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Q7·CSAT · Prelims 2026

RC — Authorial Intent Tracking

Reading Comp.RC — Author's ToneReading Comprehension● Medium

Question

[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.

[QUESTION] Which of the following reflect the intent of the writer in the above passage?

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

Options

a

1 and 2

b

2 and 3

c

1 and 3

d

None of the above

Answer

Explanation

Let us evaluate the proposed options against the text to determine the author's intent.

Intent 1 is incorrect: The author presents a direct comparison of facts, but does not propose or develop new research methodologies.
Intent 2 is incorrect: The passage focuses almost exclusively on establishing structural differences (different families, distinct epidemiology, contrasting seasonality, and differing symptom severity), rather than balanced similarities.
Intent 3 is incorrect: The text does not discuss clinical treatments, medical remedies, or pharmaceutical interventions for either condition.

Since none of the listed statements accurately capture the primary focus of the text, 'None of the above' is the correct choice.

Questions about authorial intent must be anchored strictly to what the text covers, and options that introduce unmentioned topics like medical remedies should be eliminated.

Question details

Year

2026

Paper

CSAT

Question

Q7

Section

Comprehension

Sub-topic

RC — Author's Tone

Type

Reading Comprehension

Difficulty

Medium

Source hint

RC passage — scientific comparisons

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