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ExamsSSC CGL (Prelims)General

Based on the passage, which sentence most directly states the drawback of relying on smart work alone? Passage: In the pursuit of achievement, hard work - sustained effort, perseverance and diligence - has long been praised as the foundation of accomplishment, and biographies often glorify those who reach goals through grit and time. Yet in a world shaped by precision tools, automation and mental efficiency, these older assumptions are increasingly questioned. By contrast, smart work emphasises the strategic deployment of effort - reflection, optimal use of resources and situational judgement - reducing wasted labour while boosting returns. Smart workers examine systems, find bottlenecks and exploit tools to accelerate results. Still, praising smart work alone creates its own weakness. Intelligence without discipline often ends in shallowness - a surface-level capability that collapses under prolonged pressure. Likewise, relentless hard work without strategic correction causes exhaustion. Modern success therefore demands a blend: working not only harder but better.

  1. "Hard work ... has long been praised ..."
  2. "Smart workers examine systems ..."
  3. "Intelligence without discipline often ends in shallowness ..."
  4. "Modern success therefore demands a blend ..."

Correct answer: "Intelligence without discipline often ends in shallowness ..."

Solution

The sentence 'Intelligence without discipline often ends in shallowness' directly identifies the failing of relying on smart work (intelligence) by itself. The other options describe hard work, the method of smart work, or the recommended blend - not its drawback.

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