Comprehension (B)
There followed in rapid succession other difficulties, such as withholding by India of our cash balances, of our share of military equipment and lately, the institution of an almost complete economic blockade of your Province. I have no doubt that all right-thinking men in the Indian Dominion deplore these happenings and I am sure the attitude of the mind that has been responsible for them will change, but it is essential that you should take note of these developments. They stress the importance of continued vigilance on our part... Your main occupation should be in fairness to yourselves, in fairness to your parents and indeed in fairness to the State, to devote your attention solely to your studies. It is only thus that you can equip yourselves for the battle of life that lies ahead of you. Only thus will you be an asset and a source of strength and of pride to your State. Only thus, can you assist it in solving the great social and economic problems that confront it and enable it to reach its destined goal among the most progressive and strongest nations of the world.
My young friends, I would, therefore, like to tell you a few points about which you should be vigilant and beware. Firstly, beware of the fifth columnists among ourselves. Secondly, guard against and weed out selfish people who only wish to exploit you so that they may swim. Thirdly, learn to judge who are really true and really honest and unselfish servants of the State who wish to serve the people with heart and soul and support them....
Questions:
i. Provide a brief summary of the passage and suggest titles for each paragraph.
ii. Interpret the expressions "cash balances" and "fifth columnists" as used in the passage.
iii. How does the author emphasize the importance of continued vigilance, and what are the developments that underscore this need?
iv. What perspective does the author offer regarding the challenges faced by the state, and how does it connect to the theme of vigilance?
v. What is the main theme of the passage, and how does it relate to the author's advice to the young audience?
vi. How can the advice given in the passage be applied practically in the lives of the young audience, especially in the context of their studies and future roles in the state?
