What can be inferred about the future of work environments from the

passage?

1. Remote work will likely become the dominant work arrangement for many

people.

2. Traditional office spaces will be entirely phased out in the near future.

3. The challenges of remote work will make it less popular among employees.

4. Companies will likely abandon remote work practices due to communication

issues.
Type V: Context Meaning

The purpose of this kind of question is to determine how well you can extract the
meaning from the text; it is not to test how extensive your vocabulary is. Don’t
assume that you know the meaning of the word. You must find out the meaning of
the word as used in the text. You must look within the text for clues, as often clues
are given within the same sentence or near it.

Strategies to answer context meaning questions:

1. Read the sentence in which the given word is found.

2. Think of a synonym/antonym (as asked) of the given word before looking at the
answer options. Look for the context clues to arrive at the right word.
3. Now, try to match your own answer with the words given in the answer choices.
If you can’t think of any synonym/antonym, try to identify the meaning of the
word/its opposite with respect to its usage in the sentence. Then identify the
answer option that means the same.
4. If you can’t figure out the meaning, substitute each answer choice in the
original sentence and check which word makes the sentence convey the same
message.
Illustrative Example-1
The new policy aims to bolster the economy by providing incentives for small
businesses. These incentives include tax reductions and grants for innovation,
which are expected to stimulate growth in struggling industries. Although the
policy is ambitious, some experts have expressed skepticism about its long-term
sustainability."
Question 1:
What does the word "bolster" most nearly mean as used in the passage?
(a) Weaken
(b) Strengthen
(c) Delay
(d) Criticize
Answer: (b) Strengthen
Explanation:
The passage discusses measures to improve the economy, suggesting that
"bolster" means strengthen or support
Illustrative Example-2
 The environmental report painted a grim picture of the planet’s health, warning of
severe consequences if immediate action isn’t taken. However, it also highlighted
the resilience of nature, showing that ecosystems can recover remarkably well
when given the chance."
 Question 1:
What does the word "grim" most nearly mean as used in the passage?
• (a) Cheerful

• (b) Serious

• (c) Promising

• (d) Detailed

Answer: (b) Serious

Illustrative Example-3
What is the opposite meaning of "resilience" as used in the passage?
•(a) Fragility
•(b) Strength
•(c) Recovery
•(d) Flexibility
Answer: (a) Fragility
Explanation:
"Resilience" refers to the ability to recover or bounce back. The opposite
is fragility, meaning easily damaged or weak.
Illustrative Example-4
The new manager was praised for her pragmatic approach to solving
problems. She avoided theoretical solutions and instead focused on practical
strategies that could be implemented immediately."
Question 1:
What does the word "pragmatic" most nearly mean in the passage?
•(a) Idealistic
•(b) Practical
•(c) Innovative
•(d) Complex
Answer: (b) Practical
Illustrative Example-5
The artist’s work was celebrated for its originality and boldness. Unlike the
predictable and repetitive styles that dominated the era, her paintings evoked
emotions and challenged conventional norms. However, critics who were not
accustomed to such avant-garde expressions labeled her work as
incomprehensible."
What does the word "avant-garde" most nearly mean in the passage?
•(a) Traditional
•(b) Innovative
•(c) Popular
•(d) Commonplace
Answer: (b) Innovative
Illustrative Example-6
Education is universally acknowledged as the cornerstone of personal and
societal development. It empowers individuals with knowledge and critical
thinking skills, enabling them to make informed decisions and contribute
meaningfully to their communities. However, in many parts of the world, access to
quality education remains elusive, with factors such as poverty, political instability,
and lack of infrastructure hindering progress. Governments and organizations
must prioritize equitable education to ensure that every individual can unlock
their potential and participate in building a brighter future."
Question 1:
What does the word "elusive" most nearly mean as used in the passage?
•(a) Easily attainable
•(b) Hard to achieve
•(c) Affordable
•(d) Unnecessary

Answer: (b) Hard to achieve

What is the opposite meaning of "empowers" as used in the passage?
•(a) Weakens
•(b) Strengthens
•(c) Inspires
•(d) Motivates

Answer: (a) Weakens

Explanation:
The word "empowers" means to enable or strengthen someone. The opposite is
weakens, which means to reduce someone’s ability or confidence.
Illustrative Example-7
The small village thrived on a sense of community, where everyone knew each other
and shared resources during times of need. The annual harvest festival was a
testament to their unity, bringing together families to celebrate their hard work and
perseverance. However, as modernization encroached, the once-close-knit community
began to fragment, with younger generations moving to cities in search of better
opportunities."
Question 1:
What does the word "thrived" most nearly mean as used in the passage?
•(a) Struggled
•(b) Prospered
•(c) Survived
•(d) Declined

Answer: (b) Prospered

Explanation:
The passage describes the village’s sense of community in a positive way, indicating
that "thrived" means prospered or flourished.
Question 2:
What is the opposite meaning of "fragment" as used in the passage?
•(a) Break apart
•(b) Unite
•(c) Scatter
•(d) Separate

Answer: (b) Unite

Type 6-The Tone of the passage:
The tone of the passage is the writer’s attitude or feeling about the subject he
or she is presenting
What are the important tones of RCs that usually come in exams?

1. Narrative Tone
A narrative tone is used when the passage tells a story or describes events in
a sequential manner.The author narrates an event, incident, or series of events.
Illustrative Example
"It was a cold winter morning when Raj set out on his journey to the mountains.
The early rays of the sun barely broke through the thick fog, and the chill in the
air was biting. He clutched his woolen scarf tightly as he navigated the winding
roads. As he climbed higher, the sound of the gushing river below grew faint,
replaced by the rustling of leaves in the pine forest. Little did Raj know, this trip
would change his life forever.”
2. Descriptive Tone

In descriptive reading comprehension, the focus is to describe the character, a

place, or an event in detail. The author wants you to visualize whatever he sees,
hears, smells, tastes, and feels.

Illustrative Example

The garden was a vibrant explosion of colors. Rows of crimson roses stood
proudly, their petals glistening with morning dew. Beneath the towering oak tree,
patches of daisies swayed gently in the breeze, their white petals dancing against
the lush green grass. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of blooming jasmine,
and the faint chirping of sparrows added a melodic rhythm to the serene setting.
3.Jovial/ Humorous tone
A jovial / humorous tone conveys light-heartedness, cheerfulness, or humour.
It is often used to amuse the reader, using wit, playful language, or irony. These
tones are meant to entertain while sometimes subtly conveying a deeper meaning
or critique.
Illustrative Example
Monday mornings are a universal tragedy. As I dragged myself out of bed today, I
felt like a warrior preparing for battle—not with swords, but with endless coffee
cups. The clock seemed to mock me as I scrambled to find my other sock. If socks
had a secret society, I’m convinced they conspire to disappear on Mondays just to
ruin our lives. Armed with mismatched socks and a questionable breakfast, I
marched out to face the world—or at least the bus stop.”
4. Sarcastic / Satirical / Ironic

A sarcastic tone is a way of speaking or writing that conveys mockery, irony, or

contempt. It often involves saying the opposite of what is meant to criticize,
ridicule, or make a point humorously or sharply.

It conveys a meaning that is exactly opposite to the actual meaning.

Example –1. Sometimes I need what only you can provide: your absence.

2.Wow, you’re so good at this—breaking three plates in one go is

definitely a skill

3.Oh, great, another traffic jam—just what I needed!").

5.Critical Tone
A critical tone is used when the author evaluates a subject, event, or idea by
pointing out flaws, limitations, or shortcomings. It may involve judgment or analysis,
often supported by evidence or logical reasoning. The tone can be neutral,
constructive, or harsh, depending on the context.
Illustrative Example
The government’s recent policy on renewable energy appears promising on paper
but falls short in practical implementation. While it emphasizes the need for clean
energy, it provides no clear roadmap for funding or infrastructure development.
Furthermore, the reliance on outdated technology in rural areas undermines its
goals. Without addressing these critical gaps, the policy risks being yet another
failed initiative that looks good in headlines but achieves little in reality.”
6.Cynical Tone
The cynical tone is when the author conveys a doubtful nature. He is pessimistic about
whether something will happen or whether it is worthwhile.
Illustrative Example:
Politicians only remember the poor during election season, as if poverty magically
vanishes once the votes are counted.
7.Nostalgic
A nostalgic tone expresses a longing or sentimental reflection on the past. The author
may recall memories, events, or times gone by with affection, wistfulness, or a
bittersweet feeling.
Illustrative Examples:
1. Those summer afternoons of childhood, spent running barefoot through the fields with
the sun warming our backs, seem like distant dreams in today’s rushed and complicated
world.
2. Back in the days when letters were our main form of communication, every envelope
carried a sense of excitement that no email notification could ever replicate.
8.Didactic Tone
A didactic tone is used when the author aims to instruct, educate, or impart moral or
practical lessons.It is intended to teach moral lessons to the reader.
Illustrative Examples
1.Hard work and perseverance are the keys to success.
2.To achieve true success, one must cultivate discipline, embrace failure as a stepping
stone, and remain steadfast in the face of adversity
9.Analytical Tone
An analytical tone is used when the author examines, evaluates, or breaks down a topic
or idea into its components to understand it better or explain its significance. The tone is
logical, structured, and fact-based.

Illustrative Example
While solar energy is a renewable and environmentally friendly source of power, its high
initial installation costs and dependence on weather conditions limit its scalability in
certain regions.”
10.Informative Tone
An informative tone is used when the author’s primary purpose is to convey
factual information, explain concepts, or provide instructions in a clear, objective
manner. It focuses on educating or informing the reader without expressing
personal opinions or emotions.
Illustrative Example
The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the 'lungs of the Earth,' covers
approximately 5.5 million square kilometers and is home to over 390 billion
individual trees, representing around 16,000 species.
11.Optimistic tone
An optimistic tone reflects hope, positivity, and confidence about the future or a
particular situation. The author expresses an encouraging outlook, focusing on
potential successes, improvements, or favourable outcomes.
Illustrative Example
Despite current challenges, the rapid advancements in medical research give us
hope that cures for many diseases are just around the corner
12.Pessimistic Tone
A pessimistic tone conveys negativity, doubt, or a lack of hope about a situation,
outcome, or the state of affairs. The author focuses on the challenges, failures, or
unfavourable outcomes and often emphasizes a bleak or discouraging
perspective.
Illustrative Example
No matter how much effort is put into reforming the system, corruption and
inefficiency will always find a way to prevail."
13.Laudatory tone
A laudatory tone is used when the author expresses praise, admiration, or
approval for someone, something, or an idea. The tone conveys high regard and
appreciation.

Illustrative Example
Dr. Kalam’s visionary leadership and tireless dedication to India’s scientific
advancement cemented his legacy as one of the most inspiring figures of our
time."
14.Serene Tone
A serene tone conveys calmness, peace, and tranquillity. The author often
describes a setting, emotion, or situation in a way that evokes a sense of stillness
and harmony. This tone is soothing and free from tension, conflict, or urgency.
Illustrative Example
The morning dew glistened on the grass, and a gentle breeze carried the sweet
scent of blooming jasmine through the air. Birds chirped softly, their melodies
blending into the quiet rustle of leaves. The world seemed to pause, wrapped in
the stillness of a perfect spring morning.
15.Cautionary: The author warns the reader about potential dangers or risks.
Illustrative Example
Investing in volatile markets can lead to significant financial losses.
16. Sympathetic: The author expresses compassion or understanding for a
particular situation or person.
Example: "Her struggles were overwhelming, yet she continued to push forward.
17. Persuasive: The author aims to convince the reader to adopt a particular
viewpoint or take action.
Illustrative Example
We must all come together to combat climate change before it’s too late.
Illustrative Example-1
The strides we have made in space exploration are nothing short of extraordinary.
With new technologies and the growing collaboration of international agencies,
the dream of colonizing Mars no longer seems like science fiction but a tangible
goal within our reach. Humanity’s potential for innovation has always been
boundless, and the future looks brighter than ever."
Questions:
1.What is the tone of the passage?
(a) Critical
(b) Optimistic
(c) Nostalgic
(d) Informative
Answer: (b) Optimistic
Illustrative Example-2
While the government has announced ambitious education reforms, these policies
remain poorly executed at the grassroots level. Schools in rural areas still lack
basic infrastructure, and the promised digital learning tools have yet to materialize.
Without addressing these fundamental issues, such reforms are little more than
hollow promises."
Questions:
1.What is the tone of the passage?
1.(a) Laudatory
2.(b) Optimistic
3.(c) Critical
4.(d) Sarcastic
Answer: (c) Critical
Illustrative Example-3
There was a time when evenings meant gathering on the terrace under the open
sky, sharing stories while sipping on hot tea. The sound of laughter echoed
through the air, untainted by the distractions of screens and endless notifications.
Those moments of connection now feel like treasures of a bygone era."
Questions:
1.What is the tone of the passage?
1.(a) Sarcastic
2.(b) Nostalgic
3.(c) Analytical
4.(d) Persuasive
Answer: (b) Nostalgic
Illustrative Example-4
Of course, it makes perfect sense to hold a three-hour meeting to discuss how we
can save time. Nothing screams efficiency quite like spending an afternoon
brainstorming ways to finish work faster. Truly, a groundbreaking approach to
productivity."
Questions:
1.What is the tone of the passage?
1.(a) Humorous
2.(b) Sarcastic
3.(c) Critical
4.(d) Informative
Answer: (b) Sarcastic
Illustrative Example-5
The process of photosynthesis is essential for plant life. During this process,
plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight
as energy. This chemical reaction not only sustains the plant but also provides
oxygen, which is vital for most living organisms on Earth."
Questions:
1.What is the tone of the passage?
1.(a) Laudatory
2.(b) Informative
3.(c) Nostalgic
4.(d) Persuasive
Answer: (b) Informative
Illustrative Example-6
Marie Curie’s groundbreaking research on radioactivity not only earned her two
Nobel Prizes but also paved the way for countless scientific advancements. Her
unwavering dedication to her work, even in the face of personal hardship, remains
an inspiring example of human perseverance and brilliance."
Questions:
1.What is the tone of the passage?
1.(a) Laudatory
2.(b) Critical
3.(c) Sarcastic
4.(d) Informative
Answer: (a) Laudatory
Illustrative Example-7
Exercise is supposed to be good for you, but after my last attempt at jogging, I’m
convinced my body thinks otherwise. Five minutes into my 'run,' my legs staged a
protest, my lungs filed for early retirement, and my brain was already imagining me
face-planting on the sidewalk. Clearly, fitness and I are not on speaking terms."
Questions:
1.What is the tone of the passage?
1.(a) Humorous
2.(b) Critical
3.(c) Laudatory
4.(d) Nostalgic
Answer: (a) Humorous
Different types of reading:

We have got three types of reading.

1. Regular reading

2. Skimming

3. Scanning
Regular reading:

 Read the whole text

 Read for main ideas and details

 Aim for higher comprehension (understanding)

1. Translating every word

2. Understanding every sentence

 Read SLOWLY and very ATTENTIVELY

Skimming:

 Reading technique used when you want to get a general idea (or

gist) of the text or time is limited.

 Fast reading of the text or the main idea but NOT the details.

 Comprehension of the details is lower.

Scanning:

 Reading technique used when you want to locate a single fact or

specific information without reading every word.

 Fast way to find specific information.

 Must be accurate.
Strategy to Answer RC Questions
Step-1: Before reading the passage first take a look at the questions and note down the key
words if any.

Step-2: Now read the passage carefully trying to understand the meaning of the passage.
While reading the passage if you come across any key words that you have already noted
down. Stop there for a moment, go to that particular question and try to answer it. Once it
is done. Repeat the same process until all the questions are completed.

Step-3: If any questions are left over take them one by one and try to answer them
by using skimming and scanning techniques.