Passage-Based Questions on English for CLAT UG [Part 26]

In recent years, artificial intelligence has rapidly moved from the realm of theoretical research to everyday practical application. Systems capable of analysing vast quantities of data are now used in fields as diverse as healthcare, finance, education, and criminal justice. Proponents of artificial intelligence argue that these technologies can enhance efficiency and accuracy by identifying patterns that human analysts might overlook. In medicine, for instance, AI-based diagnostic tools are capable of analysing medical images and identifying early signs of disease with remarkable precision. Despite these advantages, the increasing reliance on algorithmic decision-making has generated significant concerns.

Critics argue that algorithms are not neutral tools but are shaped by the data on which they are trained. If historical data reflects social biases or inequalities, AI systems may reproduce and even amplify those biases. In criminal justice, for example, predictive policing algorithms have been criticised for disproportionately targeting communities that were already subject to heavier policing. Another concern relates to the opacity of many AI systems. Complex machine-learning models often operate as “black boxes,” meaning that even their developers may struggle to explain precisely how certain decisions are reached.

This lack of transparency raises difficult questions about accountability. If an automated system denies a loan application or incorrectly identifies a medical condition, determining responsibility becomes challenging. At the same time, it would be misleading to portray artificial intelligence solely as a source of risk. The same technologies that raise ethical concerns also offer the potential to address pressing social problems. AI systems have already been used to improve disaster prediction, optimise energy consumption, and accelerate scientific research.

The challenge, therefore, lies not in rejecting artificial intelligence altogether but in developing regulatory and ethical frameworks that guide its responsible use. Ultimately, debates about artificial intelligence reflect broader questions about the relationship between technology and society. As these systems become more deeply integrated into everyday life, societies must decide not only how they should be used but also what values should govern their development.

a) should be banned due to ethical risks
b) will soon replace all human professions
c) is incapable of making reliable decisions
d) offers both opportunities and challenges that require careful regulation

a) AI systems can eliminate crime
b) algorithms may reinforce existing social biases
c) police departments rely entirely on technology
d) crime prediction is scientifically impossible

a) Artificial intelligence systems always function independently of human influence
b) AI systems reflect the characteristics of the data used to train them
c) Artificial intelligence cannot be applied in scientific research
d) AI technologies have already replaced doctors in hospitals

a) Evidence showing that AI decisions can be fully explained and audited
b) Increased use of AI in financial institutions
c) Growth in the number of AI-based applications
d) Expansion of digital technologies in education

a) emotional and alarmist
b) sarcastic and dismissive
c) analytical and balanced
d) indifferent and detached

Public trust in democratic institutions has become an increasingly significant topic of debate in many societies. Democracies rely not only on formal structures such as elections and constitutions but also on the confidence that citizens place in these institutions. When people believe that public institutions operate fairly and transparently, they are more likely to participate in civic life and respect the outcomes of political processes. However, in recent decades, surveys in many countries have revealed declining levels of trust in political institutions. Citizens frequently express scepticism toward elected representatives, government agencies, and even the media. Some analysts attribute this decline to rising economic inequality, arguing that individuals who feel excluded from economic opportunities may also feel alienated from political decision-making.

Others point to the role of digital communication technologies. Social media platforms have dramatically altered the way information circulates in society. While these technologies have made it easier for citizens to access diverse perspectives, they have also enabled the rapid spread of misinformation. False or misleading claims can undermine confidence in institutions, particularly when such information is amplified by influential figures.

Yet it would be inaccurate to conclude that declining trust necessarily signals the failure of democratic systems. In some cases, scepticism toward institutions may reflect a healthy form of critical engagement. Citizens who question authority and demand accountability can contribute to stronger democratic governance. The real challenge lies in distinguishing between constructive criticism and destructive cynicism. While the former encourages reform and transparency, the latter can erode the shared norms that sustain democratic institutions. Maintaining public trust therefore requires a delicate balance between encouraging scrutiny and preserving the legitimacy of democratic processes.

a) explain the causes and implications of declining public trust in democratic institutions
b) argue that democracy has failed as a political system
c) criticise social media platforms exclusively
d) suggest that elections are unnecessary

a) increasing literacy levels
b) economic inequality and feelings of political exclusion
c) the absence of elections
d) excessive economic prosperity

a) citizens are incapable of evaluating information
b) digital technologies can influence public trust in institutions
c) misinformation has completely replaced traditional journalism
d) social media should be banned

a) All criticism of institutions weakens democracy
b) Democratic systems require both accountability and legitimacy
c) Citizens should avoid questioning political leaders
d) Trust in institutions is unnecessary for democracy

a) reflective and analytical
b) hostile and confrontational
c) humorous and ironic
d) indifferent

Throughout history, technological innovations have repeatedly reshaped the nature of human work. The introduction of mechanised production during the Industrial Revolution dramatically altered labour markets, replacing many traditional forms of craftsmanship while creating entirely new industries. Similar transformations occurred during the twentieth century with the rise of computers and automation. Today, advances in digital technology are once again prompting debates about the future of work. Automation systems capable of performing complex tasks have begun to transform sectors ranging from manufacturing to logistics. Some economists warn that such developments could displace large numbers of workers, particularly in occupations involving routine tasks. At the same time, technological change has historically generated new forms of employment even as it eliminated others.

Jobs that did not exist a few decades ago—such as software development, digital marketing, and data analysis are now central to modern economies. Proponents of technological progress argue that innovation ultimately expands economic opportunities by increasing productivity and generating new industries. The real challenge, however, lies in the transitional period during which labour markets adjust to new technologies. Workers displaced by automation may require retraining or education in order to participate in emerging sectors. Without adequate support systems, technological change can exacerbate economic inequality and social dislocation.

Consequently, discussions about the future of work often focus not only on technology itself but also on the policies needed to manage its effects. Investments in education, workforce training, and social safety nets may play a crucial role in ensuring that the benefits of technological progress are widely shared. Thus, while technological innovation will undoubtedly continue to transform labour markets, the extent to which these changes benefit society will depend largely on how governments, businesses, and individuals respond to them.

a) always reduces employment opportunities
b) has no impact on economic systems
c) transforms labour markets while creating both challenges and opportunities
d) should be prevented to protect workers

a) demonstrate that technological change has historically transformed work
b) argue that industrialisation was harmful
c) suggest that modern technology is identical to earlier machines
d) criticise historical economic systems

a) Technological change inevitably eliminates all jobs
b) Digital technologies cannot create new industries
c) Automation will permanently end economic inequality
d) New forms of employment may emerge alongside technological innovation

a) preventing innovation entirely
b) managing the transition for workers affected by automation
c) eliminating industrial production
d) reducing productivity

a) balanced and explanatory
b) pessimistic and alarmist
c) sarcastic
d) indifferent