Doc: Narrative Passage- 4 | English Language Preparation for CUET UG PDF Download

Passage - 1

If you’re concerned that automation and artificial intelligence are going to disrupt the economy over the next decade, join the club. But while policymakers and academics agree there’ll be significant disruption, they differ about its impact. On one hand, techno-pessimists argue that new forms of automation will displace most jobs without creating new ones. In other words, most of us will lose our jobs. On the flip side of the debate, techno-optimists contend that continued investments in education and research and development will offset the job losses and generate many new human tasks that complement AI. Researchers have been studying jobs that involve digital skills for years to try to understand their merit. But what does it really mean for a job or skill to be “digital”? In earlier research, all it meant was that a worker used a computer. Since nearly all workers use a PC today, we need a more refined definition of digital skills that takes into account how much a job depends on doing things like programming, crunching data in Excel spreadsheets and even using a smartphone. In a particular research, a new way was created to measure digital or information technology skills in the labour market based on how frequently they’re used in an occupation. For example, how much time does a financial adviser spend analysing data or an event planner use a computer? It was found that workers in occupations that rank higher in IT industry earn more than demographically similar peers in other occupations – and that this earnings gap has been growing. Not only that, but it was also found something interesting on the impact of a college degree on the lifetime earnings of a person in IT industry. Historically, workers with a college degree have earned a lot more than peers without one. Even the level of the college makes a difference. Recent research has shown that this so-called college premium has been flattening. The main cause, according to the analysis, is that the college premium for occupations requiring fewer digital skills has been declining, while it has been rising for those we identified as digital jobs such as software developers, programmers and aerospace engineering. At least some of the flattening in the college premium is due to the increasing number of bachelor’s degrees that convey few skills that are valued in the marketplace. Another research compares the measures of job quality – such as a sense of purpose, enjoyability and career advancement – with income, occupations and a range of demographic characteristics. It found that jobs that require greater interaction with technology tended to score higher in quality, particularly in terms of measures like career advancement.

The fact that these jobs not only pay more but also provide greater levels of employee satisfaction and engagement paints a more optimistic picture about the future of work. And that gives hope, particularly since the digital economy is growing at a pace nearly four times faster than the broader economy. The key is making tomorrow’s jobs “robot-proof” by designing them in a way that takes advantage of the digital skills described above. And universities must play a big role in this by identifying what a good job looks like and ensuring future generations learn the necessary skills.

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Questions 

1. What is the primary concern discussed in the passage regarding automation and artificial intelligence?

A) That it will create new types of jobs

B) That it will disrupt the economy and displace jobs

C) That it will reduce the need for digital skills

D) That it will increase wages in most industries

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2. What is the role of universities mentioned in the passage?

A) To stop the growth of automation

B) To teach people how to use smartphones

C) To help future generations learn the necessary digital skills for jobs

D) To offer degrees that are not valued in the marketplace

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3. According to the passage, what has been the trend in college premiums for occupations requiring digital skills?

A) College premiums have been declining

B) College premiums have been increasing

C) College premiums have remained unchanged

D) College premiums have been rising in all industries

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4. What does the passage suggest about the importance of digital skills for future jobs?

A) Digital skills are no longer necessary

B) Digital skills are important and growing in relevance

C) Digital skills are only necessary for tech-related jobs

D) Digital skills are less important than other skills

  View Answer

5. The word “refined” in the passage most nearly means:

A) Simplified

B) Improved or made more precise

C) General

D) Increased in quantity

  View Answer

Passage- 2

The old lighthouse stood on the rocky cliff, facing the relentless waves crashing below. Its beam of light cut through the dark, stormy night, guiding ships safely toward the harbor. For years, it had been the symbol of hope for sailors, ensuring their safe passage despite the dangers of the open sea.

The keeper of the lighthouse, a man named Robert, had dedicated his life to maintaining the lighthouse. Every evening, he would climb the spiral staircase to the top, light the lantern, and scan the horizon for any ships in distress. The wind howled fiercely, and the rain battered the windows, but Robert remained unfazed. He knew that his job, though solitary, was vital.

One particularly stormy night, as Robert lit the lantern, he noticed a ship struggling against the fierce wind and high waves. Without hesitation, he rang the bell and turned the light towards the ship’s direction. The crew, seeing the lighthouse’s guiding light, adjusted their sails, narrowly avoiding the jagged rocks below.

The next day, the ship’s captain came to thank Robert for his quick thinking. He was grateful for the guidance that had saved their lives. Robert, however, simply smiled and nodded. He didn’t need recognition; the safety of those at sea was his reward.

The lighthouse, though weathered and worn, continued to stand tall, its light shining through the storm, just as it had done for countless years.

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Questions

1. Why was the lighthouse important to sailors?

A) It was a place to rest during long voyages

B) It guided them safely toward the harbor during storms

C) It was a place to store supplies

D) It helped them navigate through calm seas

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2. What was Robert’s role in the lighthouse?

A) He was a sailor who used the lighthouse for directions

B) He maintained the lighthouse and ensured the light was always on

C) He was the captain of a ship

D) He built the lighthouse from scratch

  View Answer

3. What did Robert do when he saw the ship struggling against the storm?

A) He ignored the ship and focused on his work

B) He rang the bell and directed the light towards the ship

C) He called for help from other ships

D) He tried to help the ship captain by signaling them with flags

  View Answer

4. How did the ship’s captain feel about Robert’s actions?

A) He was angry that Robert had not warned them earlier

B) He was grateful for Robert’s help in guiding the ship

C) He did not notice Robert’s efforts

D) He was annoyed by the storm and blamed Robert

  View Answer

5. What is the main idea of the passage?

A) The lighthouse keeper is looking for recognition for his work

B) The lighthouse is being repaired after a storm

C) A lighthouse keeper’s dedication and selfless service help save lives

D) The ship captain did not appreciate the lighthouse’s help

  View Answer