Mindyard | In a world where aspirations for upward mobility are fervent, the opportunities for achieving such dreams remain limited. When one generation falls short, the mantle of ambition passes to the next, embedding within it a heavy burden of responsibility. Failing to meet these expectations can lead to profound sorrow, and in the direst cases, even to suicide. It’s in this landscape that coaching institutes assume a significant role, cultivating an atmosphere of uncertainty among students and parents. A stark discrepancy emerges between preparation for board examinations and competitive tests, amplifying the inequalities that plague the education system. The coaching industry’s massive marketing campaigns further exacerbate the situation, with some strategies veering into ethical grey areas. The tests themselves, designed to be more challenging than standardised exams, set the stage for feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt when not conquered. Our educational system is tailored to gauge an individual’s merit through examinations. Eminent thinker Michael J Sandel dubs this system the “tyranny of merit”, a sentiment echoed by the Supreme Court of India. Upholding the OBC reservation judgment, the Court called for a deeper evaluation of the “idea of merit”, highlighting its nuanced nature. Merit as a concept remains shrouded in misunderstanding and often goes unexamined within school curriculum. Adapting to new living arrangements, sourcing nourishing meals, battling isolation, and grappling with commutes form the backdrop against, which education unfolds. For marginalised communities and gender minorities, these hurdles are often amplified. Social media algorithms exacerbate mental health concerns, sowing loneliness and impeding attention spans and creativity. Technology emerges as a potential equaliser in this landscape. Online platforms now offer preparation opportunities from the comfort of one’s home. Government-curated or market-driven content could usher in a new era of accessibility. [Extracted, with edits and revisions from “Kota suicides: Coaching institutes manufacture insecurity — moving beyond the tyranny of merit might help” authored by Akash Kumar and published in The Indian Express dated September 2, 2023] Which of the following is correct regarding the inequalities mentioned by the author? There is no difference between the preparation of board and competitive examination., Education system accommodates the inequalities., Competitive examination leads to social equality., There are existing inequalities which are enlarged by the competitive examinations.

In a world where aspirations for upward mobility are fervent, the opportunities for achieving such dreams remain limited. When one generation falls short, the mantle of ambition passes to the next, embedding within it a heavy burden of responsibility. Failing to meet these expectations can lead to profound sorrow, and in the direst cases, even to suicide. It’s in this landscape that coaching institutes assume a significant role, cultivating an atmosphere of uncertainty among students and parents. A stark discrepancy emerges between preparation for board examinations and competitive tests, amplifying the inequalities that plague the education system. The coaching industry’s massive marketing campaigns further exacerbate the situation, with some strategies veering into ethical grey areas. The tests themselves, designed to be more challenging than standardised exams, set the stage for feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt when not conquered. Our educational system is tailored to gauge an individual’s merit through examinations. Eminent thinker Michael J Sandel dubs this system the “tyranny of merit”, a sentiment echoed by the Supreme Court of India. Upholding the OBC reservation judgment, the Court called for a deeper evaluation of the “idea of merit”, highlighting its nuanced nature. Merit as a concept remains shrouded in misunderstanding and often goes unexamined within school curriculum. Adapting to new living arrangements, sourcing nourishing meals, battling isolation, and grappling with commutes form the backdrop against, which education unfolds. For marginalised communities and gender minorities, these hurdles are often amplified. Social media algorithms exacerbate mental health concerns, sowing loneliness and impeding attention spans and creativity. Technology emerges as a potential equaliser in this landscape. Online platforms now offer preparation opportunities from the comfort of one’s home. Government-curated or market-driven content could usher in a new era of accessibility. [Extracted, with edits and revisions from “Kota suicides: Coaching institutes manufacture insecurity — moving beyond the tyranny of merit might help” authored by Akash Kumar and published in The Indian Express dated September 2, 2023]

Which of the following is correct regarding the inequalities mentioned by the author?

Options

There is no difference between the preparation of board and competitive examination.

Education system accommodates the inequalities.

Competitive examination leads to social equality.

There are existing inequalities which are enlarged by the competitive examinations.

Correct Answer :

Option D

There are existing inequalities which are enlarged by the competitive examinations.

Solution :

The correct answer is There are existing inequalities which are enlarged by the competitive examinations.

Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Analyze the Passage Content:
The passage addresses the challenges faced by students within the current educational landscape. Specifically, it notes: "A stark discrepancy emerges between preparation for board examinations and competitive tests, amplifying the inequalities that plague the education system."

2. Evaluate the Options:

• Option 1: "There is no difference between the preparation of board and competitive examination." — This is incorrect because the passage explicitly states that a "stark discrepancy emerges between preparation for board examinations and competitive tests."

• Option 2: "Education system accommodates the inequalities." — This is incorrect because the passage explains that the system and coaching culture exacerbate and amplify inequalities, rather than harmoniously accommodating them.

• Option 3: "Competitive examination leads to social equality." — This is incorrect as competitive tests create feelings of inadequacy and widen existing gaps rather than promoting social equality.

• Option 4: "There are existing inequalities which are enlarged by the competitive examinations." — This is correct. The text explicitly mentions that the discrepancy between standard board exams and competitive tests amplifies existing inequalities in the education system, alongside hurdles for marginalized communities.

Therefore, the statement that correctly reflects the author's argument regarding inequalities is that competitive examinations enlarge existing inequalities.

Get 3 Months FREE trial

Create, conduct, and manage professional online assessments with Mindyard. Perfect for teachers and institutes.

Unlock Our Free Library

You may also like

Study Material

Clat 2019 UG Question Paper with Solution

Clat 2018 UG Question Paper with Solution

Mock Tests

Clat 2019 UG

Clat 2018 UG

Ask AI Tutor