Directions: Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow (Q.…
2016
Directions: Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow (Q. No. 78 to 84) by selecting the most appropriate option.
Scientists are extremely concerned about the changes taking place in our climate. The changes are said to be alarmingly rapid and the result of human activity whereas in the past it had been natural and much slower. The major problem is that the planet appears to be warming up (global warming). This is occurring at a rate unprecedented in the last 10,000 years. The implications are very serious. Rising temperatures could give rise to extremely high increase in the incidence of floods and droughts, having effect on agriculture. It is thought that this unusual warming of the Earth has been caused by greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, being emitted into the atmosphere by car engines and modern industrial processes. Such gases not only add to the pollution of the atmosphere, but trap the heat of the sun leading to the warming up of the planet. It has been suggested that industrialized countries would try to reduce the volume of greenhouse gas emissions and plant more trees to create 'sinks' to absorb greenhouse gases.
81. Increase in global temperatures may result in:
- A.
rains
- B.
destruction of crops
- C.
death of animals
- D.
a long period without rains
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
CONCEPT: In a literal (factual) reading-comprehension question, the correct option must restate something the passage explicitly says -- in the same or closely paraphrased words -- not something merely implied, inferred, or only indirectly related.
APPLICATION: The passage states: "Rising temperatures could give rise to extremely high increase in the incidence of floods and droughts, having effect on agriculture." A drought is, by definition, an extended spell with little or no rainfall -- exactly what is meant by a long period without rains. So the passage directly names this as one consequence of rising global temperatures.
CROSS-CHECK (why the other options don't fit):
Ordinary rain is not what the passage warns about; it speaks of extremes -- floods and droughts -- not plain rainfall.
Effects on crops and effects on animals are not stated in the passage at all in this specific form -- the text only mentions a generic effect on agriculture, without naming crop destruction, and it never mentions animals; neither matches the specific climatic phenomenon (floods and droughts) that the passage directly names as the result of rising temperatures.
Result: The option whose wording matches the passage's own statement about the direct climatic consequence is the correct answer.