UPSC Prelims 2021 · CSAT

Question 62: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “In our schools, we teach our…” — Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC

Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the passage given above ?

aSchool curriculum is not compatible with the expectations of children and parents.

bEmphasis on academic achievements does give time for development of personality and skills.

cPreparing the children to be better citizens should be the responsibility of the education system.

dTo be a better citizen, the present world order demands societal and life-coping skills in addition to academic content.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

The passage criticises schools for teaching academic subjects but not the social realities of caste, famine and gender, nor questioning and forming one's own opinion. Students then enter university unprepared for a world of competing ideas. The central idea is that being a better citizen in today's world needs social and life-coping skills in addition to academic content. It does not say that parents' and children's expectations clash with the curriculum, and it argues against, not for, a narrow academic emphasis. Remember: a central idea captures the passage's argument, not just its topic.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Parents' and children's expectations are never discussed.
(b) The passage implies the reverse: academic emphasis alone leaves personality and skills undeveloped.
(c) Narrower than the passage: it stresses the missing skills, such as social awareness and questioning, not who bears responsibility.
(d) Right: social awareness and questioning skills are needed alongside academic content.

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.