UPSC Prelims 2024 · CSAT

Question 71: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “Unlike religion and science, poetry does…” — Passage—1 · as printed by UPSC

Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the above passage?

aIt is the poetry, not science or religion, which recognizes and accepts imperfections in humans.

bTruth is revealed through science or religion and poetry is anathema to truth.

cPoetry is romantic, imaginary and is about feeling whereas science and religion are about truth.

dIn a world of violence, tyranny and bigotry, poetry is a form of dynamic resistance.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

The passage contrasts poetry with religion and science: those that claim absolute truth tend to turn dictatorial, because truth leaves no room for contradiction, while poetry stays with life's plurality and contradictions and sides with democratic reality against the arrogance of power, wealth and hierarchy, offering humility and defiance. The message is poetry as resistance to tyranny and domination, which option (d) captures best. Option (a) takes only the narrower point about imperfection.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong. The passage is about absolute truth versus plurality and poetry's resistance to power, not just imperfection in humans.
(b) Wrong. The passage rejects absolute truth claims; it does not say poetry is hostile to truth in general.
(c) Wrong. The passage does not describe poetry as merely romantic and imaginary.
(d) Right. Poetry opposes tyranny and the arrogance of power with humility and defiance.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.