UPSC Prelims 2017 · CSAT
Question 27: Reading Comprehension
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :
- 1.A study of the famous battles of history would help us understand the modern warfare.
- 2.Studying the history is essential for anyone who aspires to be a leader.
Which of these assumptions is/are valid?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
The author accepts that knowing ancient history helps interpret current events, then adds that studying famous battles teaches leaders and aspiring leaders the qualities that make winners win and losers lose. Assumption 1 is about understanding modern warfare, which the passage does not discuss; its benefit is lessons in qualities. Assumption 2 says history study is essential for any would-be leader, which stretches a claim about studying battles to all history and calls it essential. Neither is a valid assumption.
- 1. The passage speaks of lessons in qualities from past battles, not of understanding modern warfare.
- 2. Too strong: it recommends studying famous battles for leadership lessons, not all history study as essential.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (c) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: The passage speaks of lessons in qualities from past battles, not of understanding modern warfare.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (b) goes: it includes 2.
What you needed to know: Too strong: it recommends studying famous battles for leadership lessons, not all history study as essential.
Only (d) is left. This one needs every statement.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Assumption 1 is not stated: modern warfare is never discussed.
- (b) Assumption 2 overstates the passage by calling history study essential for any aspiring leader.
- (c) Both cannot be valid, since each goes beyond what the passage says.
- (d) Correct: the passage supports neither assumption as stated.
Worth knowing: Assumption 2 is arguably supported by the passage's stress on lessons for aspiring leaders; the key treats it as an over-statement.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2017, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.