Critical Reading For Exams / Short Reading Comprehension 5


To set down such choice experiences that my own writings may inspire me and at last I may make wholes of  parts. Certainly it is a distinct profession to rescue from oblivion and to fix the sentiments and thoughts which visit  all men more or less generally, that the contemplation of the unfinished picture may suggest its harmonious comple-  tion. Associate reverently and as much as you can with your loftiest thoughts. Each thought that is welcomed and  recorded is a nest egg, by the side of which more will be laid. Thoughts accidentally thrown together become a frame  in which more may be developed and exhibited. Perhaps this is the main value of a habit of writing, of keeping a  journal—that so we remember our best hours and stimulate ourselves. My thoughts are my company. They have a  certain individuality and separate existence, aye, personality. Having by chance recorded a few disconnected  thoughts and then brought them into juxtaposition, they suggest a whole new field in which it was possible to labor  and to think. Thought begat thought. 
 



The author suggests that the main reason to journal is

It is necessary for man to understand his reason for being.
So we can remember the untoward sides of humanity and reverse course
That journaling is the pastime that renews thoughts to modify behavior
Because in no other way can the measure of a man be determined following life
To enable us to recall our finest moments and cause us to rejuvenate

What does the author wish to “rescue from oblivion?”

The time to remember lofty accomplishments and think upon improving them
The reasoning of time as it passes and to remember to complete unfinished plans
The experiences of sitting and relaxing to think about historical thoughts
The opportunity to write thoughts which may finalize the completion of thought
The time to labor at thinking about life and planning future movements

The purpose of this passage is

To instruct on how to capture thoughts on paper
To evidence that thinking is a reward unto itself
To establish a reason for thinking and the self-service thinking provides
To provide a rationale for the thought process
To herald the writing of thoughts

“Thought begat thought” means

That the practice of thinking will lead to stimulation that will lead to journal writing and harmony
That the process of thinking initiates other thoughts, which in return will foster still other thoughts
That when someone doesn’t think for a long time, thought will be stimulated to rescue itself
That reasoning as a component of thought must be the primary focus for forward development of the mind
That a thought has the power to reason and by so doing, has the ability to procreate abilities

During the course of the passage, the author

Provides a rationale for his writing as stimulating thought
Praises random thoughts as a beginning of writing
Admonishes thinkers to write in order to become inspired
Suggests that all men should keep a journal to aide them in thinking
Informs that the only way to develop thought is to think

The term “nest egg” in line (5), is a metaphor for

A memory that will stimulate thought and solicit a recording in a journal
A thought that will manifest itself as yet another thought
A reserved treasure one can rely upon as needed
A surprise heretofore not discovered
A journal entry to be treasured and joined with other entries

 
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