CUET Reading Comprehension: Factual Passages

CUET Reading Comprehension: Factual Passages

• Factual Passages:These are information-based passages.

• Content is typically objective, presenting facts, statistics, data, or information about a topic.

• Common question types:

• Direct fact-based questions

• True/False/Not Given

• Fill in the blanks based on passage

• Vocabulary in context (meanings of words used in the passage)

CUET Reading Comprehension: Factual Passages Examples

i. Factual Passage (300 words)

Passage:
India is one of the world’s leading producers of milk, thanks to the White Revolution initiated by Dr. Verghese Kurien. The White Revolution began in the 1970s, transforming India from a milk-deficient country to the world’s largest milk producer. The success of this revolution was largely due to the efforts of dairy cooperatives, where farmers pooled their milk for collective benefit.
The main goals were to increase milk production, improve rural incomes, and ensure fair prices for consumers. Under Operation Flood, thousands of villages were linked with urban markets through a nationwide milk grid, reducing seasonal price variations and eliminating middlemen.
This initiative greatly empowered rural farmers, especially women, who played a crucial role in dairy farming. Over the years, this movement has helped millions of small farmers improve their livelihoods and reduce poverty in rural areas. India’s dairy industry today contributes significantly to the national economy and meets the nutritional needs of its population.
Despite these achievements, challenges such as inadequate cold chain infrastructure, low productivity per animal, and competition from global dairy companies persist. Addressing these issues is critical for sustaining the gains of the White Revolution.

MCQs:

• Who is credited with starting the White Revolution in India?
  (1) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
  (2) Dr. Verghese Kurien ✅
  (3) M.S. Swaminathan
  (4) Amartya Sen

• What was the primary aim of the White Revolution?
  (1) Promote agriculture
  (2) Boost milk production ✅
  (3) Enhance food grain production
  (4) Improve fisheries

• What system helped farmers collectively market their milk?
  (1) Private dairies
  (2) Dairy cooperatives ✅
  (3) Government agencies
  (4) Cold storage units

• What did the nationwide milk grid help eliminate?
  (1) Poor-quality milk
  (2) Rural employment
  (3) Middlemen ✅
  (4) Dairy subsidies

• Which group benefited significantly from the White Revolution?
  (1) Factory workers
  (2) Rural women ✅
  (3) Urban traders
  (4) Fishermen

What is a major challenge still faced by India’s dairy sector?
(1) Low consumer demand
(2) Global milk surplus
(3) Low productivity per animal ✅
(4) Excess supply of grains

1️⃣ Factual Passage (Advanced Level)

Passage:

Climate change has emerged as a critical global issue, with scientists warning of irreversible damage to ecosystems and biodiversity. According to a 2023 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the planet has already warmed by approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The report emphasizes that exceeding 1.5 degrees could lead to more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and significant disruption to agricultural production.

Several nations have pledged to achieve “net-zero” emissions by the mid-21st century. However, data reveals that carbon emissions hit record highs in 2023, with the largest contributors being China, the United States, and India. While renewable energy sources like wind and solar are expanding, fossil fuels still dominate the global energy mix, comprising about 80% of total consumption.

Adaptation and mitigation strategies are being implemented worldwide. These include reforestation projects, carbon capture technologies, and investments in green infrastructure. Nonetheless, there is growing concern that these efforts may not suffice without more aggressive international cooperation and policy reforms. Critics argue that current climate policies are neither legally binding nor uniformly enforced.

Beyond environmental degradation, climate change is increasingly viewed through a socio-economic lens. Vulnerable communities, particularly in the Global South, face disproportionate risks, including food insecurity, water scarcity, and displacement. Experts argue that climate justice must be central to future policies to ensure equitable solutions.

Questions:

• What is the current global temperature rise according to the IPCC report?

• (a) 0.5°C

• (b) 1.2°C ✅

• (c) 1.8°C

• (d) 2.0°C

• Which countries are the largest emitters of carbon dioxide according to the passage?

• (a) US, China, and Germany

• (b) US, China, and India ✅

• (c) China, India, and Brazil

• (d) US, Russia, and Japan

• What percentage of global energy consumption comes from fossil fuels?

• (a) 60%

• (b) 70%

• (c) 80% ✅

• (d) 90%

• What is one of the main criticisms of current climate policies?

• (a) They focus too much on fossil fuels

• (b) They are legally binding

• (c) They lack enforcement ✅

• (d) They are too aggressive

• What is NOT mentioned as an adaptation strategy?

• (a) Reforestation

• (b) Green infrastructure

• (c) Carbon capture

• (d) Banning all fossil fuels ✅

• Who is most affected by climate change according to the passage?

• (a) Developed countries

• (b) Fossil fuel companies

• (c) Vulnerable communities in the Global South ✅

• (d) Technology sectors

 Factual Passage (Advanced Level)

Passage:

The global demand for lithium-ion batteries, crucial for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage, is projected to increase exponentially over the next decade. According to a 2023 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), lithium demand could quadruple by 2030 due to the shift towards decarbonization. However, this soaring demand exposes vulnerabilities in supply chains. Currently, over 70% of lithium is mined in Australia, Chile, and China, leading to geographical concentration risks.

Moreover, the environmental cost of lithium extraction is under scrutiny. The evaporation ponds in the Atacama Desert, for instance, use vast amounts of water in an already arid ecosystem. This extraction method threatens indigenous communities and local biodiversity.

In response, industries are exploring alternative battery chemistries such as sodium-ion and solid-state batteries to reduce dependency on lithium. Recycling lithium from used batteries is another promising avenue but remains economically unviable at scale due to high processing costs and technological challenges.

The future of clean energy, therefore, hinges not just on battery technology but on resolving geopolitical, environmental, and economic challenges associated with resource extraction and processing.

MCQs:

• What is the projected increase in lithium demand by 2030?

• (a) Double

• (b) Triple

• (c) Quadruple ✅

• (d) Remain constant

• Why is lithium mining geographically risky?

• (a) It happens only in North America.

• (b) It is overly concentrated in few regions. ✅

• (c) It is banned in several countries.

• (d) It involves nuclear technology.

• What is one major environmental concern regarding lithium extraction in the Atacama Desert?

• (a) Air pollution

• (b) Deforestation

• (c) Water consumption ✅

• (d) Oil spillage

• Why is lithium battery recycling not widespread yet?

• (a) Lack of technology

• (b) Low supply of used batteries

• (c) High costs and technological challenges ✅

• (d) Government bans

• What is a suggested alternative to lithium-ion batteries mentioned in the passage?

• (a) Hydrogen fuel cells

• (b) Sodium-ion batteries ✅

• (c) Lead-acid batteries

• (d) Graphene capacitors

• What is the main theme of this passage?

• (a) Growth of EVs

• (b) Climate change

• (c) Sustainability challenges of battery production ✅

• (d) Global politics

Explanation Keys:

• “Quadruple by 2030” is directly mentioned.

• The passage highlights “geographical concentration risks.”

• Water use in the “Atacama Desert” is clearly identified.

• It mentions “economically unviable at scale due to high processing costs.”

• Sodium-ion batteries are specifically stated.

• The passage focuses on the sustainability and supply chain challenges related to lithium.

Passage 1: Factual (300 Words)

The Rise of Solar Energy in India

 

India is rapidly becoming a global leader in solar energy adoption. In 2023, the country added 13 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity, bringing its total to 70 GW, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. This growth is driven by the government’s ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, with solar expected to contribute 280 GW. The cost of solar panels has dropped by 80% since 2010, making it cheaper than coal in many regions. In rural areas, solar-powered microgrids now serve over 5 million households, reducing reliance on diesel generators.

 

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that India’s solar boom creates 200,000 jobs annually, mostly in manufacturing and installation. However, challenges remain—land acquisition delays and inconsistent monsoon seasons affect project timelines. In 2024, Gujarat led with 18 GW installed, followed by Rajasthan at 14 GW. Urban adoption lags, with only 10% of city households using solar rooftops due to high initial costs and space constraints.

 

Government subsidies cover 30% of installation costs, encouraging small businesses to switch. Experts predict solar will account for 20% of India’s energy mix by 2030, up from 5% in 2020. Yet, critics argue that over-reliance on solar could strain the grid without better storage solutions, as batteries remain expensive. Despite this, India’s solar push aligns with its Paris Agreement pledge to cut carbon emissions by 45% by 2030, making it a key player in the global green energy race.

MCQs

1. What is India’s total solar power capacity as of 2023?
   • (A) 13 GW
   • (B) 70 GW
   • (C) 280 GW
   • (D) 500 GW
   • Answer: (B) Explanation: Para 1 states “total to 70 GW” after adding 13 GW.
2. What is the primary reason solar energy is cheaper than coal?
   • (A) Government subsidies
   • (B) 80% cost drop since 2010
   • (C) More jobs created
   • (D) Urban adoption
   • Answer: (B) Explanation: Para 1 cites the 80% cost drop explicitly.
3. How many rural households benefit from solar microgrids?
   • (A) 200,000
   • (B) 5 million
   • (C) 14 million
   • (D) 18 million
   • Answer: (B) Explanation: Para 1 says “over 5 million households.”
4. Which state has the highest solar capacity in 2024?
   • (A) Rajasthan
   • (B) Gujarat
   • (C) Uttar Pradesh
   • (D) Maharashtra
   • Answer: (B) Explanation: Para 2 states Gujarat leads with 18 GW.
5. What percentage of India’s energy mix is solar expected to reach by 2030?
   • (A) 5%
   • (B) 10%
   • (C) 20%
   • (D) 45%
   • Answer: (C) Explanation: Para 3 predicts 20% by 2030.
6. What is a major challenge to solar energy adoption mentioned in the passage?
   • (A) Lack of government support
   • (B) Expensive batteries for storage
   • (C) Too many jobs created
   • (D) High urban adoption
   • Answer: (B) Explanation: Para 3 notes batteries remain expensive.

Passage 1: Factual (302 Words)

The Paradox of Urban Green Spaces

 

Urban green spaces—parks, gardens, and forested pockets—are touted as antidotes to city woes, yet their efficacy remains contentious. A 2023 UN Habitat report states that 55% of global urbanites lack access to green areas within 400 meters of their homes, exacerbating mental health crises and air pollution. Cities like Tokyo allocate 20% of land to greenery, boasting a 15% drop in respiratory illnesses since 2015, while Delhi, with a mere 8% green cover, saw a 22% rise in asthma cases over the same period. Globally, green spaces sequester 2.5 billion tons of CO2 annually, per the IUCN, yet urban sprawl devoured 14 million hectares of such areas between 2000 and 2020.

 

Economic disparities compound the issue. Affluent neighborhoods enjoy manicured parks, while marginalized zones grapple with neglected patches—often 60% smaller, per a Yale study. Maintenance costs deter investment; a single hectare demands $50,000 yearly, straining municipal budgets. Conversely, green rooftops, costing 30% less, are proliferating in Europe, with Germany hosting 14 million square meters by 2024. Critics argue these alternatives prioritize aesthetics over biodiversity, as native species dwindle.

 

Policy oscillates between ambition and inertia. India’s Smart Cities Mission targets a 10% green increase by 2030, yet only 3% progress was logged by 2024. Experts advocate “rewilding”—letting nature reclaim urban fringes—but face resistance from developers eyeing profit. The paradox lies here: green spaces promise respite, yet their scarcity and skewed distribution deepen urban inequity.

MCQs

1. What does the UN Habitat report imply about urban green space access?
   • (A) Most urbanites have ample access
   • (B) Over half lack nearby green areas
   • (C) Access improved since 2015
   • (D) 55% of cities are fully green
   • Answer: (B) Explanation: Para 1 states “55% lack access within 400 meters.”
2. Why does Delhi face higher asthma rates compared to Tokyo?
   • (A) Higher population density
   • (B) Less green cover
   • (C) Poor healthcare
   • (D) Economic disparities
   • Answer: (B) Explanation: Para 1 contrasts Delhi’s 8% green cover with Tokyo’s 20%, linking it to health.
3. What is a key economic barrier to green space maintenance?
   • (A) High land prices
   • (B) $50,000 yearly cost per hectare
   • (C) Lack of native species
   • (D) Urban sprawl
   • Answer: (B) Explanation: Para 2 cites the specific cost as a deterrent.
4. How much CO2 do green spaces globally absorb yearly?
   • (A) 14 million tons
   • (B) 2.5 billion tons
   • (C) 55% of emissions
   • (D) 20% of urban CO2
   • Answer: (B) Explanation: Para 1 states “2.5 billion tons” per IUCN.
5. What does “rewilding” refer to in the passage?
   • (A) Building more parks
   • (B) Letting nature reclaim urban areas
   • (C) Installing green rooftops
   • (D) Reducing maintenance costs
   • Answer: (B) Explanation: Para 3 defines it as nature reclaiming fringes.
6. The “paradox” in the title highlights:
   • (A) Green spaces’ cost vs. benefit
   • (B) Their promise vs. unequal access
   • (C) Urban sprawl vs. biodiversity
   • (D) Policy success vs. failure
   • Answer: (B) Explanation: Para 3 ties the paradox to respite vs. inequity.