PASSAGE
Climate change is emerging as one of the most formidable challenges to modern agriculture. Increasing global temperatures, irregular rainfall, and severe weather patterns are expected to significantly reduce agricultural output in many parts of the world. Regions with temperate climates may initially benefit from extended growing seasons, but the overall impact on global agricultural productivity is likely to be negative. Tropical and semi-tropical regions will be the hardest hit because they already operate near the threshold of high temperatures that inhibit crop growth. In these areas, any further rise in temperature can drastically reduce crop yields.
Adding to the problem, climate change is increasing the frequency of natural disasters like droughts, floods, and hurricanes. Such disruptions not only destroy crops but also prevent farmers from planning long-term agricultural strategies. Scientists have suggested a range of adaptive measures, such as using drought-resistant seeds, altering crop cycles, and diversifying agricultural portfolios. Governments in developed nations are also investing in technological solutions to help mitigate the impact of climate change on food production.
However, access to such innovations is uneven. Farmers in developing countries often lack the necessary financial resources, technical knowledge, or infrastructure to adopt these adaptive strategies. Without external support, these regions may face severe food insecurity in the coming decades. Therefore, agricultural adaptation must be coupled with policies that address inequities in technology transfer and funding. Policymakers need to act swiftly to ensure that these adaptive solutions are accessible to vulnerable farming communities worldwide. Otherwise, the agricultural crisis could have cascading effects on food prices, supply chains, and political stability.
1. What is the primary conclusion of the passage?
(a) Developed nations are unaffected by climate change in agriculture.
(b) Climate change will have mixed effects but predominantly harm global agriculture.
(c) Farmers in developing countries are better equipped to handle climate change.
(d) New agricultural technologies will completely eliminate the effects of climate change.
2. Which of the following is an assumption made in the passage?
(a) Adaptive strategies will require financial and policy support to be effective.
(b) All farmers have access to drought-resistant seeds.
(c) Natural disasters have no impact on long-term agricultural planning.
(d) Developed countries are unwilling to share agricultural technologies.
3. Which of the following, if true, would weaken the passage’s argument about climate change’s negative impact on agriculture?
(a) Tropical regions begin experiencing more predictable rainfall.
(b) Natural disasters are caused by factors unrelated to climate change.
(c) Scientists discover crops that thrive in extreme heat and drought.
(d) Governments reduce subsidies for drought-resistant seeds.
4. Which factor does the passage suggest as essential to mitigating agricultural crises?
(a) Increased government subsidies for developing countries.
(b) Technological innovations in developed countries only.
(c) Ensuring equal access to adaptive technologies.
(d) Reducing the number of natural disasters.
5. Which of the following strengthens the passage’s argument that farmers in tropical regions are more vulnerable to climate change?
(a) Tropical regions already experience optimal growing conditions.
(b) Global warming affects temperate and tropical regions equally.
(c) A small increase in temperature can significantly reduce crop yields in tropical areas.
(d) Farmers in colder climates do not need to adapt to climate change.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries by automating processes, improving efficiency, and creating new opportunities. However, the widespread adoption of AI also raises several ethical concerns. One of the primary concerns is the potential for job displacement, as machines replace human workers in sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, and customer service. Experts argue that while AI may eliminate certain jobs, it will also create new ones that require different skill sets. However, these new jobs may not be easily accessible to individuals displaced by automation, leading to a mismatch between available skills and job opportunities.
Another ethical dilemma involves the biases embedded in AI algorithms. Since these algorithms are trained on historical data, they may inadvertently perpetuate or even exacerbate existing social biases. For instance, AI systems used in hiring processes or criminal justice may unfairly disadvantage certain demographic groups. Ensuring fairness and transparency in AI systems is essential to avoid such negative outcomes.
There are also concerns about the misuse of AI in surveillance, with governments and corporations using AI-powered tools to monitor individuals without their consent. This raises questions about privacy and the balance between security and personal freedom. Ethical frameworks and regulatory policies must be established to ensure that AI development aligns with societal values.
Despite these challenges, AI has the potential to revolutionize industries and improve the quality of life. It can aid in medical research, climate modeling, and disaster management, providing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems. The key challenge lies in managing the transition to an AI-driven world in a way that maximizes benefits while minimizing harm.
6. What is the primary concern regarding AI and employment?
(a) AI will create too many new jobs.
(b) AI may replace jobs without providing easily accessible alternatives.
(c) AI will only affect jobs in manufacturing.
(d) AI will make workers more productive without reducing jobs.
7. Which of the following is an assumption made in the passage?
(a) AI will only cause harm if left unregulated.
(b) AI can eliminate biases from human decision-making processes.
(c) The skills required for AI-related jobs differ from those required for traditional jobs.
(d) Governments have already established adequate regulations for AI.
8. Which of the following, if true, would weaken the argument that AI perpetuates biases?
(a) AI algorithms are trained using completely unbiased datasets.
(b) AI is only used in non-sensitive industries.
(c) Bias in AI systems cannot be identified or corrected.
(d) Human decision-making is always free of biases.
9. What does the passage suggest as a solution to prevent the misuse of AI?
(a) Stopping the development of AI technology.
(b) Establishing ethical frameworks and regulatory policies.
(c) Increasing surveillance to monitor AI development.
(d) Reducing public reliance on AI.
10. Which of the following strengthens the argument that AI can improve the quality of life?
(a) AI can replace humans in creative professions.
(b) AI systems are prone to failure in unpredictable scenarios.
(c) AI can help solve complex problems such as climate change and healthcare.
(d) AI systems require constant human supervision.
The transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, is essential to address climate change. Fossil fuels, like coal and oil, are the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and shifting towards cleaner energy alternatives can reduce the environmental impact. However, the transition is not without challenges. The initial cost of setting up renewable energy infrastructure is high, and the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy makes it difficult to ensure a stable power supply. Storing energy for periods when the sun does not shine or the wind does not blow requires advancements in battery technology, which are still expensive and not widely available.
Governments around the world have introduced incentives and subsidies to encourage investment in renewable energy. These include tax breaks for solar panels, grants for wind farms, and research funding for battery technology. However, such policies also face resistance from industries reliant on fossil fuels and regions where coal mining or oil extraction is a significant part of the economy. Policymakers must balance the need for economic stability with the urgency of reducing emissions.
Moreover, the renewable energy transition requires international cooperation. Climate change is a global problem, and countries need to collaborate by sharing technology and resources. Wealthier nations, which have historically contributed more to global emissions, must support developing countries in their efforts to adopt clean energy. Without this support, developing countries may continue to rely on fossil fuels to meet their energy needs, undermining global emission reduction efforts.
While the shift to renewable energy is complex, it remains the most viable solution to combating climate change. Governments, industries, and individuals all have a role to play in accelerating this transition, ensuring that future generations inherit a more sustainable planet.
11. What is the primary argument of the passage?
(a) Fossil fuel industries should not be held responsible for climate change.
(b) The renewable energy transition is challenging but essential.
(c) Battery technology is the only obstacle to renewable energy adoption.
(d) Governments must reduce subsidies for renewable energy to maintain economic stability.
12. Which of the following is an implicit assumption in the passage?
(a) Renewable energy sources will eventually become cheaper.
(b) Fossil fuel industries will willingly shift to clean energy.
(c) All countries have equal capacity to switch to renewable energy.
(d) Individuals can play only a minor role in addressing climate change.
13. Which of the following, if true, would weaken the argument for renewable energy?
(a) Fossil fuels become significantly cleaner through technological advancements.
(b) Renewable energy becomes cheaper than fossil fuels.
(c) Countries introduce stricter penalties for emissions.
(d) Advances in solar technology make fossil fuels obsolete.
14. Which policy does the passage suggest is necessary to support developing countries in the transition?
(a) Introducing penalties for using fossil fuels.
(b) Reducing international collaboration on energy issues.
(c) Providing financial and technological support from wealthier nations.
(d) Relying on fossil fuels temporarily to ensure energy security.
15. What strengthens the argument that renewable energy is a global priority?
(a) Fossil fuels are abundant and easy to access worldwide.
(b) Climate change affects every country, requiring a coordinated effort.
(c) Renewable energy technologies are only effective in specific regions.
(d) Fossil fuel industries are expected to expand in the future.
The rapid growth of e-commerce has transformed the way businesses and consumers interact. Online platforms provide customers with the convenience of shopping from home, access to a wider variety of products, and the ability to compare prices across multiple retailers. For businesses, e-commerce offers the opportunity to reach a global audience, lower operational costs, and collect valuable consumer data to enhance marketing strategies.
However, the rise of e-commerce also presents several challenges. Traditional brick-and-mortar stores face stiff competition, leading to closures and job losses in the retail sector. Additionally, the logistics of delivering products ordered online contribute to carbon emissions, raising environmental concerns. Some critics argue that e-commerce promotes overconsumption, as the ease of shopping online encourages impulse purchases.
On the other hand, advocates of e-commerce argue that it can drive sustainable practices. Online platforms can provide transparency about the origin of products, enabling consumers to make more informed choices. Furthermore, advances in logistics, such as electric delivery vehicles, have the potential to reduce the environmental impact of online shopping. The key lies in balancing convenience with sustainability and ensuring that the benefits of e-commerce do not come at the expense of environmental or social well-being.
16. What is the main argument of the passage?
(a) E-commerce is beneficial but must address social and environmental challenges.
(b) E-commerce will eventually replace traditional retail entirely.
(c) Online shopping leads to environmental benefits without drawbacks.
(d) Businesses should focus only on e-commerce and shut down physical stores.
17. Which assumption is implicit in the passage?
(a) Consumers will always prefer e-commerce over physical stores.
(b) The environmental impact of online shopping can be minimized.
(c) Traditional retail is unaffected by the growth of e-commerce.
(d) Impulse buying does not occur in physical stores.
18. Which of the following, if true, would weaken the argument that e-commerce promotes sustainability?
(a) Consumers prefer physical stores for high-value items.
(b) Delivery services use electric vehicles for all operations.
(c) Online platforms fail to provide accurate information about product origins.
(d) E-commerce companies partner with environmental organizations.
19. What does the passage suggest as a key factor in making e-commerce sustainable?
(a) Switching all operations to automated systems.
(b) Offering discounts to promote overconsumption.
(c) Increasing transparency and adopting sustainable logistics practices.
(d) Eliminating the need for logistics altogether.
20. Which factor strengthens the argument that e-commerce provides consumer benefits?
(a) Online platforms enable easy comparison of products and prices.
(b) Brick-and-mortar stores offer personalized customer service.
(c) E-commerce platforms charge high shipping fees.
(d) Traditional retail stores offer discounts unavailable online.
Education has long been regarded as the key to improving social mobility, enabling individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to access better economic opportunities. Societies that emphasize quality education tend to experience lower income inequality, as well-educated individuals are better equipped to secure high-paying jobs. However, simply increasing access to education does not automatically translate into greater social mobility. The quality of education, socioeconomic barriers, and unequal access to resources all play a crucial role in determining outcomes.
One of the major challenges lies in the disparity between urban and rural education systems. Schools in rural areas often lack funding, trained teachers, and infrastructure, leaving students at a disadvantage. Additionally, systemic issues such as discrimination based on caste, gender, or economic status further limit access to quality education. These inequalities perpetuate existing social hierarchies, making it difficult for marginalized groups to break free from poverty cycles.
Policymakers have introduced initiatives such as scholarships, reservation quotas, and skill-development programs to bridge the gap. However, these efforts have had mixed results. While they offer some relief, they are often criticized for being poorly implemented or failing to address the root causes of inequality. Experts argue that achieving true social mobility requires comprehensive reforms, including curriculum modernization, teacher training, and better infrastructure in underserved areas. Only by addressing these structural issues can education fulfill its promise of being a great equalizer.
Ultimately, education alone is not a silver bullet for social mobility. It must be accompanied by policies that reduce economic inequality and promote inclusive growth. Governments, educators, and communities must work together to create an environment where every child, regardless of background, has an equal opportunity to succeed.
21. What is the main idea of the passage?
(a) Education guarantees economic success for all individuals.
(b) Social mobility depends on the quality and accessibility of education.
(c) Rural education is inherently superior to urban education.
(d) Scholarship programs alone are sufficient to address inequality.
22. Which of the following is an assumption underlying the argument?
(a) Structural reforms are essential to achieve social mobility through education.
(b) Students in rural areas are not interested in quality education.
(c) Economic inequality does not impact educational outcomes.
(d) Scholarships automatically eliminate all barriers to education.
23. Which of the following, if true, would weaken the argument that education alone can drive social mobility?
(a) Some students drop out of school despite financial aid.
(b) Urban schools introduce advanced teaching methods.
(c) New government programs increase funding for education.
(d) Job markets prefer candidates with non-academic skills.
24. Which factor does the passage highlight as a barrier to social mobility?
(a) Limited access to online education platforms.
(b) Lack of job opportunities in urban areas.
(c) Discrimination based on caste, gender, and economic status.
(d) Overemphasis on non-academic skills in schools.
25. What policy recommendation is implied in the passage?
(a) Eliminate reservation quotas to reduce inequality.
(b) Improve rural education infrastructure and teacher quality.
(c) Abolish financial aid programs for underprivileged students.
(d) Focus exclusively on economic reforms to improve social mobility.
Answers and Explanations
1. (b) – The overall argument suggests that climate change will negatively impact global agriculture, particularly in tropical regions.
(a), (c), (d) are incorrect because the passage emphasizes negative impacts more than benefits.
2. (d) – The passage implies that not all farmers have access to adaptive technologies.
(a), (b), (c) are incorrect since the text highlights resource disparities among farmers.
3. (c) – Discovering crops that thrive in extreme climates would weaken the argument that agriculture will suffer.
(a), (b), (d) do not directly address the central issue of crop resilience to climate change.
4. (c) – Ensuring equal access to technologies is essential to mitigating the crisis.
(a), (b), (d) are partial solutions but not emphasized as central in the passage.
5. (c) – The vulnerability of tropical regions is due to temperature thresholds that inhibit crop growth.
(a), (b), (d) misrepresent the degree of impact on tropical regions.
6. (b) – The passage focuses on job displacement without matching new opportunities.
(a), (c), (d) do not align with the primary concern about displacement.
7. (c) – The text assumes that new jobs will require different skills than traditional jobs.
(a), (b), (d) are unsupported assumptions.
8. (a) – If algorithms are unbiased, AI systems will not perpetuate biases, weakening the argument.
(b), (c), (d) do not address the key point about bias.
9. (b) – The passage emphasizes the need for ethical frameworks and regulation.
(a), (c), (d) are not practical or central solutions.
10. (c)– AI can improve healthcare, disaster management, and climate modeling.
(a), (b), (d) do not contribute directly to improving quality of life.
11. (b) – The passage acknowledges challenges but stresses the importance of the transition.
(a), (c), (d) misrepresent the argument.
12. (a) – The passage assumes that renewable energy will become more affordable over time.
(b), (c), (d) are incorrect assumptions.
13. (a) – Cleaner fossil fuels would reduce the need for a shift to renewables.
(b), (c), (d) do not weaken the argument effectively.
14. (c) – Support from wealthier nations is necessary for developing countries to transition.
(a), (b), (d) are not aligned with the suggested policy.
15. (b) – Climate change affects all countries, requiring global cooperation.
(a), (c), (d) are irrelevant or incorrect.
16. (a)– The passage acknowledges both benefits and challenges of e-commerce.
(b), (c), (d) are not supported by the text.
17. (b)– The passage assumes environmental impact can be minimized through better practices.
(a), (c), (d) are not implied assumptions.
18. (c) – Inaccurate information weakens the argument about sustainability.
(a), (b), (d) are irrelevant to the point about sustainability.
19. (c) – Transparency and sustainable logistics are key to minimizing environmental impact.
(a), (b), (d) do not address sustainability directly.
20. (a) – E-commerce offers convenience by enabling easy product and price comparisons.
(b), (c), (d) are incorrect or irrelevant.
21. (b) – The passage emphasizes the importance of quality education for social mobility.
(a), (c), (d) are incorrect interpretations.
22. (a)– Structural reforms are necessary to achieve meaningful social mobility through education.
(b), (c), (d) are not implied assumptions.
23. (d) – A preference for non-academic skills would undermine the role of education in mobility.
(a), (b), (c) do not weaken the argument effectively.
24. (c) – Discrimination is highlighted as a significant barrier to education.
(a), (b), (d) are not emphasized in the passage.
25. (b) – Improving rural education is implied as a necessary reform.
(a), (c), (d) are not recommended by the passage.
