UPSC Prelims 2018 · CSAT
Question 29: Reading Comprehension
With reference to 'desertification', as described in the passage, the following assumptions have been made :
- 1.Desertification is a phenomenon in tropical areas only.
- 2.Deforestation invariably leads to floods and desertification.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
Assumption 1: desertification is described as often tied to arid, semi-arid and sub-humid areas, yet with dramatic effects even in the humid tropics, so it is not confined to the tropics. Assumption 2: the passage says deforestation's consequences arise from site degradation through erosion and mentions flooding in a specific region, but 'invariably leads to floods and desertification' is a far stronger claim than anything stated. Neither assumption holds.
- 1. Desertification is linked to arid, semi-arid and sub-humid areas as well as humid tropics.
- 2. No claim that deforestation always causes floods and desertification.
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: Desertification is linked to arid, semi-arid and sub-humid areas as well as humid tropics.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (b) goes: it includes 2.
What you needed to know: No claim that deforestation always causes floods and desertification.
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) The passage names arid, semi-arid and sub-humid areas too, so desertification is not tropical only.
- (b) 'Invariably' overstates what the passage says about deforestation.
- (c) Neither assumption is supported.
- (d) Correct: one is too narrow and the other too absolute.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.