BITSAT English Proficiency Test - 10 - JEE MCQ

Direction: Read the passage and answer the following question.

The Syrian conflict has taken a devastating toll on the country’s society, economy, and political landscape. Around 500,000 people have been killed and over half the population has emigrated or been internally displaced. Now, after nearly six years, the conflict has tilted in the regime’s favor. The regime has reestablished control over much of the country. It has begun reconstruction efforts and is encouraging businesses to reopen. However, as the country enters a new phase of stabilization and reconstruction, there is much at stake. Internally, the regime faces significant resistance from its base. At the start, it devolved much authority for managing the conflict to local authorities, which benefited greatly from the war economy. The regime is now trying to re-establish control at the center; while local authorities are trying to retain the privileges and autonomy they were granted. The extent to which the regime is able to reassert central authority will determine the degree to which it can stabilize the country and attract investment and funding for reconstruction efforts.

For their part, western governments and institutions are loath to re-establish diplomatic and economic ties with the Syrian regime. Indeed, many analysts argue against supporting Syria’s reconstruction efforts. However, not engaging comes at a cost. It would limit the west’s role in helping to rebuild Syrian institutions weakened by the conflict and it would handicap its ability to influence the regime’s choices, such as the conditions under which millions of refugees in neighboring Lebanon and Jordan might return. Thus, not engaging has serious consequences for the long-term stability of the country and its neighbors. Decisions taken in 2018 by the regime and its allies as well as by opposition groups and western institutions will collectively determine the trajectory of Syria’s post-conflict development. Decisions made at the beginning of the crisis, in 2011, plunged the country into a devastating six-year conflict. Decisions made in 2018 will be no less consequential.

Q. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
I. The country is facing political issues at the moment.
II. The country needs funds to grow its infrastructure and establish a proper government.
III. Internal conflicts must be resolved in order to gain help from the West.

Direction: Read the passage and answer the following question.

The Syrian conflict has taken a devastating toll on the country’s society, economy, and political landscape. Around 500,000 people have been killed and over half the population has emigrated or been internally displaced. Now, after nearly six years, the conflict has tilted in the regime’s favor. The regime has reestablished control over much of the country. It has begun reconstruction efforts and is encouraging businesses to reopen. However, as the country enters a new phase of stabilization and reconstruction, there is much at stake. Internally, the regime faces significant resistance from its base. At the start, it devolved much authority for managing the conflict to local authorities, which benefited greatly from the war economy. The regime is now trying to re-establish control at the center; while local authorities are trying to retain the privileges and autonomy they were granted. The extent to which the regime is able to reassert central authority will determine the degree to which it can stabilize the country and attract investment and funding for reconstruction efforts.

For their part, western governments and institutions are loath to re-establish diplomatic and economic ties with the Syrian regime. Indeed, many analysts argue against supporting Syria’s reconstruction efforts. However, not engaging comes at a cost. It would limit the west’s role in helping to rebuild Syrian institutions weakened by the conflict and it would handicap its ability to influence the regime’s choices, such as the conditions under which millions of refugees in neighboring Lebanon and Jordan might return. Thus, not engaging has serious consequences for the long-term stability of the country and its neighbors. Decisions taken in 2018 by the regime and its allies as well as by opposition groups and western institutions will collectively determine the trajectory of Syria’s post-conflict development. Decisions made at the beginning of the crisis, in 2011, plunged the country into a devastating six-year conflict. Decisions made in 2018 will be no less consequential.

Q. Which of the following gives a current picture of Syria correctly?

Direction: Read the passage and answer the following question.

The Syrian conflict has taken a devastating toll on the country’s society, economy, and political landscape. Around 500,000 people have been killed and over half the population has emigrated or been internally displaced. Now, after nearly six years, the conflict has tilted in the regime’s favor. The regime has reestablished control over much of the country. It has begun reconstruction efforts and is encouraging businesses to reopen. However, as the country enters a new phase of stabilization and reconstruction, there is much at stake. Internally, the regime faces significant resistance from its base. At the start, it devolved much authority for managing the conflict to local authorities, which benefited greatly from the war economy. The regime is now trying to re-establish control at the center; while local authorities are trying to retain the privileges and autonomy they were granted. The extent to which the regime is able to reassert central authority will determine the degree to which it can stabilize the country and attract investment and funding for reconstruction efforts.

For their part, western governments and institutions are loath to re-establish diplomatic and economic ties with the Syrian regime. Indeed, many analysts argue against supporting Syria’s reconstruction efforts. However, not engaging comes at a cost. It would limit the west’s role in helping to rebuild Syrian institutions weakened by the conflict and it would handicap its ability to influence the regime’s choices, such as the conditions under which millions of refugees in neighboring Lebanon and Jordan might return. Thus, not engaging has serious consequences for the long-term stability of the country and its neighbors. Decisions taken in 2018 by the regime and its allies as well as by opposition groups and western institutions will collectively determine the trajectory of Syria’s post-conflict development. Decisions made at the beginning of the crisis, in 2011, plunged the country into a devastating six-year conflict. Decisions made in 2018 will be no less consequential.

Q. Which of the following can be concluded from the passage?