GED Reading Comprehension Select Many Practice Test 2

Question-1

Though the U.S. prides itself on being a leader in the world community, a recent report shows that it lags far behind other industrialized countries in meeting the needs of its youngest and most vulnerable citizens. The U.S. has a higher infant mortality rate, a higher proportion of low birth weight babies, a smaller proportion of babies immunized against childhood diseases and a much higher rate of adolescent pregnancies. These findings, described as a ‘quiet crisis’ requiring immediate and far-reaching action, appeared in a report prepared by a task force of educators, doctors, politicians and business people. According to the report, a fourth of the nation’s 12 million infants and toddlers live in poverty. As many as half confront risk factors that could harm their ability to develop intellectually, physically and socially. Child immunizations are too low, more children are born into poverty and more are in substandard care while their parents work and more are being raised by single parents. When taken together, these and other risk factors can lead to educational and health problems that are much harder and more costly to reverse.
1. Which segment of the US population has been talked about in the first sentence of the passage?

A As the countries he is referring to are known as the third world, or under-developed countries.

B. Since science has made available modern and much developed methods to satisfy these requirements.

C. As the reasons for which the trees are cut are no longer valid in oday’s scenario.

D. It is a biased comment on the part of the narrator as it seems he belongs to a highly developed nation or society.

E. As there are modern solutions for the requirement of fuel and cropland available to us now.

Answer: BD

Explanation

Explanation: The usage of the word ‘old-fashioned’ can be explained in the light of the advancements in the field of science and technology that have provided us with ample alternatives to the chopping down of trees and use of wood for fuel and clearing of cropland. The options that stand true in the light of this justification are options B and E, thus they are the correct answers. We cannot call the usage of this word as a biased comment (as there is no clear reference made to the narrator’s citizenship) or a reference to the under-developed status of the countries being talked about as the scientific advancements and modern techniques are supplied to them as well. The rest of the options, therefore, are incorrect.

Question-2

Though the U.S. prides itself on being a leader in the world community, a recent report shows that it lags far behind other industrialized countries in meeting the needs of its youngest and most vulnerable citizens. The U.S. has a higher infant mortality rate, a higher proportion of low birth weight babies, a smaller proportion of babies immunized against childhood diseases and a much higher rate of adolescent pregnancies. These findings, described as a ‘quiet crisis’ requiring immediate and far-reaching action, appeared in a report prepared by a task force of educators, doctors, politicians and business people. According to the report, a fourth of the nation’s 12 million infants and toddlers live in poverty. As many as half confront risk factors that could harm their ability to develop intellectually, physically and socially. Child immunizations are too low, more children are born into poverty and more are in substandard care while their parents work and more are being raised by single parents. When taken together, these and other risk factors can lead to educational and health problems that are much harder and more costly to reverse.
2. Which of the following statistical points are correct as per the details in the ‘quiet crisis’ report?

A 3/4th population of toddlers and infants living below poverty line.

B. 6 million toddlers and infants facing impaired total development abilities.

C. Most part of the infant population being healthy and developing properly.

D. Intellectual, physical and social development capabilities of 50% infants endangered.

E. 3 million toddlers and infants in US, living in conditions of poverty.

Answer: BDE

Explanation

Explanation: The passage mentions a few statistical figures from the ‘quiet crisis’ report that was created to bring to light the high risk that lingers over the infant and toddlers population in the US. The latter half of the passage mentions these figures and going by them, the correct answers are options B, D and E. One must observe that the options B and D mention the same details in different words, so both are correct. The rest two options are incorrect as per the details given to us in the passage.

Question-3

Though the U.S. prides itself on being a leader in the world community, a recent report shows that it lags far behind other industrialized countries in meeting the needs of its youngest and most vulnerable citizens. The U.S. has a higher infant mortality rate, a higher proportion of low birth weight babies, a smaller proportion of babies immunized against childhood diseases and a much higher rate of adolescent pregnancies. These findings, described as a ‘quiet crisis’ requiring immediate and far-reaching action, appeared in a report prepared by a task force of educators, doctors, politicians and business people. According to the report, a fourth of the nation’s 12 million infants and toddlers live in poverty. As many as half confront risk factors that could harm their ability to develop intellectually, physically and socially. Child immunizations are too low, more children are born into poverty and more are in substandard care while their parents work and more are being raised by single parents. When taken together, these and other risk factors can lead to educational and health problems that are much harder and more costly to reverse.
3. What were the requirements posed by the ‘quiet crisis’ report?

A Distribution of the report among the common masses.

B. To focus on the costs that the revealed factors may incur on the government.

C. To pay heed to the various statistical figures and reports.

D. Immediate action on the findings laid down.

E. Far reaching impact of the actions taken.

Answer: BCDE

Explanation

Explanation: The question requires us to focus on the various aspects that the findings in the report concentrate on. One can reason out the various intentions that are behind these findings and researches being done as these are in the interest of a particular part of the US population. The options that stand correct in this regard and the details in the passage are options B, C, D and E, while the first option stands irrelevant to the details provided thus.

Question-4

We can enhance development by improving ‘women power’, by giving women the opportunity to develop themselves. Statistics show that the average family size increases in inverse ratio to the mother’s years of education, is lowest among college graduates, highest among those with only primary school training, or no education. Malnutrition is most frequent in large families, and increases in frequency with each additional sibling. The principle seems established that an educated mother has healthier and more intelligent children, and that this is related to the fact that she has fewer children. The tendency of educated, upper-class mothers to have fewer children worked even without access to contraceptive services. The educational level of women is significant also because it has a direct influence upon their chances of employment; and the number of employed women in a country’s total labor force has a direct bearing on both the Gross National Product and the disposable income of the individual family. Disposable income, especially in the hands of women, influences food purchasing and therefore the nutritional status of the family. The fact that this additional income derives from the paid employment of women provides a logical incentive to restrict the size of the family.
4. What are the various resultant factors of woman being educated?

A An increase in the disposable income of the family.

B. The family size growing larger.

C. Awareness and care for the nutritional requirements of the family.

D. Better health and low malnutrition of the children.

E. Their employment and an addition to the Gross National Product.

Answer: ACDE

Explanation

Explanation: The passage asks us to pay attention to the various factors that are connected to woman education and the way it shapes up the life of their families and the nation in turn. The factors included are that of the family health, family sizes, employment chances and the resultant addition to families having more disposable income at hand. The correct answers thus, are options A, C, D and E. the second option is incorrect because the size of the families is lower in case of educated and well-aware women and not the other way round.

Question-5

We can enhance development by improving ‘women power’, by giving women the opportunity to develop themselves. Statistics show that the average family size increases in inverse ratio to the mother’s years of education, is lowest among college graduates, highest among those with only primary school training, or no education. Malnutrition is most frequent in large families, and increases in frequency with each additional sibling. The principle seems established that an educated mother has healthier and more intelligent children, and that this is related to the fact that she has fewer children. The tendency of educated, upper-class mothers to have fewer children worked even without access to contraceptive services. The educational level of women is significant also because it has a direct influence upon their chances of employment; and the number of employed women in a country’s total labor force has a direct bearing on both the Gross National Product and the disposable income of the individual family. Disposable income, especially in the hands of women, influences food purchasing and therefore the nutritional status of the family. The fact that this additional income derives from the paid employment of women provides a logical incentive to restrict the size of the family.
5. Which among the following are conditions witnessed when the family size is larger?

A Lower amount of disposable income in the hands of the family.

B. Knowledge of the nutritional requirements of the family.

C. Mother being less educated.

D. Increasing malnutrition for every new born child.

E. Employment of the women.

Answer: ACD

Explanation

Explanation: The passage tells us about the conditions that prevail in a family, the size of which is larger. We are told that with the size of the families getting larger, the stress on the nutritional care provided to the children is decreased such that the health of each new born child gets declining and a causative factor behind this is the mother being less or uneducated. The correct answers therefore, are options A, C and D.

Question-6

We can enhance development by improving ‘women power’, by giving women the opportunity to develop themselves. Statistics show that the average family size increases in inverse ratio to the mother’s years of education, is lowest among college graduates, highest among those with only primary school training, or no education. Malnutrition is most frequent in large families, and increases in frequency with each additional sibling. The principle seems established that an educated mother has healthier and more intelligent children, and that this is related to the fact that she has fewer children. The tendency of educated, upper-class mothers to have fewer children worked even without access to contraceptive services. The educational level of women is significant also because it has a direct influence upon their chances of employment; and the number of employed women in a country’s total labor force has a direct bearing on both the Gross National Product and the disposable income of the individual family. Disposable income, especially in the hands of women, influences food purchasing and therefore the nutritional status of the family. The fact that this additional income derives from the paid employment of women provides a logical incentive to restrict the size of the family.
6. How is the nutritional status of a family influenced?

A By an increase in the disposable income.

B. With the foods being made richer in nutrients.

C. By women taking initiative for taking care of the nutritional requirements.

D. By adding to the Gross national product.

E. By woman adding to the disposable income by taking up jobs.

Answer: ACE

Explanation

Explanation: The passage throws light on the way in which the declining nutritional status of families, especially children, can be dealt with. The last part of the passage tells about the way in which the educated mothers can take this initiative in their hands by taking employment opportunities; so that the disposable resources can be increased using which they can provide better food to their families. The correct answers to the question are hence contained in the A, C and E options.

Question-7

Using infant mortality as a key indicator of the status of children, we now begin to have the broad features of a hypothesis as to the causes of higher or lower mortality rates. One aspect is the complex of factors involving the access of mothers to trained personnel and other facilities for child delivery, the nutritional status of pregnant and nursing mothers and the quality of health care and nourishment which babies receive. The other aspect, indicated by rural urban differentials, is the possible importance of human settlement patterns in relation to the availability of health care and related facilities such as potable water, excreta disposal systems, etc. Thus, in a special sense it is much cheaper to make health and other basic services available to a community when it is densely settled rather than widely dispersed. It is possible to argue, however, that both these sets of factors are closely related to a third one, namely, income levels. Poorer mothers and babies have less access to health-care facilities and nourishment than those who are better off; urban communities are on an average much better off than rural communities. That economic condition plays a crucial role in determining the status of both mother and child, is beyond dispute. But the question really is whether this is the only decisive factor or whether factors such as the availability of medical facilities, health care programs and nutritional programs have an independent role. If so then the settlement patterns which affect service delivery to the mother and child target groups become a relevant consideration. These are clearly issues of some importance for policy and program planning.
7. Which among the following statements are correct?

A It is easy and economical to provide health care facilities in dense settlements.

B. The fact that income has an important role to play in health care is arguable.

C. A densely settled community has to be supplied with health and basic services after bearing a large cost.

D. Mothers from well to do families can provide better care and facilities to their babies.

E. The settlement conditions, income levels and health facilities are the only influencing factors behind the varying mortality rates.

Answer: AD

Explanation

Explanation: The question given to us requires a proper understanding of all the details provided in the passage about the health and care facilities as they are provided to people in urban and rural settlements. Also included are the factors that influence the mortality rates in these areas. On the basis of the details given to us, the correct statements among the options are A and D; while the rest are wrongly made. The options A and C are opposite to each other and a comparison with the actual passage tells us that option A among them is the correct one.

Question-8

Using infant mortality as a key indicator of the status of children, we now begin to have the broad features of a hypothesis as to the causes of higher or lower mortality rates. One aspect is the complex of factors involving the access of mothers to trained personnel and other facilities for child delivery, the nutritional status of pregnant and nursing mothers and the quality of health care and nourishment which babies receive. The other aspect, indicated by rural urban differentials, is the possible importance of human settlement patterns in relation to the availability of health care and related facilities such as potable water, excreta disposal systems, etc. Thus, in a special sense it is much cheaper to make health and other basic services available to a community when it is densely settled rather than widely dispersed. It is possible to argue, however, that both these sets of factors are closely related to a third one, namely, income levels. Poorer mothers and babies have less access to health-care facilities and nourishment than those who are better off; urban communities are on an average much better off than rural communities. That economic condition plays a crucial role in determining the status of both mother and child, is beyond dispute. But the question really is whether this is the only decisive factor or whether factors such as the availability of medical facilities, health care programs and nutritional programs have an independent role. If so then the settlement patterns which affect service delivery to the mother and child target groups become a relevant consideration. These are clearly issues of some importance for policy and program planning.
8. Pick out the aspects related to the mortality rate being higher or lower.

A The introduction of medical health programs.

B. The amount of income pouring into the families.

C. The pattern in which the family is settled: densely or widely.

D. The kind of nutritional habits followed.

E. The type of medical care facilities and awareness provided to the mothers.

Answer: BCE

Explanation

Explanation: The passage brings before us three major aspects or factors that help in shaping the mortality rate ratio in a community. These include firstly, the kind of healthcare facilities and knowledge provided to the women and children, second, the settlement patterns of the people and lastly the income levels of the family. There are other independent factors too stated in the passage but the writer doesn’t include them in this list so they cannot be made a part of this list. The correct answers thus, are options B, C and E.

Question-9

Using infant mortality as a key indicator of the status of children, we now begin to have the broad features of a hypothesis as to the causes of higher or lower mortality rates. One aspect is the complex of factors involving the access of mothers to trained personnel and other facilities for child delivery, the nutritional status of pregnant and nursing mothers and the quality of health care and nourishment which babies receive. The other aspect, indicated by rural urban differentials, is the possible importance of human settlement patterns in relation to the availability of health care and related facilities such as potable water, excreta disposal systems, etc. Thus, in a special sense it is much cheaper to make health and other basic services available to a community when it is densely settled rather than widely dispersed. It is possible to argue, however, that both these sets of factors are closely related to a third one, namely, income levels. Poorer mothers and babies have less access to health-care facilities and nourishment than those who are better off; urban communities are on an average much better off than rural communities. That economic condition plays a crucial role in determining the status of both mother and child, is beyond dispute. But the question really is whether this is the only decisive factor or whether factors such as the availability of medical facilities, health care programs and nutritional programs have an independent role. If so then the settlement patterns which affect service delivery to the mother and child target groups become a relevant consideration. These are clearly issues of some importance for policy and program planning.
9. Which factors discussed in the passage are independent of the influences from the multiple aspects of mortality rate variation?

A Economic conditions

B. Available medical facilities

C. Settlement details

D. Nutritional awareness programs

E. Health care programs

Answer: BDE

Explanation

Explanation: The previous question given to us states the three aspects that influence the rate of growth or decrease in the mortality rate; on the basis of which, we know that the correct answer to this question is carried in the options B, D and E. one can also refer to the sentence ‘But the question really is whether this is the only decisive factor or whether factors such as the availability of medical facilities, health care programs and nutritional programs have an independent role.’ that carries the answers to this question.

Question-10

Now the question arises what is the secret of the longevity and imperishability of Indian culture? Why is it that such great empires and nations as Babylon, Assyria, Greece, Rome and Persia could not last more than the foot prints of a camel on the shifting sands of the deserts while India which faced the same ups and downs, the same mighty and cruel hand of time, is still alive and with the same halo of glory and splendor? The answer is given by Prof. J. B. Pratt of America. According to him Hindu religion is ‘self-perpetuating and self-renewing!’ Unlike other religions ‘not death, but development’ has been the fate of Hinduism. Not only Hindu religion but the whole culture of the Hindus has been growing, changing, and developing in accordance with the needs of times and circumstances without losing its essentially imperishable spirit. The culture of the Vedic ages, of the ages of the Upanishads, the various philosophical systems, the Mahabharata, the Smritis, the Puranas, various scholarly commentators, the medieval saints and the age of modern reformers is the same in spirit and yet very different in form. Its basic principles are so broad-based that they can be adapted to almost any environment of development.
10. What is implied by the use of the metaphor of camel’s footprints?

A A reference to the nature of desert sand.

B. The short life span of the empires and nations.

C. The replacement of one empire with the rise of another.

D. The fast-fading traces of the empires from the world map.

E. The reference to a camel,s gait in the desert.

Answer: BD

Explanation

Explanation: The aim of using the metaphor of a camels’ footprints being washed away by shifting sands in the desert is to explain the life that the mentioned list of empires and civilizations have had on the world map. The shifting sands have been compared to the movement of time in which the marks and traces of various civilizations have been getting lost since the beginning of time. The answers that suit this criterion are options B and D as they explain this comparative situation well while the rest options are wrong due to the fact that they are insufficient in providing adequate explanation.

Question-11

Now the question arises what is the secret of the longevity and imperishability of Indian culture? Why is it that such great empires and nations as Babylon, Assyria, Greece, Rome and Persia could not last more than the foot prints of a camel on the shifting sands of the deserts while India which faced the same ups and downs, the same mighty and cruel hand of time, is still alive and with the same halo of glory and splendor? The answer is given by Prof. J. B. Pratt of America. According to him Hindu religion is ‘self-perpetuating and self-renewing!’ Unlike other religions ‘not death, but development’ has been the fate of Hinduism. Not only Hindu religion but the whole culture of the Hindus has been growing, changing, and developing in accordance with the needs of times and circumstances without losing its essentially imperishable spirit. The culture of the Vedic ages, of the ages of the Upanishads, the various philosophical systems, the Mahabharata, the Smritis, the Puranas, various scholarly commentators, the medieval saints and the age of modern reformers is the same in spirit and yet very different in form. Its basic principles are so broad-based that they can be adapted to almost any environment of development.
11. Which of the following statements explains Prof J.B.Pratt’s views?

A Moving ahead to gain more and more assets and not being stopped by setbacks is destined for Hinduism.

B. The Hindu religion is highly affected by the various changes that go on around it.

C. The Hindu religion has the unique capability to continue its existence and also to keep on remodeling itself.

D. The fate of Hindu religion is carried in the fact that it has a capability to reconstruct itself after facing all kinds of situations.

E. The trait of having to face ups and downs in time and human civilization.

Answer: ACD

Explanation

Explanation: The exact words used by Prof. J.B.Pratt to explain the development of Hindu religion are, ‘self-perpetuating and self-renewing’. While the former refers to an ability to continue existing by on its own, the latter refers to the capability to renew oneself with the passage of time. In the next sentence, the words used are ‘Unlike other religions ‘not death, but development’ has been the fate of Hinduism.’; which explain the characteristics of Hinduism due to which the religion has been able to face all the challenges that time has posed in front of it. The answer options that suit to this explanation are options A, C and D, so are the correct answers.

Question-12

Now the question arises what is the secret of the longevity and imperishability of Indian culture? Why is it that such great empires and nations as Babylon, Assyria, Greece, Rome and Persia could not last more than the foot prints of a camel on the shifting sands of the deserts while India which faced the same ups and downs, the same mighty and cruel hand of time, is still alive and with the same halo of glory and splendor? The answer is given by Prof. J. B. Pratt of America. According to him Hindu religion is ‘self-perpetuating and self-renewing!’ Unlike other religions ‘not death, but development’ has been the fate of Hinduism. Not only Hindu religion but the whole culture of the Hindus has been growing, changing, and developing in accordance with the needs of times and circumstances without losing its essentially imperishable spirit. The culture of the Vedic ages, of the ages of the Upanishads, the various philosophical systems, the Mahabharata, the Smritis, the Puranas, various scholarly commentators, the medieval saints and the age of modern reformers is the same in spirit and yet very different in form. Its basic principles are so broad-based that they can be adapted to almost any environment of development.
12. In what ways have the broad-based principles of Hinduism helped it?

A Their acceptance by the great personalities of the religion in a similar manner.

B. By teaching the people the main teachings of the faith.

C. Through the imparting of the knowledge of major scriptures to the followers.

D. The unity of the principles on the grounds of similarities within the varying cults despite their differences.

E. Their trait of being capable of adapting to all kinds of situations of development.

Answer: ADE

Explanation

Explanation: The latter half of the passage is bent upon making the various aspects of Hindu religion clear to the readers by which its broad-based principles have lent it strength to exist for so long. The writer hints at the varying cults in the religion that have differences but still are united at the base. This fact being recognized by the leaders of these cults and also making the religion strong enough to face all situations, stands as the answer to this question, that is answered in the options A, D and E; which are therefore, the correct answers.

Question-13

The crisis begins in the womb with unplanned parenthood. Women with unplanned pregnancies are less likely to seek prenatal care. In the U.S. 80% of teenage pregnancies and 56% of all pregnancies are unplanned. The problems continue after birth where unplanned pregnancies and unstable partnerships often go hand in hand. Since 1950, the number of single parent families has nearly tripled. More than 25 percent of all births today are to unmarried mothers. As the number of single parent families grows and more women enter the work force, infants and toddlers are increasingly in the care of people other than their parents. Most disturbingly, recent statistics show that American parents are increasingly neglecting or abusing their children. In only four years from 1987-1991 the number of children in foster care increased by over 50 percent. Babies under the age of one are the fastest growing category of children entering foster care. The crisis affects children under the age of three most severely, the report says. Yet, it is this period-from infancy through preschool years-that sets the stage for a child’s future.
13. What are the implications of the statement ‘In the U.S. 80% of teenage pregnancies and 56% of all pregnancies are unplanned.’?

A The lack of knowledge and planning consequently.

B. The increasing urge among the youth to live their life on their own terms can prove damaging for their lives.

C. The lack of awareness and irresponsibility among the youth.

D. The rising number of illicit relationships among the younger generations.

E. The parents being unsuccessful at giving proper attention to their children.

Answer: ABCDE

Explanation

Explanation: The statement provided to us implies to numerous factors and related problems. The issue of children wishing to live life freely and without any types of monitoring and parents not giving due attention are included in it. Then the issue of lack of knowledge and awareness and also the adventurous spirit to go in for illicit relationships are all the varying implications that this statement has, therefore, we can take all the provided options as the correct answers.

Question-14

The crisis begins in the womb with unplanned parenthood. Women with unplanned pregnancies are less likely to seek prenatal care. In the U.S. 80% of teenage pregnancies and 56% of all pregnancies are unplanned. The problems continue after birth where unplanned pregnancies and unstable partnerships often go hand in hand. Since 1950, the number of single parent families has nearly tripled. More than 25 percent of all births today are to unmarried mothers. As the number of single parent families grows and more women enter the work force, infants and toddlers are increasingly in the care of people other than their parents. Most disturbingly, recent statistics show that American parents are increasingly neglecting or abusing their children. In only four years from 1987-1991 the number of children in foster care increased by over 50 percent. Babies under the age of one are the fastest growing category of children entering foster care. The crisis affects children under the age of three most severely, the report says. Yet, it is this period-from infancy through preschool years-that sets the stage for a child’s future.
14. What can be the possible reasons for the increasing neglect and abuse of children?

A The immaturity and overburdening of parents.

B. The babies being left in foster care where a stranger looks after them.

C. The children being ill mannered and not respecting their parents.

D. The parents being busy with meeting the financial aspects of the family and not having enough time for the children.

E. The parents being unprepared emotionally and physically for this responsibility.

Answer: ABDE

Explanation

Explanation: The passage we are taking in consideration deals with the various aspects of teenage and unplanned pregnancies and how as a result of these, the children have to suffer. The test-takers are required to reason out the various other factors involved on the basis of the information given in the passage and analyze all the options in the light of that. Other than the third option, all the rest are found to be the correct answers when we conduct an analysis in this manner.

Question-15

The crisis begins in the womb with unplanned parenthood. Women with unplanned pregnancies are less likely to seek prenatal care. In the U.S. 80% of teenage pregnancies and 56% of all pregnancies are unplanned. The problems continue after birth where unplanned pregnancies and unstable partnerships often go hand in hand. Since 1950, the number of single parent families has nearly tripled. More than 25 percent of all births today are to unmarried mothers. As the number of single parent families grows and more women enter the work force, infants and toddlers are increasingly in the care of people other than their parents. Most disturbingly, recent statistics show that American parents are increasingly neglecting or abusing their children. In only four years from 1987-1991 the number of children in foster care increased by over 50 percent. Babies under the age of one are the fastest growing category of children entering foster care. The crisis affects children under the age of three most severely, the report says. Yet, it is this period-from infancy through preschool years-that sets the stage for a child’s future.
15. Trace the particular reasons for infants and toddlers being in the care of people other than their parents.

A The parents not being mature enough to take care of them.

B. The need of the parents to gather financial sources for their care and upbringing.

C. The foster care provision being easy to avail.

D. The parents not financially capable of looking after them.

E. The children not preferring to be looked after by the parents.

Answer: ABCD

Explanation

Explanation: After analyzing the content given in the passage and reasoning out the various factors mentioned in it, it can be said that the children are kept in foster care because of the immaturity, financial instability and untimely responsibility that falls on their parents to look after them. The correct answers thus are options A, B, C and D.

GED Reading Comprehension Select Many Practice Test 2

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