UPSC Prelims 2023 · CSAT
Question 41: Reading Comprehension
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :
- 1.Global warming is causing spring to come early and for longer durations.
- 2.Early spring and longer period of spring is not good for bird populations.
Which of the above assumptions is/are correct ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
The passage says warmer winters with less snow lengthen the gap between spring events, and that ice melts earlier while the birds do not come back. So an early and prolonged spring linked to warming is supported (statement 1). The passage says bird return is delayed, but never says that an early or longer spring reduces bird populations or is bad for them, so statement 2 is an unsupported leap. Only statement 1 is valid.
- 1. Warmer winters lengthen the spring transition and ice melts earlier.
- 2. Delayed bird return is mentioned, but no harm to bird populations is stated.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: Warmer winters lengthen the spring transition and ice melts earlier.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (c) goes: it includes 2.
What you needed to know: Delayed bird return is mentioned, but no harm to bird populations is stated.
Only (a) 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) Right: only statement 1 is supported.
- (b) Wrong: statement 2 is unsupported, and statement 1 is valid.
- (c) Wrong: statement 2 is unsupported.
- (d) Wrong: statement 1 is supported.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.