Q8·CSAT · Prelims 2026

RC — Textual Logical Inferences

Reading Comp.RC — InferenceInference-based● Easy

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 statements reflect the logical and rational inferences that can be drawn from the passage?

1HMPV has, historically, had longer documentation of studies when compared with SARS-CoV-2.

2The two viruses are different from each other and this results in markedly different outcomes amongst those affected.

3Long-term impacts of the two viruses are dissimilar and this is an important differentiator between them.

4One of the common factors between the two viruses is seasonal specificity.

Options

1 and 2 only

1, 2 and 3

Answer

3 and 4

1 and 3 only

Explanation

Let us evaluate each statement carefully using the text:

Statement 1 is a valid inference: The text notes that HMPV has been studied for 'decades', while SARS-CoV-2 was entirely 'novel' when detected in 2019, confirming HMPV has longer documentation.

Statement 2 is a valid inference: The passage explicitly states the two viruses cause different symptom severities, directly leading to different patient outcomes.

Statement 3 is a valid inference: The passage emphasizes that both viruses cause different symptom severities, 'particularly over the long term', confirming this as a key differentiator.

Statement 4 is an invalid inference: The text clearly states that strong seasonality is seen 'in HMPV, unlike SARS-CoV-2', showing that seasonality is a point of contrast rather than a common factor.

Correct inferences must accurately reflect the points of contrast established by the author in the text.

Question details

Year

2026

Paper

CSAT

Question

Section

Comprehension

Sub-topic

RC — Inference

Type

Inference-based

Difficulty

Easy

Source hint

RC passage — contrast and comparisons

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