As an Instrument of Intellectual Culture, the Study of Physics is Profitable to All

Reading Passage Question

As an instrument of intellectual culture, the study of Physics is profitable to all; as bearing upon special functions, its value, though not so great, is still more tangible. Why, for example, should Members of Parliament be ignorant of the subjects concerning which they are called upon to legislate? In this land of practical physics, why should they be unable to form an independent opinion upon a physical question? Why should the member of a parliamentary committee be left at the mercy of interested disputants when a scientific question is discussed, until he deems the nap a blessing which rescues him from the bewilderments of the committee-room? The education which does not supply the want here referred to, fails in its duty to England.

With regard to our working people, in the ordinary sense of the term ‘working’, the study of Physics would, I imagine, be profitable, not only as a means of intellectual culture, but also as a moral influence to woo them from pursuits which now degrade them. A man's reformation often depends upon the indirect, than upon the direct action of the will. The will must be exerted in the choice of employment which shall break the force of temptation by erecting a barrier against it. The drunkard, for example, is in a perilous condition if he contents himself merely with saying, or swearing, that he will avoid strong drink. His thoughts, if not attracted by another force, will revert to the public-house, and to rescue him permanently from this, you must give him an equivalent. By investing the objects of hourly intercourse with an interest which prompts reflection, new enjoyments would be opened to the working man, and every one of these would be a point of force to protect him against temptation.

“As an instrument of intellectual culture, the study of Physics is profitable to all”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.

This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 3 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

Solution and Explanation

1) What is the main purpose of the author in writing the passage?

1. To advocate that a particular subject be taught compulsorily nationwide
2. To discuss how the knowledge of a particular field of study can be used to stop men from indulging in immoral acts
3. To illustrate why the knowledge of a particular subject is important to everyone
4. To propose that the knowledge of a particular subject be a prerequisite for every Member of Parliament
5. To show how the common man can protect himself from temptation

2) Which of the following does the author suggest in the passage about the Members of Parliament?

1. They do not have any knowledge of Physics
2. They cannot be asked to legislate on matters that they are ignorant of
3. They prefer taking a nap to legislating on issues that they don't know much about
4. It is not a prerequisite that they legislate only on those matters that they have adequate knowledge of
5. They sometimes allow their personal interests to override the broader good of the people at large

3) Each of the following can be inferred from the information in the passage EXCEPT?

1. The study of Physics is profitable to everyone
2. The knowledge of Physics helps keep temptation away by educating man on the negative aspects of the same
3. The direct action of the will is not enough to reform a man
4. Physics can in an indirect manner be linked to the level of moral degradation in a society
5. Man can in general be prevented from indulging in immoral acts by providing him another pursuit to channelize his energies on

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