Passage-Based Questions on English for CLAT UG [Part 11]

Cities grow not only through buildings and roads but through the systems that allow people to move within them. Public transportation is one such system, often described as the lifeline of urban spaces because it connects individuals to workplaces, schools, hospitals, and markets. Yet in many rapidly expanding cities, transportation planning struggles to keep pace with population growth. Migration from smaller towns and rural areas places additional pressure on systems that were originally designed for smaller populations. The result is familiar: overcrowded buses, delayed trains, rising travel costs, and commuters who spend hours each day in transit rather than at work or home.

Urban planners frequently argue that improving public transport is not merely a matter of convenience but of social equality. When transportation systems are efficient and affordable, they allow wider access to education, employment, and healthcare. Conversely, when such systems fail, the burden falls most heavily on those who cannot afford private alternatives such as cars or taxis. In this way, transportation policy becomes closely linked to economic opportunity and social mobility, shaping who can participate fully in city life. Environmental concerns also shape the debate.

Private vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution, fuel consumption, and traffic congestion. Investments in reliable public transport can reduce emissions while improving the quality of urban life. However, large infrastructure projects often face delays due to funding constraints, land acquisition challenges, and administrative inefficiencies. These obstacles highlight the complexity of balancing development, environmental sustainability, and public welfare.

Ultimately, the question is not whether cities need better public transportation, but whether governments can implement long-term solutions instead of temporary fixes. Sustainable planning requires coordination between multiple agencies, consistent funding, and public trust — elements that are often difficult to maintain in fast-changing political environments. Without such commitment, transportation reforms risk remaining promises rather than realities.

1. The central argument of the passage is that public transportation is?
a. Only an environmental issue
b. Primarily a matter of urban convenience
c. Connected to social equality and urban development
d. Less important than private transport

2. The tone of the passage is?
a. Satirical
b. Humorous
c. Emotional
d. Critical

3. Choose the correct preposition:
“Planning struggles to keep pace _ population growth.”
a. with
b. for
c. to
d. by

4. What does the phrase “the burden falls most heavily” mean?
a. Responsibility is shared equally
b. The impact is strongest on certain groups
c. Transportation is expensive
d. Government spending is high

5. Which word is closest in meaning to “efficient” as used in the passage?
a. Slow
b. Effective
c. Expensive
d. Complicated

Mercy is not something that can be forced into existence by command or law. It falls naturally from the human heart, just as gentle rain falls from the sky upon the earth below. Mercy blesses both the one who gives it and the one who receives it, creating a bond that authority alone cannot achieve. While laws define rights and duties, mercy softens their application by recognizing the complexity of human situations. Power may command obedience, but mercy inspires respect.

A ruler who governs only through fear may maintain order, yet such order remains fragile and temporary. When mercy accompanies justice, authority gains legitimacy and moral strength. In this way, compassion becomes not a weakness but a sign of wisdom and maturity in leadership. The value of mercy lies in its ability to recognize human imperfection.

Laws exist to guide behavior and maintain fairness, but mercy exists to acknowledge circumstances that laws cannot fully anticipate. Without mercy, justice risks becoming rigid and mechanical; with mercy, justice becomes humane and meaningful. Thus, mercy should not be seen as the opposite of justice, but as its highest expression — a reminder that fairness is not measured only by rules, but by understanding. Societies that balance justice with compassion are often more stable because they encourage both accountability and forgiveness.

6. The main idea of the passage is ?
a. Mercy weakens justice
b. Authority is more important than compassion
c. Mercy strengthens justice and authority
d. Laws should be ignored

7. The tone of the passage is ?
a. Reflective
b. Angry
c. Comedic
d. Fearful

8. Identify the correct article:
“Mercy is _ sign of wisdom.”
a. the
b. an
c. a
d. no article

9. The word “Rigid” in the passage most nearly means ?
a. Flexible
b. Strict
c. Confusing
d. Gentle

10. The metaphor of rain is used to show that mercy is ?
a. Rare
b. Unpredictable
c. Powerful and destructive
d. Natural and gentle

Scientists have long studied photosynthesis , the process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy. This natural process sustains life on Earth by producing oxygen and forming the foundation of most food chains. Recently, researchers have begun developing systems that imitate this process artificially. Known as artificial photosynthesis, this technology aims to produce clean fuel using sunlight as the primary energy source, combining biological inspiration with modern engineering.

The breakthrough lies in the creation of materials capable of absorbing sunlight and triggering chemical reactions that generate hydrogen fuel. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen produced through artificial photosynthesis does not release carbon dioxide when used. This makes it a promising solution in the search for sustainable energy alternatives, particularly in a world facing climate change and increasing energy demands.

Despite its potential, the technology remains in early stages of development. Current systems are expensive, fragile, and less efficient than natural photosynthesis. Scientists continue to experiment with new catalysts, improved solar absorbers, and more durable materials to improve performance and reduce cost. Research institutions and governments across the world are investing in this field with the hope of transforming renewable energy production.

If successful at scale, artificial photosynthesis could transform global energy systems by providing renewable fuel while reducing dependence on fossil resources. The challenge now is not understanding the science, but making the technology practical, affordable, and accessible for everyday use across industries and households.

11. Artificial photosynthesis aims to ?
a. Replace sunlight
b. Imitate plant energy production
c. Increase fossil fuel use
d. Produce electricity directly

12. The tone of the passage is ?
a. Informative and optimistic
b. Critical
c. Suspenseful
d. Humorous

13. Choose the correct verb form:
“Scientists _ developing systems that imitate photosynthesis.”
a. is
b. be
c. was
d. are

14. The word “catalysts” most nearly refers to ?
a. Barriers to reaction
b. Substances that help chemical reactions occur
c. Energy sources
d. Machines

15. The passage suggests that the main challenge is ?
a. Discovering sunlight
b. Understanding plants
c. Making the technology practical
d. Producing carbon dioxide