Comprehension English (Paragraph): Does more education lead to greater…
2025
Comprehension
English (Paragraph):
Does more education lead to greater democracy? Or are more democratic countries better at educating their citizens? A recent NBER paper compared a group of Kenyan girls in 69 primary schools whose students were randomly selected to receive a scholarship with similar students in schools which received no such financial aid. Previous studies had shown that the scholarship programme led to higher test scores and increased the likelihood that girls enrolled in secondary school. Overall, it significantly increased the amount of education obtained. For the new study the authors tried to see how the extra schooling had affected the political and social attitudes of the women in question. Findings suggested that education may make people more interested in improving their own lives but they may not necessarily see democracy as the way to do it. Even in established democracies, more education does not always mean either more active political participation or greater faith in democracy. Poorer and less educated people often vote in larger numbers than their more educated compatriots, who often express disdain for the messiness of democracy yearning for the kind of government that would deal strongly with the corrupt and build highways, railway lines and bridges at a dizzying pace of authoritarian China.
Q. The phrase ‘messiness of democracy’ used in the passage is referred to ______.
- A.
Educated electorates participate less in casting their votes, leading to poor representation of the right people in the government.
- B.
Democratic countries witness violent revolt among their citizens.
- C.
The gulf between poor and educated is increasing.
- D.
Corrupt politicians are more interested in dividing the people for retaining the power.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
The phrase 'messiness of democracy' refers to the perceived inefficiencies and complexities inherent in democratic processes. The passage contrasts this with authoritarian systems that can act quickly to build infrastructure, suggesting some educated individuals prefer the perceived order of authoritarianism over the 'messiness' of democratic participation and debate.