Reading Comprehension Question in CMAT 2024 Slot – 1

1. QUESTION

Comprehension

Read the following passage and answer the next two questions. Education, taken in its most extensive sense, is properly that which makes the man. One method of education, therefore, would only produce one kind of man; but the greater excellence of human nature consists in the variety of which it is capable. Instead then, of endeavouring, by uniform and fixed systems of education, to keep mankind always the same, let us give free scope to everything which may bid fair for introducing more variety among us. The varied character of the Athenians was certainly preferable to the uniform character of the Spartans, or to any uniform national character whatever. Uniformity is the characteristic of the brute creation. Among them every species of bird builds its nest with the same materials and in same form; the genius and disposition of one individual is that of all and it is only the education which men give them that raises any of them much above others. But it is the glory of human nature that the operations of reason, through variable and by no means infallible, are capable of infinite improvement. We come into the world worse provided than any of the brutes; but when their faculties are at a full stand and their enjoyments incapable of variety or increase, our intellectual powers are growing apace; we are perpetually deriving happiness from new sources, and even before we leave this world, are capable of tasting the felicity of angels.

Which of the following is true about the given passage?

A)It describes the state of education in our society.
B)It narrates the story of educational development in our society.
C)It reflects on the role and impact of education in life.
D)All of the above

Explanation

(C)

=The correct option is:

C) It reflects on the role and impact of education in life.

Explanation:

The passage reflects on the role and impact of education in life, discussing the idea of education in broad terms, its effects on human nature, and the importance of variety in education. While it doesn’t explicitly narrate the story of educational development or describe the state of education in society, it does delve into the philosophy of education and its implications for human nature. Therefore, option C is the most appropriate.

QUESTION-2

Read the following passage and answer the next two questions. Education, taken in its most extensive sense, is properly that which makes the man. One method of education, therefore, would only produce one kind of man; but the greater excellence of human nature consists in the variety of which it is capable. Instead then, of endeavouring, by uniform and fixed systems of education, to keep mankind always the same, let us give free scope to everything which may bid fair for introducing more variety among us. The varied character of the Athenians was certainly preferable to the uniform character of the Spartans, or to any uniform national character whatever. Uniformity is the characteristic of the brute creation. Among them every species of bird builds its nest with the same materials and in same form; the genius and disposition of one individual is that of all and it is only the education which men give them that raises any of them much above others. But it is the glory of human nature that the operations of reason, through variable and by no means infallible, are capable of infinite improvement. We come into the world worse provided than any of the brutes; but when their faculties are at a full stand and their enjoyments incapable of variety or increase, our intellectual powers are growing apace; we are perpetually deriving happiness from new sources, and even before we leave this world, are capable of tasting the felicity of angels.

Which of the following statements are true about the given passage?

(A) The author creates a binary between uniformity and diversity in matters of education.

(B) It upholds a uniform and stable system of education.

(C) It holds uniformity rather brutish, but necessary for the society.

(D) It holds diversity in education a key to human excellence and progress.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

A)(A) and (B) only
B)(A) and (C) only
C)(A) and (D) only
D)(B) and (D) only

Explanation

(C)

=The correct option is:

C) (A) and (D) only

Explanation:

(A) The passage indeed creates a binary between uniformity and diversity in matters of education. It discusses the drawbacks of uniform and fixed systems of education and advocates for introducing more variety.

(D) The passage upholds diversity in education as a key to human excellence and progress. It argues that the greater excellence of human nature consists in the variety of which it is capable and suggests giving free scope to everything that introduces more variety among us.