Comprehension
Around the world, capital cities are disgorging bureaucrats. In the post-colonial fervour of the 20th century, coastal capitals picked by trade-focused empires were spurned for “regionally neutral” new ones . . . . But decamping wholesale is costly and unpopular; governments these days prefer piecemeal dispersal. The trend reflects how the world has changed. In past eras, when information travelled at a snail’s pace, civil servants had to cluster together. But now desk-workers can ping emails and video-chat around the world. Travel for face-to-face meetings may be unavoidable, but transport links, too, have improved. . . .
Proponents of moving civil servants around promise countless benefits. It disperses the risk that a terrorist attack or natural disaster will cripple an entire government. Wonks in the sticks will be inspired by new ideas that walled-off capitals cannot conjure up. Autonomous regulators perform best far from the pressure and lobbying of the big city. Some even hail a cure for ascendant cynicism and populism. The unloved bureaucrats of faraway capitals will become as popular as firefighters once they mix with regular folk.
Beyond these sunny visions, dispersing central-government functions usually has three specific aims: to improve the lives of both civil servants and those living in clogged capitals; to save money; and to redress regional imbalances. The trouble is that these goals are not always realized.
The first aim—improving living conditions—has a long pedigree. After the second world war Britain moved thousands of civil servants to “agreeable English country towns” as London was rebuilt. But swapping the capital for somewhere smaller is not always agreeable. Attrition rates can exceed 80%. . . . The second reason to pack bureaucrats off is to save money. Office space costs far more in capitals. . . .
Agencies that are moved elsewhere can often recruit better workers on lower salaries than in capitals, where well-paying multinationals mop up talent.
The third reason to shift is to rebalance regional inequality. . . . Norway treats federal jobs as a resource every region deserves to enjoy, like profits from oil. Where government jobs go, private ones follow. . . . Sometimes the aim is to fulfil the potential of a country’s second-tier cities. Unlike poor, remote places, bigger cities can make the most of relocated government agencies, linking them to local universities and businesses and supplying a better-educated workforce. The decision in 1946 to set up America’s Centres for Disease Control in Atlanta rather than Washington, D.C., has transformed the city into a hub for health-sector research and business.
The dilemma is obvious. Pick small, poor towns, and areas of high unemployment get new jobs, but it is hard to attract the most qualified workers; opt for larger cities with infrastructure and better-qualified residents, and the country’s most deprived areas see little benefit. . . . Others contend that decentralization begets corruption by making government agencies less accountable. . . . A study in America found that state-government corruption is worse when the state capital is isolated—journalists, who tend to live in the bigger cities, become less watchful of those in power.
Proponents of moving civil servants around promise countless benefits. It disperses the risk that a terrorist attack or natural disaster will cripple an entire government. Wonks in the sticks will be inspired by new ideas that walled-off capitals cannot conjure up. Autonomous regulators perform best far from the pressure and lobbying of the big city. Some even hail a cure for ascendant cynicism and populism. The unloved bureaucrats of faraway capitals will become as popular as firefighters once they mix with regular folk.
Beyond these sunny visions, dispersing central-government functions usually has three specific aims: to improve the lives of both civil servants and those living in clogged capitals; to save money; and to redress regional imbalances. The trouble is that these goals are not always realized.
The first aim—improving living conditions—has a long pedigree. After the second world war Britain moved thousands of civil servants to “agreeable English country towns” as London was rebuilt. But swapping the capital for somewhere smaller is not always agreeable. Attrition rates can exceed 80%. . . . The second reason to pack bureaucrats off is to save money. Office space costs far more in capitals. . . .
Agencies that are moved elsewhere can often recruit better workers on lower salaries than in capitals, where well-paying multinationals mop up talent.
The third reason to shift is to rebalance regional inequality. . . . Norway treats federal jobs as a resource every region deserves to enjoy, like profits from oil. Where government jobs go, private ones follow. . . . Sometimes the aim is to fulfil the potential of a country’s second-tier cities. Unlike poor, remote places, bigger cities can make the most of relocated government agencies, linking them to local universities and businesses and supplying a better-educated workforce. The decision in 1946 to set up America’s Centres for Disease Control in Atlanta rather than Washington, D.C., has transformed the city into a hub for health-sector research and business.
The dilemma is obvious. Pick small, poor towns, and areas of high unemployment get new jobs, but it is hard to attract the most qualified workers; opt for larger cities with infrastructure and better-qualified residents, and the country’s most deprived areas see little benefit. . . . Others contend that decentralization begets corruption by making government agencies less accountable. . . . A study in America found that state-government corruption is worse when the state capital is isolated—journalists, who tend to live in the bigger cities, become less watchful of those in power.
Question: 1
According to the passage, colonial powers located their capitals:
According to the passage, colonial powers located their capitals:
Updated On: Aug 20, 2024
- based on political expediency.
- to promote their trading interests.
- where they had the densest populations.
- to showcase their power and prestige.
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
In the first paragraph, the lines mention, "In the postcolonial fervour of the 20th century, coastal capitals picked by trade-focused empires were spurned for 'regionally neutral' new ones." This indicates that colonial powers were indeed focused on trade. Therefore, Option 2 is the correct choice.
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Question: 2
The “dilemma” mentioned in the passage refers to:
The “dilemma” mentioned in the passage refers to:
Updated On: Aug 20, 2024
- relocating government agencies to boost growth in remote areas with poor amenities or to relatively larger cities with good amenities.
- keeping government agencies in the largest city with good infrastructure or moving them to a remote area with few amenities.
- concentrating on decongesting large cities or focusing on boosting employment in relatively larger cities.
- encouraging private enterprises to relocate to smaller towns or not incentivising them in order to keep government costs in those towns low.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
This question is derived from the second-to-last paragraph of the passage, where the dilemma of choosing between small towns and larger cities is discussed.
The passage states, "The dilemma is obvious. Pick small, poor towns, and areas of high unemployment get new jobs, but it is hard to attract the most qualified workers; opt for larger cities with infrastructure and better-qualified residents, and the country’s most deprived areas see little benefit."
Considering the options:
Option 2 suggests keeping government agencies in large cities, which does not align with the presented dilemma of choosing between small towns and larger cities.
Option 3 doesn't address the two choices presented in the passage.
Option 4 brings up private enterprise, which is outside the scope of the given dilemma.
Option 1 is the most appropriate answer, as it reflects the essence of the dilemma: whether to relocate to remote areas or to relatively larger cities, representing the choice between option x or option y.
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Question: 3
People who support decentralising central government functions are LEAST likely to cite which of the following reasons for their view?
People who support decentralising central government functions are LEAST likely to cite which of the following reasons for their view?
Updated On: Aug 20, 2024
- It reduces expenses as infrastructure costs and salaries are lower in smaller cities
- Policy makers may benefit from fresh thinking in a new environment.
- More independence could be enjoyed by regulatory bodies located away from political centres.
- It could weaken the nexus between bureaucrats and media in the capital.
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
In this question, the task is to choose an option that would not be used by people who support the decentralization of central government functions.
Option 1 supports decentralization and has been discussed in the passage, particularly regarding the cost factor. Therefore, it is not the correct choice.
New ideas and autonomy in regulation are mentioned in the second paragraph, supporting decentralization. Thus, options 2 and 3 are also out.
Option 4 is not presented as a reason supporting decentralization in the passage. Therefore, it aligns with the task of choosing an option that would not be used by supporters of decentralization and is the correct choice in this context.
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Question: 4
The “long pedigree” of the aim to shift civil servants to improve their living standards implies that this move:
The “long pedigree” of the aim to shift civil servants to improve their living standards implies that this move:
Updated On: Aug 20, 2024
- takes a long time to achieve its intended outcomes.
- has become common practice in several countries worldwide.
- is supported by politicians and the ruling elites.
- is not a new idea and has been tried in the past.
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
This question revolves around vocabulary, and "pedigree" is synonymous with "history." Therefore, a "long pedigree" refers to something that has a lengthy history. Consequently, Option 4 is the correct choice.
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Question: 5
According to the author, relocating government agencies has not always been a success for all of the following reasons EXCEPT:
According to the author, relocating government agencies has not always been a success for all of the following reasons EXCEPT:
Updated On: Aug 20, 2024
- high staff losses, as people may not be prepared to move to smaller towns.
- the difficulty of attracting talented, well-skilled people in more remote areas.
- increased avenues of corruption away from the capital city.
- a rise in pollution levels and congestion in the new locations.
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
This question involves a double negative, so it's important to carefully read and simplify it. According to the author, relocating government agencies has not always been successful. The task is to identify the option that is not one of the reasons for the lack of success.
In the passage, the point about corruption is mentioned towards the end, so option 3 is a reason. The passage also discusses staff losses and the difficulty of attracting talent. However, option 4 is not mentioned in the passage and must be the correct choice.
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Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
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THE FAIR ISLE METHOD: Fair Isle knitting is a traditional technique that involves using two or more colours of yarn in a single row to create intricate patterns and designs. This method requires careful tension management to ensure even stitches and prevent puckering. To begin, select your colours and cast on the desired number of stitches. As you knit, alternate between colours every few stitches, carrying the unused yarn along the back of the work. Mastering the Fair Isle technique allows you to create stunning visual effects in garments, accessories, and home textiles.
THE CONTINENTAL STYLE: The Continental knitting style, often referred to as “picking,” involves holding the yarn in the left hand while the right hand manipulates the needles. This method allows for greater speed and efficiency, particularly when working with complex patterns or multiple colours. To practice this style, start by casting on your stitches and using your left hand to tension the yarn. With each stitch, simply “pick” the yarn with your right needle, forming a quick and fluid motion. As you become comfortable with this technique, you may find that your overall knitting speed and comfort improve significantly.
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