Reading Comprehension Exercises with Answers for UPSC 2024 in English | PASSAGE – 9

Inference/Conclusion based questions

These questions ask the aspirant to infer from the information given in the passage or draw a conclusion. The conclusion could be directly given in the passage or it could be that the aspirant needs to draw the inferences themselves. Inferences can usually be drawn from anywhere within the passage while conclusions will focus on the last few lines. The words to look out for are “concluding remarks”, “infer”, “inference”.

Example Passage

Our cities are extremely vulnerable to climate change because of large concentrations of populations and poor infrastructure. Moreover, population densities are increasing in them but we have not yet developed the systems to address climate change impacts. Our cities contribute to 65 percent of the GDP, but there are not enough facilities to address the issues of air quality, transport, etc., that are vital to identifying sustainable solutions. We need to involve citizens in city planning and create an ecosystem that meets the needs of the people.

Which of the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the passage given above?

a. Our cities need to have well-defined administrative set-up with sufficient autonomy.

b. Ever increasing population densities is a hindrance in our efforts to achieve sustainable development.

c. To maintain and develop our cities we need to adopt sustainability related interventions.

d. Public-private Partnership mode of development is the viable long-term solution for the infrastructure and sustainability problems in India.

Answer and Explanation

Reading Comprehension Exercises with Answers for UPSC 2024 in English | PASSAGE – 8

Implicit Information

This is the direct opposite of explicit information in that the answers to these types of questions are not given directly within the passage. They need to be deduced from the passage after a close reading. They test the aspirant’s reasoning ability along with their comprehension skills. The implied idea will not be found by merely evaluating the options. The key words to look out for are “implied” or “implications”. While reading the passage, the aspirant should think about the consequences of the passage, what the passage is saying and also what the passage is not saying.

Example Passage - 8

In the immediate future, we will see the increasing commodification of many new technologies– artificial intelligence and robotics, 3D manufacturing, custom made biological and pharmaceutical products, lethal autonomous weapons and driverless cars. The moral question of how a driverless car will decide between hitting a jaywalker and swerving and damaging the car has often been debated, the answer is both simple- save the human life - and complex. At which angle should the ar swerve- just enough to save the jaywalker or more than enough? If the driverless car is in Dublin, who would take the decision? The Irish Government, or the car’s original code writer in California, or a software programmer in Hyderabad to whom maintenance is outsourced? If different national jurisdictions have different fine print on prioritising a human life, how will it affect insurance and investment decisions, including transactional ones?

Which of the following statements best reflect the rational, plausible and practical implications that can be derived from the passage given above?

1. Too much globalisation is not in the best interest of any country.

2. Modern technologies are increasingly blurring the economic borders.

3. Innovation and capital have impinged on the domain of the State.

4. Public policy of every country should focus on developing its own supply chains.

5. Geopolitics will have to reconcile to many ambiguities and uncertainties.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a. 1, 4 and 5 only

b. 1,2,3 and 5 only

c. 2,3 and 5 only

d. 1,2,3,4 and 5

Answer and Explanation

Reading Comprehension Exercises with Answers for UPSC 2024 in English | PASSAGE – 7

 Example for Explicit Information

These are direct questions and perhaps the easiest to solve because of their direct nature. The answers are fact based and are found within the passage itself. For these questions the details need to be focused on. It is also important to read the question properly as many times they are negative. The question may ask what the passage is NOT saying. Either way, for these questions the second reading of the passage needs to be detail oriented. The questions are direct or may ask which of the given options are true.

Example Passage - 7

The sugar maple is a hard maple tree. It can grow as tall as 100 feet and as wide as 4 feet. The sugar maple is commercially valued for its sap, which is used in making maple syrup. Two northeastern states, Vermont and New York, rank as major producers of maple syrup. In Canada, Quebec’s annual syrup production surpasses 2.5 million gallons. To make pure maple syrup, holes are made in the trunk of the tree at the end of winter or in early spring. The water-like sap seeps through the holes and runs through a plastic spout that is put into the hole. Afterwards, the collected sap is transferred into tubes that are hooked up to a tank kept in the sugar house. 

Then, the sap goes through the boiling process. Boiling enhances flavour and adds colour to the sap. Once the sugar content of the sap is about 65%–66%, the sap is ready to be strained and marketed. Maple syrup found in supermarkets, however, is usually not pure and has other additives. The colour of pure maple may range from golden honey to light brown. Between 35 to 50 gallons of sap is needed to produce 1 gallon of maple syrup. Also, popular for the strength and finish of its wood, the sugar maple tree has been put to use in furniture, interior woodwork, flooring, and crates.

According to the passage, which of the following periods is ideal for sapping?

(a) End of winter or in early spring

(b) Beginning of winter or in early spring

(c) End of winter or late spring

(d) Throughout the year

Answer and Explanation:

Reading Comprehension Exercises with Answers for UPSC 2024 in English | PASSAGE – 6

 1. Assumptions of the author

The questions are based on the author’s opinions and thoughts while writing the passage. The answer in this case is not directly in the passage and requires critical thinking on the part of the student. It is important to note that it is the author’s opinion that is being asked and aspirants need to remove their thoughts and opinions and focus solely on the author. It is important to note the writing style while trying to solve these questions; how the author is describing things, whether he is making a statement or posing questions. The key words to look out for in these types of questions are “assumed”, “assumptions made”, “According to the passage/author”.

Example Passage:

A central message of modern development economics is the importance of income growth, which means growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  In theory, rising GDP creates unemployment and investment opportunities. As incomes grow in a country where the level of GDP was once low, households, communities, and governments are increasingly able to set aside some funds for the production of things that make for a good life. Today GDP has assumed such a significant place in the development lexicon, that if someone mentions “economic growth”, we know they mean growth in GDP.

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

1. Rising GDP is essential for a country to be developed country

2. Rising GDP guarantees a reasonable distribution of income to all households.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

a. 1 only

b. 2 only

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer and Explanation:

CSAT Reading Comprehension UPSC 2024 in English

 Types of Questions

1. Assumptions of the author

2. Explicit Information

3. Implicit Information

4. Inference/Conclusion based questions 

Vocabulary :  A List of Important Words 

Useful Phrases and Idioms: Practice Questions

Introduction

In reading comprehension, it is one’s capacity to understand and reasoning ability that is being assessed. The skills to hone are one’s ability to grasp the main ideas from a passage, linking the various ideas in a given passage and being able to infer and draw conclusions. For this one requires an extensive vocabulary and advanced reading skills. Since there is no syllabus to fall back on, aspirants have to rely on their skills to be able to tackle passages they have never seen.

There needs to be a focus on grammar, at least in the initial stages of preparation as it is the first step to understanding any language. A strong grammatical basis provides a foundation to build advanced skills on. Once the candidates have a strong hold on their grammar, the focus should shift to reading comprehension. For this the more one reads, the more their confidence will increase.

One thing aspirant must remember even before reading a passage is recognizing the difference between an author’s opinion and their own thoughts about a subject. Unless the passage asks for it, it is the author’s opinion the aspirants must stick to. What is being assessed here is the ability to comprehend and assimilate information presented in front of the reader. This might take some practice as students are often hardwired to stick to their preconceived thoughts. Since too much time cannot be spent on a single passage to differentiate between author’s opinion and student’s thoughts, the passages should be approached in a blank manner, only taking in what the passage is giving.

Steps to Approach a Passage:

Reading Comprehension Exercises with Answers for UPSC 2024 in English | PASSAGE – 4

 PASSAGE – 4

Law is found in all modern societies, and is usually regarded as the bedrock of civilized existence. But what distinguishes law from other social rules, and in what sense does law operate at an international or even global level? Is there such a thing as 'international law'? In the case of domestic law, it is relatively easy to identify a series of distinguishing characteristics. First, law is made by the government and so applies throughout society. Not only does this mean that law reflects the will of the state and therefore takes precedence over all other norms and social rules, but it also gives domestic law universal jurisdiction within a particular political society. Second, law is compulsory; citizens are not allowed to choose which laws to obey and which to ignore, because law is backed up by a system of coercion and punishment. 

Law thus requires the existence of a legal system, a set of norms and institutions through which legal rules are created, interpreted and enforced. Third, law has a 'public' quality in that it consists of codified, published and recognized rules. This is, in part, achieved by enacting law through a formal, and usually public, legislative process. Moreover, punishments handed down for law-breaking are predictable and can be anticipated, whereas arbitrary arrest or imprisonment has a random and dictatorial character.

Fourth, law is usually recognized as binding on those to whom it applies, even if particular laws may be regarded as unjust or unfair. Law is therefore more than simply a set of enforceable commands; it also embodies moral claims, implying that legal rules should be obeyed.

11. With reference to the passage, how law can be distinguished from social rules?

(a) Laws of one country apply to every citizen whereas social rules vary from one society to another.

(b) Laws are enforceable upon the society whereas social rules are not enforceable.

(c) Laws are acceptable to the political society whereas social rules are not.

(d) Laws work according to the proper legal system whereas social rules do not require any system.

12. If a law is proposed by the state, then which of the following condition is necessary to make that law attain legitimacy?

1. Assent of public

2. Legal standing

3. Universal jurisdiction

4. Just character

Answers :

11. Since, Law is made by the government thus it applies throughout the society. Passage is no where mentioning that social rules do not require any system. Thus, (d) is incorrect. Similarly, No where from the passage we can infer that social rules are not acceptable to the political society or they are not enforceable. Hence, (a) is the correct option. 

12. According to passage, Law in any society can have legitimacy if it is made by the government, if it is made compulsory, it should have a codified and recognized rules, it should have a binding character that may be just or unjust. Thus, except 2, all are incorrect. Hence, (d) is the correct option. 

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Reading Comprehension Exercises with Answers for UPSC 2024 in English | PASSAGE – 3

 PASSAGE – 3

Theoretically, though, the Judiciary is expected to adjudicate or evaluate the policies promulgated by the Legislative or Executive wing of the government, it, equally importantly, checks excesses committed by the other two branches and enforces the rights of the people in case of default or distortion by the Legislature and Executive in the discharge of duties, using the power of judicial review. The Judiciary is looked upon today, perhaps more than ever before, for removal of the maladies in public life. One reason may be the general disenchantment of people for the other limbs of government. While the Legislature and Executive in a parliamentary form of government are exposed to the pulls and pressures of the electoral forces, the judiciary well performs the entrusted task of holding the scales of justice even and aloft.

The transition from the colonial administration to the administration of a welfare state has generated onerous responsibilities for the Administration for securing and promoting the legitimate interests of the people. Today, the government has to undertake multifarious political, social and economic activities in discharge of its constitutional responsibilities and in the process exercise of a large measure of discretionary powers becomes inevitable. The increase of administrative power is fraught with the danger of its abuse. 

Failure to use, as well as abuse, of its powers by the Administration is sure to disturb the heartbeat of social aspiration, thereby, necessitating appropriate correctional therapy. The judiciary operates as a mechanism of this correction and judicial activism serves as potent pacemaker to correct, as far as possible, malfunctioning in violation of the constitutional mandates and to stimulate the State organs to function in the right direction. Balanced judicial activism is, therefore, indispensable for imparting the needed vitality to the rule of law in a welfare state.

7. Today, why judiciary is expected to play other vital roles apart from providing justice?

(a) Legislature and Executive cannot alone discharge their constitutional duties.

(b) There is always a possibility of abuse of power by legislature and Executive.

(c) Pressure applied by the electoral forces alone cannot check the excesses committed by the Legislature and Executive.

(d) Administration of a welfare state involves a lot of duties to be performed and it cannot be done by Legislature and Executive only.

8. Which of the following is correct regarding Judicial Activism?

1. It acts as a pacemaker.

2. It is imperative to ensure the rule of a law.

3. It acts as a corrective measure against abuse of power by the state Machinery.

4. It acts against Executive and Legislature.

 Select the correct option from the codes given below:

(a) 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1 and 4 only

(d) All 1, 2, 3 and 4

9. According to the passage, what are the challenges for administration of a welfare state?

(a) Political, Social and Economic activities.

(b) Increase in demand for the rights of the people.

(c) Balance between usage of administrative power and fulfilling the social demands of the people.

(d) To synchronize the discretionary powers of Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary.

10. According to the passage, which of the following can act as an example of Judiciary removing the maladies in public life?

1. A State institution ordered by Judiciary to properly carry out the development programme.

2. Judiciary taking a suo-motu action to ensure the constitutional rights of certain section of people.

 Select the correct option from the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2.

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answers: 

Reading Comprehension Exercises with Answers for UPSC 2024 in English | PASSAGE – 2

 PASSAGE – 2

The new path the Constitution set for itself sought to reject the colonial conception of a divided India and replace it with a new vision for social reconstruction based on the removal of disabilities accruing from caste society. Social reconstruction on the basis of caste disability would necessarily entail the privileging and perhaps even entrenching caste identity in fashioning the new constitutional problem. 

Constitution’s emphasis on social disability which is an undeniable necessity in a country like India. On the contrary it is the manner in which caste and identity has been incorporated into the constitutional framework of independent India that is the major concern. It is argued that the Constitution’s treatment of the Indian social problem suffers from exactly the same kind of problem which the nationalists used to attack the colonial conception of a divided India. That is, in establishing the minority problem the colonial state represented India in a manner that did not resonate with Indian social experience. To say that the constitutional resolution of the problem of caste disability was unable to capture the Indian social problem must be distinguished from the project of affirmative action even if carried on the basis of caste. Affirmative action projects designed for disadvantaged castes might be an entirely defensible form of addressing the problem of compensating inter-generational discrimination and social backwardness.

However, just like the nationalists attacked the colonial state of literally conjuring up a problem to rule by division, the resolution of backwardness in the constitution must also be able to stand up to the charge that it has formulated the problem of caste society in a manner that resonates with the problem of caste as it is socially experienced.

3. In the passage, why the author is putting certain doubts on social reconstruction ability of independent India’s constitution?

1. Long existed caste identity in Indian Society may further be more prevalent as constitution tries to address the caste disability in India.

2. Social reconstruction by India’s constitution, like colonial conception can divide India. 

3. Social reconstruction by India’s constitution, like colonial conception can only address social problems of few sections of the society.

 Select the correct option from the codes given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only (d) All 1, 2 and 3

4. In the above question, doubts raised by the author on social reconstruction ability of Indian constitution can be removed, if–

(a) Social reconstruction should not be on the basis of caste disability.

(b) Affirmative action is not carried on the basis of caste.

(c) Proper mechanism is formulated to include those caste and identity in constitution that deserve to get rid of social disability.

(d) Constitution replace or reject the colonial conception of a divided India.

5. Which of the following can be said to be true about colonial conception of a divided India?

1. Colonial idea to solve the problem of minorities was against India’s social identity.

2. Colonial regime created a wrong perception of addressing minorities problem in order to rule by division.

 Select the correct option from the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2.

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

6. According to the passage, how can constitution solve the Indian social problem of caste disability?

(a) If project of affirmative action is carried on the basis of caste.

(b) If social reconstruction values are firmly inculcate in the constitution.

(c) If caste identity is neglected by the constitution.

(d) If constitution solves the caste society problem as per Indian social experience.

Answers: 

Reading Comprehension Exercises with Answers for UPSC 2024 in English | PASSAGE – 1

Instructions: Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow.

PASSAGE – 1

An early debate in the empirical study of political democracy concerned the measurement of democracy. Initial work employed dichotomous indicators and incorporated stability into political democracy measures.

Evidence accumulated showing that this approach could adversely affect analyses, particularly in the study of income inequality. At an intuitive level, it is appealing to divide the world into democracies and non democracies. And the idea that the persistence of democratic institutions should be included in any measure appears attractive. But the procedures have shortcomings. Dichotomizing democracy lumps together countries with very different degrees of democracy and blurs distinctions between borderline cases. 

For example, are democratic practices entirely absent from Mexican politics? Does the return of elections to Argentina mean that it is a full-fledged democracy? Does the suppression of the Tamil separatist movement in Sri Lanka assign that country to the nondemocratic rank? The difficulty in answering these questions reflects the inherently continuous nature of the concept of political democracy. Further, labeling some countries as democratic invites insensitivity to persisting political inequalities in even these states, because it implies that they are fully democratic, democracy is specified in advance as an all-or-nothing matter.

The other pivotal measurement issue centers on the fusion of stability and democracy. This fusion in empirical measures makes it impossible to interpret observed associations of "democratic stability" with other variables, because it is never clear whether degree of stability or degree of democracy is the operative factor at work. For example, countries that developed earlier are more democratic than late developers, net of their level of industrialization. This hypothesis is supported if one uses stable democracy index as the measure of democracy, but not if one uses a measure that excludes the stability component.

1. According to the passage, why there are certain limitations to dichotomize democracy?

1. Since, political democracy is a dynamic process.

2. Since, political democracy is an insensitive process.

3. Since, notion of political democracy varies from one country to another.

 Select the correct option from the codes given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only (d) All 1, 2 and 3

2. Which of the following is correct regarding fusion of stability and democracy?

(a) There can be multiple democracy index as the measure of democracy.

(b) Industrialized nations are ought to be more democratic and thus more stable.

(c) Developed countries possess greater stability factors.

(d) Synchronizing democracy and stability is a vague process.

Answers: