Passage When SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in 2019, it was a truly novel virus for the world. At that time, no one in the world h…

Question

Passage:

When SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in 2019, it was a truly novel virus for the world. At that time, no one in the world had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or had specific immunity against it. In contrast, people across the world have been exposed to HMPV for decades and the virus is well-studied. HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 belong to two very different virus families with fundamentally different characteristics and epidemiology, with strong seasonality seen in HMPV, unlike SARS-CoV-2. Both viruses cause different severity of symptoms, particularly over the long term, and the affected population segments do not fully overlap. In general, HMPV causes milder illness with deaths being very rare and with no long-term post-viral symptoms.

Which of the following reflect the intent of the writer in the above passage?

1. To evolve methodologies for objective analysis of the two viruses

2. To establish the epidemiological similarities and differences between the two viruses

3. To offer a better understanding of the remedies of HMPV when analysed in conjunction with SARS-CoV-2

Select the answer using the code given below.

1. A. 1 and 2
2. B. 2 and 3
3. C. 1 and 3
4. D. None of the above (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — None of the above

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option D.

Key Points

• The intent behind the passage is none of the three given options.
• The writer's purpose is simply to contrast the two viruses — their families, seasonality, severity and affected populations.
• It does not aim to "evolve methodologies for objective analysis" (1), nor merely "establish similarities and differences" as an academic exercise (2), nor to "offer remedies for HMPV" (3).

Additional Information

• Because the passage is descriptive-comparative rather than methodological or prescriptive, the best fit is None of the above → Option D.