Prelims - Smart Questions Solving Technique - LOOK FOR CONTRADICTIONS

The Look for Contradictions method is a highly effective strategy in the UPSC CSE Prelims when you encounter statements or options that seem to contradict each other. This method works well because contradictory statements cannot both be true, and identifying such contradictions helps you quickly eliminate incorrect options. By spotting contradictions or internal inconsistencies within the options, you can significantly narrow down the choices, making it easier to arrive at the correct answer.

This approach works because:

• Contradictions make it clear that one (or both) of the statements must be wrong.
• In many cases, questions are designed to test your ability to recognize logical or factual inconsistencies.
• UPSC often includes options that are either mutually exclusive or contain subtle contradictions, helping you eliminate them systematically.

Let’s break down this method and explore how it can be applied with examples from UPSC CSE Prelims questions.

How to Apply the Method:

1.        Step 1: Identify Contradictory Pairs of Statements or Options

o    Look for statements or options that present opposing ideas or make claims that cannot both be true. For example, one option might claim something is increasing while another says it is decreasing.

2.        Step 2: Compare Statements for Internal Inconsistencies

o    Analyse the options carefully and check for logical contradictions within each option or between options. If you find a contradiction, one of the statements must be wrong.

3.        Step 3: Eliminate the Contradictory Statements

o    Once you've identified the contradiction, eliminate the option(s) that contain the incorrect or contradictory information.

4.        Step 4: Narrow Down to the Correct Answer

o    After eliminating the contradictory options, you'll be left with a smaller set of choices, making it easier to pick the correct answer.

Question: With reference to Indian economy, consider the following statements:

1.        An increase in the repo rate by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) leads to higher borrowing costs for banks.

2.        A decrease in the repo rate encourages banks to borrow more from the RBI.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Step-by-Step Application of Look for Contradictions:

Step 1: Identify Contradictory Pairs of Statements.

• Statement 1 says an increase in the repo rate leads to higher borrowing costs. This is correct based on how monetary policy works.
• Statement 2 says that a decrease in the repo rate encourages banks to borrow more. This is also correct, as lowering the repo rate makes borrowing cheaper for banks.

Step 2: Compare Statements for Internal Inconsistencies.

• There is no contradiction between these two statements. Both describe different scenarios (one for increasing and the other for decreasing the repo rate). Hence, both could be true simultaneously.

Step 3: Eliminate Contradictory Statements.

• Since there is no contradiction between the statements, we don't eliminate any of the options at this point.

Step 4: Narrow Down to the Correct Answer.

• Both statements are correct, so the answer is C (Both 1 and 2).

Final Answer: C (Both 1 and 2).

Question: Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Parliament:

1.        The Rajya Sabha can amend or reject a Money Bill.

2.        A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Step-by-Step Application of Look for Contradictions:

Step 1: Identify Contradictory Pairs of Statements.

• Statement 1 says the Rajya Sabha can amend or reject a Money Bill, which is incorrect. According to the Constitution, the Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations on a Money Bill, but cannot amend or reject it.
• Statement 2 correctly states that a Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, making it a factual statement.

Step 2: Compare Statements for Internal Inconsistencies.

• Statement 1 contradicts the constitutional provisions regarding the powers of the Rajya Sabha over a Money Bill. This creates a clear contradiction between constitutional reality and the statement.

Step 3: Eliminate Contradictory Statements.

• Since Statement 1 is incorrect, eliminate options A (1 only) and C (Both 1 and 2).

Step 4: Narrow Down to the Correct Answer.

• You are left with B (2 only) and D (Neither 1 nor 2). Since Statement 2 is correct, the answer is B (2 only).

Final Answer: B (2 only).

Question: Consider the following statements regarding climate change:

1.        Global warming leads to an increase in the frequency of cyclones.

2.        Global warming results in a decrease in sea levels due to the melting of polar ice caps.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Step-by-Step Application of Look for Contradictions:

Step 1: Identify Contradictory Pairs of Statements.

• Statement 1 says global warming increases the frequency of cyclones, which is true. Climate change and rising ocean temperatures can lead to more frequent and intense cyclones.
• Statement 2 says global warming leads to a decrease in sea levels, which contradicts basic scientific understanding. Global warming causes sea levels to rise due to the melting of polar ice caps and the thermal expansion of water.

Step 2: Compare Statements for Internal Inconsistencies.

• Statement 2 is clearly contradictory to scientific knowledge about the effects of global warming. If ice caps melt, sea levels will rise, not fall.

Step 3: Eliminate Contradictory Statements.

• Eliminate B (2 only) and C (Both 1 and 2) because Statement 2 is incorrect.

Step 4: Narrow Down to the Correct Answer.

• You are left with A (1 only) and D (Neither 1 nor 2). Since Statement 1 is correct, the answer is A (1 only).

Final Answer: A (1 only).

Question: Consider the following statements about the United Nations (UN):

1.        The UN General Assembly is the principal organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

2.        The UN Security Council has permanent members with veto power.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Step-by-Step Application of Look for Contradictions:

Step 1: Identify Contradictory Pairs of Statements.

• Statement 1 says the UN General Assembly is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, which is incorrect. This role belongs to the UN Security Council, not the General Assembly.
• Statement 2 correctly states that the UN Security Council has permanent members with veto power.

Step 2: Compare Statements for Internal Inconsistencies.

• There’s a clear contradiction between Statement 1 and the actual role of the General Assembly. This makes Statement 1 incorrect.

Step 3: Eliminate Contradictory Statements.

• Eliminate A (1 only) and C (Both 1 and 2) because Statement 1 is incorrect.

Step 4: Narrow Down to the Correct Answer.

• You are left with B (2 only) and D (Neither 1 nor 2). Since Statement 2 is correct, the answer is B (2 only).

Final Answer: B (2 only).

Question: Consider the following statements about biodiversity:

1.        High biodiversity is typically found in tropical regions.

2.        Biodiversity decreases as we move towards the poles.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Step-by-Step Application of Look for Contradictions:

Step 1: Identify Contradictory Pairs of Statements.

• Statement 1 says that high biodiversity is found in tropical regions, which is correct. Tropical rainforests, for example, are known for their high levels of biodiversity.
• Statement 2 says biodiversity decreases as we move towards the poles, which is also correct. As we move away from the tropics, biodiversity tends to decline.

Step 2: Compare Statements for Internal Inconsistencies.

• There is no contradiction between these two statements, as they both describe well-known patterns in biodiversity distribution.

Step 3: Eliminate Contradictory Statements.

• Since there are no contradictions, there is no need to eliminate any options at this stage.

Step 4: Narrow Down to the Correct Answer.

• Both statements are correct, so the answer is C (Both 1 and 2).

Final Answer: C (Both 1 and 2).

Question: Consider the following statements about India's geography:

1.        The Eastern Ghats are higher in elevation than the Western Ghats.

2.        The Eastern Ghats run parallel to the eastern coast of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Step-by-Step Application of Look for Contradictions:

Step 1: Identify Contradictory Pairs of Statements.

• Statement 1 says that the Eastern Ghats are higher than the Western Ghats, which is incorrect. The Western Ghats are significantly higher in elevation compared to the Eastern Ghats.
• Statement 2 says that the Eastern Ghats run parallel to the eastern coast, which is correct. The Eastern Ghats extend along the eastern coast of India, though they are lower and more discontinuous than the Western Ghats.

Step 2: Compare Statements for Internal Inconsistencies.

• There is a clear contradiction between Statement 1 and known geographical facts about the relative heights of the Eastern and Western Ghats.

Step 3: Eliminate Contradictory Statements.

• Eliminate options that include Statement 1, as it is incorrect. This rules out A (1 only) and C (Both 1 and 2).

Step 4: Narrow Down to the Correct Answer.

• The correct answer is B (2 only) since Statement 2 is correct.

Final Answer: B (2 only).

Question: With reference to India's economic policies, consider the following statements:

1.        The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a destination-based tax.

2.        GST is imposed only on the central government's transactions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Step-by-Step Application of Look for Contradictions:

Step 1: Identify Contradictory Pairs of Statements.

• Statement 1 says GST is a destination-based tax, which is true. GST is collected at the point of consumption, rather than the point of production, making it destination based.
• Statement 2 says that GST is imposed only on central government transactions, which is incorrect. GST applies to both central and state-level transactions as it is a tax system applied across various goods and services.

Step 2: Compare Statements for Internal Inconsistencies.

• Statement 2 contradicts the basic framework of the GST system, as it applies to both central and state governments.

Step 3: Eliminate Contradictory Statements.

• Since Statement 2 is incorrect, eliminate B (2 only) and C (Both 1 and 2).

Step 4: Narrow Down to the Correct Answer.

• The correct answer is A (1 only) because Statement 1 is true.

Final Answer: A (1 only).

Question: Consider the following statements regarding India’s climate:

1.        The summer monsoon in India is caused by the southwest trade winds.

2.        The winter monsoon in India brings heavy rainfall to most parts of the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Step-by-Step Application of Look for Contradictions:

Step 1: Identify Contradictory Pairs of Statements.

• Statement 1 says that the summer monsoon is caused by the southwest trade winds, which is correct. The southwest monsoon is responsible for the majority of India’s rainfall during the summer season.
• Statement 2 says the winter monsoon brings heavy rainfall to most parts of India, which is incorrect. The winter monsoon brings limited rainfall, mainly to the southeastern coastal areas, especially in Tamil Nadu. Most parts of India receive little rainfall during this period.

Step 2: Compare Statements for Internal Inconsistencies.

• Statement 2 contradicts well-known facts about the distribution of rainfall during the winter monsoon.

Step 3: Eliminate Contradictory Statements.

• Eliminate B (2 only) and C (Both 1 and 2) because Statement 2 is incorrect.

Step 4: Narrow Down to the Correct Answer.

• The correct answer is A (1 only) since Statement 1 is correct.

Final Answer: A (1 only).

Question: Consider the following statements about the Indian Parliament:

1.        A bill cannot become a law unless it is passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

2.        The Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject a Money Bill.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Step-by-Step Application of Look for Contradictions:

Step 1: Identify Contradictory Pairs of Statements.

• Statement 1 says a bill cannot become a law unless it is passed by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, which is incorrect in the case of a Money Bill. A Money Bill can be passed by the Lok Sabha alone, and the Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations.
• Statement 2 says that the Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject a Money Bill, which is true. The Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations on a Money Bill, but it has no power to amend or reject it.

Step 2: Compare Statements for Internal Inconsistencies.

• Statement 1 contradicts the provisions for the passage of a Money Bill, where only the Lok Sabha’s approval is required for it to become law.

Step 3: Eliminate Contradictory Statements.

• Eliminate A (1 only) and C (Both 1 and 2) because Statement 1 is incorrect.

Step 4: Narrow Down to the Correct Answer.

• The correct answer is B (2 only) because Statement 2 is correct.

Final Answer: B (2 only).

Question: Consider the following statements about tropical rainforests:

1.        Tropical rainforests are characterized by high biodiversity.

2.        Tropical rainforests are found only near the equator.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Step-by-Step Application of Look for Contradictions:

Step 1: Identify Contradictory Pairs of Statements.

• Statement 1 says tropical rainforests are characterized by high biodiversity, which is correct. Tropical rainforests are some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.
• Statement 2 says that tropical rainforests are found only near the equator, which is incorrect. While most tropical rainforests are located near the equator, they also extend to regions slightly outside the equatorial belt, such as parts of the Amazon and Southeast Asia.

Step 2: Compare Statements for Internal Inconsistencies.

• Statement 2 contradicts the broader geographical distribution of tropical rainforests, which are not strictly confined to the equator.

Step 3: Eliminate Contradictory Statements.

• Eliminate B (2 only) and C (Both 1 and 2) because Statement 2 is incorrect.

Step 4: Narrow Down to the Correct Answer.

• The correct answer is A (1 only) since Statement 1 is correct.

Final Answer: A (1 only).

The Look for Contradictions method helps in UPSC CSE Prelims by allowing you to quickly eliminate incorrect options that contain inconsistent or mutually exclusive statements. To apply this method effectively:

• Look for factual or logical contradictions in the options.
• Identify whether one or both statements cannot be true at the same time.
• Eliminate the contradictory options to narrow down the correct answer.

By practicing this approach, you can make informed decisions and improve your accuracy in solving tricky questions during the exam.