Read the passage and answer the questions that follow on the basis of the…
2025
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow on the basis of the information provided in the passage.
There are some men who seem to be always on the lookout for trouble and, to tell the truth, they are seldom disappointed. Listening to such men one would think that this world is one of the stormiest and most disagreeable places. Yet, after all it is not such a bad place and the difficulty is often in the man who is too thin-skinned. On the other hand, the man who goes out expecting people to be like himself, kind and brotherly, will be surprised at the kindness he meets even in the most unlikely quarters. A smile is apt to be met with a respective smile while the sneer is just as apt to provoke a snarl. Men living in the same neighborhood may live vastly different lives. But it is not the neighborhood which is quarrelsome, but the man within us. And we have it in our power to change our neighborhood into a pleasant one by simply changing our own ways.
Which of the following is opposite in meaning to the expression 'thin-skinned' as used in the passage?
- A.
Insensitive
- B.
Intelligent
- C.
Awkward
- D.
Obstinate
Attempted by 51 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Solution:
'Thin-skinned' means easily hurt or offended by criticism or insults. The opposite is 'Insensitive', which describes someone not easily affected by criticism or insults.
Why this fits the passage: The passage describes thin-skinned people as those who expect trouble and take offense easily. An insensitive person would be less likely to take offense and therefore less likely to create quarrels.
Why other choices are incorrect: 'Intelligent' relates to mental ability, 'Awkward' means socially clumsy, and 'Obstinate' means stubborn; none of these convey the opposite of being emotionally sensitive to criticism.