UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies

Question 103: Geography

Assertion (A): Chile continues to be an important producer of copper in the world. Reason (R): Chile is endowed with the world’s largest deposit of porphyry copper.

aBoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

bBoth A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A

cA is true, but R is false

dA is false, but R is true

AnswerThe answer is (a).

Chile is among the world's largest copper producers and holds the largest known reserves, much of it in porphyry deposits such as Chuquicamata, El Teniente and Escondida. A is true. R is also true and explains A: the large porphyry copper deposits are what make Chile a major producer. Remember: Chile means copper; Chuquicamata and El Teniente are the great mines.

A. Chile is a major copper producer.
R. Its large porphyry copper deposits explain the output.

How you could have got this

If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Right. Both are true and the deposits explain Chile's output.
(b) Wrong. R does explain A.
(c) Wrong. R is true.
(d) Wrong. A is true.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.