2022 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2022 · CSAT

Question 44: Reading Comprehension

Passage—2 · as printed by UPSC
Passage beginning “The demographic dividend, which has begun…”

With reference to the passage, which of the following inferences can be drawn?

  1. 1.Demographic dividend is an essential condition for a country to rapidly increase its economic growth rate.
  2. 2.Promotion of higher education is an essential condition for a country for its rapid economic growth.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a1 only
b2 only
cBoth 1 and 2
dNeither 1 nor 2

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

The passage says the dividend can be a source of growth by raising the savings rate, and that its payoff depends on how capable the working-age group is, hence on education, skills and human capital. It calls the dividend an opportunity, not a requirement, and cites Ireland and China as examples, so it is not shown to be essential for rapid growth (1). Education and skills are stressed for reaping the dividend's benefits, not higher education as an essential condition of growth in general (2). Neither inference is safe.

  • 1. The dividend is described as an opportunity and a source of growth, not as a necessity.
  • 2. Education and skills are tied to gaining the dividend's benefits, not stated as essential for growth generally.

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 dividend is described as an opportunity and a source of growth, not as a necessity.

  2. Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (b) goes: it includes 2.

    What you needed to know: Education and skills are tied to gaining the dividend's benefits, not stated as essential for growth generally.

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) Wrong: the dividend helps growth but is not said to be essential.
  • (b) Wrong: education matters for reaping the dividend, but is not called essential for all rapid growth.
  • (c) Wrong: neither inference is supported.
  • (d) Correct: 'essential condition' is too strong in both statements.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2022, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.