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Question

Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly.

Many people today have fallen into utter confusion of values with the result that they cannot______ the good from the bad.

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2017 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (05-Feb-2017)
The correct answer is

Differentiate

Understanding the Sentence Context

The sentence highlights a common issue: many people today are experiencing a confusion of values. This lack of clarity in what is considered right or wrong, or valuable, leads to a specific consequence. The sentence explains that because of this confusion, people are unable to tell the difference between good and bad.

Analyzing Word Choices for the Blank

The task is to select the most fitting word to complete the sentence: "Many people today have fallen into utter confusion of values with the result that they cannot______ the good from the bad." Let's examine the provided options:

  • Divide: This word means to separate something into parts or groups. While one might separate good from bad, 'divide' doesn't specifically capture the act of recognizing the difference between them, especially when facing confusion.
  • Differentiate: This word means to recognize or show the difference between two or more things. It perfectly describes the ability (or lack thereof) to distinguish one thing from another based on their characteristics.
  • See: This refers to visual perception or understanding. While people might not 'see' the difference, 'differentiate' is a more precise term for the cognitive process of distinguishing between concepts like good and bad.
  • Alter: This means to change or modify something. It is not relevant to the context of distinguishing between good and bad based on values.

The Significance of 'Differentiate'

The core problem described is the inability to distinguish or tell apart concepts (good vs. bad) due to a confusion of values. The word differentiate precisely captures this meaning. When values are confused, the ability to tell what is morally right (good) from what is morally wrong (bad) becomes difficult. Therefore, people cannot differentiate the good from the bad.

Consider an example: If someone's values are confused, they might struggle to understand why lying (often considered bad) might be seen as acceptable in certain situations, blurring the line between good and bad actions.

Evaluating Alternative Options

Why are the other options less suitable?

  • Divide suggests separation, but the primary issue is the failure to *recognize* the distinct nature of good and bad, not just the act of separating them. You differentiate *first* to then potentially divide or categorize.
  • See is too general. While related to understanding, differentiate specifically addresses the cognitive act of making a distinction, which is weakened by the stated confusion of values.
  • Alter is incorrect because the sentence isn't about changing good or bad, but about failing to recognize the difference between them.

Final Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the word that best fits the blank space, accurately reflecting the inability to distinguish between good and bad due to a confusion of values, is differentiate.

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Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks

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    With a less rapid expansion of the economy, we should make________ progress toward stable price levels.

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    At times he gets very angry, and then no one can_______ him.

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    If Mohan________ at 5 a.m., he would not have missed the train.

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    His property was divided ______ his daughters and sons.

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