Critical Reading For Exams / Short Reading Comprehension 15


On the other side, heat and vivacity in age is an excellent composition for business. Young men are fitter to invent  than to judge, fitter for execution than for counsel, and fitter for new projects than for settled business. For the experi-  ence of age, in things that fall within the compass of it, directeth them, but in new things abuseth them. The errors of  young men are the ruin of business; but the errors of aged men amount but to this, that more might have been done, or  sooner. Young men, in the conduct and manage of actions, embrace more than they can hold; stir more than they can  quiet; fly to the end, without consideration of the means and degrees; pursue some few principles which they have  chanced upon absurdly; care not to innovate, which draws inconveniences; use extreme remedies at first; and, that  which doubleth all errors, will not acknowledge or retract them; like an unready horse that will neither stop nor turn. 



What does the author mean in line (2–3) when he writes, “For the experience of age, in things that fall within the compass of it, directeth them, but in new things abuseth them”?

Lessons from the past will direct forward steps as learned experiences are drawn from in order to direct the future.
Experience learned over time may be usefully applied in areas where the experience was learned but becomes a hindrance when new areas are encountered.
Experience learned over time may be insightful when dealing with new areas as historical knowledge may be applied to these new areas.
New experiences may be an actual detriment when it comes to items involving new areas.
New experiences can refresh business direction rather than relying upon past lessons learned.

What is the main idea of the passage?

Retention of older men preserves the newness of the business to older clients.
There is more opportunity for business success when young men control.
There is little need to keep older men beyond their current projects.
There is a certain business savvy that can be accomplished only over time.
New strategies and ventures are best implemented with the younger men in control.

What does the author mean in line when he writes, “Young men are fitter to invent than to judge, fitter for execution than for counsel, and fitter for new projects than for settled business”?

The young are better suited for those areas demanding less wisdom, less negotiation, and more physical exertion.
Older men are better at assessing and counseling but younger men are better with established business.
Older men are better suited to assess, counsel, and new venture determination.
Young men are better thinkers, doers, and at established projects than older men.
Young men are better thinkers and doers but older men launch new projects more effectively.

What does the author mean with the phrase, “like an unready horse that will neither stop nor turn,” line (8)? A. B. C. D. E.

He is saying that the young man is not yet ready for instruction and should be assigned new projects where he can use his youth and vitality exclusively.
He is praising the tenacity of the young man who does not stop even though he may be tired and he does not turn from his assigned duties.
He is likening the young man to a horse that while is not yet ready to fully conduct business as a seasoned older man, he is listing some of the qualities that a young man possesses.
He means that the young man is like a horse that is not yet ready to ride or work because he has not been prepared by the seasoned older man yet but once started will not let his trainer down.
He is comparing a young man to a horse that is either too young or has not been adequately trained and therefore will not yield or follow instruction.

As established in the passage, which comparative would best describe the assessment of young to older men in business?

Methodical versus hardened
Stately versus rambunctious
Extreme versus irrational
Brash versus seasoned
Diplomatic versus harried

 
❤ If you liked Fatskills, consider supporting us by checking out The Life Manuals You Never Got.

🌈  Our mission is to help improve your scores in any subject and exam withonline quizzes, practice tests, study guides, & advice for students. Since 2018.
About | Explore | User Guide | Topics | Subjects | Doubt Solver | Career Aptitude Test | Answers | Free Tools | OSHA Basics Quiz | What Should We Know?
Privacy | Terms |
Without work one finishes nothing. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
© 2026 Fatskills.com

All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.