[Comprehension]

Solved Passages
from
CSAT
2011,
with
explanation
and
approach
How to approach Reading comprehension for CSAT, is explained in a separate article.
Click ME
This is just illustration of Rule#1 =How to remove garbage. The following passages are
taken from CSAT 2011 (Paper II).
1. Inclusive growth (5Q)
2. Cut down paragraph
3. Passage: Creative Society (3Q)
4. Passage: Foreign Domination (4Q)
5. Passage: Keystone Species (5Q)
6. Second question
7. Third question
8. Passage: Morality (3Q)
9. Passage :Ecosystems (3Q)
10. Passage: Girl Education (5Q)

\l "Inclusive growth (5Q)

For achieving inclusive growth there is-a critical need to rethink the-role of the State. The
early debate among economists about the size of the Goverment can be misleading. The
need of the hour is to have an enabling Government. India is too large and complex a
nation for the State to be able to deliver all that is needed. Asking the Government to
produse all the essential goods, create all the necessary jobs, and keep a curb on the
prices of all goods is to lead to a large cumbersome bureaucracy and widespread
corruption.
The aim must be to stay with the objective of inclusive growth that was laid down by the
founding fathers of the nation and also to take a more modern view of what the State can
realistically deliver.
This is what leads to the idea of an enabling State, that is, a Government that does not try
to directly deliver to the citizens everything that they need. Instead, it (1) creates an
enabling ethos for the market so that individual enterprise can flourish and citizens can,
for the most part, provide for the needs of one another, and (2) steps in to help those who
do not manage to do well for themselves, for there will always be individuals, no matter
what the system, who need support and help. Hence we need a Government that, when it
comes to the market, sets effective, incentive-compatible rules and remains on the
sidelines with minimal interference, and, at the same time, plays an important role in
directly helping the poor by ensuring that they get basic education and health services and
receive adequate nutrition and food .

\l "Cut down paragraph

(note, Ive numbered the sentence so I can give reference number while discussing the
answer.)
1. For achieving inclusive growth there is-a critical need to rethink the-role of the
State. The early debate among economists about the size of the Government can
be misleading.
2. The need of the hour is to have an enabling Government. India is too large and
complex a nation for the State to be able to deliver all that is needed.
3. Asking the Government to produce all the essential goods, create all the necessary
jobs, and keep a curb on the prices of all goods is to lead to a large cumbersome
bureaucracy and widespread corruption.
4. The aim must be to stay with the objective of inclusive growth that was laid down
by the founding fathers of the nation and also to take a more modern view of what
the State can realistically deliver.
5. This is what leads to the idea of an enabling State, that is, a Government that does
not try to directly deliver to the citizens everything that they need. Instead,
6. (such Enabling Government) it (1) creates an enabling ethos for the market so that
individual enterprise can flourish and citizens can, for the most part, provide for
the needs of one another, and (2)
7. (Government) steps in to help those who do not manage to do well for
themselves, for there will always be individuals, no matter what the system, who
need support and help.
8. Hence we need a Government that, when it comes to the market, sets effective,
incentive-compatible rules and
9. (need a Government that) remains on the sidelines with minimal interference,
10. (need a Government that) and, at the same time, plays an important role in
directly helping the poor by ensuring that they get basic education and health
services and receive adequate nutrition and food .

First question
According to passage :
1. The objective of inclusive growth was laid down by the founding fathers of the nation.
2. Need of the hour is to have an enabling Government.
3. The Government should engage III maximum interference in market processes.
4. There is a need to change the size of the Government.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Now lets check the question statement.
1. The objective of inclusive growth was laid
down by the founding fathers of the
Correct as per line #4
nation.
1. Need of the hour is to have an enabling
Government.

Correct: line 5 and 6

1. The Government should engage in

maximum interference in market
processes.
Not correct according to line#9 sidelines
with minimum interference.Ok STOP.
Look at the answer choices and eliminate the answer choices containing 3
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Observe again. 1 and 2 is definitely correct: therefor answer is (A).

Passage 1: Second question

Q2. According to the passage, the strategy of inclusive growth can be effected by
focusing on
1. meeting all the needs of every citizen in the country.
2. Increasing the regulations over the manufacturing sector.
3. Controlling the distribution of manufacturing goods.
4. Delivery of the basic services to the deprived sections of the society.

Approach
a) Check line #6: such enabling Government should help only those whore in need (poor
people). Enabling Government need not help every one.
So first answer option eliminated.
b) increasing regulation = hell NO! Read 6+9
c) Controlling the distribution of manufacturing goods.= again hell NO. Read 5+6
d) Delivery of the basic services to the deprived sections of the society.= yes. Thats what

7+9 is talking about.

Final answer= D.

Third question
Q3. What constitutes an enabling Government?
1. A large bureaucracy.
2. Implementation of welfare programs through representatives.
3. Creating an ethos that helps individual enterprise
4. Providing resources to those who are underprivileged.
5. Offering direct help to the poor regarding basic services.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 4 and 5 only
3. 3, 4 and 5 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Approach
This is totally reverse of Enabling Government. Line #3. This is
maai-baap Government. Hence incorrect.This eliminates A and D
answer choice.
1. A large bureaucracy.

1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 4 and 5 only
3. 3, 4 and 5 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

5. Implementation of
welfare programs
through
representatives.

Since A and D are eliminated. We dont need to bother checking

statement #2. Move on.

1. Creating an ethos
Ofcourse yes. Line #6.This eliminates option (B).
that helps individual
1. 1, 2 and 3 only
enterprise
2. 4 and 5 only
3. 3, 4 and 5 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Now just to confirm, lets check 4 and 5 statement.

1. Providing resources
to those who are
Correct according to last line. Food-health and education.
underprivileged.
1. Offering direct help
to the poor regarding Correct: 7+10
basic services.
Final answer : C

Fourth question
Q4. Why is the State unable to deliver all that is needed?
1. It does not have sufficient bureaucracy.
2. It does not promote inclusive growth.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Approach
Read line#2: India is too large and complex a nation for the State to be able to deliver all
that is needed.
From Line #3 we can conclude the India can try to deliver all that is needed but itll
lead to a large cumbersome bureaucracy and widespread corruption.
Answer is (D)

Fifth Question
Q5. What is essential message being conveyed by the author of the passage ?
1. The objectives of inclusive growth laid down by the founding fathers of the nation
should be remembered.
2. The Government needs to make available more schools and health sevices.
3. The Government needs to establish markets and industries to meet the needs of
the poor strata of the society.
4. There is a need to rethink the role of the State in achieving inclusive growth.
These type of questions are very common in CAT. They aim to check whether youve see
the big picture or overall idea of the passage or not.

If this type of question is not asked, theyll ask something like

1. The author would agree with (four new statements)
2. What is the apt title for the passage (four titles)

Approach
1. The objectives of inclusive
growth laid down by the
founding fathers of the nation
should be remembered.

Thats right but it doesnt quite convey the essential

message.

1. The Government needs to make Right according to 10: but only for poor Besides that is
available more schools and
not the whole idea.
health services.
1. The Government needs to
wrong. Read line #6+#7Market forces will
establish markets and industries Totally
provide
stuff for each other (ie. middleclass and rich
to meet the needs of the poor
people)
while
Government will take care of poors.
strata of the society.
1. There is a need to rethink the
role of the State in achieving
inclusive growth.

Thats the apt and essential message conveyed.

\l "Passage: Creative Society (3Q)

The concept of creative society refers to a phase of development of a society in which a
large number of potential contradictions become articulate and active. This is most
evident when oppressed social groups get politically mobilized and demand their rights.
The upsurge of the peasants and tribal, the movements for regional autonomy and selfdetermination, the environmental movements, and the womens movements in the
developing countries are signs of emergence of creative society in contemporary times.
The forms of social movements and their intensity may vary from country to country and
place to place within a country. But the very presence of movements for social
transformation in various spheres of a society indicates the emergence of a creative
society in a country.
Same exercise, cut down the garbage using a pencil.
1. The concept of creative society refers to a phase of development of a society in
which a large number of potential contradictions become articulate and active.
2. This is most evident when oppressed social groups get politically mobilized and
demand their rights.
3. (signs of emergence of creative society in developing countries=) The upsurge of
the peasants and tribal, the movements for regional autonomy and selfdetermination, the environmental movements, and the womens movements in the
developing countries are signs of emergence of creative society in contemporary
times.
4. The forms of social movements and their intensity may vary from country to
country and place to place within a country.

5. But the very presence of movements for social transformation in various spheres
of a society indicates the emergence of a creative society in a country.
Q1. What does the author imply by creative society ?
1. A society where diverse art forms and literary writings seek incentive.
2. A society where social inequalities are accepted as the norm.
3. A society where a large number of contradictions are recognized.
4. A society where the exploited and the oppressed groups grow conscious of their
human rights and upliftment.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 4 only
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4
According to line number 1+2= answer is (C)
Q2. What according to the passage are the manifestations of social movements?
1. Aggressiveness and being incendiary.
2. Instigation by external forces.
3. Quest for social equality and individual freedom.
4. Urge for granting privileges and self-respect to disparaged sections of the society.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 and 4 only
3. 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Read line 2+3= answer is (C)
Q3. With reference to the passage. consider the following statements:
1. To be a creative society, it is essential to have a variety of social movements.
2. To be a creative society, it is imperative to have potential contradictions and
conflicts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
According to line #5 movements are necessary and acco. To Line #1: contradictions
necessary.
Hence answer is (C) both.

\l "Passage: Foreign Domination (4Q)

A country under foreign domination seeks escape from the present in dreams of a
vanished age, and finds consolation in visions of past greatness. That is a foolish and
dangerous pastime in which many of us indulge. An equally questionable practice for us
in India is to imagine that we are still spiritually great though we have come down, in the
world in other respects. Spiritual or any other greatness cannot be founded on lack of
freedom and opportunity, or on starvation and misery. Many western writers have
encouraged that notion that Indians are other-worldly. I suppose the poor and unfortunate
in every country become to some extent other-worldly, unless they become
revolutionaries, for this world is evidently not meant for them. So also subject peoples.
As a man grows to maturity he is not entirely engrossed in, or satisfied with, the external
objective world. He seeks also some inner meaning, some psychological and physical
satisfactions. So also with peoples and civilizations as they mature and grow adult. Every
civilization and every people exhibit these parallel streams of an external life and an
internal life. Where they meet or keep close to each other, there is an equilibrium and
stability. When they diverge conflict arises and the crises that torture the mind and spirit.
Same routine: eliminate garbage
1. A country under foreign domination seeks escape from the present in dreams of a
vanished age, and finds consolation in visions of (via) past greatness.
2. That is a foolish and dangerous pastime in which many of us indulge.
3. An equally questionable practice for us in India is to (we) imagine that we are still
spiritually great though we have come down, in the world in other respects.
4. Spiritual or any other greatness cannot be founded on lack of freedom and
opportunity, or on starvation and misery. (=no spiritual / other greatness)
5. Many western writers (say) have encouraged that notion that Indians are otherworldly.
6. I suppose the poor and unfortunate in every country become to some extent otherworldly, unless they become revolutionaries, for this world is evidently not meant
for them. So also subject peoples.
7. As a man grows to maturity matures, he is not entirely engrossed in, or satisfied
with, the external objective world.
8. He seeks also some inner meaning, some psychological and physical satisfactions.
9. So also with peoples and civilizations (also seek the same when) as they mature
and grow adult.

10. Every civilization and every people exhibit these parallel streams of an external
life and an internal life.
11. Where they meet or keep close to each other, there is an equilibrium and stability.
12. When they diverge =conflict arises and the crises that torture the mind and spirit
Now the questions
Q1. The passage mentions that this world is evidently not meant for them. It refers to
people who
1. seek freedom from foreign domination.
2. live in starvation and misery.
3. become revolutionaries .
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
Read Line 6. Answer is B
Q2 Consider the following assumptions :
1. A country under foreign domination cannot indulge in spiritual pursuit.
2. Poverty is an impediment in the spiritual pursuit.
3. Subject peoples may become other-worldly.
With reference to the passage, which of the above assumptions is/are valid ?
1. 1 and 2
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3
4. 3 only

Approach
1. A country under
foreign domination
cannot indulge in
spiritual pursuit.

Read line 9+10. Every civilization and people go for spirituality

when they mature. (irrespective of domination). So this statement
is incorrect.

1. Poverty is an
impediment in the

Impediment= obstacle.Again read line 9+10= Every civilization

and people go for spirituality when they mature (irrespective of

spiritual pursuit.

financial status). So this is correct statement.

1. Subject peoples may Subject people meaning= those who live in a colony that is
become otherdominated by another superpower. So yes Subject people may be
worldly.
other world as per line 6.
Therefore answer is (c) both 2 and 3.
Q3. The passage thematically centres on
1. The state of mind of oppressed people
2. Starvation and misery
3. The growth of civilization
4. Body, mind and spirit of people in general
Theme means the Stuff that is being talked throughout the passage.
1. the state of
mind of
oppressed Seems right enough but lets check other options.
people
1. starvation Only in line 6.
and misery
1. the growth Just last two lines and it is being talked in context of spirituality and not
of
just growth as such in terms of culture, chivalry, economy, industry, art
civilization science, entrepreneurship etc.
1. body, mind
and spirit of People In general= no.Body = hardly.
people in
general
Answer= A.

Fourth question
Q4. According to the passage, the torture of the mind and spirit is caused
1. by the impact of foreign domination.
2. by the desire to escape from foreign domination and find consolation III visions
of past greatness.
3. due to lack of equilibrium between an external life and an internal life.
4. due to ones inability to be either revolutionary or other-worldly.
Just read line number 10+11+12 Answer is C.

\l "Passage: Keystone Species (5Q)

A species that exerts. an influence out of proportion to its abundance in an ecosystem is
called a keystone species. The keystone species may influence both the species richness
of communities and the flow of energy and materials through ecosystems. The sea star
Pisaster the flow of energy and materials through ecosystems. The sea star Pisaster
ochraceus, which lives in rocky intertidal ecosystems on the Pacific coast of North
America, is also an example of a keystone species. Its preferred prey is the mussel
Mytilus californianus . In the absence of sea- stars, these mussels crowd out other
competitors in a broad belt of the intertidal zone. By consuming mussels, sea star creates
bare spaces that are taken over by a variety of other species. A study at the University of
washington demonstrated the influence of Pisaster on species richness by removing sea
stars from selected parts of the intertidal zone repeatedly over a period of five years. Two
major changes occured in the areas from which sea stars were removed. First, the lower
edge of the 46. mussel bed extended farther down into the intertidal zone, showing that
sea stars are able to eliminate mussels completely where they are covered with water
most of the time. Second, and more dramatically, 28 species of animals and algae
disappeared from the sea star removal zone. Eventually only Mytilus, the dominant
competitor, occupied the entire substratum. Through its effect on competitive
relationships, predation by Pisaster largely determines which species live in these rocky
intertidal ecosystems.

Approach
Ok this is a Science-research type of passage. So lot of names will coming and theyre
somehow interconnected with each other. Together they explain some sort of concept.
So while youre reading, also try to make some sort of diagram as well. Other than that,
our approach is one and same: remove the garbage.
1. (keystone species) A species that exerts an influence out of proportion to its (size)
abundance in an ecosystem is called a keystone species.
2. The keystone species may influence both the species richness of communities
3. The keystone species may influence flow of energy and materials through
ecosystems.
4. The sea star Pisaster ochraceus, which lives in rocky intertidal ecosystems on the
Pacific coast of North America.
5. (Pisaster) is also an example of a keystone species.
6. (Pisaster loves to eat) Its preferred prey is the mussel Mytilus californianus.
7. (If Pisaster is absent) In the absence of sea- stars, these mussels crowd out other
competitors in a broad belt of the intertidal zone.
8. By consuming mussels, sea star creates bare spaces that are taken over by a
variety of other species.
9. A study at the University of washington demonstrated the influence of Pisaster on
species richness by removing sea stars from selected parts of the intertidal zone
repeatedly over a period of five years.
10. Two major changes occurred in the areas from which sea stars were removed.

11. First, the lower edge of the mussel bed extended farther down into the intertidal
zone, showing that sea stars are able to eliminate mussels completely where they
are covered with water most of the time.
12. Second, and more dramatically, 28 species of animals and algae disappeared from
the sea star removal zone. (meaning Mussels gang took over this territory because
Pisaster policeman wasnt eating Mussel gang)
13. Eventually only mussel Mytilus, the dominant competitor, occupied the entire
substratum.
14. (which species will live in this ecosystems is determined by) Through its effect on
competitive relationships, predation by Pisasters hunting largely determines
which species live in these rocky intertidal ecosystems.

First question
What is the crux of the passage ?
1. Sea star has a preferred prey.
2. A preferred prey determines the survival of a keystone species.
3. Keystone species ensures species diversity.
4. Sea star is the only keystone species on the Pacific coast of North America.
Lets check
1. Sea star has a preferred prey. Thats right but its not the crux.
1. A preferred prey determines
the survival of a keystone
species.
Yes according to
1. Keystone species ensures
species diversity.

line 2

Observations in University study (line 11,12)

And the moral of the Pisaster storygiven in line

14

1. Sea star is the only keystone Line 5 says Sea star is an example. It is nowhere
species on the Pacific coast mentioned in the passage that Sea star is the only
of North America.
keystone species.
Final answer= C

\l "Second question
Q2. With reference to the passage, consider the following statements :
1. Mussels-are generally the dominant species in intertidal ecosystems.
2. The survival of sea stars is generally determined by the abundance of mussels.

Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 ony
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Mussels-are generally the
dominant species in intertidal
ecosystems.

Hell no! Read line 7, 12 and 13. Mussels gang becomes

dominant only when Pisaster policeman is not eating them.
So first statement is wrong.

2. The survival of sea stars is

generally determined by the
abundance of mussels.

It is the other way around. So this statement is also wrong.

Final answer= both incorrect= D.

\l "Third question
Q3. Which of the following is/are implied by the passage ?
1. Mussels are always hard competitors for sea stars.
2. Sea stars of the Pacific coast have reached the climax of their evolution.
3. Sea stars constitute an important component in the energy flow in intertidal
ecosystem.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
Lets check
1. Mussels are always hard
competitors for sea stars.

This is ridiculous. Sea star (Pisaster) loves to eat

Mussles. So how can Mussel gang compete with sea
stars?

1. Sea stars of the Pacific coast have

reached the climax of their
No where mentioned in the passage.
evolution.
1. Sea stars constitute an important
component in the energy flow in
intertidal ecosystem.
Answer is D

Yes. Combine line number 3 and 5.

Q4. Consider the following assumptions:

1. The food chains/food web in an influenced ecosystem are keystone species.
2. The presence of keystone species is a specific characteristic of aquatic
ecosystems.
3. If the keystone species is completely removed from an ecosystem, it will lead to
the collapse of the ecosystem.
With reference to the passage, which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
1. The food chains/food web in
an ecosystem are influenced
are keystone species.

Correct according to Pisaster example cited in the para.

1. The presence of keystone

species is a specific
characteristic of aquatic
ecosystems.

Nope. Read line 1: Keystone species is present in every

ecosystem. (including aquatic one). This is wrong
statement.So it eliminates answer choice B and D.

1. If the keystone species is

completely removed from an
ecosystem, it will lead to the
collapse of the ecosystem.

From line 2, 3 and Pisaster example. We know that

Keystone species influences food chain, species diversity,
flow of material and energy.Therefore if Keystone is
removed then system will collapse.This is also correct.

final answer: C: only 1 and 3.

*note: some people might feel doubt that if Pisaster is removed then Mussel gang takes
over. but does that mean system collapse? So on that thought process #3 doesnt seem
right so you might feel confused 50:50 between answer choice a and c.
However, in the exam, youre 50:50 better just leave it and move to next question.
UPSCs official answer key says, it is C so lets go with C.

\l "Passage: Morality (3Q)

A moral act must be our own act; must spring from our own will. If we act mechanically,
there is no moral content in our act. Such action would be moral, if we think it proper to
act like a machine and do so. For, in doing so, we use our discrimination. We should bear
in mind the distinction between acting mechanically and acting intentionally. It may be
moral of a king to pardon a culprit. But the messenger carrying out the order of pardon
plays only a mechanical part in the kings moral act. But if the messenger were to carry
out the kings order considering it to be his duty, his action would be a moral one. How
can a man understand morality who does not use his own intelligence and power of
thought, but lets himself be swept along like a log of wood by a current ? Sometimes a
man defies convention and acts on his own with a view to absolute good.

Remove the garbage

1. A moral act must be our own act;
2. (A moral act ) Must spring from our own will.
3. If we act mechanically (=) there is no moral content in our act.
4. (if it is proper to act like a machine and do so.) Such action would be moral, if we
think it proper to act like a machine and do so. (but) For, in doing so, we use our
discrimination.
5. We should bear in mind the distinction between
6. acting mechanically and
7. acting intentionally.
8. It may be moral of a king to pardon a culprit.
9. But the messenger carrying out the order of pardon plays only a mechanical part
in the kings moral act.
10. But if the messenger were to carry out the kings order considering it to be his
duty, his action would be a moral one.
11. (If you dont use brain, you cant understand morality.) How can a man
understand morality who does not use his own intelligence and power of thought,
but lets himself be swept along like a log of wood by a current?
12. Sometimes a man defies convention and acts on his own with a view to (do)
absolute good.

First question
Which of the following statements best describe/describes the thought of the writer ?
1. A moral act calls for using our discretion.
2. Man should react to a situation immediately
3. Man must do his duty.
4. Man should be able to defy convention in order to be moral.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
1. 1 only
2. 1 and 3
3. 2 and 3
4. 1 and 4
Lets check individual statement.
1. A moral act calls for using our discretion.

Yes according to Line 9.

1. Man should react to a situation immediately

Nowhere mentioned in passage.

1. Man must do his duty.

Not always. line 3, 9 and 10.

1. Man should be able to defy convention in order to be

moral.

Yes, line 10

Final answer (D)

Second question
Which of the following statements is the nearest definition of moral action, according to
the writer ?
1. It is a mechanical action based on official orders from superiors.
2. It is an action based on our sense of discretion.
3. It is a clever action based on the clarity of purpose.
4. It is a religious action based on understanding.
Check lines
1. It is a mechanical action based on official orders from superiors. Wrong. Line 3
1. It is an action based on our sense of discretion.

Correct. Line 9 and 10

1. It is a clever action based on the clarity of purpose.

Not mentioned.

1. It is a religious action based on understanding.

Not mentioned.

Final answer (B)

Third question
The passage contains a statement lets himself be swept along like a log of wood by a
current. Among the following statements, which is/are nearest in meaning to this ?
1. A person does not use his own reason.
2. He is susceptible to influence/pressure.
3. He cannot withstand difficulties/ challenges.
4. He is like a log of wood.
Correct answer?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 4
1. A person does not use his own reason.

Absolutely Correct. Line 9this eliminates option

(C)

2. He is susceptible to influence/pressure.

Yes line 9

3. He cannot withstand difficulties/

challenges.

Already eliminated.

4. He is like a log of wood.

Merely saying the same thing.

Final answer (B) only 1 and 2 correct.

\l "Passage :Ecosystems (3Q)

Ecosystems provide people with a variety of goods and services; food, clean water, clean
air, flood control, soil stabilization, pollination, climate regulation, spiritual fulfilment
and aesthetic enjoyment, to name just a few. Most of these benefits either are
irreplaceable or the technology necessary to replace them is prohibitively expensive. For
example, potable fresh water can be provided by desalinating sea-water, but only at great
cost. The rapidly expanding human population has greatly modified the Earths
ecosystems to meet their increased requirements of some of the goods and services,
particularly food, fresh water, timber, fiber and fuel. These modifications have
contributed substantially to human well being and economic development. The benefits
have not been equally distributed. Some people have actually been harmed by these
changes. Moreover, short-term increases in some ecosystem goods and services have
come at the cost of the long-term degradation of others. For example, efforts to increase
the production of food and fiber have decreased the ability of some ecosystems to provide
clean water, regulate flooding and support biodiversity.

Just remove the garbage

1. Ecosystems provide people with a variety of goods and services; food, clean
water, clean air, flood control, soil stabilization, pollination, climate regulation,
spiritual fulfilment and aesthetic enjoyment, to name just a few.
2. Most of these benefits either are irreplaceable
3. or the technology necessary to replace them is prohibitively (=)expensive. For
example, potable fresh water can be provided by desalinating sea-water, but only
at great cost.
4. The rapidly expanding human population has greatly modified the Earths
ecosystems to meet their increased requirements of some of the goods and
services, particularly food, fresh water, timber, fiber and fuel.
5. These modifications have contributed substantially to human well being and
economic development.
6. The benefits have not been equally distributed. Some people have actually been
harmed by these changes.
7. Moreover, short-term increases in some ecosystem goods and services have come
at the cost of the long-term degradation of others.

8. For example, efforts to increase the production of food and fiber have decreased
the ability of some ecosystems to provide clean water, regulate flooding and
support biodiversity (and increased flooding.)

First question
Q. With reference to the passage, consider the following statements. Expanding human
population has an adverse effect on :
1. Spiritual fulfillment
2. Aesthetic enjoyment
3. Potable fresh water
4. Production of food and fiber
5. Biodiversity
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 2, 4 and 5 only
3. 3 and 5 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
5. Spiritua
l
fulfillm Not mentioned in passageThis eliminates option (A) and (D)
ent
1. Aesthet
ic
enjoym Not mentioned in passage. This eliminates (B)Hell matter is over! answer is (C)
ent
1. Potable
fresh Yes. Line 8
water
1. Product
ion of Actually, it is reverse- read line 8. (We are trying to increase production of food
food and fiber and thats hurting ecosystem). Hence this statement is false.
and
fiber
1. Biodive Yes
rsity
Final answer: C only 3 and 5.

Second question
Q. The passage mentions that some people have actually been harmed by these
changes. What does it imply ?
1. The rapid expansion of population has adversely affected some people:
2. Sufficient efforts have not been made to increase the production of food and fiber.
3. In the short term some people may be harmed, but in the long term everyone will
benefit from modifications in the Earths ecosystems.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1. 1 only
2. 2
3. 1 and 3
4. None of the statements given above

Lets check individual statement

1. The rapid expansion of population has adversely affected some
people:

Correct. Read line

6.

1. Sufficient efforts have not been made to increase the production of

food and fiber.

This is not what

line 8 says.

1. In the short term some people may be harmed, but in the long term This is not what
everyone will benefit from modifications in the Earths ecosystems. line 7 and 8 say.
Final answer (A) only 1.

Third question
Q. With reference to the passage, consider the following statements:
1. It is imperative to modify the Earths ecosystems for the well being of mankind.
2. Technology can never replace all the goods and services provided by ecosystems.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Lets check
1. It is imperative to
modify the Earths

Nope. Thatll be harmful in long term according to line 7+8.So

this statement is false.

ecosystems for the well

being of mankind.
1. Technology can never
replace all the goods
and services provided
by ecosystems.

Line 2 +3. Technology is necessary to replace them is 1) either

very expensive 2) not available (at the moment). =that doesnt
mean technology can never replace ecosystem. So this statement
is also false.

Answer (D) neither 1 nor 2.

By the way, there might be confusion regarding second statement because it says
technology can never replace all. (=you might think that statement is right and
hence answer is (B))

But official answer key released by UPSC, says answer is (D).

\l "Passage: Girl Education (5Q)

Now Indias children have a right to receive at least eight years of education, the gnawing
question is whether it will remain on paper or become a reality. One hardly needs a
reminder that this right is different from the others enshrined in the Constitution, that the
beneficiary a six year old child cannot demand it, nor can she or he fight a legal battle
when the right is denied or violated. In all cases, it is the adult society which must act on
behalf of the child. In another peculiarity, where a childs right to education is denied, no
compensation offered later can be adequate or relevant. This is so because childhood does
not last. if a legal battle fought on behalf of a child is eventually won, it may be of little
use to the boy or girl because the opportunity missed at school during childhood cannot
serve the same purpose later in life. This may be painfully true for girls because our
society permits them only a short childhood, if at all. The Right to Education (RTE) has
become law at a point in Indias history when the ghastly practice of female infanticide
has resurfaced in the form of feticides. This is symptomatic of a deeper turmoil in
society which compounding the traditional obstacles to the education of girls. Tenacious
prejudice against the intellectual potential of girls runs across our cultural diversity and
the system of education has not been able to address it.
Same approach

Remove the garbage

1. Now Indias children have a right to receive at least eight years of education,
2. the gnawing question is whether it will remain on paper or become a reality.
3. One hardly needs a reminder that this right is different from the others enshrined
in the Constitution,
4. that the beneficiary a six year old child cannot demand it, nor can she or he fight
a legal battle when the right is denied or violated.
5. In all cases, it is the adult society which must act on behalf of the child.
6. In another peculiarity, where a childs right to education is denied, no
compensation offered later can be adequate or relevant.
7. This is so because childhood does not last. (forever)

8. If a legal battle fought on behalf of a child is eventually won, it may be of little

use to the boy or girl because the opportunity missed at school during childhood
cannot serve the same purpose later in life.
9. This may be painfully true for girls because our society permits them girls get
only a short childhood, if at all.
10. The Right to Education (RTE) has become law at a point in Indias history when
the ghastly practice of female infanticide has resurfaced in the form of feticides.
11. This is symptomatic of a deeper turmoil in society which compounding the
traditional obstacles to the education of girls.
12. Tenacious prejudice against the intellectual potential of girls runs across our
cultural diversity and
13. system of education has not been able to address(ed) it.

First Question
With reference to the passage, consider the following statements :
1. When children are denied education, adult society does not act on behalf of them.
2. Right to Education as a law cannot be enforced in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. When children are denied
education, adult society does not This is not the message given in line 5.
act on behalf of them.
2. Right to Education as a law
cannot be enforced in the
country.

Read line 2. Author doubts whether this will remain on paper or

will become reality. He doesnt outrightly say this cannot be
enforced.This statement is also false.

Answer D

Second question
53. According to the passage, what could be the traditional obstacles to the education of
girls ?
1. Inability of parents to fight a legal battle when the Right to Education is denied to
their children.
2. The traditional way of thinking about girls role in society.
3. The prejudice against the intellectual potential of girls.

4. Improper system of education.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2, 3 and 4 only
3. 1, 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
5. Inability of parents to fight a
legal battle when the Right
to Education is denied to
their children.

This is not the traditional obstacle. Because

traditionally there was no right to education before.
Besides, author says even if legal battle is won, childhood
is gone. Line8So first statement is false.

1. The traditional way of

thinking about girls role in true. Line 9, 11 and 12.
society.
1. The prejudice against the
intellectual potential of girls. true line 12
1. Improper system of
education.

true line 13.

Final answer: B = statement 2, 3 and 4.

Third question
Q3. On the basis of the passage, consider the following statements:
1. Right to Education is a legal right and not a fundamental right.
2. For realising the goal of universal education, the education system in the country
must be made identical to that of developed countries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
5. Right to Education is a legal right and not a fundamental RTE is fundamental right =line
right.
3.So this statement is false.
1. For realising the goal of universal education, the
Not mentioned anywhere in the
education system in the country must be made identical passage. So this statement is
to that of developed countries.
false.
Final answer = D

Fourth question
Which one of the following statements conveys the key message of the passage ?
1. India has declared that education is compulsory for its children.
2. Adult society is not keen on implementing the Right to Education.
3. The Right to Education, particularly of a girl child, needs to be safeguarded.
4. The system of education should be address the issue of right to education.
Lets check
1. India has declared that education Ya but thats not the key messag. The key message is
is compulsory for its children.
about deficiency in the RTE or the whole idea
1. Adult society is not keen on
implementing the Right to
Education.

This is putting words in your mouth. Incorrect.

1. The Right to Education,

particularly of a girl child, needs Yes this is valid. Line 2,6, 8 and 9.
to be safeguarded.
1. The system of education should
be address the issue of right to
education.

No, read line 13. System of education should address

the discrimination against girls. Os this is false.

Final answer (C)

Fifth question
Which one of the following statements conveys the inference of the passage ?
1. The society has a tenacious prejudice against the intellectual potential of girls.
2. Adults cannot be relied upon to fight on behalf of children for their Right to
Education.
3. The legal fight to get education for children is often protracted and prohibitive.
4. There is no sufficient substitute for education received in childhood.
Lets check
Inference of whole passage= not just from one or two things but the whole big picture
that is being conveyed.
1. The society has a tenacious prejudice
Nothing to infer. This is directly said in line
against the intellectual potential of girls. 12.
1. Adults cannot be relied upon to fight on
behalf of children for their Right to
Education.

Putting words in your mouth.Incorrect.

1. The legal fight to get education for

Thats true according to line 7. But is it

children is often protracted (lengthy) and inference of the (whole) passage?

prohibitive.
1. There is no sufficient substitute for
education received in childhood.
Among the given option (D) is most suitable

Author is repeatedly trying to show this

throughout the passage: line 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9.