UPSC Prelims 2018 · CSAT

Question 32: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “Today, the top environmental challenge is…” — Passage—3 · as printed by UPSC

Which of the following is the most crucial and logical inference that can be made from the above passage?

aThe Earth can meet only the basic needs of humans for food, clothing and shelter.

bThe only way to meet environmental challenge is to limit human population.

cReducing our consumerism is very much in our own interest.

dKnowledge of biological systems can only help us save this planet.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

The passage says the top environmental challenge today is people and their aspirations: if aspirations are frugal, like those after the Second World War, far more is possible than if the planet is treated as a giant store to consume. So the crucial inference is that curbing consumerism serves our own interest. Option (a) caps what the Earth can meet, and options (b) and (d) use 'only', going beyond the text.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) The passage says nothing about the Earth meeting only basic needs.
(b) Limiting population is not named as the only way; aspirations are the point.
(c) Correct: frugal aspirations make more possible, so reducing consumerism helps us.
(d) Understanding the planet as a biological system is mentioned, but 'only' overstates.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.