Question

Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

All girls and boys have the right to a childhood where they can play, rest and be protected from harm, abuse and exploitation. But for thousands of children in Niger, childhood is cut short by marriage. UNICEF estimates that around 3 in 4 young girls were married before the age of 18, and 1 in 4 before the age of 15. Poverty is a major driver of child marriage in Niger, bringing with it the hope of economic prosperity and an increase in social status for both girls and their parents.

Q. According to the author, the main reason for rampant child marriage in Niger is due to:

• A.
  The children are married off at a very young age to protect them from harm, abuse and exploitation
• B.
  It is an age-old tradition that’s being carried out as a part of their culture and tradition.
• C.
  Three in four girls and one in four girls get married before the age of 18 and 15 respectively.
• D.
  Hope for a better economic prosperity and social status for the girl and family which in turn is driven by poverty.

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Hope for a better economic prosperity and social status for the girl and family which in turn is driven by poverty.
Explanation:

Option (a) is incorrect, that is not the reason for child marriage as per the passage.

Option (b) is incorrect, there is nothing mentioned about tradition or culture in the passage, so it can be discarded.

Option (c) is incorrect, the statistical values are proof that child marriage is rampant in the area, not its cause.

Option (d) is correct, the reason for child marriage is explained in the following lines, “Poverty is a major driver of child marriage in Niger, bringing with it the hope of economic prosperity and an increase in social status for both girls and their parents.” This is given in option (d).