Directions : Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow…
2021
Directions : Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow by selecting the correct/most appropriate options :
The richness of her childhood experience came from living a life, which embraced tradition on one hand and exposure to the world of change, of questioning and questing on the other. Her father’s progressive ideas, his involvement in bringing about change in the restricted Brahminical society, his encouragement of Kamaladevi to follow her own inclinations and yet give her an opportunity to study in a school and participate in all the social functions with which he was involved, as a Senior Revenue Official, gave her confidence. The example of her grandmother, who lived the life of a scholar and fearless woman, who travelled alone without any fear of any social disapproval or adverse consequences, was a fitting example to Kamaladevi, who later travelled all over the world, often risking her life.
Girjabai, her mother was a dominant influence throughout her childhood and youth who set an example by overcoming all difficulties without a murmur. She discarded meaningless social customs and observances. She championed the cause of women. Her conviction was that a woman must educate herself, so that she could be independent and her insistence that Kamaladevi should not only study, but also participate in cultural activities and sports, enriched her daughter’s life.
Kamaladevi went with her mother to Seva Sadan and saw her exhorting women even older than her to become literate. She heard her read to them from the newspapers, magazines and extracts from books by social reformers and nationalists, followed by discussions and saw their attitudes changing. Girjabai’s love for music was shared by Kamaladevi and she was encouraged to learn North Indian and Carnatic music. This love of music was a great source of peace for Kamaladevi in her later years.
Which of the following statements is correct about her mother?
- A.
She struggled through life smilingly.
- B.
She observed faithfully all the social customs.
- C.
She preferred studies to sports.
- D.
She did not believe in adult literacy.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept: In a "which statement is correct" comprehension question, the correct option is one that is explicitly supported by the passage's own wording, while every incorrect option is directly contradicted (or left unsupported) by specific lines in the text — the task is to match each option's claim against what the passage actually states, not to infer beyond it.
Application: The passage says that Girjabai “set an example by overcoming all difficulties without a murmur.” Enduring hardship without a murmur means bearing it resiliently and without complaint, which is exactly what “struggled through life smilingly” describes.
Cross-check (why the other statements fail):
“Observed faithfully all the social customs” is contradicted by “She discarded meaningless social customs and observances.”
“Preferred studies to sports” is contradicted by her insistence that Kamaladevi should “not only study, but also participate in cultural activities and sports” — both were encouraged, not one over the other.
“Did not believe in adult literacy” is contradicted by the passage showing her “exhorting women even older than her to become literate” at Seva Sadan.
Only the statement about struggling through life without complaint holds up against the passage's own wording.