2013 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2013 · CSAT

Question 23: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

Geeta is older than her cousin Meena. Meena’s brother Bipin is older than Geeta. When Meena and Bipin visit Geeta, they like to play chess. Meena wins the game more often than Geeta. Based on the above information, four conclusions, as given below, have been made. Which one of these logically follows from the information given above ?

aWhile playing chess with Geeta and Meena, Bipin often loses.
bGeeta is the oldest among the three.
cGeeta hates to lose the game.
dMeena is the youngest of the three.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

Geeta is older than her cousin Meena, and Bipin, Meena's brother, is older than Geeta. So the age order is Bipin, then Geeta, then Meena, which makes Meena the youngest: conclusion (d). The other options add facts the information does not give: Bipin's chess results, who is the oldest (it is Bipin, not Geeta), or how Geeta feels about losing. Only what is forced by the given facts logically follows.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong. Nothing is said about how Bipin fares at chess.
  • (b) Wrong. Bipin is older than Geeta, so Geeta is not the oldest.
  • (c) Wrong. Geeta's attitude to losing is not stated.
  • (d) Right. Bipin is older than Geeta, who is older than Meena, so Meena is the youngest.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.