UPSC Prelims 2024 · CSAT
Question 72: Reading Comprehension
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :
- 1.The author of the passage believes that flowers are creations of Nature's luxury.
- 2.The author of the passage does not believe in the usefulness of flowers except as things of beauty.
Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
Both assumptions are invalid. The passage explains that a flower's scent and colour serve to attract insects that carry pollen, so the flower has a clear function. Beauty is called a by-product that people have come to appreciate, so it is not a sign of nature's luxury (assumption 1). The author also does not say flowers are useless apart from beauty; the opposite is the case, since they serve pollination (assumption 2).
- 1. The flower's features serve pollination; beauty is a by-product, not luxury.
- 2. Flowers have a practical function in pollination.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (c) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: The flower's features serve pollination; beauty is a by-product, not luxury.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (b) goes: it includes 2.
What you needed to know: Flowers have a practical function in pollination.
Only (d) 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. Beauty is an incidental by-product, not luxury.
- (b) Wrong. Flowers are useful to the plant for pollination.
- (c) Wrong. Neither assumption is valid.
- (d) Right. The passage rejects both.
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.