Question 1
ComprehensionJAMB 1978 Passage A
All over the world till lately, and in most of the world still today, mankind has been following the course of nature, that is to say, it has been breeding up to the maximum. To let nature take her extravagant course in the reproduction of the human race may have made sense in an age in which we were also letting her take her course in decimating mankind by the casualties of war, pestilence, and famine. Being human, we have at last revolted against that senseless waste. We have started to impose on nature's heartless play a humane new order of our own. But, when once man has begun to interfere with nature, he cannot afford to stop half way. We cannot, with impunity, cut down the death-rate and at the same time allow the birth-rate to go on taking nature's course. We must consciously try to establish an equilibrium or, sooner or later, famine will stalk abroad again.
The author observes that
- A.war, pestilence and famine were caused by the extravagance of nature
- B.nature was heartless and senseless
- C.there was a time when uncontrolled birth made sense
- D.it was wise at a time when mankind did not interfere with normal reproduction
- E.nature was heartless in its reproductive process.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C (there was a time when uncontrolled birth made sense)
Explanation
The author says letting nature breed freely 'may have made sense' in an age when war, disease and famine also killed many people. So there was a time when uncontrolled birth made sense.