UPSC Prelims 2015 · CSAT

Question 44: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “We generally talk about democracy but…” — Passage – 4 · as printed by UPSC

Which one of the following statements best sums up the above passage ?

aOur country has a lot of diversity with its many castes, communities and religions.

bTrue democracy could be established by providing equal opportunities to all.

cSo far none of us have actually understood the meaning of democracy.

dIt will never be possible for us to establish truly democratic governance in our country.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

The passage says that preferring one's own caste, community or religion makes our democracy hollow, and that real democracy needs us to respect people as people and offer opportunities to those who deserve them, not to those who merely belong to our group. It adds that favouritism causes discontent and ill-will. The best summing-up is therefore that true democracy needs equal opportunity for all. Diversity is only a backdrop, and the passage is neither fatalistic nor claims nobody understands democracy.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong: diversity is the backdrop, not the point the passage makes.
(b) Right: real democracy needs opportunities based on merit for everyone, not on group loyalty.
(c) Wrong: 'none of us' is an overstatement; the passage says our democracy is hollow while favouritism lasts.
(d) Wrong: the passage is conditional, not saying democracy is impossible.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.