Question 1 - Factual Passage (with Past Year Questions) - Reading Comprehension - English Class 12

Read the passage and answer the questions given below: [SQP, 2020-2021] 

1. The present generation is well updated with the use of internet and computers. The rapid development in computer technology and increase in accessibility of the internet for academic purposes has changed the face of education for everyone associated with it. Let’s look at the data arising out of a recent survey that was done to ascertain  the time spent on utilisation of the computer and internet:

2. At present, many schools and universities have been implementing internet-based learning, as it supplements the conventional teaching methods. The internet provides a wide variety of references and information to academics as well as scientific researchers. Students often turn to it to do their academic assignments and projects. 

3. However, research on Internet is very different from traditional library research, and the differences can cause problems. The Internet is a tremendous resource, but it must be used carefully and critically.

4. According to a 2018 Academic Student e-book Experience Survey, conducted by LJ’s research department and sponsored by EBSCO, when reading for pleasure, almost 74% of respondents said they preferred print books for leisure whereas, 45% of respondents chose e-books rather than the printed versions, for research or assignments. 

5. When asked what e-book features make them their favourite for research, the respondents were clear. Having page numbers to use in citations, topped the list (75%); followed by the ability to resize text to fit a device’s screen (67%); the ability to bookmark pages, highlight text, or take notes for later reference (60%); downloading the entire e-book  (57%); and allowing content to be transferred between devices (43%) were the varied responses.

Question 1 ( i )

The word ‘tremendous’, as used in paragraph 3, means the same as 

(A) expensive  

(B) renowned

(C) Innovative  

(D) incredible

Answer

Let us first understand the meanings of the options.

1. expensive - costly
2. renowned - famous
3. innovative - creative
4. incredible - very good

The words tremendous means very great. We can safely conclude that tremendous in meaning is closest to incredible .

So, the correct answer is (D).

Question 1 (ii)

Based on the graphical chart in the passage, choose the option that correctly states the depiction of  internet usage for work and for leisure, for once a month.

(A) Option (1)  

(B) Option (2)

(C) Option (3)  

(D) Option (4)

Answer

Let’s first understand all the options.

• Option 1 - 50% work and 50% leisure
• Option 2 - 75% leisure and 25% work
• Option 3 - 67% work and 33% leisure
• Option 4 - 25% leisure and 75% work

So, according to data given we can go for Option 4

So, the correct answer is (D).

Question 1 (iii)

Based on the given graphical representation  of data in the passage, choose the option  that lists the statements that are TRUE with  respect to the usage of email. 

1. The everyday usage of email is more than the everyday usage of computer for personal use. 

2. About 18% people use email once a week.

3. There are a smaller number of email users using it 2-3 times a week than the ones using it once a month. 

4. Less than 5% of people never use the email.

(A) 1 and 3

(B) 2 and 4 

(C) 1 and 2

(D) 3 and 4

Answer

• Option 1. The everyday usage of email is more  than the everyday usage of computers for  personal use. - False with the correct statement being: The everyday usage of email is less than the everyday usage of computers for  personal use.
• Option 2. About 18% of people use email once a week.  - True
• Option 3. There are a smaller number of email users  using it 2-3 times a week than the ones  using it once a month.  - False with the correct statement being: “There are a larger number of email users  using it 2-3 times a week than the ones  using it once a month.”
• Option 4. Less than 5% of people never use email. - True

Options 1 and 3 are false because it is the other way round.

According to the graph provided 2 and 4 are true.

So, the correct answer is (B).

Question 1 (iv)

Based on the given graphical chart, pick the  option that lists the area of zero response  from respondents. 

(A) Never using the internet for work and  leisure 

(B) Daily use of the computer for academic  activities 

(C) Writing and receiving emails once a week 

(D) Using the internet for personal tasks once a month

Answer

We refer to the graphs given in the passage and find that never using the internet for work and  leisure have zero responses .

So, the correct answer is (A).

Question 1 (v)

In the cartoon, the student’s reaction reveals  that he is  _______.

(A) Indignant 

(B) apologetic 

(C) obedient  

(D) inquisitive

Answer

Let us first understand the meanings of the options:

1. indignant -  feeling or showing anger or annoyance at an unfair treatment
2. apologetic - feeling sorry
3. obedient - one who follows all rules
4. inquisitive - curious nature

In the figure, the person feels that he is being marked incorrectly where he assumes that he’s done it from a verified source. Hence, the answer is indignant .

So, the correct answer is (A).

Question 1 (vi)

Which of the following statements is NOT  substantiated by information in paragraph  4? 

(A) About three-quarters of the respondents  preferred print books for recreational  reading. 

(B) A little less than a 50% of the respondents  voted for e-books for research or  assignments. 

(C) More than 50% respondents stated  enjoying both versions of books for  leisure reading. 

(D) The survey was intended for  understanding the e-book experience  among students.

Answer

1. About three-quarters of the respondents  preferred print books for recreational  reading.  - given in the passage
2. A little less than 50% of the respondents  voted for e-books for research or  assignments.  - given in the passage
3. More than 50% of respondents stated  enjoying both versions of books for  leisure reading.  - given in the passage
4. The survey was intended for  understanding the e-book experience  among students.  - given in the passage

Apart from the third option - More than 50% respondents stated  enjoying both versions of books for leisure reading all other data have been specified in the paragraph. 

So, the correct answer is (C).

Question 1 (vii)

“… but it must be used carefully and  critically.” The idea of being careful and  critical while using the internet, is mainly a  reference to 

(A) hardware malfunction.   

(B) plagiarism. 

(C) troubleshooting.   

(D) virus threats.

Answer

Let us first understand the meanings of the options:

1. hardware malfunction -  physical part of system is not working
2. plagiarism - copying other person’s ideas and showing it as your own
3. troubleshooting - solving problems
4. virus threats - problems that a virus causes

Content related ideas while using the internet, is in reference to plagiarism .

So, the correct answer is (B).

Question 1 (viii)

Arrange the given e-book features preferred  for research from the least favourite to the most favourite– 

1. downloading the entire e-book

2. choosing page numbers in citations

3. highlighting text

4. resizing text to fit screen

(A) 1, 3, 4, 2  

(B) 3, 2, 1, 4 

(C) 2, 4, 3, 1  

(D) 4, 1, 2, 3

Answer

The sequence with the help of the paragraph:

• Downloading the entire e- book (Option 1)
• Highlighting Text (Option 3)
• Resizing text to fit screen (Option 4)
• Choosing page numbers in citations (Option 2)

So, the correct answer is (A).