Free Reading Comprehension Set II - 03 Practice Test - CAT 

Question 1

The author of the passage is primarily concerned with doing which of the following?

A. Recommending a methodology
B. Describing a course of study
C. Discussing a problem
D. Evaluating a past course of action

SOLUTION

Solution : C

Option (C)

In the whole passage, the writer has narrated the Asian American study from its non-existence to the difficulties it faces today. Without questioning on its existence or other matters, he has clearly briefed out the problems which he thinks are the root to the still not so firm existence of the Asian American studies. The author is neither recommending any methodology nor evaluating any course of action. Hence Options A and D can be eliminated. The author talks about Asian American studies but is not describing any course of study. So option B is not correct.

Question 2

According to the passage, the existence of good one-volume reference works about Asian Americans could result in

A. Increased agreement among professors of Asian American studies regarding the quality of the sources available in their field
B. An increase in the number of students signing up for introductory courses in Asian American studies
C. Increased accuracy in writings that concern Asian American history and culture
D.  The inclusion of a wider range of Asian American material in introductory reading lists in Asian American studies

SOLUTION

Solution : D

 Option (D)

“The last few lines “Such works ….unfamiliar material” supports this answer. The author feels that if good one-volume reference books are available, students and professors can obtain basic information . He goes on further to say that professors can then include more challenging Asian American material in introductory reading as students can acquire background information from the reference books. Hence option (D)

Question 3

The passage implies that which of the following was true of introductory courses in Asian American studies a few decades ago?

A. The range of different textbooks that could be assigned for such courses was extremely limited.
B. The texts assigned as readings in such courses were often not very challenging for students.
C. Students often complained about the texts assigned to them in such courses.
D. Such courses were offered only at schools whose libraries were rich in primary sources.

SOLUTION

Solution : A

 Option (A)

The author has clearly stated that in the previous times, there were only a few subject materials on Asian American studies. The first line “hardly any texts in that field were available” supports option A. The author discusses about the case of Asian American studies during earlier times only in the first line making option A the obvious.

Question 4

Which of the following would be an example of the coaction effect?

A. A woman works harder when her boss is in the room than when she is alone.
B. Bob’s two children finish their homework faster when he is watching them than when he is not.
C. Players on the team work harder when they exercise together than when they each exercise alone.
D. Joe and his two friends work more slowly when they are together than when each is alone.

SOLUTION

Solution : C

Option C.

As per the passage, a person’s performance is better in coaction than while working alone. Examples of cyclists in race and children turning wheels are given in the passage to substantiate this. Option C is in line with this idea as it states that players work harder when they exercise together than when they each exercise alone. As per options A and B,people perform better when someone oversees the work. This idea is not supported in the passage. Option D is against the passage.

Question 5

According to the passage, Triplett’s experiment of 1898 __________

A. supported his theory of coaction effect.
B. challenged his theory of coaction effect.
C. showed that cyclists race harder against each other than against the clock.
D. showed the connection between coaction effect and audience effect.

SOLUTION

Solution : A

Option (a) It has been stated in the passage clearly that Triplett’s experiment results confirmed his theory. Option (c) is not true as it was Triplett’s observation that cyclists raced harder against each other that led to his experiment in the first place. The author does not discuss about audience effect in the passage and option (d) is hence irrelevant.

Question 6

As per the passage, what is the “delusion” the author Is talking about?

A. India is a superpower-in-waiting
B. Combination of democracy and capitalism is beneficial
C. Indian approach towards market is similar to American approach
D. Authoritarian capitalism of China is contrast with Indian way of Governance

SOLUTION

Solution : C

Option C. The author says “Some see an echo of America’s freewheeling approach… But that view is a delusion”. So his view is that Indian approach is not similar to American approach, making option C correct.

Question 7

What does the last line of the passage indicate?

A. Mumbai has people from different parts of the world.
B. Indian business approach has features of various other markets
C. Anyone new to the scene will not be able to gauge Indian market
D. Foreign investments are insignificant in Indian market.

SOLUTION

Solution : B

 Option B. In the last line the author says that Indian business scene is a unique mix of features of various international markets. Option B is closest to this view and hence the answer.

Question 8

According to the author superstitions still prevail because

A. People are ignorant
B. Exposure to scientific advancements not available to majority of people
C. People being uncertain about some events and superstitions providing easy explanations.
D. None of these

SOLUTION

Solution : C

Option C. The author is of the opinion that once people are not able to explain any strange event, their minds become uncomfortable. They, in the state of uncertainty, are open to any kind of explanations and superstitions provide easy explanations. Hence option C.

Question 9

 In context, which of the following is the best revision of the underlined portion of the sentence reproduced below?

It is because our brains are always working to find the causes of the significant events that we perceive.

A. As it is now
B. They are saying that it is
C. For example, it is, these scientists say,
D. These scientists believe we adopt superstitions

SOLUTION

Solution : D

Option D In context, the pronoun it has no clear antecedent. The second part of the sentence begins with because, and therefore is giving a reason for something mentioned in the first part of the sentence. Clearly, it is explaining why we adopt superstitions, according to the scientists mentioned in the previous sentence.

Question 10

The passage contains information that would answer which of the following questions about the carbon cycle?

I.What are some of the compounds that are broken down in the carbon cycle?
II.Why are some compounds that are involved in the carbon cycle less reactive than others?
III.What role do bacteria and fungi play in the carbon cycle?

A. I only
B. II only
C. III only
D. I and III only

SOLUTION

Solution : D

Option (D)

The passage mentions some compounds such as alkaloids, terpenes, and flavonoids that are broken down during carbon cycle. So we can answer I. Also, the passage says that bacteria and fungi catalyze the oxidation of inert products which triggers reactions to produce carbon dioxide. Hence we can answer III.

Question 11

The author implies that which of the following is the primary reason that degradation is as important as synthesis to the smooth operation of the carbon cycle?

A. Most of the polymers and organic compounds found in the plant kingdom are chemically unstable.
B. The synthesis of some organic material deprives life processes of an energy source.
C. Decomposition permits the recycling of carbon that would otherwise be fixed in certain substances
D. Many organisms cannot use plants as a source of food, but can feed on bacteria and fungi.

SOLUTION

Solution : C

Option C.

The author says that green plants produce many compounds that cannot be used by the plants as sources of energy. He goes on to say that degradation of these compounds leads to release of carbon dioxide and so return much carbon to a form that actively enters into life cycles once again. Hence option C.

Question 12

The author’s contention about the importance of bacteria and fungi in the production of energy for life processes would be most clearly strengthened if which of the following were found to be true?

A. Both aerobes and anaerobes provide sources of energy through the decomposition of organic material.
B. Most compounds containing carbon are unavailable as energy sources except to some bacteria and fungi.
C. Bacteria and fungi break down inert material in ways that do not involve oxidation.
D. Many compounds remain inert, even in the presence of bacteria and fungi.

SOLUTION

Solution : B

 Option (B) 

In the passage, the author says that bacteria and fungi act as catalysts in oxidation of inert products ultimately leading to release of carbon dioxide. Inert compounds are those which do not react with other compounds. As per option B, most compounds containing carbon cannot be used as energy sources by organisms except bacteria and fungi. This would strengthen the author’s opinion that bacteria and fungi play a crucial role.

Question 13

The passage suggests that, unlike Einstein, Chaplin

A. was widely adored by the public
B. understood the nature of celebrity
C. did not consider himself an artist
D. knew people in powerful positions

SOLUTION

Solution : B

Option B.

The passage says that Einstein found fame incomprehensible, but that Chaplin was worldly-wise, and Chaplin’s response to Einstein demonstrates that he understands the nature of celebrity. Moreover the passage states that Einstein was bewildered seeing the crowds surge him but Chaplin was not. This makes option (b) correct.

Question 14

Einstein’s question to Chaplin is inquiring about

A. a piece of art
B. a scientific puzzle
C. a social phenomenon
D. a political gesture

SOLUTION

Solution : C

Option C. Einstein’s question is asking why people are treating him like a celebrity. This behavior of the “public” can be termed a social phenomenon. Option C is hence correct. We can easily eliminate options A and B as they are not related to the passage. People’s behavior is not politically motivated and hence option D is eliminated.

Question 15

 According to the passage, essence of Einstein’s science lay in :

A. his simplicity
B. his superior intelligence
C. his naivety
D. his sense of beauty

SOLUTION

Solution : D

Option (D). The author explicitly states in the passage that the essence of Einstein’s science lay in his artistry- his phenomenal sense of beauty. (refer the first line of the passage)

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