Spying and the use of covert intelligence are features of statecraft that predate the modern intelligence agency. A prime example dates back to ancient China, when military strategist Sun Tzu wrote about the necessity of spies to secure victory, advising rulers to use "secret agents" to deceive their enemies. The ruler who mastered this became the first Emperor of China, and "covert intelligence had allowed him to unify the warring states once and for all." But the 21st century has seen the weaponization of cyber-intelligence on an unprecedented scale. Powerful new algorithms make the hacking of personal data simple, and global networks amplify cyber-espionage peddled by rogue states, populist leaders, and dishonest corporations. The digital platforms have become fertile ground for state-sponsored hacking, 'phishing' and 'bot armies'.
Q9. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Q9. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Answer and solution
Correct answer: D
Solution
Answer: D — Espionage, which is mediated by technology today, is not new and has existed since ancient times.
1. Separate the two claims: covert intelligence existed in ancient statecraft; present-day digital tools greatly amplify its reach.
2. A introduces advice about digital footprints and the downfall of empires, neither of which is the passage's central claim.
3. B wrongly claims digital technology created espionage and that earlier rulers did not use covert intelligence. The opening sentences explicitly describe ancient spying, so B contradicts the passage.
4. C incorrectly presents Sun Tzu as the ruler who personally used intelligence to gain power and omits the main historical comparison.
5. D preserves historical continuity while recognising modern technological mediation. It preserves the historical continuity and the change in medium without inventing a new origin for espionage.
6. Answer: D.
Detailed reasoning and elimination check:
The passage contrasts an old activity with a modern medium. B denies the ancient activity; D preserves both the historical continuity and the technological change. A adds advice, while C mistakes the writer Sun Tzu for the ruler.
Apply: Ancient spying → modern digitally amplified espionage. D retains both.
Check: B falsely says technology created espionage; the first two sentences refute that claim.
1. Separate the two claims: covert intelligence existed in ancient statecraft; present-day digital tools greatly amplify its reach.
2. A introduces advice about digital footprints and the downfall of empires, neither of which is the passage's central claim.
3. B wrongly claims digital technology created espionage and that earlier rulers did not use covert intelligence. The opening sentences explicitly describe ancient spying, so B contradicts the passage.
4. C incorrectly presents Sun Tzu as the ruler who personally used intelligence to gain power and omits the main historical comparison.
5. D preserves historical continuity while recognising modern technological mediation. It preserves the historical continuity and the change in medium without inventing a new origin for espionage.
6. Answer: D.
Detailed reasoning and elimination check:
The passage contrasts an old activity with a modern medium. B denies the ancient activity; D preserves both the historical continuity and the technological change. A adds advice, while C mistakes the writer Sun Tzu for the ruler.
G Strategy shortcut
Spot: Historical continuity plus change in medium.Apply: Ancient spying → modern digitally amplified espionage. D retains both.
Check: B falsely says technology created espionage; the first two sentences refute that claim.
G Strategy: Spot: Historical continuity plus change in medium. Apply: Ancient spying → modern digitally amplified espionage. D retains both. Check: B falsely says technology created espionage; the first two sentences refute that claim.