SOLVED PAPER 2021 (CDS) (I) (English)

Total Questions: 120

21. (Questions 21-25) In this section you have two short passages. After each passage, you will find some questions based on the passage. Read the passages and answer the questions based on them. You are required to select your answers based on the content of the passage and opinion of the author only.

PASSAGE-I

Conventional education makes independent thinking extremely difficult. Conformity leads to mediocrity. To be different from the group or to resist environment is not easy and is often risky as long as we worship success. The urge to be successful, which is the pursuit of reward whether in the materials or in the so-called spiritual sphere, the search for inward or outward security, the desire for comfort-this whole process smothers discontent, puts an end to spontaneity and breeds fear; and fear blocks the intelligent understanding of life. With increasing age, dullness of mind and heart sets in.

In seeking comfort, we generally find a quiet corner in life where there is a minimum of conflict, and then we are afraid to step out of that seclusion. This fear of life, this fear of struggle and of a new experience, kills in us the spirit of adventure; our whole upbringing and education have made us afraid to be different from our neighbour, afraid to think contrary to the established pattern of society, falsely respectful of authority and tradition.

Fortunately, there are a few who are in earnest, who are willing to examine our human problems without the prejudice of the right or of the left; but in the vast majority of us, there is no real spirit of discontent, or revolt. When we yield uncomprehendingly to environment, any spirit of revolt that may have had died sown, and our responsibilities soon put an end to it.

Why does conventional education make independent thinking extremely difficult?

Correct Answer: (a) It does not encourage disagreement
Solution:According to the given passage, conventional education supports conformity. It promotes success which comes with conformity and a lack of conflict. Thus, to avoid conflict it discourages any disagreements and makes independent thinking extremely difficult.

22. Read the passages above and answer the questions based on them.

Worshipping success leads to

Correct Answer: (b) accepting the established practices
Solution:In the given passage, it is suggested that those who worship success desire to live a peaceful life in comfort. Hence, such people try to avoid conflict and accept the established practices.

23. Read the passages above and answer the questions based on them.

Why do most people want to find a quiet corner in life?

Correct Answer: (c) Because they seek comfort
Solution:As per the passage, people seek comfort which they can find in a quiet corner of life.

24. Read the passages above and answer the questions based on them.

Which word in the passage means 'bias'?

Correct Answer: (b) prejudice
Solution:The word 'bias' means 'inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, especially in a way considered to be unfair'. From the given options, 'prejudice' means the same as bias.

25. Read the passages above and answer the questions based on them.

The word 'uncomprehendingly' in the passage means

Correct Answer: (c) Without knowing
Solution:The meaning of the word 'uncomprehendingly' is 'without any reason or knowledge'.

26. (Questions 26-30) In this section you have two short passages. After each passage, you will find some questions based on the passage. Read the passages and answer the questions based on them. You are required to select your answers based on the content of the passage and opinion of the author only.

PASSAGE-II

Noise is a common problem in both urban and rural areas, traffic noise in particular. Trees and shrubs are not only visually attractive but also can make effective noise barriers. Therefore, when space permits we have to plant more trees and shrubs in areas where there is noise problem. By doing this noise can be reduced by six decibels over a distance of 30 m.

The only thing we have to keep in mind is that the planting should be particularly dense; the trees which have dense foliage and relatively vertical orientation of arrangements should be plante(d) It will completely screen the source of noise. If there is any gap in barrier it will still allow noise to penetrate. Single layer of trees is worthless as a noise barrier. Due to inter-reflection, multi-rows of trees are more effective. The planted trees must be taller. We can reduce noise level by 1.5 decibels with each additional 3 feet of tree height. When the opportunity to use trees is restricted a combination of shrubs and tall grass can be use(d) Instead of tarmac or gravel surfaces soft grass ground cover is preferable. It will absorb noise rather than reflect it. Rows of trees, shrubs, crotons, ground covering plants, climbers and their flowers not only reduce noise and provide a beautiful backyard but they also help block wind, provide shade, and absorb traffic pollution.

What distance a good number of trees can cover in reducing noise?

Correct Answer: (a) 30m
Solution:As mentioned in the passage, a good number of trees can reduce noise in an area of 30 m.

27. Read the passages above and answer the questions based on them.

Trees can reduce noise only when

Correct Answer: (c) they are planted dense
Solution:According to the passage, trees can be effective in reducing noise pollution only if they are planted dense.

28. Read the passages above and answer the questions based on them.

'Single layer of trees is worthless as a noise barrier.' Why?

Correct Answer: (d) Noise can penetrate easily
Solution:As per the given passage, trees must be dense to reduce noise. Even a small gap will allow the noise to pass easily.

29. Read the passages above and answer the questions based on them.

Higher the trees

Correct Answer: (b) lower the noise
Solution:As mentioned in the passage, the trees should be high to reduce noise effectively.

30. Read the passages above and answer the questions based on them.

How do shrubs and tall grass reduce noise?

Correct Answer: (a) They absorb noise
Solution:According to the passage, trees, shrubs and tall grass reduce noise pollution by absorbing noise.