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Question

Read the passage and answer the questions based on it. You are required to select your answers based on the contents of the passage and opinion of the author only.

In its simple form, science has helped man to protect himself from Nature and to overcome natural obstacles to movement. But with the advance of science, a situation has arisen in which Nature need to be protected from man. He has used Nature’s own gifts, not only of metal but even the human brain, to attack Nature. Forests are being destroyed not only to satisfy the need but to provide luxuries. The evil effects of deforestation are already making themselves clearly felt in climatic changes and soil erosion. Man has at last begun to learn that he has to protect if he wants Nature to protect him.

The use of science in its simple form has helped man to ____________

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2017 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (05-Feb-2017)
The correct answer is

Overcome natural obstacles to movement

Understanding the Impact of Simple Science

The question asks what the use of science in its simple form has helped man to do, based on the provided passage. To answer this, we need to carefully read the passage and locate the part that discusses science in its simple form.

The passage begins by stating:

"In its simple form, science has helped man to protect himself from Nature and to overcome natural obstacles to movement."

This sentence directly addresses what science in its simple form achieved.

Analyzing the Options Based on the Passage

Let's evaluate each option provided:

  • Option 1: Overcome natural obstacles to movement
  • Option 2: Make bombs and missiles
  • Option 3: Build factories using machinery
  • Option 4: Make planes

Now, we compare these options with the information given in the passage about science in its simple form.

  • Option 1: Overcome natural obstacles to movement
    The passage explicitly states that "In its simple form, science has helped man... to overcome natural obstacles to movement." This aligns perfectly with the passage content.
  • Option 2: Make bombs and missiles
    The passage mentions man using Nature's gifts "to attack Nature," which relates to advanced science and its potential harmful applications, but it does not attribute the making of bombs and missiles specifically to science in its "simple form."
  • Option 3: Build factories using machinery
    The passage mentions the use of metal (a gift of Nature) but does not connect building factories or using machinery directly with science in its "simple form." This seems to relate more to later advancements.
  • Option 4: Make planes
    The passage makes no mention of making planes in relation to science in any form, simple or advanced.

Based on the direct statement in the first sentence of the passage, science in its simple form helped man to overcome natural obstacles to movement.

Conclusion: What Simple Science Achieved

The passage clearly states the benefits of science in its initial, less complex stage. It helped humanity in two primary ways according to the text: protecting man from nature and enabling him to navigate or bypass natural barriers.

Therefore, the only option that is directly supported by the passage regarding the simple form of science is overcoming natural obstacles to movement.

Option Supported by Passage (Simple Form)? Reasoning
Overcome natural obstacles to movement Yes Directly stated in the first sentence.
Make bombs and missiles No Relates to advanced science's negative impact, not simple form.
Build factories using machinery No Not mentioned in relation to simple form.
Make planes No Not mentioned at all in the passage.

Thus, the use of science in its simple form helped man to overcome natural obstacles to movement.

Revision Table: Key Concepts from Passage

Concept Description in Passage
Simple form of science Helped man protect himself from Nature and overcome natural obstacles to movement.
Advance of science Created a situation where Nature needs protection from man.
Man's attack on Nature Using Nature's own gifts (metal, human brain); destroying forests.
Effects of deforestation Climatic changes, soil erosion.
Man's realization Must protect Nature if he wants Nature to protect him.

Additional Information: Stages of Scientific Impact

The passage presents a view of science having different impacts depending on its stage of development:

  • Early Stage (Simple Form): Science is a tool for survival and overcoming immediate environmental challenges. It is seen as helping man live in harmony with or better navigate Nature.
  • Advanced Stage: Science leads to technology that gives man significant power over Nature. This power, when misused (driven by greed or luxury rather than need), can result in the destruction of natural resources and ecological imbalance, creating a situation where Nature needs protection *from* man.

This highlights a critical theme: scientific advancement is not inherently good or bad, but its impact depends on how it is applied and the values driving its use. The passage serves as a cautionary tale about the potential negative consequences of unchecked technological progress and resource exploitation.

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