Comprehension For SBI PO Set

Comprehension For SBI PO Set – 46

Crude oil has had a long history, and an interesting one. It is probably one single natural resource that has been instrumental in producing maximum conflicts was during the last century. with such a track record, it is surprising that in the given environment, wherein oil prices are breaking all records, and has become the biggest cause of concern across the globe, why is it that there is silence from some parts of the world? It is intriguing, especially when some have been paying a much higher price on fuel, as compared to their poorer counterparts. It is surprising, more so, when one realizes that the number of oil-producing nations is only a handful as compared to the number of oil-consuming nations. While a proactive action from the mighty and powerful can bring in a huge respite for the world, why is it that they choose to be silent? Also, keeping in mind the fact that a few nations-both powerful and weak-have some of the largest unused oil reserves, their silence and lack of any serious action look all the more aberrant. Looking at the manner things are shaping up, it is just cannot be ruled out that possibly these nations have a definite interest in the increasing prices of oil. The question then is what could their underlying interest be?

In all probability, what we are seeing right now is just a precursor to the larger picture, with rising prices, the OPEC them may be for the good. With rising prices, they are unable to see what is going to hit them. For, this unprecedented rise in oil is creating a most demanding environment for alternative fuels. As and when the reserves deplete and demand really grows, more than anyone else, it is OPEC that would be badly hit, much to the glee of some nations having unused reserves which have the most to gain by using blackmailing tactics. Eventually, the countries at the receiving end would be forced to create an enabling environment for alternative energy. This trend is already visible, with India showing the way with its nuclear deal and other countries dangling the carrot of complete conversion to natural gas towards other countries in order to boost their own business. By doing so, they are creating a tactical pressure on countries. As they know that the further the oil prices get pushed, the more the globe would become attracted and ready for alternative and non-conventional fuel. Moreover, for many of the countries, it might become more expensive to invest in newer technologies to conform to the emission norms than to shift to alternative sources, making the market even more attractive. And it is then that the organization which have already invested billions of dollars in alternate fuels would mop up the global energy market completely.

The second possible reason why some nations of the world are not too enthusiastic to mitigate the price of oil price is perhaps one of the major deterrents to growth of the other countries. Perhaps they were hand in glove in the mechanism to raise the oil price and knowing well that this would make these nations feel the pinch. And now, the rising oil prices have put these nations in a fix. As the pressure of inflationary tendencies increases, these countries cannot afford to sit back and remain entrapped in the larger conspiracy. No wonder then that these are frantically looking around the globe-especially Africa-for newer reserves! As it is said, oil has long history and the legacy continues.

1. What according to the passage, it is step that the nations are likely to take with an intolerable rise in oil prices?

(a) Shift to alternate forms of energy

(b) Come to a state of war with other nations

(d) Formulate more stringent emission norms and apply these across the globe

(e) None of these

2. Why is the author surprised with the stance which various nations have taken pertaining to the current global oil crisis?

(a) The stance is leading to war among the nations for control over oil fields

(b) Powerful nations have been selling oil at a very inflated rate to underdeveloped nations.

(d) Even though oil has been a matter of conflict among the nations earlier, many nations have kept a silence on the current crisis.

(e) None of these

3. Which nations does the author refer to in the words “these nations have a definite interest in the increasing prices of oil”?

(a) The mighty and powerful nations

(b) The nations having unused oil reserves

(d) The nations which have shifted to non-conventional fuels

(e) None of these

4. Which of the following Is not true in the context of the passage?

(a) Some nations have kept a silence upon the rising oil prices in order to inhibit the growth of the other nations.

(b) It is more cost-effective to shift to alternate forms of energy than to invest in technology for conforming to the emission norms.

(c) Some nations have unused oil reserves which would earn these nations heavy profits once the oil reserves elsewhere deplete.

(d) India ha had a nuclear deal for its energy needs.

(e) All are true

5. What does the author mean by ‘dangling the carrot’ in the passage?

(a) Some countries are stringently opposing the conversion to alternate forms of fuel.

(b) Some countries have been luring other countries to change over to alternate fuels in order to boost their own business.

(d) Both (a) and (b)

(e) None of these

6. Which of the following is intended in the given passage?

(a) To highlight the plight of OPEC with rising fuel prices

(b) To urge to the government to shift form oil to natural gas since it is more environment friendly

(d) To urge to save the environment by conforming to the emission norms and using alternate energy

(e) None of these

7. Why, according to the author, OPEC, though delighted currently, would be in a difficult situation later?

(a) All the oil reserves on the earth will soon be exhausted

(b) Powerful nations will try and dominate OPEC later on

(c) As the oil reserves which are being used currently deplete in the time to come, nations having unused oil reserves would arm-twist OPEC

(d) Nations will lose faith in OPEC owing to very high fuel prices

(e) None of these

8. What, according to the author, makes the market of alternate sources very attractive?

(a) Many countries have already made a substantial profit in the industry of alternate fuel.

(b) Such measures do not cause harm to the environment

(d) The use of alternate sources has been forced upon certain countries by the powerful countries.

(e) None of these

9. Which of the following can be the most appropriate title for the given passage?

(a) reasons behind silence on increase in oil prices

(b) Nuclear power as an alternate source of energy

(d) The repercussion of shifting to alternate forms of energy

(e) Oil reserves as a deterrent to growth of the nations.

Directions(Q.10-12):Choose the word/group of words which is most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

10. INSTRUMENTAL

(a) Non-Vocal

(b) reasonable

(d) Responsible

(e) Liable

11. ABERRANT

(a) Curious

(b) Abnormal

(d) Inferior

(e) Nonfunctional

12. PUSHED

(a) Dominated

(b) Pressed

(d) Thrown

(e) Increased

Directions (Q.13-15):Choose the word/group of words which is most OPPOSITE in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

13. PROACTIVE

(a) Quick

(b) Overpowered

(d) Delicate

(e) Brittle

14. GLEE

(a) Disappointment

(b) Dishonour

(d) Disillution

(e) Defeat

15. MITIGATE

(a) Fright

(b) Decline

(d) Worsen

(e) Deprivation

Answer Key:

1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (e) 5. (b) 6. (c) 7. (c) 8. (e) 9. (a) 10. (d) 11. (b) 12. (e) 13. (c) 14. (a) 15. (d)

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Comprehension For SBI PO Set – 46