SSC CGL 2016 PYQ — Question 20

SSC CGL Tier II English - 1/12/2016 • English • Q20

Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

Is there any difference between "genius" and "talent"? We generally feel that a man of genius is in some way higher than a man of talent, and that talented men are more common than genius. This is true, but it is rather vague. Genius implies "very extraordinary gifts or native powers, especially as displayed in the original creation, discovery, expression or achievement; phenomenal capacity regarded as relatively independent of instruction and training". Talent, on the other hand, consists of "mental endowments or capacities of superior character; marked mental ability". "Talent" is more the capacity to learn to do a thing well, but "genius" is an inborn inspiration that
drives a man to do a thing with original excellence. As Meredith said, "Genius does what it must, and talent does what it can".
Shakespeare in drama and poetry, Isaac Newton in science, Napoleon in war, Beethoven in music, were geniuses; many well-known poets, scientists, generals and musicians have been men of talent.

To learn to do a thing well is to be _________.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. talented.

It is clearly mentioned in the passage that "Talent" is more the capacity to learn to do a thing well, but "genius" is an inborn inspiration that drives a man to do a thing with original excellence."

Hence, the chosen option will be correct.