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Poem: Fire and Ice

XAT 2020 · Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning · Medium · Reading Comprehension

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Passage / data set

Read the poem below and answer the 2 associated questions:

Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I've tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But, if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To know that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice.

Question 1 of 2

Which of the following statements will the poet agree with the MOST?

  1. A.

    Greed can destroy one's world.

  2. B.

    Both desire and hate can create self-doubt.

  3. C.

    Hatred destroys what desire cannot.

  4. D.

    Desire overpowers hatred to control humans.

  5. E.

    Ambition is more powerful than envy.

Answer

A

Explanation

The poem equates desire (which includes insatiable greed) with fire, which has the power to bring about destruction. Thus the poet would agree that greed/desire can destroy one's world.

Question 2 of 2

Which is the MOST UNSUITABLE title of the poem?

  1. A.

    The Annihilation Hypothesis

  2. B.

    Love and Detest- A Tale of Destruction

  3. C.

    How the World Ends

  4. D.

    Destruction by Fire and Ice

  5. E.

    Emotional Destruction of the World

Answer

E

Explanation

The poem is about the physical end/destruction of the world metaphorically driven by desire and hate, not about the "emotional destruction of the world". Hence E is the most unsuitable title.

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