Directions (1-8): Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow. Some words in the passage have been highlighted to aid in answering the question.
Inequality has long been a persistent and complex issue in society. It encompasses disparities in income, education, healthcare, opportunities, and many other aspects of life. At its core, inequality stems from the uneven distribution of resources and power, leading to a vast array of negative consequences for those who are less privileged. Perhaps the most visible form of inequality is economic inequality, which is the gap between the rich and poor. The wealthiest individuals and corporations hold vast amounts of wealth, while the majority of people struggle to make ends meet. This results in a society where access to healthcare, education, and even basic necessities such as food and shelter are not guaranteed to everyone.
Another form of inequality is educational inequality, where those from less affluent backgrounds have less access to quality education, and are less likely to be able to pursue higher education. This creates a cycle of poverty and limits opportunities for social mobility. Healthcare inequality also plagues many societies, with those from low-income backgrounds having less access to quality healthcare. Inequality also affects marginalized groups, such as women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. These groups face discrimination and prejudice that limit their opportunities and make it harder for them to succeed. This further reinforces the cycle of inequality, as marginalized individuals often lack the resources and support needed to overcome these obstacles.
It is essential that we acknowledge the existence of inequality and work towards reducing it. This requires a multifaceted approach, including policy changes, increased access to resources and education, and cultural shifts to combat discrimination and prejudice. Only then can we hope to create a society that is truly equal, where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and thrive.
Q1. What is the effect of discrimination and prejudice on marginalized groups?
(a) It increases access to resources
(b) It promotes social inclusion
(c) It reduces opportunities for advancement
(d) It increases social mobility
(e) It improves overall health outcomes
Q2. What is the role of policy changes in reducing inequality?
(a) Policy changes are essential for reducing inequality
(b) Policy changes have no impact on reducing inequality
(c) Policy changes only benefit the wealthy
(d) Policy changes only benefit marginalized groups
(e) Policy changes are only necessary in developing countries
Q3. What is the relationship between inequality and societal well-being?
(a) Augmented inequality is associated with improved well-being
(b) There is no relationship between inequality and societal well-being
(c) Lessened inequality is associated with improved well-being
(d) Inequality has no impact on societal well-being
(e) Inequality is only associated with negative outcomes for marginalized groups
Q4. What is the impact of economic inequality on society?
(a) Increased access to healthcare
(b) Decreased opportunities for social mobility
(c) Improved educational outcomes
(d) Greater political stability
(e) Increased social cohesion
Q5. What is the cycle of poverty?
(a) A cycle where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer
(b) A cycle where individuals lack access to quality education
(c) A cycle where marginalized groups face discrimination and prejudice
(d) A cycle where individuals struggle to make ends meet and have limited opportunities for social mobility
(e) A cycle where those with power and resources maintain their position at the top
Q6. How does educational inequality affect society?
(a) It increases access to job opportunities
(b) It promotes social mobility
(c) It reinforces the cycle of poverty
(d) It reduces income inequality
(e) It improves overall health outcomes
Q7. From among the following given options, choose the word most similar in meaning to the similar word “affluent”, as used in the context of the passage.
(a) prosperous
(b) destitute
(c) suffering
(d) impoverished
(e) needy
Q8. Choose the most suitable antonym of the word ‘combat’, as highlighted in the given passage.
(a) skirmish
(b) jackpot
(c) warfare
(d) accord
(e) fray
Directions (9-15): Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow. Some words in the passage have been highlighted to aid in answering the question.
Entrepreneurship is the process of identifying a problem and creating a business venture to solve it. It is an exciting and challenging path that requires creativity, determination, and a strong work ethic. Entrepreneurs are individuals who take risks, think outside the box, and have a passion for bringing new ideas to life. Successful entrepreneurs possess a variety of qualities, including a keen understanding of their target market, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. They must also possess a strong sense of self-discipline, as running a business requires long hours, hard work, and dedication.
Entrepreneurship can take many different forms, from launching a new product or service to developing an innovative technology solution. Whatever the business idea may be, entrepreneurs must be able to identify their target market, establish a competitive advantage, and create a plan for growth and sustainability. One of the greatest challenges that entrepreneurs face is funding their venture. Start-up costs can be significant, and many entrepreneurs rely on outside investment to get their business off the ground. This requires the ability to effectively pitch their ideas and convince investors of the potential for success.
Despite the challenges, entrepreneurship can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path. Successful entrepreneurs have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their communities and create something truly unique. With determination, hard work, and a willingness to take risks, anyone can become a successful entrepreneur.
Q9. What is required to become a successful entrepreneur?
(a) The ability to effectively pitch their ideas and convince investors of the potential for failure.
(b) The ability to effectively pitch their ideas and convince investors of the potential for mediocrity.
(c) The ability to effectively pitch their ideas and convince investors of the potential for success.
(d) The ability to effectively pitch their ideas and convince investors of the potential for setbacks.
(e) The ability to effectively pitch their ideas and convince investors of the potential for stagnation.
Q10. Which of the following qualities is not required to become a successful entrepreneur, according to the passage?
(a) A strong sense of self-discipline.
(b) The ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
(c) A passion for bringing new ideas to life.
(d) A lack of understanding of the target market.
(e) Determination and a strong work ethic.
Q11. Which of the following strategies can entrepreneurs use to identify their target market and establish a competitive advantage in their industry, according to the passage?
(a) Conducting market research and analysis to understand customer needs and preferences.
(b) Developing a product or service without any consideration for the target market or competition.
(c) Relying solely on intuition and personal preferences to make business decisions.
(d) Copying the business model of a successful competitor.
(e) Ignoring the competition and focusing solely on the product or service being offered.
Q12. Which of the following options describes some of the significant challenges that entrepreneurs face when starting a new business, and how they can overcome these obstacles?
(a) Lack of funding and access to capital to launch the business, which can be overcome by seeking outside investment and developing a strong business plan.
(b) Difficulty in identifying a target market and establishing a competitive advantage, which can be overcome by ignoring the competition and focusing solely on the product or service being offered.
(c) Insufficient knowledge and experience in the industry, which can be overcome by relying on intuition and personal preferences to make business decisions.
(d) Limited time and resources to devote to the business, which can be overcome by sacrificing personal time and working long hours.
(e) Resistance to change and fear of failure, which can be overcome by avoiding risks and sticking to proven business models.
Q13. Which of the following options describes some of the key qualities that successful entrepreneurs possess, and how these qualities help them to overcome challenges in their businesses?
(a) Lack of creativity and a narrow focus on a single business idea, which can hinder the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
(b) A reluctance to take risks and an unwillingness to learn from both successes and failures.
(c) A lack of understanding of their target market and an inability to establish a competitive advantage. (d) Possession of a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, which helps them overcome challenges in their businesses.
(e) A lack of self-discipline and an aversion to working long hours, which can negatively impact the success of their businesses.
Q14. From among the following given options, choose the word most similar in meaning to the similar word “ethic”, as used in the context of the passage.
(a) evil
(b) convention
(c) indecency
(d) disgrace
(e) immorality
Q15. Choose the most suitable antonym of the word ‘venture’, as highlighted in the given passage.
(a) speculation
(b) pursuit
(c) inaction
(d) feat
(e) exploit
Solutions
S1. Ans. (c)
Sol. For justification of answer, refer to the lines in the second paragraph of the passage which highlights the detrimental impact of discrimination and prejudice on marginalized groups, including women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. Discrimination and prejudice can create barriers to success and limit opportunities for advancement. These barriers can manifest in a variety of ways, including unequal pay, limited access to education and job opportunities, and discriminatory policies and practices.
As a result, individuals from marginalized groups may find it more difficult to achieve success and improve their social and economic standing. This can create a cycle of poverty, where individuals struggle to make ends meet and have limited opportunities for social mobility.
S2. Ans. (a)
Sol. For justification of answer, refer to the lines in the first and last paragraph of the passage which highlights that inequality is a complex issue with systemic causes, and policy changes are necessary to combat it. Policy changes can help address the root causes of inequality, including discrimination, lack of access to education and resources, and systemic barriers that prevent social and economic mobility.
Policy changes can include initiatives such as increasing the minimum wage, providing universal access to healthcare and education, increasing funding for affordable housing, and implementing progressive tax policies. These measures can help reduce income and wealth inequality and promote social and economic mobility for marginalized groups.
S3. Ans. (c)
Sol. The passage highlights that inequality has negative impacts on both individuals and society as a whole. Increased inequality can lead to social unrest, economic instability, and political polarization. Additionally, it can perpetuate poverty, limit access to education and resources, and create systemic barriers that prevent social and economic mobility.
On the other hand, decreased inequality is associated with improved well-being. When individuals have access to resources and opportunities, they are more likely to experience positive social and economic outcomes, including improved health, higher levels of education, and greater financial stability. Additionally, decreased inequality can lead to greater social cohesion and more inclusive societies.
S4. Ans. (b)
Sol. The passage highlights that economic inequality has negative impacts on both individuals and society as a whole. One of the main impacts of economic inequality is decreased opportunities for social mobility. When individuals have limited access to resources and opportunities, it becomes difficult for them to move up the social and economic ladder. As a result, social mobility is hindered, and poverty becomes entrenched across generations.
Additionally, economic inequality can lead to social unrest and political polarization. As the gap between the rich and poor widens, it can create feelings of resentment and frustration among marginalized groups. This, in turn, can lead to political instability, social unrest, and even violence in some cases. Economic inequality can also perpetuate poverty, limit access to education and resources, and create systemic barriers that prevent social and economic mobility. This can lead to negative outcomes such as lower levels of educational attainment, higher levels of crime, and poorer health outcomes for marginalized individuals.
Therefore, reducing economic inequality is essential to promoting social and economic mobility and creating a more just and equitable society. This can be achieved through policy changes, such as progressive tax policies, increasing the minimum wage, and providing universal access to healthcare and education.
S5. Ans. (d)
Sol. For justification of answer, refer to the lines in the second paragraph of the passage which states that
the cycle of poverty is a phenomenon where individuals and families become trapped in a cycle of poverty that persists across generations. It is a complex process that can be difficult to break out of, and it is perpetuated by a range of interrelated factors.
One of the primary factors that contribute to the cycle of poverty is the lack of access to resources and opportunities. When individuals are born into poverty, they may not have access to quality education, healthcare, or basic necessities such as food and shelter. This can lead to limited opportunities for social mobility and financial stability, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
Another factor that contributes to the cycle of poverty is systemic discrimination and prejudice. Individuals from marginalized groups may face discrimination in education, employment, and other areas of life. This can limit their opportunities and make it difficult for them to break out of poverty.
S6. Ans. (c)
Sol. Educational inequality refers to the unequal distribution of educational resources and opportunities among different groups in society. Educational inequality can have a significant impact on society, particularly on the most marginalized communities.
One of the primary effects of educational inequality is that it reinforces the cycle of poverty. When individuals from marginalized communities do not have access to quality education, they may be limited in their opportunities for social mobility and financial stability. This can perpetuate the cycle of poverty, making it difficult for individuals to break out of poverty across generations.
S7. Ans. (a)
Sol. The word “affluent” in the context of the passage means having a lot of wealth or being financially prosperous. The word “prosperous” has a similar meaning, indicating someone who is successful in terms of material wealth and financial stability. The other options, such as “destitute,” “suffering,” “impoverished,” and “needy,” have opposite or significantly different meanings, referring to individuals who are lacking financial resources or experiencing hardship rather than affluence.
Destitute means extremely poor and lacking the means to provide for oneself.
Suffering means the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship.
Impoverished means (of a person or area) made poor.
Needy means (of a person) lacking the necessities of life; very poor.
S8. Ans. (d)
Sol. The word “combat” means to fight or struggle against something, and is used in the passage in the context of combating discrimination and prejudice. The most suitable antonym for “combat” is “accord,” which means agreement or harmony.
The other options – “skirmish,” “jackpot,” “warfare,” and “fray” – do not have the opposite meaning of “combat” and are not antonyms.
Skirmish means an episode of irregular or unpremeditated fighting, especially between small or outlying parts of armies or fleets.
Jackpot means a large cash prize in a game or lottery, especially one that accumulates until it is won.
Warfare means engagement in or the activities involved in war or conflict.
Fray means (of a fabric, rope, or cord) unravel or become worn at the edge, typically through constant rubbing.
S9. Ans. (c)
Sol. For justification of answer, refer to the lines in the second paragraph of the passage which mentions that one of the greatest challenges that entrepreneurs face is funding their venture, and many entrepreneurs rely on outside investment to get their business off the ground. To do so, they must be able to effectively pitch their ideas and convince investors of the potential for success. Therefore, the ability to effectively pitch their ideas and convince investors of the potential for success is an important requirement for becoming a successful entrepreneur, as mentioned in the passage.
S10. Ans. (d)
Sol. For justification of answer, refer to the lines in the third paragraph of the passage which mentions that successful entrepreneurs possess a variety of qualities, including a keen understanding of their target market, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. It also states that entrepreneurs must be able to identify their target market, establish a competitive advantage, and create a plan for growth and sustainability. Therefore, understanding the target market is an important requirement for becoming a successful entrepreneur, and lacking understanding of it is not a quality that would help one become successful, as stated in the passage.
S11. Ans. (a)
Sol. According to the passage, identifying the target market is essential for entrepreneurs as it helps them understand the customer needs and preferences. Conducting market research and analysis can provide valuable insights into the target market, including their demographics, behaviors, and preferences. By understanding their target market, entrepreneurs can tailor their products or services to meet the specific needs and wants of their customers, which can help them establish a competitive advantage.
In addition to market research, entrepreneurs can also study their competition to identify potential opportunities and areas for differentiation. This can help them identify gaps in the market and develop unique value propositions that set them apart from competitors.
Overall, entrepreneurs must use a combination of strategies to identify their target market and establish a competitive advantage.
S12. Ans. (a)
Sol. For justification of answer, refer to the lines in the second paragraph of the passage which mentions that starting a new business can be challenging for entrepreneurs, and they must overcome various obstacles to succeed. Starting a new business requires a significant amount of capital, and many entrepreneurs struggle to secure funding to launch their ventures. This lack of funding can be a significant obstacle to overcome, but there are ways for entrepreneurs to obtain capital. One way is to seek outside investment from venture capitalists, angel investors, or crowdfunding platforms. To attract investment, entrepreneurs must have a solid business plan that outlines the company’s objectives, target market, and potential for growth and profitability.
S13. Ans. (d)
Sol. The passage highlights several key qualities that successful entrepreneurs possess, including a strong understanding of their target market, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. Successful entrepreneurs also possess a strong sense of self-discipline, as running a business requires long hours, hard work, and dedication.
Possession of a strong work ethic is crucial for entrepreneurs as starting a new business requires a significant investment of time and effort. It involves working long hours and sacrificing personal time to ensure the success of the venture. A willingness to learn is also crucial as entrepreneurs must be able to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences. This requires the ability to gather feedback and insights from customers and competitors, and use this information to improve their product or service.
S14. Ans. (b)
Sol. The word “ethic” in the context of the passage is used to refer to a set of moral principles and values that guide an individual’s behavior and work habits. “Convention” can be defined as a widely accepted practice or behavior within a particular society or group, which is similar in meaning to “ethic” in the passage. The other options listed have meanings that are not similar to “ethic” and can be considered antonyms instead.
Evil means profoundly immoral and wicked.
Indecency means an indecent act or expression.
Disgrace means loss of reputation or respect as the result of a dishonourable action.
Immorality means the state or quality of being immoral; wickedness.
S15. Ans. (c)
Sol. The word “venture” means a risky or daring undertaking, while “inaction” means lack of action or activity. Therefore, “inaction” is the most suitable antonym of “venture” in the given passage. The other options listed are synonyms or related words to “venture.”
Speculation means the forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.
Pursuit means an activity of a specified kind, especially a recreational or sporting one.
Feat means an achievement that requires great courage, skill, or strength.
Exploit means make use of (a situation) in a way considered unfair or underhand.
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