Comprehension:
For my own part, I have ever gained the most profit, and the most pleasure also, from the books which have made me think the most; and, when the difficulties have once been overcome, these are the books which have stuck the deepest root, not only in my memory and understanding but likewise in my affections. For this point too should be taken into account. We won’t think slightly of that which it costs us a slight effort to win. The more a book makes us think over, the more satisfaction we get from that. When a maiden is too forward, her admirer deems it time to draw back.
If you would fertilise the mind, the plough must be driven over and through it. The gliding of wheels is easier and faster, but only makes it harder and more barren. Above all, in the present age of light reading, that is, of reading hastily, thoughtlessly, indiscriminately, unfruitfully, when most books are forgotten as soon as they are finished, and very many sooner, it is well if something heavier is cast now and then into the midst of the literary public. This may scare and repel the weak; it will rouse and attract the stronger and increase their strength by making them exert it. In the sweat of the brow, it is the mind as well as the body to eat its bread.
According to the author the mind can be fertilised-
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → by intensively going through books.
The author says: "If you would fertilise the mind, the plough must be driven over and through it." A plough digs deep into the soil; in the same way, the mind grows only through deep, effortful reading. Easy reading, like "the gliding of wheels", only makes the mind "harder and more barren".
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: by skimming through books. — Incorrect. Contradicted: to skim is to read quickly for the general idea only, the "light reading" he criticises.
Example: I only skimmed the report before the meeting.
Option 2: by cursorily going through books. — Incorrect. Contradicted: cursorily means hastily, without attention to detail, like reading "hastily, thoughtlessly".
Example: He glanced cursorily at the letter and put it away.
Option 4: by sailing through a book. — Incorrect. Contradicted: to sail through something is to do it easily, without effort, like "the gliding of wheels".
Example: She sailed through her driving test.