Reading Comprehension - 1 | English for CLAT PDF Download
The media's distrust of the U.S. government, combined with their often superficial understanding of global complexities, weakens America's ability to develop and implement effective foreign policy in ways they seldom acknowledge. Leaks of sensitive government information to the press create significant obstacles to open and honest policy discussions. Both U.S. and foreign leaders hesitate to share their candid thoughts, fearing that private conversations might be exposed in newspapers, online platforms, or broadcasts. This fear restricts the free flow of ideas, limiting the diversity of perspectives and reducing the quality and reliability of information available for shaping policy decisions. For the United States to gain a clear understanding of international affairs, foreign leaders must feel confident that their private discussions with U.S. diplomats will remain confidential, which is challenging when leaks are a constant threat.
Historically, the media convinced many Americans that journalists were more reliable than government officials, leading the public to assume officials were at fault when challenged by the press. However, a series of high-profile media scandals has shifted this perception, and the public now views the media with the same skepticism as other powerful institutions. Leaks, often defended by the media as serving the public's "right to know," are frequently part of political maneuvers. Government officials may leak information to sway policy outcomes or build favor with journalists, using the media as a platform to advance their own agendas. In this cycle, leaks driven by political motives are amplified by a politicized media, with journalists often acting as tools rather than independent actors. Like other major institutions in society, the media must be held accountable for their actions and work diligently to rebuild public trust through ethical and responsible practices.
Q1: According to the passage, what is one effect of leaks on foreign policy discussions?
(A) They encourage open dialogue among leaders.
(B) They improve the accuracy of public information.
(C) They limit the diversity of perspectives.
(D) They increase trust between U.S. and foreign leaders.
View Answer 
Answer: (C)
Explanation: The passage states that leaks cause leaders to hesitate in sharing candid thoughts, which “restricts the free flow of ideas, limiting the diversity of perspectives” in policy discussions. Option (C) directly reflects this consequence.
Why is (A) incorrect? Leaks hinder open dialogue by creating fear of exposure, not encouraging it.
Why is (B) incorrect? The passage does not suggest leaks improve public information accuracy; it notes they reduce the reliability of information for policy-making.
Why is (D) incorrect? Leaks decrease trust, as foreign leaders fear breaches of confidentiality.
Q2: In the context of the passage, the term “accountable” most closely means:
(A) Transparent
(B) Responsible
(C) Independent
(D) Trustworthy
View Answer Answer: (D)
Explanation: The passage calls for the media to be “held accountable” and rebuild public trust through ethical practices, implying that accountability involves being trustworthy in their actions. While “responsible” is close, “trustworthy” better captures the passage’s emphasis on regaining public confidence. Option (D) is the best fit.
Why is (A) incorrect? Transparency is not the focus; the passage emphasizes the media’s need to answer for their actions.
Why is (B) incorrect? Responsibility is related, but the passage links accountability to rebuilding trust, aligning more closely with trustworthiness.
Why is (C) incorrect? Independence is not mentioned in relation to accountability; the media are criticized for being politicized.
Q3: According to the passage, why has the public’s perception of the media changed?
(A) The media has become too aligned with government policies.
(B) The media has lost credibility due to scandals.
(C) The media has stopped reporting on government issues.
(D) The media has gained too much public trust.
View Answer Answer: (B)
Explanation: The passage explicitly states that “a series of high-profile media scandals” has shifted public perception, leading to skepticism toward the media, similar to other powerful institutions. Option (B) directly aligns with this point.
Why is (A) incorrect? The passage describes the media as distrustful of the government, not aligned with it.
Why is (C) incorrect? The passage does not suggest the media stopped reporting on government issues; it focuses on their role in leaks.
Why is (D) incorrect? The passage notes a decline in public trust, not an increase.
Q4: What assumption underlies the author’s argument that leaks harm effective diplomacy?
(A) The public is uninterested in diplomatic affairs.
(B) Foreign leaders prioritize media exposure over policy goals.
(C) Confidential discussions are essential for diplomacy.
(D) The media always report leaks accurately.
View Answer Answer: (C)
Explanation: The author argues that leaks prevent open discussions because leaders fear exposure, implying that confidential discussions are crucial for effective diplomacy. Without confidentiality, foreign leaders are reluctant to share candid views, hindering U.S. understanding of international affairs. Option (C) captures this assumption.
Why is (A) incorrect? The passage does not discuss public interest in diplomacy; it focuses on leaders’ discussions.
Why is (B) incorrect? The passage suggests foreign leaders avoid exposure, not seek it.
Why is (D) incorrect? The passage does not claim leaks are reported accurately; it criticizes their political use.
Q5: The passage implies that the media’s claim of serving the “public’s right to know” is often:
(A) A genuine effort to promote government transparency.
(B) A justification for amplifying political agendas.
(C) A strategy to protect diplomatic relations.
(D) A method to maintain journalistic neutrality.
View Answer Answer: (A)
Explanation: The passage states that leaks are “often defended by the media as serving the public’s ‘right to know,’” but it critiques this claim by suggesting leaks are part of political maneuvers. This implies the media’s justification is presented as a genuine effort to inform the public, though the passage questions its sincerity. Option (A) reflects the media’s stated intent.
Why is (B) incorrect? While the passage suggests leaks serve political agendas, this is the author’s critique, not the media’s stated justification.
Why is (C) incorrect? Publishing leaks undermines diplomatic relations, not protects them.
Why is (D) incorrect? The passage portrays the media as politicized, not neutral.
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