Section B – English Language Ability and Logical Reasoning

40. The 2001 census showed a sharp fall in the literacy rate compared to 1991, but an increase in the literacy rate by 2006 suggests that between 1991 and 2006 India progressed in terms of literacy rate.

Which of the following statements, if true, best refutes the above argument?

A. One of the causes of more literacy is the increased population growth rate.

B. Although there was no census in 2006 the information about the literacy rate is reliable.

C. Many of those who were illiterate in 2001 became literate by 2006.

D. The rate of fall in literacy rate between 1991 and 2001 was more than the rate of rise in literacy rate between 2001 and 2006.

E. The rise in literacy rate between 2001 and 2006 was due to persistent campaign on television and FM radio.

Explanation:

If inspite of fall in part of a period, the whole period shows net increase, this can only be because the increase in the balance of the period was more than enough to compensate for the fall. Choice (D)