Free Verbal Practice Test - CAT
Question 1
The passage is most probably an excerpt from:
An economic history of Japan
The memoirs of a Samurai warrior
A modern novel about eighteenth-century Japan
An essay contrasting Japanese feudalism with its Western counterpart
SOLUTION
Solution : A
The entire passage talks about the history of Japan’s economy, the changes brought in, and the subsequent effects of the same. Nowhere has the Japanese feudalism been compared to its Western counterpart. Neither is it an introduction to a collection of Japanese folktales. Answer option (a) is the most relevant in this context, thus making it the correct answer choice.
Question 2
Which of the following financial situations is most analogous to the financial situation in which Japan's Tokugawa shoguns found themselves in the eighteenth century?
A small business borrows heavily to invest in new equipment, but is able to pay off its debt early when it is awarded a lucrative government contract
Fire destroys a small business, but insurance covers the cost of rebuilding.
A small business is turned down for a loan at a local bank because the owners have no credit history.
A small business has to struggle to meet operating expenses when its profits decrease
SOLUTION
Solution : D
The second paragraph clearly states that “farmers could be made to pay in taxes was not unlimited, and since the income of Japan’s central government consisted in part of taxes collected by the Shogun from his huge domain, the government too was constrained. Therefore, the Tokugawa Shoguns began to look to other sources for revenue.” Option (d) very well explains this situation by connecting it to a small business which has to struggle to meet operating expenses when its profits decrease. Therefore, answer option (d) is the correct answer choice.
Question 3
According to the passage, the major reason for the financial problems experienced by Japan's feudal overlords in the eighteenth century was that:
Spending had outdistanced income
Trade had fallen off
Profits from mining had declined
The coinage had been sharply debased
SOLUTION
Solution : A
In the first paragraph, the author states that “Overlords’ income, despite the increase in rice production among their tenant farmers, failed to keep pace with their expenses.” This makes it evident that the major reason for the financial problems experienced by Japan’s feudal overlords in the eighteenth century was that spending has outdistanced income. Therefore, answer option (a) is the correct answer choice.
Question 4
The passage implies that which of the following was the primary reason why the Tokugawa shoguns turned to city merchants for help in financing the state?
A series of costly wars had depleted the national treasury.
Most of the country's wealth appeared to be in city merchants' hands.
Japan had suffered a series of economic reversals due to natural disasters such as floods.
The merchants were already heavily indebted to the Shoguns.
SOLUTION
Solution : B
In the second paragraph, the author explains that, as the government revenue partly depended on Shoguns’ revenue, they had to look for options to increase their income. All the options except commerce were not feasible for reasons explained by the author. This meant that the city merchants enjoyed a very comfortable economic position which made the Shoguns approach the merchants. This is clear from the lines “Most of the …the state”. Therefore, answer option (b) clearly stands out as the right answer choice.
Question 5
What is the problem faced by the anti-representationalists?
History of philosophy shows them to have been fruitless and undesirable in their efforts.
They have no way of formulating an independent test of accuracy of representation.
They cannot take up a vantage point for comparing conceptual schemes
History of philosophy shows them to have been fruitless and undesirable in their efforts and they have no way of formulating an independent test of accuracy of representation.
SOLUTION
Solution : D
Look at this line in the second paragraph “Anti-representationalists see no way of formulating an independent test of accuracy of representation of reference”
Also have a look at this line in the last paragraph -
“Anti-representationalists do not think such efforts as insane, but they do think that the history of philosophy shows them to have been fruitless and undesirable”
Therefore the answer is (d). Option (c) is the view of Davidson and not of representationalists.
Question 6
Who are "Verificationists”?
1) They are people opposed to the views of anti-representationallist.
2) They are people opposed to the views of representationalist.
3) They believed that idealism must be part of philosophy.
4) They believed that representation was fundamental to philosophy.
1, 2, 3 & 4
2 & 3
2, 3 & 4
2 & 4
SOLUTION
Solution : B
Look at these lines in the last but one paragraph -
“The fact that we can never know whether a “mature” physical theory, one which seems to leave nothing to be desired, may not be entirely off the mark is, representationalists say, no reason to deprive ourselves of the notion of “being off the mark”. To think otherwise, they add, is to be “verificationist,” undesirably anthropocentric in the same way in which nineteenth-century idealism was undesirably anthropocentric. It is to fall under the influence of what Thomas Nagel calls “a significant strain of idealism in contemporary philosophy, according to which what there is and how things are cannot go beyond what we could in principle think about”.
Look at these lines in the last but one paragraph -
“The fact that we can never know whether a “mature” physical theory, one which seems to leave nothing to be desired, may not be entirely off the mark is, representationalists say, no reason to deprive ourselves of the notion of “being off the mark”. To think otherwise, they add, is to be “verificationist,” undesirably anthropocentric in the same way in which nineteenth-century idealism was undesirably anthropocentric. It is to fall under the influence of what Thomas Nagel calls “a significant strain of idealism in contemporary philosophy, according to which what there is and how things are cannot go beyond what we could in principle think about”.
The things we can definitely infer are:
1) They were definitely against representationalists. Look at the transition word “To think otherwise” w.r.t. to the representationalists.
2) These people wanted idealism in contemporary philosophy.
So statement no.2 and 3 (as per the question are true).Statement no.1 is not supported whereas statement no.4 is contrary to the views of the verificationist.
So the answer is (b).
Question 7
The passage has been handled in a manner which is :-
Descriptive
Logical
Analytical
Rhetoric
SOLUTION
Solution : B
This is not a descriptive passage. It is also not analytical.
It is not rhetoric as he is not beating around the bush.
So the answer is (b).
Question 8
The author would agree with which of the following statements regarding Wittgenstein?
He was buzzing around inside a fly bottle
He was an anti-representationalist who created pseudo problems
He was against representationism and so he ignored realism and idealism
He did not want questions to be asked regarding his creation "Tractatus”
SOLUTION
Solution : C
Option (a) is junk. He was literally not buzzing inside a fly bottle. This was a metaphorical statement.
Option (b) is pretty close. Look at these lines in the last paragraph.
“They think that these efforts generate the sort of pseudoproblems which Wittgenstein hoped to avoid by abandoning the picture”.
So he hoped to avoid pseudo problems. He may not have been successful. But he did not create pseudo problems.
Option (d) is also junk.
So the only right option is option (c).
This was a sitter .
Option (a) is junk. He was literally not buzzing inside a fly bottle. This was a metaphorical statement.
Option (b) is pretty close. Look at these lines in the last paragraph.
"They think that these efforts generate the sort of pseudo problems which Wittgenstein hoped to avoid by abandoning the picture”
So he hoped to avoid pseudo problems. He may not have been successful. But he did not create pseudo problems.
Option (d) is also junk.SO the only right option is (c)
Question 9
In his new book on his complex scientific research, R frequently imputes bad faith to researchers disagreeing with him. A troubling aspect of R's book is his stated conviction that other investigators' funding sources often determine what "findings” those investigators report. Add to this that R has often shown himself to be arrogant, overly ambitious, and sometimes plain nasty, and it becomes clear that R's book does not merit attention from serious professionals. The author of the book review commits which one of the following reasoning errors?
using an attack on the character of the writer of the book as evidence that this person is not competent on matters of scientific substance
taking it for granted that an investigator is unlikely to report findings that are contrary to the interests of those funding the investigation
dismissing a scientific theory by giving a biased account of it
presenting as facts several assertions about the book under review that are based only on strong conviction and would be impossible for others to verify
SOLUTION
Solution : A
The author of the book review says that R says with conviction that other investigators' funding sources determine what "findings” those investigators report. Since R is known to be arrogant and nasty as a person, the author says that R's book cannot be taken seriously. The error in the author's reasoning is saying that due to the character of the person his competence in scientific matters is doubtful. Only option (a) captures this point
Question 10
Having an efficient, attractive subway system makes good economic sense. So, the city needs to purchase new subway cars, since the city should always do what makes good economic sense. The conclusion drawn above follows logically if which one of the following is assumed?
The city should invest in an efficient, attractive subway system
Cost-effective subway cars are an integral part of an efficient subway system
Investment in new subway cars makes better economic sense than many of the other investment options open to the city
New subway cars are required in order for the city to have a subway system that is efficient and attractive
SOLUTION
Solution : D
The assumption required in the above passage is that new subway cars are required to make the subway system efficient and attractive and hence make good economic sense. This is given only in option (d). If this assumption is not there then maybe even old cars are sufficient to have an efficient subway system. Hence this is the most important assumption
Question 11
Although statistics and definitions are inexact, educated guesses put the number of refugees worldwide at well over 10 million. The overwhelming majority prefer to return to their native land than to emigrate to a foreign one. The millions of refugees from Afghanistan are sufficient proof: Despite the toll the war and subsequent fighting have taken on their country, very few have applied for permission to emigrate. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument above?
Most refugees are as reluctant to emigrate, as are the refugees from Afghanistan
The refugees from Afghanistan fled what they considered political oppression rather than economic disaster
Most of the children born to refugees prefer to remain in their adoptive country rather than return to the land their parents left
Although refugees flee their homes for a variety of different reasons, the overwhelming majority is looking for improved living conditions
SOLUTION
Solution : A
The Conclusion: The overwhelming majority of the world's refugees prefer to return to their own countries than emigrate to another country. The Evidence: Of the millions of Afghani refugees, only a few have applied for emigration to other countries. This is an argument from a sample, so the key issue of representativeness should come to mind. In order for this evidence about Afghani refugees to support a conclusion about refugees in general, Afghanis must be representative of refugees in general.The author is not concerned with the reasons that lead people to flee their native countries (b), only with whether these refugees would prefer to return home or to emigrate. The desires of the children of refugees (c) are irrelevant; the argument concerns the desires of refugees themselves. Whether refugees become refugees for a variety of reasons or for one overwhelming reason (d) has no effect on this question
Question 12
What compounds the situation is that political bosses try to exert their influence and protect the culprits.
A. It is also beyond doubt that substantial part of that money was deposited in Swiss banks.
B.The undisputed fact about that transaction is that a huge amount was paid as kickbacks to secure the contract.
C.What was important was to fix the identity of the recipients.
D.This became evident in the murky Bofors gun transaction.
6.A number of persons in public life and media pointed their finger of complicity at an important figure
DBAC
DBCA
DABC
BACD
SOLUTION
Solution : A
The situation described in sentence 1 is exemplifies in D.So only sentence D can follow1.B is a continuation of D, because 'that transaction' in B refers to Bofors in D
Question 13
1. Much has been made in the Indian Press about the "inspired leak' by the U.S. Government to pressurize India into signing CTBT.
A. Over time, some NGOs in the U.S had developed close working relations with the executive branch officials.
B. For the record, this is how the leak actually happened.
C. They had easy access to classified information.
D. The real story, behind the leak may not be believable because Washington can be an incomprehensible place even to its residents.
6. Rituals have been developed whereby classified information can be passed without batting an eyelid.
DBAC
DCAB
BACD
CDAB
SOLUTION
Solution : A
C cannot start because 'They' in Chas no antecedent in 1.Between D and B, only D can follow 1 because D is a continuation.Between choices 1 and 2 only 1 is correct because B says 'how' it happened and A describe it.
Elimination Techique
The C-6 link will help you quickly mark the right answer. Note the word "Easy access” in C. This "easy access” is further explained and justified in 6.
Question 14
Choose the underlined portion that has a grammatical error.
Gwen's friend Luke--once the star quarterback of his college football team and now successful restaurateur--owns ten restaurants and has published three award-winning cookbooks.
once the star
successful restaurateur
has published
No error
SOLUTION
Solution : D
Option: (D) No error
Question 15
In this cookbook, you'll discover colorful, easy to prepare, and great-tasting recipes for even your more diet-conscious guests.
A. you'll discover
B. prepare, and
C. for even
D. more
E. No error
you'll discover
for
more
No error
SOLUTION
Solution : C
Option: (D)
This sentence makes a comparison between many house guests. Therefore, the superlative word most should be used. More only compares two things.
Question 16
Having lived in Andaman for several years, where life was slow and relaxed, it was difficult for Ramesh to readjust to the hectic pace of Mumbai upon returning.
Having lived in Andaman for several years, where life was slow and relaxed, it was difficult for Ramesh to readjust to the hectic pace of Mumbai upon returning
Having lived for several years in Andaman, where life was slow and relaxed, it was difficult for Ramesh to readjust to the hectic pace of Mumbai upon returning
Having lived in Andaman for several years, where life was slow and relaxed, Ramesh had difficulty readjusting to the hectic pace of Mumbai upon his return
Having lived for several years in Andaman, where life was slow and relaxed, Ramesh had difficulty readjusting to the hectic pace of Mumbai upon his return
SOLUTION
Solution : D
Option: (D)
A modifying phrase has to be placed next to the noun or pronoun it is intended to modify. A modifying phrase that violates this rule is called a "misplaced modifier.” There are two misplaced modifiers in the original sentence:
(1) The phrase "where life was slow and relaxed” is intended to modify "Andaman”, but is incorrectly placed next to "years”.
(2) The phrase "Having lived in Andaman for several years” is intended to modify "Ramesh”, but is incorrectly placed closer to the impersonal subject "it”. Correcting these errors will involve rewording the sentence such that each of these modifying phrases is next to the word it is intended to modify.Another problem with the original sentence is that it ends with the words "upon returning”. Ending a sentence with such an "-ing” verb form is awkward, because the reader is left expecting a few more words to complete the thought - for example "upon returning to Mumbai”.
(A) This choice is incorrect as it repeats the original sentence.
(B) The modifier "Having lived for several years in Andaman”, which should modify "Ramesh”, now modifies "it”. The final phrase "upon returning” is awkward.
(C) The modifier "where life was slow and relaxed" incorrectly modifies "years" instead of "Andaman."
(D) CORRECT. "Ramesh" is placed as the subject of the opening modifier "having lived in Andaman." Additionally, the modifier "where life was slow and relaxed" is correctly placed next to its subject, "Andaman."
Question 17
An economic recession can result from a lowering of employment rates triggered by a drop in investment, which causes people to cut consumer spending and starts a cycle of layoffs leading back to even lower employment rates.
a lowering of employment rates triggered by a drop in investment, which causes people to cut consumer spending and start a cycle of layoffs leading back to even lower employment rates
a lowering of employment rates triggered by dropping investment, which cause people to cut consumer spending and starts a cycle of layoffs leading back to even lower employment rates
falling employment rates triggered by a drop in investment, causing cutbacks in consumer spending and starting a cycle of layoffs that lead to even lower employment rates
falling employment rates that are triggered by a drop in investment, causing people to cut consumer spending and starting a cycle of layoffs that lead back to even lower employment rates
SOLUTION
Solution : C
Option: (C)
The original sentence contains a clause beginning with "which" that logically describes the result of lower employment rates. However, as written, this clause seems to describe the result of "a drop in investment" because "which" modifies the noun just before it. We need to find a replacement that makes the causal relationship clear. Additionally, the phrase "causes people to cut consumer spending" is wordy and somewhat illogical since the people are the consumers. A more concise way to say this would be "causes cutbacks in consumer spending." Finally, the use of "back" is redundant, as it is implied by the word "cycle".(A) This choice is incorrect as it repeats the original sentence.
(B) The use of "which" incorrectly suggests that "dropping investment" "causes people to cut consumer spending" when, in fact, the employment rates cause this phenomenon. Additionally, the phrase "cause people to cut consumer spending" is wordy and the use of "back" is redundant, as it is implied by the word "cycle".
(C) CORRECT. This choice makes clear, through the use of the plural verb "cause", that the employment rates are responsible for the cutbacks in spending. Further it uses the concise phrase "cutbacks in consumer spending" and eliminates the redundant word "back."
(D) This choice contains the wordy phrases "that are triggered by", "causing people to cut consumer spending" and the redundant "lead back."
Question 18
Choose the grammatically correct sentence from the four options given for each question.
The Excel Company has greatly enhanced it's advertising expense
The Excel Company has greatly increased its advertising expense
The Excel Company has greatly enhanced its advertising expense
The Excel Company has greatly increased it's advertising expense
SOLUTION
Solution : B
"Enhanced” means to increase or improve the quality or value or desirability of something. Increase implies to become greater in size, amount, number or intensity. The correct usage here would be 'increased'. The possessive form 'its' and not the contracted 'it's is required
Question 19
Choose the grammatically correct sentence from the four options given for each question
Neither the king nor his ministers desires war
Neither king nor his ministers desires war
Neither the king nor his ministers desire war
Neither king nor his ministers desire war
SOLUTION
Solution : C
Because we are talking about a particular king we should use 'the king'. Moreover the verb should be consistent with the noun after 'nor'. The noun ministers (plural) takes the verb because it is near to the verb, hence desire
Question 20
A. If growth is so strong, why did the Chinese central bank feel the need to cut interest rates again?
B. It is only reasonable to ask this after the People's Bank of China cut rates on October 23rd, the sixth time in a year.
C. In the same week the government said the economy grew 6.9% year-on-year in the third quarter, ahead of market expectations.
D. The answer lies in the question: growth is not as strong as official data suggest, and the government knows that.
SOLUTION
Solution :Sentence A starts the paragraph by stating the topic of discussion (Why did the Chinese central bank cut interest rates again?). It may seem that sentence D should follow this as it has the term 'answer'. However, sentence B should follow A as it has the term 'ask this' and hence is a continuation to sentence A. Sentence C has the term 'same week' which is the week of October 23 rd. So, A-B-C follow each other. This is followed by sentence D which finally states the answer to the question posed by sentence A.
So, the answer is ABCD.
Question 21
A. Have you heard the one about the secularists, the evangelical Christians, the (mostly non-religious) writers and other anti-establishment sorts who met to make common cause in the Palace of Westminster?
B. It sounds likes the first line of a long, laboured joke.
C. This unlikely coalition is among those lining up to challenge the British government's new "counter-extremism" strategy on the grounds that it will curb the entitlement to say sharp, eccentric and edgy things for which Britain is supposedly famous.
D. Well, you soon will.
SOLUTION
Solution :Sentence C and D cannot start the first line as they need an underlying context. Between sentences A and B, B will be the starting sentence of the paragraph as it contains the key phrase 'long,labored joke'. Sentence A is a long sentence and mentions the highly unlikely scenario of many disparate groups of people coming together for a common cause. So BA is a pair. D follows A as it is the answer to the question posed by A. Finally, sentence C gives some information about why these people are going to come together.
So the correct sequence is BADC.
Question 22
Philosophy, as I shall understand the word, is something intermediate between theology and science. Like theology, it consists of reflections (A)/speculations (B) on matters as to which definite knowledge has, so far, been unascertainable(A)/unattainable(B); but like science, it appeals to human reason rather than to authority, whether that of tradition or that of proclamation(A) / revelation(B). All definite knowledge – so I should contend – belongs to science; all dogma as to what surpasses definite knowledge belongs to theology. But between theology and science there is a No Man's Land, exposed to attack from both sides; this No Man's Land is philosophy.
SOLUTION
Solution :In theology, one gives an opinion on matters on which definite knowledge has so far been uncertain. 'Speculations' are opinions that are given by people on topics on which there is no certain knowledge while 'reflections' are opinions on events that occurred in the past. So 'speculations' is the correct choice here. Unattainable means something that has not been reached at all. Definite knowledge is attained in stages and not in one-go. So, 'unascertainable' that means 'not determinable with full certainty' i.e. knowledge which has been partly determined but not wholly is the right word to be used in this context. 'Proclamation' means an official/government edict while 'revelation' means uncovering of a divine or a spiritual secret. Revelation is the correct word in the theological context.
So, the answer is BAB.
Question 23
Science tells us what we can know, but what we can know is little, and if we forget how much we cannot know we become insensitive (A) / incurious (B) to many things of very great importance. Theology, on the other hand, induces a dogmatic belief that we have knowledge where in fact we have ignorance, and by doing so generates a kind of precarious (A) / impertinent (B) insolence towards the universe. Uncertainty, in the presence of vivid hopes and fears, is painful, but must be endured if we wish to live without the support of comforting fairy tales. It is not good either to forget the questions that philosophy asks, or to persuade ourselves that we have found factual (A) / indubitable (B) answers to them. To teach how to live without certainty, and yet without being paralysed by hesitation, is perhaps the chief thing that philosophy, in our age, can still do for those who study it.
SOLUTION
Solution :Incurious means 'not interested in knowing' whereas insensitive means 'lacking feeling or respect'. If we forget how much we don't know, we will not be able to respect phenomena we know little about. So insensitive, which conveys the meaning of a lack of wonder, is the right word in this context. Precarious means uncertain whereas impertinent means brash or rude. If one too strongly believes in theological precepts, he or she will develop an attitude of false certainly and will be rude and close-minded towards new knowledge. So impertinent is the right word for the second choice. Factual means 'fact-based' but it may not mean correct. On the other hand, indubitable means 'indisputable' or 'completely correct'. The author wants to convey the idea that we should not persuade ourselves that we have found 'perfect' answers to philosophical questions.
So, the correct answer is ABB.
Question 24
Which of the following titles best summarizes the passage as a whole?
At the threshold of Neutrino Astronomy
Neutrinos and the History of the Universe
The Creation and Study of Neutrinos
The DUMAND System and How It Works
SOLUTION
Solution : A
The author has talked about the potential advantages of Neutrino Astronomy in the entire passage. But it is something that has yet not been put into use extensively. However, with the success of the DUMAND project, Neutrino Astronomy can be used comparatively more easily. Thus, undoubtedly the title ‘At the threshold of Neutrino Astronomy’ best summarizes the passage as a whole.
Question 25
With which of the following statements regarding neutrino astronomy would the author be most likely to agree?
Neutrino astronomy will supersede all present forms of astronomy
Neutrino astronomy will be abandoned if the DUMAND project fails
Neutrino astronomy can be expected to lead to major breakthroughs in astronomy
Neutrino astronomy will disclose phenomena that will be more surprising than past discoveries
SOLUTION
Solution : C
In the last few lines the author explains that the extension of astronomy from light to other media has always produced excellent results and has resulted in new discoveries, before saying “Neutrino astronomy will undoubtedly bring its own share of surprises”. Therefore, option (c) is the most appropriate answer choice.
Question 26
According to the passage, one advantage that neutrinos have for studies in astronomy is that they:
Have been detected for the last twenty-five years
Possess a variable electric charge
Are usually extremely massive
Carry information about their history with them
SOLUTION
Solution : D
In the last line of the first paragraph, the author states that “neutrinos carry with them information about the site and circumstances of their production: therefore, the detection of cosmic neutrinos could provide new information about a wide variety of cosmic phenomena and about the history of the universe.” Thus, it is evident that answer option (d) is the correct answer choice.
Question 27
The passage mentions which of the following as a reason that neutrinos are hard to detect?
Their pervasiveness in the universe
Their ability to escape from different regions of space
Their ability to escape from different regions of space
The similarity of their structure to that of nucleons
The infrequency of their interaction with other matter
SOLUTION
Solution : E
The second paragraph starts with a question "But how can scientists detect a particle that interacts so infrequently with other matter?” Therefore, it can be gauged from the passage that neutrinos are hard to detect because of the infrequency of their interaction with other matter. Therefore, answer option (e) is the correct answer choice
Question 28
Meat grown in a Petri dish? Sounds like science fiction, but it isn't. Scientists at Windhaven University in the Netherlands have grown invitro meat using cells from a live pig to replicate growth in a Petri dish. They haven't been able to actually taste the pork they have grown because of lab rules. Nevertheless, there's potential here for some huge benefits
It would not only lead to a ban on killing animals for food, but strengthen the measures to fight poaching
If meat can be grown in the lab rather than in farms, then people need not make sacrifices for the sake of Mother Earth
They can, so to say, have their rack of lamb and eat it too
It could mean not only an end to killing animals for food, but also a significant saving of energy on maintaining abattoirs
SOLUTION
Solution : D
As the last sentence ends by stating that there's potential for huge benefits to follow due to the success in growing meat in the lab, we need to look for answer options which talk about probable benefits. Option (a) can be deemed irrelevant as it's not necessary that being able to grow meat in the lab would lead to a ban on killing animals for food. Neither would it mandatorily help strengthen measures to fight poaching. Option (b) is outside the scope of the passage and hence can be rejected. Option (c) seems close, but can be rejected due to the use of the word "They” which makes it ambiguous. When we talk of benefits, we are not referring to any particular group of people, alone being benefitted. So option (c) is incorrect. Option (d) fits in beautifully by stating valid benefits, using the tentative word "could” and maintaining the flow of the passage and hence clearly stands out as the right answer choice.
Hint- options (a) and (c) - the words "would not” and "need” make the sentence strong. We are not looking at a definite solution but a plausible potential . Hence, these options can be eliminated
Question 29
The question of economic growth is thrown into further confusion by the methods used to measure it. Fundamentally, economics is myopic. It measures reality by its current market price. The intrinsic value of real things, their essential character which remains unchanged even when their price on the market fluctuates, is not an issue to the economist. He is like Oscar Wild's cynic.
Someone who is consigned permanently to the present, spurring both the past and the future.
Someone who knows the price of everything and value of nothing.
Someone who basks in the glories of growth unmindful of the cost.
Someone, who worships price and assumes that 10% richer in monetary terms is 10% richer in happiness.
SOLUTION
Solution : B
The most important words in the paragraph are "price” and "value”. Essentially, the author wants to convey that the economists fail to draw a relationship between the price and the value of real things. Option (a) can be eliminated because it is outside the scope of the passage. Options (c) and (d) do not fit in with the idea of a cynic and hence can be eliminated. Option (b) however, talks about the entire essence of the paragraph in brief and blends with the flow of the paragraph.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer choice.
Question 30
(A) We think back with an element of nostalgia to that earlier dream of a world in which we were promised accurate prediction, control and endless progress.
(B) Add to this a host of other problems we encounter and things do seem to be in a mess.
(C) We feel today that we are living in a world that is constantly in crisis.
(D) In the face of all this we feel a burning need for corrective action, for major interventions, government legislation, aid programmes.
(E) All around us newspapers and television warn of global warming and environmental degradation, of terrorism and international conflicts, of Third World poverty and the implications of the recent economic slump.
CEDBA
CEBDA
CEBAD
CAEBD
SOLUTION
Solution : B
B goes on to explain whatever is mentioned in E. EB is thus a link. Thus, the correct answer option is either (b), (c) or (d) . If we look at sentence A, it can be a concluding statement by saying we seek an escape from all the problems we are facing now by looking back to the earlier dream of an ideal world thus making CEBDA the correct sequence.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer choice.
Question 31
(A) In Canada, however, victims' rights groups and community campaigns mounted sustained pressure on the government.
(B) The report slammed Canada's security services for a series of staggering failures they committed in the months leading up to the bombing, and for the botched investigation that followed it.
(C) Twenty-five years ago, Air India flight 182 from Montreal to New Delhi exploded over the Irish Sea, killing all 329 on board.
(D) Earlier this month, their relentless work fielded results when a commission of inquiry led by a retired Canadian Supreme Court Judge, John Major, published its findings.
(E) Even though most of the victims were Indian nationals or of Indian origin, the tragedy disappeared from the fore-ground of public consciousness with a strange speed-displaced perhaps by the succession of horrors that have scarred the country since then.
CEABD
CEBAD
CADBE
CEADB
SOLUTION
Solution : D
The "their” in (D) refers to the "victims' rights groups” in A. The word "however” in A, shows that something contrary to A should happen in the preceding sentence. This sentence is "E”. Also Only E can follow C as the 'victims' in E refer to the 'air tragedy' mentioned in C.
Hence, the only possible answer choice linking C-A-D-B is option (d).
Question 32
Bundle
1] The new born baby was a bundle of joy for the family. 2] Moblie operators are offering a bundle of additional benefits. 3] He made a bundle in the share market. 4] It was sheer luck that brought a bundle of boy-scouts to where I was lying wounded.
1
2
3
4
SOLUTION
Solution : D
A "group” of school boys would have been a more correct expression. Therefore, answer option (d) is the correct answer choice
Question 33
Host
1]If you host the party, who will foot the bill? 2]Kerala's forests are host to a range of snakes. 3]Ranchi's will play the host to the next national film festival. 4]A virus has infected the host computer.
1
2
3
4
SOLUTION
Solution : C
Option: (C) The statement "Ranchi will play the host to the next national film festival” stands incorrect. "Ranchi will play host to the next national film festival” would have been a better expression.