Read carefully the passages given below and answer the questions that follow
The ‘generation gap’ is not a new phenomenon. In every generation, the old men are found shaking their heads about the good old days when young people knew better and showed due reverence to age and tradition. The generation gap is actually the difference between the high spirits and impatience of youth on one hand and the caution and prudence of old age on the other. Young people are always full of vigour, life and energy; they are adventurous, bold, even reckless and are always willing to take risks. Caution; prudence, calm reflection, careful calculation before taking any plunge, etc are not part of their mental make up. Infact young people laugh at elders who habitually think calmly and profoundly before taking a decision and calculate the perils, if any, that may arise there of. The young and the old will always disagree because their basic approach to life is different and their was thoughts are like parallel lines, seemingly always converse. While the young are always ready for fresh adventures they are often confronted by elders who warn them against the risks they can face.
Neil Armstrong who was the first human to land on the moon said, “One small step for a man but one giant leap for mankind.” Such major leaps would not have been possible if the youth did not have an adventurous spirit. “No pain, no gain” is a well known saying. The old would perhaps impress “Let us not have anything more, we have enough”. But is that reason enough to prevent the young from experimenting?
(i) What do the old people talk about good old days?
(ii) What is the old age contrasted with? Give an example.
(iii) “The thoughts of the old and the young are like parallel lines”. Explain
(iv) Which characteristic of the youth lead to major discoveries?
(v) Pick out words from the passage which mean the same as:-
(a) acting with or showing care for future.
(b) situation of immediate danger.
