From the passage on Mahatma Gandhi, choose the option that best answers the question: “Which of the following can help one to ‘take on’ an empire?”

Introduction / Context:
This question is based on a passage describing Mahatma Gandhi and his leadership of the Indian independence movement. The passage emphasises his non violent methods and moral strength. It states that Gandhi showed the world that a single person could challenge a powerful empire with certain qualities. The phrase “take on an empire” means to oppose and confront a mighty colonial power.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The passage calls Gandhi a peaceful political dissident.
• It mentions that he faced down British colonialists with stirring speeches and non violent protest.
• It notes that he proved one person can take on an empire using both ethics and intelligence.
• The question asks what can help one take on an empire, according to this passage.

Concept / Approach:
To answer correctly, we must focus on the exact qualities the passage highlights as Gandhi's tools against the empire. While he did speak and protest, the core message is that he used ethics and intelligence rather than violence or power. The answer should therefore mention both moral and intellectual strength, not just oratory skills or gentle speech. We must select the option that captures this combined idea accurately.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the key line from the passage which states that Gandhi showed how one person can take on an empire using ethics and intelligence. Step 2: Compare this idea with Option A, “By acting ethically and intelligently.” This directly matches the qualities mentioned in the passage. Step 3: Consider Option B, which suggests using violence. This contradicts the passage, which constantly describes Gandhi as non violent. Step 4: Consider Option C, “By being a good orator.” While Gandhi was a powerful speaker, the passage states that more than anything else, he used ethics and intelligence, not just speeches. Step 5: Consider Option D, “By speaking softly.” The passage does mention that he spoke softly, but it emphasises that the real power came from his values and thinking, not simply the volume of his voice.

Verification / Alternative check:
If we read the passage again, the narrator praises Gandhi as someone who proved that an empire can be challenged through moral and intellectual strength. It describes his non cooperation movement and his willingness to suffer in prison, all guided by ethical beliefs rather than hatred or aggression. This confirms that ethics and intelligence are central to his method, making Option A the best summary of what can help someone take on an empire.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: Advocating violence is completely opposite to Gandhi's philosophy of non violence and therefore cannot be correct. Option C: Being a good orator is only a part of his influence and does not fully capture how he confronted the empire. Option D: Speaking softly is mentioned, but it is not the main factor that allowed him to challenge colonial power.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may focus on surface details like “stirring speeches” and choose the option about being a good orator. Others might misunderstand “take on an empire” as requiring violence. The passage clearly suggests a different model of leadership based on moral courage and clear thinking. Always look for statements in the passage that directly answer the question instead of relying on general knowledge or assumptions.

Final Answer:
According to the passage, the way to “take on” an empire is through the combination of moral values and clear thought. Hence, the correct answer is By acting ethically and intelligently.