Comprehension
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: We know it well that language is used for more than one purpose. The man who hits his thumb-nails with a hammer and utters a string of curses uses language to relieve his feeling and needs no audience but himself. But when a philosopher uses language to clarify his ideas on a subject, he uses it as an instrument of thought. When the two women gossip over the fence or two men exchange greetings as they pass in the street, language is used to strengthen the bonds between the members of society. It seems that language is a multipurpose instrument. Language enables us to influence people's behaviour and help develop human co-operation. The human co-operation would be unthinkable without language as it makes human co-operation more thorough, more effective and more wide-ranging.
Question: 1

How does language help relieve the man hitting his finger-nails with a hammer?

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When answering questions about the emotional use of language, focus on how language serves as an outlet for feelings and emotions.
Updated On: Sep 9, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the context.
The passage describes a situation where a man hits his thumb-nails with a hammer and curses. Language, in this case, serves to express his pain or frustration. The use of curses helps relieve the man’s feeling of distress.
Step 2: Function of language.
Language provides an outlet for the man’s emotions, allowing him to vent his feelings. This use of language doesn't require an audience but serves to alleviate his discomfort and frustration.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, language helps relieve the man by providing a means for him to express his emotional reaction to pain.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{Language helps relieve the man by allowing him to express his emotional reaction to pain through curses.}} \]
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Question: 2

How is language used by a philosopher?

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When analyzing the use of language by intellectuals, focus on how it serves as a tool for communication and reasoning.
Updated On: Sep 9, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the context of the philosopher.
In the passage, language is described as being used by a philosopher to clarify his ideas. The philosopher uses language not as an emotional outlet, but as a tool for thinking and presenting complex ideas.
Step 2: Function of language for the philosopher.
The philosopher uses language to express thoughts clearly, organize concepts, and communicate abstract ideas in a way that can be understood by others. It becomes an instrument of thought, aiding in the process of reasoning.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, a philosopher uses language as a medium for thinking and clarifying ideas, making it an essential tool for intellectual communication.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{A philosopher uses language as an instrument of thought to clarify and communicate complex ideas.}} \]
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Question: 3

How can language be said to be a multipurpose instrument?

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When identifying the multipurpose nature of language, focus on its different roles in various social, emotional, and intellectual contexts.
Updated On: Sep 9, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identifying the different uses of language.
The passage describes several uses of language: for emotional expression, intellectual clarification, and social interaction. Language can serve various purposes, including communication of thoughts, feelings, and information.
Step 2: Examples from the passage.
The man uses language to relieve his frustration. The philosopher uses it to clarify complex ideas. In social settings, language is used to strengthen bonds between individuals, as seen in the gossip and greetings between two women or two men.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, language is multipurpose because it serves different functions depending on the situation: emotional, intellectual, and social.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{Language is a multipurpose instrument because it serves emotional, intellectual, and social functions, as seen in the passage.}} \]
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Question: 4

How does language help promote human co-operation?

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Look for the key role of language in building relationships and fostering collaboration in society when answering questions about its social impact.
Updated On: Sep 9, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the concept of cooperation.
The passage states that language is essential in promoting human cooperation, making it possible for people to work together effectively.
Step 2: Role of language in cooperation.
Language enables communication, allowing individuals to share ideas, plans, and needs. This shared understanding promotes collaboration and makes it easier for people to cooperate toward common goals, whether in small groups or large societies.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, language helps promote human cooperation by enabling effective communication, which is the foundation for working together.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{Language promotes human cooperation by enabling effective communication, allowing people to understand and work with each other toward common goals.}} \]
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Question: 5

Which word in the passage is opposite of 'weaken'?

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Pay attention to words that contrast in meaning within the passage, as they often highlight key themes or ideas.
Updated On: Sep 9, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identifying the opposite of 'weaken'.
In the passage, the opposite of 'weaken' is 'strengthen,' as it describes how language is used to strengthen the bonds between members of society.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{The opposite of 'weaken' in the passage is 'strengthen.'}} \]
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Question: 6

Find a word from the passage that means 'listeners'.

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Look for words that refer to people who receive or respond to communication, such as 'audience' for listeners.
Updated On: Sep 9, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Finding the synonym.
In the passage, the word "audience" refers to listeners, as it mentions the need for no audience when the man curses alone.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{The word 'audience' in the passage means 'listeners.'}} \]
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Question: 7

Write the adjective form of the word 'clarify'.

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To find adjective forms, consider how verbs describe actions or states and look for forms that express qualities or characteristics.
Updated On: Sep 9, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identifying the adjective form.
The adjective form of the verb 'clarify' is 'clarifying.' This form is used to describe something that explains or makes something clear.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{The adjective form of 'clarify' is 'clarifying.'}} \]
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