UPSC Prelims 2017 · CSAT

Question 21: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “We have hard work ahead. There is…” — Passage—1 · as printed by UPSC

The challenge the author of the above passage throws to the public is to achieve

aa high standard of living, progress and privileges

bequal privileges, fulfilment of destiny and political tolerance

cspirit of adventure and economic parity

dhard work, brotherhood and national unity

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

The passage calls for hard work ahead to fulfil the nation's pledge. It insists all citizens are equally the nation's children with equal rights, privileges and obligations, and rejects communalism and narrow-mindedness as unworthy of a great nation. The challenge is therefore hard work, brotherhood across religions and national unity. Options naming economic parity, adventure or political tolerance bring in ideas the speaker does not raise.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) A high standard here means living up to the nation's greatness, not material living standards or privileges.
(b) Adds political tolerance, which the passage does not raise, and omits hard work, the opening demand.
(c) Spirit of adventure and economic parity are not discussed.
(d) Correct: hard work, equal brotherhood of all religions, and unity against communalism and narrowness.

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

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