Question 5
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 main idea of this passage is that
- A.nature is heartless
- B.man should control the birth rate
- C.mankind will soon perish of starvation
- D.pestilence causes more deaths than war
- E.man should change nature's course gradually.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B (man should control the birth rate)
Explanation
The passage warns that since we have cut the death rate, we must also check the birth rate or famine will return. The main idea is that man should control the birth rate.