Paragraph: When a child reaches adolescence, there is apt to be a conflict between the parents and the child,
since the latter considers himself to be by now quite capable of managing his own affairs, while the former are filled with parental solicitude, which is often a disguise for love of power. Parents consider, usually, that the various moral problems which arise in adolescence are peculiarly their province. The options they express, however, are so dogmatic that the young seldom confide in them, and usually go their own way in secret.
Q1. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. The adolescent does not feel comfortable with his parents because they tend to be dominating and assertive.
2. The adolescent of modern times does not have much respect for parents.
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: a) 1 only
Q2. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the above passage?
a) Parents in general may not be of much help when children are on their way to becoming adults.
b) When children reach adolescence, involvement of parents in their lives is unnecessary.
c) Modern-day nuclear families are not capable of bringing up children properly.
d) In modern societies, adolescents tend to be Stubborn, disobedient and careless.
Correct answer: a) Parents in general may not be of much help when children are on their way to becoming adults.
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT
Explanation :
Q1: Analyzing the assumptions:
Assumption 1: “The adolescent does not feel comfortable with his parents because they tend to be dominating and assertive.”
– The passage supports this assumption through:
– Mention of parents’ “parental solicitude” being a “disguise for love of power”
– Parents being “dogmatic” in their opinions
– Young people not confiding in parents and going “their own way in secret”
Assumption 2: “The adolescent of modern times does not have much respect for parents.”
– The passage doesn’t support this assumption:
– It doesn’t discuss respect levels or compare modern times with any other period
– The conflict described is about independence and communication, not respect
Therefore, option a) 1 only is correct.
Q2: Analyzing the central idea:
Looking at the key points in the passage:
– Focus on conflict between parents and adolescents
– Parents’ dogmatic approach to moral problems
– Breakdown in parent-child communication
– Adolescents seeking independence but facing parental control
Option a) “Parents in general may not be of much help when children are on their way to becoming adults” best captures these elements because:
– It reflects the communication breakdown
– It acknowledges the ineffectiveness of parental intervention
– It aligns with the passage’s theme of parents’ approach being counterproductive
The other options either go beyond the passage’s scope or make claims not supported by the text.
Therefore, option a) is the correct answer.
