UPSC Prelims 2024 · CSAT
Question 14: Reading Comprehension
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :
- 1.Internet is not inclusive enough.
- 2.Internet can adversely affect the quality of politics in a country.
Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Assumption 1: the passage says not every voice gets the same audience and money can buy a louder one, so access and influence are unequal; the internet is not fully inclusive. Assumption 2: it says that when digital politics becomes a contest to drown out opponents, the quality of politics suffers, and that platforms favour inflammatory engagement. Both assumptions rest directly on the passage, so both are valid.
- 1. Money buys a louder voice, so audiences are unequal.
- 2. The passage says the quality of politics suffers when discourse becomes outshouting.
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: Money buys a louder voice, so audiences are unequal.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: The passage says the quality of politics suffers when discourse becomes outshouting.
Only (c) 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. Assumption 1 is valid, but so is assumption 2.
- (b) Wrong. Assumption 2 is valid, but so is assumption 1.
- (c) Right. Unequal reach supports assumption 1, and the harm to the quality of politics supports assumption 2.
- (d) Wrong. Both are supported by the passage.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.