UPSC Prelims 2015 · CSAT
Question 28: Reading Comprehension
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :
- 1.Higher economic growth is essential to ensure reduction in economic disparity.
- 2.Environmental degradation is sometimes a consequence of economic growth.
Which of the above is/are valid assumption/assumptions ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
An assumption must be an unstated idea behind the passage. The passage warns that unbalanced emphasis on growth is often accompanied by environmental damage and unfair distribution, so environmental degradation sometimes accompanies growth: assumption 2 is valid. It never says higher growth is essential to reduce disparity; it suggests unbalanced growth tends to widen it, so assumption 1 is not valid.
- 1. The passage links unbalanced growth with adverse distribution, not growth with reduced disparity.
- 2. Unbalanced growth is said to bring negative environmental consequences.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (c) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: The passage links unbalanced growth with adverse distribution, not growth with reduced disparity.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (d) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: Unbalanced growth is said to bring negative environmental consequences.
Only (b) is left. This one needs every statement.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: assumption 1 runs against the concern about distributional effects.
- (b) Right: only assumption 2 is supported.
- (c) Wrong: assumption 1 is not valid.
- (d) Wrong: assumption 2 is valid.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.