UPSC Prelims 2017 · CSAT

Question 2: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “The man who is perpetually hesitating which…” — Passage—2 · as printed by UPSC

The keynote that seems to be emerging from the passage is that

awe should first consult wisely and then resolve firmly

bwe should reject suggestions of friends and remain unchanged

cwe should always remain broad-minded

dwe should be resolute and achievement-oriented

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

The passage prizes a sequence: take advice carefully, then decide firmly, then carry the decision through steadily. It faults two types, the person who keeps hesitating and so never acts, and the person who drops a decision at the first contrary word from a friend. Option (a) captures the sequence. Options that keep only firmness, or that reject advice outright, drop the first step. Look for the option that covers every step the author lists.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Correct: it names the passage's first two steps, taking sound counsel and then deciding firmly.
(b) The author warns against giving up a decision at a friend's first objection, not against consulting; rejecting advice is not praised.
(c) Broad-mindedness is not discussed; the passage is about deciding and persisting.
(d) Half right: firmness is praised, but the passage puts wise consultation first, which this option leaves out.

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

Practise this paper timedPrevious question Next question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2017, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.