Question

Read the following passage and answer the THREE questions that follow.
No one argues that the rich should be rich because they were born to wealthy parents. Critics of inequality may complain that those who would abolish inheritance taxes, say, are implicitly endorsing hereditary privilege. But no one defends hereditary privilege outright or disputes the principle that careers should be open to talents. Most of our debates about access to jobs, education, and public office proceed from the premise of equal opportunity. Our disagreements are less about the principle itself than about what it requires. For example, critics of affirmative action in hiring and college admissions argue that such policies are inconsistent with equality of opportunity, because they judge applicants on factors other than merit. Defenders of affirmative action reply that such policies are necessary to make equality of opportunity a reality for members of groups that have suffered discrimination or disadvantage.
At the level of principle at least, and political rhetoric, meritocracy has won the day. In democracies throughout the world, politicians of the center-left and center-right claim that their policies are the ones that will enable all citizens, whatever their race or ethnicity, gender or class, to compete on equal terms and to rise as far as their efforts and talents will take them. When people complain about meritocracy, the complaint is usually not about the ideal but about our failure to live up to it: The wealthy and powerful have rigged the system to perpetuate their privilege; the professional classes have figured out how to pass their advantages on to their children, converting the meritocracy into a hereditary aristocracy; colleges that claim to select students on merit give an edge to the sons and daughters of the wealthy and the well-connected. According to this complaint, meritocracy is a myth, a distant promise yet to be redeemed.
Based on the passage, which of the following inferences CANNOT be drawn?

• A. Though the wealthy can pass their advantages to their children, wealth and privilege cannot undermine meritocracy.
• B. Equality of opportunity is widely accepted in principle, but there is disagreement about how to achieve it.
• C. Meritocracy is seen by some as an unfulfilled promise, with the system still skewed in favour of the well-connected.
• D. Hereditary privilege is not openly defended but can be perpetuated through policies like the abolition of inheritance taxes.
• E. Meritocracy is a popular ideal in political rhetoric, promoted across the political spectrum.
• A. Everybody admires meritocracy, until it is they or their children’s career on the line.
• B. Meritocracy is a utopian system that is difficult to implement as the wealthy rigs the system.
• C. In an unequal society, any attempt to execute meritocracy perpetuates inequality.
• D. Meritocracy is accepted by everyone, but not understood by anyone.
• J. Meritocracy is desired by everybody, but despised by those rejected by it.
• A. Meritocratic system is based on structural bias.
• B. Meritocratic system intentionally favours the rich.
• C. Meritocratic system supports those having hereditary privileges.
• D. Meritocratic system rewards individuals based on the outcome they produce.
• O. Meritocratic system does not acknowledge the initial disadvantages in opportunities.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Identify the central topic.
The text addresses the concept of equal opportunity and meritocracy, detailing how inherited wealth and status frequently subvert these principles. It asserts that while meritocracy is generally endorsed, its practical application is often compromised by inherited advantages.
Step 2: Assess the provided choices.
- Option A: Invalid conclusion. The passage explicitly states that wealth and privilege undermine meritocracy by transforming it into an aristocratic system based on heredity. Therefore, this conclusion \emph{cannot} be derived. - Option B: Valid conclusion. The text points out a general agreement on the principle of equal opportunity, alongside differing views on implementation strategies (e.g., affirmative action). - Option C: Valid conclusion. Many perceive meritocracy as an unrealized aspiration, favoring those with connections. - Option D: Valid conclusion. While hereditary privilege is not explicitly advocated, the elimination of inheritance taxes is indirectly linked to the continuation of privilege. - Option E: Valid conclusion. Meritocracy is characterized as a prevalent political ideal shared across the political spectrum.
Step 3: Formulate the conclusion.
Consequently, Option A is the sole inference that \emph{cannot} be drawn.
Final Answer: \[\boxed{\text{A}}\]

Answer 2

Step 1: Identify the central argument of the text.
The text asserts that while the concept of meritocracy is widely accepted, its practical application is frequently flawed. This failure stems from the wealthy and influential manipulating the system to confer advantages upon their offspring.
Step 2: Assess the provided choices.
- Option A: This option is overly specific and presents a cynical view. The text criticizes systemic manipulation rather than individual dishonesty. - Option B: This option aligns perfectly. Meritocracy is characterized as an ideal (utopian) that is challenging to achieve due to systemic favoritism towards the privileged. - Option C: This option is too extreme. The text criticizes the failure to uphold meritocracy, not that meritocracy itself exacerbates inequality. - Option D: This option is incorrect. The issue is not a lack of understanding of meritocracy, but rather its flawed implementation. - Option E: This option is inaccurate. The text does not portray the situation as one where the system is "despised by the rejected."
Step 3: Determine the conclusion.
Consequently, Option B represents the most accurate conclusion.
Final Answer: \[\boxed{\text{B}}\]

Answer 3

Step 1: Identify proponents of affirmative action.
The text states that critics assert affirmative action conflicts with meritocracy, whereas proponents contend it is essential for achieving genuine equality of opportunity for disadvantaged or discriminated groups.
Step 2: Evaluate provided options.
- Option A: Insufficiently specific; "structural bias" is not the primary term used. - Option B: Inaccurate; while the system may be manipulated, it is not deliberately structured to benefit the wealthy. - Option C: Shares common ground with criticism, but does not represent the core argument of proponents. - Option D: Applicable to meritocracy in theory, but not to the issue at hand. - Option E: Accurate. Proponents of affirmative action argue that meritocracy, without accounting for initial disadvantages, merely reinforces existing inequality.
Step 3: Determine the correct option.
Therefore, Option E is the correct response.
Final Answer: \[\boxed{\text{E}}\]