Comprehension
Education is not the amount of information that is put into your brain and runs riot there, undigested, all your life. We must have life-building, man-making, character-making assimilation of ideas.... If education were identical with information, the libraries are the sages in the world and encyclopaedias are the rishis. Getting by heart the thoughts of others in a foreign language and stuffing your brain with them and taking some University degree, you consider yourself educated. Is this education? What is the goal of your education? Open your eyes and see what a piteous cry for food is rising in the land of Bharata, proverbial for its food. Will your education fulfill this want?
We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded and by which one can stand on one's own feet. What we need to study independent of foreign control, different branches of the knowledge that is our own, and with it the English language and Western science; we need technical education and all else that will develop industries so that men instead of seeking for service may earn enough to provide for themselves and save against a rainy day. The end of all education, all training, should be man-making. The end and aim of all training are to make the man grow. The training by which the current expression of will are brought under control and become fruitful, is called education. What our country now wants are muscles of iron and nerves of steel, gigantic wills, which nothing can resist, which can penetrate into the mysteries and secrets of the universe and will accomplish their purpose in any fashion, even if it meant going down to the bottom of the ocean, meeting death face to face.
There is only one method of attaining knowledge. It is by concentration. The very essence of education is concentration of mind. From the lowest to the highest man, all have to use the same method to attain knowledge. The chemist who works in the laboratory concentrates on elements to analyze them. Knowledge is acquired by concentration.
[Extracted with edits from "Education" by Swami Vivekananda]
We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded and by which one can stand on one's own feet. What we need to study independent of foreign control, different branches of the knowledge that is our own, and with it the English language and Western science; we need technical education and all else that will develop industries so that men instead of seeking for service may earn enough to provide for themselves and save against a rainy day. The end of all education, all training, should be man-making. The end and aim of all training are to make the man grow. The training by which the current expression of will are brought under control and become fruitful, is called education. What our country now wants are muscles of iron and nerves of steel, gigantic wills, which nothing can resist, which can penetrate into the mysteries and secrets of the universe and will accomplish their purpose in any fashion, even if it meant going down to the bottom of the ocean, meeting death face to face.
There is only one method of attaining knowledge. It is by concentration. The very essence of education is concentration of mind. From the lowest to the highest man, all have to use the same method to attain knowledge. The chemist who works in the laboratory concentrates on elements to analyze them. Knowledge is acquired by concentration.
[Extracted with edits from "Education" by Swami Vivekananda]
Question: 1
Education, as described by the author means:
Education, as described by the author means:
Updated On: Apr 26, 2025
- Information
- Library
- Degrees
- None of the above
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Education, as described by the author, is not simply information, library access, or degrees. The author emphasizes that true education involves the development of character, the strengthening of the mind, the expansion of intellect, and the ability to stand independently. According to the passage, the goal of education is man-making, involving the growth and development of individuals. It is not about the quantity of information one retains or the credentials one acquires, but rather about the quality of character and strength of will that education fosters. Concentration is highlighted as the essence of education, being the key method for acquiring knowledge. Therefore, none of the options such as 'Information,' 'Library,' or 'Degrees' encapsulate the meaning of education as described by the author; instead, the correct answer is 'None of the above.'
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Question: 2
As per the author, the aim of education should be:
As per the author, the aim of education should be:
Updated On: Apr 26, 2025
- To help a person build his/her character
- To help a person earn his/her livelihood
- To help a person develop his/her intellect
- All of the above
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The aim of education, as per the author, encompasses several aspects:
- Character Building: Education should contribute to the formation of character. This involves the assimilation of ideas that develop and strengthen individual character traits.
- Intellectual Development: The expansion of the intellect is a crucial goal. Education should enable a person to develop their intellect and understanding, fostering a deeper comprehension of the world.
- Self-Sufficiency: Education should empower individuals to earn their livelihood, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to stand on their own feet.
- Holistic Growth: Ultimately, education's end goal is to make comprehensive individuals. It should foster mental and physical strength, encouraging determination and tenacity.
Hence, the comprehensive aim of education includes all the given options: "To help a person build his/her character," "To help a person earn his/her livelihood," and "To help a person develop his/her intellect." Therefore, the correct answer is All of the above.
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Question: 3
According to the author the country wants:
According to the author the country wants:
Updated On: Apr 26, 2025
- Massive will power
- Spirit of philanthropy
- Iron and steel industries
- All of the above
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The question arises from an excerpt by Swami Vivekananda, discussing the essential elements the country needs for progress. The excerpt emphasizes the importance of not only intellectual education but also character development and practical skills to foster self-reliance and societal contribution. The relevant statement by Vivekananda mentions the need for "muscles of iron and nerves of steel, gigantic wills" alongside technical education and other forms of knowledge. This suggests the country requires a combination of strong determination ("massive will power"), a sense of altruism ("spirit of philanthropy"), and the development of industries ("iron and steel industries"). Thus, from the options given: "Massive will power", "Spirit of philanthropy", "Iron and steel industries", and "All of the above," the most comprehensive answer capturing Vivekananda's vision is "All of the above."
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Question: 4
According to the author, we need to study:
According to the author, we need to study:
Updated On: Dec 1, 2024
- English Language
- Technical Education
- Western Science
- All of the above
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The author probably advocates for a well-rounded education that includes language skills (English), technical knowledge, and understanding of scientific advancements (Western Science).
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Question: 5
According to the author, which among the following is key to attain knowledge?
According to the author, which among the following is key to attain knowledge?
Updated On: Apr 26, 2025
- University Degrees
- Library
- Concentration of mind
- Hard work and sports training
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
According to the provided comprehension passage, the key to attaining knowledge is not through university degrees, utilizing libraries, or engaging in hard work and sports training. Instead, the passage emphasizes that the essence of education is the concentration of mind. Swami Vivekananda, the author, argues that knowledge is inherently linked to the individual's ability to concentrate. The passage outlines that concentration is the method through which both lower and higher knowledge is achieved, whether through scientific analysis or intellectual inquiry. Therefore, the correct answer is: Concentration of mind.
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Question: 6
Which of the following words is related to the word “assimilation”?
Which of the following words is related to the word “assimilation”?
Updated On: Apr 26, 2025
- Integration
- Adjustment
- Acclimatization
- All of the above
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
To determine which word is related to "assimilation" from the given options, we need to understand the meaning of "assimilation" in the context of education. The word "assimilation" generally refers to the process of absorbing, integrating, or adapting new ideas, information, or experiences into one's existing knowledge. Within the provided comprehension, education is described as a formative process that involves creating character, expanding intellect, and developing self-sufficiency, which can be achieved by integrating new ideas and knowledge.
Let's evaluate each option:
Integration: This is the process of combining or incorporating elements into a whole. In the context of education, it aligns well with "assimilation," which involves incorporating new knowledge or ideas into one's understanding.
Adjustment: This involves adapting or modifying one's behavior or thinking to accommodate new conditions or information. Assimilation often requires adjustment as ideas and information are absorbed and applied.
Acclimatization: This is the process of becoming accustomed to a new environment or situation. In educational terms, acclimatization can involve adapting to new concepts or disciplines, which is a component of assimilation.
| Options | Related to Assimilation? |
| Integration | Yes |
| Adjustment | Yes |
| Acclimatization | Yes |
| All of the above | Yes |
All the options provided are aspects of or related to the process of assimilation. Therefore, the correct answer is: All of the above.
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Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
“Why do they pull down and do away with crooked streets, I wonder, which are my delight, and hurt no man living? Every day the wealthier nations are pulling down one or another in their capitals and their great towns: they do not know why they do it; neither do I. It ought to be enough, surely, to drive the great broad ways which commerce needs and which are the life-channels of a modern city, without destroying all history and all the humanity in between: the islands of the past.”
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(Extracted, with edits and revision, from "The Olympics are nearly here. For a weary world, they can't come soon enough", NBCNEWS)- CLAT - 2025
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[Excerpt from Chapter II - Nationalism in India, India and the Contemporary World, NCERT]- CLAT - 2025
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