Read the following passage carefully and then select the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives given. Public opinion can be passive and false or active and real. In political theory it is often claimed that all governments ultimately rest on the opinion or consent of the governed. However, in practice we frequently see peoples rights violated while tyranny and oppression continue unchecked. Governments often act in such ways not because people really want them to do so but because citizens are too idle, too uneducated, too divided or too timid to oppose the authorities. In such situations, public opinion is passive and false rather than an active verdict. In contrast, where people are alert, informed and determined to make the government aware of their will, they actively use their voice in running their country. This is an example of true or active public opinion. According to the passage, true public opinion is formed and expressed through several channels: the press, public platforms, political parties and educational institutions. These organs of society have sacred duties to perform because the overall good of the community depends on them. Among these, the press today wields a tremendous influence. A free and fair press supports just causes and movements, condemns wrong actions and helps people form correct opinions. By ventilating the grievances of the public, the press creates a healthy relationship between the people and the government. Political parties also contribute to the creation and regulation of public opinion. Educational institutions prepare the minds of young people who will be citizens of tomorrow. It has been said that modern nations such as Germany and China were shaped by their universities. Young minds must learn the spirit of fellow feeling, the spirit of tolerance, the habit of compromise and proper respect for the feelings and opinions of others. Without these qualities, a democratic society cannot function, let alone succeed. When people are truly awakened in this way, genuine and conscious public opinion will arise, justice will flourish and the voice of the people will truly be the voice of God. According to the passage, which of the following qualities are important for a democratic society to function properly?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: All of these

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of what personal and social qualities the passage considers essential for the healthy functioning of a democratic society. Near the end of the passage, the author lists several virtues that young people must develop. You need to see whether the passage supports each option individually and then decide whether a combined option summarises them all.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The passage explains that educational institutions train the minds of young people, who are the future citizens.
  • It then states that young minds should absorb or imbibe certain qualities.
  • Those qualities include the spirit of fellow feeling, the spirit of tolerance, the habit of compromise and respect for the feelings and opinions of others.
  • The passage clearly says that without these qualities a democratic society cannot function, much less succeed.


Concept / Approach:
To solve this, you simply need to match each listed option with the qualities mentioned in the passage. The text explicitly names "the spirit of fellow feeling", "the spirit of tolerance" and "the habit of compromise" as required qualities. Because all three appear directly in the relevant sentence and are described as necessary for democracy, the answer must include all of them. Therefore, the comprehensive option "All of these" is correct.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Locate the part of the passage that refers to what young minds must learn.Step 2: Identify the list of qualities: spirit of fellow feeling, spirit of tolerance, habit of compromise, and respect for others feelings and opinions.Step 3: Compare these qualities with the options provided.Step 4: Note that options A, B and C each capture one of the listed qualities.Step 5: Since the passage requires all of these for democracy to function, choose option D, "All of these".


Verification / Alternative check:
If you pick only one of the individual qualities, you ignore the author’s clear statement that all of them together are essential. The passage connects them with the phrase "without which a democratic society cannot function". This shows that democracy depends not just on any single virtue but on a combination of fellow feeling, tolerance, compromise and respect. The exam setter therefore expects you to recognise that all three named qualities in the options are part of that essential set.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Option A: The spirit of fellow feeling is important but is only one of several required qualities.
  • Option B: The spirit of tolerance is again necessary but incomplete by itself.
  • Option C: The habit of compromise is crucial but needs to be accompanied by fellow feeling and tolerance according to the passage.


Common Pitfalls:
In such questions, some candidates assume that examiners want them to choose one "most important" quality, and they may overlook combined options like "All of these". However, when a passage lists multiple traits and links them directly to the success of an institution like democracy, you should interpret them as a package rather than as competing alternatives. Always pay attention to phrases such as "without which" and "cannot function", because they signal that every item in the list is essential.


Final Answer:
According to the passage, a democratic society requires all of the listed qualities, so the correct answer is All of these.

More Questions from English

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion