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UPSC CSE CSAT 2017 · Question 27 · Reading comprehension

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

Passage—7

There is more than a modicum of truth in the assertion that “a working knowledge of ancient history is necessary to the intelligent interpretation of current events”. But the sage who uttered these words of wisdom might well have added something on the benefits of studying particularly the famous battles of history for the lessons they contain for those of us who lead or aspire to leadership. Such a study will reveal certain qualities and attributes which enabled the winners to win—and certain deficiencies which caused the losers to lose. And the student will see that the same pattern recurs consistently, again and again, throughout the centuries.

CSAT 2017 · Q27

Reading comprehension Medium

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

  1. 1.A study of the famous battles of history would help us understand the modern warfare.
  2. 2.Studying the history is essential for anyone who aspires to be a leader.

Which of these assumptions is/are valid?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2

The passage values the study of famous battles for the lessons on leadership they hold — why winners won and losers lost. It says nothing about understanding modern warfare, and it does not make history essential for every aspiring leader.

  • ✗ 1. The lessons drawn from battles concern the qualities of leaders, not modern warfare.
  • ✗ 2. The passage says such study is beneficial and revealing; 'essential for anyone' goes further. The word 'necessary' in the quoted assertion is about interpreting current events, not about leadership.

Remember · Check the purpose the passage gives: an assumption that shifts the benefit to another goal, or hardens 'beneficial' into 'essential', is invalid.

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2017, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·

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