CSAT 2024

Paragraph: Conventional classrooms, by emphasizing fixed duration over learning effectiveness, resign themselves to variable outcomes.

The tyranny of the classroom is that every learner is subjected to the same set of lectures in the same way for the same duration. In the end, a few learners shine, some survive, and the rest are left behind. After the fixed duration, the classroom model moves on, with not a thought spared for those left behind. This is how we end up with 10 percent employability in our graduates after a decade and half of formal education. Repeating the same ineffectual script in the realm of skill education will not produce different results.

Q1. Which of the following statements best reflects/reflect the most logical and rational inference/inferences that can be made from the passage?
1. In conventional classroom learning, the central goal is duration of Learning rather than attainment of competency.
2. Conventional classrooms encourage one-size-fits-all approach and stamp out all differentiation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: c) Both 1 and 2

Q2. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. As a large number of workers in our country are employed in the unorganized sector, India does not need to change its present conventional classroom system of education.
2. Even with its present conventional classroom system of education, India produces a sufficient number of skilled workers to fully realize the benefits of demographic dividend.

Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT

Explanation : 

Q1 Analysis:
The passage criticizes conventional classrooms on two main points:
1. Focus on fixed duration over learning effectiveness
2. One-size-fits-all approach where all learners get the same lectures for same duration

Statement 1: “In conventional classroom learning, the central goal is duration of Learning rather than attainment of competency.”
– This is supported by the passage’s criticism of fixed duration and moving on regardless of outcomes
– The passage mentions “emphasizing fixed duration over learning effectiveness”
– This is a valid inference

Statement 2: “Conventional classrooms encourage one-size-fits-all approach and stamp out all differentiation.”
– Directly supported by “every learner is subjected to the same set of lectures in the same way for the same duration”
– The poor outcomes mentioned (10% employability) reinforce this point
– This is a valid inference

Answer (c) is correct since both statements are valid inferences.

Q2 Analysis:
Let’s examine each assumption:

Assumption 1: “India doesn’t need to change its system because many workers are in unorganized sector”
– The passage criticizes the current system’s ineffectiveness
– Shows poor outcomes (10% employability)
– The presence of workers in unorganized sector doesn’t justify keeping an ineffective system
– This assumption is invalid

Assumption 2: “Current system produces sufficient skilled workers for demographic dividend”
– Passage explicitly states only 10% employability after 15 years of education
– Clearly indicates insufficient skill development
– This assumption contradicts the passage
– This assumption is invalid

Answer (d) is correct since neither assumption is valid based on the passage.

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