MAHA TET · Language II — English
Two unseen prose passages — discursive, literary, narrative or scientific.
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Q1 · Unseen Prose Passages · EASY
Read the passage and answer the question. The Indian monsoon is one of the most remarkable weather phenomena on Earth. Every year, between June and September, warm, moist winds sweep across the Indian subcontinent, bringing life-giving rains to millions of farmers. The monsoon does not arrive uniformly; it first reaches the Kerala coast around June 1st, then gradually advances northward. By mid-July, most of India receives rainfall. The monsoon is critical for agriculture, as nearly 60% of India's farmland depends on it. A delayed or weak monsoon can lead to drought, affecting food production and the rural economy. Conversely, excessive rainfall can cause floods and damage crops. Scientists use satellite data and computer models to predict the monsoon's arrival and intensity, helping farmers plan their sowing season. Question: What is the main idea of the passage?
Q2 · Unseen Prose Passages · MEDIUM
Read the passage and answer the question. In the 19th century, the introduction of the railways transformed India. The first passenger train ran between Bombay and Thane in 1853, covering a distance of 34 kilometres. Over the next few decades, the British expanded the railway network rapidly, connecting major cities and ports. The railways facilitated the movement of goods, especially raw materials like cotton and jute, which were exported to Britain. They also enabled people to travel long distances quickly, fostering trade and cultural exchange. However, the railways were built primarily to serve British economic interests, and the profits went largely to British companies. Despite this, the railways played a crucial role in India's eventual industrial development and national integration. Today, Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world, employing over a million people. Question: According to the passage, what was the primary reason the British built railways in India?
Q3 · Unseen Prose Passages · EASY
Read the passage and answer the question. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants convert sunlight into chemical energy stored in glucose. This process takes place mainly in the leaves, where cells contain chloroplasts filled with the green pigment chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, primarily from the red and blue parts of the spectrum, and uses it to convert carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose and oxygen. The oxygen is released into the atmosphere as a by-product, which is essential for the survival of most living organisms. Photosynthesis is the foundation of the food chain, as it provides energy for plants, which in turn are consumed by herbivores and then carnivores. Without photosynthesis, life on Earth as we know it would not be possible. Question: The word 'essential' in the passage is closest in meaning to:
Q4 · Unseen Prose Passages · HARD
Read the passage and answer the question. The decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century was not due to a single cause but rather a combination of factors. After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, the empire faced weak and ineffective rulers who could not manage the vast territory. The empire's military campaigns had drained the treasury, and heavy taxation alienated the peasantry and the nobility. Regional governors, known as subadars, began asserting independence, leading to the fragmentation of central authority. At the same time, invasions by Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali weakened the empire further. The rise of powerful regional states such as the Marathas, the Sikhs, and the Nizam of Hyderabad challenged Mughal supremacy. Additionally, the British East India Company exploited the political instability, gradually expanding its control through diplomacy and military conquests. By the mid-18th century, the Mughal emperor was merely a symbolic figurehead with little real power. Question: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
Q5 · Unseen Prose Passages · EASY
Read the passage: 'The rapid growth of urbanization has led to numerous challenges including traffic congestion, pollution, and inadequate housing. City planners must adopt sustainable strategies to address these issues effectively.' What is the main idea of this passage?