R. Gupta Solutions for Exercise 1: PRACTICE

Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

The cave was so large that we could not see the roof well by the light of the lamps. But after one hundred yards the roof became much lower and the floor became rougher. Our men had hammers, and they knocked on the floor and walls to find a hidden door. After about half a mile the cave went in two ways- to the left and to the right. The way to the right stopped after a few yards. The other way didn’t stop, but it became a tunnel only about two yards high. Through it, I could hear the water running. I went into the muddy tunnel, but I did not like the muddy floor.

I went back to the first cave. The men were already digging very deep. Soon one of the men found something- it was a coin, a gold coin. He shouted to us when he found three more gold coins. He went on digging. When the hole was six feet deep, he hit a rock. There were no boxes of treasure. The men dug at the sides of the hole to see if there was a hidden door but there was nothing.

All of us felt very sad as we had not found the treasure we came to look for. It was already getting dark, and we would have to spend the night in the cave.

Question:

How was the cave lighted?

Read the following passage and answer the question given below:

Throughout recorded history, India was celebrated for her fine textiles, her muslins and brocades of silver and gold. As a matter of fact, there is evidence that her textile industry goes back at least five thousand years, for Indian muslins were found wrapped around mummies in Egyptian pyramids dating back to 3000 B.C. The ancient Indian iron and steel industry was equally famous. The well-known Damascus steel for swords and armour used in the Crusades came from India. Thus, in countless industries and crafts, the Indian craftsmen, worker, builder and artist created and prospered, and their products found favour both at home and abroad. And then political disintegration and foreign conquest closed the long golden chapter of India’s advancement and creative achievement.

Which of the following is the opposite in meaning to the word ‘advancement’ occurring in the passage?

Read the following passage and answer the question given below:

Throughout recorded history, India was celebrated for her fine textiles, her muslins and brocades of silver and gold. As a matter of fact, there is evidence that her textile industry goes back at least five thousand years, for Indian muslins were found wrapped around mummies in Egyptian pyramids dating back to 3000 B.C. The ancient Indian iron and steel industry was equally famous. The well-known Damascus steel for swords and armour used in the Crusades came from India. Thus, in countless industries and crafts, the Indian craftsmen, worker, builder and artist created and prospered, and their products found favour both at home and abroad. And then political disintegration and foreign conquest closed the long golden chapter of India’s advancement and creative achievement.

Which one of the following would be the most suitable title for the passage?

Read the following passage and answer the question given below:

A man may usually be known by the books he reads, as well as by the company he keeps; for there is a companionship of books as well as of men; and one should always live in the best company, whether it be of books or of men. A good book may be among the best of friends. It is the same today that it always was, and it will never change. It is the most patient and cheerful companions. It does not turn its back upon us in times of adversity or distress. It always receives us with the same kindness; amusing and interesting us in youth, comforting and consoling us in age.

According to the writer, a man may usually be known by the books he reads, because: 

Read the following passage and answer the question given below:

A man may usually be known by the books he reads, as well as by the company he keeps; for there is a companionship of books as well as of men; and one should always live in the best company, whether it be of books or of men. A good book may be among the best of friends. It is the same to-day that it was always, and it will never change. It is the most patient and cheerful companions. It does not turn it back upon us in times of adversity or distress. It always receives us with the same kindness; amusing and interesting us in youth, comforting and consoling us in age.

Which of the following statements is not true?

Read the following passage and answer the question given below:

A man may usually be known by the books he reads, as well as by the company he keeps; for there is a companionship of books as well as of men; and one should always live in the best company, whether it be of books or of men. A good book may be among the best of friends. It is the same to-day that it was always, and it will never change. It is the most patient and cheerful companions. It does not turn it back upon us in times of adversity or distress. It always receives us with the same kindness; amusing and interesting us in youth, comforting and consoling us in age.

The statement ‘A good book may be among the best of friends’, in the middle of the passage means that:

Read the following passage and answer the question given below:

A man may usually be known by the books he reads, as well as by the company he keeps; for there is a companionship of books as well as of men; and one should always live in the best company, whether it be of books or of men. A good book may be among the best of friends. It is the same to-day that it was always, and it will never change. The following passage is followed by a question.  It is the most patient and cheerful companions. It does not turn it back upon us in times of adversity or distress. It always receives us with the same kindness; amusing and interesting us in youth, comforting and consoling us in age.

Which of the following is the opposite in meaning to the word ‘adversity’ occurring in the passage?

Read the following passage and answer the question given below:

A man may usually be known by the books he reads, as well as by the company he keeps; for there is a companionship of books as well as of men; and one should always live in the best company, whether it be of books or of men. A good book may be among the best of friends. It is the same to-day that it was always, and it will never change. It is the most patient and cheerful companions. It does not turn it back upon us in times of adversity or distress. It always receives us with the same kindness; amusing and interesting us in youth, comforting and consoling us in age.

Which one of the following would be the most suitable title for the passage?