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Paragraph Summary Questions

27. The passage given below is followed by four summaries. Choose the option that best captures the author’s position.

For each of the past three years, temperatures have hit peaks not seen since the birth of meteorology, and probably not for more than 110,000 years. The amount of carbon dioxide in the air is at its highest level in 4 million years. This does not cause storms like Harvey - there have always been storms and hurricanes along the Gulf of Mexico - but it makes them wetter and more powerful. As the seas warm, they evaporate more easily and provide energy to storm fronts. As the air above them warms, it holds more water vapour. For every half a degree Celsius in warming, there is about a 3% increase in atmospheric moisture content. Scientists call this the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. This means the skies fill more quickly and have more to dump. The storm surge was greater because sea levels have risen 20 cm as a result of more than 100 years of human related global warming which has melted glaciers and thermally expanded the volume of seawater.

A. The storm Harvey is one of the regular, annual ones from the Gulf of Mexico; global warming and Harvey are unrelated phenomena.

B. Global warming does not breed storms but makes them more destructive; the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, though it predicts potential increase in atmospheric moisture content, cannot predict the scale of damage storms might wreck.

C. Global warming melts glaciers, resulting in seawater volume expansion; this enables more water vapour to fill the air above faster. Thus, modern storms contain more destructive energy.

D. It is naïve to think that rising sea levels and the force of tropical storms are unrelated; Harvey was destructive as global warming has armed it with more moisture content, but this may not be true of all storms.

Solution with Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Option A is incorrect as the passage is not about storm Harvey. This option just focuses on storm Harvey.

Option B is incorrect as there is no mention of Clausius-Clapeyron in the context of scale of damage; this aspect finds no mention in the passage.

Option C is the correct Correct Answer here. It correctly highlights what the passage is trying to convey: an increase in global temperatures/global warming is making storms more intense/destructive.

Option D is incorrect as there is no mention of Harvey being made more destructive because of global warming.

Word 1: Meteorology

Context:

"For each of the past three years, temperatures have hit peaks not seen since the birth of meteorology, and probably not for more than 110,000 years." - Climate Report Commentary

Explanatory Paragraph:

"Meteorology" is the scientific study of the atmosphere, weather, and climate. It involves the analysis of temperature, air pressure, humidity, wind patterns, and precipitation to understand and predict weather conditions. In the given context, the phrase "since the birth of meteorology" refers to the modern era of scientific weather recording, emphasizing how extreme recent temperature records are in comparison to historical data.

Meaning: The scientific study of the atmosphere and weather patterns (Noun)

Pronunciation: mee-tee-uh-ROL-uh-jee

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate

Etymology: From Greek meteōrologia ("study of atmospheric phenomena"), from meteōron ("thing high up") + -logia ("study")

Prashant Sir's Notes:

This word is key in discussions around climate change, disaster preparedness, and even agriculture. It’s helpful to associate it not just with weather reports but with deeper scientific inquiry into how our atmosphere functions and changes.

Word Family:

Meteorologist (Noun)
Meteorological (Adjective)
Meteorologically (Adverb)

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: weather science, atmospheric science, climatology (related)

Antonyms: astrology (often confused but unrelated), ignorance of weather science

Usage Examples:

Meteorology has become increasingly important in the face of global climate crises.
She majored in meteorology and now works with a national weather forecasting agency.
Modern meteorology uses satellite data to track storms in real time.
Before the birth of meteorology, weather predictions were based on superstition and observation.

Cultural Reference:

"Meteorology is not just about rain or sunshine—it's about the patterns that shape our planet’s future." – National Geographic Climate Series

Think About It:

How might the advancement of meteorology change how we respond to natural disasters and climate change?

Quick Activity:

Look up today’s weather forecast for three different cities. What meteorological factors are mentioned? Summarize them in your own words.

Memory Tip:

“Meteor” + “-ology” = study of things up in the air. Just like meteors come from the sky, meteorology is about what’s happening in the sky—weather!

Real-World Application:

Meteorology is critical in fields like aviation, agriculture, disaster management, environmental science, and broadcasting—it helps us plan and protect lives daily.

Word 2: Evaporate

Context:

"As the seas warm, they evaporate more easily and provide energy to storm fronts." - Climate Science Article

Explanatory Paragraph:

"Evaporate" means to change from a liquid state into a vapor or gas, usually as a result of heat. This natural process is a vital part of the water cycle. In the given context, as the oceans warm due to rising global temperatures, water evaporates more rapidly, releasing moisture into the atmosphere and feeding storm systems with energy—leading to stronger and more frequent weather events.

Meaning: To change from a liquid to a gas, typically due to heat (Verb)

Pronunciation: ih-VAP-uh-rayt

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic to Intermediate

Etymology: From Latin evaporatus, past participle of evaporare, from e- ("out") + vapor ("steam")

Prashant Sir's Notes:

This is a key science term, especially in climate and environmental contexts. Think beyond water—money, patience, or opportunities can also metaphorically "evaporate" when they vanish quickly or silently.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: vaporize, dissipate, dry up, vanish

Antonyms: condense, solidify, accumulate, liquefy

Usage Examples:

When the sun comes out, the rainwater will quickly evaporate.
Increased sea surface temperatures cause ocean water to evaporate at faster rates.
His hopes evaporated when the final results were announced.
Leave the dish uncovered so the liquid can evaporate and thicken the sauce.

Cultural Reference:

"Water vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas, and evaporation is a key driver of weather." – NASA Climate Glossary

Think About It:

What happens when crucial natural resources—like freshwater—begin to evaporate faster than they can be replenished?

Quick Activity:

Take a small bowl of water and leave it out in the sun. Check it after a few hours or a day. What changed? Why?

Memory Tip:

“Vapor” is hidden inside “evaporate”—just remember: to evaporate is to turn into vapor!

Real-World Application:

Evaporation plays a crucial role in climate systems, agriculture (drying of soil), cooking, cooling technologies, and even in water conservation methods.

Word 3: Atmospheric

Context:

"For every half a degree Celsius in warming, there is about a 3% increase in atmospheric moisture content." - Climate Science Analysis

Explanatory Paragraph:

"Atmospheric" relates to the atmosphere—the thin layer of gases surrounding the Earth. It is commonly used in discussions about climate, weather, and environmental science. In the provided context, "atmospheric moisture content" refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air, which increases with rising temperatures, contributing to more intense storms and altered weather patterns.

Meaning: Related to the atmosphere or air surrounding the Earth (Adjective)

Pronunciation: at-muhs-FEER-ik

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic to Intermediate

Etymology: From Greek atmos ("vapor, steam") + sphaira ("sphere")

Prashant Sir's Notes:

This is a vital descriptive word in scientific writing and everyday weather reports. Use it when discussing anything related to air, pressure systems, climate effects, or even mood (as in atmospheric music or films).

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: aerial, gaseous, climatological, environmental

Antonyms: terrestrial, solid, subterranean (depending on context)

Usage Examples:

Changes in atmospheric pressure often precede a storm.
Atmospheric pollution is a major concern in urban areas.
Scientists study atmospheric conditions to predict weather patterns.
The movie had a haunting atmospheric quality that stayed with me.

Cultural Reference:

"The atmospheric layer is Earth's protective skin, holding the air we breathe and moderating the planet's temperature." – Earth Science Textbook

Think About It:

How might rising atmospheric moisture levels affect not only weather events but also human health and infrastructure?

Quick Activity:

Watch or read a weather forecast. Identify and list all the atmospheric terms used, then look up one that you’re unfamiliar with.

Memory Tip:

Link “atmospheric” with “atmosphere”—just remember it describes anything connected to the sky, air, or surrounding mood.

Real-World Application:

Atmospheric data is crucial in weather prediction, aviation safety, climate change modeling, and even the design of buildings and cities for better air circulation.

Word 4: Clausius-Clapeyron

Context:

"Scientists call this the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. This means the skies fill more quickly and have more to dump." – Climate Science Feature

Explanatory Paragraph:

The "Clausius-Clapeyron" equation is a principle in thermodynamics that describes how the saturation vapor pressure of water increases with temperature. In simpler terms, it explains why warmer air holds more moisture. In the context of climate science, this concept helps explain why rising global temperatures lead to more intense rainfall and storms—because a warmer atmosphere can absorb more water vapor, which later condenses and falls as precipitation.

Meaning: A thermodynamic equation that describes the relationship between temperature and the ability of air to hold water vapor (Proper Noun – Scientific Term)

Pronunciation: KLAW-see-uhs KLAH-puh-ron

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced

Etymology: Named after Rudolf Clausius and Benoît Paul Émile Clapeyron, 19th-century physicists who developed the equation independently

Prashant Sir's Notes:

This is a technical term, but a very important one for understanding climate dynamics. If you grasp this concept, you’ll better understand why global warming leads to heavier rains and stronger storms. Don't worry about the equation itself—focus on the idea: warmer air = more moisture = more intense weather.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: vapor-pressure law, thermodynamic moisture equation (contextual)

Antonyms: —

Usage Examples:

The Clausius-Clapeyron equation predicts that for each degree of warming, the atmosphere can hold roughly 7% more moisture.
Climate scientists use the Clausius-Clapeyron relationship to model future rainfall patterns.
This principle explains why tropical storms become more intense with rising sea surface temperatures.
Understanding Clausius-Clapeyron is essential for advanced meteorological modeling.

Cultural Reference:

"The Clausius-Clapeyron relationship is not just theory—it's the math behind why climate change is making weather more extreme." – The Climate Reality Project

Think About It:

If warmer air can hold more moisture, how might this reshape regions already vulnerable to flooding?

Quick Activity:

Draw a simple diagram showing how warmer air holds more water vapor and leads to more rain. Label it with “Clausius-Clapeyron.”

Memory Tip:

Remember: "Clausius-Clapeyron = Clouds Carry More" — a warm atmosphere becomes a fuller sponge ready to squeeze out more rain.

Real-World Application:

This principle helps meteorologists and climate scientists predict how storms and rainfall patterns will change as the planet warms—crucial for disaster planning and infrastructure design.

Word 5: Thermally

Context:

"...which has melted glaciers and thermally expanded the volume of seawater." – Climate Impact Report

Explanatory Paragraph:

"Thermally" is an adverb meaning “in a way that relates to heat or temperature.” It describes processes caused by heating. In the sentence, warmer temperatures cause seawater to expand in volume—thermal expansion—contributing to sea level rise, intensifying storm surge impact on coasts.

Meaning: In a way that relates to heat or temperature (Adverb)

Pronunciation: THUR-muh-lee

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate

Etymology: From Greek thermos (“hot”) + English adverbial suffix -ly

Prashant Sir's Notes:

“Thermally” is often used in physics, climate science, and engineering. When you see it, think about how heat causes change—whether in materials, oceans, or technology. It’s a powerful descriptor in discussions of environmental change.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: by heat, through heating, heat-related, temperature-wise

Antonyms: mechanically, chemically, electrically (depending on context)

Usage Examples:

The metal rod was thermally expanded during the heating process.
Oceans are rising in part because water thermally expands as it warms.
Thermally insulated clothing helps retain body heat in cold environments.
Thermally-induced stress can weaken structural materials over time.

Cultural Reference:

"Thermal expansion is one of the lesser-known but major contributors to sea level rise, driven by the planet’s warming seas." – IPCC

Think About It:

How can something invisible like thermal expansion have such a massive impact on global coastlines?

Quick Activity:

Fill a glass bottle with water and leave it in the sun. Observe the level after a few hours. What does this teach you about thermal expansion?

Memory Tip:

“Thermally” = “Thermo” (heat) + “-ly” (manner)—meaning done through heat.

Real-World Application:

Understanding thermal principles is crucial in climate science, engine design, energy systems, architecture, and water management.

CAT VA-RC 2017 Slot 1 Questions: Paragraph Summary (Q27)

📘 What’s Inside This CAT Paragraph Summary Question Post?

Paragraph Summary Questions

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