Directions for Question : Read the passage given below and answer the questions with the most appropriate choice.

The Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual movement that spanned roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, marked a pivotal period in European history. Emerging in Italy, it brought forth a fervent revival of interest in the classical art, literature, and learning of ancient Greece and Rome. This rebirth of classical ideals was accompanied by a surge of creativity and innovation that would reshape the course of Western civilization.

Artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael embodied the spirit of the Renaissance, creating masterpieces that blended technical skill with a profound understanding of human anatomy and emotion. Their works, whether on canvas or in marble, captured the essence of human potential and aspiration.

Simultaneously, thinkers like Petrarch and Erasmus ignited an intellectual reawakening. The humanist movement, which emphasised the value of individualism and the study of classical texts, propelled a revolution in education and scholarship. Universities were reinvigorated, and libraries amassed vast collections of ancient manuscripts.

The Renaissance was not confined to Italy alone; it rippled across Europe, finding fertile ground in centres like Florence, Venice, and Rome, and later, in cities such as Paris, London, and Amsterdam. Each locale contributed its unique flavour to the cultural tapestry of the era.

One of the enduring legacies of the Renaissance was the Gutenberg printing press, invented by Johannes Gutenberg around 1440. This revolutionary device facilitated the mass production of books, democratising access to knowledge and spurring the dissemination of ideas across the continent. It was a catalyst for the Reformation, the scientific revolution, and the Enlightenment, setting the stage for further intellectual and societal transformations.

The legacy of the Renaissance endures in the form of the magnificent artworks, the rediscovered classical texts, and the spirit of inquiry and humanism that continue to shape our world. Its impact reverberates through the corridors of art galleries, the halls of universities, and the pages of history books, reminding us of the boundless potential of human creativity and intellect.

Question:

What was one of the enduring legacies of the Renaissance mentioned in the passage?

Directions for Question : Read the passage given below and answer the questions with the most appropriate choice.

In recent years, there has been a surge in interest surrounding renewable energy sources as a means to combat climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Solar power, in particular, has emerged as a promising alternative. Photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight directly into electricity, are at the forefront of solar energy technology.

The efficiency of PV cells has steadily improved with advancements in materials science and engineering. Thin-film solar cells, for example, use layers of semiconductor materials to capture sunlight, allowing for flexibility and reduced weight compared to traditional silicon-based cells. This innovation has opened up new applications, such as integrating solar cells into building materials or clothing.

However, challenges remain in harnessing the full potential of solar energy. Energy storage is a critical aspect, as sunlight is intermittent and not always available when energy demand is highest. Batteries and other storage technologies are being developed to address this issue, but further progress is needed.

Moreover, the environmental impact of solar cell production and disposal is a topic of concern. While solar energy is clean and sustainable once operational, the manufacturing process can involve the use of chemicals and rare materials. Proper recycling and disposal methods are essential to minimise environmental harm.

Despite these challenges, the growing investment and research in solar technology signal a positive trajectory towards a more sustainable energy future.

Question:

What advantage do thin-film solar cells offer over traditional silicon-based cells?

Directions for Question : Read the passage given below and answer the questions with the most appropriate choice.

In recent years, there has been a surge in interest surrounding renewable energy sources as a means to combat climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Solar power, in particular, has emerged as a promising alternative. Photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight directly into electricity, are at the forefront of solar energy technology.

The efficiency of PV cells has steadily improved with advancements in materials science and engineering. Thin-film solar cells, for example, use layers of semiconductor materials to capture sunlight, allowing for flexibility and reduced weight compared to traditional silicon-based cells. This innovation has opened up new applications, such as integrating solar cells into building materials or clothing.

However, challenges remain in harnessing the full potential of solar energy. Energy storage is a critical aspect, as sunlight is intermittent and not always available when energy demand is highest. Batteries and other storage technologies are being developed to address this issue, but further progress is needed.

Moreover, the environmental impact of solar cell production and disposal is a topic of concern. While solar energy is clean and sustainable once operational, the manufacturing process can involve the use of chemicals and rare materials. Proper recycling and disposal methods are essential to minimise environmental harm.

Despite these challenges, the growing investment and research in solar technology signal a positive trajectory towards a more sustainable energy future.

Question:

What environmental concern is associated with solar cell production and disposal?

Directions for Question : Read the passage given below and answer the questions with the most appropriate choice.

The concept of quantum computing has intrigued scientists and computer engineers for decades. Unlike classical computers, which operate on bits representing either 0 or 1, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, that can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This property enables quantum computers to perform certain calculations at an exponentially faster rate than classical computers.

One of the most promising applications of quantum computing lies in cryptography. Shor's algorithm, developed by mathematician Peter Shor in 1994, demonstrated that a quantum computer could factorise large numbers exponentially faster than the best-known classical algorithms. This breakthrough raised concerns about the security of widely-used encryption methods, prompting researchers to explore post-quantum cryptography.

Despite their potential, quantum computers face significant technical challenges. Qubits are highly sensitive to environmental factors, making it difficult to maintain their delicate quantum states for extended periods. Error correction in quantum systems is a complex and resource-intensive task. Additionally, building a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer remains a formidable engineering feat.

Nonetheless, progress in the field is accelerating. Major tech companies and research institutions are investing heavily in quantum computing research. Quantum supremacy, the milestone at which a quantum computer outperforms the most powerful classical supercomputers on a specific task, has already been achieved in some limited cases.

Question:

What are the main technical challenges faced by quantum computers, according to the passage?

Directions for Question : Read the passage given below and answer the questions with the most appropriate choice.

In the grand tapestry of world literature, the 19th century stands as a period of profound transformation and artistic innovation. It was an era of shifting paradigms and the emergence of voices that would resonate through the ages. The Romantic movement, with its celebration of nature, emotion, and individualism, flourished in Europe, producing luminaries like Wordsworth, Keats, and Shelley. Their verses evoked the sublime and explored the depths of human experience.

Simultaneously, across the Atlantic, American literature was undergoing its own revolution. Transcendentalism, a uniquely American philosophy, championed the inherent goodness of humanity and the spiritual interconnectedness of all beings. Figures like Emerson and Thoreau articulated these ideas, inspiring a generation to seek communion with nature and the self.

The 19th century also witnessed the rise of the novel as a dominant literary form. Realism, with its meticulous attention to everyday life, provided a stark contrast to the Romantic ideals. Authors like Flaubert, Dickens, and Tolstoy peeled back the layers of society, exposing its complexities and contradictions. Through their characters, readers glimpsed the harsh realities and subtle nuances of the human condition.

Furthermore, the century gave birth to the Brontë sisters, whose works delved into the inner lives of women with unparalleled insight and empathy. Their novels, such as "Jane Eyre" and "Wuthering Heights," remain touchstones of feminist literature, exploring themes of independence, agency, and the search for identity.

As the 19th century drew to a close, the Modernist movement began to take shape, ushering in a new era of experimentation and fragmentation. Writers like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf challenged conventional narrative structures, pushing the boundaries of language and perception.

The legacy of 19th-century literature endures, shaping the way we perceive the world and ourselves. Through its diversity of voices and exploration of fundamental human truths, this period continues to inspire and resonate with readers across the globe.

Question:

Which movement celebrated nature, emotion, and individualism in Europe during the 19th century?

Directions for Question : Read the passage given below and answer the questions with the most appropriate choice.

In the grand tapestry of world literature, the 19th century stands as a period of profound transformation and artistic innovation. It was an era of shifting paradigms and the emergence of voices that would resonate through the ages. The Romantic movement, with its celebration of nature, emotion, and individualism, flourished in Europe, producing luminaries like Wordsworth, Keats, and Shelley. Their verses evoked the sublime and explored the depths of human experience.

Simultaneously, across the Atlantic, American literature was undergoing its own revolution. Transcendentalism, a uniquely American philosophy, championed the inherent goodness of humanity and the spiritual interconnectedness of all beings. Figures like Emerson and Thoreau articulated these ideas, inspiring a generation to seek communion with nature and the self.

The 19th century also witnessed the rise of the novel as a dominant literary form. Realism, with its meticulous attention to everyday life, provided a stark contrast to the Romantic ideals. Authors like Flaubert, Dickens, and Tolstoy peeled back the layers of society, exposing its complexities and contradictions. Through their characters, readers glimpsed the harsh realities and subtle nuances of the human condition.

Furthermore, the century gave birth to the Brontë sisters, whose works delved into the inner lives of women with unparalleled insight and empathy. Their novels, such as "Jane Eyre" and "Wuthering Heights," remain touchstones of feminist literature, exploring themes of independence, agency, and the search for identity.

As the 19th century drew to a close, the Modernist movement began to take shape, ushering in a new era of experimentation and fragmentation. Writers like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf challenged conventional narrative structures, pushing the boundaries of language and perception.

The legacy of 19th-century literature endures, shaping the way we perceive the world and ourselves. Through its diversity of voices and exploration of fundamental human truths, this period continues to inspire and resonate with readers across the globe.

Question:

What literary form saw a rise in prominence during the 19th century?