2013 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2013 · CSAT

Question 9: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

Consider the following statements :

  1. iA primary group is relatively smaller in size.
  2. iiIntimacy is an essential characteristic of a primary group.
  3. iiiA family may be an example of a primary group.

In the light of the above statements, which one of the following is true ?

aAll families are primary groups.
bAll primary groups are families.
cA group of smaller size is always a primary group.
dMembers of a primary group know each other intimately.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

Take the three statements as given: a primary group is relatively small, intimacy is essential to it, and a family may be one. Only (d) follows: if intimacy is essential to a primary group, its members must know each other intimately. Option (a) overreaches, since a family may be a primary group, not every family necessarily is. (b) reverses the relation. (c) treats small size as enough, but size is only one feature; intimacy is also needed.

  • i. Given: relatively small size is a feature of a primary group, but not enough on its own.
  • ii. Given: intimacy is essential, which gives option (d).
  • iii. Given: a family may be an example, not that every family is.
Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong. The statement says a family may be a primary group, not that all families are.
  • (b) Wrong. Families are only one example of primary groups.
  • (c) Wrong. Small size alone does not make a group primary; intimacy is essential too.
  • (d) Right. Intimacy being essential means members know each other intimately.

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.