled castes and Dalits stay where they are, they should not demand preferential treatment in defence”? 4 I’m suggesting that caste-based reservation should be introduced in the Army for certain social groups under compulsion and conviction. That's because marginalised groups are compelled to target the defence sector as other job opportunities are fast withering away. ‘The argument that representation of Dalits in the Army will jeopardise national security is weak. In fact, national defence will actually be strengthened if all sectors of Indian society are accommodated in the process without any relaxation in the rigour of training, 2, On what ground has caste-based reservation in the armed forces been avoided so far? (2) The fear that it might ignite the passions of upper-caste peaple, (2) It might bring an end to the upper-caste dominance in the organisation. (©) Lower-caste people are not physically and mentally fit to serve in the armed forces, 63Sura’s ¢ General English : 3. (2) I is not a socio-political organisation, (e) None of these ‘The cases of lower-caste soldiers conferred with gallantry awards shows that (@ there is no discrimination in the armed forces on caste grounds. (b) they are more efficient than their upper caste counterparts. (© caste does not decide an individual's military prowess (@) nothing is unachievable if there is will power. (@) they get more encouragement in the armed forces Which of the following is ‘true’ in the context of the passage? (a) There is much politics within the armed forces @) Military calibre is not dependent on caste. (©) Lower-caste soldiers face humiliation within the armed forces. {@) The induction of lower-caste people in the armed forces will lower its status. (e) None of these Which of the following is ‘falso’ in the context of the passago? (@) One does not get the skills of a solider by birth. (b) Caste-based reservation in the armed forces will have positive effect on national defence. (©) Lower-caste soldiers have proved their worth in the battlefields. (d) Becorning a solider is an easy task. (e) None of these What does the sentence ~ ‘Soldiers are nat born, they are made robust through rigorous twaining’-imply? (a) Soldiers lead a tough life. (b) The background of caste or community does not decide a soldier's prowess. (c) Soldiers are trained against all odds, {@) Becoming a soldier is not an easy task. (@) None of these ‘What is the central theme of the passage? fa) The armed forces will be strengthened if all sectors of society are accommodated. (2) The Army will have a more liberal face by introducing caste-based reservation in its selection process. {c) Any preferential policy will affect the image of our armed forces. (@ The upper-caste domination in the armed forces must end. (@) None of these PASSAGE - XVIT The garden city is in an uproar over the impending fate of its much cherished Cubbon Park. v's not often that Bangaloreans are stirred by a cause, But the loss of a part of Cubbon Park, officially called the ChamarajendraPark, is surely i matter of grave concern even for its lackadaisical residents. Cubbon Park is a major landmark in Bangalore and not least because it provides much- needed lung space in a city increasingly under threat from air pollutants and advancing concrete colonies. Established by Sir Mark Cubbon in the last century, the garden used to spread across 300 acres, but nearly half of it has already been occupied by buildings and roads. Though the Karnataka Garden Parks (Preservation) Act of 1975 makes it mandatory for the state government to preserve and maintain parks, Cubbon Park, compared to its greener cousin Lalbagh, has been long ignored. Today, thanks partly to its geography — being the only garden without boundary walls — and mainly togross neglect by the administration, Cubbon Park has become synonymous with sleaze and a general lack of civic sense. Worse, a public throughfare cuts across its tree-lined avenues, adding to the overall discomfort and contamination. The first threat to the greenland came with the July 30 notification which effectively excluded around 17 acres from the park boundary. Of course, down the ages the park has lost huge chunks to the Vidhana Soudha, Raj Bhavan, The Reserve Bank of India buildings and the State Youth Centre. And, as if the latest addition to the concrete jungle, the VIP family suites being planned as part of the Legislators’ Home Annexe, is not enough, ‘there are fears that a vast tract of ‘virgin greenland’ in the LRDE premises, now housing a musical fountain, might be snatched away. Green activists in the city are convinced that the state government, as state governments elsewhere, will in the end 64