Read the passage carefully and select the best answer to each question out of the given four alternatives. Public opinion may be passive and false or active and real. It is claimed in theory that all governments are ultimately based on the opinion or sanction of the governed. But we find that in practice the peoples rights are often trodden down and tyranny and oppression are allowed to continue. The government does it not because the people want it to do so but because they are too idle, too uneducated and too disunited or timid to oppose the government. Such public opinion is passive and false and not an active verdict. But when we find people alert, intelligent and determined to let the government know their will, when they want to exercise actively their voice in the management of their country, we have an instance of true or active public opinion. True public opinion is formed by and expressed through the press, the platform, political parties and educational institutions. These have sacred duties to perform, duties on which depends the ultimate good of the entire community. The press today wields a tremendous influence, so it should support just causes and condemn wrong movements and thus teach people to form correct opinion. A free and fair press ventilates the grievances of the public, and a healthy relationship develops between people and government through an unbiased press. Political parties and educational institutions also play a vital role in shaping public opinion. When there is true awakening of the people, we shall have real and conscious public opinion, and justice will reign. Considering the overall theme and content, what is the most suitable title for this passage?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests the skill of identifying an appropriate title for a passage. The passage explains the nature of public opinion, distinguishes between passive and active forms, and then describes how various institutions like the press, political parties and educational bodies help in shaping that opinion in a democracy. The title must capture the central idea rather than a small detail.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The passage opens by defining public opinion as passive and false or active and real.
• It then explains when public opinion can be called true and active.
• It discusses the roles of the press, political parties and educational institutions in shaping opinion.
• The conclusion talks about awakening of the people and the reign of justice once real public opinion exists.
• We must choose a title that reflects the broad theme, not just one aspect.

Concept / Approach:
When choosing a title, we look for a phrase that summarises the entire passage. The passage discusses both the character of true public opinion and the process by which it is created and expressed. A good title should cover both the nature and the formation of public opinion, especially as shaped by institutions and citizen awareness.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify what the passage mainly talks about rather than isolated details.Step 2: Notice that after defining passive and active opinion, most of the text explains how press, platform, political parties and educational institutions help form public opinion.Step 3: Read the conclusion, which links true awakening and conscious public opinion with justice and the voice of the people.Step 4: Compare each option and see which one covers the process and idea of public opinion most completely.

Verification / Alternative check:
Option B, Formation of public opinion, includes both the idea that opinion exists and that it is shaped or formed. This matches the content that explains how institutions, awareness and active participation create real public opinion. The passage is not limited only to media, nor only to autocratic societies, nor only to the abstract phrase true public opinion without the process of its formation. This supports the selection of option B.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, Role of media in forming public opinion, focuses only on the press. While the press is important in the passage, the text also highlights political parties and educational institutions. Therefore this title is too narrow.
Option C, Public opinion in an autocratic society, is misleading because the passage clearly refers to democratic functioning and the voice of the people, not an explicit autocratic system.
Option D, True public opinion, captures one major idea but ignores the detailed description of how such opinion is formed. As a title, it is less comprehensive than Formation of public opinion.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to choose a title focusing on the most striking word or the first phrase in the passage rather than the overall message. Students might also overemphasise the press and forget that other institutions are equally emphasised. Another pitfall is to choose an answer that sounds impressive but does not correspond to the whole passage.

Final Answer:
Because the passage mainly explains how real public opinion arises, how it is shaped by key institutions and how it leads to justice, the most suitable title is Formation of public opinion.