Comprehension
Read the following passage carefully :
(1) Looking at his pile of unpaid bills always makes Ramesh feel uneasy. More often than not, Ramesh leaves his paperwork undone and sweeps the floor or watches TV instead, waiting until the last moment to write the monthly cheques. Sometimes he incurs late fees because of his habit of putting things off, but in many ways the emotional toll is worse. ‘‘The longer the bills go unpaid,’’ says Ramesh, 58, ‘‘the more my anxiety soars.’’
(2) Everyone procrastinates. ‘‘It’s part of the human condition,’’ says Suresh Kumar, a psychology professor at Universal University. ‘‘One of the ways we cope is avoidance, and that’s what procrastination comes down to. We want to feel good at that moment. The way to do that is avoid the task.’’
(3) You can procrastinate on nearly anything, even enjoyable tasks such as planning a vacation. ‘‘Some people procrastinate cleaning. Some people procrastinate by cleaning,’’ says Dr. B.V. Rao, a management professor. Research has shown that the top tasks people delay are cleaning, advancing their careers, taking care of their health, and planning their finances.
(4) One big factor for them is fear of failure, of not living up to expectations. Arti Singh, a 57-year-old functional health coach, procrastinated about looking for a new job for years. That inability to take action only confirmed her belief that she would never do any better. Some people embrace procrastination, believing that they thrive under pressure. But researchers have debunked that notion. ‘‘I did an experiment several years ago, putting procrastinators under restriction of time,’’ says John Brown, a psychology professor. ‘‘They did worse than non-procrastinators, but they thought they did better. They made more errors. They took longer.’’
(5) ‘‘Procrastinators experience higher levels of stress, both from leaving things to the last minute and from their own negative and self-critical feelings about their procrastination,’’ says Farah Ahmed, a psychology lecturer. ‘‘Some of the research has shown that this stress increases their vulnerability for catching colds and experiencing digestion issues, insomnia, migraines, and muscle tension.’’
(6) Bedtime procrastination can lead to sleep deprivation, which in turn can bring about obesity, heart disease and many other health issues. There’s one bit of good news: People tend to procrastinate less as they age.
(7) For those of us in need of motivation, the best advice might be to think small. Next, try sending yourself signals to prompt action. For instance, you might put your lights on a timed dimmer switch to encourage a consistent bedtime. Finally, reward yourself for each step you take towards your goal. After you’ve gone to the gym, take a relaxing bath. After you’ve paid the bills, watch your favourite TV show.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :
(1) Looking at his pile of unpaid bills always makes Ramesh feel uneasy. More often than not, Ramesh leaves his paperwork undone and sweeps the floor or watches TV instead, waiting until the last moment to write the monthly cheques. Sometimes he incurs late fees because of his habit of putting things off, but in many ways the emotional toll is worse. ‘‘The longer the bills go unpaid,’’ says Ramesh, 58, ‘‘the more my anxiety soars.’’
(2) Everyone procrastinates. ‘‘It’s part of the human condition,’’ says Suresh Kumar, a psychology professor at Universal University. ‘‘One of the ways we cope is avoidance, and that’s what procrastination comes down to. We want to feel good at that moment. The way to do that is avoid the task.’’
(3) You can procrastinate on nearly anything, even enjoyable tasks such as planning a vacation. ‘‘Some people procrastinate cleaning. Some people procrastinate by cleaning,’’ says Dr. B.V. Rao, a management professor. Research has shown that the top tasks people delay are cleaning, advancing their careers, taking care of their health, and planning their finances.
(4) One big factor for them is fear of failure, of not living up to expectations. Arti Singh, a 57-year-old functional health coach, procrastinated about looking for a new job for years. That inability to take action only confirmed her belief that she would never do any better. Some people embrace procrastination, believing that they thrive under pressure. But researchers have debunked that notion. ‘‘I did an experiment several years ago, putting procrastinators under restriction of time,’’ says John Brown, a psychology professor. ‘‘They did worse than non-procrastinators, but they thought they did better. They made more errors. They took longer.’’
(5) ‘‘Procrastinators experience higher levels of stress, both from leaving things to the last minute and from their own negative and self-critical feelings about their procrastination,’’ says Farah Ahmed, a psychology lecturer. ‘‘Some of the research has shown that this stress increases their vulnerability for catching colds and experiencing digestion issues, insomnia, migraines, and muscle tension.’’
(6) Bedtime procrastination can lead to sleep deprivation, which in turn can bring about obesity, heart disease and many other health issues. There’s one bit of good news: People tend to procrastinate less as they age.
(7) For those of us in need of motivation, the best advice might be to think small. Next, try sending yourself signals to prompt action. For instance, you might put your lights on a timed dimmer switch to encourage a consistent bedtime. Finally, reward yourself for each step you take towards your goal. After you’ve gone to the gym, take a relaxing bath. After you’ve paid the bills, watch your favourite TV show.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :
Question: 1
How, according to paragraph 1, is Ramesh penalised for his habit of procrastinating ?
How, according to paragraph 1, is Ramesh penalised for his habit of procrastinating ?
Show Hint
Always look for double impacts in reading comprehension questions: one physical/financial and one mental/emotional.
Keywords like "late fees" and "anxiety" are central to this answer.
Updated On: Sep 9, 2026
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
• Procrastination leads to tangible external consequences and internal psychological distress.
• Consequences can be categorized into financial penalties and emotional health decline.
Step 1: Identify the financial penalty resulting from delayed actions
Ramesh waits until the last possible moment to handle his monthly bills and paperwork.
Because of this habit, he is penalised by incurring late fees on his payments.
Step 2: Identify the emotional penalty mentioned in the text
The text highlights that the emotional toll is often more severe than the financial one.
Ramesh experiences a significant increase in his anxiety levels the longer his bills remain unpaid.
• Procrastination leads to tangible external consequences and internal psychological distress.
• Consequences can be categorized into financial penalties and emotional health decline.
Step 1: Identify the financial penalty resulting from delayed actions
Ramesh waits until the last possible moment to handle his monthly bills and paperwork.
Because of this habit, he is penalised by incurring late fees on his payments.
Step 2: Identify the emotional penalty mentioned in the text
The text highlights that the emotional toll is often more severe than the financial one.
Ramesh experiences a significant increase in his anxiety levels the longer his bills remain unpaid.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 2
Explain with two suitable reasons, man’s tendency to procrastinate.
Explain with two suitable reasons, man’s tendency to procrastinate.
Show Hint
When asked for two reasons, use separate paragraphs or bullet points to ensure clarity for the examiner.
Reference specific experts mentioned in the text, like Suresh Kumar or Arti Singh, to support your explanation.
Updated On: Sep 9, 2026
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
• Procrastination is a complex psychological behavior rather than mere laziness.
• It serves as a defensive mechanism to protect one's immediate emotional state.
Step 1: Explain the reason of avoidance for immediate gratification
One primary reason is the human desire to "feel good" in the present moment.
By avoiding a difficult or unpleasant task, a person experiences temporary relief from stress.
Step 2: Explain the reason related to psychological fear
A second major reason is the deep-seated fear of failure.
People procrastinate because they worry they will not live up to expectations or that their work will reveal their perceived inadequacies.
• Procrastination is a complex psychological behavior rather than mere laziness.
• It serves as a defensive mechanism to protect one's immediate emotional state.
Step 1: Explain the reason of avoidance for immediate gratification
One primary reason is the human desire to "feel good" in the present moment.
By avoiding a difficult or unpleasant task, a person experiences temporary relief from stress.
Step 2: Explain the reason related to psychological fear
A second major reason is the deep-seated fear of failure.
People procrastinate because they worry they will not live up to expectations or that their work will reveal their perceived inadequacies.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 3
In paragraph 3, what does ‘‘Some people procrastinate cleaning. Some people procrastinate by cleaning.’’ convey ?
In paragraph 3, what does ‘‘Some people procrastinate cleaning. Some people procrastinate by cleaning.’’ convey ?
Show Hint
The key takeaway here is that any task, even a productive one, can be a form of procrastination if it is used to avoid a higher-priority responsibility.
This highlights the subjective nature of "avoidance behavior."
Updated On: Sep 9, 2026
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
• Procrastination is relative to the individual and the specific task at hand.
• Tasks can be both the object of procrastination and the tool used to procrastinate.
Step 1: Analyze the first part of the expression regarding cleaning as a burden
The phrase "Some people procrastinate cleaning" implies that for many, cleaning is an undesirable task that they avoid in favor of other activities.
Step 2: Analyze the second part regarding cleaning as a distraction
The phrase "Some people procrastinate by cleaning" suggests that some individuals use cleaning as a productive-looking distraction.
They perform cleaning to avoid doing an even more daunting or important task, such as office work or financial planning.
• Procrastination is relative to the individual and the specific task at hand.
• Tasks can be both the object of procrastination and the tool used to procrastinate.
Step 1: Analyze the first part of the expression regarding cleaning as a burden
The phrase "Some people procrastinate cleaning" implies that for many, cleaning is an undesirable task that they avoid in favor of other activities.
Step 2: Analyze the second part regarding cleaning as a distraction
The phrase "Some people procrastinate by cleaning" suggests that some individuals use cleaning as a productive-looking distraction.
They perform cleaning to avoid doing an even more daunting or important task, such as office work or financial planning.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 4
How does John Brown, the professor of psychology, prove the claim of procrastinators wrong ? (Paragraph 4)
How does John Brown, the professor of psychology, prove the claim of procrastinators wrong ? (Paragraph 4)
Show Hint
Look for the discrepancy between "thought they did better" and "made more errors" in the text.
The contrast between perception and reality is the core of the proof.
Updated On: Sep 9, 2026
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
• Procrastinators often believe they perform better under the pressure of a deadline.
• Scientific experimentation can debunk subjective beliefs about performance efficiency.
Step 1: Describe the method used by John Brown
Professor John Brown conducted a controlled experiment several years ago.
He placed procrastinators under strict time restrictions to test their actual performance against their perceived performance.
Step 2: Detail the findings that disproved the procrastinators' claims
The experiment showed that procrastinators actually performed worse than non-procrastinators.
They made more errors and took longer to complete tasks, even though they subjectively believed they had done better.
• Procrastinators often believe they perform better under the pressure of a deadline.
• Scientific experimentation can debunk subjective beliefs about performance efficiency.
Step 1: Describe the method used by John Brown
Professor John Brown conducted a controlled experiment several years ago.
He placed procrastinators under strict time restrictions to test their actual performance against their perceived performance.
Step 2: Detail the findings that disproved the procrastinators' claims
The experiment showed that procrastinators actually performed worse than non-procrastinators.
They made more errors and took longer to complete tasks, even though they subjectively believed they had done better.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 5
Complete the analogy with one word from paragraph 4 :
incompetency : inability : : discredit : ________
Complete the analogy with one word from paragraph 4 :
incompetency : inability : : discredit : ________
incompetency : inability : : discredit : ________
Show Hint
In analogy questions, first establish if the relationship is based on synonyms, antonyms, or part-to-whole.
Once identified as synonyms, check the parts of speech (e.g., verb to verb) to ensure a perfect match.
Updated On: Sep 9, 2026
- \(failure\)
- \(debunk\)
- \(embrace\)
- \(confirm\)
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
• An analogy requires identifying the relationship between the first pair and applying it to the second.
• "Incompetency" and "inability" are synonyms representing a lack of skill or power.
Step 1: Determine the relationship of the first word pair
The words "incompetency" and "inability" are synonyms.
They both describe a state of being unable to perform a task.
Step 2: Identify a synonym for "discredit" within paragraph 4
"Discredit" means to show that a belief or theory is false.
In paragraph 4, the text says researchers have "debunked" the notion that procrastinators thrive under pressure.
The word "debunk" is a direct synonym for "discredit" in this context.
• An analogy requires identifying the relationship between the first pair and applying it to the second.
• "Incompetency" and "inability" are synonyms representing a lack of skill or power.
Step 1: Determine the relationship of the first word pair
The words "incompetency" and "inability" are synonyms.
They both describe a state of being unable to perform a task.
Step 2: Identify a synonym for "discredit" within paragraph 4
"Discredit" means to show that a belief or theory is false.
In paragraph 4, the text says researchers have "debunked" the notion that procrastinators thrive under pressure.
The word "debunk" is a direct synonym for "discredit" in this context.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 6
What lesson do you learn from Arti Singh’s experience ? (Paragraph 4)
What lesson do you learn from Arti Singh’s experience ? (Paragraph 4)
Show Hint
Focus on the phrase "confirmed her belief that she would never do any better."
This highlights that procrastination isn't just about time management; it's an emotional trap that lowers self-esteem.
Updated On: Sep 9, 2026
- Procrastination offers job security.
- People work better under pressure.
- Procrastination saves one from failure.
- Procrastination leads one to underestimate his or her own ability.
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
• Procrastination creates a cycle of negative self-perception.
• Avoiding tasks can confirm false beliefs about one's lack of competence.
Step 1: Analyze Arti Singh's specific situation as described in the text
Arti Singh was a functional health coach who procrastinated about looking for a new job for several years.
This delay was not due to a lack of need but due to her internal psychological state and fear of the process.
Step 2: Evaluate the psychological outcome of her inaction
The text states that her inability to take action only served to "confirm her belief that she would never do any better."
By not trying, she never allowed herself to succeed, which reinforced the idea that she wasn't capable of achieving more.
This directly illustrates how procrastination causes individuals to underestimate their true potential and abilities.
• Procrastination creates a cycle of negative self-perception.
• Avoiding tasks can confirm false beliefs about one's lack of competence.
Step 1: Analyze Arti Singh's specific situation as described in the text
Arti Singh was a functional health coach who procrastinated about looking for a new job for several years.
This delay was not due to a lack of need but due to her internal psychological state and fear of the process.
Step 2: Evaluate the psychological outcome of her inaction
The text states that her inability to take action only served to "confirm her belief that she would never do any better."
By not trying, she never allowed herself to succeed, which reinforced the idea that she wasn't capable of achieving more.
This directly illustrates how procrastination causes individuals to underestimate their true potential and abilities.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 7
Give textual evidence to bring out the adverse impact of bedtime procrastination. (Paragraph 6)
Give textual evidence to bring out the adverse impact of bedtime procrastination. (Paragraph 6)
Show Hint
Use the term "textual evidence" by quoting the specific health conditions mentioned.
Look for cause-and-effect chains: Procrastination $\rightarrow$ Sleep Deprivation $\rightarrow$ Disease.
Updated On: Sep 9, 2026
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
• Bedtime procrastination is the act of delaying sleep for non-essential reasons.
• This behavior has direct and cascading negative effects on physical health.
Step 1: Identify the immediate biological impact mentioned in paragraph 6
The text explicitly states that "Bedtime procrastination can lead to sleep deprivation."
Sleep deprivation is the primary physiological consequence of staying up late unnecessarily.
Step 2: List the long-term chronic health issues identified as a result
The passage further explains that sleep deprivation "in turn can bring about obesity, heart disease and many other health issues."
This evidence shows that what seems like a minor habit can lead to life-threatening medical conditions.
• Bedtime procrastination is the act of delaying sleep for non-essential reasons.
• This behavior has direct and cascading negative effects on physical health.
Step 1: Identify the immediate biological impact mentioned in paragraph 6
The text explicitly states that "Bedtime procrastination can lead to sleep deprivation."
Sleep deprivation is the primary physiological consequence of staying up late unnecessarily.
Step 2: List the long-term chronic health issues identified as a result
The passage further explains that sleep deprivation "in turn can bring about obesity, heart disease and many other health issues."
This evidence shows that what seems like a minor habit can lead to life-threatening medical conditions.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 8
‘There’s one bit of good news.’ (Paragraph 6)
‘good news’ here, refers to :
‘There’s one bit of good news.’ (Paragraph 6)
‘good news’ here, refers to :
‘good news’ here, refers to :
Show Hint
The use of a colon (:) after a statement almost always indicates that the following text defines or explains the preceding idea.
Match the phrase following the colon exactly with the provided options.
Updated On: Sep 9, 2026
- procrastination safeguards one’s comfort.
- nothing to feel bad about procrastination as everyone does it.
- tendency to procrastinate reduces with age.
- procrastinators experience less stress.
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
• Identifying the referent of a specific quote by analyzing the context that immediately follows it.
Step 1: Locate the specific sentence in paragraph 6
The phrase "There’s one bit of good news" is used as an introductory clause.
In the text, it is followed by a colon which provides the explanation of what the news is.
Step 2: Extract the specific information provided after the colon
The text says: "People tend to procrastinate less as they age."
This matches Option (C) perfectly, indicating that age brings about better task management or different psychological priorities.
• Identifying the referent of a specific quote by analyzing the context that immediately follows it.
Step 1: Locate the specific sentence in paragraph 6
The phrase "There’s one bit of good news" is used as an introductory clause.
In the text, it is followed by a colon which provides the explanation of what the news is.
Step 2: Extract the specific information provided after the colon
The text says: "People tend to procrastinate less as they age."
This matches Option (C) perfectly, indicating that age brings about better task management or different psychological priorities.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 9
What inference do you get from the expression ‘to think small’ in paragraph 7 ?
What inference do you get from the expression ‘to think small’ in paragraph 7 ?
Show Hint
Eliminate Option (A) as "narrow thinking" is usually a negative trait, whereas the passage provides this as "the best advice."
Eliminate Option (C) because the goal is to complete the tasks, not avoid them.
Updated On: Sep 9, 2026
- narrow thinking
- breaking down larger tasks
- to avoid bigger tasks
- taking small breaks
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
• "Thinking small" is a common strategy in behavioral psychology used to overcome "task paralysis."
• It involves making an overwhelming objective feel manageable.
Step 1: Contextualize the phrase within the theme of motivation
Paragraph 7 discusses how to find motivation when facing a daunting pile of work.
In this context, thinking small doesn't mean being unambitious; it means focusing on the immediate, tiny steps.
Step 2: Infer the logical application of the strategy
By focusing on tiny steps, you are effectively "breaking down larger tasks" into smaller, less intimidating pieces.
This reduces the psychological barrier to starting, which is where most procrastinators struggle.
• "Thinking small" is a common strategy in behavioral psychology used to overcome "task paralysis."
• It involves making an overwhelming objective feel manageable.
Step 1: Contextualize the phrase within the theme of motivation
Paragraph 7 discusses how to find motivation when facing a daunting pile of work.
In this context, thinking small doesn't mean being unambitious; it means focusing on the immediate, tiny steps.
Step 2: Infer the logical application of the strategy
By focusing on tiny steps, you are effectively "breaking down larger tasks" into smaller, less intimidating pieces.
This reduces the psychological barrier to starting, which is where most procrastinators struggle.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 10
How can rewarding oneself help procrastinators ? (Paragraph 7)
How can rewarding oneself help procrastinators ? (Paragraph 7)
Show Hint
Notice the examples given: the gym/bath and bills/TV. These represent a "duty" followed by a "reward."
Summarize this as "incentivizing progress through positive reinforcement."
Updated On: Sep 9, 2026
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
• Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool to change behavioral habits.
• Rewards create a positive association with task completion.
Step 1: Describe the mechanism of the reward strategy
The text suggests rewarding oneself for "each step you take towards your goal."
This means providing an immediate incentive after completing a part of a larger, potentially unpleasant task.
Step 2: Explain the benefit of this positive reinforcement
By watching a favorite TV show after paying bills or taking a bath after the gym, the procrastinator associates task completion with pleasure.
This helps build momentum and makes the transition from avoidance to action easier for the next task.
• Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool to change behavioral habits.
• Rewards create a positive association with task completion.
Step 1: Describe the mechanism of the reward strategy
The text suggests rewarding oneself for "each step you take towards your goal."
This means providing an immediate incentive after completing a part of a larger, potentially unpleasant task.
Step 2: Explain the benefit of this positive reinforcement
By watching a favorite TV show after paying bills or taking a bath after the gym, the procrastinator associates task completion with pleasure.
This helps build momentum and makes the transition from avoidance to action easier for the next task.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top CBSE CLASS XII Questions
- 2, b, c are in A.P. and the range of determinant $\begin{vmatrix}1&1&1\\ 2&b&c\\ 4&b^{2}&c^{2}\end{vmatrix}$ is [2, 16]. Then find range of c is
- A boy of mass 50 kg is standing at one end of a, boat of length 9 m and mass 400 kg. He runs to the other, end. The distance through which the centre of mass of the boat boy system moves is
- A capillary tube of radius r is dipped inside a large vessel of water. The mass of water raised above water level is M. If the radius of capillary is doubled, the mass of water inside capillary will be
- A circular disc is rotating about its own axis. An external opposing torque 0.02 Nm is applied on the disc by which it comes rest in 5 seconds. The initial angular momentum of disc is
- A circular disc is rotating about its own axis at uniform angular velocity \(\omega.\) The disc is subjected to uniform angular retardation by which its angular velocity is decreased to \(\frac {\omega}{2}\) during 120 rotations. The number of rotations further made by it before coming to rest is
View More Questions