JPSC Assistant & Personal Assistant 2012 General English Question Paper PDF

Q1. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow. Choose the answer from the given alternatives :
At the end of the Second World War, Japan was defeated, its economy was in ruins with a large proportion of its factories and a quarter of its housing destroyed by bombing. Until 1952, it was occupied by Allied troops, mostly American under the command of General MacArthur. For the first three years, the Americans aimed at making sure that Japan could never start a war; it was forbidden from having armed forces and was given a democratic constitution. The Americans did not at this stage seem concerned about restoring the Japanese economy. But during 1948, the American attitude gradually changed as the Cold War developed. Kuomintang crumbled in China and European presence in Asia was reduced. The Americans felt a strong need for an ally in South-East Asia and began to encourage Japanese economic recovery. From 1950, industry developed rapidly and by 1953 production had reached a high level. American occupying forces were withdrawn in April 1952 though some forces remained for defence purposes. Japan's rapid recovery was possible because Americans gave them vital help. Japanese goods were allowed into American markets on favourable terms and the USA supplied aid and equipments. An economically healthy Japan meant a buffer against communism in South-East Asia. The Korean War brought orders for military equipment and supplies, and American firms began to cooperate with Japanese on the development of new industries. The alliance with the USA protected Japan and it was able to invest its money in industry instead of defence. Keeping wages and government expenditure low, Japan ploughed back all its profits into its industries. Japanese products were very competitive in the world market. Japan's farmers benefitted by the land reforms carried out by the Americans. Japan also had a series of stable governments, which implemented the suggested reforms effectively. Given all these advantages, it was not very surprising that Japan took giant strides in her economic progress.

• (a) Its economy was in ruins
• (b) It could not build an army
• (c) The USA did not allow them
• (d) Both A and B