RCs: 31 to 40 Questions for CAT with Answers PDF

Direction: The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
In the early United States, politeness was not merely a social nicety but a radical tool in shaping democratic politics. Thomas Jefferson, placing 'good humour' or 'politeness' at the pinnacle of qualities, underscored its significance in a free society. Contrary to autocrats who demanded obedience through shouting and cursing, politeness in the 18th century was about respect and sensitivity to others' expectations and concerns. Jefferson's emphasis on politeness as 'artificial good humour' was an essential acquisition for ensuring safety and winning goodwill.
The concept of politeness, originally meaning polished or smooth, evolved in human interactions to signify a refined demeanor. It was distinct from related terms like 'gentility' and 'civility' as it focused on human interactions and aimed at pleasing others. This 18th-century 'politics of politeness' was a potent counter to authoritarian rule, often more compelling than legal and constitutional debates.
Politeness had its roots in Britain and Europe but found significant political application in 18th-century British America. It played a crucial role in the American Revolution, shaping the culture of restrained power. The 'politics of politeness' formed an essential part of the lingua franca of colonial elites leading their colonies into revolution.
The essay also contrasts the polished Jefferson with the impolite Francis Nicholson, a governor whose authoritarian and abusive behavior was at odds with the emerging ideals of politeness. The politics of politeness, advocating for sympathetic concern and respect, challenged authoritarian ideas and supported peaceful interactions within a divided social and political landscape.
Q1: According to the passage, why did Thomas Jefferson rank 'good humour' or 'politeness' highly among qualities?
(a) It was a social norm of the time.
(b) It was essential for ensuring safety and winning goodwill.
(c) It was a lesser, private virtue.
(d) It was a trait inherited from British culture.
Ans: (b)
Sol: The passage states that Jefferson viewed politeness as 'artificial good humour', a necessary acquisition for ensuring safety and winning goodwill, making it a significant quality in a free society.

Q2: How did the concept of politeness in the 18th century differ from autocratic behavior?
(a) It demanded obedience through shouting and cursing.
(b) It was about respect and sensitivity to others' expectations.
(c) It was focused on maintaining social hierarchies.
(d) It was synonymous with 'gentility' and 'civility'.
Ans: (b)
Sol: The passage contrasts politeness with autocratic behavior, highlighting that while autocrats demanded obedience through shouting and cursing, politeness was about respect and sensitivity to others' expectations and concerns.

Q3: What was the political significance of politeness in 18th-century British America?
(a) It was a tool for reinforcing royal authority.
(b) It was a counter to authoritarian rule and compelling in debates.
(c) It was used to maintain social norms and etiquettes.
(d) It was a means to establish inherited privilege.
Ans: (b)
Sol: The passage mentions that the 'politics of politeness' offered a powerful challenge to angry and overbearing authoritarian rule and was often more compelling than discussions of legal and constitutional issues.

Q4: Which of the following best describes Francis Nicholson's governance?
(a) Restrained and responsive.
(b) Authoritarian and abusive.
(c) Sympathetic and respectful.
(d) Polished and refined.
Ans: (b)
Sol: Francis Nicholson is described as an impolite governor whose authoritarian and abusive behavior, including calling colony leaders derogatory names, was at odds with the emerging ideals of politeness.

Q5: What role did the 'politics of politeness' play in the American Revolution?
(a) It was a minor aspect compared to legal and constitutional issues.
(b) It shaped the culture of restrained power and was part of the revolutionaries' lingua franca.
(c) It was primarily focused on maintaining British cultural norms.
(d) It was used to justify the authoritarian rule.
Ans: (b)
Sol: The passage indicates that the 'politics of politeness' played a crucial role in the American Revolution by shaping the culture of restrained power and forming an essential part of the lingua franca of colonial elites.

Q6: The passage suggests that politeness in the 18th century was:
(a) A private virtue with little public significance.
(b) A radical tool in shaping democratic politics.
(c) A means to reinforce social hierarchies.
(d) Synonymous with obedience and submission.
Ans: (b)
Sol: The passage emphasizes that in the early United States, politeness was not just a social nicety but a radical tool in shaping democratic politics, particularly in countering authoritarian rule and shaping a free society.