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.
Beneath _______ (50) of democracy, the old social order, where caste was privileged over merit, has survived, though in a weaker form

• A. Trappings
• B. Futility
• C. Concoction
• D. Treatise
• E. Modality

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To solve this question, we need to find a word that fits best in the passage and contextually makes sense. Let’s analyze the passage step-by-step and consider the options provided.

The given passage discusses the nature of the Indian education system and its hierarchical structure. It contrasts the educational system with the democratic system of politics in India, highlighting a possible disconnect.

Let's explore the correct blank, which is the last one:

1. Understand the meaning of the passage: The passage discusses the persistence of caste-based privilege in the Indian educational system, despite the democratic nature of Indian politics.
2. Context of the last blank (50): The line in the passage says, "Beneath _______ of democracy, the old social order, where caste was privileged over merit, has survived, though in a weaker form."
3. Meaning and fitment of options:
   • Trappings: The word "trappings" refer to outward signs or appearances. It indicates that while India portrays itself as a democracy, the underlying inequalities still exist. This fits well with the theme that the superficial elements of democracy conceal deeper issues.
   • Futility: This word refers to something that is pointless. It does not fit the context here because the passage talks about the visible outlook of democracy.
   • Concoction: This word implies something that is mixed up in a way that is not entirely authentic. While this could work in some contexts, it doesn't fit as precisely as "trappings".
   • Treatise: A treatise is a formal written work. This does not align with the context of external appearances of democracy.
   • Modality: Modality refers to the mode or manner in which something is done. It doesn't fit the context of outward appearances here.
4. Conclusion: The word "trappings" accurately reflects the notion that while the superficial features of democracy exist in India, older social structures, such as caste privilege, are still present. Thus, the correct answer for blank (50) is \text{"Trappings"}.