Comprehension : Comprehension

Q 15 / 466

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the items that follow. Your answers should be based solely on the passage.
Passage: When SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in 2019, it was a truly novel virus for the world. At that time, no one in the world had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or had specific immunity against it. In contrast, people across the world have been exposed to HMPV for decades and the virus is well-studied. HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 belong to two very different virus families with fundamentally different characteristics and epidemiology, with strong seasonality seen in HMPV, unlike SARS-CoV-2. Both viruses cause different severity of symptoms, particularly over the long term, and the affected population segments do not fully overlap. In general, HMPV causes milder illness with deaths being very rare and with no long-term post-viral symptoms.
Which of the following reflect the intent of the writer in the above passage?
  1. To evolve methodologies for objective analysis of the two viruses
  2. To establish the epidemiological similarities and differences between the two viruses
  3. To offer a better understanding of the remedies of HMPV when analysed in conjunction with SARS-CoV-2
Select the answer using the code given below.

EXPLANATION

The correct option is D - None of the above.

[as per provisional answerkey]

Why this is correct

The passage is a descriptive comparison between two viruses, SARS-CoV-2 and HMPV, highlighting their differences in terms of novelty, immunity, seasonality, severity, and long-term effects. However, none of the statements provided in the options accurately reflect the intent of the writer based solely on the text:

  • Statement 1 is incorrect: The writer describes the characteristics of the viruses but does not propose, discuss, or "evolve" any scientific methodologies or research frameworks for analysis.
  • Statement 2 is incorrect: While the writer mentions differences, the passage explicitly states that the viruses have "fundamentally different characteristics and epidemiology." The writer's intent is to contrast them rather than "establish similarities," as the passage emphasizes how they do not overlap.
  • Statement 3 is incorrect: The passage mentions nothing about "remedies," treatments, or medical interventions for either virus. It focuses on their nature and impact, not their cure.

Since none of the individual statements are supported by the passage, the correct choice is "None of the above."

Why the other options are incorrect

  • Option (a) - 1 and 2: This is incorrect because the passage is a brief comparison, not a methodological paper (Statement 1), and it focuses almost entirely on differences rather than establishing a balanced set of similarities (Statement 2).
  • Option (b) - 2 and 3: This is incorrect because the passage lacks any mention of remedies or clinical solutions (Statement 3), and the focus is on the distinctness of the viruses rather than shared epidemiological traits.
  • Option (c) - 1 and 3: This is incorrect as it combines the flaw of assuming a methodological intent (Statement 1) with the flaw of assuming a focus on medical remedies (Statement 3), neither of which are present in the text.

Key Concept

Critical reasoning in reading comprehension requires distinguishing between the subject matter (comparing two viruses) and the intent (the specific goal of the author), while strictly avoiding information not present in the text (such as remedies or methodologies).