Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension is an essential skill for anyone preparing for competitive exams, especially the CAT exam. The CAT (Common Admission Test) is a standardized exam that measures the aptitude of students seeking admission to top B-Schools in India. The test assesses a candidate's ability to comprehend complex passages, analyze information, and make inferences. In this article, we will discuss how to improve your reading comprehension skills to ace the CAT exam.

Understanding the CAT Reading Comprehension Section

The reading comprehension section of the CAT exam consists of 24-28 questions, which account for approximately 70% of the verbal ability section. The questions are based on passages that are usually around 500-600 words long, and the passages can be from various fields, including science, economics, and literature.

The questions in the reading comprehension section are typically of three types: factual, inferential, and analytical. Factual questions test a candidate's understanding of the given passage. Inferential questions require the candidate to infer information from the passage, while analytical questions require the candidate to analyze the passage and draw conclusions.

Different Types of Question on Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension questions are designed to assess your understanding of a given passage. They require you to read the passage carefully and thoroughly, identify the key ideas and details, and use them to answer the questions correctly. Let's take a look at the different types of questions that can be asked on a reading comprehension passage.

1. Main Idea Questions:  These questions ask you to identify the main theme or central idea of the passage. Main idea questions typically appear at the beginning or end of the set of questions and are easy to spot. Here are some examples:

• What is the main theme of the passage?
• What is the central idea of the passage?
  
  

To approach main idea questions, start by reading the passage carefully and identifying the key ideas and details. Then, summarize the passage in a sentence or two, making sure to include the main idea or theme. Look for the answer choice that best matches your summary.

2. Inference Based Questions: These questions ask you to draw conclusions or make inferences based on the information given in the passage. Inference-based questions often require you to read between the lines and understand the implied meaning of the text. Here are some examples:

• What can be inferred from the passage about...?
• Based on the passage, it can be concluded that...?
• Which of the following statements can be logically inferred from the passage?
  
  

To approach inference-based questions, focus on the details and evidence provided in the passage. Use this information to make an educated guess about what is not explicitly stated. Look for the answer choice that is most closely supported by the information in the passage.

3. Detail-based questions: These questions ask you to identify specific details or facts mentioned in the passage. Detail-based questions typically require you to locate and understand specific pieces of information. Here are some examples:

• According to the passage, what...?
• What is the author's opinion on...?
• Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?
  
  

To approach detail-based questions, use the "skimming and scanning" technique to quickly locate the relevant information in the passage. Then, read the passage more carefully to understand the context and meaning of the detail. Look for the answer choice that best matches the information in the passage.

4. Vocabulary-Based Questions: These questions test your understanding of specific words or phrases used in the passage. Vocabulary-based questions can include synonyms, antonyms, and meanings of words. Here are some examples:

• What does the word ______ mean in the context of the passage?
• Which of the following is the best synonym for the word ______ as used in the passage?
• Which of the following words is closest in meaning to the word _______ as used in the passage?
  
  

To approach vocabulary-based questions, use the context of the passage to understand the meaning of the word. Look for clues such as synonyms, antonyms, or other context clues to help you determine the meaning of the word. Look for the answer choice that best matches the meaning of the word as used in the passage.

5. Tone and Style-Based Questions: Tone and style-based questions require you to identify the author's tone or writing style. The author's tone is the attitude or emotion they convey towards the subject matter, while the writing style is the way in which the author presents the information. Here are some examples of tone and style-based questions:

• What is the author's tone in this passage?
• Which of the following words best describes the author's style of writing?
• How does the author's use of language contribute to the overall tone of the passage?
  
  

To answer these questions, it's important to pay attention to the language and word choices used by the author. Look for words that convey a specific emotion or attitude, such as "angry," "joyful," or "skeptical." Also, pay attention to the sentence structure and syntax used by the author, as these can also contribute to the tone and style of the writing.

Shortcuts: To determine the author's tone and style quickly, look for descriptive adjectives, strong verbs, and other language devices that suggest emotion or attitude. Also, try to identify any patterns in the author's sentence structure and syntax, as these can often reveal the author's writing style.

6. Structure-based questions: Structure-based questions require you to identify the logical structure of the passage, such as the relationship between different paragraphs or the use of transitions between ideas. Here are some examples of structure-based questions:

• How is paragraph 2 related to paragraph 1?
• What is the relationship between the first sentence and the rest of the paragraph?
• Which of the following would be the best transition to use between paragraphs 3 and 4?
  
  

To answer these questions, it's important to read the passage carefully and pay attention to the way in which ideas are presented and organized. Look for transitional words and phrases, such as "however," "in addition," or "finally," that signal a shift in ideas or the introduction of a new topic.

Shortcuts: To quickly identify the logical structure of a passage, scan the passage for any headings or subheadings that may provide an outline of the main ideas. Also, look for any repeated words or phrases that may indicate a theme or main idea.

7. Assumption-based questions: Assumption-based questions require you to identify assumptions or presuppositions underlying the arguments or statements presented in the passage. Here are some examples of assumption-based questions:

• What assumptions does the author make about...?
• Which of the following is an assumption that underlies the argument in the passage?
• What presuppositions does the author have about...?
  
  

To answer assumption-based questions, you need to identify any implicit or unstated assumptions made by the author, as well as any underlying beliefs or values that inform their argument. Look for words or phrases that suggest the author is taking something for granted or assuming a particular viewpoint. Also, pay attention to any underlying beliefs or values that may inform the author's argument, such as cultural or societal norms.

Shortcuts: To quickly identify assumptions in a passage, look for any words or phrases that suggest an unstated premise or assumption, such as "clearly," "obviously," or "it goes without saying." Additionally, consider the context in which the argument is presented and any underlying beliefs or values that may inform the author's perspective.

8. Purpose and Function-Based Questions: Purpose and function-based questions require you to determine the author's purpose in writing the passage, as well as the function of specific sentences or paragraphs within the passage. Here are some examples of purpose and function-based questions:

• What is the author's purpose in writing this passage?
• What is the function of the sentence/paragraph that begins with...?
• Why does the author include the example of...?
  
  

To answer these questions, you need to consider the overall theme or message of the passage, as well as the specific details and examples used by the author. Look for clues in the language and structure of the passage that indicate the author's purpose, such as the use of persuasive language or the inclusion of specific examples to support a particular argument.

Shortcuts: To quickly determine the author's purpose and the function of specific sentences or paragraphs, scan the passage for any headings or subheadings that may provide a clue. Also, pay attention to any repeated phrases or ideas throughout the passage, as these can often reveal the author's purpose.

Improving Reading Comprehension Skills

To improve your reading comprehension skills, you must first understand the structure of the passages in the CAT exam. The passages are usually structured in a particular format, with an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The introduction sets the context for the passage, the body contains the main information, and the conclusion summarizes the passage.

Here are some tips to improve your reading comprehension skills:

1. Read regularly: To improve your reading comprehension skills, you must read regularly. Read a variety of materials, including newspapers, magazines, and books. This will help you get used to reading passages of different lengths and styles.
   
   
2. Skim the passage first: Skim the passage first to get an idea of what it's about. Look for the main ideas and try to get a sense of the author's purpose.
   
   
3. Pay attention to the structure: As mentioned earlier, passages in the CAT exam have a particular structure. Pay attention to the introduction, body, and conclusion. This will help you understand the main ideas and arguments in the passage.
   
   
4. Take notes: Taking notes while reading can help you remember important details and ideas. Write down the main ideas, arguments, and any questions you have.
   
   
5. Work on your speed: The CAT exam is a timed exam, so it's essential to work on your speed. Practice reading passages quickly and accurately to improve your reading speed.
   
   
6. Eliminate wrong answer choices: When answering questions, eliminate wrong answer choices first. This will help you narrow down the options and choose the correct answer more efficiently.
   
   
7. Use context clues: Use context clues to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases. Look at the surrounding words and sentences to determine the meaning of a word.

Examples:

Instructions Question (1-5): The passage given below is followed by a set of five questions. Choose the most appropriate answer to each question.

The Industrial Revolution, which occurred from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century, was a period of tremendous social and economic change that transformed the world in profound ways. The Industrial Revolution was characterized by the introduction of new technologies, including steam engines, textile machinery, and iron production techniques, which allowed for greater efficiency in production and transportation. This led to an increase in the production of goods and the growth of factories, which in turn led to the rise of industrial capitalism.

One of the most significant impacts of the Industrial Revolution was the rapid growth of urbanization. As factories began to sprout up, people began to flock to urban centers in search of work. This led to overcrowding, poor living conditions, and increased disease, as many people were forced to live in squalid conditions. However, the rise of urbanization also led to the growth of cities and the development of new social and cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and universities.

Another significant impact of the Industrial Revolution was the rise of capitalism and the emergence of a new class of entrepreneurs and capitalists who accumulated vast amounts of wealth. This led to the growth of new industries and the expansion of international trade, as capitalists sought to find new markets for their goods. However, the rise of capitalism also led to the exploitation of workers and the growth of economic inequality.

Despite these challenges, the Industrial Revolution ultimately led to significant advancements in science and technology, as well as improvements in living standards and economic growth. It paved the way for many of the modern conveniences that we enjoy today, including electricity, automobiles, and telecommunications.

1. What was the main cause of the rapid growth of urbanization during the Industrial Revolution?

a) The introduction of new technologies

b) The development of new social and cultural institutions

c) The rise of international trade

d) The expansion of factories

Answer: d) The expansion of factories.

Explanation: The rapid growth of urbanization during the Industrial Revolution was primarily due to the expansion of factories, which led to an increase in job opportunities in urban centers.

2. What was the impact of the Industrial Revolution on living conditions?

a) Improved living conditions due to the growth of new social and cultural institutions

b) Overcrowding, poor living conditions, and increased disease

c) No impact on living conditions

d) An increase in the availability of affordable housing

Answer: b) Overcrowding, poor living conditions, and increased disease.

Explanation: The growth of urbanization during the Industrial Revolution led to overcrowding and poor living conditions for many people, which in turn led to an increase in disease and a decrease in overall living standards.

3. What was the impact of the Industrial Revolution on economic inequality?

a) No impact on economic inequality

b) A decrease in economic inequality due to the growth of new industries

c) The exploitation of workers and an increase in economic inequality

d) An increase in economic equality due to the expansion of international trade

Answer: c) The exploitation of workers and an increase in economic inequality.
Explanation: The rise of capitalism during the Industrial Revolution led to the exploitation of workers and the growth of economic inequality. As new industries emerged and capitalists accumulated vast amounts of wealth, workers often faced poor working conditions, low wages, and long hours.

4. Which of the following is NOT an example of a new technology that was introduced during the Industrial Revolution?

a) Steam engines

b) Textile machinery

c) Iron production techniques

d) Solar panels

Answer: d) Solar panels.

Explanation: Solar panels were not a new technology introduced during the Industrial Revolution, as they were developed much later.

5. Which of the following best describes the overall impact of the Industrial Revolution?

a) A period of tremendous social and economic change that transformed the world in profound ways

b) A period of stagnation and decline

c) A period of minimal change that had little impact on society

d) A period of scientific advancements, but little economic growth

Answer: a) A period of tremendous social and economic change that transformed the world in profound ways.

Explanation: The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant social and economic change that transformed the world in profound ways. It led to the development of new technologies, the growth of urbanization, the rise of capitalism, and improvements in living standards and economic growth. Overall, it paved the way for many of the modern conveniences that we enjoy today.

Instructions ( Question 6 - 10): The passage given below is followed by a set of questions. Choose the most appropriate answer to each question.

The birth of Western philosophy was shaped by the story of Socrates - an eccentric and contrarian who was put to death by society for making fun of the herd. This illustrates the two-folded nature of radical thinking: it involves eccentricity, defiance, and courage on the one hand, and suspicion, resistance, and eventually revenge on the other. A great philosopher must swim against the current of their day and challenge established knowledge, even if it means going against what society treasures and being marginalized and ostracized for it.

This kind of thinking has been carried forward by a series of philosophical mavericks, including Diogenes the Cynic, Hypatia, Spinoza, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Walter Benjamin, and Simone Weil. These contrarian thinkers went against herd-thinking, leaving a trail of intellectual heresy, bold insights, and often social scandal. They kept thinking alive in a world where everything tends to fall into patterns and routines and eventually atrophy and die.

John Stuart Mill praises eccentricity in his book On Liberty, suggesting that it is the eccentric who keeps the world running through their generous supply of bold perspectives, fresh insights, and new ideas. The tyranny of opinion makes eccentricity a reproach, but it is desirable to break through that tyranny by being eccentric. The more eccentrics there are, the better the moral and intellectual state of the world.

Contrarians possess redeeming "eccentricity" in abundance, staying outside the circle that any group draws to define itself. They are in a good position to observe how herding, marginalization, and exclusion work, and they no longer have anything to lose by articulating and broadcasting their heretical views. They are uncompromising "critics of society," and their "quality of opposition" turns them into formidable figures.

Contrarians' minds are peculiar, as they have innate distrust of anything authoritative or established. Their iconoclasm and radical separation from the society they were born into conspire to give them access to a higher truth than their society can afford to hear. Their dissent not only frees them but also gives them new eyes. Contrarians do not care for fads and fashions, authorities and hierarchies, and have little patience for the rituals of the establishment. Since they have cut off their ties with their tribe, nothing prevents them from seeing things as they are.

Contrarian thinking is essential to the development of Western philosophy and intellectual progress. The ability to swim against the current and challenge established knowledge is a prerequisite for the thinking profession. Contrarians possess a redeeming eccentricity that enables them to see things as they are and access a higher truth than their society can afford to hear. Their dissent not only frees them but also gives them new eyes, enabling them to keep thinking alive in a world where everything tends to fall into patterns and routines and eventually atrophy and die.

Inference:

6. What can be inferred from the passage about the role of contrarian thinkers in society?

A. They are usually celebrated for their bold perspectives and fresh insights.

B. They often face marginalization and exclusion for their heretical views.

C. They are able to fit in well with established authorities and hierarchies.

D. They tend to follow societal norms and fads in order to gain acceptance.

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The passage discusses how contrarian thinkers often face marginalization and exclusion for their heretical views and are therefore able to observe how herding and exclusion work. The author also notes that these thinkers possess eccentricity, which separates them from society, and a distrust of anything authoritative or established. The passage does not suggest that contrarian thinkers are celebrated for their ideas or that they conform to societal norms.

Vocabulary:

7. What does the word "iconoclasm" mean as used in the passage?

A. A form of dissent that involves challenging authority

B. A distrust of anything authoritative or established

C. A willingness to challenge established beliefs or practices

D. A radical separation from society

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: "Iconoclasm" refers to the act of challenging established beliefs or practices. The passage notes that contrarian thinkers have an innate distrust of anything authoritative or established, and therefore possess a form of iconoclasm.

Tone and Style:

8. What tone does the author use to describe contrarian thinkers in the passage?

A. Reverential

B. Cynical

C. Neutral

D. Dismissive

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The author's tone in the passage is reverential towards contrarian thinkers. The author notes that these thinkers possess redeeming eccentricity, and that their dissent not only frees them but also gives them new eyes. The author also describes contrarian thinking as essential to the development of Western philosophy and intellectual progress.

Detail:

9. According to the passage, what did John Stuart Mill suggest about eccentricity?

A. It is desirable to break through the tyranny of opinion by being eccentric.

B. Eccentrics are often marginalized and excluded from society.

C. Eccentricity is a reproach that should be avoided.

D. The more eccentrics there are, the worse the moral and intellectual state of the world.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The passage notes that John Stuart Mill praises eccentricity in his book On Liberty, suggesting that it is desirable to break through the tyranny of opinion by being eccentric. The passage does not suggest that eccentrics are often marginalized or excluded from society, and in fact suggests that contrarian thinkers who possess eccentricity are in a good position to observe how herding, marginalization, and exclusion work.

Purpose and Function:

10. What is the main purpose of the passage?

A. To describe the birth of Western philosophy

B. To argue that contrarian thinking is essential to intellectual progress

C. To provide a list of contrarian thinkers throughout history

D. To analyze the characteristics of eccentric thinkers

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The main purpose of the passage is to argue that contrarian thinking is essential to intellectual progress. The passage notes that contrarian thinking is necessary in order to challenge established knowledge and keep thinking alive in a world where everything tends to fall into patterns and routines and eventually atrophy and die. The passage also discusses the eccentricity and iconoclasm possessed by contrarian thinkers, but these details are provided to support the argument that contrarian thinking is essential to intellectual progress.

Instructions ( Question 11 - 15): The passage given below is followed by a set of questions. Choose the most appropriate answer to each question.

The Centre is expected to clarify, later this year, the specifics of a carbon trading market in India. An amendment to the Energy Conservation Act, passed in 2022 and, separately, approval by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change via the Paris and Glasgow agreements ensured that carbon markets (where ‘carbon credits’ and ‘emission certificates’ can be traded) have acquired greater global currency. ‘Carbon markets’ are a catch-all term and need clarity, especially in the Indian context. A decade or more ago, they meant stock-market-like exchanges that traded in ‘carbon offsets’ made legitimate under the Clean Development Mechanism. Here, industrial projects in developing countries that avoided greenhouse gas emissions were eligible for credits that, after verification, could be sold to European companies that could buy them in lieu of cutting emissions themselves. Alongside are the EU-Emissions Trading Systems (ETS) where government-mandated emission limits on industrial sectors such as aluminium or steel plants require industries to either cut emissions or buy government-certified permits from companies that cut more emissions than required or were auctioned by governments. Carbon credits became valuable because they could be used as permits in EU-ETS exchanges. Such permits are a ‘right to pollute’ and being tradeable on an exchange, akin to shares, are expected to fluctuate in value depending on a company’s need to balance profitability and comply with pollution norms.

The objective of such markets is to incentivise investments in renewable energy sources. While India has maintained its right to grow its carbon emissions in the near future, it has committed to cutting the emissions intensity (emissions per unit of GDP) of its growth by 45% (of 2005 levels) by 2030. It has been doing this, partly, via the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, where around 1,000 industries have been involved in procuring and trading energy saving certificates (ESCerts). Since 2015, various cycles of the PAT have shown emission reductions of around 3%-5%. The European Union, which runs the oldest emission trading scheme since 2005, had cut emissions by 35% from 2005-2019 and 9% in 2009, over the previous years. Whether carbon trading can meaningfully lead to emissions reductions in the Indian context is a question that can be answered only decades later. It would, however, be a victory in itself, if it is able to mobilise domestic finance and accelerate the shift away from fossil fuel. With that end in mind, the government must intervene to bring in the right amount of pressure on industry to participate in the market but not ignore proven non-market initiatives to achieve greenhouse gas reductions.

Main idea question:

11. What is the main objective of carbon trading in India?

A. To increase profitability for companies by selling carbon credits

B. To achieve a 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030

C. To allow Indian industries to avoid greenhouse gas emissions

D. To create a carbon trading market similar to the European Union's Emissions Trading System

Solution: The passage discusses the specifics of a carbon trading market in India, including the objective of incentivizing investments in renewable energy sources and cutting emissions intensity by 45% by 2030. Option B best represents the main idea of the passage, making it the correct answer. Options A and C are incorrect, as the passage does not mention them as the main objective. Option D is also incorrect because while the passage discusses creating a carbon trading market, this is not the main objective. Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Inference-based question:

12. What can be inferred about the European Union's Emissions Trading System (ETS)?

A. It requires companies to cut emissions and buy government-certified permits

B. It has been successful in reducing emissions intensity by 35% from 2005-2019

C. It is the only government-mandated emission limit on industrial sectors

D. It is expected to have a negative impact on profitability for companies

Solution: The passage states that the EU-ETS requires industries to either cut emissions or buy government-certified permits and that it has cut emissions by 35% from 2005-2019. Option A is the correct answer as it represents an accurate inference from the information given in the passage. Option B is a fact, but it does not pertain to the ETS. Option C is incorrect as the passage does not mention this. Option D is incorrect as the passage does not provide any information about the expected impact of the ETS on profitability. Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Detail-based question:

13. What is the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme?

A. A scheme for selling carbon credits on the stock market

B. A scheme for trading energy-saving certificates (ESCerts)

C. A scheme for cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the Indian context

D. A scheme for buying government-certified permits from companies

Solution: The passage states that the PAT scheme involves around 1,000 industries procuring and trading energy-saving certificates (ESCerts) and that it has shown emission reductions of around 3%-5%. Option B is the correct answer as it provides an accurate description of the PAT scheme. Option A is incorrect, as the passage does not mention the stock market in relation to the PAT scheme. Option C is also incorrect, as while the PAT scheme aims to reduce emissions, it is not the main objective. Option D is incorrect as it describes a feature of the EU-ETS, not the PAT scheme. Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Vocabulary-based question:

14. What does the term 'carbon credits' mean in the context of the passage?

A. A type of government-mandated permit for cutting emissions

B. A right to pollute that can be bought and sold on an exchange

C. A type of energy saving certificate for industries

D. A type of emission offset for industrial projects in developing countries

Solution:

A type of government-mandated permit for cutting emissions

This option refers to a type of permit that is issued by the government to companies, allowing them to emit a certain amount of greenhouse gases. However, this is not an accurate definition of carbon credits, as the government does not issue them.

B. A right to pollute that can be bought and sold on an exchange

This option refers to the idea that companies can purchase the right to emit a certain amount of greenhouse gases from other companies that have reduced their own emissions. This is the correct definition of carbon credits.

C. A type of energy-saving certificate for industries

This option refers to a certificate that is issued to industries that have taken measures to reduce their energy consumption. However, this is not an accurate definition of carbon credits, as they are related to greenhouse gas emissions rather than energy savings.

D. A type of emission offset for industrial projects in developing countries

This option refers to the idea that companies can invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries, and receive carbon credits in exchange for the emissions that are avoided. While this is related to carbon credits, it is not an accurate definition as it only covers a specific type of carbon credits.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is B, as it accurately defines carbon credits as a right to emit a certain amount of greenhouse gases that can be bought and sold on an exchange.

15. According to the passage, why is it important for the government to intervene in the carbon trading market in India?

A. To ensure companies comply with pollution norms

B. To ensure that carbon credits are sold at a high value

C. To encourage industries to invest in renewable energy sources

D. To prevent companies from ignoring non-market initiatives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Solution: The passage suggests that the government must intervene to bring in the right amount of pressure on industry to participate in the market but not ignore proven non-market initiatives to achieve greenhouse gas reductions. Option D is the correct answer, as it accurately represents the reason for government intervention according to the passage. Option A is incorrect, as the passage mentions pollution norms but does not state that government intervention is necessary to ensure compliance. Option B is incorrect, as the passage does not mention the value of carbon credits as a reason for government intervention. Option C is incorrect, as while the passage mentions incentivizing investments in renewable energy sources as an objective of the carbon trading market, it does not mention this as a reason for government intervention. Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Instructions ( Question 16 - 18): The passage given below is followed by a set of questions. Choose the most appropriate answer to each question.



African women who have experienced obstetric fistula often feel as though they have been stripped of their womanhood, dignity and respect. Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury that can occur when a mother is in labour for several days without access to medical assistance, usually a Caesarean section. This results in a hole between the vagina and bladder or rectum, causing chronic incontinence, social isolation, and physical and emotional scarring.

While fistula is not fatal, it can leave women with permanent nerve damage and mobility difficulties. The emotional toll is equally devastating. Women with fistula are often shunned by their husbands, families and communities, and experience depression and anxiety. They are frequently excluded from social and economic opportunities and left to live in extreme poverty.

There are an estimated two million women living with untreated fistula in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, and some 100,000 new cases every year. Yet fistula is both preventable and treatable. The surgical repair of fistula has a success rate of around 90%, yet fewer than 20,000 women receive treatment each year.

There are a number of reasons for this treatment gap, including the high cost of surgical repair, inadequate medical infrastructure, lack of awareness and cultural barriers. But we must also recognize that fistula is symptomatic of broader failures in healthcare systems, which leave women without access to even the most basic maternal healthcare. In many countries, women are not even allowed to seek healthcare without the permission of a male guardian, a requirement that puts them at great risk.

Adolescent girls are at particular risk of fistula. When girls are forced to marry and bear children before their bodies are ready, they face a heightened risk of obstetric complications, including fistula. Ending child marriage is a critical component of ending fistula, and we know that educating girls and empowering women is one of the most effective ways of achieving this.

The prevention and treatment of fistula is both a medical and human rights issue. We must do more to prevent it and ensure that all women, regardless of their social or economic status, have access to the maternal healthcare they need.

Question 16: What is obstetric fistula, and what are its consequences?

A. Obstetric fistula is a condition that affects women during childbirth, causing chronic incontinence, social isolation, and physical and emotional scarring.

B. Obstetric fistula is a type of cancer that affects women's reproductive organs, causing chronic pain, loss of fertility, and emotional distress.

C. Obstetric fistula is a sexually transmitted infection that affects women, causing chronic pain and discomfort during sex.

Solution: A. Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury that can occur when a mother is in labor for several days without access to medical assistance. It results in a hole between the vagina and bladder or rectum, causing chronic incontinence, social isolation, and physical and emotional scarring.

Question 17: What is the success rate of surgical repair for obstetric fistula, and why do so few women receive treatment each year?

A. The surgical repair of fistula has a success rate of around 50%, and fewer than 20,000 women receive treatment each year due to a lack of awareness and cultural barriers.

B. The surgical repair of fistula has a success rate of around 90%, and fewer than 20,000 women receive treatment each year due to the high cost of surgical repair and inadequate medical infrastructure.

C. The surgical repair of fistula has a success rate of around 70%, and fewer than 20,000 women receive treatment each year due to a lack of political will and commitment.

Solution: B. The surgical repair of fistula has a success rate of around 90%, yet fewer than 20,000 women receive treatment each year due 1to the high cost of surgical repair, inadequate medical infrastructure, lack of awareness, and cultural barriers.

Question 18: In the passage, what is the tone towards the issue of obstetric fistula?

a) Indifferent

b) Sympathetic

c) Critical

d) Sarcastic

Solution: The correct answer is b) Sympathetic. The passage expresses concern and empathy towards the women who suffer from obstetric fistula and highlights the emotional toll and social isolation that they face.