Reading Comprehension for SBI/ IBPS RRB 2018: 18 June

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below. Certain words/phrases are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.

A new analysis has determined that the threat of global warming can still be greatly diminished if nations cut emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases by 70% this century. The analysis was done by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). While global temperatures would rise, the most dangerous potential aspects of climate change, including massive losses of Arctic sea ice and permafrost and significant sea-level rise, could be partially avoided. 

“This research indicates that we can no longer avoid significant warming during this century,” said NCAR scientist Warren Washington, the study paper’s lead author. “But, if the world were to implement this level of emission cuts, we could stabilize the threat of climate change”, he added. 

Average global temperatures have warmed by close to 1 degree celsius since the preindustrial era. Much of the warming is due to human-produced emissions of greenhouse gases, predominantly carbon dioxide. This heattrapping gas has increased from a pre-industrial level of about 284 parts per million (ppm) in the atmosphere to more than 380 ppm today. With research showing that additional warming of about 1 degree celsius may be the threshold for dangerous climate change, the European Union has called for dramatic cuts in emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. 

To examine the impact of such cuts on the world’s climate, Washington and his colleagues ran a series of global studies with the NCAR-based Community Climate System Model (CCSM). They assumed that carbon dioxide levels could be held to 450 ppm at the end of this century. In contrast, emissions are now on track to reach about 750
ppm, by 2100 if unchecked. The team’s results showed that if carbon dioxide were held to 450 ppm, global temperatures would increase by 0.6 degrees celsius above current readings by the end of the century. In contrast, the study showed that temperatures would rise by at most four times that amount, to 2.2 degree celsius above
current readings, if emissions were allowed to continue on their present course. Holding carbon dioxide levels to 450 ppm would have other impacts, according to the climate modelling study. Sea-level rise due to thermal expansion as water temperatures warmed would be 14 centimetres (about 5.5 inches) instead of 22 centimetres (8.7
inches). Also, Arctic ice in the summer time would shrink by about a quarter in volume and stabilize by 2100, as opposed to shrinking at least three- quarters and continuing to melt, and Arctic warming would be reduced by almost half.

1. Why has the European Union called for dramatic cuts in carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions?

1. As global warming is not an issue of concern.
2. As the temperatures may rise almost by an additional one degree and this may lead to severe climate change.
3. As the NCAR has forced the European Union to announce the cuts.
4. As all the nations have decided to cut emissions of carbon dioxide.
5. None of these

2. What would not be one of the impacts of cutting greenhouse gas emissions?

1. Temperatures will stop soaring.
2. Ice in the arctic sea would melt at a slower pace.
3. The rise in sea level would be lesser.
4. All of the above would be the impact.
5. None of these

3. What would be the impact of unchecked greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions?

1. The temperature would rise from the current temperature by 2.2 degrees celsius.
2. The sea level would rise by about 5.5 inches.
3. The Arctic ice would stabilize by 2100.
4. The Arctic ice would reduce by onefourth.
5. None of these

4. What can be the most appropriate title of the above passage?

1. A study of the rise in water level
2. A study of the rise in temperatures
3. A study of the effects of greenhouse gas emissions
4. A study of the Arctic region
5. A study of change in seasons

5. Which of the following statements is true in context of the passage?

1. At present the carbon dioxide emission is about 284 ppm.
2. The carbon dioxide emissions will be about 450 ppm at the end of this century if unchecked.
3. The carbon dioxide emission was about 380 ppm during the pre-industrial era.
4. The carbon dioxide emissions will be about 750 ppm at the end of this century if unchecked.
5. None of these

6. What does the scientist Warren Washington mean when he says, “We could stabilize the threat of climate change”?

1. Climate change can be stopped completely.
2. Climate change can be regularized.
3. Climate change and its effects can be studied extensively.
4. The ill-effects of the change in climate can be minimized.
5. None of these

7. Why did Washington and his colleagues conduct a series of studies?

1. Because, they realised that the temperature increase was almost about 1 degree.
2. So that they could stabilise climate change.
3. So that they could help the European Union in cutting carbon dioxide emissions.
4. Because they found out that the greenhouse gas emissions could be cut by 70%.
5. None of these

8. What would be the impact of holding the carbon dioxide level at 450 ppm at the end of this century?

A. Global temperatures would increase by 0.6 degrees celsius.

B. Arctic warming could be reduced by half

C. Thermal expansion will stop completely.

1. Only A
2. Only A and B
3. Only B and C
4. All the three A, B and C
5. None of these

Directions : Choose the word which is MOST SIMILAR in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

9. PREDOMINANTLY

1. clearly
2. aggressively
3. mainly
4. First
5. faintly

Directions: Choose the word which is MOST OPPOSITE in meaning of the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

10. OPPOSED

1. resistant
2. against
3. favouring
4. similar
5. agree

Answers:

1. (2) Refer to 3rd paragraph last line.
2. (4) Refer to last two paragraphs of the passage.
3. (1) Refer to 4th paragraph, 5th sentence. 
4. (3)
5. (4) Refer to 4th paragraph, 3rd sentence.
6. (4)
7. (5) To examine the impact of green house gases emission cuts on the world’s climate.
8. (2) Sentence (A) is indicated in 4th paragraph 4th sentence and (B) is indicated is last paragraph last sentence.
9. (3)
10. (4)