Reading Comprehension- Supernatural Phenomena Passage

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| By Tanmay Shankar
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Tanmay Shankar
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  • 1/6 Questions

    Directions (Q. 1 – 6): The passage given below is followed by a set of six questions. Choose the most appropriate answer to each question. Those who scorn the idea that spooks and spectres prowl and shimmer through the world do so because no one has so far caught a ghost in a bottle, because they are sceptical by habit, or because they resist the notion that death may not be final. For many the word "ghost" conjures up an anonymous white-robed figure, a spirit who has come back from the grave to haunt the living. But in the annals of ghostdom, spectral beings come in a variety of forms and shapes, and some never put in an appearance at all, although they make their presence felt. Ghosts also differ in behaviour - they may be aimless, purposeful, playful, angelic, and even demonic. There are three lines of explanation for ghostly phenomena: the spiritual, mechanical, and psychological. The most firmly established is the spiritual thesis, which holds that ghosts are intelligent beings. The first version of this idea is that ghosts are the spirits of dead humans. They continue to resemble their earthly forms in appearance and dress and are found re-enacting things they did in the past, bound to their haunting grounds by guilt, remorse, desire, or habit. They may be malevolent, kindly, or indifferent toward human beings. People who take this view of ghosts regard them as marking time in a spiritual halfway house between this world and heaven, purgatory, or hell. According to another version of the Spiritual view, a ghost's resemblance to a formerly living person or animal is actually a masquerade adopted for its own purpose, the real appearance of ghosts being quite different. Some ghosts, for instance appear as vaporous columns or clouds of light. In the third view of ghosts as a spiritual phenomenon, these apparitions are not kings in either of the senses described above. Instead, they are illusions created by powerful classes of angelic or demonic beings for the purpose of helping or harming those who see them. Miracles are an example of intervention by angelic or enlightened powers, while most poltergeist episodes are held to be demonic. The mechanical interpretation is that ghosts are images without substance, somehow recorded in an ethnic medium and visible under certain conditions to those of a certain case of mind. This idea accords well with some frequently observed phenomena- the way some ghosts have of disappearing into thin air. It does not explain those cases where the ghost interacts intelligently with those who see it.  In the psychological view of the phenomenon, ghosts reveal a spectrum of powerful but not yet understood capacities of the human mind. In these terms, some ghosts are the product of telepathic powers, as when a relative or friend appears to another at-the time of death: others- poltergeist phenomena- suggest unwitting and uncontrolled psychokinetic abilities. And some - the appearance of phantom doubles - suggest that out of-body experiences may sometimes be manifest to others. In fact, most believers in ghosts are probably willing to accept all of these theses as helping to explain a complex and varied phenomenon. Sceptics, on the other hand, resorting to the dry but sturdy arguments of what they consider to be common sense, are apt to maintain that stories of ghosts are lies, hallucinations, or earnest reports of misperceptions. But the most convincing evidence of the existence of spectres still seems to be their appearance on the scene. Question: The author is most likely to agree with the statement that:

    • For many the word ghost is associated with a nameless human being attired in white robes
    • For others it is a spirit who has risen from the grave to haunt the world
    • As per the history of the world of ghosts, they may have no appearance though their presence can be felt
    • Ghosts real life existence. is unquestionable because statistical proofs are available
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About This Quiz

This quiz, titled 'Reading Comprehension- Supernatural Phenomena Passage,' evaluates understanding of various theories about ghosts. It explores spiritual, mechanical, and psychological perspectives, testing comprehension and critical thinking skills relevant to supernatural phenomena in literature.

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  • 2. 

    Passage: Those who scorn the idea that spooks and spectres prowl and shimmer through the world do so because no one has so far caught a ghost in a bottle, because they are sceptical by habit, or because they resist the notion that death may not be final. For many the word "ghost" conjures up an anonymous white-robed figure, a spirit who has come back from the grave to haunt the living. But in the annals of ghostdom, spectral beings come in a variety of forms and shapes, and some never put in an appearance at all, although they make their presence felt. Ghosts also differ in behaviour - they may be aimless, purposeful, playful, angelic, and even demonic. There are three lines of explanation for ghostly phenomena: the spiritual, mechanical, and psychological. The most firmly established is the spiritual thesis, which holds that ghosts are intelligent beings. The first version of this idea is that ghosts are the spirits of dead humans. They continue to resemble their earthly forms in appearance and dress and are found re-enacting things they did in the past, bound to their haunting grounds by guilt, remorse, desire, or habit. They may be malevolent, kindly, or indifferent toward human beings. People who take this view of ghosts regard them as marking time in a spiritual halfway house between this world and heaven, purgatory, or hell. According to another version of the Spiritual view, a ghost's resemblance to a formerly living person or animal is actually a masquerade adopted for its own purpose, the real appearance of ghosts being quite different. Some ghosts, for instance appear as vaporous columns or clouds of light. In the third view of ghosts as a spiritual phenomenon, these apparitions are not kings in either of the senses described above. Instead, they are illusions created by powerful classes of angelic or demonic beings for the purpose of helping or harming those who see them. Miracles are an example of intervention by angelic or enlightened powers, while most poltergeist episodes are held to be demonic. The mechanical interpretation is that ghosts are images without substance, somehow recorded in an ethnic medium and visible under certain conditions to those of a certain case of mind. This idea accords well with some frequently observed phenomena- the way some ghosts have of disappearing into thin air. It does not explain those cases where the ghost interacts intelligently with those who see it.  In the psychological view of the phenomenon, ghosts reveal a spectrum of powerful but not yet understood capacities of the human mind. In these terms, some ghosts are the product of telepathic powers, as when a relative or friend appears to another at-the time of death: others- poltergeist phenomena- suggest unwitting and uncontrolled psychokinetic abilities. And some - the appearance of phantom doubles - suggest that out of-body experiences may sometimes be manifest to others. In fact, most believers in ghosts are probably willing to accept all of these theses as helping to explain a complex and varied phenomenon. Sceptics, on the other hand, resorting to the dry but sturdy arguments of what they consider to be common sense, are apt to maintain that stories of ghosts are lies, hallucinations, or earnest reports of misperceptions. But the most convincing evidence of the existence of spectres still seems to be their appearance on the scene. Question: Which is not false as per the passage?

    • The psychological thesis is: ghosts show a range beyond normal understanding

    • Some ghosts are the creation of telepathy, as near and dear ones appear to someone when in distress

    • Double ghosts appear and suggest that corporal experiences may occasionally be displayed in others

    • Both (1) and (2)

    Correct Answer
    A. Both (1) and (2)
    Explanation
    The passage mentions that in the psychological view of ghosts, they reveal a spectrum of powerful but not yet understood capacities of the human mind. This suggests that ghosts show a range beyond normal understanding, supporting statement (1). Additionally, the passage states that some ghosts, known as phantom doubles, suggest that out-of-body experiences may sometimes be manifest to others, supporting statement (2). Therefore, both statements (1) and (2) are not false according to the passage.

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  • 3. 

    The term “annals of ghostdom” in the passage specifically refers to:

    • Anonymous white-robed figures coming in varied figures and forms

    • Haunting grounds for the ghosts

    • The earthly forms of the ghost in the appearance and dress, as recorded

    • The historical records of the world of ghosts

    Correct Answer
    A. The historical records of the world of ghosts
    Explanation
    The term "annals of ghostdom" in the passage refers to the historical records of the world of ghosts. This means that it is referring to the documented accounts and history of the ghost world. It does not refer to the anonymous white-robed figures, haunting grounds, or the earthly forms of ghosts.

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  • 4. 

    Passage: Those who scorn the idea that spooks and spectres prowl and shimmer through the world do so because no one has so far caught a ghost in a bottle, because they are sceptical by habit, or because they resist the notion that death may not be final. For many the word "ghost" conjures up an anonymous white-robed figure, a spirit who has come back from the grave to haunt the living. But in the annals of ghostdom, spectral beings come in a variety of forms and shapes, and some never put in an appearance at all, although they make their presence felt. Ghosts also differ in behaviour - they may be aimless, purposeful, playful, angelic, and even demonic. There are three lines of explanation for ghostly phenomena: the spiritual, mechanical, and psychological. The most firmly established is the spiritual thesis, which holds that ghosts are intelligent beings. The first version of this idea is that ghosts are the spirits of dead humans. They continue to resemble their earthly forms in appearance and dress and are found re-enacting things they did in the past, bound to their haunting grounds by guilt, remorse, desire, or habit. They may be malevolent, kindly, or indifferent toward human beings. People who take this view of ghosts regard them as marking time in a spiritual halfway house between this world and heaven, purgatory, or hell. According to another version of the Spiritual view, a ghost's resemblance to a formerly living person or animal is actually a masquerade adopted for its own purpose, the real appearance of ghosts being quite different. Some ghosts, for instance appear as vaporous columns or clouds of light. In the third view of ghosts as a spiritual phenomenon, these apparitions are not kings in either of the senses described above. Instead, they are illusions created by powerful classes of angelic or demonic beings for the purpose of helping or harming those who see them. Miracles are an example of intervention by angelic or enlightened powers, while most poltergeist episodes are held to be demonic. The mechanical interpretation is that ghosts are images without substance, somehow recorded in an ethnic medium and visible under certain conditions to those of a certain case of mind. This idea accords well with some frequently observed phenomena- the way some ghosts have of disappearing into thin air. It does not explain those cases where the ghost interacts intelligently with those who see it.  In the psychological view of the phenomenon, ghosts reveal a spectrum of powerful but not yet understood capacities of the human mind. In these terms, some ghosts are the product of telepathic powers, as when a relative or friend appears to another at-the time of death: others- poltergeist phenomena- suggest unwitting and uncontrolled psychokinetic abilities. And some - the appearance of phantom doubles - suggest that out of-body experiences may sometimes be manifest to others. In fact, most believers in ghosts are probably willing to accept all of these theses as helping to explain a complex and varied phenomenon. Sceptics, on the other hand, resorting to the dry but sturdy arguments of what they consider to be common sense, are apt to maintain that stories of ghosts are lies, hallucinations, or earnest reports of misperceptions. But the most convincing evidence of the existence of spectres still seems to be their appearance on the scene. Question: The author is least likely to agree with the statement that:

    • If a ghost, appears like someone already dead, we should be sure that the person’s spirit has returned to haunt us

    • A specific mental make-up is required to understand the implications of a spirit as per the mechanical viewpoint

    • Human mind can have a strong role to play , far as the creation of a ghost is concerned

    • Ghosts have indeed registered their presence and hence it is not all easy to write them off

    Correct Answer
    A. If a ghost, appears like someone already dead, we should be sure that the person’s spirit has returned to haunt us
    Explanation
    The author is least likely to agree with the statement that if a ghost appears like someone already dead, we should be sure that the person's spirit has returned to haunt us. This is because the author presents multiple explanations for ghostly phenomena, including the spiritual, mechanical, and psychological views. The author does not explicitly support the idea that a ghost's appearance as someone already dead confirms the return of their spirit to haunt the living.

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  • 5. 

    Passage: Those who scorn the idea that spooks and spectres prowl and shimmer through the world do so because no one has so far caught a ghost in a bottle, because they are sceptical by habit, or because they resist the notion that death may not be final. For many the word "ghost" conjures up an anonymous white-robed figure, a spirit who has come back from the grave to haunt the living. But in the annals of ghostdom, spectral beings come in a variety of forms and shapes, and some never put in an appearance at all, although they make their presence felt. Ghosts also differ in behaviour - they may be aimless, purposeful, playful, angelic, and even demonic. There are three lines of explanation for ghostly phenomena: the spiritual, mechanical, and psychological. The most firmly established is the spiritual thesis, which holds that ghosts are intelligent beings. The first version of this idea is that ghosts are the spirits of dead humans. They continue to resemble their earthly forms in appearance and dress and are found re-enacting things they did in the past, bound to their haunting grounds by guilt, remorse, desire, or habit. They may be malevolent, kindly, or indifferent toward human beings. People who take this view of ghosts regard them as marking time in a spiritual halfway house between this world and heaven, purgatory, or hell. According to another version of the Spiritual view, a ghost's resemblance to a formerly living person or animal is actually a masquerade adopted for its own purpose, the real appearance of ghosts being quite different. Some ghosts, for instance appear as vaporous columns or clouds of light. In the third view of ghosts as a spiritual phenomenon, these apparitions are not kings in either of the senses described above. Instead, they are illusions created by powerful classes of angelic or demonic beings for the purpose of helping or harming those who see them. Miracles are an example of intervention by angelic or enlightened powers, while most poltergeist episodes are held to be demonic. The mechanical interpretation is that ghosts are images without substance, somehow recorded in an ethnic medium and visible under certain conditions to those of a certain case of mind. This idea accords well with some frequently observed phenomena- the way some ghosts have of disappearing into thin air. It does not explain those cases where the ghost interacts intelligently with those who see it.  In the psychological view of the phenomenon, ghosts reveal a spectrum of powerful but not yet understood capacities of the human mind. In these terms, some ghosts are the product of telepathic powers, as when a relative or friend appears to another at-the time of death: others- poltergeist phenomena- suggest unwitting and uncontrolled psychokinetic abilities. And some - the appearance of phantom doubles - suggest that out of-body experiences may sometimes be manifest to others. In fact, most believers in ghosts are probably willing to accept all of these theses as helping to explain a complex and varied phenomenon. Sceptics, on the other hand, resorting to the dry but sturdy arguments of what they consider to be common sense, are apt to maintain that stories of ghosts are lies, hallucinations, or earnest reports of misperceptions. But the most convincing evidence of the existence of spectres still seems to be their appearance on the scene. Question: Which is not true as per the passage?

    • According to the established spiritual thesis, ghosts are not intelligent beings

    • Ghosts are seen by those who see them in their minds

    • The idea of ghosts being seen by those with certain bent of mind tallies with reportedly observed phenomena i.e. the way ghosts vanish into air

    • The mechanical thesis is silent on the incidents where the ghost acts reciprocally with those who see them

    Correct Answer
    A. Ghosts are seen by those who see them in their minds
    Explanation
    The passage states that ghosts are seen by those who see them in reality, not just in their minds. It mentions that ghosts make their presence felt and interact intelligently with those who see them. Therefore, the statement that ghosts are seen by those who see them in their minds is not true as per the passage.

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  • 6. 

    Passage: Those who scorn the idea that spooks and spectres prowl and shimmer through the world do so because no one has so far caught a ghost in a bottle, because they are sceptical by habit, or because they resist the notion that death may not be final. For many the word "ghost" conjures up an anonymous white-robed figure, a spirit who has come back from the grave to haunt the living. But in the annals of ghostdom, spectral beings come in a variety of forms and shapes, and some never put in an appearance at all, although they make their presence felt. Ghosts also differ in behaviour - they may be aimless, purposeful, playful, angelic, and even demonic. There are three lines of explanation for ghostly phenomena: the spiritual, mechanical, and psychological. The most firmly established is the spiritual thesis, which holds that ghosts are intelligent beings. The first version of this idea is that ghosts are the spirits of dead humans. They continue to resemble their earthly forms in appearance and dress and are found re-enacting things they did in the past, bound to their haunting grounds by guilt, remorse, desire, or habit. They may be malevolent, kindly, or indifferent toward human beings. People who take this view of ghosts regard them as marking time in a spiritual halfway house between this world and heaven, purgatory, or hell. According to another version of the Spiritual view, a ghost's resemblance to a formerly living person or animal is actually a masquerade adopted for its own purpose, the real appearance of ghosts being quite different. Some ghosts, for instance appear as vaporous columns or clouds of light. In the third view of ghosts as a spiritual phenomenon, these apparitions are not kings in either of the senses described above. Instead, they are illusions created by powerful classes of angelic or demonic beings for the purpose of helping or harming those who see them. Miracles are an example of intervention by angelic or enlightened powers, while most poltergeist episodes are held to be demonic. The mechanical interpretation is that ghosts are images without substance, somehow recorded in an ethnic medium and visible under certain conditions to those of a certain case of mind. This idea accords well with some frequently observed phenomena- the way some ghosts have of disappearing into thin air. It does not explain those cases where the ghost interacts intelligently with those who see it.  In the psychological view of the phenomenon, ghosts reveal a spectrum of powerful but not yet understood capacities of the human mind. In these terms, some ghosts are the product of telepathic powers, as when a relative or friend appears to another at-the time of death: others- poltergeist phenomena- suggest unwitting and uncontrolled psychokinetic abilities. And some - the appearance of phantom doubles - suggest that out of-body experiences may sometimes be manifest to others. In fact, most believers in ghosts are probably willing to accept all of these theses as helping to explain a complex and varied phenomenon. Sceptics, on the other hand, resorting to the dry but sturdy arguments of what they consider to be common sense, are apt to maintain that stories of ghosts are lies, hallucinations, or earnest reports of misperceptions. But the most convincing evidence of the existence of spectres still seems to be their appearance on the scene. Question: The word "shimmer" in the passage specifically refers to:

    • The people who scorn the idea that the ghosts exist

    • Ghosts appearing in faint diffused light

    • The historical records of the ghostdom that are diffused due to ignorance

    • The variety of forms and shapes seen in bright light

    Correct Answer
    A. The variety of forms and shapes seen in bright light
    Explanation
    The word "shimmer" in the passage refers to the variety of forms and shapes seen in bright light. This is evident from the sentence "Those who scorn the idea that spooks and spectres prowl and shimmer through the world do so because no one has so far caught a ghost in a bottle." Here, the word "shimmer" is used to describe the way spooks and spectres move and appear in different forms and shapes when they are seen in bright light.

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  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
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  • May 07, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Tanmay Shankar
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