It is necessary to have a standard of education. We can set two sorts of standards there. First, a minimum standard below which no one is allowed to fall, in the shape of so many years of elementary education in such and such subjects. And secondly, and in a way even more important, a standard of equal opportunity for all, to ensure that no boy or girl is deprived of the chance of climbing to the top of the educational ladder through poverty or the accidents of birth. There are also standards of economic security. During the recent past, the sense of insecurity has been the single greatest cause, both of individual anxiety and frustration, and of social instability and unrest. A state must see to it that it gives to all its citizens’ minimum standards of security against ill health, against unemployment, against widowhood, against old age. Issues of social security are, therefore, interlinked, irrespective of whether they are in the field of basic education, basic health, employment or even protection against economic needs arising out of old age, disability etc. The state expenditure on social security is bound to fall upon the shoulders of the society at large. A society that cannot take due care of such basic needs of each and every of its members is not fit to be called in the true sense of the term.
AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Question Focus: Detail question - identifying what the passage defines as part of educational standards
Correct Answer: A
Why this is correct: This statement is true because the passage clearly says that a standard of equal opportunity for all is an important part of education. The writer even says it is even more important than the minimum years of schooling.
Passage Reference: And secondly, and in a way even more important, a standard of equal opportunity for all, to ensure that no boy or girl is deprived of the chance of climbing to the top of the educational ladder through poverty or the accidents of birth.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'standard of equal opportunity for all' = Option: 'equality of opportunity is a cornerstone'
Tips: When an option uses general words like 'cornerstone', check if the passage strongly emphasises the idea. Here, it does.
Key Vocabulary:
- cornerstone = very important part
- deprived = prevented from having
Question Focus: Detail question - what responsibilities the state has
Correct Answer: B
Passage Reference: A state must see to it that it gives to all its citizens' minimum standards of security against ill health, against unemployment, against widowhood, against old age.
Why this is correct: This is correct because the passage directly says that a state must see to it that citizens receive minimum standards of security. This clearly shows obligation, not choice.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'must see to it that it gives' = Option: 'is obligated to cater'
Tips: Words like must in the passage signal strong obligation. Match them with similar strength in the option.
Key Vocabulary:
- obligated = required
- minimum standards = basic level
Question Focus: Detail question - identifying what social security includes
Correct Answer: C
Passage Reference: There are also standards of economic security. During the recent past, the sense of insecurity has been the single greatest cause, both of individual anxiety and frustration, and of social instability and unrest. A state must see to it that it gives to all its citizens' minimum standards of security against ill health, against unemployment, against widowhood, against old age.
Why this is correct: This statement is wrong because the passage talks about security against unemployment, not the state finding a secure job for someone. Adding job placement changes the meaning. This is a Paraphrase trap.
Tips: Be careful when an option adds an extra action that the passage does not mention.
Key Vocabulary:
- unemployment = not having a job
Question Focus: Inference question - whether the passage connects health and education directly
Correct Answer: D
Passage Reference: Issues of social security are, therefore, interlinked, irrespective of whether they are in the field of basic education, basic health, employment or even protection against economic needs arising out of old age, disability etc.
Why this is correct: This option is wrong because the passage says issues are interlinked within social security, but it does not say we cannot consider health and education separately. That is stronger than the text. This is an Extreme language trap.
Tips: Watch for strong phrases like 'not possible'. If the passage sounds more balanced, it is likely wrong.
Key Vocabulary:
- interlinked = connected
- isolation = separately
Question Focus: Detail question - what kind of educational right is mentioned
Correct Answer: E
Passage Reference: to ensure that no boy or girl is deprived of the chance of climbing to the top of the educational ladder through poverty or the accidents of birth.
Why this is correct: This is wrong because the passage says people should not be deprived of the chance, not that everyone has an inherent right to reach the top. The idea of guaranteed success is added. This is a Partial truth trap.
Tips: Distinguish between having a chance and having a right to achieve. IELTS often tests this difference.
Key Vocabulary:
- inherent = existing by nature
- ladder = levels of progress
General Tips:
- For multiple-answer questions, check each option separately against the passage. Do not assume similar options are all correct.
- Only choose statements that are clearly supported by the text. Avoid using real-world logic.
- Strong words like 'every', 'not possible', or 'inherent right' often signal traps.
- The number of correct answers is fixed. Always recheck if you have chosen too many or too few.
The rest of this explanation is for members. Sign in free to read why the other options are wrong, key words and tips.
Sign in to read the full explanation