Sample Questions for English (Part 1)

Passage 1

The question of whether the conduct complained of signifies its consequence decides cruelty and the medium for divorce purposes on that particular person who is complaining of the acts. The question here is not that the conduct is cruel to a specific person or a person who usually is sensible, but whether it would have that effect on the spouse who has been wronged. Something which may be considered cruel by one person, may not be cruel to another person. Similarly, something which may not be regarded as cruel under one set of circumstances may be extremely cruel under another set of circumstances.

Questions

1. The chief concern of this passage is:

1. To define cruelty
2. To define marital cruelty
3. To define cruelty by standards of a reasonable man
4. To evaluate the objective effect of cruelty on a married spouse

Answer. (b)

2. According to the author, cruelty is:

1. Subjective to the spouse who has been wronged
2. Objectively determinable
3. Condemnable
4. Punishable

Answer. (a)

3. Is the spouse who has been wronged a reasonable person according to the author?

1. Yes
2. No
3. The author does not make any comment on it
4. None of the above

Answer. (c)

Passage 2

At long last, I can say a few words of my own. I have never wanted to withhold anything, but until now, it has not been constitutionally possible for me to speak. A few hours ago, I discharged my last duty as King and Emperor, and now that I have been succeeded by my brother, the Duke of York, my first words should be to declare my allegiance to him. I did this with all my heart.

You all know the reasons which have impelled me to renounce the throne. But I want you to understand that in making up my mind, I did not forget the country or the empire, which, as Prince of Whales and lately as king, I have for 25 years tried to serve. But you must believe me when I tell you that I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as king as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love.

I want you to know that the decision I have made is mine and mine alone. This was a thing I had to judge entirely for myself. The other person most nearly concerned has tried up to the last to persuade me to take a different course. I have taken this decision of my life only upon the single thought of what would be best for everyone in the end.

This decision has been made less difficult to me by the sure knowledge that my brother, with his long training in the public affairs of this country and with his fine qualities, will be able to take my place. Forthwith without interruption to the life and progress of the empire. He has one matchless blessing, enjoyed by so many of you – a happy home with his wife and children.

During these hard days, I have been comforted by her Majesty, my mother and my family. The ministers of the crown, and in particular, Mr Baldwin, the Prime Minister, have always treated me with full consideration. There has never been any constitutional difference between them and me, and between Parliament and me. Bred in the constitutional tradition by my father. I should never have allowed such an issue to arise.

Ever since I was Prince of Wales, and later on when I occupied the throne, I have been treated with most incredible kindness by all classes of the people wherever I have lived or journeyed throughout the empire.

I now quit altogether public affairs, and I lay down my burden. It may be some time before I return to my native land, but I shall always follow the fortunes of the British race and empire with profound interest. If at any time in the future I can be found of service to his Majesty in a private station, I shall not fail.

And now, we all have a new king. I wish him and you, his people, happiness and property with all my heart. God bless you all! God save the king!

Sources:

https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/kingedwardVIIIabdication.htm

https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Edward_VIII_of_the_United_Kingdom%27s_Abdication

http://archive.org/stream/acd5869.0034.001.umich.edu/acd5869.0034.001.umich.edu_djvu.txt

https://everything2.com/title/The+Abdication+Speech+of+Edward+VIII

Questions

1. What is the chief concern of the author?

1. To reassure
2. To bid goodbye
3. To proclaim allegiance
4. To praise those who helped him

Answer. (a)

2. The country to which the author belongs is

1. America
2. France
3. England
4. India

Answer. (c)

3. Why is the person going away?

1. Rebellion
2. Public Disgrace
3. Family Problem
4. Something to do with a woman

Answer. (d)

4. What was the person before he became the king?

1. Duke of York
2. Prince of Wales
3. Prime Minister
4. His Majesty

Answer. (b)

5. What could be the passage best be described as?

1. A sad piece
2. An abdication address
3. A speech
4. An Obituary

Answer. (b)