Question

Comprehension: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. We should remember that all religions (1)________ good conduct in life, the foundation of which should rest on (2)_________. Without the basis of morality, philosophy would remain mere polemics, and religion would be (3)_________ and vain. Nobody can say that he is religious unless he is (4)_________ and unselfish. It is realised that by constant endeavour through thought, word and deed, one could (5)_________ absolute peace of mind. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.

• A. evil
• B. boundaries
• C. unconscientiousness
• D. ethics

Answer 1

Answer:

D. ethics

To find the correct word, we must look at the contextual clues provided in the very next sentence of the passage. Contextual Clue: The second sentence begins with "Without the basis of morality..." This directly tells us that the "foundation" mentioned in the first sentence refers to moral principles. Ethics (Correct): Ethics and morality are synonyms. They refer to the system of moral principles that govern a person's behavior. Therefore, saying the foundation of good conduct rests on "ethics" is logically consistent with the rest of the text. Evil: This is the opposite of good conduct and would contradict the theme of the passage. Boundaries: While religions have rules, "boundaries" is too narrow and physical compared to the philosophical nature of the passage. Unconscientiousness: This means not being guided by one's conscience; it is a negative trait and would not be a foundation for "good conduct." Completed Phrase: "the foundation of which should rest on ethics."