UPSC Prelims 2023 · CSAT

Question 12: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “Environmental problems cause health problems.…” — Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC

Which one of the following statements best implies the most rational assumption that can be made from the passage ?

aWe are likely to spend more money on cure than prevention.

bIt is the job of the government to solve our environmental and public health problems.

cHealth can be protected even if environmental problems go on unattended.

dLoss of traditional lifestyle and the influence of western values led to some unhealthy ways of living.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

The passage says environmental problems cause illness. Changing lifestyle could prevent much of it, but people drift into inertia, believing their own efforts count for little, and even health choices go unmade. The reasonable assumption is that if prevention keeps being neglected, more people will fall ill and society will pay for treatment: more spending on cure than prevention. The other options bring in the government's role, a claim opposite to the passage, or Western influence, none of which is supported.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Right: neglected prevention means more illness and more spending on cure.
(b) Wrong: the passage does not assign the job to government.
(c) Wrong: opposite of the passage, which says environmental problems damage health.
(d) Wrong: traditional lifestyle and Western values are not discussed.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.