Reading Comprehension Practice Set: 1

Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Published on Friday, April 07, 2017

Marcus Bartley hails from a family of renowned doctors in Yercaud. It was
expected that Bartley too would enter that profession. But even in school,
he knew what he wanted to do. His parents left him to make his own
choices, and in 1940, Bartley headed to Bombay and got a job as a rookie
photographer/reporter with a leading newspaper.

Starting young
In the small, closely-knit coterie of press photographers, he met Ellis R
Dungan, Shantilal Shah (whom I married much later), BK Dilwali of Simla
Studios, Carlo Marconi, and Homai Vyarawalla. Bartley did not have any
formal training in photography, but he was willing to work hard and do the
smallest of jobs. He observed, read, watched and absorbed. My husband
would say that as a press photographer, you clicked on the run, and
considered yourself lucky if you got four to five clear photographs from a
roll of 36. With Bartley, it was almost always 36 out of 36.
In 1945, with the War over, Bartley returned to Madras and cranked his first
film. When we caught up with him in 1956, this tall, welcoming man with
bright blue eyes was head of the photography department of Vauhini
Studios owned by B Nagi Reddy.
Much has been said of Bartley being a difficult person to get along with,
because of his bad temper. The truth is that he was a perfectionist, and
could not deal with an unprofessional attitude. He didn’t believe in
hierarchies and treated everyone the same; it is possible he didn’t even
know the names of the stars in his films. All that mattered to him was that
they were punctual.
The lensman
He did not understand Hindi, spoke fractured Tamil and Telugu, but he
made it a point to sit with the script writer and director, understanding the
screenplay, so he could work on his lighting style. His specialty was special
effects, particularly for mythological films. Bartley had hand-picked a team
of light boys and assistants, who carried out his instructions, working in
efficient silence. He rarely allowed anyone to handle his lenses. I have
seen him holding on to them as though they were the Holy Grail. He was
focussed and would work for nights before the actual shooting, lighting the
set to make it perfect. He worked with glamorous film stars, but rarely
socialised with them. He was teased for being one of the rare Anglo Indians
who never danced.
Chemmeen and beyond
He was excited when Ramu Kariat signed him on for Chemmeen
(Malayalam). There were endless problems with this film. After the famed
Hrishikesh Mukherjee stepped in to re-edit the confused footage, the film
was released in 1965, to unanimous acclaim by critics and audiences.
Every aspect of the film was highly praised, in particular the photography
by Bartley.
But there were also rumours that Bartley had walked out midway over
money matters. No one who knew him would believe he would jeopardise a
production over money. Creative differences or unprofessionalism perhaps,
but money was the least important aspect of his profession. Sadly, some
portions of the film had to be completed by another cameraman and that
was enough to cost Bartley the National Award that year. Many years later,
senior cameraman U Rajagopal told me that he was only called in to
complete patchwork. Bartley finally received the Award in 1969/1970 for
Shanti Nilayam.
Later years
Bartley was not in good health. He had long suffered with diabetes, refused
to go to a doctor, treating himself instead. By 1988, he seemed to lose his
driving interest. He was restless and lonely. He decided to give up
cinematography, but had more work than he could cope with, repairing
lenses.
Arriflex made him their authorised service person and Bartley would sit for
hours, doing precision work alone, in silence. He had never had a large
circle of friends as his scholarship and iconoclastic brilliance did not allow
casual chat. His son Alan admitted him to a hospital but Nagi Reddy shifted
Bartley to Vijaya Hospital where he was given personal attention. From the
Studios to the Vijaya Hospital, it was as though the wheel had come full
circle.
A few days later, as I was about to drive to the hospital, I received his son’s
call that Bartley had passed away. The roads to his home were jammed for
hours. Cars were abandoned and we walked. There were hundreds of
weeping people, friends choked with grief, mounds of garlands. His peers,
members of every association of the film industry were present. There are
not many who remember him today. But his achievements as pioneer,
visionary, genius, and guru live on. Rajiv Menon and Madhu Ambat call me
on occasion and we speak of Marcus Bartley. He will never be forgotten.
(Source: The Hindu 5 April, 2017)

(1). According to passage, it was difficult to get along with Marcus

Bartley because of his
(a) bad temper.
(b) rude behaviour.
(c) tough style of working in film industry.
(d) drug addiction.

(2). Consider the following statements regarding the film 'Chemmeen

'
I. Bartley was very excited when Ramu Kariat signed him for Chemmeen.
II. Chemmeen was a Tamil film.
III. It was released in 1965.
Select the correct statements using the code given below.
(a) II and III only
(b) I and II only
(c) All are Correct
(d) I and III only

(3). Where did Marcus Bartley get his first job?

(a) Bollywood
(b) Acting School
(c) Newspaper
(d) Writer

(4). For which film Marcus Bartley got his first National Award 1969-
1970?
(a) Chemmeen
(b) Shanti Nilayam
(c) Mayabazaar
(d) Vyarawalla

(5). Which of the following statements is incorrect about Marcus

Bartley?
(a) He was fluent in Tamil and Telugu.
(b) He got his first film in Madras.
(c) He was an Anglo-Indian.
(d) He was a cinematographer.

(6). Choose the word/words which is Most Similar to the word printed
in bold in the passage.
Grail
(a) Cup
(b) Beaker
(c) Sacred Vessel
(d) draught

(7). Choose the word which is Most Similar to the word printed in bold
in the passage.
Unanimous
(a) Divided
(b) Universal
(c) Popular
(d) Cut

(8). Choose the word which is Most Opposite to the word printed in
bold in the passage.
Rookie
(a) Expert
(b) Colt
(c) Trainee
(d) Apprentice

(9). Choose the word which is Most Opposite to the word printed in
bold in the passage.
Jeopardise
(a) Stake
(b) Risk
(c) Imperil
(d) Protect

(10). Choose the word which is Most Similar to the word printed in
bold in the passage.
Iconoclastic
(a) Individualistic
(b) Agnostic
(c) Atheistic
(d) Unbelieving

Reading Comprehension Practice Set II

Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Published on Tuesday, April 11, 2017

India is the world’s most populous democracy and will, by 2030, be the
most populous country, overtaking China. And it is young — there are more
Indian 10-year-olds than there are Australians.
With more than a dozen distinct languages, scripts and religions, India is
multiculturalism on the grandest scale. And to sustain a vibrant modern
democracy, surely India is one of the greatest political achievements of our
times.

Once you appreciate its size, you see its potential. Think of all those 10-
year-olds who will one day be voting in India’s elections and who will also,
one day, belong to India’s middle class, the engine of
its booming economy.Put all that together and it’s easy to understand why
India will play a central role in our region and the world and, I hope for
Australians, it is easier to see why the relationship between our two
countries has never been more important.
That formal relationship began for many Australians in 1950, when Robert
Menzies became the first Australian leader to visit independent India. Since
then, both countries have been transformed. Now we must turn our
attention to transforming the relationship to one that matches India’s huge
needs and its enormous potential with our people, Australia’s best assets,
as well as our resources and our shared democratic traditions.
I am delighted to be taking up Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to
make my first official visit to India as Prime Minister, from April 9-12.
Three focus areas
During the visit we will focus on three areas of our relationship that show
great potential: our economic, knowledge and strategic partnerships.
India is inspiring the world with its explosive economic growth. Its economic
take-off is lifting millions out of poverty, transforming the country into the
world’s fastest-growing major economy, with forecasted growth of 7.5% in
2017. This is a stunning result for India, and a rare opportunity for Australia.
From Mumbai to Melbourne, from Bengaluru to Brisbane, India will be in
the market to buy some of the best things Australia has to offer.
Two-way trade is growing, and approaching $20 billion, but that’s far too
low and there’s so much more we can do. This will be a key focus of my
visit. I’ll meet with executives from some of India’s biggest companies, and
speak with Australian entrepreneurs in India who are expanding their
market reach into this extraordinary country.
The Government will announce the results of the tenth round of the
Australia-India Strategic Research Fund. Worth more than $100 million,
this initiative has enabled our sharpest minds to collaborate in areas such
as food security and health, and advance the boundaries of human
knowledge in quantum computing, nanotechnology and astronomy. By
combining our talents, we can add to the technological achievements
already made in both our countries.
As an education destination
For decades our citizens have been criss-crossing the Indian Ocean in
search of knowledge. Last year, Australia was the second-most popular
study destination for Indian students — 60,000 came to Australia to learn.
Through the Government’s New Colombo Plan, I want to see more and
more young Australians choosing India as a place to study and boost their
own qualifications and experience. India’s demand for our minerals and
resources remains high. But education is a new pathway to shared
prosperity. Consider the numbers — the Indian Government is aiming to
train 400 million people by 2022. We can help them achieve this goal.
A great strength of our education relationship is found in the higher
education and research sector. Collaboration between our institutes on
high-end research, innovation, science and technology are central to
developing our knowledge partnership.Having met twice already, Mr. Modi
and I know that our close economic cooperation is also matched by shared
strategic priorities.
The security and stability of the Indo-Pacific is fundamental to both of us
and my visit provides an opportunity to discuss key regional and
geostrategic issues and strengthen our engagement. As liberal
democracies, we can work together to encourage free trade and prosperity
and to help safeguard security and the rule of law in our region.
The Indian link
At home, we are lucky that India — its culture, its art, its food, its people —
has become such a large and important part of Australian life. Half a million
Australians are of Indian descent. That number increases each year.
Whether it’s Little India in Melbourne, Diwali celebrations in Brisbane, or
the long-established Sikh community on the North Coast of New South
Wales, modern Australia, the most successful multicultural society in the
world, could not be imagined without the contribution of Indian-Australians.
(Source: The Hindu)

(1). According to the given passage, which of the following

statements regarding 'Robert Menzies ' is correct?
(a) He is the current Prime Minister of Australia.
(b) He was the first Australian leader to visit independent India.
(c) He is the current Defence Minister of Australia.
(d) He was the first Anglo-Indian leader to visit Australia in 1950.

(2). Consider the following statements regarding 'India' as described by the

writer
I. India will be the most populous country by 2030.
II. India is one of the greatest political achievements of the world.
III. Currently, India is the biggest defence partner of Australia.
Which of the above statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) All are Correct

(3). What is the worth of the tenth round of the Australia-India

Strategic Research Fund?
(a) $ 400 Million
(b) $ 50 Million
(c) $ 100 Million
(d) $ 300 Million
(4). The writer of the above passage is visiting India on the invitation
of
(a) CM of Maharashtra
(b) Vice-President
(c) President
(d) Prime Minister

(5). Currently, the two way trade between India and Australia is
(a) $ 100 Million
(b) $ 20 Billion
(c) $ 100 Billion
(d) $ 200 Million

(6). Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding

Australia in context with India?
(a) Last year, Australia was the second-most popular study destination for
Indian students.
(b) Half a million Australians are of Indian Origin
(c) Last year, Australia was the most popular study destination for Indian
students
(d) Both (a) and (b)

(7). Choose the word/words which is Most Similar to the word printed
in bold in the passage.
Booming
(a) Failing
(b) Growing
(c) Profitable
(d) Thunderous

(8). Choose the word/words which is Most Similar to the word printed
in bold in the passage.
Vibrant
(a) Spirited
(b) Pale
(c) Sluggish
(d) Zippy

(9). Choose the word which is Most Opposite to the word printed in
bold in the passage.
Delighted
(a) Captivated
(b) Entranced
(c) Ecstatic
(d) Melancholy

(10). Choose the word which is Most Opposite to the word printed in
bold in the passage.
Descent
(a) Plunge
(b) Droop
(c) Ascent
(d) Swoop

DIRECTIONS for the question 1-4: The question consists of five statements
labelled A, B, C, D and E which when logically ordered form a coherent
passage. Choose the option that represents the most logical order.
1.
A. In simpler terms, it is the Indian version of the Razzies.
B. The 3rd Golden Kela Awards will be hosted by Cyrus Broacha this
year.
C. It was created in order to ridicule the bad performances and as a
revenge for wasting our precious time and money on such idiotic
films.
D. The Golden Kela is held each year where awards are given for
the year's worst in Bollywood.
E. It was created by Random magazine, India's longest running
humor magazine in the year 2009.
 A. DAECB
B. BACDE
C. ACEDB
D. CEADB
2
E. Despite the strong performance of the economy in 2010-11, the
outlook for 2011-12 is clouded by stubborn and persistently high
inflation, and rising external risks.
B. The three key macroeconomic concerns before the Union Budget
2011-12 were high inflation, high current account deficit (CAD), and
fiscal consolidation.
C. Additionally, there was an expectation that the government would
restart the reform process.
D. While the Budget sets a lower nominal gross domestic product
(GDP) growth target of 14%, we believe that the real GDP growth
target of 9% factored in the Budget is on the optimistic side.
E. E. The Budget has made an attempt to address all these issues,
albeit through small steps.
1. BCEAD
2. CBAED
3. DACEB
4. ADCEB

3
A. These were mainly bulwarks against winter, the hoarded dregs of
more plentiful seasons.
B. The first were the earliest mince pies, which saw cooked, shredded
meat, dried fruits, alcohol with its preservative qualities and perhaps a
few spices or herbs, all encased in large pies.
C. Subsequently, people baked this into a kind of pie, adding bread-
crumbs for bulk, eggs to bind it, and upping the dried fruits and called
it 'plum pudding'.
D. The pudding seems to have had two principal forerunners.
 E. The second main pudding was a pottage or soup called frumenty, a fast
dish involving cracked wheat, currants and almonds which was ladled
out at the start of a meal.
1. ECDAB
2. BAECD
3. DACEB
4. DBAEC

A. Environment Education unit of Centre for Science & Environment has

always been working towards providing easy to understand reading
material.
B. Their new publication on this subject is an attempt to lend teachers a
helping hand.
C. It unfolds in two sections: Climate change: how to make sense of it all
D. And natural resources how to share & care.
E. However, they are introduced to students not as a paragraph to
memorize but as an activity to do.
1. ACEBD
2. DBCAE
3. ABCDE
4. BECAD

5
A. A famous Japanese rock garden is at Ryoan-Ji in Northwest Kyoto,
Japan.
B. The rocks of various sizes are arranged on small white pebbles in five
groups, each comprising five, two, three, two, & three rocks.
C. The garden is 30 meters long from East to West & 10 meters from
north to south.
D. The garden contains 15 rocks arranged on the surface of white pebbles
in such a manner that visitors can see only 14 of them at once from
whichever angle the garden is viewed.
 E. There are no trees, just 15 irregularly shaped rocks of varying sizes,
some arranged by gravel/sand that is raked everyday.
A. ACEBD
B. CAEDB
C. DEABC
D. BADEC

D.1-5) A sentence or a part of the sentence is highlighted. Four alternatives

marked as (a), (b), (c) and (d) are given as substitutions for the highlighted
part, one of which will improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In
case no improvement is needed, choose the option “No improvement is
required” i.e. (e).

Q.1) According to officials, the department conducts a survey every year for
details of that the pensioner is alive and stays in the city.
1. a) to ensure that
2. b) to assured that
3. c) to claiming that
4. d) to detailed of that
5. e) No improvement is required.

Q.2) She says that when experienced bikers heard what she was going to
do, they ridiculed her and did not think it was possible to pull off.
1. a) experienced bikers that
2. b) experience bikers are
3. c) while experienced bikers are
4. d) while experienced bikers were
5. e) No improvement is required.
Q.3) A truck driver whose vehicle was suffered damages in the subsequent
incident said many motorists abandoned their vehicles because of the
miscreants.
1. a) suffering from the damages
2. b) affected by the damages
3. c) has affected by damages
4. d) suffered damages
5. e) No improvement is required.
Q.4) The station is one of most congests in the city and caters to more than
300 trains and sees a footfall of more than three lakh each day.
1. a) a most crowd area
2. b) the most congested
3. c) the more crowded
4. d) the more congested
 5. e) No improvement is required.
Q.5) As an incentive, the regulator has decide to offers 20 per cent rebate to
the complying industrial or commercial connections.
1. a) had decided to give a
2. b) has decided to offer
3. c) had deciding to give
4. d) was decided the offer of
5. e) No improvement is required.