infosys placement test paper(english)-feb2011

8/6/2019 Infosys Placement Test Paper(English)-Feb2011

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MOCK TEST-4(English)(Number of question:35, Time:30mins)

Passage-1

Is caste the same as race? It has been argued for quite sometime that caste (this peculiar, almost kitsch

type social formation in India with a confused and confusing ideology) is either equivalent to race or is

not the same as race. Those who claim that it is not race, say that caste merely signifies economic

occupation. Ancient Indian texts mention the words 'varna' and 'jati' and from these two terms it is

inferred that caste is either race or not race. Those who equate caste with the race question argue that

Indian society is not different from European societies who have been experiencing issues of racist

discrimination. But more often that not (whatever the terms varna and jati actually mean) caste is

related to a peculiar socio-economic order where a certain type of social formation emerged where

'classes' were formed. Now when this class system was given religious sanction it got the term 'caste'.Caste then is nothing but 'transfigured class'. There is however an extreme difference between class and

caste. For the former there is nothing divine, whilst for the latter divinity is brought in the field of

economics. Thus 'purity', i.e. physical purity becomes central to the schema of caste. From this issue of

purity and pollution, classes develop where the consanguine marriage system develops where marriage

can be only between members from the same caste. Endogamy thus becomes a central aspect of caste.

But it is not only the Indian castes that are endogamous, even mystic-religious groups like the

Freemasons are endogamous so as to keep the secrets of their mission within the Freemason family.

Though caste is a retrogressive system in Indian history, there has been support of this moribund

systembut from outside the Indian subcontinent. It is well known that the European fascists and the

Nazis tried to create a racist systembased on the mythical Aryan supremacy theorythe chiefingredient being racial segregation.

It has been generally said that caste would meet its nemesisindustry and the industrial revolution. The

latter would become both the graveyard that would write the epitaph of the Indian caste system.

Industry came and along with it modernity, or at least the Western-capitalist type of societal

rationalization, but caste refuses to go. It is the spectra that haunts Indiathe spectra of the antiquated

mode of production that seems so dear, not only for Indian 'civilization', but also the global

accumulation of capital. One thus engages the cultural politics of the caste system that deals with the

two types of the politics of emancipationthe theory of class struggle combined with the subaltern-

dalit theory of caste hegemony ("subaltern" here does not have to be confused with the postmodernand post-Marxist "Subaltern Studies" that once became fashionable. By "subaltern" one means the

popular masses). Whilst Marxism deals with class struggle and the struggle for socialism, one has to be

empirical, and thus concretely engaging the caste system in India; and on the other hand, social theory

not only allows, but also necessitates the critique of the caste system based on the modern liberal

theory of rightse.g. ,the U.N. Charter of Human Rights.


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So far research on this system has been of a very narrow type. If a sociologist takes up this issue then

the field of linguistics or archaeology is ignored and vice versa. If one takes up say caste in Punjab, then

the textual references in the medieval law books of India are ignored. One needs a composite

understanding of the caste system as also to relate it with the modern class system. Once this nexus is

understood the key to the problems of Indian civilization is also said to be found. But what is the main

difference between caste and class? The main difference is that classes are based on purely economic

criteria unlike caste which is mixed with theology and rituals which govern humanity. The modern class

system is based on the ownership of the means of production. Anyone is free to own the means of

production. Those who own are the bourgeoisie and those who do not form the great army of the

proletariat, i.e., the class who only own labour power. But movement from one class to another is

possible: this movement which is governed purely by economic causes. Neither theology nor ideology

can interfere. That is why the west which boasts of a just and rational economic system also claims that

this same system is 'free'. Now this 'freedom', the west inscribes on its banners and also wants the

entire world to embrace. It claims that the non-western world is basically unfree, as it is contaminated

by not only caste, but also by favoritism based on family loyalties, regionalism and other unsatisfactory

criteria.. One needs as if to purge this type of an 'unfree' world in order to be part of the league of the

developed nations.

However raising this issue of the caste system has to be free from ideological disturbances. One cannot

impose a ready made system of logic on to it. To raise this issue of caste and try to develop a modern

system of class has to transcend all metaphysical assumptions. One can neither depend on metaphysical

idealism, nor on mechanical materialism for a solution. But one thing is certain: the caste system

belongs to what has been described as the era of "Indian feudalism"the era of stagnation. Once this

system is over, the caste system ought to wither away.

1-According to the author, how do the Indian and European societies differ?

1) The European society has accepted the ideology of the transfigured class, however, the Indian society

has agreed that only Endogamy leads to physical purity.

2) Caste is a socioeconomic group in an Indian set up, which is a direct result of consanguinity, in the

European eye, class is a socio economic sector.

3) The jati system defines caste in India which also describes class as a direct result of consanguinity, but

this concept has shown to influence European society in a big way.

4) Industry has influenced the Indian caste system.

2-How has the Indian caste system affected India financially?

1) After learning industrial revolution from the West, India contaminated its people with the germs of

racial discrimination like the West.

2) India has never adopted the recognized methods of growth and thus wasn't influenced by both, the

western growth methods or social arrangements.

3) The great army of the proletariat is available in the Indian market which is very productive.

4) None of these.


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3- Why has the author called this era Indian feudalism?

1) It is practically impossible to transcend over this problem of caste with logic and promote a solution

through modern understanding because it is deeply rooted in the culture since ancient times.

2) The author assumes that commodities l ike the" Subaltern Studies" are not put into use and this has

led to stagnation.

3) Cultural politics plays a decisive role in shaping the ideology of caste, which does not allow the liberty

to negate this issue of caste.

4) The author expects the Indian industry to copy the technical know how from the West.

4- Which of the following is untrue in the context of the passage?

1) It has been argued for quite sometime that caste is either equivalent to race or is not the same as

race.

2) Ancient Indian texts mention the words 'varna' and 'jati' and from these two terms it is inferred that

caste is either race or not race.

3) Those who equate caste with the race question argue that Indian society is not different from

European societies who have been experiencing issues of racist discrimination.

4) It is not only the Indian castes that are endogamous, even agnostic-religious groups like the

Freemasons are endogamous so as to keep the secrets of their mission within the Freemason family.

5- Which of the following is definitely not untrue in the context of the passage?

1) The caste system in India must be thoroughly studied and actual facts must be hidden to improve the

social as well as the financial improvement of the underprivileged.

2) There is a thin line separating class and caste in India.

3) One needs to purge this type of an 'un-free' world in order to be part of the league of the developed

nations.

4) The author strongly urges everyone to know and clearly understand the meaning of the terms varna

and jati before the all needed modern methodology and genius.

(Directions for question no. 6 to 9): Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate pair of words from

among the given options.

6- Children who express their ____________ and needs while respecting those of others will neither be

____________ nor aggressors.

1) desires, violent 2) feelings, victims

3) actions, bullies 4) thoughts, smart

7- In a few opening words Plato gives a scene, a personality, a feeling, which ____________ the

subsequent discourse but does not ____________ with it: the particular setting, and the abstruse theory

of knowledge afterwards developed, co-operate without confusion.

1)affects, develop 2)change, clash

3)alters, hinder 4)colours, interfere

8- Cubas __________ of Communism, ___________ with the countrys proximity to the US, was a key

element in the Cold War.


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1)adoption, coupled 2)government, along

3)administration, together 4)acceptance, complimented

9- It wont be easy to do, but we could make a start by ________________ a tax on factory-farm

products until enough revenue is raised to pay for the ________________ that governments now have

to take against avian influenza.

1)levying, sanctions 2)abolishing, steps

3)proposing, precautions 4)imposing, precautions

(Directions for question no. 10 to 12): For each of the words below, choose the synonym.

10- Strangulation

1)Ennui 2)Carping 3)Throttling 4)Giggling

11- Meander

1)Amble 2)Debate 3)Mend 4)Replenish

12- Upbraid1)Praise 2)Eulogize 3)Applaud 4)Chastise

Passage-2

It does not do to examine everything too closely in detail when you land--for while there are buildings of

beautiful architectural lines, there are others which suggest the work of a pastrycook. To any one

coming direct from Europe some of the statuary by local talent which adorns the principal squares gives

a severe shock. Ladies in evening dress and naked cupids in bronze flying through national flags flapping

in the wind, half of their bodies on one side, the other half on the other side of the flags, look somewhat

grotesque as you approach the statues from behind. But Rio is not the only place where you see

grotesque statuary--you have not to go far from or even out of London to receive similar and worseshocks. If Rio has some bad statues it also possesses some remarkably beautiful ones by the sculptor

Bernardellia wonderful genius who is now at the head of the Academy of Fine Arts in Rio. This man

has had a marvellous influence in the beautifying of the city, and to him are due the impressive lines of

the finest buildings in Rio, such as the Academy of Fine Arts. Naturally, in a young country like Brazil--I

am speaking of new Brazil, now wide awake, not of the Brazil which has been asleep for some decades--

perfection cannot be reached in everything in one day. It is really marvellous how much the Brazilians

have been able to accomplish during the last ten years or so in their cities, on or near the coast.

Brazilians have their own way of thinking, which is not ours, and which is to us almost incomprehensible.

They are most indirect in their thoughts and deeds--a characteristic which is purely racial, and which

they themselves cannot appreciate, but which often shocks Europeans. For instance, one of the most

palatial buildings in the Avenida Central was built only a short time ago. In it, as became such an up-to-

date building, was established a lift. But do you think that the architect, like all other architects

anywhere else in the world, would make the lift start from the ground floor? No, indeed. The lift only

starts from the second floor up--and, if I remember rightly, you have to walk some thirty-eight steps up

a grand staircase before you reach it! Do you know why? Because the architect wished to compel all

visitors to the building to admire a window of gaudy coloured glass half-way up the staircase. In this way

they reason about nearly everything. They have not yet mastered the importance and due proportion of


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detail. Frequently what is to us a trifling detail is placed by them in the forefront as the most important

point of whatever they undertake.

The Brazilians of the principal cities were most courteous and accomplished, and it was a great pleasure

to associate with them. Intense interest was shown by the Government of the country and by the

people in my plan to cross the continent. Dr. Pedro de Toledo, the Minister of Agriculture, was specially

interested in the scheme, and it was at first suggested that the expedition should be an Anglo-Brazilian

one, and that I should be accompanied by Brazilian officers and soldiers. Colonel Rondon, a well-known

and brave officer, was ordered by the Government to find suitable volunteers in the army to accompany

my expedition. After a long delay, Colonel Rondon informed me that his search had been unsuccessful.

Colonel Rondon said he would have gladly accompanied the expedition himself, had he not been

detained in Rio by his duties as Chief of the Bureau for the Protection and Civilization of the Indians.

Another officer offered his services in a private capacity, but he having become involved in a lawsuit, the

negotiations were suddenly interrupted.

I endeavoured to find suitable civilians. No one would go. The Brazilian forest, they all said, was worse,

more impenetrable than any forest in the world. Brazilian rivers were broader, deeper and more

dangerous than any river on earth. Wild beasts in Brazil were more numerous and wilder than thewildest animals of Africa or Asia. As for the Indians of Central Brazil, they were innumerable--millions of

them--and ferocious beyond all conception. They were treacherous cannibals, and unfortunate was the

person who ventured among them. They told stories galore of how the few who had gone had never

come back. Then the insects, the climate, the terrible diseases of Central Brazil were worse than any

insect, any climate, any terrible disease anywhere. That is more or less the talk one hears in every

country when about to start on an expedition.

I had prepared my expedition carefully, at a cost of some L2,000 for outfit. Few private expeditions have

ever started better equipped. I carried ample provisions for one year (tinned meats, vegetables, 1,000

boxes of sardines, fruits, jams, biscuits, chocolate, cocoa, coffee, tea, etc.), two serviceable light tents,

two complete sets of instruments for astronomical and meteorological observations, and all theinstruments necessary for making an accurate survey of the country traversed. Four excellent aneroids--

which had been specially constructed for me--and a well-made hypsometrical apparatus with six boiling-

point thermometers, duly tested at the Kew Observatory, were carried in order to determine accurately

the altitudes observed. Then I possessed two prismatic and six other excellent compasses,

chronometers, six photographic cameras, specially made for me, with the very best Zeiss and Goertz

lenses, and some 1,400 glass photographic plates--including some for colour photography. All articles

liable to be injured by heat and damp were duly packed in air- and water-tight metal cases with outer

covers of wood. Then I carried all the instruments necessary for anthropometric work, and painting

materials for recording views and scenes in colours when the camera could not be used, as at night or

when the daylight was insufficient. I had a complete supply of spades, picks, large saws, axes, and heavy-

bladed knives (two feet long) for cutting our way through the forest, making roads and constructing

rafts, canoes and temporary bridges. I carried, as usual, very little medicine--merely three gallons of

castor oil, a few bottles of iodine, some formiate of quinine, strong carbolic and arsenical soaps,

permanganate and other powerful disinfectants, caustic--that was about all. These medicines were

mostly to be used, if necessary, upon my men and not upon myself. I had twelve of the best repeating

rifles that are made, as well as excellent automatic pistols of the most modern type, and several

thousand rounds of ammunition--chiefly soft-nosed bullets. These weapons were carried in order to arm

my followers. Although I had several first-class rifles for my own use--following my usual custom, I never

myself carried any weapons--not even a penknife--upon my person except when actually going after


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game. Again on this occasion--as on previous journeys--I did not masquerade about in fancy costumes

such as are imagined to be worn by explorers, with straps and buckles and patent arrangements all over.

I merely wore a sack coat with ample pockets, over long trousers such as I use in town. Nor did I wear

any special boots. I always wore comfortable clothes everywhere, and made no difference in my attire

between the Brazilian forest and Piccadilly, London. When it got too hot, naturally I removed the coat

and remained in shirt sleeves; but that was all the difference I ever made in my wearing apparel

between London and Central Brazil. I have never in my life adopted a sun helmet--the most absurd,

uncomfortable and grotesque headgear that was ever invented. I find, personally, that a common straw

hat provides as much protection as any healthy person requires from the equatorial sun.

If I give these details, it is merely because they might be of some use to others--not because I wish to

advertise these facts; and also, if I do not give the names of the firms which supplied the various articles,

it is because--unlike many other explorers--I have been in the custom of never letting my name be used

in any way whatever for advertising purposes.

There are many people who are enthusiastic over a dangerous project when they first hear of it, but on

thinking it over and talking with friends and relatives their enthusiasm soon wears off. That is what

happened in Rio. I wasted some time in Rio--socially most enjoyably employedin order to getfollowers and come to some suitable arrangement with the Government. I was deeply indebted to the

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Pedro de Toledo, for allowing me the free use of all the telegraphs in Brazil,

and also for a special permission (of which I never availed myself) to use, if necessary, the flotilla of

Government boats on the Amazon. Credentials were also furnished me, but owing to the way in which

they were worded they were more of a danger to me than a protection. They actually proved to be so

once or twice when I was compelled to present them. The expedition was considered so dangerous that

the Government published broadcast statements in the official and other papers stating that "Mr. A. H.

Savage Landor's expedition across Brazil was undertaken solely at his own initiative and absolutely at his

own risk and responsibility." They also circulated widely the statement that I had promised not in any

way to injure or hurt the native Indians, that I would not supply them with firearms of any kind, and that

I would in no way ill-treat them. I had gladly promised all that. I had not even dreamt of doing any ofthose things to the natives, and naturally I strictly kept my promise.

13- The author has shown his dislike towards:

I. Advertisers using the customers names for their own benefit.

II. Sun Helmet.

III. The Indians of Central brazil.

1)II only 2)I and II only

3)I and III only 4)II and III only

14- Which of the following is a logical inference to this passage?

1) The author eventually went ahead with the expedition.

2) The author faced a lot of difficulties during his expedition.

3) The author eventually gave up the idea of going ahead with the expedition.

4) No one in Brazil was ready to go with the author on the expedition.

15- All of the following have been explicitly stated in the passage EXCEPT:

1) The Brazilians of the principal cities were most courteous and accomplished.

2) The Minister of Agriculture suggested the expedition be Anglo-Brazilian.

3) Dr. Pedro de Toledo suggested the author be accompanied by Brazilian officers and soldiers.


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4) The authors name is Mr. A. H. Savage Landor.

(Directions for question no. 16 to 18): In the following, a sentence is fragmented into four parts.

Choose for your answer the fragment that carries the error. Ignore punctuation errors if any.

16-(A) If there are any such connection between (B) success in studies or success in life, it should be

possible to measure it by (C) approved statistical methods, and thus arrive at conclusions of more value

as guidance to the undergraduate (D) than the opinion of any man.

1) A and B 2) A, B and C 3) A, B and D 4) A only

17-(A) I really enjoyed during (B) the Christmas holidays (C) since my cousins had come (D) from the U.S.

for two weeks.

1) A 2) B 3) C 4) No error

18- (A) The heated air inside the envelope (B) makes it buoyant (C) since they have a lower density (D)

than the relatively cold air outside the envelope.

1) A 2) B 3) C 4) D

(Directions for question no. 19 to 20): Each question has a sentence that has an underlined part.

Choose the option which rephrases the underlined part in the most appropriate manner,

grammatically and in terms of usage.

19- Historians believe that significant evolutionary changes in penguins were observed between 14th to

18th centuries.

1) between 14th to 18th centuries.

2) from 14th and 18th centuries.

3) during the 14th and the 18th century.

4) between 14th and 18th centuries.

20- Although they claim to work for a noble cause, environmental groups can sometimes stand as a

barrier against progress, such as when they come in the way of infrastructure development.

1) progress, such as when they

2) progress whenever they

3) progress if they

4) progress, as when they

(Directions for question no. 21 to 23): Give the antonym of the word in each question from the

alternatives provided below it.

21- Ephemeral

1)Eternal 2)Episodic 3)Fleeting 4)Merry

22- Coiffure

1)Combing 2)Brushing 3)Blow-dry 4)Dishevelled

23- Gratuitous

1)Superfluous 2)Complimentary 3)Justified 4)Unwarranted


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Directions for questions no. 24 to 27: In each of the following sentences, a part of the sentence is

underlined. Beneath each sentence, five different ways of rephrasing the underlined part are

indicated. Choose the best alternative from among the five.

24-The information presented in the most recent journals, published by the government of India,

indicate that tougher times lie ahead for those who have invested only in BSE/NSE stocks.

1)indicate that tougher times lie ahead for those who have invested only in BSE/NSE stocks.

2)indicate that tougher times should lie ahead for those who have invested only in BSE/NSE stocks.

3)indicate that tougher times are laying ahead for those who have invested only in BSE/NSE stocks.

4)indicates that tougher times lie ahead for those who have invested only in BSE/NSE stocks.

25- Since 2000, the number of acres overseen by corporate farming companies have grown from 28

million to nearly 62 million, an area that is about Gujarats size.

1)have grown from 28 million to nearly 62 million, an area that is about Gujarats size.

2)have grown from 28 million to nearly 62 million, about the size of Gujarat.

3)has grown from 28 million to nearly 62 million, an area about the size of Gujarat.

4)has grown from 28 million up to nearly 62 million, an area about the size of Gujarat's.

26- The government is debating a bil l requiring employers provide employees with paid leave so as to

care for unwell or newborn children.

1)provide employees with paid leave so as to

2)to provide employees with paid leave so as to

3)provide employees with paid leave in order that they

4)to provide employees with paid leave so that they can

27- Consumer and Producer prices have been rising comparably to increasing interest rates.

1)Similar to rising interest rates, consumer and producer prices have been rising.

2)Consumer and producer prices have been rising, as have interest rates.3)As interest rates are rising, so have consumer and producer prices.

4)Consumer and producer prices have been rising, like interest rates do.

Directions for questions 28 to 30: Each of the questions below consists of a set of labelled sentences.

These sentences, when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Choose the most logical

order of sentences from among the options.

28-

A. According to researchers, Dolphins never sleep with both parts of their brain simultaneously. In fact,

when a Dolphin sleeps, one of the sides of its brain completely shuts down, while the other stays alert in

order to run the various body functions.

B. The dolphin's brain structurally has two sections, each with two lobes. Both of these lobes has a

separate blood supply, and in fact, can even be considered to be completely separate brains.

C. Each of the dolphin's eyes is connected to a different side of the brain.

D. Because of that, a Dolphin can still see when it is sleeping, making it difficult for predators to sneak up

on it.

1)BADC 2)ABCD

3)BACD 4)ABDC

29-


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A. Some of the drugs most often associated with this term include alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates,

benzodiazepines, cocaine, methaqualone, and opium alkaloids.

B. Use of these drugs may lead to criminal penalty in addition to possible physical, social, and

psychological harm, both strongly depending on local jurisdiction.

C. Drug abuse has a huge range of definitions related to taking a psychoactive drug or performance

enhancing drug for a non-therapeutic or non-medical effect.

D. All of these definitions imply a negative judgement of the drug use in question (compare with the

term responsible drug use for alternative views).

1)CDAB 2)CBDA

3)CDBA 4)CABD

30-

A. It has also been translated into almost all of the world's major languages. Around 250,000 copies are

sold each year, with total sales of more than sixty-five million.

B. The Catcher in the Rye is a 1951 novel by J. D. Salinger. Originally published for adults, the novel has

become a common part of high school and college curricula throughout the English-speaking world.

C. It has been frequently challenged in the United States for its liberal use of profanity and portrayal of

sexuality and teenage angst.D. The novel was chosen by Time among the 100 best English-language novels from 1923 to 2005, and

by Modern Library and its readers as one of the 100 best English language novels of the 20th century.

1)BCAD 2)BDAC

3)BADC 4)BDCA

Direction for question 30 to 35- Read the each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical

error in it. The error, if any will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If

there is no error, the answer is 'D'. (Ignore the errors of punctuation, if any).

31-

1.She is 2.five years

3. senior than me. 4.No error.

32-

1. The President had hardly spoken 2. a few words

3. when the microphone stopped functioning. 4. No error.

33-

1. Locke's treatises on government toleration and education

2. show a mind fully awake in

3. the possibilities of social reconstruction.

4. No error.

34-

1. You will get 2. all the information

3. if you read this booklet carefully. 4. No error.

35-

1. None of the students attending your class 2. answered your questions

3. did they? 4. No error.

infosys placement test paper(english)-feb2011

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