Explore a curated selection of UPSC Prelims Topic Wise Questions focusing on Comprehension at Level 2. Dive into a diverse array of passages and questions designed to enhance your reading comprehension skills and prepare you for the UPSC Preliminary examination. This resource offers a structured approach to mastering the art of understanding and analyzing complex texts, ensuring thorough coverage of comprehension topics at an intermediate level. Whether you’re a beginner seeking to improve your reading skills or an advanced candidate aiming to refine your comprehension abilities, these meticulously crafted questions provide valuable practice opportunities and insights. With a strategic emphasis on topic-wise questions, aspirants can strengthen their ability to comprehend and interpret information effectively. Elevate your preparation, grasp essential insights, and optimize your performance in the UPSC Prelims with proficiency in comprehension at Level 2.
Passage
A country under foreign domination seeks escape from the present in dreams of a vanished age and finds consolation in visions of which many of that is a foolish and dangerous pastime in which of us indulge.
An equally questionable practice for us in India is to imagine that we are still spiritually great though we have comimagine in the world or other respects. Spirituala or any other greatness cannot be founded on lack of freedom and opportunity or on starvation and misery.
Many Western writers have encouraged that notion that Indians are other-worldly. I suppose the poor and unfortunate in every country become to some extent other-worldly, unless they become revolutionaries, for this world is evidently not meant for them. So, also subject peoples. As a man grows to maturity he is not entirely engrossed in or satisfied with, the external objective world. He seeks also some inner meaning, some Psychological and Physical satisfactions. So, also with peoples and civilisations as theymature and grow adult.
Every civilisation and every people exhibit these parallel streams of an external life and an internal life. Where they meet or keep close to each other, there is an equilibrium and stability. When they diverge conflict arises and the crises that torture the mind and spirit. (2011)
Q1. The passage mentions that ‘this world is evidently not meant for them.
It refers to people who
1. seek freedom from foreign domination.
2. live in starvation and misery.
3. become revolutionaries.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) Only 3
Ans. (b)
The passage indicates that “this world” refers to those who live in starvation and misery, encompassing the poor and unfortunate individuals in every country. It terms the marginalized and impoverished as “other-worldly,” implying that the current societal structure is not suited for their well-being.
Q2. Consider the following assumptions.
1. A country under foreign domination cannot indulge in spiritual pursuit.
2. Poverty is an impediment in the spiritual pursuit.
3. Subject peoples may become other-worldly.
With reference to the passage, which of the above assumption(s) is/are valid?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) Only 3
Ans. (c)
Assumptions (2) and (3) are deemed valid with reference to the passage because the passage suggests that spirituality becomes a focus for civilizations and individuals as they mature, regardless of their financial circumstances. It also implies that the term “other-worldly” can be interpreted as referring to people who are dominated by another superpower, rather than solely those who are impoverished.
Q3. The passage thematically centres on
(a) the state of mind of oppressed people
(b) starvation and misery
(c) the growth of civilisation
(d) body, mind and spirit of people in general
Ans. (a)
The passage’s thematic focus is on the mental state of oppressed individuals.
Q4. According to the passage, the torture of the mind and spirit is caused
(a) by the impact of foreign domination.
(b) by the desire to escape from foreign domination and find consolation in visions of past greatness.
(c) due to lack of equilibrium between an external life and an internal life.
(d) due to one’s inability to be either revolutionary or other.
Ans. (c)
As per the passage, the torment of the mind and spirit arises from the absence of balance between an external life and an internal life.
Passage
For achieving inclusive growth there is a critical need to rethink the role of the State. The early debate among economists about the size of the Government can be misleading. The need of the hour is to have an enabling Government. India is too large and complex a nation for the State to be able to deliver all that is needed. Asking the Government to produce all the essential goods, create all the necessary jobs and keep a curb on the prices of all goods is to lead to a large cumbersome bureaucracy and widespread corruption.
The aim must be to stay with the objective of inclusive growth that was laid down by the founding fathers of the nation and also to take a more modern view of what the State can realistically deliver. This is what leads to the idea of an enabling State, i.e. a Government that does not try to directly deliver to the citizens everything that they need. Instead, it (1) creates an enabling ethos for the market so that individual enterprise can flourish and citizens can, for the most part, provide for the needs of one another and (2) steps in to help those who do not manage to do well for themselves, for there will always be individuals, no matter what the system, ‘who need support and help’. Hence, we need a Government that, when it comes to the market, sets effective, incentive-compatible rules and remains on the sidelines with minimal interference and at the same time, plays an important role in directly helping the poor by ensuring that they get basic education and health services and receive adequate nutrition and food. (2011)
Q5. According to the passage
1. The objective of inclusive growth was laid down by the founding fathers of the nation.
2. Need of the hour is to have an enabling government.
3. The government should engage in maximum interference in market processes.
4. There is a need to change the size of the government.
Which of the statement(s) given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 4
(d) All of these
Ans. (a)
According to the passage, statements (1) and (2) are accurate. The objective of inclusive growth, as set forth by the founding fathers of the nation, aligns with the contemporary understanding of what the state can feasibly achieve. In modern society, there is a requirement for an enabling government that fosters an ethos for the market, allowing individual enterprise to thrive and enabling customers to fulfill their needs.
Q6. According to the passage, the strategy of inclusive growth can be effected by focusing on
(a) meeting all the needs of every citizen in the country.
(b) increasing the regulations over the manufacturing sector.
(c) controlling the distribution of manufactured goods.
(d) delivery of the basic services to the deprived sections of the society.
Ans. (d)
According to the passage, the strategy of inclusive growth can be implemented by prioritizing the delivery of basic services to the disadvantaged segments of society.
Q7. What constitutes an enabling government?
1. A large bureaucracy.
2. Implementation of welfare programmes through representatives.
3. Creating an ethos that helps individual enterprise.
4. Providing resources underprivileged. to those who are
5. Offering direct help to the poor regarding basic services.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 4 and 5
(c) 3, 4 and 5
(d) All of the above
Ans. (c)
Statements (3), (4), and (5) are accurate, as an enabling government indeed encompasses creating an environment conducive to individual enterprise, allocating resources to support the underprivileged, and offering direct assistance to the poor regarding basic services. However, statements (1) and (2) are incorrect.
Q8. Why is the State unable to deliver ‘all that is needed’?
1. It does not have sufficient bureaucracy.
2. It does not promote inclusive growth.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (d)
None of the statements are correct. The passage indicates that the state cannot fulfill all that is needed due to the vastness and complexity of India, as doing so would require establishing a large and cumbersome bureaucracy, leading to widespread corruption.
Q9. What is the essential message being conveyed by the author of the passage?
(a) The objectives of inclusive growth laid down by the founding fathers of the nation should be remembered.
(b) The Government needs to make available more schools and health services.
(c) The Government needs to establish markets and industries to meet the needs of the poor strata of the society.
(d) There is a need to rethink the role of the State in achieving inclusive growth.
Ans. (d)
The primary message conveyed by the author is the necessity to reconsider the role of the State in achieving inclusive growth.
Passage
The concept of a “creative society” refers to a stage of societal development characterized by the emergence of numerous potential contradictions that become articulated and active. This phase is most apparent when oppressed social groups mobilize politically and demand their rights. Examples include the upsurge of peasants and tribals, movements for regional autonomy and self-determination, environmental movements, and women’s movements in developing countries. While the forms and intensity of these social movements may vary across countries and regions, their presence across various spheres of society signifies the emergence of a creative society within a country.
(2011)
Q10. What does the author imply by ‘creative society’?
1. A society where diverse art forms and literary writings seek incentive.
2. A society where social inequalities are accepted as the norm.
3. A society where a large number of contradictions are recognised.
4. A society where the exploited and the oppressed groups grow conscious of their human rights and upliftment.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) Only 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4
Ans. (b)
Statement (4) is indeed correct. In a “creative society,” oppressed and exploited groups become aware of their human rights and strive for their upliftment.
Q11. What according to the passage are the manifestations of social movements?
1. Aggressiveness and being incendiary.
2. Instigation by external forces.
3. Quest for social equality and individual freedom.
4. Urge for granting privileges and self-respect to disparaged sections of the society.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) All of the these
Ans. (c)
According to the passage, statements (3) and (4) are indeed manifestations of social movements. These include the quest for social equality and individual freedom, as well as the urge to grant privileges and self-respect to disparaged sections of society.
Q12. With reference to the passage, consider the following statements.
1. To be a creative society, it is essential to have a variety of social movements.
2. To be a creative society, it is imperative to have potential contradictions and conflicts.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (a)
Both the statements (1) and (2) are correct as it is clearly mentioned in the passage that the presence of movements indicates emergence of a creative society and large number of potential contradictions and conflicts happens in a creative society.
Passage
Today’s developing economies utilize significantly less energy per capita than developed countries did at similar income levels, indicating the potential for lower-carbon growth. A climate-smart development strategy must integrate adaptation and mitigation efforts to enhance resilience, reduce the risk of further global warming, and improve development outcomes. Such measures can contribute to advancing development and prosperity, raising incomes, and fostering better institutions. A healthier population, living in well-constructed homes with access to financial services and social security, is better prepared to cope with a changing climate and its impacts. Implementing robust, resilient development policies that promote adaptation is essential given the increasing climate changes already underway.
The spread of economic prosperity has historically been closely linked to adaptation to changing ecological conditions. However, as growth has impacted the environment and environmental changes have accelerated, sustaining growth and adaptability require an increased capacity to comprehend our environment.
The development of new adaptive technologies and practices and their widespread dissemination are crucial in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Throughout history, much of humankind’s creative potential has been focused on adapting to a changing world. However, adaptation alone may not be sufficient to mitigate all the impacts of climate change, especially as larger changes unfold in the long term.
Countries cannot simply grow their way out of harm’s way quickly enough to keep pace with the changing climate. Moreover, certain growth strategies, whether driven by governmental policies or market forces, may exacerbate vulnerability, particularly if they involve overexploitation of natural resources. For instance, under the Soviet development plan, the expansion of irrigated cotton cultivation in water-stressed Central Asia led to the near disappearance of the Aral Sea, jeopardizing the livelihoods of fishermen, herders, and farmers. Additionally, the clearance of mangroves, which serve as natural coastal buffers against storm surges, to make way for intensive farming or housing development, heightens the physical vulnerability of coastal settlements, whether in Guinea or Louisiana. (2011)
Q13. Which of the following conditions of growth can add to vulnerability?
1. When the growth occurs due to excessive exploitation of mineral resources and forests.
2. When the growth brings about a change in humankind’s creative potential.
3. When the growth is envisaged only for providing houses and social security to the people.
4. When the growth occurs due to emphasis on farming only.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) Only 1
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) All of these
Ans. (c)
Conditions (1) and (4) are growth factors that can exacerbate vulnerability. The text suggests that excessive exploitation of natural resources can contribute to susceptibility to climate change.
Q14. What does low-carbon growth imply in the present context?
1. More emphasis on the use of renewable sources of energy.
2. Less emphasis on manufacturing sector and more emphasis on agricultural sector.
3. Switching over from monoculture practices to mixed farming.
4. Less demand for goods and services.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) Only 1
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) None of these
Ans. (a)
The term “low carbon” refers to renewable energy sources that have low carbon emissions and can be replenished and reused.
Q15. Which of the following condition(s) is/are necessary for sustainable economic growth?
1. Spreading of economic prosperity more.
2. Popularizing/spreading of adaptive technologies widely.
3. Investing on research in adaptation and mitigation technologies.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) All of these
Ans. (b)
Statements (2) and (3) are accurate because the widespread adoption of adaptive technologies is necessary, and investment in research is crucial for the advancement of adaptation and mitigation technologies.
Q16. Which of the following inferences can be made from the passage?
1. Rainfed crops should not be cultivated in irrigated areas.
2. Farming under water-deficient areas should not be a part of development strategy.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (d)
The passage emphasizes the necessity of developing adaptive and mitigative technologies to address climate change. However, it does not advocate exclusively cultivating rainfed crops in irrigated areas. The author also does not discourage farming in water-deficient regions.
Q17. Consider the following assumptions.
1. Sustainable economic growth demands the use of creative potential of man.
2. Intensive agriculture can lead to ecological backlash.
3. Spread of economic prosperity can adversely affect the ecology and environment.
With reference to the passage, which of the above assumption(s) is/are valid?
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) All of these
Ans. (d)
All the provided assumptions are considered valid. The second paragraph asserts that a significant portion of humanity’s ingenuity has been devoted to adjusting to a dynamic world. Examples such as the cotton cultivation initiative in the Soviet Union and the mangrove ecosystems in Guinea underscore the support for intensive agriculture. Additionally, the passage highlights the interconnectedness between the expansion of economic prosperity and environmental circumstances.
Passage
Education, without a doubt, has an important functional, instrumental and utilitarian dimension. This is revealed when one asks questions such as ‘what is the purpose of education?” The answers, too often, are ‘to acquire qualifications for employment/upward mobility’, wider/ higher (in terms of income) opportunities’, and ‘to meet the needs for trained human power in diverse fields for national development’. But in its deepest sense education is not instrumentalist. That is to say, it is not to be justified outside of itself because it leads to the acquisitions of formal skills or of certain desired psychological-social attributes. It must be respected in itself. Education is thus, not a commodity to be acquired or possessed and then used, but a process of inestimable importance to individuals and society, although it can and does have enormous use value. Education then, is a process of expansion and conversion, not in the sense of converting or turning students into doctors or engineers, but the widening and turning out of the mind, the creation, sustenance and development of self-critical awareness and independence of thought. It is an inner process of moral-intellectual development. (2012)
Q18. What do you understand by the ‘instrumentalist’ view of education?
(a) Education is functional and utilitarian in its purposes
(b) Education is meant to fulfil human needs
(c) The purpose of education is to train the human intellect
(d) Education is meant to achieve moral development
Ans. (a)
According to the passage, the ‘instrumentalist’ perspective on education views it as serving functional and utilitarian purposes, rather than solely focusing on acquiring formal skills.
Q19. According to the passage, education must be respected in itself because
(a) it helps to acquire qualifications for employment
(b) it helps in upward mobility and acquiring social status
(c) it is an inner process of moral and intellectual development
(d) All of the above
Ans. (c)
The author of the provided passage asserts that education is a transformative journey involving both expansion and conversion. It encompasses the inner growth of moral and intellectual development.
Q20. Education is a process in which
(a) students are converted into trained professionals
(b) opportunities for higher income are generated
(c) individuals develop self-critical awareness and independence of thought
(d) qualifications for upward mobility are acquired
Ans. (c)
The passage highlights that education is a journey wherein individuals cultivate self-critical awareness and foster independence of thought.
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