UPSC Prelims 2016 · CSAT

Question 46: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “To understand the nature and quantity…” — Passage-6 · as printed by UPSC

Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage ?

aNature has created a great diversity in human society

bAny given human society is always short of its wants

cSocial life is a specific characteristic of man

dDiverse natural wants forced man towards social system

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

The passage says man was made for social life, and that his natural wants exceed what he can supply alone, so those wants push everyone into society. The inference is therefore causal: wants drive people to form a social system. Option (c) restates the first idea rather than the conclusion drawn from it; (a) speaks of diversity in society, which is not discussed; (b) turns an individual's wants into society's wants.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Diversity within human society is not discussed.
(b) The passage speaks of an individual's wants exceeding his powers, not of society's shortage.
(c) Already stated as a premise; the passage's drawn conclusion is the causal link.
(d) Right: wants beyond individual powers push people into society.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.