General Comprehension (UPSC) (Part-VIII)

Total Questions: 35

31. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and practical message conveyed by the passage? [2024-II]

Evolution has endowed caterpillars that feed on corn with a unique ability, they can induce the plant to turn off its defence against insect predators. This helps caterpillars to eat more and grow faster.

The agent that causes this effect is the caterpillar's fasces or frass. The find could throw new light on compounds associated with plant response to pathogens like fungi or bacteria.

(a) Farmers can use caterpillars to feed on weeds in their crop fields/plantations.
(b) This finding can help in the development of clinically useful antimicrobial compounds.
(c) This finding can help in the development of organic, ecologically sustainable pesticides.
(d) Caterpillars can be genetically modified to be predators of the other plant pests.

Correct Answer: (c) This finding can help in the development of organic, ecologically sustainable pesticides.

Solution:Option (a) is incorrect. The passage does not discuss using caterpillars to feed on weeds in crop fields. Instead, it focuses on how caterpillars induce plants to turn off their defenses against predators and the implications of this interaction for plant responses to pathogens. Therefore, option (a) is not supported by the passage.

Option (b) is incorrect. The passage does not suggest that this finding can lead to the development of clinically useful antimicrobial compounds. While the passage mentions compounds associated with plant responses to pathogens, it does not extend the implications to clinical applications. Thus, option (b) is not directly relevant to the passage.

Option (c) is correct. The passage discusses how caterpillars influence plants to deactivate their defenses against predators, potentially leading to insights for developing organic and ecologically sustainable pesticides.

Understanding this mechanism could help in developing pest control methods that are environmentally friendly and effective, aligning closely with the passage's focus on plant defenses and ecological implications.

Option (d) is incorrect. The passage does not address genetically modifying caterpillars to become predators of other plant pests. Instead, it centers on the interaction between caterpillars and plant defenses, particularly how this interaction influences plant responses to predators. Therefore, option (d) is not supported
by the passage's content.

In conclusion, option (c) accurately reflects the practical message conveyed by the passage, focusing on the potential development of sustainable pesticides based on the insights gained from caterpillar-plant interactions.

32. Which of the following statements best reflects/reflect the most logical and rational inference/inferences that can be made from the passage? [2024-II]

1. In conventional classroom learning, the central goal is duration of learning rather than attainment of competency.

2. Conventional classrooms encourage one-size-fits-all approach and stamp out all differentiation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Conventional classrooms, by emphasizing fixed duration over learning effectiveness, resign themselves to variable outcomes. The tyranny of the classroom is that every learner is subjected to the same set of lectures in the same way for the same duration. In the end, a few learners shine, some survive, and the rest are left behind.

After the fixed duration, the classroom model moves on, with not a thought spared for those left behind. This is how we end up with 10 percent employability in our graduates after a decade and half of formal education. Repeating the same ineffectual script in the realm of skill education will not produce different results.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Solution:Statement 1 is correct as the passage argues that conventional classrooms prioritize fixed duration of learning over the attainment of competency. The passage criticizes this approach, stating that the central goal becomes completing a set amount of time rather than ensuring all learners achieve proficiency.

This focus on duration contributes to variable outcomes, where only a few students excel, and many are left behind, leading to low employability rates among graduates.

Statement 2 is correct for the passage also critiques conventional classrooms for promoting a one-size-fits-all approach. It suggests that the same set of lectures and teaching methods are applied uniformly to all students, disregarding individual differences in learning styles and abilities.

This lack of differentiation can hinder effective learning and contribute to disparities in educational outcomes.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (c) Both 1 and 2.

33. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: [2024-II]

1. As a large number of workers in our country are employed in unorganized sector, India does not need to change its present conventional classroom system of education.

2. Even with its present conventional classroom system of education, India producers sufficient number of skilled workers to fully realize the benefits of demographic dividend.

Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution:Assumption 1 is invalid as the passage does not discuss
the adequacy or inadequacy of India's education system based on the number of workers in the unorganized sector.

Instead, it critiques the conventional classroom system for focusing more on the duration of learning rather than ensuring competency. It argues that this approach leads to variable outcomes, where only a few students excel, and many are left behind, resulting in low employability rates among graduates.

Assumption 2 is invalid as the passage implies the opposite
by critiquing the conventional classroom system for its inefficiencies in producing skilled workers.

It argues that the current system leads to variable outcomes and does not adequately prepare enough skilled workers to fully harness the demographic dividend.

Therefore, assuming that the current system is sufficient contradicts the passage's argument. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

34. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: [2024-II]

1. The adolescent does not feel comfortable with his parents because they tend to be dominating and assertive.

2. The adolescent of modern times does not have much respect for parents.

Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?

When a child reaches adolescence, there is apt to be a conflict between the parents and the child, since the latter considers himself to be by now quite capable of managing his own affairs, while the former are filled with parental solicitude, which is often a disguise for love of power.

Parents consider, usually, that the various moral problems which arise in adolescence are peculiarly their province. The options they express, however, are so dogmatic that the young seldom confide in them, and usually go their own way in secret.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (a) 1 only

Solution:The passage suggests that adolescents may not feel comfortable with their parents because the parents tend to be dominating and assertive. It mentions that parental solicitude can often be a disguise for love of power, and the options parents express are described as dogmatic.

This causes adolescents to avoid confiding in their parents and instead, they tend to go their own way in secret. Thus, assumption 1 is valid. Assumption 2 is invalid as the passage does not explicitly discuss the level of respect adolescents have for their parents.

It focuses more on the conflict arising from parental authority and adolescents' secretive behavior rather than disrespect.

Therefore, Assumption 2 cannot be validated based on the information provided in the passage. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

35. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the above passage? [2024-II]

(a) Parents in general may not be of much help when children are on their way to becoming adults.
(b) When children reach adolescence, involvement of parents in their lives is unnecessary.
(c) Modern-day nuclear families are not capable of bringing up children properly.
(d) In modern societies, adolescents tend to be stubborn, disobedient and careless.

Correct Answer: (a) Parents in general may not be of much help when children are on their way to becoming adults.

Solution:Option (a) is correct: Option a aligns with the main idea of the passage that adolescents often perceive their parents as dominating and assertive, leading them to avoid confiding in their parents and instead navigate their own paths independently.

The passage discusses how parental solicitude can be seen as a disguise for power, causing adolescents to keep their thoughts to themselves.

Option (b) is incorrect: Option b suggests that parental
involvement becomes unnecessary when children reach adolescence, which is too extreme and does not reflect the nuanced relationship described in the passage.

The passage acknowledges conflict and independence-seeking behavior but does not suggest complete lack of need for parental involvement.

Option (c) makes a broad statement about modern-day nuclear families' capability to bring up children, which goes beyond the scope of the passage. The passage focuses on the dynamics between parents and adolescents rather than making a sweeping judgment about family structures. Thus, it is incorrect.

Option (d) is incorrect: Option d attributes certain characteristics (stubbornness, disobedience, carelessness) to adolescents in modern societies, which is not the central idea conveyed in the passage. The passage focuses more on the perception of parental dominance and adolescents' secretive behavior rather than general characteristics of adolescents.

Therefore, based on the main idea of the passage as discussed, option a is the correct answer because it aligns most closely with the dynamics described regarding adolescents' perceptions of their parents.

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