UPSC Prelims 1998 · General Studies
Question 2: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
Examine the following three statements: I. Processed meat is a perishable food. II. All perishable foods are packed in sealed tins. III. Sealed tins sometimes do not contain processed meat. Which one of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Combine statements I and II: processed meat is perishable, and every perishable food is packed in sealed tins, so processed meat must always be packed in sealed tins. That is the only inference that follows. Statement III only says some tins hold something else, which neither helps nor hurts. Check the form: all A are B, all B are C, therefore all A are C. The reverse (all sealed tins hold perishable food) does not follow.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Reverses statement II: perishables go in tins, but that does not mean every tin holds perishables.
- (b) Contradicts I and II together: meat is perishable, so it is always tinned.
- (c) Right: meat is perishable (I) and all perishables are in sealed tins (II).
- (d) Nothing is said about non-perishable foods; they may or may not be tinned.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1998, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.