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Question 20: The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
People view idleness as a sin and industriousness as a virtue, and in the process have developed an unsatisfactory relationship with their jobs. Work has become a way for them to keep busy, even though many find their work meaningless. In their need for activity people undertake what was once considered work (fishing, gardening) as hobbies. The opposing view is that hard work has made us prosperous and improved our levels of health and education. It has also brought innovation and labour and time-saving devices, which have lessened life’s drudgery.
A. Despite some detractors, hard work is essential in today’s world to enable economic progress, for education and health and to propel innovations that make life easier.
B. Hard work has overtaken all aspects of our lives and has enabled economic prosperity, but it is important that people reserve their leisure time for some idleness.
C. Some believe that hard work has been glorified to the extent that it has become meaningless, and led to greater idleness, but it has also had enormous positive impacts on everyday life.
D. While the idealisation of hard work has propelled people into meaningless jobs and endless activity, it has also led to tremendous social benefits from prosperity and innovation.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: D
Solution by Wordpandit:
The main points of the passage are:
1. People increasingly view idleness as sin and industriousness as a virtue, pushing them into meaningless jobs.
2. On the other hand, this has also saved us from many of life's drudgeries.
A: Misses out on point 1.
B: A distortion. The author does not advocate idleness. Also, 1 is not covered properly.
C: Incorrect. 'led to greater idleness' is not implied anywhere in the passage.
D: Covers both the points aptly and is the answer.
Word 1: Idleness
Context:
"People view idleness as a sin and industriousness as a virtue, and in the process have developed an unsatisfactory relationship with their jobs."
Explanatory Paragraph:
Idleness refers to the state of being inactive or not engaged in purposeful work. It is often perceived negatively, especially in cultures that value productivity and constant effort. However, idleness can also provide moments for reflection, creativity, and mental rest. The word carries a cultural and moral weight, often tied to notions of laziness versus diligence.
Meaning: The state of being inactive or not working (Noun)
Pronunciation: EYE-duhl-ness
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Middle English idelnesse, derived from idel (idle) + -ness (a suffix denoting a state or condition).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Idleness is not always bad. It can be a form of quiet power, allowing the brain to rest and generate new ideas. The key is in balancing it with action. Look at it as deliberate rest, not neglect.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: inactivity, laziness, indolence, sloth
Antonyms: industriousness, diligence, activity, hustle
Usage Examples:
- Prolonged idleness can make it difficult to return to a productive routine.
- She saw idleness as a chance to recharge her mental energy.
- During the holidays, idleness replaced their usual busy schedules.
- His idleness frustrated his team, who were putting in extra effort.
Cultural Reference:
"Idleness is the root of all evil." – Popular proverb illustrating the traditional view of inactivity as morally wrong.
Think About It:
Can idleness be considered a form of self-care in today’s hyperproductive society?
Quick Activity:
Write down three instances in the last week when you experienced idleness. Reflect: Were those moments beneficial or frustrating?
Memory Tip:
Think: “Idle hands = No work.” Just remember: *Idle → Idleness = No activity.*
Real-World Application:
Understanding and managing idleness is key in work-life balance strategies and mental health awareness. Recognizing its role helps individuals and organizations prevent burnout and improve productivity.
Word 2: Industriousness
Context:
"People view idleness as a sin and industriousness as a virtue, and in the process have developed an unsatisfactory relationship with their jobs."
Explanatory Paragraph:
Industriousness refers to a quality of being hardworking, diligent, and committed to getting tasks done efficiently and consistently. It is often celebrated as a key virtue in both personal and professional contexts, symbolizing productivity, discipline, and perseverance. However, when overemphasized, it may lead to workaholism or burnout, making it important to balance industriousness with periods of rest and leisure.
Meaning: The quality of being hardworking and persistent (Noun)
Pronunciation: in-DUHS-tree-uhs-ness
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin industria meaning diligence or purpose, through Old French industrie and Middle English.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
While industriousness is a highly praised quality, we must be cautious not to glorify constant busyness. True productivity comes from smart work, not just hard work. Balance is the real virtue.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: diligence, hard work, persistence, dedication
Antonyms: laziness, idleness, sloth, lethargy
Usage Examples:
- Her industriousness was evident in the way she handled multiple projects with precision.
- The company rewarded employees for their industriousness during the peak season.
- He attributed his success to a mix of talent and sheer industriousness.
- Societies often equate industriousness with moral integrity and success.
Cultural Reference:
"Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." – Benjamin Franklin, emphasizing the value of industriousness and discipline.
Think About It:
Is it possible that our admiration for industriousness has caused us to undervalue relaxation and leisure?
Quick Activity:
Write a paragraph describing a time when your industriousness helped you achieve a goal. Reflect on whether it was sustainable or exhausting.
Memory Tip:
Link it to "industrial" — think of machines working tirelessly. Industriousness is like a well-oiled human engine of effort!
Real-World Application:
Industriousness is a trait valued in job interviews, performance reviews, and team environments. It's often the foundation for promotions and recognition in both academic and corporate spaces.
Word 3: Meaningless
Context:
"Work has become a way for them to keep busy, even though many find their work meaningless."
Explanatory Paragraph:
Meaningless describes something that lacks purpose, significance, or value. When people say their work is meaningless, they usually mean that it doesn't provide them with a sense of fulfillment, contribution, or relevance. This feeling can arise from repetitive tasks, lack of autonomy, or disconnection from outcomes. The term often conveys emotional weight, highlighting dissatisfaction and a desire for deeper engagement or understanding.
Meaning: Having no purpose or significance; lacking meaning (Adjective)
Pronunciation: MEE-ning-less
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From “meaning” + “-less” (a suffix that implies the absence of something), first recorded in the 17th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Feeling that something is meaningless is often a signal — not of laziness, but of misalignment. It’s a call to reflect and reconnect with what truly matters to us. Vocabulary-wise, watch out for the contrast with meaningful—a small suffix can make a huge difference.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: pointless, insignificant, trivial, purposeless
Antonyms: meaningful, significant, purposeful, valuable
Usage Examples:
- She felt her daily routine had become repetitive and meaningless.
- The conversation drifted into meaningless small talk.
- Without passion, even a high-paying job can feel meaningless.
- They tried to find meaning in what others dismissed as meaningless tasks.
Cultural Reference:
"Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself." – Jean-Paul Sartre, echoing existentialism’s concern with avoiding a meaningless life by creating one’s own purpose.
Think About It:
Can something feel meaningless in the moment but gain significance later on?
Quick Activity:
List three tasks you do frequently. Reflect on which feel meaningful and which feel meaningless. Why?
Memory Tip:
Think of “meaning-less” as literally “less meaning” — something empty or hollow. It helps to break the word into parts.
Real-World Application:
Understanding when work or study feels meaningless can guide career changes, personal growth, or improvements in curriculum design and workplace strategy. It’s a powerful trigger for change.
Word 4: Drudgery
Context:
"It has also brought innovation and labour and time-saving devices, which have lessened life’s drudgery."
Explanatory Paragraph:
Drudgery refers to dull, monotonous, or physically exhausting work that often feels unending and unfulfilling. It’s the kind of work that people do out of necessity rather than passion. Though it can be honest and essential labor, drudgery is marked by its lack of excitement or creativity. Technological advancements have aimed to reduce such repetitive and burdensome tasks, helping free people from constant toil.
Meaning: Hard, dull, and repetitive work (Noun)
Pronunciation: DRUH-juh-ree
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From the word “drudge,” meaning someone who does tedious work, dating back to Middle English and possibly derived from Old English roots meaning "slave" or "servant."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Drudgery is more than just hard work—it's work stripped of inspiration. It’s the opposite of engaging or meaningful labor. When you feel like a “cog in a machine,” you’re probably caught in drudgery. Watch for its emotional undertones.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: toil, grind, labor, slog, menial work
Antonyms: leisure, enjoyment, ease, recreation
Usage Examples:
- He escaped the daily drudgery of office life to start his own business.
- For many, housework remains a form of unavoidable drudgery.
- Technological tools aim to reduce the drudgery of manual tasks.
- She found ways to make the drudgery of studying more enjoyable.
Cultural Reference:
"Modern technology has removed much of the drudgery from everyday chores." – A common sentiment in post-industrial literature emphasizing progress and comfort.
Think About It:
How can modern education and work systems reduce drudgery without sacrificing discipline and persistence?
Quick Activity:
Identify a task in your daily routine that feels like drudgery. Brainstorm one creative way to make it more engaging or efficient.
Memory Tip:
Think: “Drudge = Drag.” Drudgery is the kind of work that feels like dragging yourself through it!
Real-World Application:
In business, drudgery is often a red flag for inefficiency or burnout. Identifying and automating such tasks improves employee morale and productivity.
Word 5: Idealisation
Context:
"While the idealisation of hard work has propelled people into meaningless jobs and endless activity, it has also led to tremendous social benefits from prosperity and innovation."
Explanatory Paragraph:
Idealisation is the act of seeing or presenting something as perfect or better than it really is. When we idealise something, we often ignore its flaws and complexities in favor of a romanticized or exaggerated version. In the context of hard work, idealisation can lead to unrealistic expectations and glorification of constant labor, potentially causing stress or disillusionment when reality doesn't match the ideal.
Meaning: The act of viewing or representing something as perfect or better than reality (Noun)
Pronunciation: eye-dee-uh-lie-ZAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From the verb “idealise” (to regard as ideal) + the suffix “-ation” indicating the process or result of an action. Derived from Late Latin and French roots.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Be cautious of idealisation—it often hides reality under a polished surface. This word is vital in both psychological and social discussions, where people or systems are seen as perfect but may have deeper issues underneath.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: glorification, romanticisation, overestimation, exaltation
Antonyms: realism, pragmatism, demystification, disillusionment
Usage Examples:
- Her idealisation of city life faded quickly once she faced the daily commute.
- The media’s idealisation of celebrity culture often hides the pressures behind the scenes.
- He warned against the idealisation of history, urging a more honest examination.
- Idealisation of hard work can mask deeper issues like burnout or toxic productivity.
Cultural Reference:
"The idealisation of romantic love is a central theme in many classic novels, from 'Wuthering Heights' to 'The Great Gatsby'." – Literary criticism often explores how idealisation distorts human relationships.
Think About It:
When does idealisation become harmful, and when can it serve as a useful motivator or vision?
Quick Activity:
Write down something you've idealised in the past. Now list one benefit and one drawback of that idealisation.
Memory Tip:
Remember: “Ideal” + “-isation” = turning something into an ideal version, often ignoring flaws.
Real-World Application:
In psychology, idealisation is a defense mechanism, especially in early stages of relationships or admiration of authority. In society, it affects how we perceive work, beauty, and success—often fueling unrealistic standards.
