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Best of luck!!  GMAT Practice Test - Reading Comprehension I Facts  Average Score for this quiz: 38%  No of times this quiz has been taken: 35  No of people passing this quiz: 15  No of people failing this quiz: 20  Maximum score for this quiz: 87% Coverage : The GMAT Practice Test - Reading Comprehension I has been designed to test the important aspects of reading comprehension. This test covers passages on different subjects; like business, general science and social sciences. The aim is to test the judgemental abilities of the test taker which entails reading the passage provided and answering the questions to: - determine the main idea of the passage - determine the tone of the author - infer an idea from the passage - answer a factual question   This Question is based on the following passage:   It has always been a doctrine of business theory that the best decisions are made after careful study of options and deliberation. Only after pondering over all the alternatives and studying projections, say most professors of business, can a practical decision be made. Now, some business thinkers are questioning this model, based on the theories of Robert Caldwell, who states that human beings often make the best decisions at the spur of the moment. It is, at first glance, a theory so counter intuitive as to seem absurd. Caldwell states, behind any decision, there is an instantaneous subconscious process. The brain analyzes; ranks in order of importance; compares and contrasts vast tracts of information; and dismisses superfluous factors, for the most part almost immediately, often arriving at a conclusion in less than 2 seconds. Citing a medley of studies, and examples from life, Caldwell shows how that spilt-second decision is often better informed than a long drawn-out research. Arlington and Walker were the first to apply this theory to the business world. Arlington videotaped the job interviews of 500 applicants at different firms. He then played only 10 seconds of each videotape to independent HR specialists. The specialists were able to tell which applicants were selected with 90% accuracy. Walker played, without sound, only 5 seconds of the videotape, and to his amazement, the accuracy with which the HR Specialists were able to predict the percentage of successful applicants fell only to 86. But critics had to put their fingers in the pie by debating that these results exhibit a problem with stereotyping that arrests HR specialists form hiring the deserving applicants even when they have time to scratch below the surface. They go for the candidates who 'look the part'. Caldwell argues that on the contrary, the human mind is able to make complex decisions quickly, and that intuition oft triumphs over an elaborate decision making process. 1.  The primary purpose of the passage is to: a. Provide evidence that resolves a contradiction in business theory b. Discuss reasons why an accepted business tenet is being reexamined c. Describe a doctrine of business practice and how that tenet can be tested in modern day economics d. Present evidence that disproves a new business theory e. Debates that a counter intuitive idea in business policy is incorrect     This Question is based on the following passage:   It has always been a doctrine of business theory that the best decisions are made after careful study of options and deliberation. Only after pondering over all the alternatives and studying projections, say most professors of business, can a practical decision be made. Now, some business thinkers are questioning this model, based on the theories of Robert Caldwell, who states that human beings often make the best decisions at the spur of the moment. It is, at first glance, a theory so counter intuitive as to seem absurd. Caldwell states, behind any decision, there is an instantaneous subconscious process. The brain analyzes; ranks in order of importance; compares and contrasts vast tracts of information; and dismisses superfluous factors, for the most part almost immediately, often arriving at a conclusion in less than 2 seconds. Citing a medley of studies, and examples from life, Caldwell shows how that spilt-second decision is often better informed than a long drawn-out research. Arlington and Walker were the first to apply this theory to the business world. Arlington videotaped the job interviews of 500 applicants at different firms. He then played only 10 seconds of each videotape to independent HR specialists. The specialists were able to tell which applicants were selected with 90% accuracy. Walker played, without sound, only 5 seconds of the videotape, and to his amazement, the accuracy with which the HR Specialists were able to predict the percentage of successful applicants fell only to 86. But critics had to put their fingers in the pie by debating that these results exhibit a problem with stereotyping that arrests HR specialists form hiring the deserving applicants even when they have time to scratch below the surface. They go for the candidates who 'look the part'. Caldwell argues that on the contrary, the human mind is able to make complex decisions quickly, and that intuition oft triumphs over an elaborate decision making process. 2.  All of the following, according to the passage, are examples of a subconscious process that the brain undergoes while making a decision EXCEPT: a. Analysis of Information b. Comparison and contrasting of information c. Ranking of information d. Consulting a melee of studies and experiments e. Rejecting irrelevant information     This Question is based on the following passage:   It has always been a doctrine of business theory that the best decisions are made after careful study of options and deliberation. Only after pondering over all the alternatives and studying projections, say most professors of business, can a practical decision be made. Now, some business thinkers are questioning this model, based on the theories of Robert Caldwell, who states that human beings often make the best decisions at the spur of the moment. It is, at first glance, a theory so counter intuitive as to seem absurd. Caldwell states, behind any decision, there is an instantaneous subconscious process. The brain analyzes; ranks in order of importance; compares and contrasts vast tracts of information; and dismisses superfluous factors, for the most part almost immediately, often arriving at a conclusion in less than 2 seconds. Citing a medley of studies, and examples from life, Caldwell shows how that spilt-second decision is often better informed than a long drawn-out research. Arlington and Walker were the first to apply this theory to the business world. Arlington videotaped the job interviews of 500 applicants at different firms. He then played only 10 seconds of each videotape to independent HR specialists. The specialists were able to tell which applicants were selected with 90% accuracy. Walker played, without sound, only 5 seconds of the videotape, and to his amazement, the accuracy with which the HR Specialists were able to predict the percentage of successful applicants fell only to 86. But critics had to put their fingers in the pie by debating that these results exhibit a problem with stereotyping that arrests HR specialists form hiring the deserving applicants even when they have time to scratch below the surface. They go for the candidates who 'look the part'. Caldwell argues that on the contrary, the human mind is able to make complex decisions quickly, and that intuition oft triumphs over an elaborate decision making process. 3.  The author's attitude towards a long held view that decisions should be made carefully over time expressed in the passage can be described as: a. Condescending and impatient b. Derisive and dismissive c. Respectful but questioning d. Admiring and conforming e. Optimistic but unsure     This Question is based on the following passage:   It has always been a doctrine of business theory that the best decisions are made after careful study of options and deliberation. Only after pondering over all the alternatives and studying projections, say most professors of business, can a practical decision be made. Now, some business thinkers are questioning this model, based on the theories of Robert Caldwell, who states that human beings often make the best decisions at the spur of the moment. It is, at first glance, a theory so counter intuitive as to seem absurd. Caldwell states, behind any decision, there is an instantaneous subconscious process. The brain analyzes; ranks in order of importance; compares and contrasts vast tracts of information; and dismisses superfluous factors, for the most part almost immediately, often arriving at a conclusion in less than 2 seconds. Citing a medley of studies, and examples from life, Caldwell shows how that spilt-second decision is often better informed than a long drawn-out research. Arlington and Walker were the first to apply this theory to the business world. Arlington videotaped the job interviews of 500 applicants at different firms. He then played only 10 seconds of each videotape to independent HR specialists. The specialists were able to tell which applicants were selected with 90% accuracy. Walker played, without sound, only 5 seconds of the videotape, and to his amazement, the accuracy with which the HR Specialists were able to predict the percentage of successful applicants fell only to 86. But critics had to put their fingers in the pie by debating that these results exhibit a problem with stereotyping that arrests HR specialists form hiring the deserving applicants even when they have time to scratch below the surface. They go for the candidates who 'look the part'. Caldwell argues that on the contrary, the human mind is able to make complex decisions quickly, and that intuition oft triumphs over an elaborate decision making process. 4.  It can be said that the critics referred to in the passage, believed the excellent results of the two experiments had less to do with the innate decision making of the subjects than with: a. Excellent decision making of Arlington and Walker b. The genius of Caldwell who propounded the theory c. Their unconscious decision to look for visual stereotypes while making their selections d. Not choosing the candidates who 'looked the part' e. The use of videotape as a method picking up applicants     This Question is based on the following passage:   Today's perception of heightened risk is fostered by more than the dreaded Al-Qaida. Globalization, for one, has increased the sense of insecurity. Natural and man made disasters, including forest fires, earthquakes, big industrial accidents and various transport calamities, have added to the feeling of being under siege. According to a joint study by Poland's center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters and B.T.Collins, a management consultancy firm, growing globalization coincided with an increased frequency of both man made and natural disasters. Part of this fear is irrational. After all, earthquakes are not a result of the rise in free trade. What has changed is that telecommunications and media coverage has now ensured that such disasters are reported from the remotest corners. But part of the perception of increased risk is justified. Some technologies are indeed making the world a riskier place, creating new potential hazards such as untried drugs, and genetically modified crops, as well as innovations that can ruin the best-laid plans. Blow ups of markets and firms often reflect risks in the real world. Terrorism or even rumors of it can trigger off a scare and send fortunes sinking. A new epidemic such as SARS can ruin an entire industry. And yet at the face of such dangers, for most people in rich countries, life has become much safer in a number of important ways. Over the past century, life expectancy has risen by fifteen years. The environment and the workplace has become less hazardous, democracy has spread. Wars in rich countries have become a remote possibility. Even the threat of terrorism has become less of a probability, in countries like Scotland, Italy, or Poland. So it wont be fair to say that life has become riskier, but some risks have become smaller, others have shifted to different people, and new ones have burgeoned to take their place. 5.  What is the main idea of the passage? a. To remind people of the fact that the world is a risky place b. To tell people that the world is becoming riskier to live in because of increasing natural cataclysms c. To make people understand that the fear of risk is irrational d. To review some of the risks associated with the burden of risk e. To point out some of the potential dangers associated with technical progress     This Question is based on the following passage:   Today's perception of heightened risk is fostered by more than the dreaded Al-Qaida. Globalization, for one, has increased the sense of insecurity. Natural and man made disasters, including forest fires, earthquakes, big industrial accidents and various transport calamities, have added to the feeling of being under siege. According to a joint study by Poland's center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters and B.T.Collins, a management consultancy firm, growing globalization coincided with an increased frequency of both man made and natural disasters. Part of this fear is irrational. After all, earthquakes are not a result of the rise in free trade. What has changed is that telecommunications and media coverage has now ensured that such disasters are reported from the remotest corners. But part of the perception of increased risk is justified. Some technologies are indeed making the world a riskier place, creating new potential hazards such as untried drugs, and genetically modified crops, as well as innovations that can ruin the best-laid plans. Blow ups of markets and firms often reflect risks in the real world. Terrorism or even rumors of it can trigger off a scare and send fortunes sinking. A new epidemic such as SARS can ruin an entire industry. And yet at the face of such dangers, for most people in rich countries, life has become much safer in a number of important ways. Over the past century, life expectancy has risen by fifteen years. The environment and the workplace has become less hazardous, democracy has spread. Wars in rich countries have become a remote possibility. Even the threat of terrorism has become less of a probability, in countries like Scotland, Italy, or Poland. So it wont be fair to say that life has become riskier, but some risks have become smaller, others have shifted to different people, and new ones have burgeoned to take their place. 6.  Which of the following options justify the perception of increased risk? i.Technologies that are making the world a safer place ii.Huge industrial accidents and earthquakes iii.Use of drugs yet to be tried and genetically mutated crops iv.Terrorism and even rumors of terrorism v.Globalization and the hazards associated with it a. iii only b. iii and iv only c. ii, iii, and iv only d. iii and v only e. ii and iii only     This Question is based on the following passage:   Today's perception of heightened risk is fostered by more than the dreaded Al-Qaida. Globalization, for one, has increased the sense of insecurity. Natural and man made disasters, including forest fires, earthquakes, big industrial accidents and various transport calamities, have added to the feeling of being under siege. According to a joint study by Poland's center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters and B.T.Collins, a management consultancy firm, growing globalization coincided with an increased frequency of both man made and natural disasters. Part of this fear is irrational. After all, earthquakes are not a result of the rise in free trade. What has changed is that telecommunications and media coverage has now ensured that such disasters are reported from the remotest corners. But part of the perception of increased risk is justified. Some technologies are indeed making the world a riskier place, creating new potential hazards such as untried drugs, and genetically modified crops, as well as innovations that can ruin the best-laid plans. Blow ups of markets and firms often reflect risks in the real world. Terrorism or even rumors of it can trigger off a scare and send fortunes sinking. A new epidemic such as SARS can ruin an entire industry. And yet at the face of such dangers, for most people in rich countries, life has become much safer in a number of important ways. Over the past century, life expectancy has risen by fifteen years. The environment and the workplace has become less hazardous, democracy has spread. Wars in rich countries have become a remote possibility. Even the threat of terrorism has become less of a probability, in countries like Scotland, Italy, or Poland. So it wont be fair to say that life has become riskier, but some risks have become smaller, others have shifted to different people, and new ones have burgeoned to take their place. 7.  What can be said to be the tone of the author in the passage? a. Panicky and demanding b. Urgent and uncontrolled c. Cautious but pragmatic d. Watchful and wary e. Unprejudiced but detached     This Question is based on the following passage:   Today's perception of heightened risk is fostered by more than the dreaded Al-Qaida. Globalization, for one, has increased the sense of insecurity. Natural and man made disasters, including forest fires, earthquakes, big industrial accidents and various transport calamities, have added to the feeling of being under siege. According to a joint study by Poland's center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters and B.T.Collins, a management consultancy firm, growing globalization coincided with an increased frequency of both man made and natural disasters. Part of this fear is irrational. After all, earthquakes are not a result of the rise in free trade. What has changed is that telecommunications and media coverage has now ensured that such disasters are reported from the remotest corners. But part of the perception of increased risk is justified. Some technologies are indeed making the world a riskier place, creating new potential hazards such as untried drugs, and genetically modified crops, as well as innovations that can ruin the best-laid plans. Blow ups of markets and firms often reflect risks in the real world. Terrorism or even rumors of it can trigger off a scare and send fortunes sinking. A new epidemic such as SARS can ruin an entire industry. And yet at the face of such dangers, for most people in rich countries, life has become much safer in a number of important ways. Over the past century, life expectancy has risen by fifteen years. The environment and the workplace has become less hazardous, democracy has spread. Wars in rich countries have become a remote possibility. Even the threat of terrorism has become less of a probability, in countries like Scotland, Italy, or Poland. So it wont be fair to say that life has become riskier, but some risks have become smaller, others have shifted to different people, and new ones have burgeoned to take their place. 8.  The author says "part of the perception of increased risk is justified" in order to: a. Establish a point directly related to the main argument b. Point out the accuracy of the fact that fear is irrational   c. Prove that certain assertions about fear are inaccurate   d. Point out the arguments that support an opposing view e. Disprove the claims made by others with a different view     This Question is based on the following passage:   Today's perception of heightened risk is fostered by more than the dreaded Al-Qaida. Globalization, for one, has increased the sense of insecurity. Natural and man made disasters, including forest fires, earthquakes, big industrial accidents and various transport calamities, have added to the feeling of being under siege. According to a joint study by Poland's center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters and B.T.Collins, a management consultancy firm, growing globalization coincided with an increased frequency of both man made and natural disasters. Part of this fear is irrational. After all, earthquakes are not a result of the rise in free trade. What has changed is that telecommunications and media coverage has now ensured that such disasters are reported from the remotest corners. But part of the perception of increased risk is justified. Some technologies are indeed making the world a riskier place, creating new potential hazards such as untried drugs, and genetically modified crops, as well as innovations that can ruin the best-laid plans. Blow ups of markets and firms often reflect risks in the real world. Terrorism or even rumors of it can trigger off a scare and send fortunes sinking. A new epidemic such as SARS can ruin an entire industry. And yet at the face of such dangers, for most people in rich countries, life has become much safer in a number of important ways. Over the past century, life expectancy has risen by fifteen years. The environment and the workplace has become less hazardous, democracy has spread. Wars in rich countries have become a remote possibility. Even the threat of terrorism has become less of a probability, in countries like Scotland, Italy, or Poland. So it wont be fair to say that life has become riskier, but some risks have become smaller, others have shifted to different people, and new ones have burgeoned to take their place. 9.  Which of the following statements imply that it is not strictly true to say life has become more risky? i.Risks have shifted to different people and new ones have taken their place ii.Life expectancy of people in rich countries has increased iii.Diseases have become less lethal and iv.There is heightened possibility of wars in rich countries a. i and iv only b. ii and iii only c. iii only d. iv only e. ii and iv only     This Question is based on the following passage:   English, we learn, has emerged on top in the contest for the numero uno position among languages but the competition has not ended. A worldwide battle is raging between Queen's English and American English. In Japan and Latin America, the American style dominates because of the US's global supremacy. The British have launched a global programme, or program, called English-2000 to popularize their own style of the language. Canada has its "own distinct, sometimes confused style" says a report from Toronto, mixing up honour with honor and favourite with favorite. 10.  Which of the following statements can be positively inferred from the passage? i.English is not understood by a majority of people ii.Japanese is the most popular language in the world iii.British English is fast gaining on the popularity charts iv.English has topped the list of all languages   a. Only i b. Only iii and iv c. Only iv d. All are true     This Question is based on the following passage:   English, we learn, has emerged on top in the contest for the numero uno position among languages but the competition has not ended. A worldwide battle is raging between Queen's English and American English. In Japan and Latin America, the American style dominates because of the US's global supremacy. The British have launched a global programme, or program, called English-2000 to popularize their own style of the language. Canada has its "own distinct, sometimes confused style" says a report from Toronto, mixing up honour with honor and favourite with favorite. 11.  Which of the following statements does the passage suggest could be true? i.Great Britain and America appear to be fighting over supremacy of their own language ii.Europeans other than Britishers have supported American English iii.Both the British and Americans are trying their best to spread their own version of English iv.Canada has its own version of English a. Only i is true b. Only i and ii is true c. i, iii, and iv are true d. Only iii and iv are true     This Question is based on the following passage:   Global climate change analysts have been for long been blowing hot and cold over melting ice caps, rising ocean levels, and unusually hot summers on the one hand and receding deserts, metamorphosing biodiversity and colder winters on the other. Climatologists however, are undisputed in their opinion that regional variations notwithstanding, the earth as a whole is becoming warmer- and largely due to increased human activity. And yet, interestingly, as a continent, Antarctica seems to be successfully bucking the trend. Recent reports quoting American scientists from the South Pole say that while temperatures have risen in every other continent over the past century, Antarctica has become comparatively colder over the last 35 years and continues to cool, thus becoming the only continent on earth to react differently to global warming. Established theories of climatic changes have pioneered that effects of global warming are augmented at the poles. Nevertheless, recent research have pointed out that while on one hand, Arctic has gotten hotter, the Antarctic is unmistakably getting cooler. This implies that previous estimates of rising sea levels will have to be appropriately altered. What seems to be conundrum behind the cooling of the white continent? Since most of the industrialized and inhabited countries are gathered close to the Arctic, polluting emissions waft across to the North Pole, thereby creating a greenhouse effect, warming the air and loosening the ice sheets. Complex interplay of ocean currents appear to have altered temperatures cooling the Southern ocean around the Antarctic and metamorphosing the Pole's temperature profile. Antarctica's harsh desert valleys are turning cooler, setting off a series of ecological consequences in the region. It is also pertinent to note that the ozone hole gapes right over the Antarctic, eroded by human made aerosols and carbon emissions, leaving the population of parts of South America and Australia vulnerable to harmful UV radiation. All the contradictions only show how little we understand the full meaning of global climate change. What is clear however is that a worldwide concerted effort has to be initiated to decrease in human–induced atmospheric pollution which is undoubtedly a factor in the global climate saga. 12.  What reasons can be found in the passage that explain why Antarctic is drawing the attention of global climate pundits? a. Antarctic is immune to the greenhouse effect b. Antarctic is the only continent responding differently to the global climate change c. The ozone hole is right above the Antarctic which is alarming climatologists d. Antarctic is responsible for increasing the impact of global winters e. Antarctic is not suitable for wildlife anymore     This Question is based on the following passage:   Global climate change analysts have been for long been blowing hot and cold over melting ice caps, rising ocean levels, and unusually hot summers on the one hand and receding deserts, metamorphosing biodiversity and colder winters on the other. Climatologists however, are undisputed in their opinion that regional variations notwithstanding, the earth as a whole is becoming warmer- and largely due to increased human activity. And yet, interestingly, as a continent, Antarctica seems to be successfully bucking the trend. Recent reports quoting American scientists from the South Pole say that while temperatures have risen in every other continent over the past century, Antarctica has become comparatively colder over the last 35 years and continues to cool, thus becoming the only continent on earth to react differently to global warming. Established theories of climatic changes have pioneered that effects of global warming are augmented at the poles. Nevertheless, recent research have pointed out that while on one hand, Arctic has gotten hotter, the Antarctic is unmistakably getting cooler. This implies that previous estimates of rising sea levels will have to be appropriately altered. What seems to be conundrum behind the cooling of the white continent? Since most of the industrialized and inhabited countries are gathered close to the Arctic, polluting emissions waft across to the North Pole, thereby creating a greenhouse effect, warming the air and loosening the ice sheets. Complex interplay of ocean currents appear to have altered temperatures cooling the Southern ocean around the Antarctic and metamorphosing the Pole's temperature profile. Antarctica's harsh desert valleys are turning cooler, setting off a series of ecological consequences in the region. It is also pertinent to note that the ozone hole gapes right over the Antarctic, eroded by human made aerosols and carbon emissions, leaving the population of parts of South America and Australia vulnerable to harmful UV radiation. All the contradictions only show how little we understand the full meaning of global climate change. What is clear however is that a worldwide concerted effort has to be initiated to decrease in human–induced atmospheric pollution which is undoubtedly a factor in the global climate saga. 13.  Why do global climate pundits prefer the poles to examine the occurrence of global climate change? a. Global pole experts are looking for a peaceful place to study global climates b. The poles are strategically placed and make sit easier c. Complex interplay of ocean currents near the poles have caused reversal of temperatures which makes it an intriguing subject to study d. Industrialized and inhabited countries clustered close to the poles give off polluting emissions which give rise to the greenhouse effect most strikingly e. The theories of climate change suggest that effects of global warming are magnified at the poles     This Question is based on the following passage:   Global climate change analysts have been for long been blowing hot and cold over melting ice caps, rising ocean levels, and unusually hot summers on the one hand and receding deserts, metamorphosing biodiversity and colder winters on the other. Climatologists however, are undisputed in their opinion that regional variations notwithstanding, the earth as a whole is becoming warmer- and largely due to increased human activity. And yet, interestingly, as a continent, Antarctica seems to be successfully bucking the trend. Recent reports quoting American scientists from the South Pole say that while temperatures have risen in every other continent over the past century, Antarctica has become comparatively colder over the last 35 years and continues to cool, thus becoming the only continent on earth to react differently to global warming. Established theories of climatic changes have pioneered that effects of global warming are augmented at the poles. Nevertheless, recent research have pointed out that while on one hand, Arctic has gotten hotter, the Antarctic is unmistakably getting cooler. This implies that previous estimates of rising sea levels will have to be appropriately altered. What seems to be conundrum behind the cooling of the white continent? Since most of the industrialized and inhabited countries are gathered close to the Arctic, polluting emissions waft across to the North Pole, thereby creating a greenhouse effect, warming the air and loosening the ice sheets. Complex interplay of ocean currents appear to have altered temperatures cooling the Southern ocean around the Antarctic and metamorphosing the Pole's temperature profile. Antarctica's harsh desert valleys are turning cooler, setting off a series of ecological consequences in the region. It is also pertinent to note that the ozone hole gapes right over the Antarctic, eroded by human made aerosols and carbon emissions, leaving the population of parts of South America and Australia vulnerable to harmful UV radiation. All the contradictions only show how little we understand the full meaning of global climate change. What is clear however is that a worldwide concerted effort has to be initiated to decrease in human–induced atmospheric pollution which is undoubtedly a factor in the global climate saga. 14.  The tone of the author in the passage seems to be:   a. Alarmed but optimistic b. Confused and indifferent c. Indifferent but interested d. Concerned and driven e. Inquisitive and forceful     This Question is based on the following passage:   Global climate change analysts have been for long been blowing hot and cold over melting ice caps, rising ocean levels, and unusually hot summers on the one hand and receding deserts, metamorphosing biodiversity and colder winters on the other. Climatologists however, are undisputed in their opinion that regional variations notwithstanding, the earth as a whole is becoming warmer- and largely due to increased human activity. And yet, interestingly, as a continent, Antarctica seems to be successfully bucking the trend. Recent reports quoting American scientists from the South Pole say that while temperatures have risen in every other continent over the past century, Antarctica has become comparatively colder over the last 35 years and continues to cool, thus becoming the only continent on earth to react differently to global warming. Established theories of climatic changes have pioneered that effects of global warming are augmented at the poles. Nevertheless, recent research have pointed out that while on one hand, Arctic has gotten hotter, the Antarctic is unmistakably getting cooler. This implies that previous estimates of rising sea levels will have to be appropriately altered. What seems to be conundrum behind the cooling of the white continent? Since most of the industrialized and inhabited countries are gathered close to the Arctic, polluting emissions waft across to the North Pole, thereby creating a greenhouse effect, warming the air and loosening the ice sheets. Complex interplay of ocean currents appear to have altered temperatures cooling the Southern ocean around the Antarctic and metamorphosing the Pole's temperature profile. Antarctica's harsh desert valleys are turning cooler, setting off a series of ecological consequences in the region. It is also pertinent to note that the ozone hole gapes right over the Antarctic, eroded by human made aerosols and carbon emissions, leaving the population of parts of South America and Australia vulnerable to harmful UV radiation. All the contradictions only show how little we understand the full meaning of global climate change. What is clear however is that a worldwide concerted effort has to be initiated to decrease in human–induced atmospheric pollution which is undoubtedly a factor in the global climate saga. 15.  What is the primary purpose of the passage? a. To send warning signals to people across the globe about the increase in global temperature b. To solve the mystery behind cooling of the Antarctic c. To recommend people to slow down industrial activity which is a major cause for rising global temperatures d. To make global climate change experts realize the fact that our knowledge about global climate change is not enough e. To expose the anxiety over widening Ozone gaps over the Antarctic     Think you know more about this quiz!   Please enter your Name and what you would like to tell everyone about GMAT Practice Test - Reading Comprehension I  Name: Think you know more about GMAT Practice Test - Reading Comprehension I and would like others to know too? Whether its a great fact, a joke, a personal experience or an interesting anecdote, please share it with all the human beings on planet earth. Your contribution will help keep QuizMoz a free site for all.    (Optional)  (average submission size - 5 to 10 lines) What others think about GMAT Practice Test - Reading Comprehension I By: Anks on Nov 21, 2008    its a brilliant tool to enhance one's RC skills.thanks for providing me this opportunity to simulate THE CAT. By: raj on Nov 4, 2008    gud one,please practice without fail   Home     About Us      Advertise     Terms of Service     Privacy Policy     Contact QuizMoz    FAQ     SiteMap Copyright © 2007.www.quizmoz.com. All rights are reserved.