Reading Comprehension Test 60

[passage-header]Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:[/passage-header]'He who hesitates is lost' is a well-known proverb. A leader who cannot decide on a plan of action will not be able to accomplish anything worthwhile. Indecision leads to confusion because people do not know what to do. Prompt decision-making is of great use in an emergency. A young doctor once had a patient who complained of intense pain. The doctor consulted two other doctors to find out if an operation should be performed. The other doctors felt that the patient's condition should be observed for a few days. But the young doctor, who felt responsible for the patient, examined him once again and decided to operate immediately. When the operation was performed, the other doctors realised that a delay of even a few hours would have proved fatal to the patient. A prompt decision by the young doctor saved the life of his patient.
We are often faced with difficult problems. It is up to us to take prompt decisions that could make the difference between success and failure. We must be able to say 'yes' or 'no' without delay, and no 'maybe' or 'perhaps' after hours of deliberation.
This does not mean we should say 'yes' or 'no' without thinking. We must cultivate the ability to quickly think out all the favourable and unfavourable circumstances of a situation and then decide whether we should say 'yes' or 'no'. To linger over a decision for days and months will get us nowhere. Hence, prompt decision-making is very important, if one wants to achieve success.

Read the passage and answer the question that follow.
When people first started taking selfies or a portrait-photograph themselves, they came under a lot of criticism. While smartphones and digital cameras have made selfies quite popular, the first self-portrait is said to have been taken in 1839 by Robert Cornelius who was considered a pioneer in photography. Taking pictures was no child's play in those days. The whole process was so slow that Cornelius had time to uncover the lens, run into the shot and then go back to cover the lens. This was before the self-timer came into the picture. More advanced versions of smartphones, especially those with front cameras made it quite easy to take one's own pictures. Before that, people were usually taking their pictures by standing in front of a mirror. But now they just had to extend their hand and viola! They had a photo that captured the moment instantly. Soon people became interested in recording each remarkable and not so remarkable moment of their lives. While this started as a phenomena more suited to the tastes of the young, it soon gained wider popularity with men and women of all ages who started showing their love of themselves. 
Selfies caught the world's attention in the mid 2000's when social networking sites such as Facebook made it quite popular. People's growing obsession with themselves, more importantly with their physical appearances did not go unnoticed by the scientific community also. Dr Rutherfield, faculty director at one of the premier schools of psychology in the US observes that now there are more pictures available of real people than of models. Also, posting selfies online acts as an empowering act as it allows a person to control how the online world sees him. Feeling good about oneself and then having someone else endorse that feeling through likes and comments acts as an immediate self-confidence booster. It is normal for people to work for rewards and to repeat behaviour that would fetch them more rewards. However psychologist Webber warns against the danger of how easily and intertwined our self-esteem may get  approval on social media. After all, selfies are only based on our physical appearance; they do not define who we are. The problem is that many teenagers and youngsters are seeking validation through positive responses on their selfies. Some people are fine with sharing their selfies and getting a few compliments but others check their social media accounts repeatedly to see how many comments and likes they have got. Webber says that often people who post selfies throughout the day have low self-esteem and are looking for social approval. In some countries, the public health departments have issued warnings to the public to highlight the negative effects of spending too much time obsessing about selfies. While opinions vary on the effects of taking selfies, it is up to the people to shape their habits and perspectives. Dr Rutherfield recommends that if one is posting selfies only for comments, they should cut down on the number of posts. Our social media profile reveals something about us and what we share depends entirely on us. The bottom line is that we control how the world perceives us. 

Read the passage and answer the question that follow.
When people first started taking selfies or a portrait-photograph themselves, they came under a lot of criticism. While smartphones and digital cameras have made selfies quite popular, the first self-portrait is said to have been taken in 1839 by Robert Cornelius who was considered a pioneer in photography. Taking pictures was no child's play in those days. The whole process was so slow that Cornelius had time to uncover the lens, run into the shot and then go back to cover the lens. This was before the self-timer came into the picture. More advanced versions of smartphones, especially those with front cameras made it quite easy to take one's own pictures. Before that, people were usually taking their pictures by standing in front of a mirror. But now they just had to extend their hand and viola! They had a photo that captured the moment instantly. Soon people became interested in recording each remarkable and not so remarkable moment of their lives. While this started as a phenomena more suited to the tastes of the young, it soon gained wider popularity with men and women of all ages who started showing their love of themselves. 
Selfies caught the world's attention in the mid 2000's when social networking sites such as Facebook made it quite popular. People's growing obsession with themselves, more importantly with their physical appearances did not go unnoticed by the scientific community also. Dr Rutherfield, faculty director at one of the premier schools of psychology in the US observes that now there are more pictures available of real people than of models. Also, posting selfies online acts as an empowering act as it allows a person to control how the online world sees him. Feeling good about oneself and then having someone else endorse that feeling through likes and comments acts as an immediate self-confidence booster. It is normal for people to work for rewards and to repeat behaviour that would fetch them more rewards. However psychologist Webber warns against the danger of how easily and intertwined our self-esteem may get  approval on social media. After all, selfies are only based on our physical appearance; they do not define who we are. The problem is that many teenagers and youngsters are seeking validation through positive responses on their selfies. Some people are fine with sharing their selfies and getting a few compliments but others check their social media accounts repeatedly to see how many comments and likes they have got. Webber says that often people who post selfies throughout the day have low self-esteem and are looking for social approval. In some countries, the public health departments have issued warnings to the public to highlight the negative effects of spending too much time obsessing about selfies. While opinions vary on the effects of taking selfies, it is up to the people to shape their habits and perspectives. Dr Rutherfield recommends that if one is posting selfies only for comments, they should cut down on the number of posts. Our social media profile reveals something about us and what we share depends entirely on us. The bottom line is that we control how the world perceives us. 

[passage-header]Read the following passage and answer the question given after it.[/passage-header]Nationalism, of course, is a curious phenomenon which at a certain stage in a country's history gives life, growth and unity but at the same time, it has a tendency to limit one because one thinks of one's country as something different from the rest of the world. One's perceptive changes and one is continuously thinking of one's own struggles and virtues and failing to the exclusion of their thoughts. The result is that the same nationalism, which is the symbol of cessation of that growth in mind. Nationalism, when it becomes successful, sometimes goes on spreading in an aggressive way and become a danger internationally. Whatever line of thought you follow, you arrive at the conclusion that some kind of balance must be found. Otherwise, something good can turn into evil. Culture, which is essentially good, becomes not only static but aggressive and something that breeds conflict and hatred, when looked at from a wrong point of view. How will you find a balance, I don't know. Apart from the political and economic problems of the age, perhaps, that is the greatest problem today because behind it, there is a tremendous search for something, which cannot be found. We turn to economic theories because they have an undoubted importance. It is folly to talk of culture or even of god when human beings starve and die. Before one can talk about anything else, one must provide the normal essentials of life to human beings. That is where economics comes in. Human beings today are not in the mood to tolerate this suffering and starvation and inequality when they see that the burden is not equally shared. Others profit, while they only bear the burden.

Read the passage and answer the question that follow.
When people first started taking selfies or a portrait-photograph themselves, they came under a lot of criticism. While smartphones and digital cameras have made selfies quite popular, the first self-portrait is said to have been taken in 1839 by Robert Cornelius who was considered a pioneer in photography. Taking pictures was no child's play in those days. The whole process was so slow that Cornelius had time to uncover the lens, run into the shot and then go back to cover the lens. This was before the self-timer came into the picture. More advanced versions of smartphones, especially those with front cameras made it quite easy to take one's own pictures. Before that, people were usually taking their pictures by standing in front of a mirror. But now they just had to extend their hand and viola! They had a photo that captured the moment instantly. Soon people became interested in recording each remarkable and not so remarkable moment of their lives. While this started as a phenomena more suited to the tastes of the young, it soon gained wider popularity with men and women of all ages who started showing their love of themselves. 
Selfies caught the world's attention in the mid 2000's when social networking sites such as Facebook made it quite popular. People's growing obsession with themselves, more importantly with their physical appearances did not go unnoticed by the scientific community also. Dr Rutherfield, faculty director at one of the premier schools of psychology in the US observes that now there are more pictures available of real people than of models. Also, posting selfies online acts as an empowering act as it allows a person to control how the online world sees him. Feeling good about oneself and then having someone else endorse that feeling through likes and comments acts as an immediate self-confidence booster. It is normal for people to work for rewards and to repeat behaviour that would fetch them more rewards. However psychologist Webber warns against the danger of how easily and intertwined our self-esteem may get  approval on social media. After all, selfies are only based on our physical appearance; they do not define who we are. The problem is that many teenagers and youngsters are seeking validation through positive responses on their selfies. Some people are fine with sharing their selfies and getting a few compliments but others check their social media accounts repeatedly to see how many comments and likes they have got. Webber says that often people who post selfies throughout the day have low self-esteem and are looking for social approval. In some countries, the public health departments have issued warnings to the public to highlight the negative effects of spending too much time obsessing about selfies. While opinions vary on the effects of taking selfies, it is up to the people to shape their habits and perspectives. Dr Rutherfield recommends that if one is posting selfies only for comments, they should cut down on the number of posts. Our social media profile reveals something about us and what we share depends entirely on us. The bottom line is that we control how the world perceives us. 

[passage-header] Read the passage and answer the question that follows.[/passage-header]During the summer months, many families find some time to spend with each other. They love to go on trips, meet friends and family or simply make happy times. Therefore, it's quite natural to hear a lot of happy laughter in summers. However, a happy day can sometimes turn into a bad memory if one meets stinging insects. Stinging insects are common in summer. They can sometimes have such powerful stings that it can be a painful nuisance. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) says, stinging insects like wasps, yellow jackets, hornets and bees have sent more than half a million people to the emergency room in the past years. While those who are allergic to stings are at greater risk, almost anyone can be affected if a large number of insects swarm and sting en masse. The association recommends that this summer homeowners must take a few precautions to prevent stings and stay outdoors more safely. It is important to ensure that the area around the house is free from hives and nests. One must check the exterior of one's home, paying special attention to over-hangs, eaves, the underside of porches and decks, shrubs, trees, sheds and other structures. If you find a nest on your property, do not get too close and do not attempt to remove it. Instead, hire a trained pest control professional to relocate or remove hives and nests in a safe manner. To help you prevent stings this season, the NPMA offers the following advice:
Eliminate standing water and other sources of moisture around the home. 
Keep trash cans covered and sealed.
When dining outside, keep food covered until ready to eat. Also provide clear plastic cups for your guests, as aluminium cans and plastic bottles are good hiding spots for stinging insects.
If approached by a stinging insect, remain calm and quiet. Avoid swaying or swinging as this may provoke an attack.
Avoid wearing dark, floral prints, loose fining garments, open-toe shoes and sweet-smelling perfumes or colognes.
Some stinging insects pose more serious threats than others. A trained pest control professional will be able to properly identify a pest species and determine the risk to your family.

[passage-header]Read the passage and answer the question that follows.[/passage-header]I am a leftie. Out of every ten people walking down the street, one is a leftie. This simply means there are many people like me in the world. Yet the world wants to ignore us! Everywhere we go, we come across tools, doors, flushes, baseball gloves, etc. designed (deviously, I would say) for the right-handed people.
Fortunately, we left-handed people learn early on that we need to survive in a world meant for the right-handed. I'm sure most of you who read this article are right-handed. Why don't you try this simple task? Get hold of a pair of scissors and hold them in your left hand. Now, try to cut a piece of paper with it. Tell me how you feel. Doesn't it feel awkward? I am glad you tried because that's exactly how I feel when I use your pair of scissors with my right hand.
Of late, I am relieved to notice that online stores have begun to peddle paraphernalia for us. At least they see us as worthy customers! Left-handed camcorders, left-handed tools, left-handed stationery... the range is quite satisfying. I remember my grandfather saying that being left-handed was extremely difficult when he was my age. He had no choice but to use things meant for right-handed people. He also says that the world was outright cruel to people of our kind. As a child when my grandfather tried to write or eat with his left hand, he was rapped on the knuckles. His parents, his teachers, his siblings, almost everyone who 'cared' for him, treated him with the utmost unkindness.
Fortunately, nowadays parents and teachers are more accepting and understanding. The little kid who sits next to me on the school bus says that no one asks him to write with his right hand. I am glad to learn that the world is becoming a slightly better place for us.
I am keen to know why I am left-handed. My curiosity stems from my suffering. You may have noticed that people with some disease always try to find out what caused that condition. Well, I don't have a disease but no one fails to make me feel miserable about my condition! So, my research into medical sciences says that people can be either handed for no particular reason. Just as you have black hair or brown hair; love Sudoku or hate it; like strawberry ice cream or detest it, I can be left-handed or right-handed. It just happens.
One piece of information that makes me really happy is: most intelligent and creative people are left-handed. Sir Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Ludwig van Beethoven, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Charlie Chaplin ... see, the list is really long. So, though life isn't really easy for me, I know I am in good company. 

[passage-header]Read the passage and answer the question that follows.[/passage-header]I am a leftie. Out of every ten people walking down the street, one is a leftie. This simply means there are many people like me in the world. Yet the world wants to ignore us! Everywhere we go, we come across tools, doors, flushes, baseball gloves, etc. designed (deviously, I would say) for the right-handed people.
Fortunately, we left-handed people learn early on that we need to survive in a world meant for the right-handed. I'm sure most of you who read this article are right-handed. Why don't you try this simple task? Get hold of a pair of scissors and hold them in your left hand. Now, try to cut a piece of paper with it. Tell me how you feel. Doesn't it feel awkward? I am glad you tried because that's exactly how I feel when I use your pair of scissors with my right hand.
Of late, I am relieved to notice that online stores have begun to peddle paraphernalia for us. At least they see us as worthy customers! Left-handed camcorders, left-handed tools, left-handed stationery... the range is quite satisfying. I remember my grandfather saying that being left-handed was extremely difficult when he was my age. He had no choice but to use things meant for right-handed people. He also says that the world was outright cruel to people of our kind. As a child when my grandfather tried to write or eat with his left hand, he was rapped on the knuckles. His parents, his teachers, his siblings, almost everyone who 'cared' for him, treated him with the utmost unkindness.
Fortunately, nowadays parents and teachers are more accepting and understanding. The little kid who sits next to me on the school bus says that no one asks him to write with his right hand. I am glad to learn that the world is becoming a slightly better place for us.
I am keen to know why I am left-handed. My curiosity stems from my suffering. You may have noticed that people with some disease always try to find out what caused that condition. Well, I don't have a disease but no one fails to make me feel miserable about my condition! So, my research into medical sciences says that people can be either handed for no particular reason. Just as you have black hair or brown hair; love Sudoku or hate it; like strawberry ice cream or detest it, I can be left-handed or right-handed. It just happens.
One piece of information that makes me really happy is: most intelligent and creative people are left-handed. Sir Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Ludwig van Beethoven, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Charlie Chaplin ... see, the list is really long. So, though life isn't really easy for me, I know I am in good company. 

[passage-header] Read the passage and answer the question that follows.[/passage-header]During the summer months, many families find some time to spend with each other. They love to go on trips, meet friends and family or simply make happy times. Therefore, it's quite natural to hear a lot of happy laughter in summers. However, a happy day can sometimes turn into a bad memory if one meets stinging insects. Stinging insects are common in summer. They can sometimes have such powerful stings that it can be a painful nuisance. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) says, stinging insects like wasps, yellow jackets, hornets and bees have sent more than half a million people to the emergency room in the past years. While those who are allergic to stings are at greater risk, almost anyone can be affected if a large number of insects swarm and sting en masse. The association recommends that this summer homeowners must take a few precautions to prevent stings and stay outdoors more safely. It is important to ensure that the area around the house is free from hives and nests. One must check the exterior of one's home, paying special attention to over-hangs, eaves, the underside of porches and decks, shrubs, trees, sheds and other structures. If you find a nest on your property, do not get too close and do not attempt to remove it. Instead, hire a trained pest control professional to relocate or remove hives and nests in a safe manner. To help you prevent stings this season, the NPMA offers the following advice:
Eliminate standing water and other sources of moisture around the home. 
Keep trash cans covered and sealed.
When dining outside, keep food covered until ready to eat. Also provide clear plastic cups for your guests, as aluminium cans and plastic bottles are good hiding spots for stinging insects.
If approached by a stinging insect, remain calm and quiet. Avoid swaying or swinging as this may provoke an attack.
Avoid wearing dark, floral prints, loose fining garments, open-toe shoes and sweet-smelling perfumes or colognes.
Some stinging insects pose more serious threats than others. A trained pest control professional will be able to properly identify a pest species and determine the risk to your family.

[passage-header]Read the passage and answer the question that follows:[/passage-header]By the time he was nine years old, Aftab Solanki weighed $$49$$ kilos, nearly twice the normal weight for boys his age. His doting parents and neighbours considered him "healthy", often describing or calling Aftab "cute".
His sluggishness and increasing appetite, his periodic breathlessness, occasional dizzy spells and pain in the knees were all dismissed as things that would disappear once he grew up. "But as his weight kept increasing, we became concerned and wanted to consult a good doctor," says Aftab's father Mohammed Ramzan Solanki.
Kids like Aftab are part of a fast-growing national urban epidemic seen over the past few decades. It's an irony that despite there being more undernourished children in India than in any other country, we also have millions of obese and overweight urban school children. And experts say these obese children will one day face severe medical consequences. Compared to children of normal weight, obese ones face several times the risk for developing high blood pressure, respiratory complications, Type-$$2$$ diabetes(the most common form of the disease), cardiovascular disease and cancer - and, indeed, much reduced life-spans.
"The medical consequences of obesity are seen at all ages, even among kids," says Dr. Vaman Khadikar, consultant pediatric endocrinologist at Jehangir Hospital, Pune. "Our youngest Type-$$2$$ diabetic is six-year-old, while a hypertensive patient is just eight. High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides - both of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease- are seen in children very frequency now a days, unlike in the past. And we routinely see these high levels in obese children."