Reading Comprehension on Education and Variety
CMAT 2024 · Language Comprehension · Medium · Reading Comprehension
Passage / data set
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 brute creation. Among them, every species of bird builds its nest with the same materials and in the 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.
Question 1 of 2
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
C
Explanation
The author contrasts rigid uniformity with beneficial diversity (statement A) and strongly advocates diversity as key to human progress and excellence (statement D).
Hence, Option C is correct.
Question 2 of 2
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
C
Explanation
The passage is a philosophical reflection on how education shapes human capacity, reason, and variety in life.
Hence, Option C is correct.
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