Question

Read the following paragraph and answer the question that follows.
Fear is the greatest motivator of all time. Conflict born of fear is behind our every action, driving us forward like the cogs of a clock. Fear is desire’s dark dress, its doppelgänger. “Love and dread are brothers,” says Julian of Norwich. As desire is wanting and fear is not-wanting, they become inexorably linked; just as desire can be destructive (the desire for power), fear can be constructive (fear of hurting another); fear of poverty becomes desire for wealth. 
Which of the following statements can be BEST concluded from the paragraph?

• A. A positive action generally has a foundation of fear underneath.
• B. The interplay of fear and desire helps in guiding one’s action.
• C. Fear is a powerful motivator that leads to extraordinary achievements.
• D. While fear is perceived as negative, it can be a force for good
• E. Fear paves the way to positive transformation when paired with desire.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine the best conclusion from the given paragraph, let's examine the key ideas and statements:

• The paragraph discusses how fear serves as a motivator, suggesting it drives actions similar to a clock's gears.
• Fear is portrayed as closely linked with desire, acting as its counterpart or "doppelgänger."
• Fear, while generally perceived negatively, can result in positive actions (e.g., fear of hurting someone can lead to constructive behavior).
• Thus, fear can contribute to positive outcomes, despite its negative connotations.

Now, let's evaluate the options:

• Option A: A positive action generally has a foundation of fear underneath.
  This option doesn't capture the essence of the paragraph, as the text emphasizes the dual nature of fear rather than indicating all positive actions stem from fear.
• Option B: The interplay of fear and desire helps in guiding one’s action.
  Although this is mentioned in the paragraph, it doesn't represent the main conclusion about the value or perception of fear.
• Option C: Fear is a powerful motivator that leads to extraordinary achievements.
  While true in a broad sense, the paragraph emphasizes the nuanced nature of fear, not just its potential for achievements.
• Option D: While fear is perceived as negative, it can be a force for good.
  This option directly addresses the core idea that, despite its generally negative perception, fear can result in constructive actions.
• Option E: Fear paves the way to positive transformation when paired with desire.
  This closely relates to the insightful dynamic between fear and desire, but the paragraph focuses more on the direct impact of fear itself.

After analyzing all options, Option D - "While fear is perceived as negative, it can be a force for good" - best encapsulates the paragraph's intent. It highlights the paragraph’s main argument that fear, contrary to its usual negative perception, can lead to positive outcomes.

Answer 2

Step 1: Understand the essence of the passage. 
The paragraph explains that fear, although generally viewed negatively, can have positive outcomes such as driving constructive actions or preventing harm. This duality of fear as both a motivator and a guide is the central theme. 
Step 2: Analyze the options. 
- Option 1: Focuses on fear as a foundation but misses its transformative aspect. 
- Option 2: Highlights the interplay but fails to emphasize the constructive force of fear. 
- Option 3: Incorrect, as the paragraph does not emphasize extraordinary achievements driven by fear. 
- Option 4: Correct, as it fully captures the essence of fear being a force for good despite its usual perception as negative. 
- Option 5: Partially correct but shifts the focus to desire instead of fear’s intrinsic positivity.
Final Answer: (4)