UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT Paper II · Q43 of 79 Comprehension medium

Passage

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

Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made : 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?

  1. (a) 1 only ✓ UPSC's answer
  2. (b) 2 only
  3. (c) Both 1 and 2
  4. (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Why the answer is (a)

• The passage states that parents' 'parental solicitude' is often a 'disguise for love of power,' which directly supports the assumption that parents are dominating and assertive.

• The text describes a conflict where the adolescent feels capable of managing his own affairs, implying discomfort with the parents' controlling behavior.

• Assumption 1 is valid because the 'love of power' and the resulting conflict align with the idea that the adolescent is uncomfortable with dominating parents.

• Assumption 2 is invalid because the passage does not mention 'modern times' or a general lack of respect; it focuses on the specific dynamic of power and independence during adolescence.

• Therefore, only Assumption 1 is supported by the text, making option (a) the correct answer.

Why the other options are wrong

(b) 2 only
Assumption 2 is not supported as the passage does not discuss 'modern times' or a general lack of respect, only the conflict arising from parental power dynamics.
(c) Both 1 and 2
Assumption 2 is invalid because the text does not provide evidence that adolescents of modern times lack respect for their parents.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Assumption 1 is valid because the passage explicitly links parental solicitude to a 'love of power,' indicating a dominating nature that causes conflict.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024, held on 16 June 2024. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

Reading the answer is not the same as getting it right under a clock. Practise this question with UPSC's negative marking, and anything you miss goes into an error notebook until you get it right twice.

Practise this paper free