The New Yorker - 2(News Based RC) | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC) - CAT PDF Download

We've prepared a reading exercise based on an article from The New Yorker, a respected source known for its rich content. After reading, there are questions to test your understanding and critical thinking.
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Date: 17 November 2023

Reading Comprehension Passage

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by the recent bombings following Hamas's attack, has put an immense strain on the medical community, particularly the staff of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders. Anne Taylor, the head of mission for MSF in Palestine, shares insights into the dire situation. Before the October 7th bombings, MSF's role in Gaza involved working in various hospitals, supporting the Ministry of Health, and running primary health-care facilities. The bombings have turned this already difficult environment into a catastrophic one for the over two million residents of Gaza.
The MSF team in Gaza, comprising about 300 Palestinian staff and a rotating team of international staff, faces immense challenges. They have experienced personal losses, with current and former employees and their family members being killed or injured. The situation is further complicated by the destruction of infrastructure, leading to shortages in food, electricity, water, and fuel.
Taylor, with two decades of experience in conflict zones including Congo, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire, notes the uniqueness of the Gaza conflict. The high number of civilian casualties, the inability of people to escape the bombings, and the continuous nature of the violence make this situation particularly brutal. She highlights the plight of the population, 70% of whom are women and children, with over ten thousand deaths and many more injured or trapped under rubble.
Q1: What was the primary role of Doctors Without Borders in Gaza before the October 7th bombings?
(a) To provide military support
(b) To engage in political negotiations
(c) To offer medical and surgical assistance in hospitals
(d) To conduct educational programs

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Q2: How has the recent conflict in Gaza affected the MSF staff?
(a) They have received additional funding and resources
(b) Many have lost family members or been injured
(c) They have been evacuated from the region
(d) Their workload has significantly decreased

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Q3: What makes the conflict in Gaza unique according to Anne Taylor's experience?
(a) The involvement of international forces
(b) The high number of civilian casualties and their inability to escape
(c) The rapid resolution of the conflict
(d) The lack of media coverage

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Q4: What is the demographic composition of the population in Gaza as mentioned by Taylor?
(a) Predominantly elderly
(b) Majority are women and children
(c) Mostly military personnel
(d) Equal distribution of all age groups

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