Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: He ends up doing nothing at all.
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The passage describes two kinds of people. One type hesitates endlessly between two possible actions and never decides. The other type consults wisely, resolves firmly, and perseveres until success. The question focuses on the first type: the man who is perpetually hesitating over which of the two things he will do first. The text gives a clear statement about what such a person actually achieves, and the question asks us to recall that statement accurately.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
This is a direct recall question. The correct option must match the wording or clear meaning of the sentence in the passage. The phrase will do neither clearly means the person will not carry out either of the two tasks. Therefore, the correct answer must express that he ends up doing nothing out of the two options. Any choice that suggests he manages to do one or both is opposite to the passage.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember the exact wording: The man who is perpetually hesitating which of the two things he will do first, will do neither.
Step 2: Check option D. It says he ends up doing nothing at all. This is equivalent to will do neither of the two things, so it matches the passage.
Step 3: Check option A. It claims he does both things, which is the opposite of the statement in the text.
Step 4: Check option B and option C. Each claims he does only one of the two tasks, but the passage clearly says he does neither.
Step 5: Check option E. It introduces a third, unrelated task, which is not mentioned, and so cannot be correct.
Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify by thinking about real life. A person who endlessly hesitates without deciding often never actually starts. This everyday experience reinforces the literal statement in the passage. That aligns perfectly with option D and contradicts all other options, which imagine that something still gets done despite constant hesitation.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because it suggests success in doing both tasks, which the passage denies.
Option B is wrong because the passage does not say that finally he does the second thing.
Option C is wrong because he is not shown as finally choosing the first thing either.
Option E is wrong because no third task appears in the passage.
Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to think that some progress must happen eventually and to choose an option that says he does at least one task. However, the author’s point is precisely that constant hesitation prevents any progress at all. Paying attention to phrases like will do neither is crucial in avoiding such errors.
Final Answer:
According to the passage, a man who cannot decide which of two things to do first ends up doing nothing at all.
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