Directions (1 – 10) Read
the following comprehension and answer the questions followed:
Though
the last twenty-five years have seen China dazzle the world with its excellent
economic performance it has shied away from playing the kind of active role in
international affairs that would seem commensurate wit its economic weight.
This is because traditionally China’s politics have been defined by the need
for economic development above all else.
In
the past China’s authorities have tended to downplay the country’s
international clout, choosing to stress instead its developing country status
and limited military capabilities. Such modest rhetoric was intended to allay
the fears that China’s rise was causing across its immediate neighbourhood.
That Beijing is finally acknowledging its status as a major player in the
international system is evidenced by the fact that the President has formally
developed a theory of international relations; the concept of harmonious world.
The concept, encompassing broad notions of multilateralism, prosperity for all
through common development and tolerance for diversity has left world opinion
perplexed. These are commendable objectives but the theory is short on
specifics regarding the means to achieve them.
China’s
recent willingness to be a more active player internationally stems from
complex factors. The country’s economic strength- having acquired the largest
foreign exchange reserves in the world—is undeniable and reports favour it to
be the largest economy in the next quarter of the century. For sustained
double-digit economic growth China thus has no choice but to become more active
internationally.
Moreover,
as a major proportion of the oil and other natural resources that china needs
aggressively woo the countries rich in energy resources, which also represent
emerging markets for Chinese products. To ensure a stable security environment
within the region and thus facilitate economic growth China played an active
role in facilitating negotiations with North Korea. Destabilization of a
potential flashpoint like the Korean peninsulas would lead to a flood of refugees
crossing the border, interrupting careful plans of economic rejuvenation of
China’s North-East. China’s growing influence has caused a shift in the
geopolitical status quo influence is beginning to replace that of the United
States and European powers in Africa. China’s new diplomacy though has had its
share of critics who have expressed their unease at China’s military
modernization porgramme and its willingness to deal with regimes widely
condemned as corrupt and oppressive. Despite this when Africa was in need of
aid and infrastructure or the US needed help in negotiating with Korea they
turned to China. By taking a lead in variety international and regional forums,
initiating bilateral and military exchanges, and dispensing aid and technical
assistance in parts of the world where traditional powers are sitting on the
sidelines, content has signaled that its days of sitting on the sidelines,
content to let others shape world affairs, are emphatically over.
1. Why has China
traditionally been a passive spectator in global affairs?
a) To
safeguard its oil resources
b) To
maintain security in its vicinity
c) To conceal
its economic predicament
d) To focus
on domestic economic growth
e) Economic
dominance of the US.
2. Which of the following
best describes China’s current international status?
a) Cause of
insecurity among developing nations
b) Largest
economy in the world
c) Largest
donor of aid to developing countries
d) Pioneer of
implementing a “harmonious world” philosophy
e) None of
these
3. What has been the
fallout of China’s increased participation in world affairs?
(a)
International scrutiny of its economic policies
(b) Growth of
corruption among politicians
(c) Its
influence and prestige have grown substantially
(d) Its
growth rate has stablilised.
(e) None of
these
4. On which of the
following factors in China’s economic growth dependent?
(A) Increased supply of oil and other
natural resources to developed countries
(B) Success of harmonious world
policy
(C) Political stability in Africa
a) Only C
b) Only A
c) Both A and
B
d) All A, B
and C
e) None of
these
5. Which of the following
is TRUE in the context of the passage?
a) China’s
current political standing internationally is disproportionate to its financial
strength.
b) China is a
reluctant participant in military dialogues.
c) The
harmonious world theory is the only utilitarian remedy to the current
challenges facing the world.
d) The US has
recognised and acknowledged China’s growing international reputation.
e) China has
stopped dealing with corrupt countries because of international pressure.
6. The main purpose behind
Beijing’s intervention in North Korea is to
a) ensure
that the US acknowledges China’s growing military influence
b) prevent
any hindrances to its domestic economic development programmes.
c) protect
its financial investment in neighbouring countries.
d) provide
humanitarian assistance to one of its strongest allies Korea.
e) None of
these
7. Which of the following CANNOT be said about China’s
international relations theory?
a) The theory
is ambiguous in nature.
b) The theory
reflects China’s realization that it occupies a vital place in global affairs.
c) It
promotes the concept of common development for all nations.
d) It is a
theory which explains China’s sustained growth rate.
e) It
emphasises achieving prosperity thrugh universal development.
8. Which of the following
is NOT a step taken by
China to cement its role as a world leader?
(A) Providing aid to countries when
other nations are unwilling to do so.
(B) Curtailing its military
modernisation programme to reassure neighbouring countries.
(C) Negotiating bilateral treaties
only with countries with good human rights records.
a) Only A
b) Both A and
B
c) Both B and
C
d) Only B
e) None of
these
9. Which of the following
is an outcome of Beijing’s role in Africa?
a) America’s
influence in the region has reduced.
b)
Instability in the region.
c) The amount
of aid from Europe and other countries has doubled.
d) The
balance of power in Africa has shifted in favour of Europe over the US.
e) None of
these
10. Which of the following
is/ are responsible for China’s active international participation?
(A) Rapid economic growth as a result
of selling its surplus foreign exchange reserves.
(B)The head to explore and expand to
new markets.
(C) The need to modernize its armed
forces.
a) Only A
b) Both A and
B
c) Only B
d) Both B and
C
e) None of
these
Directions (11 – 13): Choose the word which is most similar in meaning
to the word printed in bold as used in meaning to the word printed in bold as
used in the passage.
11. SUSTAINED
a) sporadic
b) Confirmed
c) steady
d) supported
e)
encouraging
12. POTENTIAL
a) promise
b) talent
c)
opportunity
d) capable
e) possible
13. ENCOMPASSING
a)
surrounding
b)
incorporating
c) enveloping
d) accepting
e) dealing
Directions (14 – 15): Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning
to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
14. COMMENDABLE
a) valuable
b) unreliable
c) undeserved
d) unworthy
e) deficient
15. ALLAY
a) strengthen
b) alleviate
c) grow
d) expedite
e) discourage
Answers:
1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (e) 5. (d) 6. (b)
7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (a) 10. (c) 11. (c) 12. (e) 13. (b) 14. (d) 15. (a)
