Directions: In this section you have a few short passages. After each passage, you will find some items based on the passage. First, read a passage and answer the items based on it. You are required to select your answers based on the contents of the passage and opinion of the author only. Not all agricultural societies become civilizations, but no civilization can become one without passing through the stage of agriculture. This is because at some stage in the development of agriculture, as productivity improves, not all people would need to be engaged in producing or procuring food. A significant number of people could be freed up to pursue other activities such as building walls or monuments for new cities; making new tools, weapons and jewellery, organizing long-distance trade; creating new artistic masterpieces; coming up with new inventions; keeping accounts; and perhaps constructing new public infrastructure such as irrigation canals that further improve the productivity of agriculture, thus realizing even more people to do new things. This can happen, of course, only if a society that has transitioned to high-productivity agriculture has also, at some stage in its evolution, found a way to channel the bonanza of free time into other work fruitfully. In the ancient world, this often involved creating new ideologies and new hierarchies or power structures to coerce or otherwise convince large groups of people to devote their time to the new tasks for very little reward.
Which word in the passage means ‘changeover’ ?
Transitioned
Understanding Vocabulary in Passage: Finding the Meaning of 'Changeover'
The question asks us to identify a word in the given passage that means 'changeover'. To answer this, we need to carefully read the passage and understand the context in which the words are used, then compare their meanings to the options provided.
Let's look at the relevant parts of the passage and the meanings of the given options:
- The passage discusses how societies evolve, particularly from agriculture to civilization, which involves significant changes and shifts.
- The passage mentions "a society that has transitioned to high-productivity agriculture".
- It also talks about how society must "channel the bonanza of free time".
- And how power structures might "coerce or otherwise convince large groups".
- Finally, it mentions "creating new ideologies and new hierarchies or power structures".
Analyzing the Options and Context
Let's examine each option in the context of the passage and its general meaning:
- Transitioned: This word is used in the phrase "a society that has transitioned to high-productivity agriculture". The verb 'transition' means the process of changing from one state or condition to another. The past tense 'transitioned' means having undergone this change. This meaning is very close to 'changeover', which also implies a shift or change from one state to another.
- Channel: In the passage, "channel the bonanza of free time" means to direct or guide the use of the free time. 'Channel' means to direct something into or through a particular place or path. This meaning is not related to 'changeover'.
- Coerce: The phrase "coerce or otherwise convince" means to persuade someone to do something by using force or threats. 'Coerce' means to compel or force someone to do something. This meaning is not related to 'changeover'.
- Hierarchies: The passage mentions "new ideologies and new hierarchies". 'Hierarchies' are systems in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority. This refers to a structure, not a process of changeover.
Identifying the Correct Word for 'Changeover'
Based on the analysis, the word 'transitioned' is used to describe the process of a society changing from one stage (lower productivity agriculture) to another (high-productivity agriculture). This change process is precisely what 'changeover' refers to.
Therefore, the word in the passage that means 'changeover' is 'Transitioned'.
| Word | Usage in Passage | Meaning | Fits 'Changeover'? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transitioned | "...society that has transitioned..." | Changed from one state to another | Yes |
| Channel | "...channel the bonanza..." | Direct or guide | No |
| Coerce | "...coerce or otherwise convince..." | Persuade by force | No |
| Hierarchies | "...new hierarchies..." | System of ranking | No |
Revision Table: Vocabulary Practice
Reviewing key vocabulary from the passage can help improve comprehension and word power. Understanding how words are used in context is crucial for reading comprehension questions.
Additional Information: Contextual Vocabulary
Understanding vocabulary in context is a key skill. Sometimes, the exact dictionary definition isn't enough; you need to see how the word functions within the sentences and paragraphs of the passage. Look for surrounding words, phrases, and the overall topic to get clues about a word's specific meaning in that particular text.
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
Why, according to the writer can't people be motivated to use a resource prudently?
1. They feel that others may overuse the resource
2. It is possible to substitute the resource
3. Abundance of the resource availability
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
When do people use resources exhaustively?
The self-interest of people affects the use of renewable resources
People rooted in a locality
Which among the following is closest in meaning with the word 'deplete'?
