Reading Comprehension
Section Overview: Detailed explanations for questions from the UGC NET English Dec 2024 Exam regarding Reading Comprehension.
📜 Read the following:
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follows:-One key development in the evolving discussion surrounding popular culture which occurred
during the early twentieth century was the association of popular culture with the United
States of America. Through Hollywood and associated modes of popular entertainment. The
USA was beginning to exercise international cultural influence. The term "Mass culture" is
particularly relevant in this context as it refers to both the effects of American culture as well
as to a specific theoretical debate that emerged in America during the post-war period.
Dominic Strinati contends in his An Introduction to Theories of Popular Culture (1995) that
"mass culture refers to popular culture which is produced by the industrial techniques of
mass production, and marketed for profit to a mass public of consumers." Such a view of
popular culture argues that the industrial revolution produced a series of atomised
individuals who had not only lost touch with the communities of shared interest to which they
once belonged but that they had also been subjected to the process of mechanisation and
alienation. This rendered them ripe for systematic cultural manipulation through uniform,
mass produced formulaic products designed to evoke frivolousness. escapist and superficial
pleasures.
Question 91
Systematic culture manipulation takes place through:
Systematic culture manipulation takes place through:
Correct Answer: 2. Mass production of culture
The passage clearly states:
"This rendered them ripe for systematic cultural manipulation through uniform, mass-
produced formulaic products designed to evoke frivolous, escapist, and superficial
pleasures."
This line directly supports the answer by indicating that systematic cultural manipulation
happens through mass-produced cultural products. These are not just goods, food, or
technology - but uniform, formulaic cultural forms, which aligns with mass production
of culture.
Detailed Explanation:
No detailed explanation provided.
Question 92
What is the meaning of 'Atomised individuals' in the above paragraph?
What is the meaning of 'Atomised individuals' in the above paragraph?
Correct Answer: 4. Both mechanised and alienated individual
The phrase "atomised individuals" refers to people who are socially isolated and
psychologically fragmented, especially as a result of industrialisation.
From the passage:
"the industrial revolution produced a series of atomised individuals who had not only lost
touch with the communities of shared interest to which they once belonged but that
they had also been subjected to the process of mechanisation and alienation."
🔍 This line clearly defines 'atomised individuals' as:
● Socially disconnected (loss of community)
● Mechanised (treated like machines)
● Alienated (emotionally/psychologically distant)
Thus, the most accurate interpretation is Option 4: Both mechanised and alienated
individuals.
Detailed Explanation:
No detailed explanation provided.
Question 93
"Mass Culture" refers to:
"Mass Culture" refers to:
Correct Answer: 4. Both the effects of American culture and theoretical debates during the post war
period.
The relevant line from the passage is:
"The term 'Mass culture' is particularly relevant in this context as it refers to both the effects
of American culture as well as to a specific theoretical debate that emerged in America
during the post-war period."
🔍 This line clearly confirms that the term mass culture encompasses:
● The effects of American (popular) culture, especially via Hollywood
● A theoretical debate regarding mass-produced culture in post-war America
Therefore, the correct and complete answer is Option 4.
Detailed Explanation:
No detailed explanation provided.
Question 94
When did popular culture get associated with the U.S.A.?
When did popular culture get associated with the U.S.A.?
Correct Answer: 3. Early 20th Century
The relevant line from the passage is:
"One key development in the evolving discussion surrounding popular culture which
occurred during the early twentieth century was the association of popular culture with the
United States of America."
🔍 This directly confirms that the association between popular culture and the U.S.A.
began in the early 20th century, especially due to the rise of Hollywood and mass
entertainment.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 3.
Detailed Explanation:
No detailed explanation provided.
Question 95
What is the core issue discussed in the above paragraph?
What is the core issue discussed in the above paragraph?
Correct Answer: 1. Mass culture
The core focus of the passage is the concept of mass culture, its association with
American popular entertainment, and its theoretical implications in post-war cultural
discourse.
This is explicitly stated in the line:
"The term 'mass culture' is particularly relevant in this context..."
and further elaborated with:
"...popular culture which is produced by the industrial techniques of mass production, and
marketed for profit to a mass public of consumers."
🔍 These references show that the main issue the paragraph explores is mass culture, its
origins, spread, and critical reception.
Read the following poem and answer the questions that follows:
In all my wand rings round this world of care,
In all my griefs-and God has giv'n my share
I still had hopes, my latest hours to crown.
Amidst these humble bow'rs to lay me down:
To husband out life's taper at the close.
And keep the flame from wasting by repose:
I still had hopes, for pride attends us still.
Amidst the swains to show my book learn'd skill.
Around my fire an ev'ning group to draw.
And tell of all I felt, and all I saw.
Note: 🔍 This reflective and pastoral poem expresses a speaker's desire to end life
peacefully, among humble rural surroundings, sharing wisdom and stories with others.
The imagery of a flickering taper (candle) symbolizes life nearing its end, while the
"evening group" suggests a wish for companionship, storytelling, and meaning in old
age.
Detailed Explanation:
No detailed explanation provided.
Question 96
What does the poem say about the nature of the world?
What does the poem say about the nature of the world?
Correct Answer: 2. It's full of care and hope
The speaker reflects on the emotional experience of life - both its burdens and
consolations. The poem acknowledges sorrow and difficulty but also retains a sense of
hope for peace and fulfillment in the end.
📌 Refer to these lines:
"In all my wand'rings round this world of care,
In all my griefs - and God has giv'n my share -
I still had hopes, my latest hours to crown..."
🔍 These lines underline the dual nature of the world in the poem:
● "World of care" suggests it's full of sorrow and responsibilities.
● "I still had hopes" shows the speaker's optimism and longing despite those
challenges.
Thus, the world is portrayed as a place of care and hope, making Option 2 the most
accurate.
Detailed Explanation:
No detailed explanation provided.
Question 97
Identify the rhyme scheme in the poem
Identify the rhyme scheme in the poem
Correct Answer: 1. aa bb cc dd ee
Now, mark the rhymes:
● care / share → aa
● crown / down → bb
● close / repose → cc
● still / skill → dd
● draw / saw → ee
🔍 The consistent end rhymes in pairs show a closed rhyming couplet structure,
clearly matching the aa bb cc dd ee pattern.
Detailed Explanation:
No detailed explanation provided.
Question 98
What does the poet intend to do in life?
What does the poet intend to do in life?
Correct Answer: 4. To share his life experience
Toward the end of the poem, the speaker reveals a deep desire to recount his personal
journey and reflections to a humble, attentive audience in the twilight of life.
📌 Refer to the final lines:
"Around my fire an ev'ning group to draw,
And tell of all I felt, and all I saw."
🔍 These lines clearly express the poet's intention: he wishes to gather people around
and narrate his life's experiences - both emotional ("felt") and observed ("saw").
There is no reference to singing, divine complaints, or royal injustice - only a quiet longing
for reflection and sharing.
Hence, the most accurate choice is Option 4.
Detailed Explanation:
No detailed explanation provided.
Question 99
What is the mood of the poem?
What is the mood of the poem?
Correct Answer: 2. Optimistic and resolute
The poem reflects a hopeful and determined mood, as the speaker, despite
acknowledging life's griefs and hardships, looks forward to peace, reflection, and
purpose in his later years.
📌 Refer to the lines:
"I still had hopes, my latest hours to crown,
Amidst these humble bow'rs to lay me down:"
"I still had hopes, for pride attends us still,
Amidst the swains to show my book-learn'd skill..."
🔍 The repetition of "I still had hopes" shows that the speaker retains a positive,
steadfast outlook, even after facing life's struggles. He intends to end his life with
meaning, not bitterness.
This reflects a mood that is not despairing or lighthearted, but calm, optimistic, and firm
in resolution - making Option 2 the best fit.
Detailed Explanation:
No detailed explanation provided.
Question 100
Identify the meter in the poem.
Identify the meter in the poem.
Correct Answer: 3. iambic pentameter
The poem follows a regular metrical pattern of iambic pentameter, which consists of five
metrical feet (iambs) per line. An iamb is an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed
syllable (da-DUM).
📌 Let's scan this line as an example:
"In all my **wand'**rings round this world of care"
Here, you can break the line into 5 iambic feet:
in ALL | my WAND' | rings ROUND | this WORLD | of CARE
🔍 This rhythm pattern is typical of iambic pentameter (10 syllables: 5 feet of alternating
unstressed + stressed syllables), used widely in English verse, especially by poets like
Shakespeare and Goldsmith.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3: Iambic pentameter.
Detailed Explanation:
No detailed explanation provided.