Comprehension
Direction: Read the following passages carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the questions out of the four alternatives.
Passage
Implanting standards, right values, the science of good and evil are an essential part of education. Many forces thwart this to work, but two of the most serious hindrances to it are examinations and specialization. The examination system is both an opiate and a poison. It is an opiate because it lulls Man into believing that all is well when most is ill. It is a poison because it paralyses or at least slows down the natural activities of the healthy mind. Man finds himself a creature of unknown capacities in an unknown world, wants to learn what the world is like, what he should be and do in it. To help him in answering these questions is the one and only purpose of education. However, tests of progress are useful and necessary. Examinations are harmless when the examinee is indifferent to their result, but as soon as they matter, they begin to distort his attitude to education and to conceal its purpose. For disinter-estedness is the essence of all good education and liberal education is impossible without it.
MEANING OF WORDS/PHRASES
(1) thwart (V.) : to oppose successfully; prevent from accomplishing a purpose
(2) opiate (N.) : a drug derived from opium, to reduce severe pain
(3) lulls : to calm someone/someone’s tears, suspicions, etc. especially by deception
(4) indifferent (Adj.) : lakcing importance
(5) distort (V.) : to change the shape, appearance/sound of something so that it is strange/not clear
- One of the core elements of education is
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a right value system.
Correct Option: A
a right value system.
- The author considers specialization as
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an obstacle.
Correct Option: B
an obstacle.
Direction: Read the following passages carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the questions out of the four alternatives.
Passage
Riparian vegetation [the green band of vegetation along a watercourse] can help stabilize stream banks filter sediment from surface runoff and provide wildlife habitat, livestock forage, and scenic value. Well-developed vegetation also allows bank soils to absorb extra water during spring runoff, releasing it later during drier months, thus improving late summer stream flows. In many parts of the arid West, trees and shrubs are found only in riparian areas. Woody plants are very important as winter cover for many wildlife species, including upland game birds such as pheasants and turkeys. Often this winter cover is the greatest single factor limiting game bird populations. Woody vegetation also provides hiding cover and browse for many other species of birds and mammals, both game and nongame. Dead trees (snags) are an integral part of streamside habitats and should be left standing whenever possible. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, brown creepers, and other birds eat the insects that decompose the wood. These insects usually pose no threat to nearby living trees. Occasionally a disease organism or misuse of pesticides will weaken or kill a stand of trees. If several trees in a small area begin to die, contact your local extension agent immediately .
MEANING OF WORDS/PHRASES
(1) run-off (N.) : rain, water/ other liquid that runs-off land into streams and rivers
(2) forage (N.) : food for horses and cows
(3) arid (Adj.) : very dry (of land/climate)
(4) riparian (Adj.) : on, near or relating to the bank of a river
(5) upland (Adj.) : in/connected with an area of high land that is not near the coast
(6) browse (N.) : small twigs, leaves, and shoots that are fit for animals to eat
- How dependent are plants and animals on each other?
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Very dependent.
Correct Option: B
Very dependent.
- Overall the assertions seem to be based on
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facts derived from scientific literature.
Correct Option: C
facts derived from scientific literature.
- What is discussed in the second paragraph of this passage?
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How winter cover affects game bird populations.
Correct Option: D
How winter cover affects game bird populations.