byRituparna Nath Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams
Reading Passage Question
From inquiry into religious matters and inquiry into the phenomena of nature, it was but a short and a natural step to inquiry into the nature and functions of government. This led to a critical questioning of the old established order, the rise of new types of intellectual inquiry, the growth of a consciousness of national problems, and the bringing to the front of questions of political interest to a degree unknown since the days of ancient Rome.
The eighteenth century marks, in these directions, a sharp turning-point in human thinking, and the end of medievalism and the ushering in of modern forms of intellectual liberty. The eighteenth century, too, witnessed a culmination of a long series of progressive changes which had been underway for centuries, and the flood time of a slowly but steadily rising tide of protest against the enslavement of the intellect and the limitation of natural human liberties by either Church or State. The §ood of individualism which characterized the second half of the eighteenth century demanded outlet, and, denied, it rose and swept away ancient privileges, abuses, and barriers--religious, intellectual, social, and political--and opened the way for the marked progress in all lines which characterized the nineteenth century.
Out of this new spirit was to come the American and the French Revolutions, the establishment of constitutional liberty and religious freedom, the beginnings of the abolition of privilege, the rise of democracy, a great extension of educational advantages, and the transfer of the control of the school from the Church to the State that the national welfare might be better promoted thereby.
Now arose the modern conception of the school as the great constructive instrument of the State, and a new individual and national theory as to both the nature and the purpose of education was advanced. Schools were declared to be essentially civil affairs; their purpose was asserted to be to promote the common welfare and advance the interests of the political State.
“From Inquiry into Religious Matters and Inquiry into the Phenomena of Nature” is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension. This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 4 comprehension questions.
The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. The comprehension question usually involves a recent news item, a topic linked to the competitive exam, or something from another area of life. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.
Solution and Explanation
- According to the passage, the eighteenth century contributed to which of the following?
- the dismissal of restrictive religious practices
- the formation of several modern democratic ideals
- a new model of economic distribution
- a widely accepted belief in the scientific process
- a national welfare system
Answer: B
Explanation: The third paragraph of the given passage clearly discusses how the eighteenth century proved to be a watershed in the history of human thinking. Resulting in cognitive freedom. In addition to this, the gradual change in human reasoning led to the growth. The development of the modern concept of democracy accompanied with the inception of several contemporary ideals. It includes constitutional liberty, termination of entitlement or privileges, religious freedom. The providence of different educational benefits and the promotion of national welfare through a shift of authority over schools from the Church to the State. Hence, option B is the right option.
- The author would most likely disagree with which of the following statements:
- schools were largely controlled by the church prior to the eighteenth century
- public inquiry contributed to events of the eighteenth century
- prior to the eighteenth century, schools were not necessarily viewed as instruments of the State
- the State readily embraced individualism in the latter part of the eighteenth century
- the eighteenth century played a key role in the establishment of modern liberties
Answer: D
Explanation: According to the author, a change in human intellect and reasoning in the early eighteenth century led to the development of the concept of individualism. A social theory that encourages freedom of action for residents over collective or state authority. This idea of free thought, that formed a major characteristic, was not accepted very willingly by the State during its initial phases. The repression and consequent refusal to provide self-reliance or individualism by the Church or State to all its people. Ultimately, led to mass dissatisfaction and resulted in upheavals and chaos including the French and the American Revolutions. Hence, option D is the right answer.
- The main concern of the passage is to
- advocate particular strategies for future efforts to improve state-run schooling
- explain differences in the function of government in a post-medievalism era
- evaluate the effectiveness of certain kinds of intellectual ideals
- analyze and explain a political phenomenon
- describe the key distinguishing characteristics of a period of civilization
Answer: E
Explanation: The given passage talks about a change in human thinking and intellect during the early eighteenth century. It resulted in a constant decline of the customs and traditions that were dominant during the medieval period. A slow but steady development of the modern concepts of individualism, democracy and self-reliance by the end of the eighteenth century. It also mentions how an initial denial to provide free thought by the Church or State to its people resulted in revolts or upheavals during this century. Thus, the given extract is primarily concerned with a detailed description. A narration of some discerning attributes or features of a particular era of human civilization – the eighteenth century. Hence, option E is the right answer.
- According to the author, what circumstances led to the progressive achievements of the eighteenth century?
- massive flooding and its effects on the abundance of raw materials
- the abolition of privilege and establishment of constitutional liberties
- public awareness and inquiry into government activities and responsibilities
- the demise of the Church in political affairs
- a new emphasis on public education
Answer: C
Explanation: The first paragraph of the given passage clearly mentions a rise in public apprehension and consciousness towards numerous national problems. It is accompanied with a critical inquiry into all types of activities and events ranging from religion and natural phenomena to nature. The functions of the government resulted in a censorious questioning of the old and established forms of government. This intellectual inquiry, ultimately, resulted in the abolition and abandonment of the old established order. The initiation and rise of the modern concept of democracy complemented with several contemporary ideals. It includes constitutional liberty, termination of privileges, religious freedom, providence of different educational benefits. The promotion of national welfare through a shift of authority over schools from the Church to the State. Hence, option C is the right answer.
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