Discursive Passage - 1 | English Grammar Advanced - Class 10 PDF Download

Read the passage given below:

1. The road to success is not straight; there is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion, speed bumps called friends, caution lights called family, and you will have flats called jobs. But, if you have a spare called determination, an engine called perseverance, insurance called faith, and a driver called God, you will make it to a place called success!
2. In spite of all our planning and preparation, unexpected challenges are certain to arise. The bumps in the road are unavoidable, but you’ll never get to your destination if you aren’t willing to drive over them. The difference between a disaster and triumph lies in whether or not you’re prepared and willing to weather the storm. If you’re ready, those bumps will become stepping-stones.
3. The key thing to realize is that working harder is same as working smarter. How do you work smarter? You just need to have the right skills. People want improved circumstances and better life without an improved self. They want victory without paying the price or making efforts. It really cannot happen without the other. Any improvements that have not been generated by improving yourself are superficial and short-lived. If you want to have a better future, you have to change yourself. Stop worrying about the various challenges that will come your way. Just believe in yourself and use them as stepping-stones.
4. “Success” is getting whatever you want out of life without violating the rights of others. It is not an accident Success is the result of our attitude and our attitude is a choice. Hence success is a matter of choice and not chance.
5. Today success represents a holistic and positive attitude to life. Attitude is everything. Success is not restricted within some kind of brick and mortar premises. It assumes the individuality of a complete act executed with perfection; material achievements do not define life. We don’t remember sports stars for the products they endorse but the spirit of achievement they represent. In the abundance of positive attitude underline the grandeur of a truly rewarding rich life.
6. Success can be measured from two standpoints—the external and the internal. Externally it is the measure of a job well done and recognition. Internally it is the feeling of achievement and wholeness derived from the completion of a task or fulfillment of desire.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.

Q1: The internal measure of our success is the feeling of achievement:
(a) from the completion of a task.
(b) from the fulfilment of desire.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
Ans: (c) Both (a) and (b)
Sol: The passage mentions that internally, success is measured by the feeling of achievement derived from both the completion of a task and the fulfillment of a desire.

Q2: In para I, `unexpected challenges’ refers to:
(a) financial problem
(b) health problem
(c) lack of time
(d) All of these
Ans: (d) All of these
Sol: The passage doesn't specifically mention the nature of the challenges. It broadly refers to unexpected challenges that are certain to arise, which could encompass financial problems, health issues, lack of time, or any unforeseen difficulties.

Q3: “If you are ready, those bumps will become stepping-stones.” Through this sentence the writer tells us to:
(a) ignore ups and downs while working to achieve our goal.
(b) work with a proper plan to achieve our goal.
(c) focus only on our goal and ignore all responsibilities.
(d) take all challenges with strong determination.
Ans: (d) take all challenges with strong determination.
Sol: The phrase implies that being prepared and determined can turn obstacles into opportunities for progress, advising readers to face challenges with determination.

Q4: Which one of the following quotes captures the central idea of the passage?
(a) Option 1
(b) Option 2
(c) Option 3
(d) Option 4
Ans: (c) Option 3
Sol: Option 3 aligns closely with the overarching theme of the passage, emphasizing the holistic nature of success, the significance of attitude, and the idea that success isn't confined to material achievements but encompasses a positive outlook on life.

Q5: In order to work smarter, we must have:
(a) improved circumstances.
(b) right skills.
(c) better life.
(d) All of these
Ans: (b) right skills.
Sol: The passage highlights the importance of having the right skills to work smarter rather than just working harder.

Q6: If we want to have a better future, we have to:
(a) change ourselves.
(b) stop worrying about the various challenges.
(c) believe in ourselves.
(d) All of these
Ans: (a) change ourselves.
Sol: The passage emphasizes the need for personal growth and improvement to secure a better future.

Q7: Success can be measured from true standpoints — the external and the internal. The external measure is the measure of:
(a) a job well done
(b) recognition
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
Ans: (c) Both (a) and (b)
Sol: Externally, success is measured by the completion of a job well done and receiving recognition for it.

Q8: Select the option that makes the correct use of ‘destination’ as used in para 1.
(a) We will reach our destination by 6 o’clock.
(b) She is working hard to reach her destination.
(c) Shimla is her favourite destination.
(d) The cinema hall is the largest entertainment destination in the city.
Ans: (a) We will reach our destination by 6 o’clock.
Sol: This option correctly uses 'destination' to refer to a place or objective to be reached.

Q9: According to the passage, success can be achieved by working smarter not diligently. (True/False)
Ans: False
Sol: The passage emphasizes the importance of both working smarter (having the right skills and improving oneself) and working diligently (perseverance, determination) to achieve success.

Q10: The synonym of the word ‘viewpoint’ as given in para 3 is ______
Ans:  'attitude'
Sol: In the context of the passage, the word 'attitude' aligns closely with the meaning of 'viewpoint,' referring to a perspective or approach towards life or a situation.