Directions: (1 - ): Read the following passage carefully and answers the questions given below it.
Social networking does leave an impact or a dent on both individuals and businesses. Let's look at the youths of today. For them, the online community is where it’s at. Modern day life in the city at times restricts physical social interaction among these young people. Long school hours, commuting times and threat of rising crime combined together act as a compelling factor which keep many youth at home for long hours. As a result, those with Internet access turn to online social networks which enable not only instant communication with friends but also enable the sharing of similar interests. In that sense, social networks represent an effective platform for teenagers to interact and socialize. These social networks have also been responsible for bringing together like-minded people in a quick and efficient manner that would be difficult to duplicate without the Internet. There have been claims that the Internet is impersonal and reduces social contact between people but that assumption is being proven wrong on social networks where it often leads to real world activities. For example, a group of Malaysian outdoor lovers set up the Malaysian Outdoors Trekking, Hiking, Scuba Facebook Group.
Within a year of setting up, the group had attracted more than 5000 members and volunteers had organized numerous outings all over Malaysia. In Malaysia, the impact of social networking on society was proven during the 2008 Malaysia General Election, where blogs and other social networking sites played a major role during the election. That also resulted in more blogs being created such as the blog of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. There are also a number of blogs related to the Government and opposition out there including the blog of Tun Dr Mahathir, Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo and many more.
Even in the United States, President Barrack Obama spent a lot of time campaigning on social networks to win the election. There is an impact on education too. Social networks are also being used by teachers and students especially in the West as a communication tool. Teachers and professors use forums and groups to extend classroom discussions. Some of them routinely use Twitter to communicate announcements and information to their students. It is a two-way process as students too are using these mediums to share feedback to their teachers. Social networks have also become platforms for doing well. Social activists all over the world have learnt how to spread word about their causes, enlist volunteers, embark on actions and raise funds. There are many examples all over the world.
Locally, one good example would be the Twestival Local event that was held in September 2009 in Kuala Lumpur. A group of Malaysians who used Twitter were inspired by the Global Twestival project held earlier in the year in some cities across the world. This event name came about by combining two words: Twitter + Festival. The global project raised awareness of water issues and ultimately raised more than USD200, 000 which was used to build wells in countries in Africa and other places. The Twestival Local was an event where Malaysian tweeters could come together for a social event and raise funds at the same time. Four people decided to organize this event. Publicity was done mainly through social networking sites and especially over Twitter.
People paid RM30 or more to attend and the event ended up raising more than RM11, 000 for Destiny Starting Point, a second chance home for juvenile delinquents. Many social networks have been started just for promoting positive social change. Some examples of social networks that promote social good are TakingITGlobal, Care2, Wiser Earth, OneWorldTV, One Climate and Network for Good.
1. Which one of following points, if included by the author, would have strengthened the case of increasing usage of social networking sites?
(1) Aged people who are unable to meet kith and kin on a frequent basis are using social networking sites as a medium to remain in touch with them.
(2) Even though crime rates have come down and it is safer to move around in the city, the number of members of social networking sites is still increasing at a healthy rate.
(3)Governments have given certain tax rebates to social networking sites as they are increasingly serving as a common platform for social welfare through group contributions.
(4) Members of online social networks know each other beforehand and hence these networks do not add any value to link unacquainted people
(5) None of these
2. The example of Malaysian Facebook group organizing outings is analogous to
(1) a group of robbers operating with pseudo name planning a bank robbery.
(2)a group of volunteers organizing an online campaign to donate money for victims of earthquake in a bank account specially created for this purpose.
(3) members of social network joining hands to fight against the corruption and organizing a march on a specific day against a new scandal unearthed recently.
(4) a group of members celebrating the birthday of one of their members through online chatting facility.
(5) None of these
3. The author has given examples of the Malaysian Prime Minister and Barrack Obama to emphasize that:
(1) politicians are not untouched by social networki
(2) politicians want to make optimum utilization of already existing networks.
(3) social networks have brought renowned people from all over the world on an equal footing with the general public.
(4) social networks can be used for purposes which are not merely social in intent.
(5) Social networking sites makes no distinction in society
4. What point does the author want to make through the passage?
(1) Use of online social networks should be increased.
(2) Use of online social networks has increased over the years.
(3) Online social networks can be used for different positive purposes.
(4) Social networks have increased the utility of the internet.
(5) None of these
5. If one more paragraph is to be added at the end of the passage, then it should
(1) focus on possible misuse of social networks.
(2) include more examples of diversified usage of online social networks.
(3) be based on the theme of how social networks leave a dent on individuals and businesses.
(4) summarize the content of the passage and not add anything new.
(5) Not add a new perspective to the passage and conclude it with that
6. What can be a possible threat associated with usage of social networking sites?
(1) Some unsocial elements can spread the rumors through them.
(2) Physical activity level of people would decrease and they would become more lethargic
(3) Social networks can be used by politicians, companies or other groups to advertise their products (4) Social networks would prove to be the unwanted intrusion in the private lives of members.
(5) None of these
Directions (7-): In each of the following questions a short passage is given with one of the lines in the passage missing and represented by a blank. Select the best out of the five answer choices given, to make the passage complete and coherent.
7. The stubborn persistence of child malnutrition in India is one of the tragedies of our time. Many of us have long agonized over this preventable problem, and we continue to ask: why do half of our children not get enough or the right food or adequate care? Even in the sub –Sahara Africa, only 30 percent of the children are malnourished, versus 50 % in South Asia __________.
(1) This is due to the lack of basic education at the lowest level
(2) What can be the reasons for it – lack of education or lack of funds or anything else?
(3) And this gap exists despite our much higher levels of per capita income, education and even safer water access
(4) In coming years gap would widen as Asian countries along with India is not serious on the issue
(5) None of these
8. ____________Radically changing monsoon patterns, reduction in the winter rice harvest and a quantum increase in respiratory diseases –all part of the environmental doomsday scenario which is reportedly playing out in South Asia. According to a United Nations Environment Programme report, a deadly 3 km deep blanket of pollution comprising a fearsome cocktail of ash, acids, aerosols and other particles has enveloped this region. For India, already struggling to cope with a drought, the implications of this are devastating and further crop failure will amount to a life and death question for many Indians. The increase in premature deaths will have adverse social and economic consequences and a rise in morbidities will place an unbearable burden of Indian economy.
(1) We have won over the nature in such short period of our stay. Is it true?
(2) What is the effect of environment on the economy of country?
(3) Rapid technological advancements in agriculture and related fields has decreased the natural interference.
(4) The effects of the pollution are not limited to only human beings but environment degradation is obvious.
(5) None of these
9. ‘Time is the best medicine’, says Ovid. It is said that time heals all wounds and it even heals what reason cannot. All human beings are emotional. When negative emotions like fear, anger, envy and jealousy overtake them, they lose reason and act in haste leading to serious consequences. They may repent later, as emotions cool down. But the damage done is done and remains forever. Even that damage can heal with the passage of time. People involved may forget and forgive. That is the importance of time and its healing touch. Time is said to be a wise counselor. Passage of time allows an individual to grow. This growth gives experience. Experience helps decision making. Time reminds you to act and to act wisely. The wisest make use of the time fruitfully. It is said that the wisest grieve the most at the loss of time. Those who do not know the importance of time, waste it or rather they spend it doing nothing ______________________.
(1) There is a proverb which says that killing time is not a murder; it is a suicide.
(2) Time has wings and flies never to return.
(3) We are patients and the time is the medicine through which we can improve health of our social and economic standings
(4) Time is the greatest healer.
(5) Then time would certainly do justice with its perpetrators
10. _____________________The Indian currency, the rupee, was inconvertible and high tariffs and import licensing prevented foreign goods reaching the market. India also operated a system of central planning for the economy, in which firms required licenses to invest and develop. The labyrinthine bureaucracy often led to absurd restrictions—up to 80 agencies had to be satisfied before a firm could be granted a license to produce and the state would decide what was produced, how much, at what price and what sources of capital were used. The government also prevented firms from laying off workers or closing factories. The central pillar of the policy was import substitution, the belief that India needed to rely on internal markets for development, not international trade—a belief generated by a mixture of socialism and the experience of colonial exploitation. Planning and the state, rather than markets, would determine how much investment was needed in which sectors.
(1) Indian economy is a closed economy by its history.
(2) It is globalization vs. Isolation.
(3) Before the process of reform began in 1991, the government attempted to close the Indian economy to the outside world.
(4) Import substitution is a term that came in light in late nineties.
(5) None of these
11. The end of the Cold War left the Nonaligned Movement without its original raison d'être, and its membership became deeply divided over international disputes, strategy, and organization. During the 1992 Jakarta summit, India took a middle position between countries favoring confrontation with developed nations on international economic issues, such as Malaysia, and those that favored a more cooperative approach, such as Indonesia. Although New Delhi played a minor role compared with Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta on most issues facing the summit, India formulated the Nonaligned Movement position opposing developed countries' linkage of foreign aid to human rights criteria _______________.
(1) Role of India can be compared to that of a mentor
(2) This stand of India proved fatal in the future as its relations with US soured.
(3) It was not a pure political decision rather it was an emotional decision
(4) Role of India increased gradually with more and more countries joined the NAM
(5) But the New Delhi has become hinge point of NAM coming of the age.
ANSWERS
1. 3
2. 4
3. 4
4. 5
5. 4
6. 3
7. 1
8. 1
9. 5
10. 1
11. 2
Social networking does leave an impact or a dent on both individuals and businesses. Let's look at the youths of today. For them, the online community is where it’s at. Modern day life in the city at times restricts physical social interaction among these young people. Long school hours, commuting times and threat of rising crime combined together act as a compelling factor which keep many youth at home for long hours. As a result, those with Internet access turn to online social networks which enable not only instant communication with friends but also enable the sharing of similar interests. In that sense, social networks represent an effective platform for teenagers to interact and socialize. These social networks have also been responsible for bringing together like-minded people in a quick and efficient manner that would be difficult to duplicate without the Internet. There have been claims that the Internet is impersonal and reduces social contact between people but that assumption is being proven wrong on social networks where it often leads to real world activities. For example, a group of Malaysian outdoor lovers set up the Malaysian Outdoors Trekking, Hiking, Scuba Facebook Group.
Within a year of setting up, the group had attracted more than 5000 members and volunteers had organized numerous outings all over Malaysia. In Malaysia, the impact of social networking on society was proven during the 2008 Malaysia General Election, where blogs and other social networking sites played a major role during the election. That also resulted in more blogs being created such as the blog of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. There are also a number of blogs related to the Government and opposition out there including the blog of Tun Dr Mahathir, Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo and many more.
Even in the United States, President Barrack Obama spent a lot of time campaigning on social networks to win the election. There is an impact on education too. Social networks are also being used by teachers and students especially in the West as a communication tool. Teachers and professors use forums and groups to extend classroom discussions. Some of them routinely use Twitter to communicate announcements and information to their students. It is a two-way process as students too are using these mediums to share feedback to their teachers. Social networks have also become platforms for doing well. Social activists all over the world have learnt how to spread word about their causes, enlist volunteers, embark on actions and raise funds. There are many examples all over the world.
Locally, one good example would be the Twestival Local event that was held in September 2009 in Kuala Lumpur. A group of Malaysians who used Twitter were inspired by the Global Twestival project held earlier in the year in some cities across the world. This event name came about by combining two words: Twitter + Festival. The global project raised awareness of water issues and ultimately raised more than USD200, 000 which was used to build wells in countries in Africa and other places. The Twestival Local was an event where Malaysian tweeters could come together for a social event and raise funds at the same time. Four people decided to organize this event. Publicity was done mainly through social networking sites and especially over Twitter.
People paid RM30 or more to attend and the event ended up raising more than RM11, 000 for Destiny Starting Point, a second chance home for juvenile delinquents. Many social networks have been started just for promoting positive social change. Some examples of social networks that promote social good are TakingITGlobal, Care2, Wiser Earth, OneWorldTV, One Climate and Network for Good.
1. Which one of following points, if included by the author, would have strengthened the case of increasing usage of social networking sites?
(1) Aged people who are unable to meet kith and kin on a frequent basis are using social networking sites as a medium to remain in touch with them.
(2) Even though crime rates have come down and it is safer to move around in the city, the number of members of social networking sites is still increasing at a healthy rate.
(3)Governments have given certain tax rebates to social networking sites as they are increasingly serving as a common platform for social welfare through group contributions.
(4) Members of online social networks know each other beforehand and hence these networks do not add any value to link unacquainted people
(5) None of these
2. The example of Malaysian Facebook group organizing outings is analogous to
(1) a group of robbers operating with pseudo name planning a bank robbery.
(2)a group of volunteers organizing an online campaign to donate money for victims of earthquake in a bank account specially created for this purpose.
(3) members of social network joining hands to fight against the corruption and organizing a march on a specific day against a new scandal unearthed recently.
(4) a group of members celebrating the birthday of one of their members through online chatting facility.
(5) None of these
3. The author has given examples of the Malaysian Prime Minister and Barrack Obama to emphasize that:
(1) politicians are not untouched by social networki
(2) politicians want to make optimum utilization of already existing networks.
(3) social networks have brought renowned people from all over the world on an equal footing with the general public.
(4) social networks can be used for purposes which are not merely social in intent.
(5) Social networking sites makes no distinction in society
4. What point does the author want to make through the passage?
(1) Use of online social networks should be increased.
(2) Use of online social networks has increased over the years.
(3) Online social networks can be used for different positive purposes.
(4) Social networks have increased the utility of the internet.
(5) None of these
5. If one more paragraph is to be added at the end of the passage, then it should
(1) focus on possible misuse of social networks.
(2) include more examples of diversified usage of online social networks.
(3) be based on the theme of how social networks leave a dent on individuals and businesses.
(4) summarize the content of the passage and not add anything new.
(5) Not add a new perspective to the passage and conclude it with that
6. What can be a possible threat associated with usage of social networking sites?
(1) Some unsocial elements can spread the rumors through them.
(2) Physical activity level of people would decrease and they would become more lethargic
(3) Social networks can be used by politicians, companies or other groups to advertise their products (4) Social networks would prove to be the unwanted intrusion in the private lives of members.
(5) None of these
Directions (7-): In each of the following questions a short passage is given with one of the lines in the passage missing and represented by a blank. Select the best out of the five answer choices given, to make the passage complete and coherent.
7. The stubborn persistence of child malnutrition in India is one of the tragedies of our time. Many of us have long agonized over this preventable problem, and we continue to ask: why do half of our children not get enough or the right food or adequate care? Even in the sub –Sahara Africa, only 30 percent of the children are malnourished, versus 50 % in South Asia __________.
(1) This is due to the lack of basic education at the lowest level
(2) What can be the reasons for it – lack of education or lack of funds or anything else?
(3) And this gap exists despite our much higher levels of per capita income, education and even safer water access
(4) In coming years gap would widen as Asian countries along with India is not serious on the issue
(5) None of these
8. ____________Radically changing monsoon patterns, reduction in the winter rice harvest and a quantum increase in respiratory diseases –all part of the environmental doomsday scenario which is reportedly playing out in South Asia. According to a United Nations Environment Programme report, a deadly 3 km deep blanket of pollution comprising a fearsome cocktail of ash, acids, aerosols and other particles has enveloped this region. For India, already struggling to cope with a drought, the implications of this are devastating and further crop failure will amount to a life and death question for many Indians. The increase in premature deaths will have adverse social and economic consequences and a rise in morbidities will place an unbearable burden of Indian economy.
(1) We have won over the nature in such short period of our stay. Is it true?
(2) What is the effect of environment on the economy of country?
(3) Rapid technological advancements in agriculture and related fields has decreased the natural interference.
(4) The effects of the pollution are not limited to only human beings but environment degradation is obvious.
(5) None of these
9. ‘Time is the best medicine’, says Ovid. It is said that time heals all wounds and it even heals what reason cannot. All human beings are emotional. When negative emotions like fear, anger, envy and jealousy overtake them, they lose reason and act in haste leading to serious consequences. They may repent later, as emotions cool down. But the damage done is done and remains forever. Even that damage can heal with the passage of time. People involved may forget and forgive. That is the importance of time and its healing touch. Time is said to be a wise counselor. Passage of time allows an individual to grow. This growth gives experience. Experience helps decision making. Time reminds you to act and to act wisely. The wisest make use of the time fruitfully. It is said that the wisest grieve the most at the loss of time. Those who do not know the importance of time, waste it or rather they spend it doing nothing ______________________.
(1) There is a proverb which says that killing time is not a murder; it is a suicide.
(2) Time has wings and flies never to return.
(3) We are patients and the time is the medicine through which we can improve health of our social and economic standings
(4) Time is the greatest healer.
(5) Then time would certainly do justice with its perpetrators
10. _____________________The Indian currency, the rupee, was inconvertible and high tariffs and import licensing prevented foreign goods reaching the market. India also operated a system of central planning for the economy, in which firms required licenses to invest and develop. The labyrinthine bureaucracy often led to absurd restrictions—up to 80 agencies had to be satisfied before a firm could be granted a license to produce and the state would decide what was produced, how much, at what price and what sources of capital were used. The government also prevented firms from laying off workers or closing factories. The central pillar of the policy was import substitution, the belief that India needed to rely on internal markets for development, not international trade—a belief generated by a mixture of socialism and the experience of colonial exploitation. Planning and the state, rather than markets, would determine how much investment was needed in which sectors.
(1) Indian economy is a closed economy by its history.
(2) It is globalization vs. Isolation.
(3) Before the process of reform began in 1991, the government attempted to close the Indian economy to the outside world.
(4) Import substitution is a term that came in light in late nineties.
(5) None of these
11. The end of the Cold War left the Nonaligned Movement without its original raison d'être, and its membership became deeply divided over international disputes, strategy, and organization. During the 1992 Jakarta summit, India took a middle position between countries favoring confrontation with developed nations on international economic issues, such as Malaysia, and those that favored a more cooperative approach, such as Indonesia. Although New Delhi played a minor role compared with Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta on most issues facing the summit, India formulated the Nonaligned Movement position opposing developed countries' linkage of foreign aid to human rights criteria _______________.
(1) Role of India can be compared to that of a mentor
(2) This stand of India proved fatal in the future as its relations with US soured.
(3) It was not a pure political decision rather it was an emotional decision
(4) Role of India increased gradually with more and more countries joined the NAM
(5) But the New Delhi has become hinge point of NAM coming of the age.
ANSWERS
1. 3
2. 4
3. 4
4. 5
5. 4
6. 3
7. 1
8. 1
9. 5
10. 1
11. 2
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