Reading Passage Question
Good sense is, of all things among men, the most equally distributed; for everyone thinks himself so abundantly provided with it, that even those who are the most difficult to satisfy in everything else, do not usually desire a larger measure of this quality than they already possess. And in this it is not likely that all are mistaken; the conviction is rather to be held as testifying that the power of judging aright and of distinguishing truth from error, which is properly what is called good sense or reason, is by nature equal in all men; and that the diversity of our opinions, consequently, does not arise from some being endowed with a larger share of reason than others, but solely from this, that we conduct our thoughts along different ways, and do not fix our attention on the same objects.
For to be possessed of a vigorous mind is not enough; the prime requisite is to apply it rightly. The greatest minds, as they are capable of the highest excellences, are open likewise to the greatest aberrations; and those who travel very slowly may yet make far greater progress, provided they keep always to the straight road, than those who, while they run, forsake it.
“Good sense is, of all things among men, the most equally distributed”- is a reading comprehension exercise for the GMAT. Candidates must be extremely skilled in GMAT reading comprehension. This GMAT reading comprehension section contains 3 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed to assess candidates' ability to comprehend, analyzation, and application skills. GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions can help candidates who are actively preparing.
Solutions and Explanation
- From the information in the passage, each of the following can be concluded about Good Sense EXCEPT:
(A) All men are endowed with it.
(B) It allows to judge and distinguish truth from untruth.
(C) It is equally distributed amongst all human beings.
(D) Its application could vary amongst people.
(E) Differences in opinions can be due to superior good sense.
Answer: E
Explanation: All of the options can be concluded about good sense except the statement in the final option. It states that opinion differences may arise from superior common sense. The passage never says such a description from which this can be concluded. Therefore the final option is the right answer. The remaining options are all wrong answers as they can be concluded from the passage.
- Which of the following is true of great minds, according to the passage?
(A) They always apply good sense in the best possible manner.
(B) They are not incapable of making mistakes.
(C) They are endowed with a larger share of reason than are others.
(D) They have dedicated their lives solely to the pursuit of truth.
(E) Most great minds apply good sense in poor measures.
Answer: B
Explanation: Except the second option, none of the options are correct. This is because the statements in them cannot be inferred from the passage. However the passage does mention that the greatest minds are open to biggest aberrations. In conclusion, the second option is the right answer.
- What is the primary concern of the author in writing the passage?
(A) To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Good Sense
(B) To explore the mind of man
(C) To advocate the vigorous application of good sense
(D) To analyze the journeys of great minds
(E) To explain Good Sense and its use by people
Answer: E
Explanation: For this kind of question, it is essential to comprehend the passage as a whole and extract the main objective and idea. In writing this passage, the author's primary priority was to describe Good Sense and how people use it. The final option is the correct answer because the statement in it corresponds to this.
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