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.
The author advises about the importance of elegance in one's carriage to ____.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → avoid prejudice and signs of insecurity and nervousness
The author says that a graceful carriage (the way one holds the body and moves) needs early habit, because "awkwardness creates prejudice" and stumbling in manner "suggests insecurity or a lack of confidence". Elegance in carriage therefore helps one avoid prejudice and the look of insecurity and nervousness.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: maintain strict discipline in academic performance — Incorrect. Wrong focus: carriage is linked with how others see us, not with marks or studies.
Option 3: enhance the ability to focus on learning and excellence — Incorrect. Wrong link: the passage does not connect graceful carriage with concentration or learning.
Option 4: show one's bountiful possessions. — Incorrect. Wrong focus: bountiful means plentiful. Elegance in carriage is about manner and grace, not about showing off wealth.
Note: In the original NTA paper, Option 1 read "facilitate self-esteem and personal growth". 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 "maintain strict discipline in academic performance".
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.