English Passages for Precis Practice

Read the following passage and answer the questions appended to it:

One great defect of our civilization is that it does not know what to do with its knowledge. Science, as we have seen, has given us powers fit for the gods, yet we use them like small children.For example, we do not know how to manage our machines. Machines were made to be man’s servants; yet he has grown so dependent on them that they are in a fair way to become his masters. Already most men spend most of their lives looking after and waiting upon machines. And the machines are very stern masters. They must be fed with coal, and given petrol to drink, and oil to wash with, and must be kept at the right temperature. And if they do not get their meals when they expect them, they grow sulky and refuse to work, or burst with rage, and blow up and spread ruin and destruction all round them. So we have to wait upon them very attentively and do all that we can to keep them in a good temper. Already we find it difficult either to work or play without the machines, and a time may come when they will rule us altogether, just as we rule the animals.

Questions:-

i. Find words from the passage that mean the same as phrases given below. 

a. Explode 

b. Having or showing a tendency to be silent or unsociable as a result of bad temper or resentment. 

ii. Why is it necessary to manage and look after our machines well? 

iii. Write a précis of the given passage in about one third of its length and also suggest a suitable title to it. 

Read the following passage and answer the questions appended to it: 

Sports and games are also very useful for character –training. In their lessons at school, boys and girls may learn about such virtues as unselfishness, courage, discipline and love of one’s country; but what is learned in the books cannot have the same deep effect on child’s character as what is learned by experience. The ordinary day school cannot give much practical training in living because most of the pupil’s time is spent in classes , studying lessons. So, it is what the pupils do in their spare time that really prepares them to take their place in society as citizens when they grow up. If each of them learns to work for his team and not for himself on the football field, he will later find it natural to work for the good of his country instead of only for his own benefit.

Questions:-

1. Find words from the passage that mean the same as phrases given below: 

a. Patriotism 

 b. Good deeds
2. Why boarding school is better than a day-school? 

3. Write a précis of the given passage in about one third of its length and also suggest a suitable title to it.

Read the following passage and answer the questions appended to it:

We are all part of a society, a community, where we share and belong, therefore it is imperative that our behavior conforms to some extent, to the norms and pattern that society lives by. Man essentially a social being, that is why he needs to get along with others for emotional and mental security and stimulation. How should man behave? First of all he should learn how to respect other people’s views. ‘Live and let live’ should be our motto, The elders particularly should be respected and given their due. Help and courtesy should be extended to them because they are old and feeble. No one ever forgets a well-behaved person who is always a pleasure to have around. Manners not only maketh a man , but reflect upon your home, upbringing and basic initiation of values taught at home. It is an undisputed fact that our reputation remains long after we have ceased to be.

Questions:-

1. Why are manners important? 

2. Why does man need to get along with others? 

3. Write a précis of the given passage in about one third of its length and suggest a suitable title.