UPSC Prelims 2015 · CSAT

Question 6: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “I must say that, beyond occasionally…” — Passage – 6 · as printed by UPSC

The author says that a thoughtless word hardly ever escapes his tongue or pen. Which one of the following is not a valid reason for this ?

aHe has no intention to waste his time.

bHe believes in the economy of words.

cHe believes in restraining his thoughts.

dHe has hesitancy in his speech.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

The author gives the reasons why thoughtless words seldom escape him: his hesitancy in speech taught him to use few words, and that made restraining his thoughts a habit. Saving time is not a reason; it is a result, since he says he has been spared mishaps and wasted time because of this habit. The option making 'no wish to waste time' his intention therefore reverses cause and effect. Watch for options that mix up a benefit of a habit with its cause.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Right (the one that is not valid): saving time is a consequence of careful speech, not the intention behind it.
(b) Wrong: being sparing with words is a stated reason, taught by his hesitancy.
(c) Wrong: he says he naturally formed the habit of restraining his thoughts, so it is a valid reason.
(d) Wrong: his hesitancy in speech is the root cause he names.

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.