Comprehension

Read the following passage carefully:
(1) Gossip. All humans partake in some form, despite the age-old adage, "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." Whether it's workplace chatter, the sharing of family news or group texts between friends, it's inevitable that anyone who participates in the above, talks about other people.
(2) People tend to think of gossip as synonymous with malicious rumours, put-downs, or the breathless propagation of a tabloid scoop. But researchers often define it more broadly as "talking about people who aren't present," says an assistant professor of psychology. "It's something that comes very naturally to us" - an integral part of conversation, information sharing, and even community building.
(3) "It's not necessarily negative," adds a professor of psychology. "It can be positive or neutral." Some researchers argue that gossip helped our ancestors survive. Evolutionary psychologists first pioneered this idea, comparing gossip to the grooming primates engage in as a means of bonding.
(4) People are usually resistant to thinking about gossip as anything but bad. It is true that there are some types of gossip that should be avoided, such as gossip that is purely harmful and serves no purpose like mean comments on someone's way of dressing. In such a scenario no one benefits. Gossip can also be both active and passive. Active gossiping refers to directly sharing negative information about someone else. An active gossiper initiates the conversation and actively spreads it. Passive gossiping on the other hand involves more subtle behaviour like hinting, dropping suggestive comments or participating in gossip by listening without actively contributing, but still allowing the gossip to spread through their presence.
(5) It's interesting to note that gossiping also says something about relationships people have with one another. The act of gossiping often implies a level of trust and closeness with someone, which are key aspects of a good friendship.
(6) Research has found that gossip can stave off loneliness, while other studies have found it can facilitate bonding and closeness and serve as a form of entertainment. So, keep on talking. And when your conversation turns to gossip, as it inevitably will, remember that some good can come of it - with the right intentions, of course.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:

Question: 1

Complete the following suitably.
..... think of gossip as synonymous with malicious rumours, put-downs …… in paragraph (2).
By the phrase ‘put-downs’ the writer means .......

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Phrases like ‘put-downs’ are often used to indicate derogatory or insulting comments aimed at diminishing someone's worth.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

The author employs the term ‘put-downs’ to describe statements made with the intent to offend, diminish, or undermine individuals.
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Question: 2

Despite the bad reputation of ‘gossip’, mention any two benefits that it offers.

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Not all gossip is harmful — some forms promote bonding and information sharing.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Two advantages of gossip include:
  • Facilitating community cohesion through information exchange and discourse.
  • Cultivating trust and intimacy in relationships, thereby reinforcing interpersonal connections.
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Question: 3

Read and complete the following suitably.
The phrase ‘It’s something that comes very naturally to us’ suggests that gossip should not merely be associated with malicious rumours.
Choose the correct response from the two options to complete the sentence.
The concern this phrase points towards is about:
  • that some types of gossip should be avoided.
  • that gossip can be viewed as part of our daily interaction and bonding.

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Gossip naturally integrates into conversations, often serving as a medium for social bonding.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Response B is correct. Gossip can be considered a component of daily interaction and social bonding.
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Question: 4

Complete the analogy with one word from paragraph (2).
Praise : Commend :: ______ : Malevolent

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Analogies test your ability to recognize relationships between word pairs.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
  • Scoop
  • Propagation
  • Malicious
  • Conversation
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is (C) Malicious.
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Question: 5

What type of gossip does the author disapprove of and why?

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Always distinguish between harmless, bonding gossip and hurtful, malicious gossip in reading comprehension.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

The author condemns gossip that is solely detrimental and lacks any constructive value, citing examples like disparaging remarks concerning an individual's looks or conduct. This form of gossip offers no advantages and exclusively propagates negativity.
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Question: 6

Complete the following suitably with one difference between the author’s opinion and that of people about gossip.
Generally, people do not readily accept ........

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Understanding contrasts between public perception and an author's perspective is key to grasping nuanced comprehension questions.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Contrary to common perception, gossip can be positive, neutral, or beneficial by promoting camaraderie. The author posits that gossip serves valuable social roles when devoid of malice.
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Question: 7

“There’s also a physiological distinction to be drawn between active and passive participation in gossip.” (paragraph (4))
Based on the above statement, classify the following sentences as active and passive participation.
Sentence 1 : Ranjan told Raman and Shah the sensational facts he had heard about his friend Vineet from others.
Sentence 2 : Kumar stayed silent while his friends criticized his close friend Vijay in his absence.

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Active gossip involves speaking and spreading information, while passive gossip involves quietly listening or allowing it to happen.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

  • Sentence 1 - Emphasizing Active Participation
  • Sentence 2 - Highlighting Passive Participation
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Question: 8

Why does the author say that gossip is a reflection of relationships?

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Gossip often reveals the strength of social bonds and trust between individuals.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

The author posits that gossip reflects relationships by revealing the extent of trust and intimacy between individuals. The act of gossiping frequently entails sharing confidences, which implies emotional connection and camaraderie.
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Question: 9

Choose the correct option:
….. gossip can ‘stave off loneliness’. (paragraph (6)) The above statement is true as :

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Statements about emotional needs like loneliness are often linked with social connection and closeness in comprehension passages.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
  • we always enjoy talking ill of others.
  • we believe what we read about people in the print media.
  • we are free to talk loosely in the absence of the person.
  • in order to gossip, you need to feel close to people.
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is (D); gossiping requires a sense of closeness with others.
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Question: 10

Complete the following suitably:
The author puts forth the fact that man can never ...... gossiping.

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Always infer key conclusions from the closing lines or summative remarks in a passage.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

The author posits that gossip is an inherent component of human discourse and social engagement, rendering its complete cessation unachievable.
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