SYBCom Sem 4 ACSE Comprehension Passage 5 On Superstitions

 Passage 5

Read the paragraph and answer the questions that follow.

On Superstitions    -    A. G. Gardiner

It was inevitable that the fact that a murder has taken place at a house with the number 13 in a street, the letters of whose name number 13 would not pass unnoticed. If we took the last hundred murders that have been committed, I suppose we should find that as many have taken place at No. 6 or No. 7, or any other number you choose, as at No. 13—that the law of averages is as inexorable (unavoidable) here as elsewhere.

But this consideration does not prevent the world remarking on the fact when No. 13 has its turn. Not that the world believes there is anything in the superstition. It is quite sure it is a mere childish folly (foolishness), of course. Few of us would refuse to take a house because its number was 13, or decline an invitation to dinner because there were to be 13 at table. But most of us would be just a shade happier if that desirable residence were numbered 11, and not any the less pleased with the dinner if one of the guests contracted a chill (cold) that kept him away. We would not confess this little weakness to each other. We might even refuse to admit it to ourselves, but it is there.

That it exists is evident from many irrefutable (unquestionable) signs. There are numerous streets in London, and I daresay in other towns too, in which there is no house numbered 13, and I am told that it is very rare that a bed in a hospital bears that number. The superstition, threadbare (out dated/old) though it has worn (less believable/worn out), is still sufficiently real (still hold some belief) to enter into the calculations of a discreet (unsure) landlord in regard to the letting qualities of a house, and into the calculations of a hospital as to the curative properties of a bed. (Even though some superstitions are not logical or scientifically supported, they still affect people's decisions in practical situations, like renting a house or choosing medical equipment.)

In the latter case general agreement would support the concession to the superstition, idle (pointless) though that superstition is. Physical recovery is a matter of the mind as well as of the body, and the slightest shadow on the mind may, in a condition of low vitality, retard (slower down) and even defeat recovery.

Florence Nightingale's almost passionate advocacy of flowers in the sick-bedroom was based on the necessity of the creation of a certain state of mind in the patient. There are few more curious revelations (discloser) in that moving record by M. Duhamel of medical experiences during the war, like the case of the man who died of a pimple on his nose. He had been hideously mutilated (horribly injured) in battle and was brought into hospital a sheer wreck; but he was slowly patched up and seemed to have been saved when a pimple appeared on his nose. It was nothing in itself, but it was enough to produce a mental state that checked the flickering (shaky) return of life. It assumed a fantastic importance in the mind of the patient, who, having survived the heavy blows of Fate, died of something less than a pinprick. It is not difficult to understand that so fragile (delicate) a hold of life might yield (generate) to the sudden discovery that you were lying in No. 13 bed.

Questions:

1.    The author says superstitions are:
The author says superstitions are mere childish foolishness (folly).  Even though some superstitions are not logical or scientifically supported, they still affect people's decisions in practical situations.

2.    In which city is the number 13 not used for streets, hospital beds, and houses?
a. London

3.    What is meant by 'weakness' in the first paragraph?
The word "weakness" refers to the subtle (small) fear or discomfort people feel about the number 13. They might not admit it, but they feel better avoiding anything related to this number.

4.    Discuss the superstitions associated with the number 13.
People think the number 13 is unlucky. Some avoid living in houses numbered 13 or sleeping in bed number 13. Many buildings or hospitals skip this number to make people comfortable. Because people have the fear about number 13 and it is believed that number 13 brings bad luck.

5.    Can we do away with all established superstitions? Justify your answer.
It is hard to end superstitions because they are part of traditions and beliefs. Some superstitions stay because they affect people’s thinking. However, education and logical thinking can help reduce their influence. Some superstitions, like those affecting health and safety, should be discouraged as they can cause harm.

6.    Write a note on some of the superstitions you know of.

Many people in India, believe breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck. Some believe that a black cats crossing the road bring bad luck. Some people avoid cutting nails at night. Some avoid starting important tasks on certain days, like Tuesday, because they think it brings failure. Many people believe that the number 13 is unlucky. Such beliefs are often followed without any real evidence.

7.    Point out two words in the passage that have prefixes:
Inevitable, irrefutable

8.    Write down synonyms of the following words:
a. Numerous – Many
b. Discreet – Careful
c. Revelation – Discovery
d. Hideous – Horrible
e. Mutilated – Damaged

9.    Make sentences of your own using the following phrases:
a. Contract a chill – She contracted a chill after walking in the rain without an umbrella.
b. Passionate advocacy – Her passionate advocacy for clean energy inspired many to adopt solar power.