Comprehension

Total Questions: 50

31. The regal period (753-509 BC) and the early republic (509-280 BC) are the most poorly documented periods of Roman history because historical accounts of Rome were not written until much later. Greek historians did not take serious notice of Rome until the Pyrrhic War (280-275 BC), when Rome was completing its conquest of Italy and was fighting against the Greek city of Tarentum in southern Italy. Rome's first native historian, a senator named Quintus Fabius Pictor, lived and wrote even later, during the Second Punic War (218-201 BC). Thus historical writing at Rome did not begin until after Rome had completed its conquest of Italy, had emerged as a major power of the ancient world, and was engaged in a titanic struggle with Carthage for control of the western Mediterranean. Fabius Pictor's history, which began with the city's mythical Trojan ancestry and narrated events up to his own day, established the form of subsequent histories of Rome. During the last 200 years BC, 16 other Romans wrote similarly inclusive narratives. All these works are now collectively termed "the Roman annalistic tradition" because many of them attempted to give a year-by-year (or annalistic) account of Roman affairs for the republic. Although none of these histories are fully preserved, the first 10 books of Livy, one of Rome's greatest historians, are extant and cover Roman affairs from earliest times to the year 293 BC (extant are also Books 21 to 45 treating the events from 218 BC to 167 BC). Since Livy wrote during the reign of the emperor Augustus (27 BC-AD 14), he was separated by 200 years from Fabius Pictor, who, in turn, had lived long after many of the events his history described. Thus, in writing about early Rome, ancient historians were confronted with great difficulties in ascertaining the truth. They possessed a list of annual magistrates from the beginning of the republic onward (the consular fasti), which formed the chronological framework of their accounts. Religious records and the texts of some laws and treaties provided a bare outline of major events. Ancient historians fleshed out this meagre factual material with both native and Greek folklore. Consequently, over time, historical facts about early Rome often suffered from patriotic or face-saving reinterpretations involving exaggeration of the truth, suppression of embarrassing facts, and invention. [SSC CPO Tier II (08/01/2024)]

Which period in ancient Roman history is most poorly documented?

Correct Answer: (a) 509-280 BC
Solution:509-280 BC (Line from the passage- The regal period (753-509 BC) and the early republic (509-280 BC) are the most poorly documented periods of Roman history because historical accounts of Rome were not written until much later.

32. The regal period (753-509 BC) and the early republic (509-280 BC) are the most poorly documented periods of Roman history because historical accounts of Rome were not written until much later. Greek historians did not take serious notice of Rome until the Pyrrhic War (280-275 BC), when Rome was completing its conquest of Italy and was fighting against the Greek city of Tarentum in southern Italy. Rome's first native historian, a senator named Quintus Fabius Pictor, lived and wrote even later, during the Second Punic War (218-201 BC). Thus historical writing at Rome did not begin until after Rome had completed its conquest of Italy, had emerged as a major power of the ancient world, and was engaged in a titanic struggle with Carthage for control of the western Mediterranean. Fabius Pictor's history, which began with the city's mythical Trojan ancestry and narrated events up to his own day, established the form of subsequent histories of Rome. During the last 200 years BC, 16 other Romans wrote similarly inclusive narratives. All these works are now collectively termed "the Roman annalistic tradition" because many of them attempted to give a year-by-year (or annalistic) account of Roman affairs for the republic. Although none of these histories are fully preserved, the first 10 books of Livy, one of Rome's greatest historians, are extant and cover Roman affairs from earliest times to the year 293 BC (extant are also Books 21 to 45 treating the events from 218 BC to 167 BC). Since Livy wrote during the reign of the emperor Augustus (27 BC-AD 14), he was separated by 200 years from Fabius Pictor, who, in turn, had lived long after many of the events his history described. Thus, in writing about early Rome, ancient historians were confronted with great difficulties in ascertaining the truth. They possessed a list of annual magistrates from the beginning of the republic onward (the consular fasti), which formed the chronological framework of their accounts. Religious records and the texts of some laws and treaties provided a bare outline of major events. Ancient historians fleshed out this meagre factual material with both native and Greek folklore. Consequently, over time, historical facts about early Rome often suffered from patriotic or face-saving reinterpretations involving exaggeration of the truth, suppression of embarrassing facts, and invention. [SSC CPO Tier II (08/01/2024)]

What did the early Roman historians use to fill up details in the historical accounts of events?

Correct Answer: (b) Roman and Greek folklore
Solution:Roman and Greek folklore The passage mentions that ancient Roman historians used both native(Roman) and Greek folklore to fill up details in the historical account of events. Hence, option (b) is the most appropriate answer.

33. The discovery of a new bird species has sparked excitement among ornithologists and bird enthusiasts worldwide. The bird, named the Sapphire-winged Warbler, discovered in a remote tropical island's rainforests, is a unique bird with vibrant blue feathers and a distinctive melodic song. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts have been flocking to the island in hopes of catching a glimpse of this elusive and captivating creature. The discovery of the Sapphire winged Warbler highlights the importance of preserving and protecting habitats. Amidst the excitement surrounding the discovery of the Sapphire-winged Warbler, researchers have embarked on a mission to uncover the bird's migratory patterns. Equipped with satellite tracking devices, they aim to trace the remarkable journey of this species across vast distances. By unravelling its migratory routes and stopover locations, scientists hope to gain insight into the challenges the Sapphire-winged Warbler faces during its arduous travels. The local community on the tropical island has embraced the newfound avian resident with great enthusiasm. Efforts are underway to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and to create protected areas that ensure the continued existence of this exquisite species. [SSC CGL Tier II (26/10/2023)]

Select the most appropriate title for the given passage.

Correct Answer: (a) The Migratory Journey of the Sapphire-winged Warbler
Solution:'The Migratory Journey of the Sapphire-winged Warbler' It can be inferred from the passage that the most appropriate title for the passage is 'the migratory journey of the Sapphire-winged Warbler'.

34. The discovery of a new bird species has sparked excitement among ornithologists and bird enthusiasts worldwide. The bird, named the Sapphire-winged Warbler, discovered in a remote tropical island's rainforests, is a unique bird with vibrant blue feathers and a distinctive melodic song. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts have been flocking to the island in hopes of catching a glimpse of this elusive and captivating creature. The discovery of the Sapphire winged Warbler highlights the importance of preserving and protecting habitats. Amidst the excitement surrounding the discovery of the Sapphire-winged Warbler, researchers have embarked on a mission to uncover the bird's migratory patterns. Equipped with satellite tracking devices, they aim to trace the remarkable journey of this species across vast distances. By unravelling its migratory routes and stopover locations, scientists hope to gain insight into the challenges the Sapphire-winged Warbler faces during its arduous travels. The local community on the tropical island has embraced the newfound avian resident with great enthusiasm. Efforts are underway to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and to create protected areas that ensure the continued existence of this exquisite species. [SSC CGL Tier II (26/10/2023)]

Which statement best reflects a fact mentioned in the given passage?

Correct Answer: (d) Researchers are using satellite tracking devices to study the bird's migratory patterns.
Solution:Researchers are using satellite tracking devices to study the bird's migratory patterns. (Line/s from the passage- Amidst the excitement surrounding the discovery of the Sapphire-winged Warbler, researchers have embarked on a mission to uncover the bird's migratory patterns. Equipped with satellite tracking devices, they aim to trace the remarkable journey of this species across vast distances.

35. The discovery of a new bird species has sparked excitement among ornithologists and bird enthusiasts worldwide. The bird, named the Sapphire-winged Warbler, discovered in a remote tropical island's rainforests, is a unique bird with vibrant blue feathers and a distinctive melodic song. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts have been flocking to the island in hopes of catching a glimpse of this elusive and captivating creature. The discovery of the Sapphire winged Warbler highlights the importance of preserving and protecting habitats. Amidst the excitement surrounding the discovery of the Sapphire-winged Warbler, researchers have embarked on a mission to uncover the bird's migratory patterns. Equipped with satellite tracking devices, they aim to trace the remarkable journey of this species across vast distances. By unravelling its migratory routes and stopover locations, scientists hope to gain insight into the challenges the Sapphire-winged Warbler faces during its arduous travels. The local community on the tropical island has embraced the newfound avian resident with great enthusiasm. Efforts are underway to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and to create protected areas that ensure the continued existence of this exquisite species. [SSC CGL Tier II (26/10/2023)]

Identify the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word 'stare' from the passage.

Correct Answer: (d) Glimpse
Solution:Glimpse- a momentary or partial view.

Stare- a long fixed or vacant look.

Arduousness- extremely difficult.

Vibrancy- the state of being full of energy and life.

Excitement- a feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness.

36. The discovery of a new bird species has sparked excitement among ornithologists and bird enthusiasts worldwide. The bird, named the Sapphire-winged Warbler, discovered in a remote tropical island's rainforests, is a unique bird with vibrant blue feathers and a distinctive melodic song. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts have been flocking to the island in hopes of catching a glimpse of this elusive and captivating creature. The discovery of the Sapphire winged Warbler highlights the importance of preserving and protecting habitats. Amidst the excitement surrounding the discovery of the Sapphire-winged Warbler, researchers have embarked on a mission to uncover the bird's migratory patterns. Equipped with satellite tracking devices, they aim to trace the remarkable journey of this species across vast distances. By unravelling its migratory routes and stopover locations, scientists hope to gain insight into the challenges the Sapphire-winged Warbler faces during its arduous travels. The local community on the tropical island has embraced the newfound avian resident with great enthusiasm. Efforts are underway to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and to create protected areas that ensure the continued existence of this exquisite species. [SSC CGL Tier II (26/10/2023)]

Based on the given passage, which of the following inferences can be made?

Correct Answer: (a) The discovery of the Sapphire-winged Warbler has sparked global interest in birdwatching.
Solution:The discovery of the Sapphire-winged Warbler has sparked global interest in birdwatching. The passage suggests that people worldwide, including ornithologists and bird enthusiasts, are excited about the discovery of the Sapphire-winged Warbler. They are traveling to the remote tropical island to see this unique bird. This indicates a global interest in birdwatching.

37. On woody plants known as vines, luscious, smooth-skinned berries called grapes grow in dense clusters. In particular, grapes are grown in France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Chile, Romania, Georgia, South Africa and California, all of which have warm summers and moderate winters. Table grapes are larger and sweeter grapes that are intended for fresh consumption. To create wine, 80% of the grapes are crushed. The fermentation process turns grapes into wine. To make raisins, grapes must also be dried. Grapes ripen in the area of California in August. They are cut from the vines and left on trays to dry for two to three weeks. So, to transform them into raisins, they are further cooked and steeped in particular treatments. According to studies, one acre of grapes can make roughly 15,000 glasses of wine on average. Grapes of the Thompson, Flame, Ruby, Perlette and Tokay varieties are popular. [SSC CGL Tier II (26/10/2023)]

What does the fermentation process do?

Correct Answer: (d) Turns grapes into wine
Solution:Turns grapes into wine. (Line/s from the passage- The fermentation process turns grapes into wine.)

38. On woody plants known as vines, luscious, smooth-skinned berries called grapes grow in dense clusters. In particular, grapes are grown in France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Chile, Romania, Georgia, South Africa and California, all of which have warm summers and moderate winters. Table grapes are larger and sweeter grapes that are intended for fresh consumption. To create wine, 80% of the grapes are crushed. The fermentation process turns grapes into wine. To make raisins, grapes must also be dried. Grapes ripen in the area of California in August. They are cut from the vines and left on trays to dry for two to three weeks. So, to transform them into raisins, they are further cooked and steeped in particular treatments. According to studies, one acre of grapes can make roughly 15,000 glasses of wine on average. Grapes of the Thompson, Flame, Ruby, Perlette and Tokay varieties are popular. [SSC CGL Tier II (26/10/2023)]

Based on your reading of the passage, select the most appropriate word which best describes 'luscious'.

Correct Answer: (c) Juicy
Solution:Luscious- juicy.

39. On woody plants known as vines, luscious, smooth-skinned berries called grapes grow in dense clusters. In particular, grapes are grown in France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Chile, Romania, Georgia, South Africa and California, all of which have warm summers and moderate winters. Table grapes are larger and sweeter grapes that are intended for fresh consumption. To create wine, 80% of the grapes are crushed. The fermentation process turns grapes into wine. To make raisins, grapes must also be dried. Grapes ripen in the area of California in August. They are cut from the vines and left on trays to dry for two to three weeks. So, to transform them into raisins, they are further cooked and steeped in particular treatments. According to studies, one acre of grapes can make roughly 15,000 glasses of wine on average. Grapes of the Thompson, Flame, Ruby, Perlette and Tokay varieties are popular. [SSC CGL Tier II (26/10/2023)]

In which region do grapes ripen in August?

Correct Answer: (b) California
Solution:California (Line/s from the passage- Grapes ripen in the area of California in August.)

40. On woody plants known as vines, luscious, smooth-skinned berries called grapes grow in dense clusters. In particular, grapes are grown in France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Chile, Romania, Georgia, South Africa and California, all of which have warm summers and moderate winters. Table grapes are larger and sweeter grapes that are intended for fresh consumption. To create wine, 80% of the grapes are crushed. The fermentation process turns grapes into wine. To make raisins, grapes must also be dried. Grapes ripen in the area of California in August. They are cut from the vines and left on trays to dry for two to three weeks. So, to transform them into raisins, they are further cooked and steeped in particular treatments. According to studies, one acre of grapes can make roughly 15,000 glasses of wine on average. Grapes of the Thompson, Flame, Ruby, Perlette and Tokay varieties are popular. [SSC CGL Tier II (26/10/2023)]

Select the most appropriate title for the passage.

Correct Answer: (a) Grapes and its uses
Solution:It can be inferred from the passage that the most appropriate title for the passage is 'grapes and its uses'.