Political education has many connotations. It may be defined as the preparation of a citizen to take well informed, responsible and sustained action for participation in the national struggle in order to achieve the socio-economic objectives of the country. The predominant socio- economic objectives in India are the abolition of poverty and the creation of a modern democratic, secular and socialist society in place of the present traditional, feudal, hierarchical and in egalitarian one.
Under the colonial rule, the Congress leaders argued that political education was an important part of education and refused to accept the official view that education and politics should not be mixed with one another. But when they came to power in 1947 they almost adopted the British policy and began to talk of education being defiled by politics. ‘Hands off education’ was the call to political parties. But in spite of it, political infiltration into the educational system has greatly increased in the sense that different political parties vie with each other to capture the mind of teachers and students. The wise academicians wanted political support, without political interference. What we have actually received is infinite political interference with little genuine political support. This interference with the educational system by political parties for their own ulterior motives is no political education at all and with the all round growth of elitism, it is hardly a matter for surprise that real political education within the school system (which really means the creation of a commitment to social transformation) has been even weaker than in the pre-independence period.
During that time only, the struggle for freedom came to an end and the major non- formal agency of political education disappeared. The press played a major role by providing some political education. But it did not utilize the opportunity to the full and the strangle hold of vested interests continued to dominate it. The same can be said of political parties as well as of other institutions and agencies outside the school system which can be expected to provide political education. After analyzing all these things , it appears that we have made no progress in genuine political education in the post-education period and have even slided back in some respects. For instance, the education system has become even more elite-oriented. Patriotism has become the first casualty. The father of the nation gave us the courage to oppose government when it was wrong, in a disciplined fashion and on basic principles. Today, we have even lost the courage to fight on basic issues in a disciplined manner because agitational and anarchic politics for individual, group or party aggrandizement has become common. In the recent times the education system continues to support domination of the privileged groups and domestication of the under- privileged ones. The situation will not change unless we take vigorous steps to provide genuine political education on an adequate scale. This is one of the major educational reforms we need, and if it is not carried out, mere linear expansion of the existing system of formal education will only support the status quo and hamper radical social transformation.
Which word is nearly opposite in meaning as “defile” as used in the passage?
Disparage
forgery
degenerate
sanctify
Answer: Option D
The word “defile” means to make foul, dirty, or unclean. Disparage means to speak of or treat slightingly. Forgery means the act of reproducing something for a deceitful or fraudulent purpose. Sanctify means to purify or free from sin.
According to the passage, what should be the main purpose of political education?
To champion the cause of elitism
To bring qualitative change in the entire education system
To create an egalitarian society
To prepare the young generation with high intellectual acumen.
Answer: Option C
The answer to this question is given in the 1st paragraph. It defines the purpose of political education: it is to guide the citizens to work for the socio economic objectives of the country. And according to this paragraph the socio economic objectives of India are the abolition of poverty and the creation of a modern democratic, secular and socialist society in place of the present traditional, feudal, hierarchical and in egalitarian one in short an egalitarian society.
How has politics been related to educational institutions after independence?
Although they got political support but there was no interference of politics.
It is clear that they got almost no political support as well as political interference.
They got political support at the cost of political interference.
There was substantial interference without political support.
Answer: Option D
It is mentioned in the first paragraph 9th line: "What we have actually received is infinite political interference with little genuine political support."
Based on the passage, which is the major drawback of the present education system?
The education system mainly represents the oppressed sections of the society.
The present education system promotes the domination of the privileged few.
It is based on the British model of education.
It is highly hierarchical and egalitarian in nature.
Answer: Option B
It is mentioned in the last lines of the last paragraph: "In the recent times the education system continues to support domination of the privileged groups and domestication of the under- privileged ones. The situation will not change unless we take vigorous steps to provide genuine political education on an adequate scale. This is one of the major educational reforms we need.....".
Which is the most opposite in meaning to the word ‘hamper’ as used in the passage?
Accelerate
envision
foster
initiate
Answer: Option C
“Foster” means to promote the growth or development of.
DIRECTIONS for the question 6-10 : Read the passage and answer the question based on it.
A fact that draws our attention is that, according to his position in life, an extravagant man is either admired or loathed. A successful business man does nothing to increase his popularity by being prudent with his money. A person who is wealthy is expected to lead a luxurious life and to be lavish with his hospitality. If he is not so, he is considered mean, and his reputation in business may even suffer in consequence. The paradox remains that he had not been careful with his money in the first place; he would never have achieved his present wealth.
Among the low income group, a different set of values exists. The young clerk, who makes his wife a present of a new dress when he has not paid his house rent, is condemned as extravagant. Carefulness with money to the point of meanness is applauded as a virtue. Nothing in his life is considered more worthy than paying his bills. The ideal wife for such a man separates her housekeeping money into joyless little piles – so much for rent, for food, for the children’s shoes, she is able to face the milkman with equanimity every, month satisfied with her economizing ways , and never knows the guilt of buying something she can’t really afford .
As for myself, I fall neither of these categories. If I have money to spare I can be extravagant, but when, as is usually the case, I am hard up and then I am the meanest man imaginable.
Which of the following would be the most appropriate title for the passage:
Being extravagant is always condemnable.
The cause of poverty is extravagance.
Extravagance is a part of the rich as well as of the poor.
Stingy habits of the poor.
Answer: Option C
This is the most appropriate title as the author sheds light on the life of a rich person in the first paragraph and discusses the life of a person who belongs to lower strata of the society in the second paragraph.
According to the passage the person, who is a successful businessman and wealthy
Is expected to have lavish lifestyle.
Should not bother about popularity.
Is more popular if he appears to be wasting away his time.
Must be extravagant before achieving success.
Answer: Option A
It is given in the fourth line of the 1st paragraph.:“If he .........consequence.”
The phrase ‘lavish with his hospitality’ in the third sentence of the first paragraph means
Thoughtful in spending only on guests and strangers.
Unconcerned in treating his friends and relatives.
Stinginess in dealing with his relatives.
Extravagance in entertaining guest.
Answer: Option D
The meaning of the word “hospitality” is the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way which justifies that option d is the correct answer choice.
The word ‘paradox’ in the last sentence of the first paragraph means
Statement based on the popular opinion
a statement that seems self-contradictory but in reality expresses a possible truth.
Statement based on facts
A word that brings out the hidden meaning
Answer: Option B
The meaning of the word “paradox” is given in option B and it is also explained in the last sentence of the first paragraph.
What is the meaning of the word “equanimity”?
Calmness
Discomposure
Equivocal
Dubious
Answer: Option A
The word “equanimity” means mental or emotional stability or composure, especially under tension or strain as can further be understood as in this example “Raj was a man of great equanimity, even when talking about his own death.”
DIRECTIONS for the question 11-15 : Read the passage and answer the question based on it.
If a person suddenly encounters any terrible danger, the change of nature one undergoes is equally great. Sometimes fear numbs our senses. Like animals, one stands still, powerless to move a step in fright or to lift a hand in defense of our lives, and sometimes one is seized with panic, and again, act more like the inferior animals than rational beings. On the other hand, frequently in cases of sudden extreme peril, which cannot be escaped by flight, and must be instantly faced, even the most timid men at once as if by miracle, become possessed of the necessary courage, sharp quick apprehension and swift decision. This is a miracle very common in nature. Man and the inferior animals alike, when confronted with almost certain death ‘ gather resolution from despair’ but there can really be no trace of so debilitating a feeling in the person fighting, or prepared to fight for dear life. At such times the mind is clearer than it has ever been; the nerves are steel, there is nothing felt but a wonderful strength and daring. Looking back at certain perilous moments in my own life, I remember them with a kind of joy, not that there was any joyful excitement then, but because they broadened my horizon, lifted me for a time above myself.
The title that best suits the passage would be:-
The Will to Fight
The Miracle of Confronting Danger
The Change of Nature
Courage and Panic
Answer: Option B
This best captures the essence of the passage. In case one is faced with sudden danger, even the man who is shy gets the courage to face the situation as it has further been discussed in the lines “Frequently in cases.......in nature.”
A man may react to sudden danger in three different ways . What are they?
He may flee in panic, or fight back or stand still.
He may be paralyzed with fear, seized with panic or act like an inferior animal.
He may be paralyzed with fear, or seized with panic, or as if by miracle, become possessed of the necessary courage, and face the danger.
He may be paralyzed with fear, run away or fight.
Answer: Option C
The paragraph clearly identifies 3 ways:
Sometimes fear numbs our senses. Like animals, one stands still, powerless to move a step in fright or to lift a hand in defense of our lives,
and sometimes one is seized with panic, and again, act more like the inferior animals than rational beings.
On the other hand, frequently in cases of sudden extreme peril, which cannot be escaped by flight, and must be instantly faced, even the most timid men at once as if by miracle, become possessed of the necessary courage, sharp quick apprehension and swift decision.
What is the meaning of the word debilitating ?
enfeeble
strengthen
debase
thriving
Answer: Option A
The word “enfeeble” means to make weak or feeble.
Explain the phrase ‘gather resolution from danger’.
Find peace in times of difficulty.
A state of utter hopelessness makes one determined to face the difficulty.
To remain calm and not to lose hope.
To be enthusiastic and brave the odds.
Answer: Option B
It means that in times of difficulty one gathers courage to make decisions. The word ‘resolution’ means the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action.
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