Comprehension

A sanctuary may be defined as a place where Man is passive and the rest of Nature active. Till quite recently Nature had her own sanctuaries, where man either did not go at all or only as a tool-using animal in comparatively small numbers. But now, in this machinery age, there is no place left where man cannot go with overwhelming forces at his command. He can strangle to death all the nobler wild life in the world to-day. To-morrow he certainly will have done so, unless he exercises due foresight and self-control in the mean time.

There is not the slightest doubt that birds and mammals are now being killed off much faster than they can breed. And it is always the largest and noblest forms of life that suffer most. The whales and elephants, lions and eagles, go. The rats and flies, and all mean parasites, remain. This is inevitable in certain cases. But it is wanton killing off that I am speaking of to-night. Civilized man begins by destroying the very forms of wild life he learns to appreciate most when he becomes still more civilized. The obvious remedy is to begin conservation at an earlier stage, when it is easier and better in every way, by enforcing laws for close seasons, game preserves, the selective protection of certain species, and sanctuaries.

I have just defined a sanctuary as a place where man is passive and the rest of Nature active. But this general definition is too absolute for any special case. The mere fact that man has to protect a sanctuary does away with his purely passive attitude. Then, he can be beneficially active by destroying pests and parasites, like bot-flies or mosquitoes, and by finding antidotes for diseases like the epidemic which periodically kills off the rabbits and thus starves many of the carnivora to death. But, except in cases where experiment has proved his intervention to be beneficial, the less he upsets the balance of Nature the better, even when he tries to be an earthly Providence.

Question: 1

The author implies that his first definition of a sanctuary is:

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When crafting definitions or theories, consider flexibility. A strictly idealistic view may not be universally applicable, and context matters when defining complex concepts.
Updated On: Feb 27, 2025
  • Totally wrong
  • Somewhat idealistic
  • Unhelpful
  • Indefensible
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The author acknowledges that his first definition of a sanctuary — a place where man is passive and the rest of nature is active — is not fully applicable to all cases. He explains that human intervention, such as controlling pests and diseases, is sometimes necessary. Therefore, he suggests that while the definition is useful, it is somewhat idealistic and not applicable in all situations.
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Question: 2

The author’s argument that destroying bot-flies and mosquitoes would be a beneficial action is most weakened by all of the following except:

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When considering species elimination, always weigh the potential ecological consequences. Removing one species can trigger unpredictable ripple effects throughout the ecosystem.
Updated On: Feb 27, 2025
  • Parasites have an important role to play in the regulation of populations
  • The elimination of any species can have unpredictable effects on the balance of nature
  • The pests themselves are part of the food chain
  • These insects have been introduced to the area by human activities
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The author argues that destroying bot-flies and mosquitoes could be harmful because they are part of a larger ecological system. The first three options highlight the consequences of eliminating species, which could disturb the balance of nature. However, the fact that these insects were introduced by human activities doesn’t weaken the argument as strongly, since the author is primarily concerned with the broader effects on the ecosystem.
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Question: 3

It can be inferred that the passage is:

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When writing for an educated audience, aim for clear, thoughtful arguments supported by logical reasoning. Consider the audience’s background to communicate effectively.
Updated On: Feb 27, 2025
  • Part of an article in a scientific journal
  • Extracted from the minutes of a nature club
  • Part of a speech delivered to an educated audience
  • A speech delivered in a court of law
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The passage’s tone, vocabulary, and reasoning suggest that it is part of a speech intended for an educated audience, likely discussing environmental issues and the importance of conservation. The use of formal language and the structure of the argument also point to a speech rather than a casual meeting or legal document.
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Question: 4

What should be the most appropriate central idea of this passage:

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The sustainability of our environment depends on maintaining ecological balance. Disruptions caused by human intervention can lead to significant long-term damage to both nature and humanity.
Updated On: Feb 27, 2025
  • Author argues that man kills big animals but saves mosquitoes and other parasites.
  • Man is selfish by nature so he is up against the wild life which is harmful for his survival
  • Ecological balance, if not maintained by man, will be harmful in the long run.
  • Author proposes a programme for not disturbing the balance of nature as it is beneficial for mankind.
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The author’s primary message is that human actions can disrupt the ecological balance, leading to negative consequences for the natural world and, eventually, mankind itself. He stresses the importance of conservation, sustainable practices, and maintaining this balance in order to ensure long-term environmental health.
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Question: 5

Tone of the Author as expressed in the passage can be best described:

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When discussing environmental issues, balancing critique with practical solutions can engage the audience effectively. A constructive tone helps guide the conversation toward positive change.
Updated On: Feb 27, 2025
  • Descriptive to analytical
  • Sarcastically humorous
  • Objective to narrative
  • Sarcastically critical to suggestive
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The author’s tone is critical when discussing the destruction of wildlife and the impact of human activity on nature. However, he also offers suggestions and solutions, such as creating sanctuaries and implementing conservation measures. His tone shifts from being critical of man’s destruction of nature to offering a more constructive and suggestive approach to mitigating these issues.
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