Read the given passage and answer the four questions that follow:-
As to your studies, I wish you to learn Latin, French, and dancing. I insist particularly on dancing because it is often neglected yet crucial to success in life. First impression depends on two things: dress and address—both within our control. Neglecting these often leads to slights, coldness, and contempt, which even integrity and talents cannot always overcome. Ignoring what ensures others' favourable opinions suggests arrogance or defiance—never without serious consequences. Neglect of appearance implies disrespect for others and often stems from poor sense as much as poor nature. The maxim, "Desire to please, and you will infallibly please," explains this well.
Slovenliness can be cured with effort, but a graceful carriage requires early habit, often with the dancing master's help. Awkwardness creates prejudice; stumbling in manner suggests insecurity or a lack of confidence. In contrast, openness, freedom, and self-possession set others at ease, revealing inner harmony. Grace in women secures affections and signals a well-balanced soul, just as awkwardness in men impedes gallantry and connection.
Lastly, avoid pouring over books until bent double; this habit is hard to break and harmful to both health and esteem. A stoop diminishes public and private standing. You are upright now, walking boldly and spiritedly—preserve this carefully. Elasticity of limbs and upright deportment is vital to worldly success as much as actions.
Do not, by neglecting how to enter a room properly, stumble at the very threshold of good graces. Remember, nothing prejudices people more than awkwardness.
What does the author warn against when studying?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Developing a stoop that harms one's health and reputation.
The author warns against bending over books "until bent double", because the habit is hard to break and harmful to "both health and esteem". He adds that a stoop (a forward bend of the back and shoulders) lowers one's public and private standing. Health and standing in others' eyes are what the option calls health and reputation.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Ignoring worldly advantages in pursuit of knowledge. — Incorrect. Wrong focus: the warning is about posture while reading, not about giving up worldly gains for knowledge.
Option 2: Taking help from a dancing master to learn a graceful carriage. — Incorrect. Contradicted: the author recommends this. He says a graceful carriage needs early habit, "often with the dancing master's help". It is advice he gives, not something he warns against.
Option 4: Spending too much time on books instead of practical tasks. — Incorrect. Misread: the author wants his reader to learn Latin and French. He does not ask him to read less, only to sit and walk upright.
Note: In the original NTA paper, Option 2 read "Focusing solely on dancing and physical exercises". NTA accepted this option as a correct answer as well. To leave only one correct answer and avoid confusion for students, it has been changed here to "Taking help from a dancing master to learn a graceful carriage".
Advice for the exam: In the real exam, mark the answer that is grammatically or factually correct. If NTA’s provisional answer key marks a different option, challenge it during the answer-key challenge window and give the reason in one or two lines.