ParaSummary Question 4 - CAT 2021
Passage:
People view idleness as a sin and industriousness as a virtue, and in the process have developed an unsatisfactory relationship with their jobs. Work has become a way for them to keep busy, even though many find their work meaningless. In their need for activity people undertake what was once considered work (fishing, gardening) as hobbies. The opposing view is that hard work has made us prosperous and improved our levels of health and education. It has also brought innovation and labour and time-saving devices, which have lessened life’s drudgery.
A) Despite some detractors, hard work is essential in today’s world to enable economic progress, for education and health and to propel innovations that make life easier.
B) Hard work has overtaken all aspects of our lives and has enabled economic prosperity, but it is important that people reserve their leisure time for some idleness.
C) Some believe that hard work has been glorified to the extent that it has become meaningless, and led to greater idleness, but it has also had enormous positive impacts on everyday life.
D) While the idealisation of hard work has propelled people into meaningless jobs and endless activity, it has also led to tremendous social benefits from prosperity and innovation.
Step-by-Step Explanation
- Correct Answer: D
- Explanation: This text builds a balanced, two-sided argument. One perspective shows how idealizing hard work pushes people into meaningless jobs just to stay active. The opposing perspective states that hard work has brought immense societal progress, health improvements, and time-saving innovations. Option D mirrors this balanced layout.
- FundaMakers Tip: Spot the Balanced Dialectic. When an author presents a clear debate with valid points on both sides, the correct summary must reflect both halves. Options A, B, and C lean too heavily to one side or distort the direct relationship between the arguments.