UPSC Prelims 2023 · CSAT

Question 61: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “The paradox of choice is illustrated by…” — Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC

Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical message implied by the above passage ?

aModern technology enfeebles societal structure and makes life difficult.

bModern life is full of uncertainties and endless difficult choices.

cWe are influenced by the opinion of others and have no courage to follow our own convictions.

dIn our lives, having too few choices may not be a good thing, but having too many can be equally as difficult.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

The passage uses the story of the donkey that starved between two equally good haystacks to show how many options and uncertainty can stop us from choosing. It adds that devices and constant connectivity increase the glut of choices, leaving little time for reflection, and that many people with attractive options still feel anxious and unhappy. The message is that having too many choices can be as hard as having too few. Technology weakening society and fear of others' opinion are not stated.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong: overreach; technology is said to add to choice overload, not to weaken society.
(b) Wrong: too general; the passage is about the burden of too many choices.
(c) Wrong: others' opinions and courage are not discussed.
(d) Right: too many choices can be as difficult as too few.

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.