Directions (1-10): Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow. Some words in the passage have been highlighted to aid in answering the question.
The future of transportation is undergoing a radical transformation, driven by the need for sustainable solutions and advancements in technology. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and urbanization, the mobility sector is stepping up to the plate with innovative and environmentally friendly solutions. This article explores some of the key trends and breakthroughs that are shaping the future of transportation. One of the most significant developments in the transportation sector is the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). With zero tailpipe emissions, EVs offer a cleaner alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. As advancements in battery technology continue, EVs are becoming more affordable and capable of longer ranges, making them a viable option for everyday transportation. Additionally, the deployment of charging infrastructure is expanding, enabling convenient charging options for EV owners.
Another major innovation in transportation is the _________ of autonomous vehicles (AVs). Self-driving cars have the potential to revolutionize transportation by reducing accidents, alleviating traffic congestion, and improving fuel efficiency. With the integration of advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and connectivity, AVs can navigate roads safely and efficiently. While there are still regulatory and ethical considerations to address, the future holds great promise for widespread adoption of autonomous transportation. Beyond cars, the future of transportation encompasses a wide range of alternative modes. Hyperloop systems, for instance, propose high-speed transportation in low-pressure tubes, drastically reducing travel times. Electric scooters and bicycles are also becoming prevalent in urban areas, providing convenient and emission-free last-mile transportation solutions. Furthermore, advancements in drone technology are opening up possibilities for aerial transportation and delivery services.
The future of transportation is heading towards a more sustainable and interconnected ecosystem. Electric mobility, autonomous vehicles, shared mobility, and alternative transportation modes are revolutionizing the way we travel. These innovations not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also enhance efficiency, safety, and accessibility. As we move forward, it is crucial to invest in research, infrastructure, and policy frameworks that support these innovations and create a future where transportation is clean, efficient, and accessible for all.
Q1. Which of the following is NOT a key trend in the future of transportation?
(a) The rise of electric vehicles
(b) The emergence of autonomous vehicles
(c) The development of hyperloop systems
(d) The expansion of public transportation
(e) The use of drones for delivery
Q2. The tone of the passage is best described as:
(a) Optimistic
(b) Pessimistic
(c) Neutral
(d) Critical
(e) Cynical
Q3. Which of the following is NOT a challenge that needs to be addressed in order to achieve a more sustainable and interconnected transportation ecosystem?
(a) The need to develop new technologies
(b) The need to invest in infrastructure
(c) The need to change people’s behavior
(d) The need to address regulatory and ethical concerns
(e) The need to increase the number of transportation options available
Q4. The passage mentions that electric vehicles offer a cleaner alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. What can be inferred from this?
(a) Electric vehicles produce fewer emissions than gasoline-powered cars.
(b) Electric vehicles are more fuel-efficient than gasoline-powered cars.
(c) Electric vehicles are safer than gasoline-powered cars.
(d) Electric vehicles are more expensive than gasoline-powered cars.
(e) Electric vehicles are not as popular as gasoline-powered cars.
Q5. What are the three main challenges to achieving a more sustainable and interconnected transportation ecosystem?
(a) Developing new technologies, investing in infrastructure, and changing people’s behavior.
(b) Developing new technologies, investing in infrastructure, and addressing regulatory and ethical concerns.
(c) Investing in infrastructure, changing people’s behavior, and addressing regulatory and ethical concerns.
(d) Changing people’s behavior, addressing regulatory and ethical concerns, and developing new technologies
(e) None of the above
Q6. From among the following given options, choose the word most similar in meaning to the similar word “grapples”, as used in the context of the passage.
(a) liberates
(b) unhands
(c) leverages
(d) concords
(e) releases
Q7. What is the central theme of the given passage?
(a) The challenges of climate change and urbanization in the transportation sector
(b) The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) as a cleaner alternative to traditional cars
(c) The emergence and potential impact of autonomous vehicles (AVs) on transportation
(d) The future of transportation encompassing a wide range of alternative modes
(e) The need for a sustainable and interconnected ecosystem in transportation
Q8. Choose the most suitable antonym of the word “alleviating”, as highlighted in the given passage.
(a) remedying
(b) exacerbating
(c) emending
(d) palliating
(e) meliorating
Q9. What does the passage imply about the future of transportation?
(a) It will focus primarily on electric scooters and bicycles.
(b) It will rely solely on autonomous vehicles (AVs).
(c) It will encompass a variety of alternative transportation modes.
(d) It will prioritize convenience over sustainability.
(e) It will be driven by advancements in drone technology.
Q10. Find the suitable word to fill the given below blank taken from the passage.
Another major innovation in transportation is the _________ of autonomous vehicles (AVs).
(a) cessation
(b) effect
(c) emergence
(d) closure
(e) omega
Solutions
S1. Ans. (d)
Sol. The expansion of public transportation is not a key trend in the future of transportation. While public transportation is a viable option for many people, it is not a new trend. Public transportation has been around for centuries, and it is not expected to see a significant increase in popularity in the future. The other options are all key trends that are shaping the future of transportation.
Here is a brief explanation of each trend:
• The rise of electric vehicles: Electric vehicles are becoming more popular due to their environmental benefits and lower operating costs. As battery technology continues to improve, the range and performance of electric vehicles will continue to increase, making them a more viable option for everyday transportation.
• The emergence of autonomous vehicles: Autonomous vehicles have the potential to revolutionize transportation by reducing accidents, alleviating traffic congestion, and improving fuel efficiency. However, there are still regulatory and ethical challenges that need to be addressed before autonomous vehicles can become widely adopted.
• The development of hyperloop systems: Hyperloop systems are a new form of transportation that could potentially travel at speeds of up to 760 miles per hour. However, hyperloop systems are still in the early stages of development, and it is not yet clear when or if they will be commercially viable.
• The use of drones for delivery: Drones have the potential to revolutionize delivery by providing a more efficient and cost-effective way to transport goods. However, there are still regulatory and safety challenges that need to be addressed before drones can be used for widespread commercial delivery.
S2. Ans. (a)
Sol. The passage is optimistic about the future of transportation. It discusses a number of new technologies that have the potential to make transportation more efficient, safer, and environmentally friendly. The author seems to believe that these technologies will have a positive impact on society.
Here are some of the evidences that support the answer (a):
• The passage uses words like “revolutionizing” and “transforming” to describe the impact of new transportation technologies.
• The passage mentions the potential benefits of these technologies, such as reducing accidents, alleviating traffic congestion, and improving fuel efficiency.
• The passage does not mention any potential drawbacks of these technologies.
The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the tone of the passage.
Option (b) is incorrect because the passage does not express any pessimism about the future of transportation.
Option (c) is incorrect because the passage does not express any neutrality about the future of transportation.
Option (d) is incorrect because the passage does not express any criticism of the future of transportation.
Option (e) is incorrect because the passage does not express any cynicism about the future of transportation.
S3. Ans. (e)
Sol. The need to increase the number of transportation options available is not a challenge that needs to be addressed in order to achieve a more sustainable and interconnected transportation ecosystem. In fact, increasing the number of transportation options available can help to address some of the other challenges, such as the need to change people’s behavior and the need to address regulatory and ethical concerns.
Here are some additional details about each of the options:
• The need to develop new technologies: This is a challenge because it requires significant investment in research and development. There are also many technical challenges that need to be overcome, such as developing batteries that can store enough energy for long-range travel and developing autonomous vehicle software that can safely navigate in all types of traffic conditions.
• The need to invest in infrastructure: This is a challenge because it requires significant public and private investment. There is a need to build new roads, bridges, and tunnels, as well as to upgrade existing infrastructure.
• The need to change people’s behavior: This is a challenge because it requires people to adopt new ways of thinking about transportation. For example, people need to be willing to use shared mobility services, such as ride-hailing and car sharing, and they need to be willing to walk, bike, or take public transit more often.
• The need to address regulatory and ethical concerns: This is a challenge because there are many legal and ethical issues that need to be addressed before autonomous vehicles can be deployed on a large scale. For example, there is the need to develop laws and regulations that govern the operation of autonomous vehicles, and there is the need to address ethical concerns, such as the potential for autonomous vehicles to make decisions that result in human deaths.
S4. Ans. (a)
Sol. Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, while gasoline-powered cars produce harmful pollutants that can contribute to air pollution. This makes electric vehicles a cleaner alternative to gasoline-powered cars.
The other options are incorrect.
Electric vehicles are not necessarily more fuel-efficient than gasoline-powered cars, and they may be more or less expensive, depending on the specific models. There is no evidence to suggest that electric vehicles are less safe than gasoline-powered cars, and in fact, they may be safer because they do not produce emissions that can impair visibility or cause respiratory problems. Finally, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, and their popularity is expected to continue to grow in the future.
S5. Ans. (a)
Sol. Developing new technologies, investing in infrastructure, and changing people’s behavior are the three main challenges to achieving a more sustainable and interconnected transportation ecosystem.
• Developing new technologies: New technologies, such as electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles, have the potential to make transportation more sustainable and interconnected. For example, electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, which means they do not contribute to air pollution. Autonomous vehicles can help to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety. However, developing these technologies is expensive and time-consuming.
• Investing in infrastructure: Existing infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and public transportation systems, is often outdated and in need of repair or replacement. Investing in new infrastructure is necessary to support the transition to a more sustainable and interconnected transportation system. For example, building more bike lanes and public transportation options can make it easier and more convenient for people to choose these modes of transportation over cars.
• Changing people’s behavior: People’s travel habits are often inefficient and contribute to traffic congestion and air pollution. Changing people’s behavior to make more sustainable choices, such as walking, biking, or taking public transportation, is essential to achieving a more sustainable and interconnected transportation system. For example, governments can offer incentives for people to use public transportation or to carpool. Businesses can offer flexible work arrangements to allow employees to work from home or from satellite offices. Individuals can make a conscious effort to choose more sustainable modes of transportation.
Achieving a more sustainable and interconnected transportation ecosystem will require a concerted effort from governments, businesses, and individuals. By developing new technologies, investing in infrastructure, and changing people’s behavior, we can create a transportation system that is more sustainable, efficient, and equitable.
S6. Ans. (c)
Sol. The word “grapples” in the passage means “to deal with or struggle with something difficult or challenging.” The most similar word in meaning is leverages. This means “to use something to gain an advantage or to get something done.” In the context of the passage, the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and urbanization. The mobility sector is leveraging innovative and environmentally friendly solutions to address these challenges. For example, electric vehicles are being leveraged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The other options are not as similar in meaning.
Option (a) Liberates means “to free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression.” This is not the same as dealing with or struggling with something difficult.
Option (b) Unhands means “to release from one’s hands.” This is not the same as dealing with or struggling with something difficult.
Option (d) Concords means “to agree or harmonize.” This is not the same as dealing with or struggling with something difficult.
Option (e) Releases means “to set free from confinement or restraint.” This is not the same as dealing with or struggling with something difficult.
S7. Ans. (e)
Sol. The central theme of the given passage is: “The need for a sustainable and interconnected ecosystem in transportation.”
This theme is supported by several lines from the passage, such as:
• “The future of transportation is undergoing a radical transformation, driven by the need for sustainable solutions and advancements in technology”: This line indicates that the focus of the transportation industry is shifting towards sustainable solutions.
• “As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and urbanization, the mobility sector is stepping up to the plate with innovative and environmentally friendly solutions”: This line highlights the need to address the challenges of climate change and urbanization through innovative and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
• “One of the most significant developments in the transportation sector is the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). With zero tailpipe emissions, EVs offer a cleaner alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars”: This line emphasizes the importance of electric vehicles as a cleaner alternative to traditional cars, indicating the shift towards sustainable transportation.
• “The future of transportation is heading towards a more sustainable and interconnected ecosystem. Electric mobility, autonomous vehicles, shared mobility, and alternative transportation modes are revolutionizing the way we travel”: This line directly states that the future of transportation is moving towards a more sustainable and interconnected ecosystem, reinforcing the central theme.
These lines collectively support the idea that the passage focuses on the need for a sustainable and interconnected ecosystem in transportation.
S8. Ans. (b)
Sol. The word “alleviating” means “to make (something bad) less severe”. The most suitable antonym of the word “alleviating”, as highlighted in the given passage, is exacerbating. This means “to make (something bad) worse”.
The other options are not as suitable.
Option (a) remedying means “to cure or relieve (a disease or ailment)”.
Option (c) Emending means “to correct or improve”.
Option (d) Palliating means “to relieve (pain or distress) without curing the cause”.
Option (e) Meliorating means “to make (something bad) better”.
S9. Ans. (c)
Sol. The passage implies that: “The future of transportation will encompass a variety of alternative transportation modes.”
This implication is supported by the following lines from the passage:
“Beyond cars, the future of transportation encompasses a wide range of alternative modes. Hyperloop systems, for instance, propose high-speed transportation in low-pressure tubes, drastically reducing travel times. Electric scooters and bicycles are also becoming prevalent in urban areas, providing convenient and emission-free last-mile transportation solutions. Furthermore, advancements in drone technology are opening up possibilities for aerial transportation and delivery services.”
These lines indicate that the future of transportation will not be limited to just cars or autonomous vehicles, but rather it will include various alternative modes such as hyperloop systems, electric scooters, bicycles, and even advancements in drone technology. This implies a diverse and multi-modal approach to transportation, suggesting that option C is the correct answer.
S10. Ans. (c)
Sol. The most appropriate word that fits in the blank to make the sentence contextually meaningful and grammatically correct is “emergence”. The word “emergence” means “the coming into being or existence of something”. In the context of the passage, it refers to the development and widespread use of autonomous vehicles (AVs). AVs are vehicles that can drive themselves without human input. They use a variety of sensors, including cameras, radar, and lidar, to perceive their surroundings and make decisions about how to move.
The other options are not correct:
Option (a) Cessation means “the stopping or ending of something”. It does not make sense in the context of the passage.
Option (b) Effect means “the result or consequence of something”. It is not the same as emergence.
Option (d) Closure means “the act of closing something”. It does not make sense in the context of the passage.
Option (e) Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. It does not make sense in the context of the passage.
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