🧩 Passage 6 – The Nature of Truth
Truth has been the central concern of philosophy, science, and religion alike, yet it remains one of the most elusive concepts. In everyday life, people often treat truth as something absolute — a statement that corresponds to reality. However, what we call truth is often influenced by perception, context, and interpretation.
Scientific truth evolves as evidence changes; what was once considered certain may later be revised or rejected. For example, the shift from Newtonian mechanics to Einstein’s relativity illustrates that even scientific “truths” are provisional, not permanent. Similarly, in social life, what one generation accepts as moral truth may be questioned by the next.
This does not mean that truth is entirely relative or meaningless. Rather, it means that truth must be approached with humility and openness. To claim possession of ultimate truth is to deny the possibility of growth and dialogue.
True understanding emerges not from rigid certainty but from the willingness to question, test, and refine our beliefs in the light of new evidence and perspectives.
Questions:
Q1. The main idea of the passage is:
A) Truth is absolute and unchanging.
B) Truth must be open to reinterpretation and evidence.
C) Moral truths never change.
D) All truths are false.
Answer: B
Q2. The shift from Newton to Einstein shows that:
A) Science is unreliable.
B) Truth evolves with new understanding.
C) Old ideas must be destroyed.
D) Relativity is wrong.
Answer: B
Q3. The author’s attitude toward truth is:
A) Dogmatic
B) Open-minded and reflective
C) Skeptical and dismissive
D) Sarcastic
Answer: B
Q4. “To claim possession of ultimate truth” implies:
A) Intellectual arrogance
B) Scientific curiosity
C) Humility
D) Discovery
Answer: A
Q5. The tone of the passage is:
A) Analytical and philosophical
B) Humorous
C) Indifferent
D) Pessimistic
Answer: A
🧩 Passage 7 – The Role of Art in Society
Art is often dismissed as a luxury, an activity of leisure without practical purpose. Yet, societies throughout history have used art to express ideas, question authority, and reflect on the human condition. From cave paintings to digital media, art has served as both mirror and lamp — reflecting society while illuminating its possibilities.
The true power of art lies in its ability to communicate the inexpressible — emotions, experiences, and visions that words cannot convey. Art humanizes; it makes us more sensitive to beauty, suffering, and diversity. A painting, a poem, or a performance can awaken empathy far more effectively than statistics or arguments.
Moreover, art challenges complacency. It questions norms, provokes dialogue, and sometimes unsettles those in power. This is why authoritarian regimes fear art — it exposes falsehood and awakens conscience.
Therefore, art is not ornamental but essential. A society that neglects its artists silences one of its most important voices — the voice that reminds us of our shared humanity.
Questions:
Q1. The passage emphasizes that art:
A) Has no practical value.
B) Reflects and transforms society.
C) Should be politically neutral.
D) Is only for entertainment.
Answer: B
Q2. “Art humanizes” means:
A) Art makes machines human.
B) Art deepens empathy and sensitivity.
C) Art promotes profit.
D) Art limits creativity.
Answer: B
Q3. The author suggests that authoritarian regimes fear art because it:
A) Wastes resources.
B) Challenges power and reveals truth.
C) Supports government propaganda.
D) Distracts people from reality.
Answer: B
Q4. The tone of the passage is:
A) Appreciative and persuasive
B) Indifferent
C) Comedic
D) Sarcastic
Answer: A
Q5. The phrase “mirror and lamp” symbolizes art’s function to:
A) Reflect and enlighten society.
B) Entertain and amuse people.
C) Decorate and beautify homes.
D) Replace logic with emotion.
Answer: A
🧩 Passage 8 – Ethics in the Age of Technology
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and biotechnology, humanity faces ethical questions that previous generations could scarcely imagine. Machines can now predict human behavior, edit genes, and even simulate emotions. Yet, the speed of innovation has outpaced our moral reflection.
The dilemma is not about whether technology is good or bad, but about how it is used. Tools themselves are neutral; their ethical value depends on human intention and accountability. For example, genetic engineering can cure diseases, but it can also be misused to design “perfect” humans, raising questions about equality and identity.
Ethics, therefore, must evolve alongside technology. The challenge is to ensure that progress does not compromise dignity, freedom, or justice. A society obsessed with innovation but blind to its moral consequences risks losing its humanity.
Technology may change what we can do; ethics must decide what we ought to do.
Questions:
Q1. The main idea of the passage is that:
A) Technology itself is evil.
B) Ethics must guide technological progress.
C) Innovation should continue without limits.
D) Machines will replace humans.
Answer: B
Q2. According to the passage, tools are:
A) Morally neutral; intention defines their value.
B) Always beneficial.
C) Harmful inventions.
D) Morally superior to humans.
Answer: A
Q3. The author fears that excessive innovation may:
A) Cause boredom.
B) Undermine human values.
C) Reduce productivity.
D) Increase equality.
Answer: B
Q4. The statement “Ethics must decide what we ought to do” means:
A) Moral principles should guide actions.
B) Technology makes ethics unnecessary.
C) Ethics limits progress.
D) Morality depends on machines.
Answer: A
Q5. The tone of the author is:
A) Reflective and cautionary
B) Indifferent
C) Sarcastic
D) Aggressive
Answer: A
🧩 Passage 9 – Time and Modern Life
In the modern world, time has become a commodity. Every minute is measured, managed, and monetized. People schedule their lives down to the second, believing that efficiency equates to success. Yet, in the pursuit of speed, something essential has been lost — the capacity for stillness.
Ancient cultures viewed time not as a linear race but as a cycle — a rhythm of activity and rest. Festivals, seasons, and rituals gave meaning to time, reminding people of balance and renewal. Today, this cyclical sense has been replaced by deadlines, reminders, and constant connectivity.
As a result, even leisure is consumed by anxiety. Rest becomes another task to “complete.” The irony is that in trying to save time, people often feel they have less of it.
True freedom may lie not in controlling time but in experiencing it — being fully present in each moment, rather than constantly rushing toward the next.
Questions:
Q1. The main argument of the passage is that:
A) Modern life values speed over presence.
B) Time management leads to peace.
C) Ancient cultures wasted time.
D) Efficiency improves happiness.
Answer: A
Q2. The phrase “time has become a commodity” means:
A) Time is treated like an object to be traded or saved.
B) Time has no value.
C) Time is endless.
D) Time flows naturally.
Answer: A
Q3. According to the author, modern individuals have lost:
A) Ability to measure time
B) Sense of stillness and presence
C) Access to technology
D) Desire for success
Answer: B
Q4. The tone of the author is:
A) Reflective and philosophical
B) Humorous
C) Sarcastic
D) Apathetic
Answer: A
Q5. “True freedom may lie in experiencing time” implies:
A) Living mindfully in the present.
B) Avoiding all responsibilities.
C) Ignoring time completely.
D) Working faster.
Answer: A
🧩 Passage 10 – Knowledge and Wisdom
Knowledge and wisdom are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Knowledge is the accumulation of facts, data, and information; wisdom is the ability to use that knowledge judiciously. A person may have vast knowledge yet lack the insight to apply it meaningfully.
In the digital age, information is abundant but wisdom is scarce. The internet allows instant access to knowledge but not necessarily understanding. The difference lies in reflection — knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.
Wisdom involves moral judgment, empathy, and experience. It grows not from information overload but from contemplation and humility. A wise person knows that not everything that can be done should be done.
Thus, while knowledge empowers, wisdom enlightens. The future will not belong to those who know the most, but to those who understand the best.
Questions:
Q1. The passage differentiates between:
A) Information and education
B) Knowledge and wisdom
C) Facts and fiction
D) Science and philosophy
Answer: B
Q2. According to the author, wisdom requires:
A) Accumulation of data
B) Reflection and moral insight
C) Memorization of facts
D) Quick learning
Answer: B
Q3. “Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens” means:
A) Wise people remain silent.
B) Wisdom involves thoughtful understanding.
C) Knowledge is superior to wisdom.
D) Both are the same.
Answer: B
Q4. The author’s tone is:
A) Reflective and didactic
B) Humorous
C) Aggressive
D) Indifferent
Answer: A
Q5. The central idea of the passage is that:
A) Knowledge must be guided by wisdom for meaningful use.
B) Wisdom depends on internet access.
C) Knowledge is unnecessary.
D) Wisdom is easily taught.
Answer: A