Question

Directions: Replace the number with the word(s) that best fit(s) the meaning of the passage as a whole.
Indian institutions prefer students to be _______ (46) listeners. Our education system, barring a few exceptions, encourages a hierarchical relationship between teacher and student. The former controls knowledge and the latter is expected to submissively accept what is handed down. The argumentative Indian thrives despite the system. This may look like an / a _______ (47) because a competitive political democracy like India should have facilitated an educational system that is cool about arguments and dissent. Or, is the _______ (48) in the education system a reflection of a flaw in our democratic culture? We have regular elections and our political space teems with parties subscribing to a _______ (49) of ideologies. But is this space sufficiently democratic so that people get the leaders they deserve? A range of identities such as family, clan, caste, religion influences our choice of leaders more than their understanding of public policy. Beneath _______ (50) of democracy, the old social order, where caste was privileged over merit, has survived, though in a weaker form.
We have regular elections and our political space teems with parties subscribing to a _______ (49) of ideologies.

• A. Cluster
• B. Rainbow
• C. Parade
• D. Horde
• E. Chain

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To address the given question, it is crucial to identify the word that best fits the passage’s overall meaning. The passage emphasizes India's educational system and its paradoxical relationship with democracy. The sentences suggest that while the political democracy in India is competitive, the educational system does not support the same democratic values of arguments and dissent.

The key part of the sentence we need to fill is: "Our political space teems with parties subscribing to a _______ (49) of ideologies."

Let's evaluate each option in the context of this sentence:

• Cluster: This word generally refers to a group of similar things or people positioned closely together. Although ideologies can form clusters, in this context, it does not emphasize the variety or diversity of ideologies.
• Rainbow: This word metaphorically implies a wide range or spectrum. Given that a "rainbow" consists of various colors, it is often used to describe diversity or a wide variety of elements.
• Parade: This word refers to a public procession, often celebratory. While it can imply a display, it doesn't necessarily capture the notion of ideological diversity.
• Horde: This typically denotes a large group of people, often used pejoratively to describe unruly groups. It does not imply diversity or variety of ideologies.
• Chain: Refers to a connected or linked series of items, usually highlighting unity or connection rather than diversity.

Among these options, Rainbow aptly captures the intended meaning as it is commonly associated with a wide range or variety, which fits well in describing a political space filled with a diverse set of ideologies.

Thus, the correct answer is: Rainbow.