Courses of Action – Mass failure in one paper Statement: A majority of first-semester students have failed in one subject. Decide which action(s) logically follow.
Verbal Reasoning
Course of Action
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AOnly I follows
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BOnly II follows
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CEither I or II follows
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DNeither I nor II follows
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EBoth I and II follow
Answer
Correct Answer: Neither I nor II follows
Explanation
Introduction / Context:A large failure rate in a single paper is a red flag that calls for diagnosis, not drastic punitive measures. Courses-of-action items ask what is sensible and logically justified given the problem.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Most students failed one paper in the first semester.
- Proposed actions: I) ask all who failed to drop out; II) ask the faculty teaching the paper to resign.
Concept / Approach:Sound actions are diagnostic and corrective: review paper difficulty, teaching methodology, evaluation standards, syllabus alignment, and student support. Immediate mass expulsion or forced resignation lacks due inquiry.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Assess I (dropouts): This is extreme and contrary to academic objectives. Students deserve remedial support, re-evaluation opportunities, and academic counseling. Without investigation, forcing dropouts is unjustified. Does not follow.Assess II (faculty resignation): A high failure rate could arise from varied causes (paper quality, exam difficulty, misaligned teaching-learning, student preparedness). Calling for resignation without fact-finding is unsound. Does not follow.Verification / Alternative check:
Reasonable steps: constitute a moderation committee, analyze question-paper coverage and difficulty, offer tutorials, arrange a re-test if warranted, and review pedagogy. These align with institutional quality assurance.Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Only I / Only II / Either / Both: all assume punitive actions without investigation, which is illogical.Common Pitfalls:
Assuming failure implies student or teacher fault alone; ignoring systemic academic quality checks.Final Answer:Neither I nor II follows