What is a Good Score in CLAT 2025? - Key Takeaways, Cut off Marks Analysis

Literal Meanings for CLAT - Practice Questions & MCQ

Edited By admin | Updated on Oct 04, 2023 04:25 PM | #CLAT

Quick Facts

  • 10 Questions around this concept.

Solve by difficulty

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.

Passage:

 

Title: "The Archaeological Excavation"

 

In the heart of an ancient city, archaeologists meticulously unearthed remnants of a civilization long lost to time. The site, shrouded in layers of earth and history, held the promise of revealing the customs and daily life of a bygone era.

 

With delicate brushes and precise tools, the team gently cleared away the soil, revealing fragments of pottery, intricately carved statues, and weathered scrolls. Each discovery held a story, a glimpse into the lives of those who once walked the cobbled streets.

 

As the excavation progressed, the team uncovered the remnants of a grand structure, its walls adorned with faded frescoes that hinted at a vibrant culture. The colours, though muted by centuries, still spoke of artistic prowess and a reverence for beauty.

 

The dig site bore witness to the passage of time, with layers upon layers of history waiting to be unveiled. From rudimentary tools to finely crafted jewellery, the artefacts whispered secrets of the people's craftsmanship and ingenuity.

 

Yet, amidst the tangible relics, there were gaps and mysteries that invited speculation. The absence of certain artefacts and the enigmatic symbols etched into the walls fueled the archaeologists' curiosity, prompting them to piece together the puzzle of this ancient society.

 

With every find, the past came alive, weaving a narrative that transcended the confines of history books. The excavation was not merely an exploration of relics, but a journey into the essence of a civilization that had once thrived in that very place.

 

How does the passage describe the artefacts uncovered during the excavation?

 

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.

Passage:

 

Title: "The Archaeological Excavation"

 

In the heart of an ancient city, archaeologists meticulously unearthed remnants of a civilization long lost to time. The site, shrouded in layers of earth and history, held the promise of revealing the customs and daily life of a bygone era.

 

With delicate brushes and precise tools, the team gently cleared away the soil, revealing fragments of pottery, intricately carved statues, and weathered scrolls. Each discovery held a story, a glimpse into the lives of those who once walked the cobbled streets.

 

As the excavation progressed, the team uncovered the remnants of a grand structure, its walls adorned with faded frescoes that hinted at a vibrant culture. The colours, though muted by centuries, still spoke of artistic prowess and a reverence for beauty.

 

The dig site bore witness to the passage of time, with layers upon layers of history waiting to be unveiled. From rudimentary tools to finely crafted jewellery, the artefacts whispered secrets of the people's craftsmanship and ingenuity.

 

Yet, amidst the tangible relics, there were gaps and mysteries that invited speculation. The absence of certain artefacts and the enigmatic symbols etched into the walls fueled the archaeologists' curiosity, prompting them to piece together the puzzle of this ancient society.

 

With every find, the past came alive, weaving a narrative that transcended the confines of history books. The excavation was not merely an exploration of relics, but a journey into the essence of a civilization that had once thrived in that very place.

What intrigued the archaeologists about the excavation site?

 

Concepts Covered - 1

Literal Meanings

Introduction to Literal Meanings:

 

Literal meanings refer to the straightforward, factual interpretations of words or phrases without any figurative or metaphorical connotations. In reading comprehension, it's essential to distinguish between literal and figurative language to understand the author's message accurately.

 

Key Points:

 

1. Literal vs. Figurative: Literal meanings are the most basic, direct, and factual interpretations of words. They are in contrast to figurative meanings, which involve metaphors, similes, and symbolism.

 

2. Context Clues: Understanding the literal meaning of a word or phrase often relies on context clues within the passage. The surrounding sentences and paragraphs provide context for interpretation.

 

3. Precise Interpretation: Literal meanings leave no room for ambiguity or multiple interpretations. They are concrete and can be verified based on objective information.

 

4. Common Usage: Many words have both literal and figurative meanings, and their usage depends on the context. Recognizing when a word is used literally is crucial for comprehension.

 

Examples:

 

Let's examine some examples of literal meanings within passages:

 

Passage:

"The temperature in Antarctica can drop to as low as -80 degrees Celsius, making it one of the coldest places on Earth."

 

Literal Meaning: In this passage, the phrase "as low as -80 degrees Celsius" is used literally. It means that the temperature in Antarctica can actually reach as low as -80 degrees Celsius, and this is a factual statement.

 

Passage:

"The author's words were like a sharp knife, cutting through the clutter of confusion to reveal the truth."

 

Literal Meaning: While this passage contains a metaphor comparing the author's words to a sharp knife, the term "sharp knife" is used figuratively. The literal meaning of "sharp knife" refers to a physical cutting tool, not the author's actual words.

 

Passage:

"The book contains 300 pages, and each page is filled with tiny print."

 

Literal Meaning: In this passage, the phrase "each page is filled with tiny print" is used literally. It means that the pages of the book have small-sized text covering them, and this is a straightforward description.

 

Recognizing literal meanings is essential for understanding the factual content of a passage. When encountering words or phrases in RC questions, assess whether they are used literally or figuratively based on the context, as this distinction can significantly impact your comprehension and ability to answer questions accurately.

 

"Stay in the loop. Receive exam news, study resources, and expert advice!"

Get Answer to all your questions

Back to top