SET 5
SET 5
The concept of herd immunity is often misunderstood and misrepresented. It refers to the indirect
protection from infectious disease that occurs when a large portion of a population becomes
immune, either through vaccination or prior infection. This immunity threshold varies for different
diseases, depending on their basic reproduction number, or R0. For instance, measles, with an R0 of
around 12–18, requires approximately 95% of the population to be immune to prevent outbreaks.
However, the emergence of vaccine hesitancy and misinformation campaigns has hindered global
immunization efforts. Experts warn that falling vaccination rates not only threaten herd immunity but
also expose vulnerable groups, such as infants and immunocompromised individuals, to preventable
diseases.
Q.1) According to the passage, what is the primary factor influencing the threshold for herd
immunity?
a) Population density
b) Basic reproduction number (R0)
c) Accessibility to healthcare
d) Frequency of outbreaks
Ans: b
Exp: The passage specifies that the herd immunity threshold depends on the R0, which varies for
different diseases.
Q.2) What does the passage imply about the consequences of declining vaccination rates?
a) A natural increase in herd immunity levels.
b) An increased risk of disease outbreaks among vulnerable populations.
c) A rise in the R0 of infectious diseases.
d) Complete eradication of certain diseases.
Ans: b
Exp: The passage explains that reduced vaccination rates jeopardize herd immunity, increasing risks
for vulnerable groups.
Q.3) Which of the following diseases is mentioned as requiring the highest immunity threshold to
achieve herd immunity?
a) Influenza
b) Measles
c) Polio
d) Tuberculosis
Ans: b
Exp: Measles is explicitly mentioned in the passage as requiring approximately 95% immunity due to
its high R0.
Directions for Q.4: Choose the correct phrasal verb to complete the sentence.
Q.4) The athlete managed to __________ the pressure and perform exceptionally well during the
championship.
a) put up with
b) rise above
c) fall back on
d) come up with
Ans: b
Exp: "Rise above" means to overcome a challenging situation, making it the correct choice.
Directions for Q.5: Select the meaning of the underlined idiom/phrase from the options given below.
Q.5) The proposal was rejected because it seemed to be a shot in the dark.
a) A well-calculated decision
b) A hasty decision made under pressure
c) A complete guess without much evidence
d) A decision influenced by others
Ans: c
Exp: "Shot in the dark" refers to an attempt or guess made without sufficient information.
Directions for Q.6–Q.7: Identify the part of the sentence with an error.
Q.6) Neither the students(b) / nor the teacher(b) / were aware (c)/ of the revised schedule.(d)
Ans: c
Exp: "Were aware" should be "was aware" as the verb agrees with the singular subject "the teacher."
Q.7) If I was you, / I would have / taken the opportunity / without hesitation.
a) If I was you
b) I would have
c) taken the opportunity
d) without hesitation
Ans: a
Exp: "Was" should be "were" in the subjunctive mood.
Directions for Q.8: Select the correct meaning of the word given below.
Q.8) Precarious
a) Stable
b) Dangerous
c) Ordinary
d) Predictable
Ans: b
Exp: "Precarious" means unsafe or unstable.
Directions for Q.9: Select the correct antonym of the word given below.
Q.9) Obstinate
a) Stubborn
b) Flexible
c) Rigid
d) Aggressive
Ans: b
Exp: "Obstinate" means stubborn, so its opposite is "flexible."
Directions for Q.10: Select the correct word that fits the context of the sentence.
Q.10) The scientist’s groundbreaking research has __________ the boundaries of modern medicine.
a) restrained
b) surpassed
c) hindered
d) confined
Ans: b
Exp: "Surpassed" fits best, indicating progress beyond limits.
Directions for Q.11: Choose the correct option to improve the blank part of the sentence.
Q.11) The director insisted that the report __________ by the end of the day.
a) must be completed
b) completing
c) be completed
d) completed
Ans: c
Exp: The subjunctive mood requires "be completed" after "insisted."
Directions for Q.12: Identify the underlined word's part of speech in the given sentence.
Directions for Q.13: Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
Q.13) The policy aims to cater __________ the needs of marginalized communities.
a) for
b) to
c) at
d) by
Ans: b
Exp: "Cater to" is the correct phrase meaning to address someone's needs.
Directions for Q.14: Arrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
Q.14)
1. Innovation drives economic growth and societal progress.
2. It not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future needs.
3. This fosters a culture of adaptability and creativity.
4. By embracing innovation, organizations can remain competitive.
a) 1432
b) 1243
c) 2413
d) 2134
Ans: b
Exp: 1243 logically progresses from the concept of innovation to its broader impacts.
Directions for Q.15–Q.16: Identify the figure of speech in the given sentence.