ENGLISH Decision Making [1] Whether we are cognizant of it or not, we make decis
ID: 1223645 • Letter: E
Question
ENGLISH
Decision Making
[1] Whether we are cognizant of it or not, we make decisions every day. Most decisions do not affect us in life-altering ways. We choose what to eat, what to wear, where to park. But what happens when we are faced with larger decisions, like where to go to college, which career to pursue, or how to improve ourselves? When faced with decisions of this magnitude, decision making takes on new levels of importance.
[2] Famous French novelist and playwright Albert Camus wrote, “Life is the sum of all your choices.” Think of the enormity of that statement. If life is the sum of all your choices, then you can define your own life. It is not what anyone else says it is; it is yours to define.
[3] Does it not make sense, therefore, to give your more complex decisions profound consideration? The decisions you make and the goals you set, and the means by which you elect to attain those goals, will define you in the future. Fortunately, there are valuable tools and research that can help you make life-altering decisions.
[4] Experts have varying opinions on the number of decision-making steps and the description of each step; however, the following list summarizes the most important details to address when faced with significant decisions.
[5] 1. Pinpoint what needs to be decided.
You may be at a time in your life when you are deciding whether or not to go to college. Is this really the focus of your decision? Have you decided which career you want to pursue? Are you in doubt? Perhaps another form of education would be more valuable. It is important to pinpoint the issue.
[6] 2. Identify the goal clearly.
If you want to be a teacher, the goal is clear. Further decision making will include questions such as “Which grade level do I want to teach?” and “Which subject
area(s) do I want to teach?” If the goal is less clear—for example, “I want to be successful”—then defining what “successful” means may be your starting point.
[7] 3. List possible courses of action.
At this step, it is important to write down all alternatives. Brainstorm, and write down everything that comes to mind: what you need to do, what may get in the way, what the stepping stones would be. Elicit the opinions and advice of friends, family, and professionals at this step.
[8] 4. List the pros and cons.
Pros and cons are based on your own values and priorities. Remember, you are defining your own goals and how to reach them. This is another brainstorming session; write everything down. Then go back and cross off options that do not fit in with your values, finances, or personal life.
[9] 5. Examine what you have recorded.
Think about the outcomes of each alternative. Before you go on, it is crucial that you are comfortable with the option and the possible outcomes.
[10] 6. Make a choice and take action.
A good choice is satisfying and does not generate additional problems. It may initiate more decisions, but you will find yourself committed to the goal.
[11] 7. Review your choice occasionally.
Once you are on the way to achieving your goal, review your decision. Are you on the right path? Even if reaching your goal is difficult, are you still committed? Are you comfortable with your choice, or do you need to rethink it?
[12] Possibly the most valuable outcome of learning and using decision-making skills is that it gives you control over what happens in your life. It gives you the power to define your future. Careful decision making helps you make informed, responsible choices that lead to greater satisfaction and greater potential for success.
Which sentence BEST summarizes the main idea of the passage?
ENGLISH
Decision Making
[1] Whether we are cognizant of it or not, we make decisions every day. Most decisions do not affect us in life-altering ways. We choose what to eat, what to wear, where to park. But what happens when we are faced with larger decisions, like where to go to college, which career to pursue, or how to improve ourselves? When faced with decisions of this magnitude, decision making takes on new levels of importance.
[2] Famous French novelist and playwright Albert Camus wrote, “Life is the sum of all your choices.” Think of the enormity of that statement. If life is the sum of all your choices, then you can define your own life. It is not what anyone else says it is; it is yours to define.
[3] Does it not make sense, therefore, to give your more complex decisions profound consideration? The decisions you make and the goals you set, and the means by which you elect to attain those goals, will define you in the future. Fortunately, there are valuable tools and research that can help you make life-altering decisions.
[4] Experts have varying opinions on the number of decision-making steps and the description of each step; however, the following list summarizes the most important details to address when faced with significant decisions.
[5] 1. Pinpoint what needs to be decided.
You may be at a time in your life when you are deciding whether or not to go to college. Is this really the focus of your decision? Have you decided which career you want to pursue? Are you in doubt? Perhaps another form of education would be more valuable. It is important to pinpoint the issue.
[6] 2. Identify the goal clearly.
If you want to be a teacher, the goal is clear. Further decision making will include questions such as “Which grade level do I want to teach?” and “Which subject
area(s) do I want to teach?” If the goal is less clear—for example, “I want to be successful”—then defining what “successful” means may be your starting point.
[7] 3. List possible courses of action.
At this step, it is important to write down all alternatives. Brainstorm, and write down everything that comes to mind: what you need to do, what may get in the way, what the stepping stones would be. Elicit the opinions and advice of friends, family, and professionals at this step.
[8] 4. List the pros and cons.
Pros and cons are based on your own values and priorities. Remember, you are defining your own goals and how to reach them. This is another brainstorming session; write everything down. Then go back and cross off options that do not fit in with your values, finances, or personal life.
[9] 5. Examine what you have recorded.
Think about the outcomes of each alternative. Before you go on, it is crucial that you are comfortable with the option and the possible outcomes.
[10] 6. Make a choice and take action.
A good choice is satisfying and does not generate additional problems. It may initiate more decisions, but you will find yourself committed to the goal.
[11] 7. Review your choice occasionally.
Once you are on the way to achieving your goal, review your decision. Are you on the right path? Even if reaching your goal is difficult, are you still committed? Are you comfortable with your choice, or do you need to rethink it?
[12] Possibly the most valuable outcome of learning and using decision-making skills is that it gives you control over what happens in your life. It gives you the power to define your future. Careful decision making helps you make informed, responsible choices that lead to greater satisfaction and greater potential for success.
Which sentence BEST summarizes the main idea of the passage?
Explanation / Answer
Option C is told by author in passage that one should have focus on goal setting before taking decision but as seen it is asked that we have to tell main idea behind the passage that should be option D as main idea behind passage is one should follow decision making steps shown in passage whenever significant decision making occurs in life.
So option D is correct.
Thank you
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