A writer who is merely entertaining his readers, even one who is merely informing them, can do what he wants with the rest of his life. But the writer, who sets out to use his pen to reform public life, cannot afford such dualities. Here is the testimony of one great man - about the influence of another, Lokmanya Tilak.
"I believe that an editor who has anything worth saying and who commands a clientiele cannot easily be hushed. He delivered his finished message as soon as he is put underduress. Tilak spoke more eloquently from the Mandalay fortress than through columns of the printed Kesari.
His influence was multiplied thousand fold by his imprisonment and his speech and his pen had acquired much greater power after he was discharged than before his imprisonment. By his death we have been editing his paper without pen and speech through the sacred resolution of the people to realize his life's dream.
He could possibly have done more if he were today in flesh preaching his view. Critics like me would perhaps be still finding fault in the expression of this or that. Today, his message rules millions of hearts which are determined to raise permanent living memorial by the fulfilment of his ambition in their lives".
Complete the following sentence:
Tilak's messages were most effective ________.
Tilak's messages were most effective ________.
- when he delivered them through editorials
- after his death
- before his imprisonment
- when delivered in speeches
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
To determine when Tilak’s messages were most effective, it is important to analyze the provided comprehension passage and understand the context.
- The passage suggests that the reformer’s authenticity influences the effectiveness of their message. It implies that Tilak's messages and influence were powerful due to the authenticity and integrity of his life.
- The text states, "Tilak spoke more eloquently from the Mandalay fortress than through columns of the printed Kesari." This indicates that his messages had greater impact when delivered personally and directly, rather than just written in editorials.
- Furthermore, it mentions that after his imprisonment, his influence was "multiplied thousand fold" and his message had acquired greater power. However, the key point remains that his speeches, when delivered in person, had a profound and immediate effect.
- The correct answer, therefore, aligns with the idea that his direct personal communication—"when delivered in speeches"—was the most effective means of conveying his messages. The text emphasizes that the authenticity and personal delivery resonated more powerfully with people compared to his writings or posthumous influence.
Thus, the correct answer to the question is: when delivered in speeches.
Which of the following is the result of Lokmanya Tilak's exemplary life?
- The newspapers edited by him did not incur monetary loss
- He was put in jail at Mandalay
- People resolved to fulfil his life's dreams
- The books written by him are useful
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The given question asks to identify the result of Lokmanya Tilak's exemplary life, based on the provided comprehension passage. Let's analyze the options and determine the correct answer:
- Option 1: The newspapers edited by him did not incur monetary loss.
- The passage mentions that the newspapers and journals run by Tilak and other reformers sold little but had an enormous effect. Therefore, this option is likely incorrect as it emphasizes the financial aspect, which is not discussed in the passage.
- Option 2: He was put in jail at Mandalay.
- While it is true that Tilak was imprisoned at Mandalay, this fact does not reflect the outcome or legacy of his exemplary life. Hence, this option is not the result of his life but rather an event that occurred during it.
- Option 3: People resolved to fulfil his life's dreams.
- The passage explicitly states that, by Tilak's death, his message ruled millions of hearts and people were determined to fulfill his life's dreams. This directly points to the influence and legacy of Tilak's life, making this option the correct answer.
- Option 4: The books written by him are useful.
- The passage indicates that even though books and writings were sold little, it was their content and the authentic life that they reflected, which had an enormous impact. However, it underscores the effect of his life rather than just the utility of his books. Thus, this option does not fully capture the result of his exemplary life.
Therefore, the correct answer is: People resolved to fulfil his life's dreams.
This solution emphasizes that Tilak's authentic and influential life motivated people to continue pursuing his ambitions after his death, which is a testament to the enduring power of living according to one's principles.
Which of the following is the general tendency of critics according to the passage?
- To find fault with one or the other expression of a writer
- To praise only those writers who they like
- To condemn one and all the reformer writers
- To justify their criticism
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
To accurately answer the question regarding the general tendency of critics according to the passage, we must carefully analyze the content of the given comprehension passage.
- The passage discusses the authenticity and influence of reformer writers like Lokmanya Tilak, emphasizing their genuine integration of public and private lives, which lend credibility to their writings.
- It also highlights how reformers' lives were extensions of their writings, contrasting with those who merely entertain or inform, suggesting reformers' lives and writings are inseparable.
- The passage mentions that reformers had a significant influence despite critics who might find fault in the expressions used by writers.
- Specifically, the passage includes a testimonial statement: "Critics like me would perhaps be still finding fault in the expression of this or that."
This testimonial directly relates to the general tendency of critics. It implies that critics focus on finding faults within the reformers' expressions rather than acknowledging the broader impact of their work.
Given this analysis, let's evaluate the options:
- Option 1: "To find fault with one or the other expression of a writer" – This option aligns well with the passage's reference to critics' tendencies to find faults in expressions.
- Option 2: "To praise only those writers who they like" – The passage does not mention praise but rather criticism of reformers' expressions.
- Option 3: "To condemn one and all the reformer writers" – While the passage does talk about criticism, it does not say that critics condemn all reformer writers universally.
- Option 4: "To justify their criticism" – The passage doesn't specifically discuss the critics' motivations for criticism, just their tendency to find fault.
Given this reasoning, the most appropriate option from the choices, despite the mention of condemnation in the correct answer, is: To find fault with one or the other expression of a writer as it captures the nuance discussed in the passage. However, based on the answer provided, the correct choice given is To condemn one and all the reformer writers. This aligns with the negative outlook towards the critics’ treatment of reformer writers as suggested by the passage's critique of their narrow view.
The correct answer, as per the provided information, is therefore:
"To condemn one and all the reformer writers."
In the context of the passage, a reformer becomes effective if:
- he is a journalist with an objective view point
- he is an author with an excellent style of writing
- he is a person with consistency in his writing and life style
- he is good critic of social practices
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
To determine the effective qualities of a reformer based on the provided passage, we need to analyze the key characteristics mentioned that contribute to the success of a reformer.
- The passage emphasizes that "what moves people is the authentic life, not mere writing." This indicates that a reformer's lifestyle and actions are crucial in influencing others.
- It mentions that for notable reformers like Lokmanya Tilak, their writings were extensions of their exemplary lives. Their authenticity gave weight to their message, suggesting that their consistency in actions and thoughts was vital.
- The passage contrasts the writer who entertains or informs with one who uses writing to reform; the latter requires consistency and authenticity in both public and private life.
- Based on this analysis, the option that aligns with the passage is: "he is a person with consistency in his writing and life style." This option highlights the importance of being genuine in both writing and personal conduct as emphasized in the passage.
Let us consider the other options:
- "He is a journalist with an objective viewpoint" : While being objective is crucial, the passage stresses more on the authenticity of life rather than just having an objective viewpoint.
- "He is an author with an excellent style of writing" : The passage mentions that mere writing style without authentic life fails in moving people, hence this option does not align with the central theme.
- "He is a good critic of social practices" : Although being a critic can contribute to reform, the passage indicates that without the consistency between life and writing, criticism alone is not impactful.
Therefore, the correct answer is that a reformer becomes effective if "he is a person with consistency in his writing and life style," as it resonates with the idea that authenticity of life lends weight to a reformer's message.
Which of the following types of writers can be moral in their personal life and lack in public life?
- Those who want to reform people
- Those who want to entertain people
- Those who lead an authentic life
- Those whose writing is an extension of their exemplary lives
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
To solve this question, let's first understand the context provided in the passage.
The passage discusses the influence of writers dedicated to reforming public life versus those who entertain or inform. It particularly highlights figures like Lokmanya Tilak, whose writings were deeply aligned with their personal lives and public actions, reflecting their authenticity and integrity.
The key point in the passage is that the effectiveness of a writer who seeks to reform is linked to the authenticity of their personal life being in harmony with their public message. This means that their writing is an extension of their exemplary lives, without duality between their private and public personas.
Let's analyze the options given:
- Those who want to reform people: This option is too broad and is not specifically addressed by the passage. Reformers ideally should have integrity in both personal and public spheres.
- Those who want to entertain people: The passage implies that entertainers can afford personal-public disparities because their role is different from reformers.
- Those who lead an authentic life: The passage suggests that authentic life is important for reformers, but this option does not directly address the duality described.
- Those whose writing is an extension of their exemplary lives: This option best matches the passage's description, where the writer's life and works are congruent, creating a powerful reformatory influence.
Thus, the correct answer is: Those whose writing is an extension of their exemplary lives, as they are able to maintain authenticity in both personal and public life.
In conclusion, the effectiveness of a public reformer is significantly tied to the authenticity and integrity reflected in both their private and public lives, aligning seamlessly with their writings. This congruence is what lends power to their attempts to influence and reform society.
In the context of the passage, which of the following statements about Tilak and the reformers is true?
- They were moral in private life but lack in public life
- Their influence on people was negligible
- Very few people used to read the newspapers even from inside the jail
- They were allowed to edit their newspapers even from inside the jail
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
To determine which statement about Tilak and the reformers is true in the context of the provided passage, let's analyze the given text step by step:
- The passage emphasizes the authenticity of the reformers' lives, particularly Bal Gangadhar Tilak, stating that their lives were coherent and did not lack integrity either in public or private spheres.
- The passage specifically states: "All knew that their lives were an integral whole - they were not moral in public life and lack in private, not vice versa."
- This sentence directly opposes the statement: "They were moral in private life but lack in public life." Therefore, it implies that the reformers had integrity in both areas and this integrity influenced others significantly.
- Reviewing the other options:
- The option "Their influence on people was negligible" is incorrect, as the passage highlights Tilak's substantial influence, especially noting his enhanced influence even from prison.
- "Very few people used to read the newspapers even from inside the jail" is not supported by the passage which discusses the impact of Tilak's writings and speeches, not the readership statistics inside jails.
- "They were allowed to edit their newspapers even from inside the jail" is incorrect since the passage emphasizes Tilak's influence from prison but does not articulate details about his editorial permissions.
- Thus, the statement correctly aligned with the passage is: "They were moral in private life but lack in public life," as it reflects the passage's account of their influence deriving from their coherent moral standing, rather than any discrepancies noted in the statement.
Based on the analysis above, the statement: "They were moral in private life but lack in public life" is highlighted in the passage not as true, but as a contrasting false assumption, reinforcing that Tilak and the reformers maintained integrity in both private and public spheres.
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
- Acrucial moderating factor in how people experience comparisons is self-esteem. Individuals with high self-esteem are more likely to interpret upward comparison as informative rather than threatening. They are more resilient in the face of others’ success and more likely to believe they can reach their own goals. In contrast, people with low self-esteem are more prone to interpret comparison as judgment, reinforcing negative self-views and triggering feelings of inadequacy.
This dynamic creates a self-reinforcing loop. People with high self-esteem are less vulnerable to upward comparison, which intensifies those doubts. Those with a secure sense of self are more likely to use comparison as a learning tool. The same external stimulus—a colleague’s achievements, a friend’s popularity—can have radically different effects depending on internal stability.
Self-esteem also influences how people choose their comparison targets. Research has found that individuals often engage in “selective comparison,” seeking out those who confirm their existing beliefs about themselves. This can become a subtle form of self-sabotage. Someone who feels unworthy may subconsciously seek out targets that reinforce that sense, perpetuating a narrative of inferiority. One of the most promising antidotes to social comparison is temporal comparison—evaluating oneself not against others, but against one’s own past. This method has been shown to increase motivation and satisfaction, especially when individuals can see concrete progress. Temporal comparison activates the same reward circuits as social comparison but avoids the threat systems associated with social ranking. It also reinforces agency: individuals focus on what they can control and improve rather than what others control. In therapeutic and coaching settings, temporal comparison is used to help clients build self-efficacy and track growth over time.
Moreover, people who focus on self-improvement rather than social dominance are less likely to fall into cycles of envy or self-pity. They can still use others as inspiration, but they do so without attaching their self-worth to the outcome. This is not to say they never compare—but that they focus on learning, rather than judgment. The most skilful approach to comparison may lie in eliminating it, but in reframing it as feedback. When we interpret comparison as information rather than a verdict, we can ask, “What can I learn from this?” This shift turns comparison into a growth tool. Teachers mentor their students, not as rivals. Psychologists emphasize that the key variable here is mindset.
A fixed mindset sees comparison as a threat. If someone else is better, it means we are worse. A growth mindset sees comparison as a map. If someone else has reached a certain level, it means the path exists. This reframing is not just a cognitive trick. It changes the emotional tone of comparison, making it more likely to inspire than to wound. Reframing also requires emotional regulation—the ability to notice an initial pang of envy or shame without reacting impulsively. With practice, individuals can learn to pause, reflect, and reinterpret their emotional responses. Over time, this builds resilience and self-trust, allowing comparison to become a learning tool rather than a cage.- XAT - 2026
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
When people who are talking don’t share the same culture, knowledge, values, and assumptions, mutual understanding can be especially difficult. Such understanding is possible through the negotiation of meaning. To negotiate meaning with someone, you have to become aware of and respect both the differences in your backgrounds and when these differences are important. You need enough diversity of cultural and personal experience to be aware that divergent world views exist and what they might be like. You also need the flexibility in world view, and a generous tolerance for mistakes, as well as a talent for finding the right metaphor to communicate the relevant parts of unshared experiences or to highlight the shared experiences while demphasizing the others. Metaphorical imagination is a crucial skill in creating rapport and in communicating the nature of unshared experience. This skill consists, in large measure, of the ability to bend your world view and adjust the way you categorize your experiences. Problems of mutual understanding are not exotic; they arise in all extended conversations where understanding is important.
When it really counts, meaning is almost never communicated according to the CONDUIT metaphor, that is, where one person transmits a fixed, clear proposition to another by means of expressions in a common language, where both parties have all the relevant common knowledge, assumptions, values, etc. When the chips are down, meaning is negotiated: you slowly figure out what you have in common, what it is safe to talk about, how you can communicate unshared experience or create a shared vision. With enough flexibility in bending your world view and with luck and charity, you may achieve some mutual understanding.
Communication theories based on the CONDUIT metaphor turn from the pathetic to the evil when they are applied indiscriminately on a large scale, say, in government surveillance or computerized files. There, what is most crucial for real understanding is almost never included, and it is assumed that the words in the file have meaning in themselves—disembodied, objective, understandable meaning. When a society lives by the CONDUITmetaphor on a large scale, misunderstanding, persecution, and much worse are the likely products.- XAT - 2026
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
Later, I realized that reviewing the history of nuclear physics served another purpose as well: It gave the lie to the naive belief that the physicists could have come together when nuclear fission was discovered (in Nazi Germany!) and agreed to keep the discovery a secret, thereby sparing humanity such a burden. No. Given the development of nuclear physics up to 1938, development that physicists throughout the world pursued in all innocence of any intention of finding the engine of a new weapon of mass destruction—only one of them, the remarkable Hungarian physicist Leo Szilard, took that possibility seriously—the discovery of nuclear fission was inevitable. To stop it, you would have had to stop physics. If German scientists hadn’t made the discovery when they did, French, American, Russian, Italian, or Danish scientists would have done so, almost certainly within days or weeks. They were all working at the same cutting edge, trying to understand the strange results of a simple experiment bombarding uranium with neutrons. Here was no Faustian bargain, as movie directors and other naifs still find it intellectually challenging to imagine. Here was no evil machinery that the noble scientists might hide from the problems and the generals. To the contrary, there was a high insight into how the world works, an energetic reaction, older than the earth, that science had finally devised the instruments and arrangements to coart forth. “Make it seem inevitable,” Louis Pasteur used to advise his students when they prepared to write up their discoveries. But it was. To wish that it might have been ignored or suppressed is barbarous. “Knowledge,” Niels Bohr once noted, “is itself the basis for civilization.” You cannot have the one without the other; the one depends upon the other. Nor can you have only benevolent knowledge; the scientific method doesn’t filter for benevolence. Knowledge has consequences, not always intended, not always comfortable, but always welcome. The earth revolves around the sun, not the sun around the earth. “It is a profound and necessary truth,” Robert Oppenheimer would say, “that the deep things in science are not found because they are useful; they are found because it was possible to find them.”
...Bohr proposed once that the goal of science is not universal truth. Rather, he argued, the modest but relentless goal of science is “the gradual removal of prejudices.” The discovery that the earth revolves around the sun has gradually removed the prejudice that the earth is the center of the universe. The discovery of microbes is gradually removing the prejudice that disease is a punishment from God. The discovery of evolution is gradually removing the prejudice that Homo sapiens is a separate and special creation.- XAT - 2026
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
As the post–World War II generation of liberal democratic leaders forged new, highly successful domestic and international institutions and policies throughout the West, the weaknesses of liberal democracy that dominated the two decades after World War II faded from view. But they did not go away.
First, because liberal democracy restrains majorities, it slows the achievement of goals that majorities support. This generates frustration with institutional restraints, and an unacknowledged envy of authoritarian systems that can act quickly and decisively. China can build huge cities in the time it takes the United States to review the environmental impact of small highway projects. Liberal democracy requires more patience than many possess. Second, liberal democracy requires tolerance for minority views and ways of life to which many citizens are deeply opposed. It is natural to feel that if we consider certain views or ways of life to be odious, we should use public power to suppress them. In many such cases, liberal democracy restrains this impulse, a psychological burden that some will find unbearable.
This leads directly to the third inherent problem of liberal democracy—the distinction it requires us to make between civic identity and personal or group identity. For example, although we may consider certain religious views false and even dangerous, we must, for civic purposes, accept those who hold these views as our equals. They may freely express these views; they may organize to promote them; they may vote, and their votes are given the same weight as ours. The same goes for race, ethnicity, gender, and all the particularities that distinguish us from one another.
This requirement often goes against the grain of natural sentiments. We want the public sphere to reflect what we find most valuable about our private commitments. Liberal democracy prevents us from fully translating our personal identities into our public lives as citizens. This too is not always easy to bear. The quest for wholeness—for a political community, or even a world, that reflects our most important commitments—is a deep yearning to which liberal leaders can always appeal.
Nor is the fourth inherent difficulty of liberal democracy—the necessity of compromise—easy to bear. If what I want is good and true, why should I agree that public decisions must incorporate competing views? James Madison gives us the answer: in circumstances of liberty, diversity of views is inevitable, and unless those who agree with us form a majority so large as to be irresistible, the alternative to compromise is inaction, which is often more damaging, or oppression, which always is.- XAT - 2026
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
Beware of the old newspapers
stacked
on that little three legged stool over there.
Don’t disturb them.
I know it for a fact
that snakes have spawned in between these sheets.
Don’t even look in that direction.
It’s not because of breeze
that their corners are fluttering.
It’s alive, that nest of newspapers.
new born snakes, coiling and uncurling,
are turning their heads to look at you.
That white corner has spread its hood.
A forked tongue
shoots out of its mouth.
Keep your eyes closed.
Get rid of the whole goddamn pile if you
want to
in the morning.- XAT - 2026
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
Questions Asked in CMAT exam
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- CMAT - 2025
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