Practice Set A for CLAT 2022: Public speaking is a remarkable real-life skill that has shaped the world throughout history. Over the centuries, impactful speeches delivered by individuals from diverse backgrounds have not only changed hearts and minds but have also played a pivotal role in influencing the course of nations. These speeches, laden with intense emotions and unwavering conviction, possess the power to inspire compassion, forge forgiveness, escalate hatred, or even unite entire nations.

Let’s take a poignant moment in history, on October 5, 1877, in the mountains of Montana Territory. Chief Joseph, when surrendering to General Nelson A. Miles, delivered a Surrender Speech that echoed the harsh reality of his people’s plight: “It is cold, and we have no blankets; the little children are freezing to death. I want time to look for my children, and see how many of them I can find. Maybe I shall find them among the dead. Hear me, my Chiefs! I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever.”

This heart-wrenching speech laid bare the grief and misery of the speaker and those enduring overwhelming hardships. Fast forward to the throes of World War II, where Winston Churchill’s electrifying speech on June 4, 1940, known as “We Shall Fight on the Beaches,” resounds as a high-powered oration. His words, delivered with resolute determination in the House of Commons, declared, “Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail…” Churchill’s powerful rhetoric strengthened the resolve of those present, leaving an indelible mark on history.

In 1950, against the backdrop of the fear of nuclear annihilation, William Faulkner received the Nobel Prize for his significant contributions to American literature. In his Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech, Faulkner implored writers to transcend the fear of destruction and instead create works that uplift the human spirit. His profound message resonated: “I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail…” Faulkner urged writers to be the voice that helps humanity endure and prevail, reminding them of the glories of the past—courage, honor, hope, pride, compassion, pity, and sacrifice.

Indeed, the impact of effective speeches is enduring, leaving an imprint on the minds of listeners and catalyzing actions that speakers aim to inspire.

Questions

1. The main idea of the passage is that

(A) All leaders should be accomplished public speakers.

(B) An impactful speech can convey a strong message to the listeners.

(C) A speech should sound pleasing to the ears of the listeners.

(D) Publicspeakers should be bold and argumentative.

2. The tone of the Surrender Speech is

(A) Satiric

(B) Optimistic

(C) Poignant

(D) Narcissistic

3. It is evident that through his speech, Churchill wished to his countrymen .

(A) Inform, about the challenges that arise in a war-torn country.

(B) Warn, against the futility of war.

(C) Remind, how their endeavours to fight against the Nazi rule had failed miserably.

(D) Reassure, that they would combat fiercely against their enemy under all circumstances.

4. Which one of the following is the least likely to be used to describe Churchill?

(A) Resolute

(B) Undaunted

(C) Complacent

(D) Unwavering

5. In the sentence : ‘The poet’s voice need not merely be the record of man, it can be one of the props, the pillars to help him endure and prevail’ Faulkner has used________to convey the power of a poet’s writings.

(A) A metaphor

(B) A simile

(C) An onomatopoeia

(D) A transferred epithet

Answers:

1. B

2. C

3. D

4. C

5. A

Read Also: Practice Set E for CLAT 2022 English Language Previous Year Questions