Reading Comprehension · NDA previous year questions

2009 27 questions

1. Q442009 · 30 Aug 2009
   Directions

   Directions (For the 12 items which follow) : In this section, you have three short passages. After each passage, you will find several questions based on the passage. First, read a passage and then answer the questions based on it. You are required to select your answers based on the contents of the passage and opinion of the author only. No doubt, the 'green revolution' has led to self-sufficiency in food production but it has also brought with it the formidable problem of poisoning of food grains and other eatables. This is caused by excessive use of chemicals on crops and pesticide residues. It has also created havoc by exterminating the species of useful parasites and viruses which keep pests under control. Scientists are now worried about the resurgence of such formidable pests in menacing proportions which seem to undermine all that they have achieved in agricultural production.

   Who or what become 'drug-resistant', according to the passage?

   1. A.TB patients who are treated for a long time
   2. B.People who do not want to take medicine for their illness
   3. C.TB bacteria that have not been fully eradicated
   4. D.Patients who have discontinued the treatment
   Show answer

   Answer: C

2. Q452009 · 30 Aug 2009

   Directions (For the 6 items which follow) : In the following items, each passage consists of six sentences. The $\text{first}$ sentence (${\mathrm{S}}_1$) and the $\text{final}$ sentence (${\mathrm{S}}_6$) are given in the beginning. The middle four sentences in each have been removed and jumbled up. These are labelled P, Q, R and S. You are required to find out the proper sequence of the four sentences and mark accordingly on the Answer Sheet. ${\mathrm{S}}_1$ : Solar hot water systems that can supply hot water at an approximate temperature of $60{}^{\circ }\mathrm{C}$ continuously, have recently been introduced. ${\mathrm{S}}_6$ : Larger quantities of water can be heated by increasing the number of solar collectors. P : A similar 200-litre system, but with two collectors, ideal for a family of five or six, would cost around Rs 7,250. Q : A 100-litre per day system, suitable for a family of two or three, would cost around Rs 4,270. R : These rates, however, do not include the plumbing acquired to connect the system to the kitchen, bathroom or toilet of the building, transportation, installation and taxes. S : This includes the price of solar collector, a 100-litre insulated storage tank with fittings and an automatic water heater to be used during the monsoons or in an emergency. The proper sequence should be

   1. A.R - P - Q - S
   2. B.Q - S - P - R
   3. C.S - R - Q - P
   4. D.Q - P - S - R
   Show answer

   Answer: B

3. Q462009 · 30 Aug 2009

   Directions (For the 6 items which follow) : In the following items, each passage consists of six sentences. The $\text{first}$ sentence (${\mathrm{S}}_1$) and the $\text{final}$ sentence (${\mathrm{S}}_6$) are given in the beginning. The middle four sentences in each have been removed and jumbled up. These are labelled P, Q, R and S. You are required to find out the proper sequence of the four sentences and mark accordingly on the Answer Sheet. ${\mathrm{S}}_1$ : Solar hot water systems that can supply hot water at an approximate temperature of $60{}^{\circ }\mathrm{C}$ continuously, have recently been introduced. ${\mathrm{S}}_6$ : Larger quantities of water can be heated by increasing the number of solar collectors. P : A similar 200-litre system, but with two collectors, ideal for a family of five or six, would cost around Rs 7,250. Q : A 100-litre per day system, suitable for a family of two or three, would cost around Rs 4,270. R : These rates, however, do not include the plumbing acquired to connect the system to the kitchen, bathroom or toilet of the building, transportation, installation and taxes. S : This includes the price of solar collector, a 100-litre insulated storage tank with fittings and an automatic water heater to be used during the monsoons or in an emergency. ${\mathrm{S}}_1$ : Corruption has been accepted as a way of life in India. ${\mathrm{S}}_6$ : I think no serious effort has been made to eradicate the wide-spread evil in India. P : It is quite rampant in our country. Q : But it is pity that no one hesitates to accept it when he gets a chance. R : They criticize and condemn others for taking bribe. S : It is not uncommon to find people talking against corruption. The proper sequence should be

   1. A.P - Q - S - R
   2. B.P - S - R - Q
   3. C.S - P - Q - R
   4. D.R - Q - S - P
   Show answer

   Answer: B

4. Q472009 · 30 Aug 2009

   Directions (For the 6 items which follow) : In the following items, each passage consists of six sentences. The $\text{first}$ sentence (${\mathrm{S}}_1$) and the $\text{final}$ sentence (${\mathrm{S}}_6$) are given in the beginning. The middle four sentences in each have been removed and jumbled up. These are labelled P, Q, R and S. You are required to find out the proper sequence of the four sentences and mark accordingly on the Answer Sheet. ${\mathrm{S}}_1$ : Solar hot water systems that can supply hot water at an approximate temperature of $60{}^{\circ }\mathrm{C}$ continuously, have recently been introduced. ${\mathrm{S}}_6$ : Larger quantities of water can be heated by increasing the number of solar collectors. P : A similar 200-litre system, but with two collectors, ideal for a family of five or six, would cost around Rs 7,250. Q : A 100-litre per day system, suitable for a family of two or three, would cost around Rs 4,270. R : These rates, however, do not include the plumbing acquired to connect the system to the kitchen, bathroom or toilet of the building, transportation, installation and taxes. S : This includes the price of solar collector, a 100-litre insulated storage tank with fittings and an automatic water heater to be used during the monsoons or in an emergency. ${\mathrm{S}}_1$ : During college, Pamela Johnson had the opportunity to work with a famous anthropologist. ${\mathrm{S}}_6$ : She earned a doctorate and today holds a key government position. P : When her son was three, she undertook the four-year hard work of post-graduate studies. Q : But then she married, had a baby and became a full-time mother. R : None the less, Pamela never lost sight of her desire to study and assist tribal people. S : She enjoyed the experience and decided to major in Anthropology. The proper sequence should be

   1. A.Q - P - R - S
   2. B.S - R - Q - P
   3. C.R - S - Q - P
   4. D.S - Q - R - P
   Show answer

   Answer: D

5. Q482009 · 30 Aug 2009

   Directions (For the 6 items which follow) : In the following items, each passage consists of six sentences. The $\text{first}$ sentence (${\mathrm{S}}_1$) and the $\text{final}$ sentence (${\mathrm{S}}_6$) are given in the beginning. The middle four sentences in each have been removed and jumbled up. These are labelled P, Q, R and S. You are required to find out the proper sequence of the four sentences and mark accordingly on the Answer Sheet. ${\mathrm{S}}_1$ : Solar hot water systems that can supply hot water at an approximate temperature of $60{}^{\circ }\mathrm{C}$ continuously, have recently been introduced. ${\mathrm{S}}_6$ : Larger quantities of water can be heated by increasing the number of solar collectors. P : A similar 200-litre system, but with two collectors, ideal for a family of five or six, would cost around Rs 7,250. Q : A 100-litre per day system, suitable for a family of two or three, would cost around Rs 4,270. R : These rates, however, do not include the plumbing acquired to connect the system to the kitchen, bathroom or toilet of the building, transportation, installation and taxes. S : This includes the price of solar collector, a 100-litre insulated storage tank with fittings and an automatic water heater to be used during the monsoons or in an emergency. ${\mathrm{S}}_1$ : My friend Peter went to live in a village. ${\mathrm{S}}_6$ : It did not like to work. P : But it was a very slow animal. Q : So Peter bought a donkey for five pounds. R : One day his new neighbour told him that he must buy a donkey. S : Every family there had a donkey to carry things for them. The proper sequence should be

   1. A.S - R - Q - P
   2. B.S - P - R - Q
   3. C.Q - S - R - P
   4. D.Q - R - S - P
   Show answer

   Answer: A

6. Q492009 · 30 Aug 2009

   Directions (For the 6 items which follow) : In the following items, each passage consists of six sentences. The $\text{first}$ sentence (${\mathrm{S}}_1$) and the $\text{final}$ sentence (${\mathrm{S}}_6$) are given in the beginning. The middle four sentences in each have been removed and jumbled up. These are labelled P, Q, R and S. You are required to find out the proper sequence of the four sentences and mark accordingly on the Answer Sheet. ${\mathrm{S}}_1$ : Solar hot water systems that can supply hot water at an approximate temperature of $60{}^{\circ }\mathrm{C}$ continuously, have recently been introduced. ${\mathrm{S}}_6$ : Larger quantities of water can be heated by increasing the number of solar collectors. P : A similar 200-litre system, but with two collectors, ideal for a family of five or six, would cost around Rs 7,250. Q : A 100-litre per day system, suitable for a family of two or three, would cost around Rs 4,270. R : These rates, however, do not include the plumbing acquired to connect the system to the kitchen, bathroom or toilet of the building, transportation, installation and taxes. S : This includes the price of solar collector, a 100-litre insulated storage tank with fittings and an automatic water heater to be used during the monsoons or in an emergency. ${\mathrm{S}}_1$ : Miss Sullivan brought Helen Keller a doll. ${\mathrm{S}}_6$ : Her heart was filled with pleasure and pride. P : After some efforts, she succeeded in making the letters correctly. Q : When she had played with it for some time, Miss Sullivan spelt into her hand the letters d-o-l-l. R : The child's attention was arrested by the gentle movement of the finger on her hand. S : She tried to imitate the finger's motion. The proper sequence should be

   1. A.Q - R - S - P
   2. B.R - Q - P - S
   3. C.P - S - R - Q
   4. D.S - R - Q - P
   Show answer

   Answer: A

7. Q502009 · 30 Aug 2009

   Directions (For the 6 items which follow) : In the following items, each passage consists of six sentences. The $\text{first}$ sentence (${\mathrm{S}}_1$) and the $\text{final}$ sentence (${\mathrm{S}}_6$) are given in the beginning. The middle four sentences in each have been removed and jumbled up. These are labelled P, Q, R and S. You are required to find out the proper sequence of the four sentences and mark accordingly on the Answer Sheet. ${\mathrm{S}}_1$ : Solar hot water systems that can supply hot water at an approximate temperature of $60{}^{\circ }\mathrm{C}$ continuously, have recently been introduced. ${\mathrm{S}}_6$ : Larger quantities of water can be heated by increasing the number of solar collectors. P : A similar 200-litre system, but with two collectors, ideal for a family of five or six, would cost around Rs 7,250. Q : A 100-litre per day system, suitable for a family of two or three, would cost around Rs 4,270. R : These rates, however, do not include the plumbing acquired to connect the system to the kitchen, bathroom or toilet of the building, transportation, installation and taxes. S : This includes the price of solar collector, a 100-litre insulated storage tank with fittings and an automatic water heater to be used during the monsoons or in an emergency. ${\mathrm{S}}_1$ : When she was not yet an adult, Mother Teresa knew that she had a vocation to help the poor. ${\mathrm{S}}_6$ : She received permission for this after two years. P : At the age of 18, she left her home to become a nun. Q : There she taught at a convent high school and became its Principal. R : She felt she must leave the job and go into slums to serve the poor. S : After training at Dublin, she was sent to Calcutta where she took her final vows. The proper sequence should be

   1. A.S - R - P - Q
   2. B.P - Q - S - R
   3. C.R - S - Q - P
   4. D.P - S - Q - R
   Show answer

   Answer: D

8. Q282009 · 19 Apr 2009

   Passage I There are eccentric people who enjoy saving money for no other reason than the pleasure of saving money. It is a passion like drinking, and a hobby like collecting of china. Does it usually begin with a money-box ? Imagine a painter drawing the Miser's Progress in a number of scenes, with the first scene showing a benevolent grandfather holding out a harmless looking tin money-box to an infant scarcely able to walk. The gift should always be accompanied by a box of tools. As a young man the infant has grown into a miser. By the age of forty he has a substantial bank account. But he persuades himself that he is so poor that he never goes to the theatre, never invites a friend to dinner. By sixty he is a rich man and is convinced that he is all but a pauper. Some people enjoy saving money because

   1. A.they are able to live a happy life
   2. B.saving is a passion with them
   3. C.they are able to enjoy the pleasures of life
   4. D.they can entertain others
   Show answer

   Answer: B

9. Q292009 · 19 Apr 2009

   Passage I There are eccentric people who enjoy saving money for no other reason than the pleasure of saving money. It is a passion like drinking, and a hobby like collecting of china. Does it usually begin with a money-box ? Imagine a painter drawing the Miser's Progress in a number of scenes, with the first scene showing a benevolent grandfather holding out a harmless looking tin money-box to an infant scarcely able to walk. The gift should always be accompanied by a box of tools. As a young man the infant has grown into a miser. By the age of forty he has a substantial bank account. But he persuades himself that he is so poor that he never goes to the theatre, never invites a friend to dinner. By sixty he is a rich man and is convinced that he is all but a pauper. If a money-box is given to a child, what should accompany it ?

   1. A.Tips on the advantages of saving money
   2. B.Guidelines to preserve it
   3. C.Instructions on when and how to open it
   4. D.A box of tools to open it
   Show answer

   Answer: D

10. Q302009 · 19 Apr 2009

    Passage I There are eccentric people who enjoy saving money for no other reason than the pleasure of saving money. It is a passion like drinking, and a hobby like collecting of china. Does it usually begin with a money-box ? Imagine a painter drawing the Miser's Progress in a number of scenes, with the first scene showing a benevolent grandfather holding out a harmless looking tin money-box to an infant scarcely able to walk. The gift should always be accompanied by a box of tools. As a young man the infant has grown into a miser. By the age of forty he has a substantial bank account. But he persuades himself that he is so poor that he never goes to the theatre, never invites a friend to dinner. By sixty he is a rich man and is convinced that he is all but a pauper. A miserly man of forty does not go to the theatre because

    1. A.he has no liking for plays
    2. B.he does not want to waste his valuable time
    3. C.he persuades himself that he is very poor
    4. D.he is frightened by the darkness of the theatre hall
    Show answer

    Answer: C

11. Q312009 · 19 Apr 2009

    Passage II In the fete, for a ticket costing eight annas you stood a chance of acquiring a variety of articles — pin-cushions, sewing machines, cameras or even a road engine. One evening they drew ticket number 1005, and I happened to own the other half of the ticket. They declared that I became the owner of a road engine ! Don't ask me how a road engine came to be included among the prizes. It is more than I can tell you. I looked stunned. People gathered round and gazed at me as if I were some curious animal. 'Fancy anyone becoming the owner of a road engine !' some persons muttered and giggled. The writer purchased a ticket

    1. A.to win a prize
    2. B.to enter the fete
    3. C.to buy some eatables in the fete
    4. D.to play some games
    Show answer

    Answer: A

12. Q322009 · 19 Apr 2009

    Passage II In the fete, for a ticket costing eight annas you stood a chance of acquiring a variety of articles — pin-cushions, sewing machines, cameras or even a road engine. One evening they drew ticket number 1005, and I happened to own the other half of the ticket. They declared that I became the owner of a road engine ! Don't ask me how a road engine came to be included among the prizes. It is more than I can tell you. I looked stunned. People gathered round and gazed at me as if I were some curious animal. 'Fancy anyone becoming the owner of a road engine !' some persons muttered and giggled. 'They' in the paragraph stands for

    1. A.the writer's friends
    2. B.the organisers of the fete
    3. C.the stall owners in the fete
    4. D.the onlookers
    Show answer

    Answer: B

13. Q332009 · 19 Apr 2009

    Passage II In the fete, for a ticket costing eight annas you stood a chance of acquiring a variety of articles — pin-cushions, sewing machines, cameras or even a road engine. One evening they drew ticket number 1005, and I happened to own the other half of the ticket. They declared that I became the owner of a road engine ! Don't ask me how a road engine came to be included among the prizes. It is more than I can tell you. I looked stunned. People gathered round and gazed at me as if I were some curious animal. 'Fancy anyone becoming the owner of a road engine !' some persons muttered and giggled. The writer was stunned because

    1. A.he did not win a prize
    2. B.he was at a loss as to what to do with the prize
    3. C.people giggled
    4. D.the fete organisers were rude to him
    Show answer

    Answer: B

14. Q342009 · 19 Apr 2009

    Passage III A holiday in Uttarakhand is about supporting the economy and ecology of this fledgling state with your heart, mind and muscle. Being at the camp with your family is a great bonding experience combined with a grand taste of wild life and adventure. First comes the walk from the lakeside to the camp. It's one of the best indicators here to 'figure' out how in or out of shape you are. Anything upwards of 15 minutes means it is time to start taking your body and fitness levels more seriously. To cool off there is always the lake where you can swim or learn how to kayak. The word which is used with a double meaning is

    1. A.figure
    2. B.fitness
    3. C.shape
    4. D.indicators
    Show answer

    Answer: A

15. Q352009 · 19 Apr 2009

    Passage III A holiday in Uttarakhand is about supporting the economy and ecology of this fledgling state with your heart, mind and muscle. Being at the camp with your family is a great bonding experience combined with a grand taste of wild life and adventure. First comes the walk from the lakeside to the camp. It's one of the best indicators here to 'figure' out how in or out of shape you are. Anything upwards of 15 minutes means it is time to start taking your body and fitness levels more seriously. To cool off there is always the lake where you can swim or learn how to kayak. 'It' in the second paragraph refers to

    1. A.camp
    2. B.lake
    3. C.holiday
    4. D.walk
    Show answer

    Answer: D

16. Q362009 · 19 Apr 2009

    Passage III A holiday in Uttarakhand is about supporting the economy and ecology of this fledgling state with your heart, mind and muscle. Being at the camp with your family is a great bonding experience combined with a grand taste of wild life and adventure. First comes the walk from the lakeside to the camp. It's one of the best indicators here to 'figure' out how in or out of shape you are. Anything upwards of 15 minutes means it is time to start taking your body and fitness levels more seriously. To cool off there is always the lake where you can swim or learn how to kayak. If you take about twenty minutes to walk from the lakeside to the camp it means that you

    1. A.are not healthy enough
    2. B.walk too slowly
    3. C.need practice in walking
    4. D.must get used to the exercise
    Show answer

    Answer: A