2019 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2019 · GS Paper I

Question 91: Science and Technology

In the context of digital technologies for entertainment, consider the following statements :

  1. 1.In Augmented Reality (AR), a simulated environment is created and the physical world is completely shut out.
  2. 2.In Virtual Reality (VR), images generated from a computer are projected onto real-life objects or surroundings.
  3. 3.AR allows individuals to be present in the world and improves the experience using the camera of smart-phone or PC.
  4. 4.VR closes the world, and transposes an individual, providing complete immersion experience.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a1 and 2 only
b3 and 4
c1, 2 and 3
d4 only

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

Statements 3 and 4 are correct. Augmented reality overlays computer-generated images on the real world, which stays visible, often through the camera of a smartphone or PC. Virtual reality shuts out the physical world and places the user in a simulated environment, giving complete immersion. Statements 1 and 2 swap the definitions of AR and VR.

  • 1. The description of a simulated environment shutting out the world fits VR, not AR.
  • 2. Projecting images onto real surroundings describes AR, not VR.
  • 3. AR improves the real-world experience using a device camera.
  • 4. VR shuts out the world and immerses the user.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (c) go: each of them includes 1.

    What you needed to know: The description of a simulated environment shutting out the world fits VR, not AR.

  2. Then, if you were sure statement 3 is correct, (d) goes: it leaves 3 out.

    What you needed to know: AR improves the real-world experience using a device camera.

Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statements 2 or 4.

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) Statements 1 and 2 swap the definitions of AR and VR.
  • (b) Correct: statements 3 and 4 describe AR and VR rightly.
  • (c) Statements 1 and 2 are false.
  • (d) Statement 3 is also correct.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2019, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.