Reading Comprehension

Direction for question: The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.

Energy is derived from non-renewable (conventional) and renewable (non-con­ventional) resources and the former are in the process of depletion. These are fossil fuels — oil, coal and natural gas. It took millions of years to build up these resources. Renewable resources are solar energy, wind energy, water energy and biomass.
Approximately 80% of the world's energy is produced by fossil fuels. However, in France, the French Atomic Energy Commission established nuclear reactors which produce enough energy to meet 70% of the country's re­quirement.

 World demand for oil (according to UN reports) rose from 436 million tonnes in 1960 to 2189 million tonnes in 1970 and to 3200 million tonnes in 1999. The corresponding figures for coal are 1043, 1635 and 2146 and for natural gas, the figures are 187, 1022 and 2301. The demand will continue to grow. Of the devel­oping countries, China has the highest per capita consumption of energy. For India, per capita consumption is lower than that of China.

 It may be mentioned that consumption figures represent commercial energy and do not take into account the non-commercial energy used by developing countries where poor people use wood that is acquired by gathering without any payment.

 Among non-conventional resources, hydropower is the largest. Hydropower projects are in operation both in developed and developing countries — notable among the latter are China, India and Brazil. Hydropower potential is huge and at present only 15 per cent of the potential in the developing world is being utilised. Wind power has also a great potential Windmills and sails have been in use since ancient times.

It is a fast-growing resource. In the 1980s, wind energy generation of the world was 10 megawatts. In the year 2000, it was 14000 mega­watts. Green Piece International estimates that if the present trend continues wind power could supply 10% of the world's electricity by 2020.

The use of solar energy is through photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic news reported that the world's photovoltaic production climbed from 0.1 megawatts to 200 megawatts in 1999. The biomass resources are various types of cultivated or uncultivated vegetation. Wood forms the chief resource and is the primary fuel for the people in Africa and Asia. Excessive use of wood has led to the depletion of forests.

Coal, oil, gas and water constitute the main sources of energy in India. The share of various energy sources in the commercial consumption of energy is mostly from coal (56%) and petroleum (32%), the other sources being nuclear natural gas and water. Apart from commercial energy, a large amount of tradi­tional energy sources in the form of fuelwood, agriculture waste and animal residue are used.

Commercial energy consumption has grown from 130.7 MTOE (million tonnes of oil equivalent) in 1991-92 to 176.08 MTOE in 1997-98. The main drivers of this increase are the accompanying structural change of economic growth and a rise in population together with rapid urbanisation.

In particular between 1970-71 and 1994-95, the annual consumption of electric­ity per household went-up from 7 kWh to 53 kWh; of kerosene from 6.6 kg to 9.9 kg and of cooking gas from 0.33 kg to 3.8 kg. There is, however, a marked dis­parity in the level of energy and type of fuel consumed in rural and urban areas.

Which of the following statements is true regarding the non-conventional resources?

Bioluminescence, emission of light by an organism or by a laboratory biochemical system derived from an organism. It could be the ghostly glow of bacteria on decaying meat or fish, the shimmering radiance of protozoans in tropical seas, or the flickering signals of fireflies. The phenomenon occurs sporadically in a wide range of protists and animals, from bacteria and fungi to insects, marine invertebrates, and fish, but it is not known to exist naturally in true plants or in amphibians, reptiles, birds, or mammals. 

Bioluminescence results from a chemical reaction (chemiluminescence) in which the conversion of chemical energy to radiant energy is direct and virtually 100 percent efficient; i.e., very little heat is given off in the process. For that reason, the emission is called cold light or luminescence.

The functional role of bioluminescence in lower organisms such as bacteria, dinoflagellates, and fungi is difficult to discern. Partly because the glow of luminous bacteria is extinguished when oxygen is removed, it has been suggested that the bioluminescent reaction was originally used to remove oxygen toxic to primitive types of bacteria that developed when oxygen was absent or very rare in Earth's atmosphere. The metabolic reaction that combines the oxygen with a reducing substance (luciferin) liberates sufficient energy to excite a molecule in the organism to emit visible radiation. Most of those luminous primitive organisms subsequently developed systems of using oxygen, but they have retained the luminescent capability as parts of related metabolic pathways or for some survival value that luminescence may confer on the organism.

Which of the following words best expresses the true meaning of the word 'confer'?

Bioluminescence, emission of light by an organism or by a laboratory biochemical system derived from an organism. It could be the ghostly glow of bacteria on decaying meat or fish, the shimmering radiance of protozoans in tropical seas, or the flickering signals of fireflies. The phenomenon occurs sporadically in a wide range of protists and animals, from bacteria and fungi to insects, marine invertebrates, and fish, but it is not known to exist naturally in true plants or in amphibians, reptiles, birds, or mammals. 

Bioluminescence results from a chemical reaction (chemiluminescence) in which the conversion of chemical energy to radiant energy is direct and virtually 100 percent efficient; i.e., very little heat is given off in the process. For that reason, the emission is called cold light or luminescence.

The functional role of bioluminescence in lower organisms such as bacteria, dinoflagellates, and fungi is difficult to discern. Partly because the glow of luminous bacteria is extinguished when oxygen is removed, it has been suggested that the bioluminescent reaction was originally used to remove oxygen toxic to primitive types of bacteria that developed when oxygen was absent or very rare in Earth's atmosphere. The metabolic reaction that combines the oxygen with a reducing substance (luciferin) liberates sufficient energy to excite a molecule in the organism to emit visible radiation. Most of those luminous primitive organisms subsequently developed systems of using oxygen, but they have retained the luminescent capability as parts of related metabolic pathways or for some survival value that luminescence may confer on the organism.

Which process is responsible for the emission of bioluminescence?

The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.

India as a country has been bestowed with several nomenclatures. Right from unity in diversity to birthplace of Hinduism and Sanskrit, the land has always been admired and revered for its rich cultural legacy and variety that it offers. India is a story, a legend, folklore and an anecdote in itself. It needs no introduction, no specific mention. It has continued to thrive for centuries and there are bright chances of it being the next super power. The country has always nourished numerous cultures, traditions and religions. All the major religions thrive in India and none of them have ever felt insecure or unprotected. That's the beauty of the land.

Go to any part of rich India and you will find numerous temple and shrines and all of them contain their own unique stories. We have always believed in beautiful and fascinating description of Indian Gods and Goddesses. Many stories have been told and retold in different fashions about how particular God originated in a particular place. All the descriptions of deities are believable and they convey just one message of Good winning over the evil. Gods in Indian religion have always fought monsters and even taken human forms to conquer evils in convincing manner. Right from north India to southern and western states, everywhere one can find plenty of amazing tales about our religion and sustenance over the centuries. The essence remains the same, the versions differ.

Indian mythology has always been popular among masses. Its effect can be seen from different religious functions and tales told to the kids by their grandma. The virtues have always been exemplified by the conduct of the Gods. Many present day symbols have been born from our mythology and religious beliefs. For example, Om or Swastika or Trishul etc have always been revered. Religious beliefs are in tune with our traditional way of living and we as staunch believers still believe in following the rules and customs. When you hear of stories about our mythological characters like Ram, Sita, Hanuman, Ravana, Ganesha, Krishna and Bhima etc you get to know about what the essence of India is made of. These characters are now being used in animation movies that will be further helpful in making new generation aware of India's famous religions and mythology. Religion and mythology is no less than precious treasure that must be respected and preserved. India is a story in itself. There have been civilizations and archaeological facts that are constantly being researched about the birth place of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Though many times there are fake inventions, there seems a lot of history in the shrines and temples in India. Each depiction of God and villains seems appropriate with the truth winning over the evil. Each time and place has the new emergence of a Hindu God who takes care of the three worlds and slays the evil. A swastika or an Om is a revered sign and mentioned as prosperity. There are many symbols like the Trishul or the Trident which is not displayed everywhere as it is considered aggressive. It is customary to smear ash or sandalwood powder in the forehead as it cools the mind. These are beliefs turned to tradition and most of us follow the rules and codes. The latest generation is quite inquisitive about facts yet totally appreciates the quests of Lord Rama, the slaying of the ten headed Ravana, the piousness of Sita and the loyalty of Hanuman. Animation flicks are being created showing characters like Gathotkach the son of Bhima, Hanuman and Ganesha. Though these are kid specials, this would be the best way to teach them about Gods and religion. Dashavatar is a wonderful combination of story and the magnanimous nature of Lord Vishnu. Each avatar or creation has a set nature and character. It is mind blowing to see the story narration and is well received by the all of us. Our art and culture have direct relation with the mythology. The Shravan month is a holy time where people get religiously and maintain fasting. This is also the time for the beginning of all festivals. Magic or splendour is what we see at the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in India. The Durga Puja is another feat. South traditions relate to Lord Muruga( Karthik) or Lord Ayyappa. The shrine of Vaishnodevi in Jammu involves climbing a steep mountain of 14 kilometers bent and the mission seems accomplished once we see the holy pind. People hold allegiance and complete belief in miracles when life challenges them. Mythology is the treasure of Indian religion and must be given to our progeny.

The central idea of the passage is best explained by which of the following statements?

Direction for questions: The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.

Bioluminescence, emission of light by an organism or by a laboratory biochemical system derived from an organism. It could be the ghostly glow of bacteria on decaying meat or fish, the shimmering radiance of protozoans in tropical seas, or the flickering signals of fireflies. The phenomenon occurs sporadically in a wide range of protists and animals, from bacteria and fungi to insects, marine invertebrates, and fish, but it is not known to exist naturally in true plants or in amphibians, reptiles, birds, or mammals. 

Bioluminescence results from a chemical reaction (chemiluminescence) in which the conversion of chemical energy to radiant energy is direct and virtually 100 percent efficient; i.e., very little heat is given off in the process. For that reason, the emission is called cold light or luminescence.

The functional role of bioluminescence in lower organisms such as bacteria, dinoflagellates, and fungi is difficult to discern. Partly because the glow of luminous bacteria is extinguished when oxygen is removed, it has been suggested that the bioluminescent reaction was originally used to remove oxygen toxic to primitive types of bacteria that developed when oxygen was absent or very rare in Earth's atmosphere. The metabolic reaction that combines the oxygen with a reducing substance (luciferin) liberates sufficient energy to excite a molecule in the organism to emit visible radiation. Most of those luminous primitive organisms subsequently developed systems of using oxygen, but they have retained the luminescent capability as parts of related metabolic pathways or for some survival value that luminescence may confer on the organism.

 What can be the suitable title for the passage?

There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide in which blank (option 1, 2, 3, or 4) the following sentence would best fit.

Sentence: Soon it would be able to fly, how wonderful!

He began to feed the bird and ran out to collect grass to build a soft nest for it. He put the nest beside his bed. (1)_________.Now the boy and the bird were sleeping together and living together. Soon the boy and the bird became dear friends. (2)________. The bird was happy and thankful and the boy was happy too having a new friend. The bird got a name and became a dear family member to all. (3)________. In course of time it really recovered and started to hop and to jump a little bit and to exercise his wings. That made everyone even more happy. (4)_________.