Modern warfare has changed from large scale clashes of armies to suppression…
2025
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 given statements best sums up the meaning of the above passage?
- A.
Modern warfare has resulted in civil strife.
- B.
Chemical agents are useful in modern warfare.
- C.
Use of chemical agents in warfare would be undesirable
- D.
People in military establishments like to use chemical agents in war.
Attempted by 4 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Answer: Use of chemical agents in warfare would be undesirable.
Explanation:
Modern warfare has resulted in civil strife. — Incorrect. The passage describes a shift toward suppressing civilian populations, not that modern warfare has produced civil disorder; this choice does not capture the passage's main point about chemical agents.
Chemical agents are useful in modern warfare. — Incorrect. The passage reports that some military people consider chemical agents useful, but presents that view with regret; it does not endorse usefulness as the passage's conclusion.
Use of chemical agents in warfare would be desirable — Incorrect. Even though chemical agents are described as 'suited' to suppressing civilians, the author's use of 'regretfully' and the critical tone indicate disapproval rather than endorsement, so desirability is not the main message.
Use of chemical agents in warfare would be undesirable — Correct. The passage condemns the idea that chemical agents should be used: it highlights their covert, harmful nature and expresses regret that some in the military think they are useful, so the best summary is that their use would be undesirable.
Therefore, the passage's main point is that using chemical agents in warfare is undesirable because of their secretive and harmful effects and the author's disapproval of those who favor their use.