Intellectual Rubbish
ENGLISH WORKSHOP
1. The following expressions are a combination of a noun preceded by a describing word. Replace the describing words with as many others as you can, that go with the underlined nouns.
Answer:
- (a) fatal mistake – silly mistake, big mistake, costly mistake, dumb mistake
- (b) foreign customs – strange customs, local customs, ancient customs, weird customs
- (c) unappetizing diet – healthy diet, boring diet, strict diet, tasty diet
- (d) plentiful supply – limited supply, huge supply, steady supply, short supply
- (e) simple device – clever device, modern device, tricky device, useful device
- (f) savage controversy – heated controversy, mild controversy, big controversy, silly controversy
- (g) modern technique – old technique, new technique, smart technique, basic technique
- (h) foolish custom – odd custom, wise custom, fun custom, traditional custom Note: These replacements fit the nouns and make sense in different contexts.
2. Use the following idioms/expressions in sentences of your own.
Answer:
- (a) to be prone to – I’m prone to forgetting my homework when I’m tired.
- (b) to have a difference of opinion – My sister and I have a difference of opinion about which movie to watch.
- (c) to go beyond – Her kindness goes beyond what anyone expects.
- (d) to have a beneficial effect – Drinking water has a beneficial effect on my energy.
- (e) to have a bias – He has a bias toward his favorite football team.
- (f) to undo – I had to undo my shoelaces to fix them.
- (g) to be wary of – She’s wary of strangers who ask too many questions.
- (h) under the influence – He acted silly under the influence of too much sugar. Note: These sentences are simple and show how each idiom works.
3. Say ‘WHY’?
(a) One should avoid getting angry about a difference of opinion.
Answer: Because getting angry shows you might not have good reasons for your belief and could be wrong, as the writer says it’s a sign of weak evidence.
(b) The writer found his stay abroad very profitable.
Answer: Because living in places like France and Germany helped him see different views, reducing his narrow-mindedness.
(c) The writer grew less dogmatic and more open-minded.
Answer: Because he learned from other cultures and imagined arguments with people who disagreed, making him question his own ideas.
(d) Men declaring that they are Saints write letters to the writer.
Answer: Because they believe their strange ideas are important and want him to share them, like the Messiah claims he got.
(e) The writer claims that all false beliefs need not be replaced by cold science.
Answer: Because some silly beliefs, like the god Osiris’ letter, add fun and variety to life, not just harm.
4. Make sentences of your own to show the difference of usage of the following Homophones.
(a) device / devise
- Device: My phone is a useful device for studying.
- Devise: She tried to devise a plan to finish her homework early.
(b) advice / advise
- Advice: Mom gave me good advice about being kind.
- Advise: I advise you to check your answers before submitting.
(c) practice / practise
- Practice: Daily practice improves your handwriting.
- Practise: I need to practise writing essays for the exam. Note: Nouns (device, advice, practice) are things, while verbs (devise, advise, practise) are actions.
5. When a family member is very ill for long, the grandmother of the family urges everyone to send for a person who claims he can cure victims of black magic. Compose a dialogue with her, in which her granddaughter politely convinces her that she should not believe in such things.
Answer:
- Grandma: “We must call that healer! He says he can cure your uncle’s illness with his magic.”
- Granddaughter: “Grandma, I know you’re worried, but I don’t think black magic is real.”
- Grandma: “But what if it is? He’s been sick so long!”
- Granddaughter: “I get it, but doctors have studied illnesses and found real causes. Magic hasn’t been proven to work.”
- Grandma: “He says he’s seen it cure people!”
- Granddaughter: “Maybe he believes that, but we should trust science instead. Let’s ask the doctor for help-it’s safer and makes more sense.”
- Grandma: “Hmm, maybe you’re right. I’ll think about it.” Note: The granddaughter is gentle but firm, using reason to persuade.
6. List the various ways of avoiding error mentioned in the passage.
Answer:
- Observe things yourself instead of assuming you know (like counting teeth).
- Be aware of your own bias by noticing if you get angry at opposing views.
- Learn from different social circles or countries to challenge your ideas.
- Imagine arguments with someone who disagrees to test your beliefs.
- Be cautious of opinions that boost your self-esteem, like thinking your group is the best.
- Admit and face your fears so they don’t twist your thinking. Note: These are practical steps from the passage to avoid silly mistakes.
7. Answer the following questions:
(a) If an opinion contrary to your own makes you angry, what does it indicate?
Answer: It shows you might not have solid reasons for your belief and secretly doubt it.
(b) What are the most savage controversies about?
Answer: They’re about things with no clear evidence either way, like opinions where proof is missing.
(c) What are the benefits of travel?
Answer: Travel opens your mind by showing you different customs and ideas, making you less stubborn.
(d) Is the influence of foreign customs always beneficial?
Answer: No, sometimes it leads to adopting silly habits, like the Chinese and Manchus swapping customs.
(e) What are the advantages of an imaginary argument with a person having a different bias?
Answer: It helps you test your ideas anytime, anywhere, and can make you less sure of being right.
(f) Why should one be wary of opinions that flatter one’s self-esteem?
Answer: Because they’re often biased, like thinking your gender or nation is best, hiding the truth.
(g) How does fear lead us to error?
Answer: Fear makes us believe in comforting lies or superstitions, like ghosts or magic, instead of facts.
(h) What are the two ways of avoiding fear?
Answer: One is pretending you’re safe from harm, and the other is building real courage to face it.
8. What is the meaning of ‘intellectual rubbish’?
Answer: It means foolish or silly ideas that people believe without proof, like superstitions or untested opinions, which smart people should avoid.
9. Find the opposites of the following:
Answer:
- cautious – reckless
- dogmatic – open-minded
- contrary – similar
- savage – gentle
- beneficial – harmful
- reasonable – unreasonable
- hypothetical – real
- cruelty – kindness
- immune – vulnerable Note: These opposites fit the meanings in the passage.
10. Write an imaginary dialogue contesting opposite views on a topic of your choice, e.g., ‘Girls should learn to do all the housework and not boys.’
Answer:
- Rina: “Girls should learn all the housework-boys don’t need to bother.”
- Amit: “That’s unfair! Boys should learn too; it’s not just a girl’s job.”
- Rina: “But girls are better at it naturally, and boys can focus on other stuff.”
- Amit: “That’s just an old idea. Anyone can cook or clean-it’s about sharing work.”
- Rina: “Maybe, but tradition says girls handle the home.”
- Amit: “Tradition changes. My dad cooks better than my mom, so why limit it?”
- Rina: “Okay, I guess both could learn, but girls still rule the kitchen!”
- Amit: “Let’s agree both can rule-fair’s fair!” Note: This keeps it light and shows both sides arguing politely.
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