Reading Comprehension FY BCA & SY BBA

 1. Humans often pride themselves on their ability to use tools, but this ability is not unique to them. Researchers have observed that many animals, including birds, dolphins, and primates, use tools in creative ways. For example, crows in New Caledonia shape sticks into hooks to pull out insects hidden inside tree bark. Dolphins cover their snouts with sponges to protect themselves while foraging on the seafloor.

 

Among primates, chimpanzees and orangutans have been seen using sticks to fish termites out of mounds or to extract honey. In some cases, these skills are not instinctive but are passed on from one generation to another through learning and imitation. This suggests a form of cultural transmission among animals, once believed to be exclusive to humans.

 

Interestingly, wild animals tend to show greater creativity in tool use compared to those in captivity. Limited environments in zoos seem to reduce the opportunities for animals to experiment and innovate. Scientists argue that these discoveries challenge the long-held notion that humans are the only truly intelligent toolmakers on Earth.

 

1.   What does the author want to establish by suggesting that animals are altruistic?

2.   While discovering the adoptive streak in animals, what surprises the author?

3.   What can be discovered about altruistic zeal in chimpanzees?

4.   In the expression ‘this behaviour is thought to be encouraged….’, the word ‘thia’ refers to…..?

5.   Give meaningful title to this passage.

Answers:

1. What does the author want to establish by suggesting that animals are altruistic?
👉 The author wants to show that qualities once believed to be uniquely human—like caring for others or sharing knowledge—are also found in animals, proving that humans are not the only species capable of complex social or intelligent behavior.

2. While discovering the adoptive streak in animals, what surprises the author?
👉 The author is surprised that such behaviors are not instinctive but are learned and passed down through cultural transmission, which was earlier thought to be unique to humans.

3. What can be discovered about altruistic zeal in chimpanzees?
👉 Chimpanzees display cooperation and learning by using and teaching tool-making skills, such as fishing termites with sticks. This reflects their capacity for social sharing and altruistic-like tendencies.

4. In the expression ‘this behaviour is thought to be encouraged…’, the word ‘this’ refers to…..?
👉 It refers to the behavior of using tools creatively and passing the knowledge on to other members of the species.

5. Give a meaningful title to this passage.
👉 “Intelligent Tool Use in the Animal Kingdom”
(or simply “Animals as Toolmakers”)

2. 

In today’s competitive world, businesses cannot survive by merely offering products and services. They must create value for customers by focusing on innovation, ethics, and long-term sustainability. Consumers are becoming more conscious, not just about what they buy, but also about how the product is made. For example, companies that use eco-friendly packaging or follow fair-trade practices are often preferred by customers over those who do not.

Additionally, technology has transformed the way businesses operate. E-commerce platforms, social media marketing, and digital payment systems have reduced geographical barriers and given even small businesses global reach. However, this advantage also brings challenges like intense competition and the need for continuous adaptation.

Business leaders today must develop skills beyond traditional management—such as emotional intelligence, adaptability, and cultural awareness. The success of an organization depends not only on financial results but also on how well it aligns with social responsibility and stakeholder trust.                                                                                                  

        Questions

1.   According to the passage, why is it not enough for businesses to only offer products and services?

2.   Give one example mentioned in the passage where consumers prefer certain business practices.

3.   How has technology changed the way businesses operate? (Mention any two ways).

4.   What are the challenges businesses faces in the digital era?

5.   List any two skills modern business leaders must develop apart from traditional management.

6.   What does the passage suggest is equally important as financial results for the success of an organization?

7.   Do you think social responsibility is important for business success in the long term? Give your opinion in 3–4 sentences.

Answers

1. According to the passage, why is it not enough for businesses to only offer products and services?
👉 Because businesses must create value for customers by focusing on innovation, ethics, and sustainability, not just by selling products.

2. Give one example mentioned in the passage where consumers prefer certain business practices.
👉 Customers prefer companies that use eco-friendly packaging or follow fair-trade practices.

3. How has technology changed the way businesses operate? (Mention any two ways).
👉 (i) Through e-commerce platforms that allow global reach.
👉 (ii) Through social media marketing and digital payment systems that reduce geographical barriers.

4. What are the challenges businesses face in the digital era?
👉 Intense competition and the need for continuous adaptation.

5. List any two skills modern business leaders must develop apart from traditional management.
👉 Emotional intelligence and adaptability (also cultural awareness, if needed).

6. What does the passage suggest is equally important as financial results for the success of an organization?
👉 Social responsibility and stakeholder trust.

7. Do you think social responsibility is important for business success in the long term? Give your opinion in 3–4 sentences.
👉 Yes, social responsibility is very important for long-term success. Customers today care about how products are made and whether companies act ethically. A business that supports sustainability and fairness earns trust and loyalty, which helps it grow steadily. Ignoring social responsibility can harm reputation and reduce customer support.

3. The rapid growth of renewable energy is transforming the global energy landscape. Solar and wind power, once considered expensive and unreliable, have now become some of the cheapest and fastest-growing sources of electricity. Governments across the world are investing heavily in clean energy projects to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and tackle climate change.

One of the main advantages of renewable energy is that it is sustainable and reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike coal or oil, which may run out in the future, sunlight and wind are abundant and free. In addition, renewable energy creates new job opportunities in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.

However, challenges remain. Renewable sources like solar and wind are dependent on weather conditions, which can make supply unpredictable. To address this, scientists are working on developing better storage systems such as advanced batteries, as well as smarter power grids. Despite these challenges, the shift towards renewable energy is seen as essential for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

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Questions:

1. What are two renewable energy sources mentioned in the passage?

2. Why have solar and wind power become more popular in recent years?

3. How do renewable energy sources help in reducing climate change?

4. Apart from being eco-friendly, what economic benefit does renewable energy provide?

5. What is one major challenge in relying on renewable sources of energy?

6. Name two solutions scientists are working on to overcome the challenges of renewable energy.

7. Suggest a suitable title for the passage.

   Questions & Answers

   1. What are two renewable energy sources mentioned in the passage?
   👉 Solar power and wind power.

   2. Why have solar and wind power become more popular in recent years?
   👉 Because they have become cheaper and are among the fastest-growing sources of electricity.

   3. How do renewable energy sources help in reducing climate change?
   👉 They reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels.

   4. Apart from being eco-friendly, what economic benefit does renewable energy provide?
   👉 It creates new job opportunities in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.

   5. What is one major challenge in relying on renewable sources of energy?
   👉 Their supply is dependent on weather conditions, which can be unpredictable.

   6. Name two solutions scientists are working on to overcome the challenges of renewable energy.
   👉 Advanced batteries (storage systems) and smarter power grids.

   7. Suggest a suitable title for the passage.
   👉 “The Rise of Renewable Energy”
   (or “Towards a Sustainable Future”).