Question

Read the passage given below.
We have but one method of acquiring knowledge. From the lowest man to the highest yogi, all have to use the same method, and that method is called concentration. Concentration implies, first, an ability to release one’s thoughts and emotions from all other interests and involvements and second, an ability to focus them on a single object or state of awareness. Concentration may assume various manifestations, from a dynamic outpouring of energy to perfectly quiescent perceptions. On every level of mental activity, it is the concentration that is the key to success. What is not generally known is that a concentrated mind succeeds not only because it can solve problems with greater dispatch, but also because problems have a way of somehow vanishing before its focused energies, without even requiring to be solved. A concentrated mind often attracts opportunities for success that, to less focused individuals, appear to come by sheer luck. The chemist who works in his laboratory concentrates all the powers of his mind, brings them into one focus and throws them on the elements and the elements stand analyzed and thus, his knowledge comes. The astronomer also concentrates the power of his mind and brings them into one focus and then throws them on to objects through his telescope and stars and systems roll forward and give up their secrets to him. So it is in every case – with the professor in his chair, the students and his books – with every man who is working to know. The more this power of concentration is, the more is the knowledge acquired, because this is the one and the only method of acquiring it. Even the lowest shoeblack, if he pays more concentration, will polish shoes better; the cook with his concentration will focus all his attention on the work at hand and will cook a better meal. In making money or in worshipping God, or in doing anything, the stronger the power of concentration, the better will be that work is done.
Even though concentration is the key to acquiring knowledge – Concentration itself is not easy to attain. It is a skill that can be developed only through a lot of patience and practice. He who masters it is real ‘yogi’. To control our senses and to gather all our awareness into one focus is by no means an easy task. Life itself is complex and there are invariably several issues vying for our attention which makes it even more difficult to focus on only one thing. Even if we try to concentrate fully on the work in hand, our subconscious mind is scattered in varied directions and soon drags our conscious mind along, without even our realizing it. It, therefore, requires a lot of discipline, will power and self-control to focus or concentrate.However, the effort is worth it and pays rich dividends in the form of accomplishment of our goals. This is the one call, the one knock which opens the gate of nature, and lets out floods of light.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer ANY EIGHT questions from the ten that follow; (8x1=8m)
What is the pre-requisite for acquiring knowledge?
Focus c) Confidence
Concentration d) Energy
What comes easily to a concentrated mind than to less focused individuals?
Opportunities for success c) State of Awareness
Problems d) Luck
How does a concentrated mind succeed?
Solves problems quickly
Problems vanish before its focused energies
Both of the above
None of the above
What examples of professionals, who use their powers of concentration, are cited in the passage?
Chemist c) Cook
Astronomer d) Only (i) and (ii)
The only method of acquiring knowledge according to the passage is _____.
Start studying with focus
Take help from professor and books
Use the power of concentration
There is not only one method of acquiring knowledge.
How can concentration be developed?
By losing control of our senses
By focusing on many things at a time
By thinking in varied directions
By patience and practice
What are the key factors to develop focus or concentration?
Discipline c) Self-control
Will power d) All of the above
How does being concentrated help us in our lives?
We accomplish our goals
We fall down the ladder of success
We become a yoga guru
We get a lot of money
‘Acquire’ is a verb. Give the noun form of this verb
Acquiring c) Acquisition
Acquirement d) Acquire
Find from the passage the antonym of ‘gathered’:
Directions c) Focus
Concentrate d) Scattered​

Answer 1

Answer:

1b

2a

3b

-thanku-

Answer 2

Answer:

1.b

2.a

3.c

4.d

5.c

6.d

7.d

8.a (Not sure)

9.a

10.c

11.a

12.d