Direction: You have one brief passage with five questions. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
Passage
All of us have enormous capabilities. In many of us however, our achievements fail to correlate with our potential, because of lack of self-discipline-the effort needed to channel our energy for productive uses. To maximise your effectiveness you must “learn to put your nose to the grindstone, work against boredom and learn to take the long, hard way in life rather than the short, easy way”. Here are a few suggestions that focus on “How to do what you want to do.” Take risks. It is important to realise that nothing in life is achieved unless you risk something. That’s how self-confidence develops. Every chance you take, offers you valuable spinoffs in terms of learning. Earn a reward. Sometime back I had to face the rather unenviable task of preparing for two examinations simultaneously. I had to be ruthless in driving myself from one goal to another. Hard nosed attitude saw me sail through the courses. I rewarded myself at the end of it indulging in my favourite pastime and taking a short holiday.
SOME IMPORTANT WORDS
correlate : to show that there is a close connection between two or more facts, figures, etc.
potential : possibility of something happening/being developed/used.
spin-offs : unexpected but useless results of an activity that is designed to produce something else.
unenviable : difficult/unpleasant.
ruthless : hard and cruel; determined to get what you want and not caring if you hurt other people.
put your nose to the grindstone : to work hard for a long period of time without stopping.
hard-nosed : not affected by feelings while trying to get what you want.