If presents being less thrill now that we are grown up, perhaps it is because we have too much already; or perhaps it is because we have lost the fullness of the joy of giving and with it the fullness of the joy of receiving. Children’s fears are poignant, their miseries are acute, but they do not look too forward nor too far backward. Their joys are clear and complete, because they have not yet learnt always too add ‘but’ to every proposition. Perhaps we are too cautious too anxious, too sceptical. Perhaps some of our cares would shrink if we thought less about them and entered with more single-minded enjoyment into the happiness that come our way.

With reference to the passage, which one of the following statements is correct?

The correct answer is There can be more than one reason why adults feel less thrilled by presents.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Analyze the Opening Statement of the Passage:
The passage begins with the sentence: "If presents being less thrill now that we are grown up, perhaps it is because we have too much already; or perhaps it is because we have lost the fullness of the joy of giving and with it the fullness of the joy of receiving."

2. Identify the Stated Reasons:
The author uses the word "perhaps" and the conjunction "or" to propose two distinct possibilities for why adults feel less thrilled by presents:
• Reason 1: "...because we have too much already."
• Reason 2: "...because we have lost the fullness of the joy of giving and with it the fullness of the joy of receiving."

3. Evaluate the Options:
• the statement "It is not possible for adults to feel thrilled by presents" is incorrect because the passage says presents bring "less" thrill, not "no" thrill at all.
• The statement "The author does not know why adults feel less thrilled by presents" is incorrect because the author offers specific, structured theories ("perhaps it is because...") rather than claiming total ignorance.
• The statement "Adults have less capacity to feel the joy of loving or being loved" is incorrect as the passage mentions the joy of giving and receiving presents, not the general capacity for love.
• The statement "There can be more than one reason why adults feel less thrilled by presents" directly aligns with the author's structure of presenting multiple alternative reasons ("perhaps... or perhaps...") for this phenomenon.