Paragraph: In a robust democracy, reality, howsoever inconvenient it may be,
finds its expression both in the speech of political leaders and the other social forms of assertion. The existence of the real has to be transparent, both through its circulation in and by the media as well as its argumentative articulation in deliberative democracy. A normatively responsible media through its communication effect has the responsibility to circulate the content of reality without distortion.
Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the above passage?
a) Responsible media should not distort the real in an ideal democracy.
b) Fake news seems inherent in the life of an ideal democracy.
c) There should not be any kind of restrictions on the freedom of expression in an ideal democracy.
d) Irresponsible media and political leaders cannot be effectively controlled in an ideal democracy.
Correct answer: a) Responsible media should not distort the real in an ideal democracy.
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT
Explanation :
1. Key themes in the paragraph:
– Reality must be expressed in democratic discourse
– Reality should be transparent through:
* Political leaders’ speech
* Social forms of assertion
* Media circulation
* Deliberative democracy
– Media has a responsibility to communicate reality without distortion
2. Looking at each option:
a) States that responsible media should not distort reality – this aligns with the paragraph’s emphasis on transparent reality and media responsibility
b) Suggests fake news is inherent – contradicts the paragraph’s focus on truthful representation
c) Discusses freedom of expression restrictions – not directly addressed in the passage
d) Claims inability to control media/leaders – not discussed in the passage
3. The crux of the passage is about:
– The importance of reality being represented accurately in democracy
– The media’s responsibility in this process
– The need for truthful communication
The answer “a) Responsible media should not distort the real in an ideal democracy” is indeed correct because it:
– Captures the main emphasis on media responsibility
– Reflects the passage’s focus on accurate representation of reality
– Aligns with the normative expectation described in the final sentence
– Best summarizes the paragraph’s central message about media’s role in democratic communication
