Question

Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the following sentence. “The committee's recommendation was not entirely devoid of merit.”

• A. The recommendation was completely useless.
• B. The recommendation possessed some merit.
• C. The recommendation was unquestionably correct.
• D. The recommendation lacked any practical value.

Hint:

Difficult CUET English questions often use double negatives. Convert them into positive statements before evaluating the options.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: This question tests understanding of double negatives and formal academic English. The phrase: \[ \text{not entirely devoid of merit} \] contains a subtle double-negative structure.

Step 1: Understand the word “devoid”. \[ \text{Devoid} = \text{completely lacking} \] Thus: \[ \text{devoid of merit} = \text{having no merit} \]

Step 2: Interpret the negation. The sentence says: \[ \text{not entirely devoid of merit} \] which means: \[ \text{not completely lacking merit} \] Therefore some merit exists.

Step 3: Evaluate the options. Option (A): States the recommendation was useless. Incorrect. Option (B): States that some merit existed. Correct. Option (C): Claims the recommendation was unquestionably correct. Too strong and unsupported. Option (D): Again suggests no value. Incorrect.

Step 4: Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Option (B)}} \] is the most accurate interpretation.