Comprehension
Read the following passage and answer the questions.

What have I learnt after eighty years on planet earth? Quite frankly, very little. I don't believe the elders and philosophers. Wisdom does not come with age. Maybe it is born in the cradle - but this too is conjecture, I only know that for the most part I have followed instinct rather than intelligence, and this has resulted in a modicum of happiness. You will find your own way to this reward which is in the end the only reward worth having.

To have got to this point in life without the solace of religion says something for all the things that have brought me joy and a degree of contentment. Books, of course; I couldn't have survived without books and stories. And companionship - which is sometimes friendship, sometimes love and sometimes, if we are lucky, both. And a little light laughter, a sense of humor. And, above all, my relationship with the natural world - up here in the hills; in the dusty plains; in a treeless Moha la choked with concrete flats, where I once found a marigold growing out of a crack in a balcony. I removed the plaster from the base of the plant and filled in a little earth which I watered every morning. The plant grew, and sometimes it produced a little orange flower which I plucked and gave away before it died. This much Ican tell you: for all its hardships and complications, life is simple. And a nature that doesn't sue for happiness often receives it in large measure.

Was it accidental, or was it ordained or was it in my nature to arrive unharmed at this final stage of life's journey? I live this life passionately, and I wish it could go on and on. But all good things must come to an end, and when the time comes to make my exit, I hope Ican do so with good grace and humor. But there is time yet, and many small moments to savor. A small ginger cat arrives on my terrace every afternoon, to curl up in the sun and slumber peacefully for a couple of hours. When he awakes, he gets on his feet with minimum effort, arches his back and walks away as he had come. The same spot every day, the same posture, the same pace. There may be better spots - sunnier, quieter, frequented by birds that can be hunted when the cat is rested and restored. But there is no guarantee, and the search will be never-ending, and there may rarely be time to sleep after all that searching and finding.

It occurs to me that perhaps the cat is a monk. By this I do not mean anything austere. I doubt anyone in single minded pursuit of enlightenment ever finds it. A good monk would be a mild sort of fellow, a bit of a sensualist, capable of compassion for the world, but also for himself. He would know that it is all right not toclimb every mountain.A good monk would know that contentment is easier to attain than happiness, and that is enough. And what of happiness, then? Happiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much. But it is as elusive as a butterfly, and we must never pursue it. If we stay very still, it may come and settle on our hand. But only briefly. We must savor those moments, for they will not come our way very often.
Question: 1

The author's perspective on life is, it is

Updated On: Mar 4, 2025
  • complex
  • beautiful
  • simple
  • worthy
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The author states that despite life’s hardships and complications, life is ultimately simple. He emphasizes that one does not need religion, wisdom, or age to understand life. He focuses on finding contentment rather than overcomplicating life. 

Thus, the correct answer is simple (Option C)

Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 2

Which of the following statements is FALSE?

Updated On: Mar 4, 2025
  • The author strongly believes that age brings wisdom.
  • The author couldn't imagine his life without books and stories.
  • The author mostly followed his instinct rather than intelligence.
  • The author maintains a harmonious relationship with the natural world.
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Identifying the False Statement from the Passage 

Step 1: Understanding the Passage

The passage states that the author does not believe wisdom comes with age. Instead, he suggests that wisdom is either inborn or non-existent.

Step 2: Evaluating the Statements

  • The author values books, instincts, and nature, making these statements true.
  • The statement that wisdom comes with age contradicts the passage.

Step 3: Identifying the False Statement

The false statement is:

Option A: "Wisdom comes with age."

Final Answer:

Thus, the false statement is Option A.

Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 3

Choose from the following the Synonym of 'conjecture' as used in the passage.

Updated On: Mar 4, 2025
  • Conclusion
  • Assumption
  • Perception
  • Creation
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Understanding the Meaning of "Conjecture" 

Step 1: Definition of "Conjecture"

The word "conjecture" means a guess or assumption based on incomplete information.

In the passage, the author uses "conjecture" to indicate that he cannot be certain about the nature of wisdom.

Step 2: Analyzing Incorrect Options

  • Conclusion: Incorrect because a conclusion is based on logic and facts.
  • Other options do not fit the meaning of "conjecture."

Step 3: Correct Meaning

The correct synonym is:

Assumption (Option B).

Final Answer:

Thus, the correct answer is "Assumption" (Option B).

Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 4

Which of the following statements is TRUE?

Updated On: Mar 4, 2025
  • A smal ginger cat would arrive on the author's terrace every afternoon.
  • The author once grew a marigold plant in his backyard and used to water it every morning.
  • The author used to admire the little orange flower and would not let anyone pluck it.
  • The author asserts that he believes in elders and the philosophers
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Identifying the Correct Statement from the Passage 

Step 1: Key Information from the Passage

The passage mentions that:

  • A small ginger cat visits the author's terrace every afternoon.
  • The marigold plant was growing in a balcony crack, not in a backyard (Option B is incorrect).
  • The author plucked the flower and gave it away (Option C is incorrect).
  • The author does not believe in the wisdom of elders (Option D is incorrect).

Step 2: Identifying the Correct Answer

The only correct statement is:

Option A: "A small ginger cat visits the author’s terrace every afternoon."

Final Answer:

Thus, the correct answer is Option A.

Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 5

In the author's opinion, a good monk would be a
1.Mild sort of person
2. Bit of sensualist
3. Compassionate person
4. Gloomy person

Updated On: Mar 4, 2025
  • 1,2,3 and 4
  • 3 and 4
  • 1 and 2
  • 1,2 and 3
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Identifying the Characteristics of a Good Monk 

Step 1: Key Characteristics from the Passage

The passage describes a good monk as:

  • Mild in nature – gentle and calm.
  • A bit of a sensualist – enjoys small pleasures.
  • Compassionate towards others – shows kindness and empathy.

Step 2: Eliminating the Incorrect Option

Gloomy (sad) is not a characteristic of a good monk.

Thus, Option D (1, 2, and 3) is correct.

Final Answer:

Thus, the correct answer is Option D (1, 2, and 3).

Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 6

According to the passage, we infer that Nature is bounteous and it gives us

Updated On: Mar 4, 2025
  • happiness and protection.
  • food and water.
  • afterlife and rewards
  • friendship and love
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Identifying the Primary Gift of Nature 

Step 1: Key Theme from the Passage

The passage emphasizes the abundance of nature.

Nature provides:

  • Trees, plants, and flowers
  • Sustenance – which includes food and water

Step 2: Eliminating Incorrect Options

  • Happiness and protection (Option A): These are benefits, but not the primary gift of nature.
  • Afterlife and rewards (Option C): These are religious concepts that the author does not discuss.
  • Friendship and love (Option D): These come from relationships, not nature itself.

Step 3: Identifying the Correct Answer

The primary gift of nature is:

Food and water (Option B).

Final Answer:

Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top Questions on Reading Comprehension

View More Questions

Questions Asked in ATMA exam

View More Questions