English — Set 5

Context: There is modicum of truth in the assertion that "a working knowledge of ancient history is necessary to the intelligent interpretaion of current events". But the sage who uttered these words of wisdom might well have added something on the benefits of studying, particularly, the famous battles of history for the lessons they contain for those of us who lead or aspire to leadership. Such a study will reveal certain qualities and attributes which enabled the winners to win and certain deficiencies which caused the losers to lose. And the student will see that the same patterns recurs consistently, again and again, throughout the centuries.

Context: Study the following passage and answer the questions based on it. (15- 19 ) Soft bodied animals like caterpillars often fall a prey to voracious hunters like birds or reptiles. Despite having no means to 'actively' defend themselves, with weapons like claws or jaws, they have nevertheless, evolved other equally effective deterrents. A particular species of the caterpillar lives at an altitude over 2,500 metres in the Himalayas. It uses prominent colour to inform would be predators of its in edibility. In the event that an inexperienced or adventurous bird did eat the caterpillar, it would probably vomit it soon after, and subsequently desist from attacking similar species in future. Though this would do the unfortunate victim no good, the species benefits. A rare example of the martyr among animals.

Context: In the following questions four alternatives are given for the phrase italicised and underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of phrase.