Question:
Read the following passage carefully and answer the question that follows.
“The rapid expansion of social media has transformed the way information is disseminated. While it has enabled individuals to access news instantly and participate in public discourse, it has also facilitated the rapid spread of misinformation. Experts argue that digital literacy is becoming increasingly important because the ability to evaluate information critically is essential in an environment where anyone can publish content.”
Which of the following can be most reasonably inferred from the passage?
Read the following passage carefully and answer the question that follows.
“The rapid expansion of social media has transformed the way information is disseminated. While it has enabled individuals to access news instantly and participate in public discourse, it has also facilitated the rapid spread of misinformation. Experts argue that digital literacy is becoming increasingly important because the ability to evaluate information critically is essential in an environment where anyone can publish content.”
Which of the following can be most reasonably inferred from the passage?
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For inference questions, eliminate extreme options containing words like only, always, never, completely, and entirely unless the passage explicitly supports them.
Updated On: Jun 8, 2026
- Social media has had only negative effects on society.
- Digital literacy is unnecessary because information is easily available online.
- Critical evaluation of information has become increasingly important in the digital age.
- Governments should completely ban social media platforms.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
Inference-based Reading Comprehension questions are among the most challenging sections in CUET English. Unlike factual questions, inference questions require the student to identify an idea that is logically supported by the passage even if it is not directly stated.
The correct answer should be supported by the overall argument of the author and must avoid exaggeration.
Step 1: Identify the central theme of the passage. The passage discusses: \[ \text{Social Media} \] and its impact on information sharing. The author highlights both:
• Advantages
• Challenges associated with social media.
Step 2: Identify the positive aspect mentioned. The passage states that social media enables: \[ \text{Instant access to information} \] and \[ \text{Participation in public discourse} \] Thus social media has significant benefits.
Step 3: Identify the challenge mentioned. The passage also states: \[ \text{Rapid spread of misinformation} \] This indicates a major concern associated with online platforms.
Step 4: Understand the author's conclusion. The author argues that: \[ \text{Digital literacy is increasingly important} \] because people must evaluate information critically. This is the main takeaway from the passage.
Step 5: Evaluate the options. Option (A): Claims only negative effects. The passage mentions positive effects as well. Incorrect. Option (B): Directly contradicts the passage. Incorrect. Option (C): Matches the author's argument exactly. Correct. Option (D): The passage never suggests banning social media. Incorrect.
Step 6: Final conclusion. The most reasonable inference is: \[ \boxed{\text{Critical evaluation of information has become increasingly important}} \] Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Option (C)}} \]
Step 1: Identify the central theme of the passage. The passage discusses: \[ \text{Social Media} \] and its impact on information sharing. The author highlights both:
• Advantages
• Challenges associated with social media.
Step 2: Identify the positive aspect mentioned. The passage states that social media enables: \[ \text{Instant access to information} \] and \[ \text{Participation in public discourse} \] Thus social media has significant benefits.
Step 3: Identify the challenge mentioned. The passage also states: \[ \text{Rapid spread of misinformation} \] This indicates a major concern associated with online platforms.
Step 4: Understand the author's conclusion. The author argues that: \[ \text{Digital literacy is increasingly important} \] because people must evaluate information critically. This is the main takeaway from the passage.
Step 5: Evaluate the options. Option (A): Claims only negative effects. The passage mentions positive effects as well. Incorrect. Option (B): Directly contradicts the passage. Incorrect. Option (C): Matches the author's argument exactly. Correct. Option (D): The passage never suggests banning social media. Incorrect.
Step 6: Final conclusion. The most reasonable inference is: \[ \boxed{\text{Critical evaluation of information has become increasingly important}} \] Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Option (C)}} \]
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