2012 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2012 · CSAT

Question 18: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

Examine the following statements :

  1. 1.Only those who have a pair of binoculars can become the members of the birdwatcher’s club.
  2. 2.Some members of the birdwatcher’s club have cameras.
  3. 3.Those members who have cameras can take part in photo-contests.

Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements ?

aAll those who have a pair of binoculars are members of the birdwatcher’s club.
bAll members of the birdwatcher’s club have a pair of binoculars.
cAll those who take part in photo-contests are members of the birdwatcher’s club.
dNo conclusion can be drawn.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

Statement 1 says only those with binoculars can be members, so every member has a pair of binoculars. That is conclusion (b). Option (a) reverses it: having binoculars is necessary for membership, not sufficient. Option (c) assumes only club members can take part in photo-contests, which statement 3 does not say, since it speaks only of members. Remember: 'only A can be B' means every B is an A; it does not mean every A is a B.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong. This reverses statement 1; binoculars are needed for membership but do not guarantee it.
  • (b) Right. Only binocular owners can be members, so all members have binoculars.
  • (c) Wrong. Statement 3 does not limit photo-contests to club members.
  • (d) Wrong. Conclusion (b) can be drawn.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.