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QuizMoz offers one of the Internet's largest collection of quizzes for you to tease your brain and pit your wits against the experienced QuizMoz quiz masters. Go ahead and find out what you know about yourself and the world around you. Best of luck!!  SAT Test - Critical Reading Facts  Average Score for this quiz: 13%  No of times this quiz has been taken: 7  No of people passing this quiz: 1  No of people failing this quiz: 6  Maximum score for this quiz: 58% Coverage : The SAT Practice Test - Critical Reading has been designed to test the important aspects of Critical Reading. The test entails reading a long or a short passage based on general subjects and determine any of the folowing: - the author's point in the passage - the author's tone - the gist of the passage The test may also contain dual passages, and the test taker may be asked questions on both the first and the second passage.  SAT Test - Critical Reading Discussion Forum   This Question is based on the following passage:   The passage deals with the rampant spread of aggressive marketing world over. "What is that women really want?" this universally popular question was asked by Dr Sigmund Freud after almost three decades of clinical psychoanalytic practice and analyzing the ramifications of the female mind. The answer is, as most men 5 would guess, still elusive, but Harvard Business School experts believe that, in some small little way, they have been able to identify the brainwaves that tell women to "buy, buy now"; as also the negative "fight/fight" rejection waves that compel her to say, "No, I will come again sometime." The 10 Business School team worked with the university's Psychology dean, applying a modern method known as Positron Emission Tomography (PET). It is often said about Harvard experts, "You can always tell them in any crowd, but you can not tell them much." When it comes to shopping, 15 say the researchers, it is because of an unconscious process that whatever the consumer thinks and says is quite different from what he does. Some giant names in the corporate world today and multi-million dollar MNCs are said to be sponsoring a hush-hush research and have reported 20 some success in the advanced trials they have made with the new techniques. In the 21st century, these corporations hope to rake millions and billions by the proposed paradigm shift in the market strategy. The late David Ogilvy used to caution his copywriters that "the customer is not a moron— 25 she is your wife." The new marketing hypnosis will greatly help the giant companies to create new products, retail outlets and advertising so as to subconsciously stimulate similar brainwaves, egging people to buy. Previous market surveys went off the mark because they based their 30 probes on the conscious mind; the trick is to trick the subconscious and the "sublimely subliminal" is music to the ears of sales people, jaded with sameness and a sense of déjà vu. Commentator Clive James once said, "The last stage of fitting the product to the market is to fit the market to the 35 product." Critics have called the subliminal research "sinister" and charged big companies with unfair trade practices, where the people's preferences are manipulated and emotions of customers are crudely played with. In their eagerness to assess facts, a car company reports a 30 per cent 40 spurt in sales, while shoe-designers in Britain said the Feng Shui way of rearranging their outlet had made a difference. Perhaps even India's Vastu Shastra hides another feel good component! 1.  What is NOT the same as the phrase "off the mark" (line 29)? a. away from the desired result b. off the tangent c. hit the bulls eye d. aim straight e. hit as never before Please provide appropriate updations Ques What is NOT the same as the phrase "off the mark" (line 29)? a. b. c. d. e. Please describe the changes made by you   This Question is based on the following passage:   The passage discusses the author's philosophy that confusions and misconceptions of the human mind deflects one from attaining one's highest goal. Human experience is usually a cacophony of voices, thoughts and emotions. Many of us are in this position of perplexity where our mind is captivated by wrong perceptions of reality. This is why pain and suffering are 5 integral to our lives, in spite of the material conveniences and facilities that science has provided us with. The noise that human beings make in the form of negative thoughts and emotions is evidence of the absolute mess they have made of themselves and their lives. Part of this confusion 10 arises from the fact that most people go through life without really knowing what they want. At any point in life, if you go by past experience or if you trust your mind to decide what is possible and what is not then you will end up settling for mediocrity. We are always trying to create 15 our life based on the reality that exists around us at that particular moment. Where we want to go tomorrow need not be concerned with where we are right now. Our highest goal in life need not have anything to do with our present situation. If we enslave our vision to the current 20 situation then we are once again settling for what is attainable, what is easy, what we think is possible. If man has a vision of what he wants to do with himself and the world around him, it is not beyond man's capacity to create it. It may happen in this lifetime, or it may take him a 25 couple of lifetimes, but what is wished for by man will definitely happen. This is because we will seek our vision every moment of our life. Then the highest things in life will fall at our feet. It is only because man is a bundle of confusions and spends most of his time seeking what he 30 doesn't want that things he really wants never come to him. This lack of vision and will is definitely because of a distorted understanding of reality. 2.  Choose the word that is most nearly the same in meaning to the word 'cacophony' as used in the passage. a. loud noise b. discordant sound c. confusion d. chaos e. storm Please provide appropriate updations Ques Choose the word that is most nearly the same in meaning to the word 'cacophony' as used in the passage. a. b. c. d. e. Please describe the changes made by you   This Question is based on the following passage:    Passage one traces the history of wine and drinking. Passage two highlights the author's trenchant view of prohibition by the state and imposed morality. Passage-1 The god of wine, Dionysus is also called Bacchus by both Romans and Greeks. In Homer's time, Dionysus was not one of the patrician deities, but a god whom the humble folks worshipped, a god 5 who was brought into Greece from Thrace in the 8th century B.C. by peripatetic bands of rapturous worshippers. Dionysus was thus, a god of vital, intoxicating powers of nature, and also, because of his close connection with tillage and 10 early civilization, he seen to be as a law giver. He was represented as young, handsome, and aesthetic in art forms, but later on, the artistic representations of his form became slightly effeminate. He was accompanied by a wild crowd 15 of Satyrs, and Maenads, the latter hysterical with wine and mystical exaltation, and carrying cymbals, swords, or serpents, or the Thyrsus, a wand wreathed with ivy and crowned with fir- cone. Women were strongly attracted towards the 20 worship of Dionysus. Many of them spent their entire nights on the mountain in euphoric dancing and tearing wild animals to pieces. The myths of Dionysus are evidence that there was first much opposition to the ritual use of wine and 25 the frenzy it engendered. The earlier drink of the Greeks had been a kind of beer flavored with, ivy and mead, and mead was the drink of Homer's Olympians. Wine was not invented by the Greeks but imported by them from Crete whither the wine 30 culture had spread from Mt. Nyasa, Libya. Passage-2 I thoroughly disapprove of prohibition by law. It is, according to me, a futile attempt at self- arrogated morality. Wine is as old as gods and it has come down to us through ages and scriptures 5 as an unmatched soothe for the human misery. It is our legacy of an age when gods were mortal and men were divine, and even though wine was considered to be a monstrous evil since its first sip by man, he has not stopped drinking at its bubbly 10 fountain of vice and forgetfulness. If legislation is needed, or sought after, by a nation to maintain the morality of its people, I deem it to be indeed a regrettable state of affairs. Saints have discoursed great sermons on the evil 15 of drinking but this gospel of saints has always remained a bad sermon in the world of sinners. It is good for the saints to preach but daft for the state to enforce that preaching, for what is enforced by law ceases to be moral. A virtue is a 20 virtue only when it is acquired through self- realization, not when it is forced on the lives of the people. Every new law creates a new crowd of law-breakers and one more sin is added to the sum-total of human crimes. As Goldsmith says, 25 the virtue which requires, to be ever guarded, is scarcely worth its sentinel. 3.  Which of the following statements, with regard to passage 2, is FALSE? a. The sinners have always ignored the sermons. b. The moment law tries to enforce morality, it no longer remains morality. c. Every piece of legislation adds one more offender. d. Goldsmith says that a virtue is one which cannot remain a virtue unless someone guards it constantly. e. The author disapproves of sanctions by law. Please provide appropriate updations Ques Which of the following statements, with regard to passage 2, is FALSE? a. b. c. d. e. Please describe the changes made by you   This Question is based on the following passage:   This passage is based on the discussion about the prospective exploitation of third world countries by unscrupulous MNCs through the misuse of biotechnology. The term "biotechnology" is used to describe a number of powerful techniques, many of which are only recent developments. Today, because of the advancements in science, it is not inconceivable to take genes (the basic material in an organism that 5 contains the code for its reproduction and growth), split and slice them, graft them on to another organism, thereby 'manufacturing' a whole new life form. It is also not beyond the reach of man to clone a particular kind of super-cereal or super- vegetable with very high yields using certain simple laboratory 10 techniques, and then imbue it with the desired properties. But even biotechnology, with all its advantages and boons, is not available to man without its price. It presents the manifold threats of overproduction of the most profitable variety of grains or cereals, substitution of natural by engineered products, the shift of 15 production from the fields of the third world to the laboratories and factories of the first, and the loss of negotiating power for producers of specific commodities within a general category in comparison with the market as a whole. For example, the processing of raw agricultural products can be 20 biologically tailored in such a way that all vegetable oils are "equalized". Cheap cocoa can replace expensive varieties. And the characteristics of a distinct variety of coffee can be transferred to another, cheaper variety - much to the great disadvantage of the former. 25 The even more portentous fact is that now the biotech firms are packaging their technology in a way that favors vertical integration and monopolies. The seed and agrochemicals (fertilizer and pesticides) industries have now been almost entirely integrated, thanks to the takeover of the former by the latter. They are now 30 selling packages of seeds and chemicals which cannot be separated from one another. This is where one of the paramount dangers of the misuse of biotechnology comes into play. While the new techniques facilitate the 'manufacturing' of either pest-resistant or pesticide-resistant 35 seeds, perhaps with equal amount of resources (and thus compatible with excessive use of chemicals), it is almost certain that the scientists will breed the latter variety. Now, try to fathom what the infiltration of the third-world by these miracle seeds will do. The lure of their super-high yields will not 40 decrease (as it theoretically could) but increase (because it suits the MNCs) agrochemicals use. Third-world agriculture will be simultaneously "chemicalized" and "biologized" in a way that was unimaginable even at the height of the green revolution euphoria. The probable picture is one of abject dependence of the third world 45 peasants upon the seeds- agrochemical MNCs. Capital will have penetrated into the deepest interstices of rural society, right down to the very structures of life and life-support systems in a manner quite different from what we may have seen in the past. The third–world will not be able to compete; it will have to accept 50 its fate of complete ascendancy by the first world. There is every possibility that the only thing that the third world managed to hold on to during the colonial era, even the limited bargaining and autonomous space in respect of primary commodities will be quickly wiped out. 55 Is there any option or even a semblance of hope for the third world? Can the third world escape the second colonization? Can't millions of people can be spared the prospect of being economically and culturally liquidated? Is it preordained that they shall be wiped out as peasants without even having the option to 60 become workers and wage laborers in an industrializing economy? Shouldn't the people of these countries be at least allowed to dream of a normal living? These are questions that are difficult to answer. Nevertheless, one thing is clear. The view, easily accepted by liberals at the turn of 65 the century, that the liquidation of the peasantry and destruction of old modes of production would inevitably lead to industrialization, growth and development which, in the long run, would benefit all, is impossible to sustain when one is dealing with as powerful and far-reaching a phenomenon as biotechnology. In 70 all likelihood, biotechnology will not only permit the penetration and domination by multinational capital of the third world agriculture; it will make any break into industry or any other economic activity almost impossible. 4.  According to the passage, MNCs are interested in all of the following EXCEPT: a. financial gains b. securing monopoly of the market c. research for improving up-to date technology d. sharing the knowledge with the third world e. earning a high return on their investments in biotechnology Please provide appropriate updations Ques According to the passage, MNCs are interested in all of the following EXCEPT: a. b. c. d. e. Please describe the changes made by you   This Question is based on the following passage:   This passage is based on the discussion about the prospective exploitation of third world countries by unscrupulous MNCs through the misuse of biotechnology. The term "biotechnology" is used to describe a number of powerful techniques, many of which are only recent developments. Today, because of the advancements in science, it is not inconceivable to take genes (the basic material in an organism that 5 contains the code for its reproduction and growth), split and slice them, graft them on to another organism, thereby 'manufacturing' a whole new life form. It is also not beyond the reach of man to clone a particular kind of super-cereal or super- vegetable with very high yields using certain simple laboratory 10 techniques, and then imbue it with the desired properties. But even biotechnology, with all its advantages and boons, is not available to man without its price. It presents the manifold threats of overproduction of the most profitable variety of grains or cereals, substitution of natural by engineered products, the shift of 15 production from the fields of the third world to the laboratories and factories of the first, and the loss of negotiating power for producers of specific commodities within a general category in comparison with the market as a whole. For example, the processing of raw agricultural products can be 20 biologically tailored in such a way that all vegetable oils are "equalized". Cheap cocoa can replace expensive varieties. And the characteristics of a distinct variety of coffee can be transferred to another, cheaper variety - much to the great disadvantage of the former. 25 The even more portentous fact is that now the biotech firms are packaging their technology in a way that favors vertical integration and monopolies. The seed and agrochemicals (fertilizer and pesticides) industries have now been almost entirely integrated, thanks to the takeover of the former by the latter. They are now 30 selling packages of seeds and chemicals which cannot be separated from one another. This is where one of the paramount dangers of the misuse of biotechnology comes into play. While the new techniques facilitate the 'manufacturing' of either pest-resistant or pesticide-resistant 35 seeds, perhaps with equal amount of resources (and thus compatible with excessive use of chemicals), it is almost certain that the scientists will breed the latter variety. Now, try to fathom what the infiltration of the third-world by these miracle seeds will do. The lure of their super-high yields will not 40 decrease (as it theoretically could) but increase (because it suits the MNCs) agrochemicals use. Third-world agriculture will be simultaneously "chemicalized" and "biologized" in a way that was unimaginable even at the height of the green revolution euphoria. The probable picture is one of abject dependence of the third world 45 peasants upon the seeds- agrochemical MNCs. Capital will have penetrated into the deepest interstices of rural society, right down to the very structures of life and life-support systems in a manner quite different from what we may have seen in the past. The third–world will not be able to compete; it will have to accept 50 its fate of complete ascendancy by the first world. There is every possibility that the only thing that the third world managed to hold on to during the colonial era, even the limited bargaining and autonomous space in respect of primary commodities will be quickly wiped out. 55 Is there any option or even a semblance of hope for the third world? Can the third world escape the second colonization? Can't millions of people can be spared the prospect of being economically and culturally liquidated? Is it preordained that they shall be wiped out as peasants without even having the option to 60 become workers and wage laborers in an industrializing economy? Shouldn't the people of these countries be at least allowed to dream of a normal living? These are questions that are difficult to answer. Nevertheless, one thing is clear. The view, easily accepted by liberals at the turn of 65 the century, that the liquidation of the peasantry and destruction of old modes of production would inevitably lead to industrialization, growth and development which, in the long run, would benefit all, is impossible to sustain when one is dealing with as powerful and far-reaching a phenomenon as biotechnology. In 70 all likelihood, biotechnology will not only permit the penetration and domination by multinational capital of the third world agriculture; it will make any break into industry or any other economic activity almost impossible. 5.  It can be inferred that the use of high yielding variety of seeds would, in theory, decrease the use of agrochemicals if: a. MNCs were to run into losses b. The seeds were made pesticide resistant c. MNCs transferred the technology of pesticide resistant seeds to the third world d. Third world agriculture is not concomitantly chemicalized and biologized e. Third world sticks to the techniques of green revolution Please provide appropriate updations Ques It can be inferred that the use of high yielding variety of seeds would, in theory, decrease the use of agrochemicals if: a. b. c. d. e. Please describe the changes made by you   This Question is based on the following passage:   This passage is based on the discussion about the prospective exploitation of third world countries by unscrupulous MNCs through the misuse of biotechnology. The term "biotechnology" is used to describe a number of powerful techniques, many of which are only recent developments. Today, because of the advancements in science, it is not inconceivable to take genes (the basic material in an organism that 5 contains the code for its reproduction and growth), split and slice them, graft them on to another organism, thereby 'manufacturing' a whole new life form. It is also not beyond the reach of man to clone a particular kind of super-cereal or super- vegetable with very high yields using certain simple laboratory 10 techniques, and then imbue it with the desired properties. But even biotechnology, with all its advantages and boons, is not available to man without its price. It presents the manifold threats of overproduction of the most profitable variety of grains or cereals, substitution of natural by engineered products, the shift of 15 production from the fields of the third world to the laboratories and factories of the first, and the loss of negotiating power for producers of specific commodities within a general category in comparison with the market as a whole. For example, the processing of raw agricultural products can be 20 biologically tailored in such a way that all vegetable oils are "equalized". Cheap cocoa can replace expensive varieties. And the characteristics of a distinct variety of coffee can be transferred to another, cheaper variety - much to the great disadvantage of the former. 25 The even more portentous fact is that now the biotech firms are packaging their technology in a way that favors vertical integration and monopolies. The seed and agrochemicals (fertilizer and pesticides) industries have now been almost entirely integrated, thanks to the takeover of the former by the latter. They are now 30 selling packages of seeds and chemicals which cannot be separated from one another. This is where one of the paramount dangers of the misuse of biotechnology comes into play. While the new techniques facilitate the 'manufacturing' of either pest-resistant or pesticide-resistant 35 seeds, perhaps with equal amount of resources (and thus compatible with excessive use of chemicals), it is almost certain that the scientists will breed the latter variety. Now, try to fathom what the infiltration of the third-world by these miracle seeds will do. The lure of their super-high yields will not 40 decrease (as it theoretically could) but increase (because it suits the MNCs) agrochemicals use. Third-world agriculture will be simultaneously "chemicalized" and "biologized" in a way that was unimaginable even at the height of the green revolution euphoria. The probable picture is one of abject dependence of the third world 45 peasants upon the seeds- agrochemical MNCs. Capital will have penetrated into the deepest interstices of rural society, right down to the very structures of life and life-support systems in a manner quite different from what we may have seen in the past. The third–world will not be able to compete; it will have to accept 50 its fate of complete ascendancy by the first world. There is every possibility that the only thing that the third world managed to hold on to during the colonial era, even the limited bargaining and autonomous space in respect of primary commodities will be quickly wiped out. 55 Is there any option or even a semblance of hope for the third world? Can the third world escape the second colonization? Can't millions of people can be spared the prospect of being economically and culturally liquidated? Is it preordained that they shall be wiped out as peasants without even having the option to 60 become workers and wage laborers in an industrializing economy? Shouldn't the people of these countries be at least allowed to dream of a normal living? These are questions that are difficult to answer. Nevertheless, one thing is clear. The view, easily accepted by liberals at the turn of 65 the century, that the liquidation of the peasantry and destruction of old modes of production would inevitably lead to industrialization, growth and development which, in the long run, would benefit all, is impossible to sustain when one is dealing with as powerful and far-reaching a phenomenon as biotechnology. In 70 all likelihood, biotechnology will not only permit the penetration and domination by multinational capital of the third world agriculture; it will make any break into industry or any other economic activity almost impossible. 6.  It can be inferred that biotechnology can be instrumental in producing good quality cocoa at low prices by: a. reducing operational costs b. increasing the yield per batch of feed c. transferring some characteristics of a better variety to a cheaper one d. by improving the overall efficiency of the process e. introducing pest resistant cocoa Please provide appropriate updations Ques It can be inferred that biotechnology can be instrumental in producing good quality cocoa at low prices by: a. b. c. d. e. Please describe the changes made by you   This Question is based on the following passage:   The passage discusses the values that are of importance in the corporate world today. Change seems to be the only constant in the world today. Business is not immune to this trend for revolutions in every field and aspect of life. It is today is going through yet another overwhelming revolution. This current revolution is 5 powered by the perseverance of the customers in demanding faster and more personalized services. Consumers want their needs to be complied with immediately and in a manner that fulfills their personal requirements. Developments in the field of information technology have 10 made it viable for providers to rise half way to this challenge. The search for the perfect formula to draw the best talent as employees and attract clients for sustained business success is all-pervasive. Several people believe that the most exigent challenge today is to compete in ever changing 15 market place. Others say the real challenge is in controlling employee attrition. There are yet others, who emphasize the need for being in the forefront of technology. The real task in facing the organizations today is in fashioning an atmosphere that cherishes human values, 20 protracts learning, and fosters creativity. Companies in the corporate world today need a culture where each person is appreciated and esteemed as an individual, where a person can risk and find physical and emotional support, a culture where one can learn and grow. The strategies required for 25 meeting this challenge are neither far nor distant. The present e-revolution surge provides many clues. Today's e- business model is based on seamlessly integrating all stake holders, such as suppliers and customers, into the organization. Conventionally, they were seen as outsiders. 30 People well-versed in negotiation skills dealt with them to strike the best deals. In the contemporary world however, artnership and collaboration is the mode of working. At the very foundation of any organization there must exist a set of well-articulated core values and not a thick book of corporate 35 company rules. These values charter what the organization deems important. Operating out of implicitly stated values creates confidence and admiration in the individual's capability to unreservedly choose with a sense of responsibility in each situation. The precincts of right and 40 wrong are hazy in a dynamic universe. The option often seems to be between two rights or two wrongs. Only deeply- embedded values empower an individual to respond "responsibly" in such a situation. The new paradigm of business organization is founded on a set of well expressed 45 values. Information is the raw-material for knowledge, in an organization there are many echelons in the information hierarchy. Nevertheless, the need has often restricted the amount of access an employee has to the information and thus curtailed the efficiency with which he can make 50 decisions and perform the assigned task. Immense power arises in the hands of the managers by hoarding information. Information gets dispensed in small amounts. The e-business model argues against this closed mode of information allocation. Information access is imperative to compliant and 55 variable response. Corporate intranets and extranets give us a conduit for information sharing. Bulletin boards and knowledge repositories provide a place for everyone to sound their questions and contributions. Executive briefings, knowledge sharing forum and open houses can create an 60 ambience of sharing information. We should be able to openly accept the fact that easily available information provides the fundamental constituent for effectual performance of the organization. It does not eat into the manager's power base. There is a degree of 65 vulnerability one will experience in making oneself open to giving away what we know. However, rich creativity is ossible when information is shared in diligent abundance. 7.  The word "attrition" (line 16) nearly means the same as: a. friction b. attenuation c. atypical d. auspices e. ambition Please provide appropriate updations Ques The word "attrition" (line 16) nearly means the same as: a. b. c. d. e. Please describe the changes made by you   This Question is based on the following passage:   The passage elucidates the parameters of artistic excellence. The prestige of a masterpiece, in the most curious way, dominates the degree of appreciation and understanding of music. Theater, cinema, poetry, narrative fiction, none pay allegiance to its ideal of excellence in the tyrannical way that 5 music does. They recognize no unbridgeable chasm between 'great works' and lesser efforts. Consider the world of painting; even though it also is a victim of "appreciation" rackets based on the concept of gilt-edged equality, it still is more penetrable to reason in this regard. But music today 10 seems committed to the idea that superlative work in composition is separable from the rest of the music-writing by a distinction as radical as that recognized in theology between the elect and the damned. This pretentious definition of excellence is disparate from the 15 classical concept of a republic of letters. It reclines, rather, on the theocratic ideas that inspiration is less a privilege of the private citizen than of the ordained sibyl. The concept however, loses its ground due to the fact that music is not a religion. Dealing in general ideas, morality or 20 salvation does not come within the precincts of music. It is an art. It expresses private sentiments through skill and sincerity, both of which are a privilege, a duty of the private citizen, and no monopoly of the prophetically inclined. "Masterpiece", was once considered to be merely a 25 graduation piece which hailed the student advance from apprenticeship to master status. Later, it referred to any artist's most accomplished work, the highpoint of production. Today, most people comprehend it as a piece differing from the run of the repertory by a degree of concentration in its 30 expressivity that establishes a difference of kind. The idea that any composer, however gifted or skillful, is merely a masterpiece factory would have been repellant to Bach or Hadyn or Mozart or Handel. But all the successors of Beethoven who aspired to his positions quite consciously 35 imbued their music with the "masterpiece" tone. This tone is lugubrious, portentous, and world-shaking; and length, as well as heavy instrumentation, is essential to it. The masterpiece cult tends to substitute an impressive manner for specific expression, just as an oratory does. That 40 music should stoop to the procedures and techniques of contemporary political harangue is lamentable. There are occasions (funerals for instance) where the tone of a discourse is more important than its content, but the concert is not one of them. The concert is habitual thing like a meal; 45 the ceremonial is only incidental to it. And restricting one's menu to what observes the fictitious "masterpiece" tone is like limiting one's nourishment only to heavier party foods. If the idea can be got rid of that a proper concert should consist of only "masterpieces", either historic or 50 contemporary, our programs will cease to be repetitive and monotonous. 8.  According to the passage, a "masterpiece" is characterized by all the following EXCEPT: a. ceremoniousness b. lengthiness c. orchestration d. political overtones e. intricacies of tone Please provide appropriate updations Ques According to the passage, a "masterpiece" is characterized by all the following EXCEPT: a. b. c. d. e. Please describe the changes made by you   This Question is based on the following passage:   The passage elucidates the parameters of artistic excellence. The prestige of a masterpiece, in the most curious way, dominates the degree of appreciation and understanding of music. Theater, cinema, poetry, narrative fiction, none pay allegiance to its ideal of excellence in the tyrannical way that 5 music does. They recognize no unbridgeable chasm between 'great works' and lesser efforts. Consider the world of painting; even though it also is a victim of "appreciation" rackets based on the concept of gilt-edged equality, it still is more penetrable to reason in this regard. But music today 10 seems committed to the idea that superlative work in composition is separable from the rest of the music-writing by a distinction as radical as that recognized in theology between the elect and the damned. This pretentious definition of excellence is disparate from the 15 classical concept of a republic of letters. It reclines, rather, on the theocratic ideas that inspiration is less a privilege of the private citizen than of the ordained sibyl. The concept however, loses its ground due to the fact that music is not a religion. Dealing in general ideas, morality or 20 salvation does not come within the precincts of music. It is an art. It expresses private sentiments through skill and sincerity, both of which are a privilege, a duty of the private citizen, and no monopoly of the prophetically inclined. "Masterpiece", was once considered to be merely a 25 graduation piece which hailed the student advance from apprenticeship to master status. Later, it referred to any artist's most accomplished work, the highpoint of production. Today, most people comprehend it as a piece differing from the run of the repertory by a degree of concentration in its 30 expressivity that establishes a difference of kind. The idea that any composer, however gifted or skillful, is merely a masterpiece factory would have been repellant to Bach or Hadyn or Mozart or Handel. But all the successors of Beethoven who aspired to his positions quite consciously 35 imbued their music with the "masterpiece" tone. This tone is lugubrious, portentous, and world-shaking; and length, as well as heavy instrumentation, is essential to it. The masterpiece cult tends to substitute an impressive manner for specific expression, just as an oratory does. That 40 music should stoop to the procedures and techniques of contemporary political harangue is lamentable. There are occasions (funerals for instance) where the tone of a discourse is more important than its content, but the concert is not one of them. The concert is habitual thing like a meal; 45 the ceremonial is only incidental to it. And restricting one's menu to what observes the fictitious "masterpiece" tone is like limiting one's nourishment only to heavier party foods. If the idea can be got rid of that a proper concert should consist of only "masterpieces", either historic or 50 contemporary, our programs will cease to be repetitive and monotonous. 9.  Which of the following statements about music is NOT supported by the passage? a. music does not deal with ethics b. music is an expression of personal emotions and cannot be monopolized by anybody c. music is not a religion d. music remains the domain of a select few e. music is an art Please provide appropriate updations Ques Which of the following statements about music is NOT supported by the passage? a. b. c. d. e. Please describe the changes made by you   This Question is based on the following passage:   The author discusses the developmental challenges faced in the rapidly changing global scenario. The challenge of development in an extensive sense is to enhance the quality of life, especially in the world's poor countries. A better quality of life usually calls for higher incomes but it involves much more. It incorporates a blend of 5 better education, higher standards of health and nutrition, poverty alleviation, a cleaner environment, more equality of opportunity, greater individual freedom, and a richer cultural life. Precepts of development have undergone a paradigm shift 10 during the past few decades. Progress has not moved along a straight line from darkness to light. Instead, there have been successes and failures, and a gradual accumulation of knowledge and insight. On some matters, a fairly clear understanding has emerged, but many questions still remain 15 contentious and unanswered. Climate, culture, and natural resources were once thought to be the keys to economic development. Rapid industrialization, using explicit and implicit taxes on agriculture to fund industrial investment was for many years a much favored 20 strategy. After the Great Depression and through the1960s, most policy makers favored import substitution combined with focus on infant industries. In its day, this view was endorsed, and the strategy supported, by external aid and finance agencies. 25 These views have not stood the test of time. Now there is clearer evidence, from both developing and industrial countries, that it is better not to ask governments to manage development in details. Discriminatory taxes on agriculture have turned out to be taxes on development. Economic isolation behind trade barriers has proved to be costly. Retarding competition and interfering with prices, deliberately or accidentally, have very often proved to be counter- productive. As the importance of openness and competition has been realized, the conviction has grown that they are insufficient by themselves. Investing in people, if done rightly, provides the firmest foundation for lasting development. And therefore, the economic role of government is larger than merely standing in for markets if they fail to work right. In defining and protecting rights, providing effective legal and judicial system, improving the efficiency of the officials providing services of the government, and protecting the environment, the state forms the very core of development. Political and civil liberties are not, contrary to a once popular view, inconsistent with economic growth. 10.  What does the sentence 'progress has not moved along a straight line from darkness to light' (lines 10-11) mean in context of the passage? a. Development takes place in geometric progression b. Electrification is a pre-requisite for development. c. Development needs a sudden push. d. Development is a process involved with a lot of trial and error. e. Politicians and bureaucrats are responsible for the slow pace of development. Please provide appropriate updations Ques What does the sentence 'progress has not moved along a straight line from darkness to light' (lines 10-11) mean in context of the passage? a. b. c. d. e. Please describe the changes made by you   This Question is based on the following passage:   The author discusses the developmental challenges faced in the rapidly changing global scenario. The challenge of development in an extensive sense is to enhance the quality of life, especially in the world's poor countries. A better quality of life usually calls for higher incomes but it involves much more. It incorporates a blend of 5 better education, higher standards of health and nutrition, poverty alleviation, a cleaner environment, more equality of opportunity, greater individual freedom, and a richer cultural life. Precepts of development have undergone a paradigm shift 10 during the past few decades. Progress has not moved along a straight line from darkness to light. Instead, there have been successes and failures, and a gradual accumulation of knowledge and insight. On some matters, a fairly clear understanding has emerged, but many questions still remain 15 contentious and unanswered. Climate, culture, and natural resources were once thought to be the keys to economic development. Rapid industrialization, using explicit and implicit taxes on agriculture to fund industrial investment was for many years a much favored 20 strategy. After the Great Depression and through the1960s, most policy makers favored import substitution combined with focus on infant industries. In its day, this view was endorsed, and the strategy supported, by external aid and finance agencies. 25 These views have not stood the test of time. Now there is clearer evidence, from both developing and industrial countries, that it is better not to ask governments to manage development in details. Discriminatory taxes on agriculture have turned out to be taxes on development. Economic isolation behind trade barriers has proved to be costly. Retarding competition and interfering with prices, deliberately or accidentally, have very often proved to be counter- productive. As the importance of openness and competition has been realized, the conviction has grown that they are insufficient by themselves. Investing in people, if done rightly, provides the firmest foundation for lasting development. And therefore, the economic role of government is larger than merely standing in for markets if they fail to work right. In defining and protecting rights, providing effective legal and judicial system, improving the efficiency of the officials providing services of the government, and protecting the environment, the state forms the very core of development. Political and civil liberties are not, contrary to a once popular view, inconsistent with economic growth. 11.  Which of the following statements would most strengthen the author's argument? a. Good quality of life is a corollary of higher income, as much in developed as it is in developing economies. b. After the Great Depression, and in the post 1960 era, natural resources no longer play a crucial role in determining the scale of development of an economy. c. Economic growth will stand to remain a distant dream if political and civil liberties are suppressed. d. Free trade and restriction on the growth of monopolistic trade practices is the only way of ensuring high levels of development. e. Government should not be entrusted with any task other than providing a sound judicial and legal framework. Please provide appropriate updations Ques Which of the following statements would most strengthen the author's argument? a. b. c. d. e. Please describe the changes made by you   This Question is based on the following passage:   The author discusses the developmental challenges faced in the rapidly changing global scenario. The challenge of development in an extensive sense is to enhance the quality of life, especially in the world's poor countries. A better quality of life usually calls for higher incomes but it involves much more. It incorporates a blend of 5 better education, higher standards of health and nutrition, poverty alleviation, a cleaner environment, more equality of opportunity, greater individual freedom, and a richer cultural life. Precepts of development have undergone a paradigm shift 10 during the past few decades. Progress has not moved along a straight line from darkness to light. Instead, there have been successes and failures, and a gradual accumulation of knowledge and insight. On some matters, a fairly clear understanding has emerged, but many questions still remain 15 contentious and unanswered. Climate, culture, and natural resources were once thought to be the keys to economic development. Rapid industrialization, using explicit and implicit taxes on agriculture to fund industrial investment was for many years a much favored 20 strategy. After the Great Depression and through the1960s, most policy makers favored import substitution combined with focus on infant industries. In its day, this view was endorsed, and the strategy supported, by external aid and finance agencies. 25 These views have not stood the test of time. Now there is clearer evidence, from both developing and industrial countries, that it is better not to ask governments to manage development in details. Discriminatory taxes on agriculture have turned out to be taxes on development. Economic isolation behind trade barriers has proved to be costly. Retarding competition and interfering with prices, deliberately or accidentally, have very often proved to be counter- productive. As the importance of openness and competition has been realized, the conviction has grown that they are insufficient by themselves. Investing in people, if done rightly, provides the firmest foundation for lasting development. And therefore, the economic role of government is larger than merely standing in for markets if they fail to work right. In defining and protecting rights, providing effective legal and judicial system, improving the efficiency of the officials providing services of the government, and protecting the environment, the state forms the very core of development. Political and civil liberties are not, contrary to a once popular view, inconsistent with economic growth. 12.  According to the author, the state plays an integral role in development in all of the following areas EXCEPT: a. delineating rights b. guaranteeing that markets do not succumb to volatile trends emerging from free trade policies c. preserving the environment d. making available an efficient and trust-worthy legal and judicial framework e. ensuring an effective government machinery Please provide appropriate updations Ques According to the author, the state plays an integral role in development in all of the following areas EXCEPT: a. b. c. d. e. Please describe the changes made by you Think you know more about this quiz!   Please enter your Name and what you would like to tell everyone about SAT Test - Critical Reading  Name: Think you know more about SAT Test - Critical Reading and would like others to know too? 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