Below a passage is given, with five blanks labeled (A)-(E). Below the passage, five options are given for each blank. Choose the word that fits each blank most appropriately in the context of the passage, and mark the corresponding answer. The decision of the Karnataka government to introduce Engli

Below a passage is given, with five blanks labeled (A)-(E). Below the passage, five options are given for each blank. Choose the word that fits each blank most appropriately in the context of the passage, and mark the corresponding answer.

The decision of the Karnataka government to introduce English as a medium of instruction in some selected government primary schools has led to debates and discussions in the media and the public. According to the government, the introduction of English medium would be the ____(A)____ for ‘declining enrolment’ in government primary schools as well as deteriorating quality of education.

Why is there a huge debate every time when it comes to medium of instruction in government primary schools? Is it sheer ‘Kannada pride’? Is there a hidden agenda of limiting access to English medium education to only a few in the society? Why should the burden of ____(B)____ culture and language only be on the government schools and why doesn’t this apply to English medium private schools? Or is it just to ‘quick-fix’ the problem of enrollment that English medium is pushed?

As we see it, the matter is complex. Any decision has its pros and cons, but if we think from the perspective of a child and her learning and education, we realise that the central issue is that of ‘quality education’, irrespective of medium of instruction.

Let us pause and think: what is education? One can clearly see that equating education to English language ____(C)____ would be misinterpreting education completely. Secondly, education is for the development of head, heart and hand, as described by Gandhiji.

It cannot be narrowly judged by the kinds of jobs that one gets at the end of schooling or by fluency in English. Every child has immense potential to grow in varied ways to develop into a rational, productive, ethical human being. Limiting education to narrow purposes of securing jobs and proficiency in English is a dis-service to human kind.

Any person who has sound knowledge, skills and attitude would definitely find his/her ways of economic independence too. Pushing all the children to follow the same ____(D)____ spoils their childhood and destroys their zeal to learn. We seem to have no confidence in our education system — that it would enable our children to explore their path and drive their passion. Why is there such a low confidence on schools today? Why is there no trust that after the 12 years of school education, my child would be able to make ____(E)____ choice, will do something productive and meaningful in life? Hence, the question to think and address is ‘why is there no trust?’

Which of the following fits the blank labeled (B)?

1). Abandoning
2). Afflicting
3). Wrecking
4). Defending