English Test for SBI PO Prelims 2020 Exam set – 7

Directions(1-10):Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/ Phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.

It has long been a blot on Indian society that while leprosy is completely curable, there lingers a social stigma attached to it. Even more shocking is that colonial laws that predate leprosy eradication programmes and medical advancements remain on the statute book. These were unconscionably discriminatory from the beginning, but even in independent India, where the law has been an instrument for social change, the process of removing them has been bafflingly slow. The Lepers Act of 1898 was repealed only two years ago. It is time for concerted action to end the entrenched discrimination in law and society against those afflicted by it. Two recent developments hold out hope. One was the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to remove leprosy as a ground for seeking divorce or legal separation from one’s spouse, and the other was the Supreme Court asking the Centre whether it would bring in a positive law conferring rights and benefits on persons with leprosy and deeming as repealed all Acts and rules that perpetuated the stigma associated with it. The Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018, is only a small step. An affirmative action law that recognises the rights of those affected and promotes their social inclusion will serve a larger purpose. It may mark the beginning of the end to the culture of ostracisation that most of them face and help remove misconceptions about the disease and dispel the belief that physical segregation of patients is necessary. It is sad that it took so long to get such proposals on the legislative agenda.

Since last year, the Supreme Court has been hearing a writ petition by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy seeking to uphold the fundamental rights of people with leprosy and the repeal of discriminatory laws against them. The court has been approaching the issue with sensitivity and is seeking to find legal means to ensure a life of dignity for them. The 256th Report of the Law Commission came up with a number of suggestions, including the repeal of discriminatory legal provisions. It listed for abolition personal laws and Acts on beggary. The report cited the UN General Assembly resolution of 2010 on the elimination of discrimination against persons with leprosy. The resolution sought the abolition of laws, rules, regulations, customs and practices that amounted to discrimination, and wanted countries to promote the understanding that leprosy is not easily communicable and is curable. The campaign to end discrimination against those afflicted, and combating the stigma associated with it, is decades old. While governments may have to handle the legislative part, society has an even larger role to play. It is possible to end discrimination by law, but stigma tends to survive reform and may require more than legal efforts to eliminate.

1. What according to the writer has been a complete disgrace for Indian society?
   The regulation laws related to Leprosy have not been applied yet.
   There have been some developments in finding a cure for Leprosy but have not been given due attention.
   The Leprosy eradication programmes have not been of any advantage.
   In spite of Leprosy being one of the diseases,that can be cured, there is still a feeling of discomfort always attached to it.
   All of these
   Option D
   As the passage mentions – “It has long been a blot on Indian society that while leprosy is completely curable, there lingers social stigma attached to it”.
   ( Social stigma – inhibition or discomfort existing in the society)

    

2. Which of the following highlights the resolution of UN General Assembly of 2010?
   Creating awareness regarding the various curable diseases.
   To formulate new laws which may help in prohibiting the flow of such discriminatory ideas.
   Removing discrimination against the people suffering from leprosy.
   All of these
   None of these
   Option C
   According to the information provided in the passage, only statement C stands correct.The report cited the UN General Assembly resolution of 2010 on the elimination of discrimination against persons with leprosy.

    

3. It is possible to eradicate the discrimination with the help of strict laws but the discomfort existing among the people will need more than just laws to be removed.
   According to the passage, this statement is –
   Definitely True
   Definitely False
   Probably False
   Probably True
   Cannot be determined
   Option A
   The last statement of the passage mentions – It is possible to end discrimination by law, but stigma tends to survive reform and may require more than legal efforts to eliminate.

    

4. Choose the option which is most similar in meaning to the word “predate” as used in the passage?
   Head
   Cease
   Precede
   Classified
   Forfeit
   Option C
   Predate – to precede in date.

    

5. Choose the option which is most opposite in meaning to the word “repealed” as used in the passage?
   Cancelled
   Enforced
   Fixed
   Withdraw
   Discuss
   Option B
   Repealed – to revoke or withdraw formally.Thus, the opposite will be – ‘enforced’.

    

6. Choose the option which is most similar in meaning to the word “entrenched’ as used in the passage?
   Rooted
   Diverted
   Managed
   Irresolute
   Indefinite
   Option A
   Entrenched – established firmly

    

7. Choose the option which is most opposite in meaning to the word “afflicted” as used in the passage.
   Affected
   Fulfilled
   Devoted
   Cured
   Advanced
   Option D
   Afflicted – affected / stricken.

    

8. Which of the following ways were suggested by the 256th Report of the Law Commission?
   To make people believe that laws are important to bring a change.
   To abolish the legal conditions that promote discrimination.
   To fastrack the course of development in the case of inequality.
   To ensure justice is served to each and every patient.
   All of the above.
   Option B
   The writer informs – ‘The 256th Report of the Law Commission came up with a number of suggestions, including the repeal of discriminatory legal provisions’.

    

9. Which of the following statements indicates the reason due to which the writer feels sad?
   The positive laws which may end the discrimination have taken a lot of time in coming to the forefront and in the list of the legislative plans.
   It has been long since such discriminatory issues have been discussed about.
   The Government doesn’t seem to pay much attention to the plight of such Leprosy patients.
   All of these
   None of these
   Option A
   As mentioned in the passage earlier by the writer – An affirmative action law that recognises the rights of those affected and promotes their social inclusion will serve a larger purpose. It may mark the beginning of the end to the culture of ostracisation that most of them face and help remove misconceptions about the disease and dispel the belief that physical segregation of patients is necessary. It is sad that it took so long to get such proposals on the legislative agenda.

    

10. Which of the following statements is false according to the passage?
    The Lepers Act of 1898 was declared null and void two years back.
    There were some developments towards the goal of ending the discrimination.
    The UN General Assembly of 2012 had made a resolution regarding the elimination of discrimination against people with leprosy.
    The Law Commission had suggested measures in the direction of ending the discriminatory mindset rampant in the society.
    All are correct
    Option C
    The report cited the UN General Assembly resolution of 2010 on the elimination of discrimination against persons with leprosy.