Comprehension passages

1. Read the passage given below.

Happiness is not something far away and unattainable. Happiness does not depend on
circumstances or objects. It is an inseparable part of our consciousness, of our essence, but
hidden and covered from sight by our thoughts, desires and worries. We all seek happiness
but few, very-few, indeed, get it. We are unhappy partly because we desire much more than
what we can hope to attain. Our countless desires are hard to be satisfied. And that is what
makes us so sad in life. The secret of happiness lies in the simplification of life. Simple living
encourages high thinking. It leads to contentment. Contentment gives us inner wealth, the
wealth of the mind and of the soul.

A contented man devotes himself to virtues; a man can feel true happiness. I do not mean that
for simplification of life, a man should become an ascetic. The happiness of a sadhu is of a
negative kind. I want positive kind of happiness. For this I must live in the midst of life and
faithfully carry out my responsibilities to my home and my country. But all this should be
done in the spirit of selfless service.

A man, who wants to lead a happy life, should also make others happy. In making others
happy he will taste real and lasting happiness. There is a kind of joy in serving others with
virtuous motives, in sacrificing what one has for the good of others. An act of goodness is of
itself an act of happiness. The secret of perfect happiness lies in renunciation.

Wealth may give us joy for a while and fame may provide us with fleeting excitement. But
they cannot give us permanent happiness. Kings have everything to make them happy and yet
they feel unhappy. It is because they do not practise renunciation. There is a sense of joy in
doing one’s work honestly and efficiently. A research-worker feels joy in research and a
journalist in writing. In doing one’s duty sincerely, one feels peace of mind which is an
important essence of happiness. It is only by cultivating spirit of renunciation, self-sacrifice,
contentment and science work that one can really be happy. The strings of misfortune spare
none but they will not cow such a person.

Happiness is like the sun, it is often hidden by the clouds of thoughts, worries and desires.
We have to scatter and dissolve them to experience happiness. You don’t have to create
happiness. All you have to do is calm your mind, because when there is a quiet mind and
inner peace, there is happiness.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the questionsthat follow:
1. We are unhappy partly because we have ________________.
a) no inner strength
b) lost moral and spiritual values
c) countless, unfulfilled desires
d) extremely complicated lives
2. According to the passage, the essence of happiness lies in_____
a) worldly desires
b) doing one’s duty sincerely
c) avoiding all unfortunate events
d) adopting a simple life style
3. Which of the following is the correct chain of things, as mentioned in the passage,
leading to happiness?
a) contentment, high thinking, simple living, inner wealth

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b)simple living, high thinking, inner wealth, contentment
(c) high thinking, simple living, inner wealth, contentment
(d) simple living, high thinking, contentment, inner wealth
4. What does a contented man do?
a) He assimilates the basic virtues of life
b) He faces boldly the adversities of life
c) He encounters the strings of misfortunes
d) He gives up bad habits effortlessly
5. What according to the passage, is a positive kind of happiness?
a) Keeping ones motives and feelings under control
b) Love for life and a country
c) Leading a simple life of an ascetic
d) Carrying out all worldly activities in the spirit of selfless service
6. A man who wants to live a happy life should _____
a) make others happy
b) master the art of renunciation
c) pursue wealth and fame
d) inculcate the virtues of life
7. Which of the following is OPPOSITE in meaning to the word ‘fleeting’ as used in the
passage?
(a) permanent (b) passing (c) fast (d)momentary
8. Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE in the context of the passage?
(a) One feels peace of mind in doing one’s duty sincerely
(b) Renunciation is the result of perfect happiness
(c)Multiplicity of desires make us unhappy.
(d) Making others happy makes one happy.
9. The phrase “cow a person” refers to get someone:
(a) spare (b) conquer (c) scare (d) provoke
10. Which of the following statements is TRUE in the context of the passage?
(a) Human beings seldom seek happiness
(b) Doing one’s work sincerely hardly makes one happy
© Peace of mind is tangent to happiness
(d) Simple life is like a life of an ascetic
11. Select the option that makes the correct use of “unattainable”, as used in the
passage, to fill in the blank space.
__________ development implies a long-term perspective.
Keep goals small so they are more easily __________.
Diabetes is __________ but not curable.
Some economists think that 100% employment in India is an ____________ goal.
12. Choose the option that best captures the central idea of the passage from the given
quotes.
(1) "Life is about creating and living experiences that are worth sharing."
- Steve Jobs
(2) "Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert
Einstein
(3) “Happiness is not something readymade; it
comes from your own actions.” - Dalai Lama
(4) "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." - Paulo Coelho
a) Option (1) b) Option (2) c) Option (3) d) Option (4)

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2. Read the passage given below.
The incidence of dengue has grown dramatically around the world in recent decades. A vast
majority of cases are asymptomatic or mild and self-managed, and hence the actual numbers
of dengue cases are underreported or often misdiagnosed.
One estimate indicates 390 million dengue virus infections per year (95% credible interval
284–528 million), of which 96 million (67–136 million) manifest clinically (with any severity
of disease). The number of dengue cases reported to WHO increased over 8 fold over the last
two decades.
This alarming increase in case numbers is partly explained by a change in national practices
to record and report dengue to the Ministries of Health, and to the WHO. But it also
represents government recognition of the burden, and therefore the pertinence to report
dengue disease.
Before 1970, only 9 countries had experienced severe dengue epidemics. The disease is now
endemic in more than 100 countries in the WHO regions of Africa, the Americas, the Eastern
Mediterranean, SouthEast Asia and the Western Pacific. The America, South-East Asia and
Western Pacific regions are the most seriously affected, with Asia representing ~70% of the
global burden of disease.
In 2020, dengue continues to affect several countries, with reports of increases in the numbers
of cases in Bangladesh, Brazil, Cook Islands, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Maldives,
Mauritania, Mayotte (Fr), Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Timor-Leste and
Yemen.
The largest number of dengue cases ever reported globally was in 2019. All regions were
affected, and dengue transmission was recorded in Afghanistan for the first time.
The first dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia® (CYD-TDV) developed by Sanofi Pasteur was
licensed in December 2015 and has now been approved by regulatory authorities in ~20
countries. In November 2017, the results of an additional analysis to retrospectively
determine serostatus at the time of vaccination were released. As described in the WHO
position paper on the Dengvaxia vaccine (September 2018) the dengue vaccine CYD-TDV
has been shown in clinical trials to be efficacious and safe in persons who have had a
previous dengue virus infection. However, it carries an increased risk of severe dengue in
those who experience their first natural dengue infection after vaccination. For countries
considering vaccination as part of their dengue control programme, pre-vaccination screening
is the recommended strategy.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage attempt the questions that follow.
i) In the line, ‘and therefore the pertinence to report dengue disease’ , the word
pertinence does not mean
a) Importance
b) Ignorance
c) Relevance
d) Appropriateness
ii) According to the WHO report, around 70% of the dengue cases from around the
world,
a. Affect people in Asia
b.Misdiagnosed in Asia
c.Do not occur in Asia
d. Remain untreated in Asia
iii) The actual number of dengue cases are more than the figures in the reports because
a. There has been a misprint
b. Cases reported late
c. Cases are under-reported

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d. Cases constantly increase
iv) Choose the option that is correct about the rise in the number of dengue cases
a. Rise in dengue is due to rise in tourism
b. Dengue is being tested and reported in vast numbers
c. Dengue is a communicable disease
d. Dengue spread is uncontrollable
v) According to this WHO report which year recorded the maximum number of Dengue
cases?
a. 2017 b. 2015 c. 2020 d.2019
vi) Which statement is not true about the dengue vaccine as stated in the report?
a)Dengue vaccine works effectively on people who have been infected before
b) Dengue vaccine works effectively on people who haven’t been infected before
c) Dengue vaccine must be administered to people in the countries where it is an endemic
d) Dengue vaccine has been in clinical trials but the results are not as expected
vii) What does the word ‘endemic’ refer to?
a) Disease regularly found in people of a certain area
b) Disease irregularly found in people of a certain area
c) Disease regularly found in people any where'd
d) Disease irregularly found in people any where
viii) The number of cases of Dengue reported to WHO ………….
a) Decreased 8 times in the last ten years
b) Decreased 10 times in the last twenty years
c)Increased 10 times in the last eight years
d) Increased 8 times in the last twenty years
ix) What is the above report informing us about? Choose the most appropriate
responses
a) Spread of dengue and its effects around the world.
b) Spread of dengue and its under-reportage
c) Spread of Dengue and how it affects Asia
d) Spread of Dengue and directions on the use of vaccine
x) Where do weneed to administer the dengue vaccine?
a) In country where dengue is widespread
b) In country where dengue may spread
c) In country where dengue spread is limited
d) In country where dengue spread originated
xi) Choose which statement is ‘Not Correct’ as per the reports
a) Pre-screening must be done before administering the vaccine
b) Pre-screening must not be done before administering the vaccines
c) Pre-screening helps to identify people who have been dengue positive in the past
d) Pre-screening allows to target people who can be administered the vaccine
xii) In Afghanistan Dengue spread began in a
a) 2017 b) 2020 c) 2019 d) 1970
3.Read the passage given below and answer the questions by choosing the correct
option:=
1. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh began to
experience water shortages, life didn't grind to a halt. Why? Because ChewangNorphel, a
retired civil engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir government came up with the idea of
artificial glaciers.
2. Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000-3,500 metres above sea level, has a low
average annual rainfall rate of 50mm. Glaciers have always been the only source of water.

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Agriculture is completely dependent on glacier melt unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed
India. But over the years with increasing effects of climate change, rainfall and snowfall
patterns have been changing, resulting in severe shortage and drought situations. Given the
severe winter conditions, the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.
3. It is located between the natural glacier above and the village below. The one closer to the
village and lowest in altitude melts first, providing water during April/May, the crucial
sowing season. Further layers of ice above melt with increasing temperature thus ensuring
continuous supply to the fields. Thus, farmers have been able to manage two crops instead of
one. It costs about Rs.1,50,000 and above to create one.
4. Fondly called the "glacier man", Mr. Norphel has designed over 15 artificial glaciers in and
around Leh since 1987. In recognition of his pioneering effort, he was conferred the Padma
Shri by President Pranab Mukherjee, in 2015. 5. There are few basic steps followed in
creating the artificial glacier.
6. River or stream water at higher altitude is diverted to a shaded area of the hill, facing north,
where the winter sun is blocked by a ridge or a mountain range. At the start of
winter/November, the diverted water is made to flow onto sloping hill face through
distribution channels. Stone embankments are built at regular intervals which impede the
flow of water, making shallow pools and freeze, forming a cascade of ice along the slope. Ice
formation continues for 3-4 months resulting in a large accumulation of ice which is referred
to as an "artificial glacier".
Attempt the following multiple choice questions on the basis of the passage:
i. Who was ChewangNorphel?
a) Retired Civil Engineer b) On duty Mechanical Engineer
c) A Resident of Jammu and Kashmir d) An Army Officer
ii. What kind of land form is Ladakh?
a) Plain grass land b) Cold Desert
c) Hot Desert d) Tropical Rain Forest
iii. Why have Glaciers been the only source of water for Ladakh?
a) Due to heavy rain fall. b) Due to low average rain fall.
c) Due to the flow of rivers. d) Due to the presence of rainy forests.
iv. Why has the pattern of snowfall and rainfall changed?
a) Due to climate change. b) Due to atmospheric pressure.
c) Due to hills. d) Due to grass lands.
v. How are Glaciers significant for irrigation?
a) As they are the source of water for the crops.
b) As they are the medium of irrigation.
c) As they are the hilly areas.
d) As they are covered with forests.
vi. How do farmers manage to grow two crops instead of one?
a) Because of artificial glaciers. b) Because of natural glaciers.
c) Because of climate change. d) Because of cold atmosphere.
vii. In which year did President Pranab Mukherjee confer Padma Shri to Mr. Norphel?
a) 2013 b) 2014 c) 2015 d) 2016
viii. How many months does the ice formation continue for?
a) 2-3 months b) 3-4 months c) 4-5 months d) 5-6 months
ix. Find the word in the paragraph 6 which means the same as ‘gathering’.
a) Altitude b) Embankment c) Accumulation d) Cascade
x. Find the word from the paragraph 5 which is the opposite of ‘natural’.
a) Artificial b) Cascade c) Anti-natural d) Anti-artificial

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xi. At what time the diverted water is made to flow onto sloping hill face
throughdistributionchannels?
a) April/May b) November c) December d) February
xii. Who is called the "glacier man"?
a) Leh b) ChewangNorphel c) Pranab Mukherjee d) Ladakh
4. Read the passage given below.
Why does a person become overconfident? The reason lies in the over assessment of his
capabilities. Sometimes people over assess their competence and jump into situations that are
beyond theircontrol.
Napoleon Bonaparte who became the Emperor of France would say that the word
‘impossible’ was common only amongst fools. The overconfident Napoleon invaded Russia
in the winter of 1812. This proved to be a bigdisaster.
Overconfidence generally leads people into misadventures, endangering their chances in life.
It is wisely said that any achievement is the result of two factors - one’s personal planning
and support from the external world. People, take into account only their planning, generally
ignoring external factors. As a result they are unable to foresee future developments. Hence, a
great risk of failure.
Then there is the question: how can one manage overconfidence? The formula is very simple.
Before taking a decision discuss the matter with other informed people with an objective
mind and when it is proved that you are about to go off the path, accept reality and say
without delay, “I waswrong”.
Overconfidence is a flaw characterizing people who lack the virtue of modesty. Modesty
makes you a realist; you become a person who is cut down to size. People of this kind
become very cautious; before taking an action they assess the whole situation. They adopt a
realistic approach.
Overconfident people live within their thoughts. They know themselves but they are unaware
of others. Living inside their own cell they are unable to make use of the experience of
others. This kind of habit is highly damaging to allconcerned.
There is a saying that the young man sees the rule and the old man sees the exception , with a
slight change, I would like to say that the overconfident person sees the rule and confident
person sees the exception. Overconfident people are always at risk. It is said that taking risk
is good but it must be well calculated otherwise it becomes very dangerous.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer questions from the thatfollow
1. A person becomes overconfident because he
a) wants to showoff. b) wants to be famous in no time.
c) makes over assessment of his capabilities d) all of the above
2.Overconfidence generally leads people to
a) Success b) GoodFortune c) Uncontrollable situations d)Pinnacle
3. Napoleon Bonaparte was with a practical approach when he attacked Russia. (True/False)
4. One can manage overconfidence by
a) Discussing the matter with other informed people.
b) Listening to oneself and changing the strategy whenever required
c) Being adamant in everysituation d) Both (a) and (b)
5.Achievement is a result of
a) Personal planning b) Support from the external world
c) Both (a) and (b) d) None of the above
6.Realistic approach in the passage refers to
a) Leaving the task if it is toodifficult. b) Keeping the plan a secret until success is achieved.
c) Not paying heed to others’advice.
d)To be practical or pragmatic rather than being ideal or moral.

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7. Which one of the following is not true about overconfident people?
a) They live inside their owncell b)They are unaware ofothers.
c) They don’t make use of experience ofothers.
d) They become very cautious and assess the whole situation.
8. Taking risk is not goodwhen
a) One is well informed b) He is practical and realistic in his approach
c) Risk is not calculated d) One uses the experience of others
9. The synonym of the word ‘misadventure’ in Para 3 is
a) Unhappy b) Mishap c) Unpleasant d) Unfortunate
10. ‘Endangering’ in Para 3means
a) Reckless b) Extinct c) Threatening d) Competence
11.‘Assess’ in Para 5 is closest to which of the following words
a) Acquire b) Accept c) Analyse d) Assemble
12. The antonym of the word ‘Objective’is
a) Adjective b) Impartial c) Subjective d) Distractive
5. Read the passage given below carefully
1.”Teenagers? Stress? You must be joking.”.
This is probably the reaction when asked whether teenagers get set full and apprehensive.
For,it is generally believed that they have “no responsibilities no worries and no duties”. But
that is not true.

2.In today’s competitive world, one needs to struggle and fight to make it in this dynamic, yet
uncertain environment that is both stressful and anxiety inducing. Teenagers face app married
and of pressure, three of which are briefly discussed here. The pressure to perform that is to
do well academically comes principally from parents, teachers and peers.

3.The lack of aptitude tests or respecting the students’ preferences push them into fields
which were not interest them or for which they are not equipped. Apart from the pressure to
perform well, they are often burdened with the pressure to conform to the norms laid down
by society. Next, teenagers are pressurised to reform themselves. This is commonly
experienced especially by students in the age group of 13 to 17 years.
Everybody is telling them when to wake up and what to do. Here’s what you can do to deal
with these pressures. As a result of pressure, teenagers are often found to be very anxious. A
sign of anxiety is holding one’s breath. The easy way out to take deep breaths at regular
intervals, trying to calm your mind.
4.Modern life’s competitiveness and challenges put a tremendous load of work on teenagers.
They need to understand that they are strong enough to handle the tough challenges in life,
studying and assignments being two of them. Procrastinators that is people who habitually
delay and postpone due to their work, need to cultivate;” the art of starting;” and this involves
dealing with the minor discomfort experienced while beginning a task. Once a job has started,
it is much easier to continue.
5.Some students worry about factors like social and financial status, intelligence and habits
that might make them different from their peers. Effective stress management lies in having a
healthy attitude towards competition, work, friends and acquaintances. It lies in taking life as
it comes, doing your best and being prepared for the worst.
On the basis of your reading of the passage, answerthe following questions:
i.The following passage is about
a. stress and others b. stress and woman c. stress and teenagers d. stress and old people
ii. . What kind of pressure or faced by teenagers?

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 a. pressure to do well academically. b. present to confirm to the norms laid down by the
society.c. pressure to reform themselves stop. d. all of the above.
iii. What age group of teenagers are pressurised to reform themselves?
a) 12 to 16 years b) 11 to 15 years c) 13 to 18 years d) 13 to 17 years
iv) Choose the option that list the correct answers for the following.
1.Ajay is 13 years old boy who is taking up small cooking courses as he wants to persuade
the cooking career.
2. Rajan is 15 years old boy who is always into books and has frequent breakdowns.
a. Both are under stress of competition
b. both Ajay and Raja are devoid of stress
c. Ranjit he stressed while Ajay is enjoying life
d. Ajay is stressed while Rajan is enjoying his life.
v) Which off the following factors become a source of worry for many students?
1. Social status2. Financial status 3. Intelligence4. habit 5 career 6. Relationships
a) 1 and 5 b) 2&4 c)3&5 d)All of these
vi) Who are ‘procrastinators’?
a)People who do their work on time b) people who did who do their work before time
c) people who never do their work d) people who have actually postpone during their work.
vii) The word ‘fretful’ is the passage the passage means
a) Excited b) feeling Joy c) feeling distressed d) Dull
viii) The word ‘anxiety’ in para 2 means
a) Being calm b) a troubled state of mind c) behaving properly d) being serious
ix. In the line “…..fretful and apprehensive”, apprehensive does not correspond with
a) Anxious b) Understanding c) Fidgety d) Uneasy
x. The pressures faced by the teenagers come from
a) Teachers b) Friends c) Parents d) All the above
xi. Why does parents push students into field that does not suit them?
a) The desire for easy success b) Lack of career counseling
c) Lack of aptitude tests d) The need to follow a stable career
xii. The author of the given passage is trying to _________ the students.
a) Amuse b) Encourage c) Inform d) Scare