We need to find what supporters of decentralization are least likely to argue for. This means we should identify what they DO support first, then find what's missing. From passage: "Proponents of moving civil servants around promise countless benefits..." The passage clearly lists what supporters believe in paragraph 2. Fresh ideas → "Wonks in the sticks will be inspired by new ideas that walled-off capitals cannot conjure up" Independence → "Autonomous regulators perform best far from the pressure and lobbying of the big city" Cost savings → "Office space costs far more in capitals...recruit better workers on lower salaries" Notice the pattern: supporters focus on positive outcomes like creativity, independence, and savings.

Key insight: The question asks what they're LEAST likely to argue. Sowe need to find what's either not mentioned by supporters OR what contradicts their goals. The media connection (Option 4) isn't listed as a benefit supporters mention. Even worse, the passage actually suggests this separation from media creates problems: From passage: "Others contend that decentralisation begets corruption...journalists, who tend to live in the bigger cities, become less watchful of those in power." This shows separation from media as a concern, not a benefit!

🟢 Option 1 → directly supported → passage says supporters believe in "new ideas that walled-off capitals cannot conjure up" 🟢 Option 2 → directly supported → passage explains cost benefits: lower office space and salary costs 🟢 Option 3 → directly supported → passage says "regulators perform best far from pressure and lobbying" 🔴 Option 4 → not mentioned by supporters → weakening media connections isn't listed as a benefit, and passage actually shows this creates accountability problems Option 4 is what supporters are least likely to argue because it's not presented as an advantage they promote, and the passage suggests it causes issues.

CAT (VARC) PYQs

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