Read the passage about our obsession with health and answer the question: What does the passage suggest about the real nature of health?

Introduction / Context:
This comprehension question asks you to interpret the main idea the author conveys about the purpose of health. The passage criticises how modern society treats health as a final goal instead of understanding its deeper function in human life. You must decide which option best captures this viewpoint.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The passage says that in the world today we make health an end in itself.
• It explains that we have forgotten the true meaning of health.
• The writer states that health really means enabling a person to do his work and do it well.
• The question is: "The passage suggests that" followed by four options.

Concept / Approach:
When a passage says "we make health an end in itself" but "we have forgotten that health really means to enable a person to do his work," the author is clearly saying that health is a tool or means to achieve productive work, not the final goal. Therefore, the correct interpretation is that health is only a means to an end. The end is useful work and a meaningful life, while health is the condition that makes this possible.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the key sentence that defines health: "health really means to enable a person to do his work and do it well." Step 2: Understand that this means health has a function beyond itself: it serves as support for work. Step 3: Recognise that when health serves some other goal, it is a means, not the final end. Step 4: Compare this understanding with the options and see that "health is only a means to an end" directly reflects the author's claim. Step 5: Choose that option as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
The passage explicitly criticises the idea of health as an end in itself, so option "health is an end in itself" cannot be right. It also does not focus on whether health is a blessing, nor does it simply instruct people not to talk about health. Its main message is about purpose: health should be used, not worshipped. This confirms that the interpretation of health as a means to an end is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• health is an end in itself: The author states that this view is wrong and is precisely what modern people mistakenly believe.
• health is a blessing: Although health can be considered a blessing, the passage does not discuss it in religious or emotional terms; it focuses on function.
• we should not talk about health: The writer says a healthy man should not waste time talking about health, but this is a consequence of the main idea, not the central suggestion about what health is.

Common Pitfalls:
Many students look for sentences that match the exact wording of options instead of extracting the deeper implication. Others choose emotionally appealing statements like "health is a blessing," forgetting that the passage is analytical, not sentimental. Always ask yourself what the author is trying to correct or emphasise, and then choose the option that reflects that core message.

Final Answer:
The passage suggests that health is only a means to an end, namely to enable a person to work and perform effectively.