UPSC Prelims 2017 · CSAT
Question 47: Reading Comprehension
On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :
- 1.Synthetic pesticides should never be used in modern agriculture.
- 2.One of the aims of sustainable agriculture is to ensure minimal ecological imbalance.
- 3.Botanical pesticides are more effective as compared to synthetic pesticides.
Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
The passage criticises synthetic pesticides for toxicity, persistence, ecological imbalance and pest resistance, and presents botanical pesticides as safer, biodegradable and supportive of biodiversity, a workable sustainable option. Assumption 2 follows: sustainable agriculture aims to limit ecological imbalance. Assumption 1 says never, but the passage condemns blanket use only. Assumption 3 says more effective, but the passage claims safety, not greater effectiveness.
- 1. The passage objects to blanket use; it does not say synthetic pesticides should never be used.
- 2. Botanical pesticides are praised for reducing contamination and protecting biodiversity, which a sustainable approach aims at.
- 3. They are called safer, not more effective.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a), (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: The passage objects to blanket use; it does not say synthetic pesticides should never be used.
Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statements 2 or 3.
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 too absolute, so this is wrong.
- (b) Correct: only assumption 2 is supported.
- (c) Assumptions 1 and 3 are not supported.
- (d) Assumptions 1 and 3 are not supported, so not all three hold.
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.