Question

The 2001 census showed a sharp fall in the literacy rate compared to 1991, but an increase in the literacy rate by 2006 suggests that between 1991 and 2006 India progressed in terms of literacy rate. Which of the following statements, if true, best refutes the above argument?

• A. One of the causes of more literacy is the increased population growth rate.
• B. Although there was no census in 2006 the information about the literacy rate is reliable.
• C. Many of those who were illiterate in 2001 become literate by 2006.
• D. The rate of fall in literacy rate between 1991 and 2001 was more than the rate of rise in literacy rate between 2001 and 2006.
• E. The rise in literacy rate between 2001 and 2006 was due to persistent campaign on television and FM radio.

Hint:

- When asked to \textbf{refute an argument}, look for statements that directly undermine the conclusion, not just side explanations.
- Compare the net effect across the entire time period, not just part of it.
- Elimination strategy: rule out options that support or are irrelevant to the main conclusion.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: The argument in the passage is that although the 2001 census showed a sharp fall in literacy rate compared to 1991, the rise in literacy rate by 2006 implies overall progress between 1991 and 2006.
Step 2: To refute this argument, we need a statement showing that the progress between 1991 and 2006 is not genuine or not enough to compensate for the earlier fall.
Step 3: Option (D) directly challenges the argument by stating that the rate of fall in literacy (1991–2001) was greater than the rate of rise (2001–2006). This means that overall, the literacy rate in 2006 would still be lower than in 1991, thereby disproving the claim of overall progress.
Step 4: Other options do not refute the argument:
- (A) talks about causes, not about the net progress.
- (B) strengthens reliability of the data.
- (C) supports improvement.
- (E) explains the cause of rise but doesn’t negate progress.
Hence, the best refutation is Option (D).