Minimalist IAS
CSAT 2026 paper

UPSC CSE CSAT 2026 · Question 27 · Reading comprehension

Which of the following reflect the intent of the writer in the above passage?

Directions for the next 3 (three) items: Read the following passage and answer the items that follow. Your answers should be based solely on the passage.

Passage

When SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in 2019, it was a truly novel virus for the world. At that time, no one in the world had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or had specific immunity against it. In contrast, people across the world have been exposed to HMPV for decades and the virus is well-studied. HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 belong to two very different virus families with fundamentally different characteristics and epidemiology, with strong seasonality seen in HMPV, unlike SARS-CoV-2. Both viruses cause different severity of symptoms, particularly over the long term, and the affected population segments do not fully overlap. In general, HMPV causes milder illness with deaths being very rare and with no long-term post-viral symptoms.

CSAT 2026 · Q27

Reading comprehension Medium Provisional key

Which of the following reflect the intent of the writer in the above passage?

  1. 1.To evolve methodologies for objective analysis of the two viruses
  2. 2.To establish the epidemiological similarities and differences between the two viruses
  3. 3.To offer a better understanding of the remedies of HMPV when analysed in conjunction with SARS-CoV-2

Select the answer using the code given below.

Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) None of the above

The writer's aim is to show that HMPV is a familiar, milder and very different virus from SARS-CoV-2. The passage develops no method of analysis, does not set out similarities, and says nothing about remedies.

  • ✗ 1. No methodology is proposed; the passage simply states facts about the two viruses.
  • ✗ 2. The passage stresses only differences ('fundamentally different characteristics and epidemiology'); it does not set out similarities.
  • ✗ 3. Remedies or treatment are not discussed at all.

Remember · For 'intent of the writer', ask what the passage actually does; reject aims it never attempts (methods, remedies).

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

More on Reading comprehension

All Reading comprehension questions →