SSC CGL Previous Year Questions: Reading Comprehension - 5 - SSC CGL MCQ

Direction: Street theatre in India is a well established ancient art form. Despite the proliferation of modern means of entertainment and communication, street theatre continues to flourish in India.
Street theatre as a channel of communication has for centuries been propagating reforms by highlighting social, economic and political issues present in the society. Unlike in the olden days, its performance is no longer restricted to villages or small localities of the city. Today small groups of performers including students, would stage performances to mobilize public opinion or to help create or raise awareness over a particular issue of public importance. Themes on substance abuse, AIDS awareness, and domestic violence are some of the areas highlighted by contemporary street theatre troupe. Unlike in regular drama street drama employ very little  props and images. The human body becomes the main tool in which choreography, mime, dialogues, songs and slogans are extensively used.
Street theatre is one of the most intimate media. Its appeal is to the emotions leading to quick psychological impact on audiences. By being local and live they also are able to establish not only direct contact with the audience but by being costeffective and flexible they are popular among all age  groups.       (SSC SI 2014)

Q. Street theatre is _______ to stage.

Direction: Street theatre in India is a well established ancient art form. Despite the proliferation of modern means of entertainment and communication, street theatre continues to flourish in India.
Street theatre as a channel of communication has for centuries been propagating reforms by highlighting social, economic and political issues present in the society. Unlike in the olden days, its performance is no longer restricted to villages or small localities of the city. Today small groups of performers including students, would stage performances to mobilize public opinion or to help create or raise awareness over a particular issue of public importance. Themes on substance abuse, AIDS awareness, and domestic violence are some of the areas highlighted by contemporary street theatre troupe. Unlike in regular drama street drama employ very little  props and images. The human body becomes the main tool in which choreography, mime, dialogues, songs and slogans are extensively used.
Street theatre is one of the most intimate media. Its appeal is to the emotions leading to quick psychological impact on audiences. By being local and live they also are able to establish not only direct contact with the audience but by being costeffective and flexible they are popular among all age  groups.       (SSC SI 2014)

Q. Street theatre creates an/a _______ impact on audiences. 

DIRECTIONS: In questions below, you have a passage with 5 questions. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and mark it by blackening the appropriate circle [•].
Research is a detailed study of a subject undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications. It is used to establish or confirm facts, reaffirm the results of previous work, solve new or existing problems or develop new theories. To test the validity of instruments, procedures or experiments, research may replicate elements of prior projects, or the project as a whole.
The primary purposes of basic research are documentation, discovery, interpretation or the research and development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge. There are several forms of research : scientific, humanities, artistic, economic, social, business, marketing, etc. Academic publishing describes a system that is necessary in order for academic scholars to review the work and make it available for a wider audience. Most academic work is published in book form. There is also a large body of research that exists in either a thesis or dissertation form. Many researchers spend their time applying for grants for research funds. These grants are necessary not only for researchers to carry out their research, but also as a source of merit.        (SSC SI 2015)

Q. How many kinds of research are there?

DIRECTIONS: In questions below, you have a passage with 5 questions. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and mark it by blackening the appropriate circle [•].
Research is a detailed study of a subject undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications. It is used to establish or confirm facts, reaffirm the results of previous work, solve new or existing problems or develop new theories. To test the validity of instruments, procedures or experiments, research may replicate elements of prior projects, or the project as a whole.
The primary purposes of basic research are documentation, discovery, interpretation or the research and development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge. There are several forms of research : scientific, humanities, artistic, economic, social, business, marketing, etc. Academic publishing describes a system that is necessary in order for academic scholars to review the work and make it available for a wider audience. Most academic work is published in book form. There is also a large body of research that exists in either a thesis or dissertation form. Many researchers spend their time applying for grants for research funds. These grants are necessary not only for researchers to carry out their research, but also as a source of merit.        (SSC SI 2015)

Q. Select the answer which best reflects the view expressed in the passage.

DIRECTIONS: In questions below, you have a passage with 5 questions. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and mark it by blackening the appropriate circle [•].
Research is a detailed study of a subject undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications. It is used to establish or confirm facts, reaffirm the results of previous work, solve new or existing problems or develop new theories. To test the validity of instruments, procedures or experiments, research may replicate elements of prior projects, or the project as a whole.
The primary purposes of basic research are documentation, discovery, interpretation or the research and development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge. There are several forms of research : scientific, humanities, artistic, economic, social, business, marketing, etc. Academic publishing describes a system that is necessary in order for academic scholars to review the work and make it available for a wider audience. Most academic work is published in book form. There is also a large body of research that exists in either a thesis or dissertation form. Many researchers spend their time applying for grants for research funds. These grants are necessary not only for researchers to carry out their research, but also as a source of merit.        (SSC SI 2015)

Q. Why is research conducted ? 

DIRECTIONS: In questions below, you have a passage with 5 questions. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and mark it by blackening the appropriate circle [•].
Research is a detailed study of a subject undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications. It is used to establish or confirm facts, reaffirm the results of previous work, solve new or existing problems or develop new theories. To test the validity of instruments, procedures or experiments, research may replicate elements of prior projects, or the project as a whole.
The primary purposes of basic research are documentation, discovery, interpretation or the research and development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge. There are several forms of research : scientific, humanities, artistic, economic, social, business, marketing, etc. Academic publishing describes a system that is necessary in order for academic scholars to review the work and make it available for a wider audience. Most academic work is published in book form. There is also a large body of research that exists in either a thesis or dissertation form. Many researchers spend their time applying for grants for research funds. These grants are necessary not only for researchers to carry out their research, but also as a source of merit.        (SSC SI 2015)

Q. What is research? 

DIRECTIONS: In questions below, you have a passage with 5 questions. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and mark it by blackening the appropriate circle [•].
Research is a detailed study of a subject undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications. It is used to establish or confirm facts, reaffirm the results of previous work, solve new or existing problems or develop new theories. To test the validity of instruments, procedures or experiments, research may replicate elements of prior projects, or the project as a whole.
The primary purposes of basic research are documentation, discovery, interpretation or the research and development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge. There are several forms of research : scientific, humanities, artistic, economic, social, business, marketing, etc. Academic publishing describes a system that is necessary in order for academic scholars to review the work and make it available for a wider audience. Most academic work is published in book form. There is also a large body of research that exists in either a thesis or dissertation form. Many researchers spend their time applying for grants for research funds. These grants are necessary not only for researchers to carry out their research, but also as a source of merit.        (SSC SI 2015)

Q. Choose the most appropriate answer from this passage.

DIRECTIONS: A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button corresponding to it.
To know language is to be able to speak it; even a child who does not yet attend school can speak his or her language. In order to speak a language, it is important to listen to it and to read a few pages in it everyday. A child picks up language and learns to talk just as (s) he learns to walk. Walking and talking comes naturally to a child as it grows. In our country, a child may grow up speaking more than one language, if these languages are spoken in the home and in the neighbourhood. we call this multilingualism. A child speaks a language or languages much before (s)he starts going to school. To know a language then is first of all to be able to speak it as easily and naturally as a three year old child does.
Later on, the child will learn to read and write in that language. In order to read and write in a language, one has to speak it. But it is possible to speak a language but not able to read or write in it. A baby does not speak until it is nine months old but it understands a few words at six months of age. It has been listening ever since it was born, and even a little before that. So, the first strategy in speaking a language is to listen.      (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2016)

Q. One of the activities of a child before it is even born is __________ .

DIRECTIONS: A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button corresponding to it.
To know language is to be able to speak it; even a child who does not yet attend school can speak his or her language. In order to speak a language, it is important to listen to it and to read a few pages in it everyday. A child picks up language and learns to talk just as (s) he learns to walk. Walking and talking comes naturally to a child as it grows. In our country, a child may grow up speaking more than one language, if these languages are spoken in the home and in the neighbourhood. we call this multilingualism. A child speaks a language or languages much before (s)he starts going to school. To know a language then is first of all to be able to speak it as easily and naturally as a three year old child does.
Later on, the child will learn to read and write in that language. In order to read and write in a language, one has to speak it. But it is possible to speak a language but not able to read or write in it. A baby does not speak until it is nine months old but it understands a few words at six months of age. It has been listening ever since it was born, and even a little before that. So, the first strategy in speaking a language is to listen.      (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2016)

Q. It is necessary for one to __________ the language before(s) he writes in that language. 

DIRECTIONS: A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button corresponding to it.
To know language is to be able to speak it; even a child who does not yet attend school can speak his or her language. In order to speak a language, it is important to listen to it and to read a few pages in it everyday. A child picks up language and learns to talk just as (s) he learns to walk. Walking and talking comes naturally to a child as it grows. In our country, a child may grow up speaking more than one language, if these languages are spoken in the home and in the neighbourhood. we call this multilingualism. A child speaks a language or languages much before (s)he starts going to school. To know a language then is first of all to be able to speak it as easily and naturally as a three year old child does.
Later on, the child will learn to read and write in that language. In order to read and write in a language, one has to speak it. But it is possible to speak a language but not able to read or write in it. A baby does not speak until it is nine months old but it understands a few words at six months of age. It has been listening ever since it was born, and even a little before that. So, the first strategy in speaking a language is to listen.      (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2016)

Q. Multi-lingualism means 

DIRECTIONS: A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button corresponding to it.
To know language is to be able to speak it; even a child who does not yet attend school can speak his or her language. In order to speak a language, it is important to listen to it and to read a few pages in it everyday. A child picks up language and learns to talk just as (s) he learns to walk. Walking and talking comes naturally to a child as it grows. In our country, a child may grow up speaking more than one language, if these languages are spoken in the home and in the neighbourhood. we call this multilingualism. A child speaks a language or languages much before (s)he starts going to school. To know a language then is first of all to be able to speak it as easily and naturally as a three year old child does.
Later on, the child will learn to read and write in that language. In order to read and write in a language, one has to speak it. But it is possible to speak a language but not able to read or write in it. A baby does not speak until it is nine months old but it understands a few words at six months of age. It has been listening ever since it was born, and even a little before that. So, the first strategy in speaking a language is to listen.      (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2016)

Q. A child has been __________ ever since it was born. 

DIRECTIONS: A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button corresponding to it.
To know language is to be able to speak it; even a child who does not yet attend school can speak his or her language. In order to speak a language, it is important to listen to it and to read a few pages in it everyday. A child picks up language and learns to talk just as (s) he learns to walk. Walking and talking comes naturally to a child as it grows. In our country, a child may grow up speaking more than one language, if these languages are spoken in the home and in the neighbourhood. we call this multilingualism. A child speaks a language or languages much before (s)he starts going to school. To know a language then is first of all to be able to speak it as easily and naturally as a three year old child does.
Later on, the child will learn to read and write in that language. In order to read and write in a language, one has to speak it. But it is possible to speak a language but not able to read or write in it. A baby does not speak until it is nine months old but it understands a few words at six months of age. It has been listening ever since it was born, and even a little before that. So, the first strategy in speaking a language is to listen.      (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2016)

Q. To know a language one must be able to 

DIRECTIONS: A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button corresponding to it.
Dyslexia is a perceptual disorder often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence. The reader is unable to perceive correctly what is on a page. Letters and numbers often appear reversed: "b" seems to be "d", "quite" is "quiet" and "from" is "form. The reader tends to leave out letters or words or insert words or letters that are not there. Vowel and consonant sounds may be confused. Many dyslexics are left-handed or able to write with either hand. They often confuse left and right. Learning to speak may also be delayed beyond infancy. The condition seems to be inherited. It may persist into adulthood. However, with early recognition and specialized approaches to teaching reading, most dyslexics can learn to read.
Some researchers believe that latent dyslexia may be aggravated by the way reading is taught. The modern wholeword, or look-and-say, method seems to be more of a hindrance to learning for dyslexics than it is for ordinary pupils. The phonetic method of teaching students to learn letters and sound them out appears to achieve better reading results. The problem of words that cannot be sounded out such as rough, laugh or through-is not solved by phonetics. These words must simply be memorized.
However, for children with dyslexia the problem can be compounded by the failure of parents or teachers to recognize the condition. This can easily lead to emotional problems for dyslexic children, who cannot understand their failure to keep up with their classmates.     (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2016)

Q. Dyslexia, often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence, is a_____

DIRECTIONS: A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button corresponding to it.
Dyslexia is a perceptual disorder often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence. The reader is unable to perceive correctly what is on a page. Letters and numbers often appear reversed: "b" seems to be "d", "quite" is "quiet" and "from" is "form. The reader tends to leave out letters or words or insert words or letters that are not there. Vowel and consonant sounds may be confused. Many dyslexics are left-handed or able to write with either hand. They often confuse left and right. Learning to speak may also be delayed beyond infancy. The condition seems to be inherited. It may persist into adulthood. However, with early recognition and specialized approaches to teaching reading, most dyslexics can learn to read.
Some researchers believe that latent dyslexia may be aggravated by the way reading is taught. The modern wholeword, or look-and-say, method seems to be more of a hindrance to learning for dyslexics than it is for ordinary pupils. The phonetic method of teaching students to learn letters and sound them out appears to achieve better reading results. The problem of words that cannot be sounded out such as rough, laugh or through-is not solved by phonetics. These words must simply be memorized.
However, for children with dyslexia the problem can be compounded by the failure of parents or teachers to recognize the condition. This can easily lead to emotional problems for dyslexic children, who cannot understand their failure to keep up with their classmates.     (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2016)

Q. In Dyslexia, letters and figures often appear ____ 

DIRECTIONS: A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button corresponding to it.
Dyslexia is a perceptual disorder often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence. The reader is unable to perceive correctly what is on a page. Letters and numbers often appear reversed: "b" seems to be "d", "quite" is "quiet" and "from" is "form. The reader tends to leave out letters or words or insert words or letters that are not there. Vowel and consonant sounds may be confused. Many dyslexics are left-handed or able to write with either hand. They often confuse left and right. Learning to speak may also be delayed beyond infancy. The condition seems to be inherited. It may persist into adulthood. However, with early recognition and specialized approaches to teaching reading, most dyslexics can learn to read.
Some researchers believe that latent dyslexia may be aggravated by the way reading is taught. The modern wholeword, or look-and-say, method seems to be more of a hindrance to learning for dyslexics than it is for ordinary pupils. The phonetic method of teaching students to learn letters and sound them out appears to achieve better reading results. The problem of words that cannot be sounded out such as rough, laugh or through-is not solved by phonetics. These words must simply be memorized.
However, for children with dyslexia the problem can be compounded by the failure of parents or teachers to recognize the condition. This can easily lead to emotional problems for dyslexic children, who cannot understand their failure to keep up with their classmates.     (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2016)

Q. People suffering from dyslexia are often _____ 

DIRECTIONS: A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button corresponding to it.
Dyslexia is a perceptual disorder often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence. The reader is unable to perceive correctly what is on a page. Letters and numbers often appear reversed: "b" seems to be "d", "quite" is "quiet" and "from" is "form. The reader tends to leave out letters or words or insert words or letters that are not there. Vowel and consonant sounds may be confused. Many dyslexics are left-handed or able to write with either hand. They often confuse left and right. Learning to speak may also be delayed beyond infancy. The condition seems to be inherited. It may persist into adulthood. However, with early recognition and specialized approaches to teaching reading, most dyslexics can learn to read.
Some researchers believe that latent dyslexia may be aggravated by the way reading is taught. The modern wholeword, or look-and-say, method seems to be more of a hindrance to learning for dyslexics than it is for ordinary pupils. The phonetic method of teaching students to learn letters and sound them out appears to achieve better reading results. The problem of words that cannot be sounded out such as rough, laugh or through-is not solved by phonetics. These words must simply be memorized.
However, for children with dyslexia the problem can be compounded by the failure of parents or teachers to recognize the condition. This can easily lead to emotional problems for dyslexic children, who cannot understand their failure to keep up with their classmates.     (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2016)

Q. Dyslexia may _______ 

DIRECTIONS: A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button corresponding to it.
Dyslexia is a perceptual disorder often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence. The reader is unable to perceive correctly what is on a page. Letters and numbers often appear reversed: "b" seems to be "d", "quite" is "quiet" and "from" is "form. The reader tends to leave out letters or words or insert words or letters that are not there. Vowel and consonant sounds may be confused. Many dyslexics are left-handed or able to write with either hand. They often confuse left and right. Learning to speak may also be delayed beyond infancy. The condition seems to be inherited. It may persist into adulthood. However, with early recognition and specialized approaches to teaching reading, most dyslexics can learn to read.
Some researchers believe that latent dyslexia may be aggravated by the way reading is taught. The modern wholeword, or look-and-say, method seems to be more of a hindrance to learning for dyslexics than it is for ordinary pupils. The phonetic method of teaching students to learn letters and sound them out appears to achieve better reading results. The problem of words that cannot be sounded out such as rough, laugh or through-is not solved by phonetics. These words must simply be memorized.
However, for children with dyslexia the problem can be compounded by the failure of parents or teachers to recognize the condition. This can easily lead to emotional problems for dyslexic children, who cannot understand their failure to keep up with their classmates.     (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2016)

Q. The problem of perception can be compounded by the failure of parents and teachers to ____. 

DIRECTIONS: A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button corresponding to it.
The first working steam powered vehicle was designed and most likely built by Ferdinand Verbies, a Flemish member of a Jesuit mission in China around 1672. It was a 65 cm long scale-model toy for the Chinese Emperor, that was unable to carry a driver or a passenger. It is not known if Verbiest’s model was ever built. Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot is widely credited with building the first full-scale, selfpropelled mechanical vehicle or automobile in about 1769, he also created a steam-powered tricycle. He constructed two steam tractors for the French Army, one of which is preserved in the French National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts. His inventions were however handicapped by problems of water supply and maintaining steam pressure. In 1801, Richard Trevithick built and demonstrated his Puffing Devil road locomotive, believed by many to be the first demonstration of a steam-powered road vehicle. It was unable to maintain sufficient steam pressure for long periods. Sentiment against steam-powered road vehicles led to the Locomotive Acts of 1865. In 1807 Nicephore Niepce and his brother Claude probably created the world’s first internal combustion engine which they called Pyreolophore.        (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2016)

Q. The first full-scale, working steam powered tricycle was built by:

DIRECTIONS: A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button corresponding to it.
The first working steam powered vehicle was designed and most likely built by Ferdinand Verbies, a Flemish member of a Jesuit mission in China around 1672. It was a 65 cm long scale-model toy for the Chinese Emperor, that was unable to carry a driver or a passenger. It is not known if Verbiest’s model was ever built. Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot is widely credited with building the first full-scale, selfpropelled mechanical vehicle or automobile in about 1769, he also created a steam-powered tricycle. He constructed two steam tractors for the French Army, one of which is preserved in the French National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts. His inventions were however handicapped by problems of water supply and maintaining steam pressure. In 1801, Richard Trevithick built and demonstrated his Puffing Devil road locomotive, believed by many to be the first demonstration of a steam-powered road vehicle. It was unable to maintain sufficient steam pressure for long periods. Sentiment against steam-powered road vehicles led to the Locomotive Acts of 1865. In 1807 Nicephore Niepce and his brother Claude probably created the world’s first internal combustion engine which they called Pyreolophore.        (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2016)

Q. Cugnot built steam tractors for: 

DIRECTIONS: A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button corresponding to it.
The first working steam powered vehicle was designed and most likely built by Ferdinand Verbies, a Flemish member of a Jesuit mission in China around 1672. It was a 65 cm long scale-model toy for the Chinese Emperor, that was unable to carry a driver or a passenger. It is not known if Verbiest’s model was ever built. Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot is widely credited with building the first full-scale, selfpropelled mechanical vehicle or automobile in about 1769, he also created a steam-powered tricycle. He constructed two steam tractors for the French Army, one of which is preserved in the French National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts. His inventions were however handicapped by problems of water supply and maintaining steam pressure. In 1801, Richard Trevithick built and demonstrated his Puffing Devil road locomotive, believed by many to be the first demonstration of a steam-powered road vehicle. It was unable to maintain sufficient steam pressure for long periods. Sentiment against steam-powered road vehicles led to the Locomotive Acts of 1865. In 1807 Nicephore Niepce and his brother Claude probably created the world’s first internal combustion engine which they called Pyreolophore.        (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2016)

Q. The problem with Trevithick’s Puffing Devil was: 

DIRECTIONS: A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button corresponding to it.
The first working steam powered vehicle was designed and most likely built by Ferdinand Verbies, a Flemish member of a Jesuit mission in China around 1672. It was a 65 cm long scale-model toy for the Chinese Emperor, that was unable to carry a driver or a passenger. It is not known if Verbiest’s model was ever built. Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot is widely credited with building the first full-scale, selfpropelled mechanical vehicle or automobile in about 1769, he also created a steam-powered tricycle. He constructed two steam tractors for the French Army, one of which is preserved in the French National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts. His inventions were however handicapped by problems of water supply and maintaining steam pressure. In 1801, Richard Trevithick built and demonstrated his Puffing Devil road locomotive, believed by many to be the first demonstration of a steam-powered road vehicle. It was unable to maintain sufficient steam pressure for long periods. Sentiment against steam-powered road vehicles led to the Locomotive Acts of 1865. In 1807 Nicephore Niepce and his brother Claude probably created the world’s first internal combustion engine which they called Pyreolophore.        (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2016)

Q. What is meant by “Sentiment” in the context of the given paragraph?

DIRECTIONS: A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button corresponding to it.
The first working steam powered vehicle was designed and most likely built by Ferdinand Verbies, a Flemish member of a Jesuit mission in China around 1672. It was a 65 cm long scale-model toy for the Chinese Emperor, that was unable to carry a driver or a passenger. It is not known if Verbiest’s model was ever built. Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot is widely credited with building the first full-scale, selfpropelled mechanical vehicle or automobile in about 1769, he also created a steam-powered tricycle. He constructed two steam tractors for the French Army, one of which is preserved in the French National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts. His inventions were however handicapped by problems of water supply and maintaining steam pressure. In 1801, Richard Trevithick built and demonstrated his Puffing Devil road locomotive, believed by many to be the first demonstration of a steam-powered road vehicle. It was unable to maintain sufficient steam pressure for long periods. Sentiment against steam-powered road vehicles led to the Locomotive Acts of 1865. In 1807 Nicephore Niepce and his brother Claude probably created the world’s first internal combustion engine which they called Pyreolophore.        (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2016)

Q. The Pyreolophore was 

DIRECTIONS: Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and mark it by blackening the appropriate circle.
Journalists argue over functions of a newspaper. I feel that a provincial paper's purpose is not only to present and  project the news objectively and imaginatively, but to help its readers to express themselves more effectively, canalizing their aspirations, making more articulate their demands. A newspaper should reflect the community it serves– warts and  all. When the mirror is held to society it reveals neglect, injustice,  ignorance or complacency. It should help to eradicate them. It would be pretentious to think that a newspaper can change the course of world affairs but at the local limit it can exert influence,  it can probe, it can help get things done. The individual's voice  must not be stifled. Instead, the readers should be encouraged to express their opinions, fears, hopes, and or their grievances on this platform.        (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2015)

Q. How can the readers air their grievances?

DIRECTIONS: Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and mark it by blackening the appropriate circle.
Journalists argue over functions of a newspaper. I feel that a provincial paper's purpose is not only to present and  project the news objectively and imaginatively, but to help its readers to express themselves more effectively, canalizing their aspirations, making more articulate their demands. A newspaper should reflect the community it serves– warts and  all. When the mirror is held to society it reveals neglect, injustice,  ignorance or complacency. It should help to eradicate them. It would be pretentious to think that a newspaper can change the course of world affairs but at the local limit it can exert influence,  it can probe, it can help get things done. The individual's voice  must not be stifled. Instead, the readers should be encouraged to express their opinions, fears, hopes, and or their grievances on this platform.        (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2015)

Q. What is the main purpose of a newspaper? 

DIRECTIONS: Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and mark it by blackening the appropriate circle.
Journalists argue over functions of a newspaper. I feel that a provincial paper's purpose is not only to present and  project the news objectively and imaginatively, but to help its readers to express themselves more effectively, canalizing their aspirations, making more articulate their demands. A newspaper should reflect the community it serves– warts and  all. When the mirror is held to society it reveals neglect, injustice,  ignorance or complacency. It should help to eradicate them. It would be pretentious to think that a newspaper can change the course of world affairs but at the local limit it can exert influence,  it can probe, it can help get things done. The individual's voice  must not be stifled. Instead, the readers should be encouraged to express their opinions, fears, hopes, and or their grievances on this platform.        (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2015)

Q. The expression "warts and all" in the passage means : 

DIRECTIONS: Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and mark it by blackening the appropriate circle.
Journalists argue over functions of a newspaper. I feel that a provincial paper's purpose is not only to present and  project the news objectively and imaginatively, but to help its readers to express themselves more effectively, canalizing their aspirations, making more articulate their demands. A newspaper should reflect the community it serves– warts and  all. When the mirror is held to society it reveals neglect, injustice,  ignorance or complacency. It should help to eradicate them. It would be pretentious to think that a newspaper can change the course of world affairs but at the local limit it can exert influence,  it can probe, it can help get things done. The individual's voice  must not be stifled. Instead, the readers should be encouraged to express their opinions, fears, hopes, and or their grievances on this platform.        (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2015)

Q. How can a newspaper influence local affairs? 

DIRECTIONS: Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and mark it by blackening the appropriate circle.
Journalists argue over functions of a newspaper. I feel that a provincial paper's purpose is not only to present and  project the news objectively and imaginatively, but to help its readers to express themselves more effectively, canalizing their aspirations, making more articulate their demands. A newspaper should reflect the community it serves– warts and  all. When the mirror is held to society it reveals neglect, injustice,  ignorance or complacency. It should help to eradicate them. It would be pretentious to think that a newspaper can change the course of world affairs but at the local limit it can exert influence,  it can probe, it can help get things done. The individual's voice  must not be stifled. Instead, the readers should be encouraged to express their opinions, fears, hopes, and or their grievances on this platform.        (SSC CGL 1st Sit. 2015)

Q. In this passage the writer highlights the fact that :