It is difficult to reconcile the ideas of different schools of thought on the…
2025
It is difficult to reconcile the ideas of different schools of thought on the question of education. Some people maintain that pupils of school should concentrate on a narrow range of subjects which will benefit them directly in their subsequent careers. Others contend that they should study a wide range of subjects so that they not only have the specialized knowledge necessary for their chosen careers but also sound general knowledge about the world they will have to work and live in. Supporters of the first theory state that the greatest contributions to civilization are made by those who are expert in their trade or profession. Those on the other side say that, unless they have a broad general education, the experts will be too narrow in their outlook to have sympathy with their fellows or a proper sense of responsibility towards humanity as a whole.
According to the second school of thought education will not be very effective, if students :
- A.
do not have a wide general education
- B.
have inadequate knowledge of their own work
- C.
ignore the study of fine arts
- D.
concentrate on only a few subjects
Attempted by 2 students.
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Correct answer: A
Answer: do not have a wide general education
Key reason: The passage contrasts two schools of thought. The second school argues that students should study a wide range of subjects so they gain both specialized knowledge and broad general knowledge. It states that without such a broad general education, students will be too narrow in outlook and lack proper sympathy and responsibility, so education will not be effective.
have inadequate knowledge of their own work — This refers to lack of specialization, which is not the second school's stated concern. The passage worries about narrow outlook without broad general education.
ignore the study of fine arts — The passage does not single out one subject area; it emphasizes studying a wide range of subjects generally.
concentrate on only a few subjects — While this is related to having a narrow education, the passage's most direct wording and emphasis is captured by 'do not have a wide general education,' which best matches the stated idea.