Prelims - Smart Questions Solving Technique - CHOOSING BROAD, INCLUSIVE OPTIONS

In UPSC CSE Prelims, questions often present options where some are broad and inclusive, while others are narrow and restrictive. The Choosing Broad, Inclusive Options method helps when you're uncertain about the answer but can make an educated guess by recognizing that UPSC generally favours broader or more inclusive answers, as they tend to cover a wider scope and are less likely to be wrong.

This method works because:

• Broad options tend to include multiple possibilities, making them less prone to factual errors.
• Narrow or extreme options are more likely to be wrong because they often restrict the answer to specific cases or conditions.
• Inclusive options cover a wide range of ideas, concepts, or outcomes, making them more comprehensive and accurate.

Let’s break down this method and understand it with detailed examples from UPSC CSE Prelims questions.

How to Apply the Method:

1.        Step 1: Identify Broad or Inclusive Phrases in the Options

o    Look for options that are general, all-encompassing, or include multiple elements. These options are typically broader in scope.

2.        Step 2: Compare Narrow vs. Broad Options

o    Evaluate which options are too specific or restrictive in their wording. These narrow options are more likely to be wrong because they leave less room for flexibility or exceptions.

3.        Step 3: Choose the Option that Covers a Wider Range

o    Select the answer that addresses the larger picture or more possibilities, making it a safer bet in the absence of complete knowledge.

Question: Which of the following statements is the most appropriate definition of Sustainable Development?

A) Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

B) Development focused solely on economic growth.

C) Development that prioritizes industrial expansion.

D) Development that encourages the use of non-renewable resources for rapid economic growth.

Step-by-Step Application of Choosing Broad, Inclusive Options:

Step 1: Identify Broad or Inclusive Phrases.

• Option A mentions present and future generations and focuses on meeting needs without compromising. This is a broad, inclusive definition because it considers both current and future generations and multiple aspects (social, economic, environmental).
• Option B focuses solely on economic growth, making it too narrow.
• Option C is even more restrictive, prioritizing industrial expansion only.
• Option D is highly specific and incorrect, as it encourages non-renewable resources, which contradicts the idea of sustainability.

Step 2: Compare Narrow vs. Broad Options.

• Option A is the broadest and most inclusive, covering multiple aspects of development and addressing both present and future concerns.
• Option B, C, and D are narrow and focused on limited aspects like economic growth or industrialization, making them less appropriate.

Step 3: Choose the Broad, Inclusive Option.

• Option A is the correct answer because it provides a comprehensive definition of sustainable development.

Final Answer: A (Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs).

Common Mistake:

• Some students might mistakenly choose B or C, thinking they are related to development, but they miss the broader concept of sustainability that includes environmental and social dimensions.

Question: Consider the following statements regarding global warming:

1.        Global warming can lead to changes in ocean currents.

2.        Global warming may affect the patterns of monsoons.

3.        Global warming can cause the melting of glaciers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 2 only

C) 1, 2, and 3

D) 3 only

Step-by-Step Application of Choosing Broad, Inclusive Options:

Step 1: Identify Broad or Inclusive Phrases.

• Option C (1, 2, and 3) includes all three effects of global warming: changes in ocean currents, monsoon patterns, and glacier melting. This is broad and inclusive as it covers multiple impacts of global warming.
• Option A (1 only) is too narrow and excludes other significant effects.
• Option B (1 and 2 only) leaves out the important impact of glacier melting.
• Option D (3 only) is very narrow, focusing only on one aspect.

Step 2: Compare Narrow vs. Broad Options.

• Option C covers the most possibilities and is likely correct since global warming has wide-ranging effects.
• The other options are too restrictive in scope.

Step 3: Choose the Broad, Inclusive Option.

• Option C is the correct answer because it includes all the major impacts of global warming.

Final Answer: C (1, 2, and 3).

Common Mistake:

• Students may choose Option B, thinking it covers enough effects, but they miss the broader impact of glacier melting, which is also crucial.

Question: Which of the following can be the consequences of deforestation?

1.        Loss of biodiversity

2.        Increase in soil erosion

3.        Disruption of the water cycle

4.        Increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2, and 3 only

C) 2 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Step-by-Step Application of Choosing Broad, Inclusive Options:

Step 1: Identify Broad or Inclusive Phrases.

• Option D (1, 2, 3, and 4) includes all potential consequences: biodiversity loss, soil erosion, water cycle disruption, and increase in CO2 levels. This is broad and covers multiple dimensions.
• Option A (1 and 2 only) is too narrow, leaving out important consequences.
• Option B (1, 2, and 3 only) is also not fully inclusive, missing the increase in carbon dioxide.
• Option C (2 and 4 only) excludes important ecological consequences like biodiversity loss.

Step 2: Compare Narrow vs. Broad Options.

• Option D is the broadest and most comprehensive, covering all listed consequences of deforestation.
• The other options are narrower, excluding significant effects.

Step 3: Choose the Broad, Inclusive Option.

• Option D is the correct answer because it includes all possible consequences of deforestation.

Final Answer: D (1, 2, 3, and 4).

Common Mistake:

• Students might choose Option B thinking that soil erosion and biodiversity loss are enough, but they miss out on the broader consequences such as carbon dioxide levels.

Question: Which of the following best describes the role of the United Nations (UN)?

A) The UN is a global organization that focuses solely on promoting peace and security.

B) The UN is a global organization that promotes economic, social, and cultural development, in addition to maintaining peace and security.

C) The UN’s primary role is to mediate conflicts between member countries.

D) The UN is a global platform for addressing environmental issues only.

Step-by-Step Application of Choosing Broad, Inclusive Options:

Step 1: Identify Broad or Inclusive Phrases.

• Option B talks about the UN's multiple roles: promoting peace, economic, social, and cultural development. This is broad and reflects the wide scope of the UN’s work.
• Option A and Option C focus too narrowly on peace and security, which, while important, don't represent the full scope of the UN's activities.
• Option D focuses solely on environmental issues, which is much too narrow.

Step 2: Compare Narrow vs. Broad Options.

• Option B is broad and includes various aspects of the UN’s work, making it the most likely correct answer.
• The other options are narrow and don’t cover the wide range of activities the UN is involved in.

Step 3: Choose the Broad, Inclusive Option.

• Option B is the correct answer because it covers the diverse roles of the UN.

Final Answer: B (The UN promotes economic, social, and cultural development, in addition to maintaining peace and security).

Common Mistake:

• Some students might choose Option A or C focusing only on the peace and security aspect, missing the broader role of the UN in development and social issues.

Question: Which of the following factors contribute to the greenhouse effect?

1.        Carbon dioxide

2.        Methane

3.        Water vapor

4.        Oxygen

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2, and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 2, 3, and 4 only

Step-by-Step Application of Choosing Broad, Inclusive Options:

Step 1: Identify Broad or Inclusive Phrases.

• Option B (1, 2, and 3) includes the three major greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. This is broad and inclusive as it covers the primary gases contributing to the greenhouse effect.
• Option A (1 and 2 only) excludes water vapor, which is a significant greenhouse gas.
• Option C (1 and 3 only) leaves out methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Option D (2, 3, and 4) includes oxygen, which is not a greenhouse gas, making this option incorrect.

Step 2: Compare Narrow vs. Broad Options.

• Option B is the broadest and most inclusive as it covers the main contributors to the greenhouse effect.
• The other options are narrower and exclude significant greenhouse gases.

Step 3: Choose the Broad, Inclusive Option.

• Option B is the correct answer because it includes all the relevant greenhouse gases.

Final Answer: B (1, 2, and 3 only).

Common Mistake:

• Some students might choose Option A or C, not realizing the important role of water vapor or methane in the greenhouse effect.

Question: Which of the following factors contribute to soil erosion?

1.        Deforestation

2.        Overgrazing

3.        Urbanization

4.        Crop rotation

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A) 1, 2, and 3 only

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Step-by-Step Application of Choosing Broad, Inclusive Options:

Step 1: Identify Broad or Inclusive Phrases.

• Option A (1, 2, and 3 only) includes deforestation, overgrazing, and urbanization, which are all known contributors to soil erosion. This option is broad and includes multiple causes.
• Option B (1 and 3 only) excludes overgrazing, which is a significant cause of soil erosion.
• Option C (2 and 4 only) includes overgrazing but incorrectly includes crop rotation, which prevents erosion rather than causing it.
• Option D (1, 2, 3, and 4) incorrectly includes crop rotation, which doesn’t contribute to erosion.

Step 2: Compare Narrow vs. Broad Options.

• Option A covers all the major contributors to soil erosion and excludes crop rotation, which is irrelevant.
• The other options either miss important factors or include incorrect ones.

Step 3: Choose the Broad, Inclusive Option.

• Option A is the correct answer as it includes all relevant factors contributing to soil erosion without including incorrect ones.

Final Answer: A (1, 2, and 3 only).

Common Mistake:

• Some students might choose Option D thinking that crop rotation is relevant, but it is actually a preventative practice against erosion.

Question: Which of the following statements regarding renewable energy sources are correct?

1.        Solar energy is a renewable source of energy.

2.        Wind energy is renewable.

3.        Fossil fuels are considered renewable energy.

4.        Hydropower is a renewable energy source.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2, and 4 only

C) 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Step-by-Step Application of Choosing Broad, Inclusive Options:

Step 1: Identify Broad or Inclusive Phrases.

• Option B (1, 2, and 4 only) includes solar, wind, and hydropower, which are all renewable energy sources, making this option broad and comprehensive.
• Option A (1 and 2 only) leaves out hydropower, a significant renewable energy source.
• Option C (3 and 4 only) incorrectly includes fossil fuels, which are non-renewable.
• Option D (1, 2, 3, and 4) incorrectly includes fossil fuels as a renewable source, making it incorrect.

Step 2: Compare Narrow vs. Broad Options.

• Option B is broad and inclusive because it covers the major renewable energy sources without including fossil fuels.
• Option A is narrower and misses out on hydropower.
• Option C and D are incorrect due to the inclusion of fossil fuels.

Step 3: Choose the Broad, Inclusive Option.

• Option B is the correct answer because it covers solar, wind, and hydropower as renewable sources.

Final Answer: B (1, 2, and 4 only).

Common Mistake:

• Students might choose D thinking all the listed sources are renewable, but they fail to notice that fossil fuels are non-renewable.

Question: Which of the following measures can help reduce air pollution in urban areas?

1.        Promoting public transportation

2.        Reducing industrial emissions

3.        Encouraging the use of electric vehicles

4.        Planting more trees

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1, 2, and 3 only

D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Step-by-Step Application of Choosing Broad, Inclusive Options:

Step 1: Identify Broad or Inclusive Phrases.

• Option D (1, 2, 3, and 4) includes all four measures, which can effectively help reduce air pollution in urban areas. This option is broad and includes multiple strategies.
• Option A (1 and 2 only) excludes electric vehicles and tree planting, which are important measures.
• Option B (2 and 3 only) leaves out public transportation and tree planting.
• Option C (1, 2, and 3 only) misses out on tree planting.

Step 2: Compare Narrow vs. Broad Options.

• Option D is the broadest and includes all the relevant measures to reduce air pollution.
• The other options exclude key factors, making them narrower.

Step 3: Choose the Broad, Inclusive Option.

• Option D is the correct answer because it includes all possible measures that contribute to reducing air pollution.

Final Answer: D (1, 2, 3, and 4).

Common Mistake:

• Some students might choose Option C, thinking tree planting isn’t as important, but it plays a significant role in reducing air pollution.

Question: Which of the following are considered greenhouse gases?

1.        Carbon dioxide

2.        Methane

3.        Nitrous oxide

4.        Oxygen

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A) 1, 2, and 3 only

B) 1 and 4 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Step-by-Step Application of Choosing Broad, Inclusive Options:

Step 1: Identify Broad or Inclusive Phrases.

• Option A (1, 2, and 3 only) includes carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which are all recognized greenhouse gases. This option is broad and includes the most relevant gases.
• Option B (1 and 4 only) incorrectly includes oxygen, which is not a greenhouse gas.
• Option C (2 and 3 only) leaves out carbon dioxide, which is the most significant greenhouse gas.
• Option D (1, 2, 3, and 4) includes oxygen, which makes it incorrect.

Step 2: Compare Narrow vs. Broad Options.

• Option A is the broadest and correct because it includes the relevant greenhouse gases without including oxygen.
• The other options are either too narrow or include incorrect gases.

Step 3: Choose the Broad, Inclusive Option.

• Option A is the correct answer because it includes the relevant greenhouse gases.

Final Answer: A (1, 2, and 3 only).

Common Mistake:

• Some students might choose Option D thinking all gases are correct, but oxygen is not a greenhouse gas.

Question: Which of the following sectors contribute to economic growth in developing countries?

1.        Agriculture

2.        Industry

3.        Services

4.        Space exploration

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A) 1, 2, and 3 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Step-by-Step Application of Choosing Broad, Inclusive Options:

Step 1: Identify Broad or Inclusive Phrases.

• Option A (1, 2, and 3 only) includes agriculture, industry, and services, which are the three major sectors that contribute to economic growth. This option is broad and inclusive.
• Option B (2 and 3 only) leaves out agriculture, a crucial sector for many developing countries.
• Option C (1 and 4 only) includes space exploration, which is not a major contributor to economic growth in developing countries.
• Option D (1, 2, 3, and 4) incorrectly includes space exploration, which is not a significant sector for developing countries.

Step 2: Compare Narrow vs. Broad Options.

• Option A is the broadest and covers the major sectors contributing to economic growth.
• The other options either leave out key sectors or include incorrect ones.

Step 3: Choose the Broad, Inclusive Option.

• Option A is the correct answer because it includes the three main sectors that drive economic growth in developing countries.

Final Answer: A (1, 2, and 3 only).

Common Mistake:

• Some students might choose Option D, thinking space exploration is relevant, but it is not a major sector for economic growth in developing countries.

The Choosing Broad, Inclusive Options method is highly effective in the UPSC CSE Prelims, especially when you are uncertain. By recognizing broader, more comprehensive options, you:

• Increase the chances of selecting the correct answer since broad options tend to cover a wider range of possibilities.
• Avoid the pitfalls of narrow or restrictive options that might miss important elements or over-focus on specific details.

By practicing this technique, you can improve your accuracy and make informed guesses even when you're unsure of the exact answer.