UPSC Prelims 2021 · CSAT

Question 22: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “There are reports that some of…” — Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC

Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the passage given above ?

aPeople should avoid consuming the products of animal farming.

bFoods of animal origin should be replaced with foods of plant origin.

cUsing antibiotics on animals should be banned.

dAntibiotics should only be used to treat diseases.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

The passage says that using antibiotics in livestock to speed growth can breed drug-resistant germs that may pass to people, that some producers have stopped, and that Denmark's ban on growth-promoting use has not hurt pig output while the animals fall ill less often. Its message is that antibiotics should be kept for treating disease, not used for fattening. It does not ask people to stop eating animal products or to ban all veterinary use. Remember: choose the option that matches the passage's narrow target, growth promotion, not a sweeping ban.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Nothing suggests avoiding animal products; the concern is only about growth-promoting antibiotics.
(b) Replacing animal foods with plant foods is never proposed.
(c) A total ban goes too far; the passage objects to growth promotion, not to treating sick animals.
(d) Right: restricting antibiotics to treating disease matches the concern about resistance from growth promotion.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.