Question

As per the author, which one of the following is not likely leading to suicide among the students?

• A. Incorrect marketing strategies by the coaching institutes
• B. Burdening of ambitions by one generation to another.
• C. Creation of hostile environment by the coaching institutes.
• D. Living in a surrounding with different background and culture.
• A. It is primarily based on the merit of the students.
• B. Merit of the students is not the determining factor.
• C. Examination plays a pivotal role in the education system.
• D. An individual’s merit cannot be identified without examination.
• A. True merit is multifaceted and extends beyond performance in a single competitive examination.
• B. Pervasive inequalities can only be identified with the help of a single competitive examination.
• C. True merit is not multifaceted and does not extend beyond performance in a single competitive examination.
• D. The school education ensures the proper implementation of the idea of merit
• A. There is no difference between the preparation of board and competitive examination.
• B. Education system accommodates the inequalities.
• C. Competitive examination leads to social equality.
• D. There are existing inequalities which are enlarged by the competitive examinations.
• A. It provides equal opportunity to all the students irrespective of caste or creed
• B. It encourages the students to prepare for examination.
• C. It should be the only means to education.
• D. It cannot be accessed by majority of the people due to technological impediments.
• A. Influence of social media
• B. Mental health of the students and parents.
• C. Availability of online resources
• D. Lack of competitive atmosphere among the peers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the passage:
The passage highlights several factors that contribute to the mental health challenges and pressures faced by students, particularly those related to their aspirations for upward mobility. These pressures can lead to profound sorrow and, in some extreme cases, even suicide.

Step 2: Analyzing the factors mentioned in the passage:
- The author mentions that the heavy burden of responsibility passed from one generation to the next, and the failure to meet expectations can lead to sorrow and suicide.
- The passage also discusses the role of coaching institutes, which create an atmosphere of uncertainty among students and parents. The competitive pressure, amplified by challenging exams and the marketing strategies of coaching institutes, is highlighted as a contributor to mental distress.
- The passage also mentions the difficulties faced by marginalized communities and gender minorities, and the impact of social media algorithms on mental health.

Step 3: Identifying the correct answer:
The passage does not suggest that "incorrect marketing strategies by the coaching institutes" directly lead to suicide. Instead, it points out that the pressure generated by coaching institutes' marketing, and the discrepancy between board examinations and competitive tests, amplify mental health issues and stress.

Step 4: Conclusion:
The correct answer is Incorrect marketing strategies by the coaching institutes, as the passage emphasizes the impact of competitive pressure and mental health challenges rather than just marketing strategies.

Answer 2

Step 1: Understanding the author's critique:
The author critiques the education system's focus on merit as a primary determinant for success. While the author acknowledges that merit does play a role, the passage raises concerns about the fairness and comprehensiveness of this approach.

Step 2: Analyzing the concept of merit:
The passage discusses the idea of "merit" and points out how the education system relies heavily on standardized tests to determine an individual's worth. This system, according to Michael J. Sandel, is called the "tyranny of merit," suggesting that the system fails to account for the broader and more nuanced qualities of a person.

Step 3: Recognizing the issue with merit as a sole factor:
The passage also references the Supreme Court of India’s call for a deeper evaluation of the “idea of merit” and critiques the one-dimensional approach that often overlooks other social and economic factors. This critique suggests that merit, when used as the sole determining factor, can be unfair and fail to consider other important aspects.

Step 4: Conclusion:
Based on the author’s argument that merit alone is insufficient to determine a student’s worth, the correct answer is option (B): "Merit of the students is not the determining factor." The passage emphasizes the need for a more nuanced evaluation of merit that goes beyond just academic performance.

Answer 3

Step 1: Understanding the author’s argument:
The author emphasizes that merit is a complex and multifaceted concept. The passage critiques the current educational system, which heavily relies on exams as the primary measure of merit. The author argues that this view of merit is too narrow and does not account for other important qualities or circumstances that contribute to a person’s abilities and potential.

Step 2: The author’s critique of the current education system:
The passage discusses how the education system places too much weight on standardized exams to determine a student’s merit. The author acknowledges that exams play a role in assessing certain skills but suggests that true merit includes a broader spectrum of capabilities, such as creativity, problem-solving, and other factors that are not measured by exams.

Step 3: The need for a broader evaluation:
The author calls for a deeper evaluation of merit that considers more than just exam performance. The passage highlights that the current system fails to adequately measure the diverse skills and qualities that contribute to an individual’s success in real life.

Step 4: Conclusion:
The correct answer is option (A): "True merit is multifaceted and extends beyond performance in a single competitive examination." This reflects the author's stance that merit cannot be fully captured by just exam results and must include a more holistic evaluation of an individual's abilities and potential.

Answer 4

Step 1: Understanding the author’s argument on inequalities:
The author highlights the role of competitive exams in amplifying existing inequalities in the education system. While these exams are often seen as a fair measure of merit, they inadvertently magnify the disparities that already exist due to factors such as socio-economic background, access to resources, and preparation opportunities.

Step 2: The impact of competitive exams on inequalities:
The passage discusses how the preparation for competitive exams creates an environment that favors those with more resources, such as access to coaching, better schools, or family support. This exacerbates the educational gap between privileged and marginalized communities.

Step 3: Critique of the current system:
The author critiques the idea that competitive exams can serve as a truly equitable measure of merit, arguing instead that they often reinforce existing social and economic inequalities. The exams, designed to identify the best students, end up disproportionately benefiting those who are already in favorable circumstances.

Step 4: Conclusion:
The correct answer is option (D): "There are existing inequalities which are enlarged by the competitive examinations." This choice reflects the author’s argument that competitive exams exacerbate pre-existing inequalities rather than leveling the playing field for all students.

Answer 5

Step 1: Understanding the role of online platforms in education:
The author discusses the growing role of online platforms in the education system. These platforms provide students with access to valuable resources, including study materials, test preparation tools, and strategies for success. By making educational content more accessible, they motivate students to study and prepare for exams.

Step 2: How online platforms benefit students:
Online platforms offer flexibility and convenience, allowing students to prepare for exams from the comfort of their homes. These platforms are designed to cater to different learning styles and needs, providing a range of materials such as video lessons, practice tests, and expert strategies. This accessibility encourages students to stay focused and engaged in their studies.

Step 3: Encouragement through resources:
By offering these resources, online platforms help students stay motivated to continue preparing for exams. The availability of a structured learning environment helps students maintain discipline and focus on their goals.

Step 4: Conclusion:
The correct answer is option (B): "It encourages the students to prepare for examination." This is consistent with the author’s point that online platforms play a significant role in motivating students by providing them with the necessary tools and resources for exam preparation.

Answer 6

Step 1: Understanding the author's perspective on online resources:
The author discusses the availability of online resources as a factor that can help address challenges in the education system. Rather than being a hindrance, these resources are seen as a potential solution to provide more equitable access to quality education.

Step 2: The role of online resources in addressing educational inequalities:
The author emphasizes that online resources offer a means to bridge the gap in educational opportunities, particularly for students from marginalized communities who may not have access to traditional educational tools and materials. By offering online study materials, courses, and tutorials, education becomes more accessible to a wider range of students.

Step 3: The potential of online resources:
The availability of online resources allows students to learn at their own pace and access learning materials from anywhere. This flexibility contributes to making education more inclusive, reducing barriers to quality education that some students may face due to geographical or financial constraints.

Step 4: Conclusion:
The correct answer is option (C): "Availability of online resources." The author views this availability as an important solution to creating more equitable learning opportunities, rather than a challenge to quality education.