UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 83

This question tests west texas intermediate. The key concept is: West Texas Intermediate is a benchmark grade of crude oil used in international energy markets. It is a light, relatively low-sulfur crude and a major reference price for oil futures and physical markets. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option A. Option A — Crude oil: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because West Texas Intermediate is a benchmark grade of crude oil used in international energy markets. It is a light, relatively low-sulfur crude and a major reference price for oil futures and physical markets. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. Option B — Bullion: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: West Texas Intermediate is a benchmark grade of crude oil used in international energy markets. It is a light, relatively low-sulfur crude and a major reference price for oil futures and physical markets. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option C — Rare earth elements: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: West Texas Intermediate is a benchmark grade of crude oil used in international energy markets. It is a light, relatively low-sulfur crude and a major reference price for oil futures and physical markets. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option D — Uranium: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: West Texas Intermediate is a benchmark grade of crude oil used in international energy markets. It is a light, relatively low-sulfur crude and a major reference price for oil futures and physical markets. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. For UPSC-style elimination, first identify the exact proposition being tested, then evaluate each statement independently before comparing the answer codes. Avoid treating a broad or absolute statement as correct merely because its general theme is familiar. The precise qualifiers in the question—such as 'all', 'only', 'cannot', 'largest', 'always' or a specific institutional role—often determine the answer. On that basis, option A is the verified answer.