Q.10

Modern warfare has changed from large scale clashes of armies to suppression of civilian
populations. Chemical agents that do their work silently appear to be suited to such warfare;
and regretfully, there exist people in military establishments who think that chemical agents
are useful tools for their cause.

Which of the following statements best sums up the meaning of the above passage:

1. Modern warfare has resulted in civil strife.
2. Chemical agents are useful in modern warfare.
3. Use of chemical agents in warfare would be undesirable.
4. People in military establishments like to use chemical agents in war.

   Use of chemical agents in warfare would be undesirable best sums up the passage’s meaning.

   Question Breakdown

   The passage describes modern warfare’s shift to targeting civilians, notes chemical agents’ suitability for silent operations, and expresses regret over military advocacy for them. The tone is critical, not endorsing their use.

   Option Analysis

   Option	Explanation	Why Correct/Incorrect
   Modern warfare has resulted in civil strife	Discusses warfare type but misses chemical agents entirely	Too broad, ignores core focus
   Chemical agents are useful in modern warfare	States suitability factually but ignores “regretfully” critique	Misses negative tone
   Use of chemical agents in warfare would be undesirable	Captures regret and implicit disapproval of military thinking	Exact match for passage sentiment
   People in military establishments like to use chemical agents in war	Only describes existence of advocates, not passage’s stance	Factual but neutral, misses judgment

   Correct Answer: Option C – aligns with regretful tone and criticism.

   Introduction to Modern Warfare Chemical Agents Passage

   Master the modern warfare chemical agents passage from GATE verbal ability section. This reading comprehension tests ability to identify main idea amidst descriptive details. The correct summary captures the passage’s critical stance on chemical weapons in civilian-targeted warfare.

   Passage Core Meaning Explained

   The passage makes three key points:

   1. Warfare evolution: From army clashes to civilian suppression

   2. Chemical suitability: Silent operation fits new warfare style

   3. Moral critique: “Regretfully” signals disapproval of military advocacy

   Best summary: “Use of chemical agents in warfare would be undesirable” perfectly captures this critical tone.

   Why Other Options Fail

   • Civil strife: Addresses warfare change but ignores chemical weapons completely

   • Agents useful: Takes suitability statement literally, missing regret

   • Military preference: Describes a fact but not the passage’s judgment

   GATE Exam Strategy

   Identify tone first: Words like “regretfully” signal the author’s position
   Avoid literal traps: Suitability ≠ endorsement
   Main idea vs details: Summary must capture judgment, not just facts

   Primary takeaway: Modern warfare chemical agents passage tests critical reading—focus on author attitude, not surface facts.

   Practice this pattern: description + regret = disapproval stance!