UPSC Prelims 2013 · CSAT

Question 5: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “Malnutrition most commonly occurs between the ages…” — Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC

According to the passage, malnutrition in children can be reduced

aif the children have regular intake of food.

bafter they cross the age of five.

cif the food needs of younger children are known.

dif the responsibility of feeding younger children is given to adults.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

The passage says malnutrition peaks between six months and two years because young children depend on others to feed them, and the task often falls to an older sibling when the mother works. Its remedy is more awareness of what younger children need to eat and how to provide it. So malnutrition can be reduced if the food needs of younger children are known. Poverty is not treated as the main cause, and nothing says the problem eases after five or that adults must take over feeding.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong. Many children stay underfed even where adults eat enough; the remedy offered is awareness, not regular food as such.
(b) Wrong. The problem is worst before age two; nothing is said about it easing after five.
(c) Right. Knowing and meeting younger children's food needs is the remedy the passage proposes.
(d) Wrong. The passage notes who often feeds the child but proposes awareness, not handing the task to adults.

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.