2012 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2012 · CSAT

Question 63: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

Consider the following statements :

  1. 1.All machines consume energy.
  2. 2.Electricity provides energy.
  3. 3.Electrically operated machines are cheap to maintain.
  4. 4.Electrically operated machines do not cause pollution.

Which one of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements ?

aAll machines are run by electric energy.
bThere is no form of energy other than electricity.
cMost machines are operated on electric energy.
dElectrically operated machines are preferable to use.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

Statements 3 and 4 say electrically operated machines are cheap to maintain and do not cause pollution. Together these support the inference that electrically operated machines are preferable to use. The first two statements say all machines consume energy and electricity provides energy, which does not mean all or most machines run on electricity, nor that no other form of energy exists. Remember: avoid inferences that turn 'provides' into 'only' or 'all'.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong. Statement 1 says all machines use energy, not that it is electric.
  • (b) Wrong. Electricity providing energy does not rule out other forms.
  • (c) Wrong. Nothing says most machines run on electricity.
  • (d) Right. Low maintenance cost and no pollution make electrically operated machines preferable.

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.