TERRIBLE DANGER
(C.B.I.1985)
When we are suddenly confronted with any terrible danger, the change of nature we undergo is equally great. In some cases, fear paralyses us. Like animals, we stand still, powerless to move a step in fright or to lift a hand in defence of our lives, and sometimes we are seized with panic, and again, act more like the inferior animals than rational beings. On the other hand, frequently in cases of sudden extreme peril, which cannot be escaped by flight, and must be instantly faced, even the timidest men at once as if by a miracle, become possessed of the necessary courage, sharp quick apprehend- soon, and swift decision. This is a miracle very common in nature. Man and the inferior animals alike, when confronted with almost certain death ‘gather resolution from despair’ but there can really be no trace of so debilitating a feeling in the person fighting, or prepared to fight for dear life. At such times the mind is clearer than it has ever been; the nerves are steel, there is nothing felt but a wonderful strength and daring. Looking back at certain perilous moments in my own life, I remember them with a kind of joy, not that there was any joyful excitement then; but because they brought me a new experience-a new nature, as it were- and lifted me for a time above myself.
1. An appropriate title for the above passage would be
 (a) The Will to Fight
(b) The Miracle of Confronting Danger
(c) The Change of Nature
 (d) Courage and Panic
2. The author names three different ways in which a man may react to sudden danger. What are they?
 (a) He may flee in panic, or fight back or stand still.
(b) He may be paralyzed with fear, seized with panic or act as an inferior animal.
 (c) He may be paralyzed with fear, or seized with panic, or as if by a miracle, become possessed of the necessary courage, and face the danger.
(d) He may be paralyzed with fear, run away or fight.
3. The distinction between’ inferior animals’ and ‘rational beings’ is that
(a) the former are incapable of fighting.
(b) the latter is clever.
(c) the latter is stronger.
(d) the latter are capable of reasoning things out whereas the former cannot do so.
4. Explain the phrase ‘gather resolution from danger’.
(a) Find hope and courage
 (b) A state of utter hopelessness steels one to fight out the danger
 (c) Not to lose hope, but fight
(d) Find the courage to face the danger
5. The author feels happy in the recollection of dangers faced and overcomes because
(a) they brought him a new experience.
 (b) they brought him a new experience and lifted him above himself for a time.
 (c) he survived his ordeal.
(d) he was lucky to be alive.
ANSWERS:-
1. (b)
2. (c)
3. (d)
4. (b)
5. (b)
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