RC Practice Five Part-I

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Biofuel production passage

The developed countries have planned to derive energy from plants in the form of ethanol. This alternate energy, best known as biofuel, is championed as an affordable alternative to fossil fuels by its major benefactors, United States of America (USA) and European Union (EU). They believe that replacing petrol and diesel with biofuels will play a significant part in reducing carbon emissions and the effects of climate change. They are convinced that biofuel energy has the potential to reduce and stabilize the escalating oil prices, open up new markets, which may be very beneficial to poor countries. According to their prediction, a multi-billion dollar biofuel industry will be able to provide 25 % of the world's energy within 10-15 years. While the optimism surrounding biofuel and its potential to become an effective renewable source of energy continues to prevail, we are beginning to hear the voices of vehement skepticism from many developing countries. One of the reasons could be the heavy handed approach adopted by the USA and some European countries. The voracious energy requirements of these developed economies are thrust on the under-developed countries. It is feared that cultivation of corn and other cereals in abundance, to meet their enormous need of 550 million tonnes can rob the farmlands in poor countries of fertility; the people of their food; and the nations of their economic sovereignty. Large scale cultivation of food crops such as corn, barley, sorghum, rye, millet and oats exclusively for biofuel also has severe economic, ecological and ethical consequences. A recent study says that the world consumes 604 million tonnes of these crops, while the production stands at about 679 million tonnes.

The available surplus is only about 77 million tonnes, which is far too less when compared to the existing demand from the biofuel industries. This means an impetus to increase the supply would result in an increase in the cultivable area devoted to energy crops. Last year, Brazil and China grew these crops on nearly 50 million acres in the same year. Global production of energy crops doubles every few years. Increasing pressure on countries like Indonesia has led to a severe environmental crisis. Forests are felled giving way to plantations and farms, growing raw materials for ethanol production. Following similar alarming trends, the UN warns, "the use of large scale cropping (for energy purposes) could lead to significant biodiversity loss, soil erosion and nutrient leaching." A more imposing threat is the mushrooming competition between food and fuel. Many economists opine that the existing policies and politics of bioenergy will impact global food prices adversely. Growing food crops to feed the ethanol production plants, fueling the affluent economies of the world provides a road map to an impending global food shortage. Promotion of biofuel energy in poor countries will present us with a scenario where the rich burn food in their automobiles, while people starve. The World Bank observes that the cereals and grains providing the biomass required to fill the tank of a sport utility vehicle with ethanol could feed one person for a year. The competition between food and fuel is very much real. If the aspirations of developed countries are allowed to dictate the future of agriculture in most parts of Africa and Asia, we are running the risk of worsening the food vs fuel conflict. Attempts by the western world to project biofuel as an environment friendly alternate to fossil fuels has been unsuccessful. Their belief that biofuel will contribute significantly to control carbon emissions and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels is widely debated. The promises of bioenergy as the provider of extraordinary opportunities to address climate change, energy security and rural development has also not manifested in reality. It is time we focus on the real issues. We must choose to feed people rather than the engines of luxury vehicles. For this, we need to resist being lured into an economic and environmental catastrophe.

Question Which of the following reflects the author's views on biofuel? Choices are:

(A) It is a tool used by the developed countries to assert their strategic and political authority over the developing world for energy security. (B) It is a bait to trap the growing economies to render the agricultural infrastructure of the poor countries fruitless. (C) It is an effective pollution management tool. (D) It is an immediate threat to energy security of the western world as it empowers the poor countries with the most useful commodity - fuel. (E) It is portrayed as a boon and the panacea for all the major challenges of the world, but in reality, a bane that satisfies the greed of affluent countries by depriving the poor of their needs.

Answer Which of the following reflects the author's views on biofuel? Choices are:

(A) It is a tool used by the developed countries to assert their strategic and political authority over the developing world for energy security. (B) It is a bait to trap the growing economies to render the agricultural infrastructure of the poor countries fruitless. (C) It is an effective pollution management tool. (D) It is an immediate threat to energy security of the western world as it empowers the poor countries with the most useful commodity - fuel. (E) It is portrayed as a boon and the panacea for all the major challenges of the world, but in reality, a bane that satisfies the greed of affluent countries by depriving the poor of their needs. (Correct answer)

Question Which of the following statements is the author most likely to agree? Choices are:

(A) Economic reforms need to reflect the expectations of the working class. (B) Globalization is key to strengthening Brazil and China's position as potential super powers in the world. (C) USA and EU hamper efforts to achieve international co operations in tackling energy related issues facing the world. (D) Alleviation of poverty in the world should be given priority over energy security of developed countries. (E) Patronizing the aspirations of African and Asian countries is not essential for a greener and a more environment-friendly world.

Answer Which of the following statements is the author most likely to agree? Choices are:

(A) Economic reforms need to reflect the expectations of the working class. (B) Globalization is key to strengthening Brazil and China's position as potential super powers in the world. (C) USA and EU hamper efforts to achieve international co operations in tackling energy related issues facing the world. (D) Alleviation of poverty in the world should be given priority over energy security of developed countries. (Correct answer) (E) Patronizing the aspirations of African and Asian countries is not essential for a greener and a more environment-friendly world.

Evolution Vs Creation passage

Debates about evolution typically take the form of a contest or conflict between two competing ideas, evolutionary theory and creationism. They are generally assumed incompatible and mutually exclusive. Whether or not creationism and evolution contradict each other depends entirely upon what is meant by "creationism," an ambiguity which Evolution Deniers are able to exploit for political and religious purposes. If by "creationism" we simply mean the belief that the universe, the world, and/or life itself was originally caused by God, gods, or other supernatural means, then creationism and evolution do not necessarily contradict. Evolution has nothing to say about the origins of the universe, the world, or life itself. Evolution is about the development of life; a person can accept evolution as the best explanation for the diversity and development of life on Earth while also believing that the Earth and the life on it were first caused by God. On the other hand, perhaps by "creationism" we mean a literal reading of the Book of Genesis from the Bible or some other ancient religious account of the origins and development of life on Earth. This is the type of creationism often adopted by those seeking to have it replace evolution in science classes and it does directly contradict evolution because they can't both be true and a person can't believe both simultaneously.

Question The primary purpose of the passage is to Choices are:

(A) emphasize the point Evolution and creation need not necessarily be mutually exclusive. (B) Bring out how Evolution and Creationism are mutually exclusive. (C) Show how evolutionary theory is different from Creationism. (D) Show the difference in the portrayal Creationism in Genesis and other ancient religious texts. (E) Describe the two different view of Creationism and suggest the better one.

Answer The primary purpose of the passage is to Choices are:

(A) emphasize the point Evolution and creation need not necessarily be mutually exclusive. (Correct answer) (B) Bring out how Evolution and Creationism are mutually exclusive. (C) Show how evolutionary theory is different from Creationism. (D) Show the difference in the portrayal Creationism in Genesis and other ancient religious texts. (E) Describe the two different view of Creationism and suggest the better one.

Question When Creationism is meant a belief that life is created by God and Evolution is accepted as an explanation for diversity of life on earth, then
Choices are:

(A) Creationism and Evolution are mutually exclusive (B) Creationism and Evolutionary theory are complementary (C) both can not be accepted as true (D) They directly contradict each other (E) Evolution will replace Creationism in science classes

Answer When Creationism is meant a belief that life is created by God and Evolution is accepted as an explanation for diversity of life on earth, then
Choices are:

(A) Creationism and Evolution are mutually exclusive (B) Creationism and Evolutionary theory are complementary (Correct answer) (C) both can not be accepted as true (D) They directly contradict each other (E) Evolution will replace Creationism in science classes

Economic Boom and Consumerism passage

Indian economy is booming now and has been growing at 9 per cent for two successive years, with last year's 9.4 per cent growth-the highest in eighteen years. India is now the second fastest growing major economy in the world. This growth is undoubtedly driven by the demand. Changing demographic profiles, increasing income levels, urbanization, technology and globalization are bringing about a dramatic shift in consumer tastes and preferences. The rise in consumer spending in India is also attributed to the significant improvement in the standard of living of the Indian consumers in the last few years. The fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) segment has shown a growth of over 15.5 per cent and promises to be a great revenue spinner Three important reasons are responsible for this spectacular rise in consumption. The first is that India is one of the youngest nations in the world. Recently, the country is witnessing the emergence of a new class of very affluent young Indians. Affluent youngsters in India with a median age of 24.5 years will play an increasingly important role in consumption sector. Around 60 percent of population today is below the age of thirty years. Such young working population will not only drive productivity but also set a spiraling effect in consumption and income generation. Increase in the employment of women among the work force is another factor that will boost economic growth, income and consumption in the long run. Womens participation in the work force grew to 31 % in 2005 from 26 % in 2001. The increasing trends translate into an additional $ 35 billion of GDP growth over the next five years alone.

The third and the most important is the emergence of an entirely new set of urban and semi-urban consumers who have not yet been tapped by modern companies in India. The spending habits of the rich alone cannot bring 9 per cent growth in the country. It is happening because of the 300 million middle class. No longer is the demand confined to metros or to certain class. In fact, demands come from urban, semi-urban, and rural areas including almost every socio-economic stratum. This emerging trend is driven mainly by rising incomes and relatively easy availability of personal loans. The rural market is growing faster than the urban market and holds huge potential for consumer goods sector with a population of 730 million which is thrice the urban market size. Products in demand in these areas include soaps, detergents, toothpastes, batteries, biscuits, cold beverages, mosquito repellents, refined oil and hair oil. An NCAER (National Council of Applied Economic Research) survey shows that the demand for two-wheeler, refrigerator, colour television and washing machine in rural areas is quite high. The huge multicultural country is transforming from a socialist economy to a led creative economy. Even for international luxury brands, India is no longer a mere testing ground, but a lucrative market. Estimates suggest that India has more consumers for luxury goods than the adult population of several countries and as many as 200 - 300 international luxury brands are trying to make inroads into the Indian luxury market. It is growing at a rate of 30-32 per cent and expected to touch Rs 5000 crore by 2010. Rising consumption is setting off a virtuous cycle of consumption propelled growth in the manufacturing sector which is leading to job creation. This in turn is leading to income generation and further consumption.

Question Which of the following ideas can you NOT find in the passage? Choices are:

(A) Rise in the participation of women in the work force will boost economic growth, income and consumption in the long run. (B) Standard of living of Indian consumers has improved and consequently, the consumer spending has increased. (C) Progress of India's economy is mainly due to the expanding literacy. (D) The virtuous cycle of consumption- growth-job creation- and more consumption. (E) Growth of the rural market has outrun that of the urban market.

Choice A: Increase in the employment of women among the work force is another factor that will boost economic growth, income and consumption in the long run. Choice B: The rise in consumer spending in India is also attributed to the significant improvement in the standard of living of the Indian consumers in the last few years Choice C: Is not mentioned in the passage Choice D: Rising consumption is setting off a virtuous cycle of consumption propelled growth in the manufacturing sector which is leading to job creation. This in turn is leading to income generation and further consumption. Choice E: The rural market is growing faster than the urban market and holds huge potential for consumer goods sector with a population of 730 million which is thrice the urban market size.

Answer Which of the following ideas can you NOT find in the passage? Choices are:

(A) Rise in the participation of women in the work force will boost economic growth, income and consumption in the long run. (B) Standard of living of Indian consumers has improved and consequently, the consumer spending has increased. (C) Progress of India's economy is mainly due to the expanding literacy. (Correct answer) (D)The virtuous cycle of consumption- growth-job creation- and more consumption. (E) Growth of the rural market has outrun that of the urban market.

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