PASSAGE 35

We are tempted to assume that technological progress is real progress and that material success is the criterion of civilization. If the eastern people become fascinated by machines and techniques and use them, as western nations do, to build huge industrial organizations and large military establishments, they will get involved in power politics and drift into the danger of death. Scientific and technological civilization brings great opportunities and great rewards but also great risks and temptations. Science and technology are neither good nor bad. They are not to be tabooed but tamed and assigned their proper place. They become dangerous only if they become idols.

1. According to the author, people think that real progress lies in
A) material success and technological growth
B) imitating western nations
C) having large industries and political and technological power
D) taking risks and facing temptations

2. According to the author, science and technology should be
A) tabooed and eliminated from life
B) used in a controlled and careful manner
C) encouraged and liberally used
D) made compulsory in education

3. From the passage one gathers that the eastern people must
A) appreciate scientific achievements
B) build huge industrial organizations
C) avoid being controlled by machines and techniques of industrial produc­tion
D) be fascinated by machines

4. According to the author, science and technology are
A) totally harmless
B) extremely dangerous
C) to be treated as idols
D) useful, if they are not worshipped blindly

Answer Key

Solution with explanation

2. Option ‘B’ (used in a controlled and careful manner). The answer lies in the last two lines. TAME = to control something dangerous or powerful; e.g.

He’ll need to tame his temper if he wants to succeed.

TABOO = to avoid

3. Option ‘C’ (avoid being controlled by machines and techniques of industrial produc­tion). The answer lies in the second sentence.

For more English Practice Sets on various topics read the following book authored by me.

Link for buying the above book

For chapters/topics on English Grammar read the following book authored by me.

Link for buying the above book