Types of Questions-IRO

 IRO (International Research Olympiad-2026

From what these competitions usually test, the English section is not simple story-based comprehension. It’s more like:

• 📘 Academic reading passages
• 🔬 Research-based topics
• 🧠 Critical thinking questions
• 📊 Data interpretation (sometimes)
• 📝 Vocabulary in context

Let’s get started . . .

🧪 1️⃣ Scientific Research-Based Passage

Topic: “The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Diagnosis”

Focus Questions:

• What is the main argument of the passage?
• What ethical concern is highlighted?
• What does the word ‘bias’ mean in paragraph 2?
• Which statement best supports the author’s claim?

🌍 2️⃣ Global Issue Passage

Topic: “Climate Change and Youth Activism”

Focus Questions:

• What motivates young activists?
• Identify one cause and one effect.
• What tone does the author use?
• Summarize the passage in 40–50 words.

🧠 3️⃣ Psychology / Education Research

Topic: “Does Competition Improve Academic Performance?”

Focus:

• Identify research findings.
• What evidence is provided?
• Is the author neutral or persuasive?

📊 4️⃣ Data Interpretation Passage

Give a short paragraph describing a study:

“A survey of 500 students showed that 65% preferred online learning…”

Questions:

• What percentage preferred traditional learning?
• What conclusion can be drawn?
• Is the sample size sufficient?

🧪 Scientific Research Passage

The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Diagnosis

At present, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the healthcare industry. In recent years, AI-powered systems have been developed to assist doctors in diagnosing diseases, such as cancer, heart conditions, and neurological disorders. These systems analyse vast amounts of medical data and can often detect patterns that human doctors might miss. As a result, AI has the potential to improve accuracy and save lives.

However, the growing use of AI in medical diagnosis has raised serious ethical concerns. One major issue is bias in algorithms. AI systems are trained on large datasets, but if these datasets are not diverse, the system may produce unfair or inaccurate results for certain groups of people. For example, an AI trained mostly on data from one ethnic group may not diagnose diseases accurately in patients from other backgrounds.

Another ethical concern is accountability. If an AI system makes an incorrect diagnosis, who should be held responsible—the doctor, the hospital, or the software developer? This lack of clear responsibility creates uncertainty in medical decision-making. Furthermore, patients may feel uncomfortable trusting a machine with life-changing health decisions.

While AI offers remarkable benefits, experts argue that it should be used as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human doctors. Ethical guidelines and careful regulation are necessary to ensure that technology enhances healthcare without compromising fairness or human judgment.

📝 Focus Questions (Student Version)

1️⃣ What is the main argument of the passage?

2️⃣ What ethical concern is highlighted?

3️⃣ What does the word “bias” mean in paragraph 2?

4️⃣ Which statement best supports the author’s claim?

A) AI systems are cheaper than human doctors.
B) AI can analyze large amounts of medical data efficiently.
C) AI should completely replace doctors in the future.
D) AI technology is perfect and error-free.

📘 Teacher’s Explanation (Step-by-Step Analysis)

1️⃣ Main Argument

The main argument is:
👉 AI is beneficial in medical diagnosis, but it raises ethical concerns and should be carefully regulated.

2️⃣ Ethical Concern Highlighted

The key concern discussed is:
👉 Bias in AI systems and lack of accountability.

3️⃣ Meaning of “Bias”

In this passage, bias means:
👉 Unfair preference or discrimination due to unbalanced data.

4️⃣ Best Supporting Statement

Correct Answer: B

Because the author claims AI has benefits, and option B supports that claim by showing its ability to analyse large data efficiently.

 

2- 🌍 Global Issue Passage

Climate Change and Youth Activism

Climate change has become one of the most urgent global challenges of the 21st century. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and melting glaciers are clear indicators that the planet is under environmental stress. Scientists warn that without immediate action, future generations will face severe consequences, including food shortages and water crises.

In response to this growing threat, young people around the world have emerged as powerful voices for environmental reform. Many students participate in climate strikes, awareness campaigns, and social media movements to demand policy changes from governments and corporations. Their activism is driven by concern for their future, frustration with slow political action, and a strong sense of moral responsibility.

Youth activists argue that they will inherit the consequences of today’s environmental decisions. Therefore, they believe they have both the right and the duty to influence climate policies. Although critics sometimes dismiss them as inexperienced, their organized movements have successfully increased global awareness and pressured leaders to reconsider environmental strategies.

While youth activism alone cannot solve climate change, it plays a significant role in shaping public discourse and encouraging accountability. The movement highlights the growing connection between environmental sustainability and social justice.

📝 Focus Questions (Student Version)

1️⃣ What motivates young activists?

2️⃣ Identify one cause and one effect mentioned in the passage.

3️⃣ What tone does the author use?
A) Humorous
B) Critical
C) Serious and concerned
D) Indifferent

4️⃣ Summarise the passage in 40–50 words.

📘 Teacher’s Explanation

1️⃣ What motivates young activists?

• Concern for their future
• Frustration with slow political action
• Moral responsibility

2️⃣ One Cause and One Effect

Cause: Rising global temperatures and environmental damage.
Effect: Youth activism and climate strikes demanding policy change.

3️⃣ Tone

Correct Answer: C) Serious and concerned
The language reflects urgency and responsibility.

4️⃣ Sample Summary (44 words)

Climate change poses serious global threats, including extreme weather and resource shortages. In response, young activists demand stronger environmental policies. Motivated by concern for their future and frustration with political inaction, they organise movements to raise awareness and encourage governments to take responsible action.

3-🧠 Psychology / Education Research Passage

Does Competition Improve Academic Performance?

Competition has long been considered a motivating force in education. Many schools organize ranking systems, academic awards, and competitive examinations to encourage students to perform better. Supporters argue that competition pushes students to work harder, set higher goals, and develop resilience in the face of challenges.

Recent research, however, presents mixed findings. A study conducted among 1,200 high school students revealed that moderate levels of competition improved academic performance by increasing motivation and focus. Students who participated in structured academic contests showed a 12% improvement in test scores compared to those in non-competitive environments.

On the other hand, the same research found that excessive competition led to increased stress, anxiety, and fear of failure. Some students reported that constant comparison with peers reduced their confidence and enjoyment of learning. Psychologists warn that when competition becomes intense, it may shift students’ focus from understanding concepts to merely outperforming others.

Researchers conclude that competition can be beneficial when balanced with collaboration and emotional support. Rather than eliminating competition entirely, educators are encouraged to design healthy academic environments where motivation is fostered without harming students’ well-being.

📝 Focus Questions (Student Version)

1️⃣ Identify two research findings mentioned in the passage.

2️⃣ What evidence is provided to support the research?

3️⃣ Is the author neutral or persuasive?
A) Strongly persuasive
B) Neutral and balanced
C) Emotional
D) Critical

📘 Teacher’s Explanation

1️⃣ Research Findings

• Moderate competition improves academic performance.
• Excessive competition increases stress and anxiety.

2️⃣ Evidence Provided

• A study of 1,200 students.
• A 12% improvement in test scores.
• Student reports about stress and reduced confidence.

This shows statistical data + participant feedback.

3️⃣ Author’s Tone

Correct Answer: B) Neutral and balanced

The author presents both advantages and disadvantages without strongly supporting one side.

 

4-📊 Data Interpretation Passage

Online vs Traditional Learning Preferences

A recent survey of 500 high school students was conducted to understand their learning preferences. The study found that 65% of students preferred online learning, while the remaining 35% favored traditional classroom learning. Students cited flexibility, access to digital resources, and the ability to learn at their own pace as reasons for choosing online learning. Those who preferred traditional learning emphasized direct interaction with teachers, structured schedules, and peer collaboration. Researchers concluded that both methods have advantages, but students are increasingly leaning toward digital learning environments.

📝 Focus Questions (Student Version)

1️⃣ What percentage of students preferred traditional learning?

2️⃣ What conclusion can be drawn from the survey?

3️⃣ Is the sample size sufficient for this study?

📘 Teacher’s Explanation

1️⃣ Percentage of Traditional Learning Preference

• Total students surveyed: 500
• Online learning: 65% → 65/100 × 500 = 325 students
• Traditional learning: 500 – 325 = 175 students → 35%

✅ Answer: 35% preferred traditional learning.

2️⃣ Conclusion

• Most students prefer online learning.
• Both methods have advantages, but digital learning is gaining popularity.

3️⃣ Sample Size Sufficiency

• Sample size = 500 students
• Generally, for high school surveys, 500 is sufficient to get a reliable trend, but for national-level conclusions, a larger, more diverse sample would be better.

✅ Teacher Note: Always check context — “sufficient” depends on what population you want to generalize to.

 

5-📝 Vocabulary in Context Practice

I’ll use words from the previous passages.

🔹 Exercise 1

Read the sentence and choose the correct meaning of the underlined word.

1️⃣

AI systems may produce biased results if trained on limited data.

A) Fast
B) Unfairly influenced
C) Accurate
D) Complex

2️⃣

Climate change is one of the most urgent global challenges.

A) Unimportant
B) Slow
C) Requiring immediate action
D) Confusing

3️⃣

Excessive competition may cause anxiety among students.

A) Happiness
B) Confidence
C) Nervous worry
D) Motivation

4️⃣

Youth activism has increased public awareness about environmental issues.

A) Confusion
B) Knowledge and understanding
C) Fear
D) Anger

5️⃣

Researchers concluded that competition can be beneficial when balanced.

A) Ignored
B) Equal and controlled
C) Removed
D) Extreme

📘 Answer Key (Teacher Version)

1️⃣ B
2️⃣ C
3️⃣ C
4️⃣ B
5️⃣ B

🎯 Now Let’s Increase Difficulty (True IRO Style)

Instead of options, ask students:

What does the word “accountability” most nearly mean in paragraph 3?

Students must:

1. Look at surrounding sentences
2. Understand context
3. Replace the word logically

Correct idea:
👉 Responsibility for actions or decisions