Direction: In this section, there is a passage having some blank spaces with four words or groups of words given. Select whichever word or group of words you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly. It is necessary, (1)_______ any war, to consider, not its proper justification in past agreements, (2)_______ its real justification in the balance of good which it is to bring to mankind. At the beginning of a war, each nation, under the influence of what is called (3)_______ believes that its own victory is (4)_______ certain and of great importance to mankind. The praiseworthiness of this belief has become an accepted maxim of common sense : even when war is actually in progress it (5)_______ to be natural and right that a citizen of an enemy country should regard the victory of his side as assured and highly (6)_______ By concentrating attention upon the supposed advantages of the victory of our own side, we (7)_______ more or less blind to the evils inseparable from war and equally certain whichever side may ultimately prove (8)_______ Yet so long as these are not fully realized, it is impossible (9)_______ justly (10)_______ a war is or is not likely to be beneficial to the human ra ce. Although the theme is trite, it is necessary therefore briefly to remind ourselves what the evils of war really are.
Choose the appropriate option for (3) ?
Understanding the Passage and Blank (3)
The question asks us to select the most appropriate word or group of words to fill in blank space (3) in the provided passage. The passage discusses the considerations at the beginning of a war and the beliefs held by nations involved.
Let's look at the sentence containing blank (3): "At the beginning of a war, each nation, under the influence of what is called (3)_______ believes that its own victory is (4)_______ certain and of great importance to mankind."
We need to find a word that describes the feeling or influence under which a nation believes strongly in its own victory and its significance.
Evaluating Options for Blank (3)
Let's examine the given options:
- disloyalty: This means being unfaithful or betraying someone or something. This is the opposite of the feeling described in the sentence, which is about strong belief in one's own nation's cause.
- patriotism: This is defined as the love for one's country and a readiness to defend it. This feeling often leads people within a nation to strongly believe in their country's strength, righteousness, and the importance of its success, especially during times of conflict like war.
- infidelity: This primarily refers to unfaithfulness in a marital relationship or disloyalty. It does not fit the context of a nation's collective belief in its victory during war.
- falseness: This refers to being untrue, deceitful, or insincere. This word does not describe an influence that makes a nation believe its victory is certain and important.
Selecting the Appropriate Word
Considering the options and the context of the sentence and the passage, the word that best describes the influence under which a nation believes its own victory is certain and important at the beginning of a war is patriotism.
The sentence implies a collective national sentiment that fuels confidence and belief in success during war. Patriotism, being a strong devotion to one's country, is precisely this kind of sentiment.
Final Answer for Blank (3)
Therefore, the most appropriate word for blank (3) is patriotism.
| Blank Number | Sentence Context | Most Appropriate Word | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| (3) | ...under the influence of what is called (3)_______ believes that its own victory is... | patriotism | Patriotism is the national sentiment that leads to strong belief in one's country's cause and victory during war. |
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Term | Meaning in Context | Relevance to Passage |
|---|---|---|
| Patriotism | Love for one's country and willingness to defend it; national loyalty. | The feeling influencing a nation's belief in its own victory. |
| Disloyalty | Unfaithfulness; lack of loyalty. | Opposite of the sentiment described. |
| Infidelity | Unfaithfulness, often in a relationship. | Not applicable to national sentiment. |
| Falseness | Untrue or deceitful nature. | Does not describe the influential sentiment. |
Additional Information: Patriotism and War
Patriotism plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and national morale during times of war. While often seen as a virtue, the passage suggests a critical view, noting how patriotism can lead nations to be "blind to the evils inseparable from war." It highlights the potential for patriotism to create an unquestioning belief in one's own side's righteousness and inevitable victory.
- National Morale: Patriotism boosts morale and unity, encouraging citizens to support the war effort.
- Belief in Victory: Strong patriotic feelings can lead to overconfidence and a firm conviction that one's own nation will win.
- Justification of War: Patriotism can be used to justify the necessity and righteousness of the war from a national perspective, sometimes overshadowing ethical considerations or the negative impacts of conflict.
Understanding terms like patriotism and their influence is crucial for interpreting texts that discuss national actions and sentiments during significant historical events like wars.
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