Computers were invented for performing only high-end useful computations. However, it is no understatement that they have taken over our world today. The internet, for example, is ubiquitous. Many believe that the internet itself is an unintended consequence of the original invention. With the advent of mobile computing on smart handheld devices, a new dimension is now enabled. One is left wondering if all these developments are good or more importantly, required. Which of the statement(s) below is/are the author's opinion? (i) The author believes that all these intended developments are bad for us. (ii) Mobile computers and the internet are both intended inventions. (iii) The author is not sure if the new developments are good or required. A. ii only B. All (i), (ii) and (iii) C. (i) and (iii) D. Neither (i) nor (iii)

GATE 2016 · General Aptitude · Passage Reading · medium

Answer: D. Neither (i) nor (iii) — the author expresses neither a definitive negative judgment about developments (ruling out i) nor a confirmed personal uncertainty (ruling out iii); the passage ends with a rhetorical wondering that is neutral in tone.

  1. Analyse Statement (i) — author thinks developments are bad: The author says he is 'wondering if these developments are good or required'. Wondering about goodness is neutral — it is not a declaration that things are bad. Statement (i) makes a definitive negative judgment that the text does not support.
  2. Analyse Statement (ii) — both devices are intended: The passage says computers were invented for high-end computation (intended), but 'many believe the internet is an unintended consequence'. The author does not personally call the internet intended. Mobile computing is just described as a new dimension, not as intended or unintended.
  3. Analyse Statement (iii) — author is not sure if developments are good: The passage uses 'one is left wondering', which is a rhetorical device indicating that people in general may wonder — it is not the author expressing personal uncertainty. The author is presenting the reader's potential reflection, not stating his own doubt definitively.
  4. Select the correct option: Neither (i) — which overstates a neutral wondering as a definitive negative judgment — nor (iii) — which misattributes a general rhetorical device to the author's personal uncertainty — accurately represents the author's stated opinion. Option D says 'Neither (i) nor (iii)', which is consistent with the analysis.