Comprehension
Read the following passage carefully and answer the question that follows.
For generations, companies have been selling fair skin to young Indian women, promising better marriage and employment prospects. However, over the last few years, men have became a favoured target audience. This followed the realisation that the Indian alpha male, denied a choice in malespecific grooming products, had been using women's fairness creams all along. Until the mid-2000s, deodorants and shaving creams were the only grooming products advertised for men. But India's largest consumer goods companies sensed an opportunity, and launched a slew of fairness products for male consumers. In India, as in other parts of the world, light skin is the culturally accepted and endorsed form of beauty, and children absorb this message at a young age. According to a 2015 research report by Nielsen, urban Indian men believe that fair skin can improve professional prospects. The cultural pressure to look fair, argues Kiran Khalap, branding expert and founder at communications consultancy Chlorophyll, is something inherent in our society, not manufactured by companies. "And it is certainly not restricted to India: China and Japan have had skin-whitening products for centuries, well before they met Western 'white' people," he said. However, there is a growing awareness among consumers that companies are exploiting their insecurities, and critics have taken some of the biggest fairness brands, and the celebrities who endorse them, to task for their casual discrimination. Earlier this month, Bollywood actor Abhay Deol took to Facebook to trounce his fellow actors who earn millions from endorsing fairness creams. This comes a few years after actress Nandita Das launched the "Dark is Beautiful" campaign to encourage Indians to embrace a wider definition of beauty. These efforts are slowly making a difference, increasing awareness and encouraging consumers to take pride in their natural skin tones. That means Indian companies will eventually have to change their approach. "My sense is that brands will wake up to the new reality, and you will see propositions reworked around clearer skin (and) glow, rather than pure fairness," Leo Burnett's Sinha said. Rajesh Krishnamurthy, business head for the consumer product division at The Himalaya Drug Company, believes that over time the men's grooming category will evolve to include a wider range of products, including those for normal skin, just like in the women's skin care category. "Companies are increasingly realising that you cannot continue to bullshit consumers anymore; these are educated young men who will question what you sell to them," said Shantanu Deshpande, co-founder and CEO of the male-grooming startup Bombay Shaving Company.
For generations, companies have been selling fair skin to young Indian women, promising better marriage and employment prospects. However, over the last few years, men have became a favoured target audience. This followed the realisation that the Indian alpha male, denied a choice in malespecific grooming products, had been using women's fairness creams all along. Until the mid-2000s, deodorants and shaving creams were the only grooming products advertised for men. But India's largest consumer goods companies sensed an opportunity, and launched a slew of fairness products for male consumers. In India, as in other parts of the world, light skin is the culturally accepted and endorsed form of beauty, and children absorb this message at a young age. According to a 2015 research report by Nielsen, urban Indian men believe that fair skin can improve professional prospects. The cultural pressure to look fair, argues Kiran Khalap, branding expert and founder at communications consultancy Chlorophyll, is something inherent in our society, not manufactured by companies. "And it is certainly not restricted to India: China and Japan have had skin-whitening products for centuries, well before they met Western 'white' people," he said. However, there is a growing awareness among consumers that companies are exploiting their insecurities, and critics have taken some of the biggest fairness brands, and the celebrities who endorse them, to task for their casual discrimination. Earlier this month, Bollywood actor Abhay Deol took to Facebook to trounce his fellow actors who earn millions from endorsing fairness creams. This comes a few years after actress Nandita Das launched the "Dark is Beautiful" campaign to encourage Indians to embrace a wider definition of beauty. These efforts are slowly making a difference, increasing awareness and encouraging consumers to take pride in their natural skin tones. That means Indian companies will eventually have to change their approach. "My sense is that brands will wake up to the new reality, and you will see propositions reworked around clearer skin (and) glow, rather than pure fairness," Leo Burnett's Sinha said. Rajesh Krishnamurthy, business head for the consumer product division at The Himalaya Drug Company, believes that over time the men's grooming category will evolve to include a wider range of products, including those for normal skin, just like in the women's skin care category. "Companies are increasingly realising that you cannot continue to bullshit consumers anymore; these are educated young men who will question what you sell to them," said Shantanu Deshpande, co-founder and CEO of the male-grooming startup Bombay Shaving Company.
Question: 1
What is the central idea of the passage?
(A) Though people endorsed skin fairness products, they are now realising that they are being taken for a ride by such products.
(B) Only men ardently use whitening creams to boost their personality.
(C) The brand marketing of fairness product companies are evolving to appease the target audience of India.
(D) Brands are frivolous when it comes to campaigning of their beauty products.
(E) Not any of the above
What is the central idea of the passage?
(A) Though people endorsed skin fairness products, they are now realising that they are being taken for a ride by such products.
(B) Only men ardently use whitening creams to boost their personality.
(C) The brand marketing of fairness product companies are evolving to appease the target audience of India.
(D) Brands are frivolous when it comes to campaigning of their beauty products.
(E) Not any of the above
(A) Though people endorsed skin fairness products, they are now realising that they are being taken for a ride by such products.
(B) Only men ardently use whitening creams to boost their personality.
(C) The brand marketing of fairness product companies are evolving to appease the target audience of India.
(D) Brands are frivolous when it comes to campaigning of their beauty products.
(E) Not any of the above
Show Hint
To identify the Central Idea, ask yourself: "If I had to give this passage a title, what would it be?" Eliminate options that are too narrow (focusing on just one paragraph) or too broad (generalizing beyond the text provided).
Updated On: Apr 1, 2026
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
The "Central Idea" of a passage refers to the primary message or the overarching theme that the author wants to convey. It is broader than a single detail but specific enough to cover the main points discussed throughout the text. In the context of marketing-related passages, it often focuses on shifts in strategy, consumer behavior, or industry trends.
Analyzing the options based on common reading comprehension themes:
• Option (A): Focuses on consumer skepticism. While this might be a detail, it is often a reaction rather than the main focus of a business-centric passage.
• Option (B): This is a "limiting" statement (using the word "only"), which is rarely the central idea unless the entire passage is strictly about male consumers.
• Option (C): This addresses a strategic shift in how brands communicate with their audience (in this case, India). It encompasses the cause (evolution) and the goal (appeasement), making it a strong candidate for a central theme. (Correct)
• Option (D): Uses a judgmental tone ("frivolous"). Central ideas in objective passages are usually neutral and descriptive rather than purely critical.
• Option (A): Focuses on consumer skepticism. While this might be a detail, it is often a reaction rather than the main focus of a business-centric passage.
• Option (B): This is a "limiting" statement (using the word "only"), which is rarely the central idea unless the entire passage is strictly about male consumers.
• Option (C): This addresses a strategic shift in how brands communicate with their audience (in this case, India). It encompasses the cause (evolution) and the goal (appeasement), making it a strong candidate for a central theme. (Correct)
• Option (D): Uses a judgmental tone ("frivolous"). Central ideas in objective passages are usually neutral and descriptive rather than purely critical.
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Question: 2
What were the findings of the 2015 research report by Nielsen?
(A) Indian urban men presumed that being fair enhanced their professional opportunities.
(B) Indian urban men believed that being fair would give them better marriage and employment contracts.
(C) Indian urban men would eventually question the logic behind male-grooming product advertisements.
(D) Indian urban men do not endorse the concept of fairness helping them in their personal and professional life.
(E) Not any of the above
What were the findings of the 2015 research report by Nielsen?
(A) Indian urban men presumed that being fair enhanced their professional opportunities.
(B) Indian urban men believed that being fair would give them better marriage and employment contracts.
(C) Indian urban men would eventually question the logic behind male-grooming product advertisements.
(D) Indian urban men do not endorse the concept of fairness helping them in their personal and professional life.
(E) Not any of the above
(A) Indian urban men presumed that being fair enhanced their professional opportunities.
(B) Indian urban men believed that being fair would give them better marriage and employment contracts.
(C) Indian urban men would eventually question the logic behind male-grooming product advertisements.
(D) Indian urban men do not endorse the concept of fairness helping them in their personal and professional life.
(E) Not any of the above
Show Hint
When a question mentions a specific year or entity (e.g., 2015, Nielsen), treat it as a "keyword search." Scan the passage specifically for those terms to find the exact sentence containing the answer.
Updated On: Apr 1, 2026
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
Direct factual questions in reading comprehension require locating specific data points or study results mentioned in the text. A report by a specific organization (like Nielsen) usually highlights a key consumer insight or a prevailing social perception within a specific timeframe.
Locating the specific finding:
Research reports on the Indian grooming market often highlight the link between physical appearance and career advancement.
• Option (A): Correctly identifies the "professional opportunities" aspect, which is a common finding in Nielsen reports regarding the motivations of urban Indian male consumers for using grooming products.
• Option (B): While "marriage" is a common societal theme, professional reports like Nielsen's often focus more on economic and employment-driven consumer behavior.
• Option (C) and (D): These contradict the premise that these reports find a significant portion of the population does believe in these concepts, which drives product sales.
Research reports on the Indian grooming market often highlight the link between physical appearance and career advancement.
• Option (A): Correctly identifies the "professional opportunities" aspect, which is a common finding in Nielsen reports regarding the motivations of urban Indian male consumers for using grooming products.
• Option (B): While "marriage" is a common societal theme, professional reports like Nielsen's often focus more on economic and employment-driven consumer behavior.
• Option (C) and (D): These contradict the premise that these reports find a significant portion of the population does believe in these concepts, which drives product sales.
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Question: 3
With reference to the passage, why exactly was "Dark is beautiful" campaign initiated?
(A) To motivate Indians to ditch their liking for the fair skin and accept their inherent beauty.
(B) To throw light on the sinister intentions of fairness brands.
(C) To make sure that Indians do not fall prey to misleading beauty product advertisements.
(D) To encourage Indians to be sympathetic towards people with other skin tones.
(E) Not any of the above
With reference to the passage, why exactly was "Dark is beautiful" campaign initiated?
(A) To motivate Indians to ditch their liking for the fair skin and accept their inherent beauty.
(B) To throw light on the sinister intentions of fairness brands.
(C) To make sure that Indians do not fall prey to misleading beauty product advertisements.
(D) To encourage Indians to be sympathetic towards people with other skin tones.
(E) Not any of the above
(B) To throw light on the sinister intentions of fairness brands.
(C) To make sure that Indians do not fall prey to misleading beauty product advertisements.
(D) To encourage Indians to be sympathetic towards people with other skin tones.
(E) Not any of the above
Show Hint
When answering questions about "Purpose" or "Initiative," look for the most positive and inclusive goal. Campaigns like "Dark is Beautiful" are designed to build confidence in the target demographic rather than just attacking a third party.
Updated On: Apr 1, 2026
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
Social awareness campaigns are usually launched to challenge prevailing societal norms or prejudices. In the Indian context, the preference for fair skin is a deep-seated cultural bias. Understanding the "Why" behind a campaign requires identifying the specific behavioral change or mindset shift the organizers are targeting.
Evaluating the objectives:
• Option (A): This captures the essence of the campaign’s positive reinforcement—moving away from a single standard of beauty (fairness) toward self-acceptance and celebrating diverse skin tones. (Correct)
• Option (B) and (C): These options focus on the "negative" aspect (fighting brands or advertisements). While campaigns may indirectly do this, their primary initiation objective is usually to empower the audience directly.
• Option (D): "Sympathetic" is an incorrect tone; the campaign aims for \textitempowerment and \textitequality, not pity or sympathy.
• Option (A): This captures the essence of the campaign’s positive reinforcement—moving away from a single standard of beauty (fairness) toward self-acceptance and celebrating diverse skin tones. (Correct)
• Option (B) and (C): These options focus on the "negative" aspect (fighting brands or advertisements). While campaigns may indirectly do this, their primary initiation objective is usually to empower the audience directly.
• Option (D): "Sympathetic" is an incorrect tone; the campaign aims for \textitempowerment and \textitequality, not pity or sympathy.
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Question: 4
Which of the following statements is not true with respect to the passage?
(A) Since the inception of beauty products, men have been its most targeted audience.
(B) Light skin is a culturally endorsed notion worldwide.
(C) Skin whitening products existed for centuries in China and Japan.
(D) Deodorants and shaving creams were the only grooming products advertised for men till the mid-2000s.
(E) Not any of the above
Which of the following statements is not true with respect to the passage?
(A) Since the inception of beauty products, men have been its most targeted audience.
(B) Light skin is a culturally endorsed notion worldwide.
(C) Skin whitening products existed for centuries in China and Japan.
(D) Deodorants and shaving creams were the only grooming products advertised for men till the mid-2000s.
(E) Not any of the above
(A) Since the inception of beauty products, men have been its most targeted audience.
(B) Light skin is a culturally endorsed notion worldwide.
(C) Skin whitening products existed for centuries in China and Japan.
(D) Deodorants and shaving creams were the only grooming products advertised for men till the mid-2000s.
(E) Not any of the above
Show Hint
When looking for a "not true" statement, watch out for words like "always," "only," or "since inception." These absolute terms often signal the incorrect statement if the passage describes a shift or change over time.
Updated On: Apr 1, 2026
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
Reading comprehension requires identifying specific details that contradict the text. To determine which statement is "not true," we must verify each claim against the chronological and cultural facts provided in the passage.
Evaluating the options against the text.
For Statement (A): The first paragraph states, "For generations, companies have been selling fair skin to young Indian women... However, over the last few years, men have became a favoured target audience." This confirms that women, not men, were the primary target since the inception of these products. Therefore, statement (A) is false. For Statement (B): The second paragraph begins with "In India, as in other parts of the world, light skin is the culturally accepted and endorsed form of beauty..." This supports statement (B). For Statement (C): The passage quotes Kiran Khalap saying, "China and Japan have had skin-whitening products for centuries..." This supports statement (C). For Statement (D): The first paragraph explicitly mentions, "Until the mid-2000s, deodorants and shaving creams were the only grooming products advertised for men." This supports statement (D).
For Statement (A): The first paragraph states, "For generations, companies have been selling fair skin to young Indian women... However, over the last few years, men have became a favoured target audience." This confirms that women, not men, were the primary target since the inception of these products. Therefore, statement (A) is false. For Statement (B): The second paragraph begins with "In India, as in other parts of the world, light skin is the culturally accepted and endorsed form of beauty..." This supports statement (B). For Statement (C): The passage quotes Kiran Khalap saying, "China and Japan have had skin-whitening products for centuries..." This supports statement (C). For Statement (D): The first paragraph explicitly mentions, "Until the mid-2000s, deodorants and shaving creams were the only grooming products advertised for men." This supports statement (D).
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Question: 5
Choose a similar word in meaning to the word "trounce"
(A) Vacillation
(B) Temerity
(C) Lambaste
(D) Nefarious
(E) Not any of the above
Choose a similar word in meaning to the word "trounce"
(A) Vacillation
(B) Temerity
(C) Lambaste
(D) Nefarious
(E) Not any of the above
(A) Vacillation
(B) Temerity
(C) Lambaste
(D) Nefarious
(E) Not any of the above
Show Hint
To remember trounce and lambaste, associate them with physical or verbal "beating." If a team wins 50-0, they trounced the opponent; if a critic hates a movie, they \textitlambasted it. Both imply a one-sided, powerful force.
Updated On: Apr 1, 2026
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
Synonyms are words or phrases that mean exactly or nearly the same as another word in the same language. Identifying the correct synonym requires understanding the denotation (literal meaning) and the connotation (emotional weight) of the target word.
• (A) Vacillation: The state of indecision or wavering between different opinions or actions. (Incorrect)
• (B) Temerity: Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity. (Incorrect)
• (C) Lambaste: To criticize (someone or something) harshly; to defeat or thrash soundly. This matches both the "punish" and "defeat" aspects of trounce. (Correct)
• (D) Nefarious: (Typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal. (Incorrect)
• (A) Vacillation: The state of indecision or wavering between different opinions or actions. (Incorrect)
• (B) Temerity: Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity. (Incorrect)
• (C) Lambaste: To criticize (someone or something) harshly; to defeat or thrash soundly. This matches both the "punish" and "defeat" aspects of trounce. (Correct)
• (D) Nefarious: (Typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal. (Incorrect)
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