Reading Comprehension - Practice Questions

Political education has many connotations. It may be defined as the preparation of a citizen to take well informed, responsible and sustained action for participation in the national struggle in order to achieve the socio-economic objectives of the country. The predominant socio- economic objectives in India are the abolition of poverty and the creation of a modern democratic, secular and socialist society in place of the present traditional, feudal, hierarchical and in egalitarian one.

Under the colonial rule, the Congress leaders argued that political education was an important part of education and refused to accept the official view that education and politics should not be mixed with one another. But when they came to power in 1947 they almost adopted the British policy and began to talk of education being defiled by politics. ‘Hands off education’ was the call to political parties. But in spite of it, political infiltration into the educational system has greatly increased in the sense that different political parties vie with each other to capture the mind of teachers and students. The wise academicians wanted political support, without political interference. What we have actually received is infinite political interference with little genuine political support. This interference with the educational system by political parties for their own ulterior motives is no political education at all and with the all round growth of elitism, it is hardly a matter for surprise that real political education within the school system (which really means the creation of a commitment to social transformation) has been even weaker than in the pre-independence period.

During that time only, the struggle for freedom came to an end and the major non- formal agency of political education disappeared. The press played a major role by providing some political education. But it did not utilize the opportunity to the full and the strangle hold of vested interests continued to dominate it. The same can be said of political parties as well as of other institutions and agencies outside the school system which can be expected to provide political education. After analyzing all these things , it appears that we have made no progress in genuine political education in the post-education period and have even slided back in some respects. For instance, the education system has become even more elite-oriented. Patriotism has become the first casualty. The father of the nation gave us the courage to oppose government when it was wrong, in a disciplined fashion and on basic principles. Today, we have even lost the courage to fight on basic issues in a disciplined manner because agitational and anarchic politics for individual, group or party aggrandizement has become common. In the recent times the education system continues to support domination of the privileged groups and domestication of the under- privileged ones. The situation will not change unless we take vigorous steps to provide genuine political education on an adequate scale. This is one of the major educational reforms we need, and if it is not carried out, mere linear expansion of the existing system of formal education will only support the status quo and hamper radical social transformation.



Which word is nearly opposite in meaning as “defile” as used in the passage?

Disparage

forgery

degenerate

sanctify

Answer: Option D

The word “defile” means to make foul, dirty, or unclean. Disparage means to speak of or treat slightingly. Forgery means the act of reproducing something for a deceitful or fraudulent purpose. Sanctify means to purify or free from sin.



According to the passage, what should be the main purpose of political education?

To champion the cause of elitism

To bring qualitative change in the entire education system

To create an egalitarian society

To prepare the young generation with high intellectual acumen.

Answer: Option C

The answer to this question is given in the 1st paragraph. It defines the purpose of political education: it is to guide the citizens to work for the socio economic objectives of the country. And according to this paragraph the socio economic objectives of India are the abolition of poverty and the creation of a modern democratic, secular and socialist society in place of the present traditional, feudal, hierarchical and in egalitarian one in short an egalitarian society.



How has politics been related to educational institutions after independence?

Although they got political support but there was no interference of politics.

It is clear that they got almost no political support as well as political interference.

They got political support at the cost of political interference.

There was substantial interference without political support.


Answer: Option D

It is mentioned in the first paragraph 9th line: "What we have actually received is infinite political interference with little genuine political support."




Based on the passage, which is the major drawback of the present education system?

The education system mainly represents the oppressed sections of the society.

The present education system promotes the domination of the privileged few.

It is based on the British model of education.

It is highly hierarchical and egalitarian in nature.

Answer: Option B

It is mentioned in the last lines of the last paragraph: "In the recent times the education system continues to support domination of the privileged groups and domestication of the under- privileged ones. The situation will not change unless we take vigorous steps to provide genuine political education on an adequate scale. This is one of the major educational reforms we need.....".



Which is the most opposite in meaning to the word ‘hamper’ as used in the passage?

Accelerate

envision

foster

initiate

Answer: Option C

“Foster” means to promote the growth or development of.