Q3.
(a)
Make a precis of the following passage. Also, supply a suitable title : 1 + 4 = 5
People moan about poverty as a great evil and it seems to be an accepted belief that if people had plenty of money, they would be happy and useful and get more out of life. As a rule there is more genuine satisfaction in life in the humble cottages of the poor than in the loudly mansions of the rich. I always pity the sons and daughters of the rich who are attended by servants and have governesses at a later age. It is because I know how sweet and happy and pure the home of honest poverty is. How free from perplexing care and from social envies and jealousies the members of the family are that I sympathise with the rich man's boys and congratulate the poor man's sons. It is for these reasons that from the ranks of the poor so many strong, eminent, self-reliant men have always sprung. If you will read the list of the immortals who were not born to die, you will find that most of them had the advantage of being cradled, nursed and reared in the hard school of poverty.
(b)
Make a precis of the following passage. Also, supply a suitable title : 2 + 8 = 10
Military training is the crying need of today. India has wide and far flung borders which must be well defended. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. No free nation can afford to remain indifferent to its defence. Freedom is a priceless treasure which must be preserved with efforts and sacrifices. We must defend our homes and hearths, the honour of our beloved mothers and sisters as also hard won independence of our country. Another reason is that the international situation is highly explosive. Our enemies are battle ready and have acquired sophisticated armaments. The unholy alliance between our unfriendly neighbours tells us not to sleep easy and always to keep vigil. There is no doubt our regular army is well-disciplined and well-trained. But in emergency it will not be sufficient. If we increase the strength of the army, it will be a great financial burden. So the most economical way would be to maintain a large reserve force, trained in the use of modern weapons and war techniques. All able-bodies boys and girls should be trained so that a strong military may be always ready to defend the country in times of peril. It cannot be done effectively unless the system of compulsory military training is introduced in our country. These youth, can be used during peace times for fighting against goonda elements, thieves and decoits. Their training in weapons, discipline and integrity can always be a source of strength for soldiers on the battle field. They would know that their loved ones are also protected in their absence from home. Compulsory military training will always be useful for all.
