Free Verbal Practice Test - CAT
Question 1
The primary purpose of the passage is to:
Present a commonplace idea and its inaccuracies
Describe a situation and its potential drawbacks
Propose a temporary solution to a problem
Analyze a frequent source of disagreement
SOLUTION
Solution : B
The author has tried to bring to limelight the situation of the minority-owned businesses in the United States. He has discussed the solution implemented by the Congress to bring in more opportunities for the minority-owned businesses and the potential drawbacks of the same. He is not talking about any temporary solution to a problem which implies option (c) cannot be the right answer. Option (a) talks about a commonplace idea and its inaccuracies. However, the passage actually talks about a situation rather than an idea. Moreover, the author has started off the passage by talking about the Congress' move to help minority-owned businesses and has given, in the subsequent paragraphs, the probable risks of the same. Thus, answer option (b) clearly stands out as the right answer choice.
Question 2
The passage supplies information that would answer which of the following questions?
What federal agencies have set percentage goals for the use of minority-owned businesses in public works contracts?
To which government agencies must businesses awarded federal contracts report their efforts to find minority subcontractors?
How widespread is the use of minority-owned concerns as "fronts” by White backers seeking to obtain subcontracts?
What is one set of conditions under which a small business might find itself financially overextended?
SOLUTION
Solution : D
We can gauge from the geography of the passage that the second paragraph talks about the risk faced by minority firms in expanding too fast and overextending themselves financially. One condition wherein any small business might face such a risk is also mentioned, thus making answer option (d) the correct answer choice.
Question 3
According to the passage, civil rights activists maintain that one disadvantage under which minority-owned businesses have traditionally had to labor is that they have:
Been especially vulnerable to governmental mismanagement of the economy
Been denied bank loans at rates comparable to those afforded larger competitors
Not had sufficient opportunity to secure business created by large corporations
Not been able to advertise in those media that reach large numbers of potential customers
SOLUTION
Solution : C
The second sentence of the first paragraph very clearly states that "Civil rights activists have long argued that one of the principal reasons why Blacks, Hispanics, and other minority groups have difficulty establishing themselves in business is that they lack access to the sizable orders and subcontracts that are generated by large companies.” Thus, it is evident that answer option (c) is the correct answer choice.
Question 4
The passage suggests that the failure of a large business to have its bids for subcontracts results quickly in orders might cause it to:
Experience frustration but not serious financial harm
Face potentially crippling fixed expenses
Have to record its efforts on forms filed with the government
Increase its spending with minority subcontractors
SOLUTION
Solution : A
The last line of the second paragraph states that "The world of corporate purchasing can be frustrating for small entrepreneurs who get requests for elaborate formal estimates and bids. Both consume valuable time and resources, and a small company's efforts must soon result in orders, or both the morale and the financial health of the business will suffer.” Since the question talks about bids for subcontracts not resulting "quickly” in orders, it might result in frustration. Serious financial harm shall not be caused as these bids might result into orders sometime later. Thus, answer option (a) is the correct answer choice.
Question 5
According to the traditional view of the origin of the ocean basins, which of the following is sufficient to move the continental plates?
Increase in sedimentation on ocean floors
Spreading of ocean trenches
Movement of mid-ocean ridges
Differences in temperature under oceans and continents
SOLUTION
Solution : D
The first paragraph very clearly states that “… differences in temperature under oceans and continents are sufficient to produce convection in the mantle of the earth with rising convection currents under the mid-ocean ridges and sinking currents under the continents.” This makes it evident that the difference in temperature under oceans and continents is sufficient to move the continental plates.
Question 6
It can be inferred from the passage that, of the following, the deepest sediments would be found in the:
Indian Ocean
Black Sea
Mid-Atlantic
South Atlantic
SOLUTION
Solution : B
The last theory given by the author seems attractive because it gives some hope of explaining the enclosed seas. These seas have a typical oceanic floor, except that the floor is overlaid by several kilometers of sediment. Their floors have probably been sinking for long periods. It seems possible that a sinking current of cooled mantle material on the upper side of the plate might be the cause of such deep basins. Going by the last theory, the deepest sediments would be found in the Black Sea thus making answer option (b) the correct answer choice. Among the answer options, only Black Sea has been mentioned by the author in the last paragraph wherein he discusses about deepest sediments and hence we can straight away go for option (b).
Question 7
The author refers to a "conveyor belt” in order to
Illustrate the effects of convection in the mantle
Show how temperature differences depend on the positions of the continents
Demonstrate the linear nature of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Describe the complicated motions made possible by back-coupling
SOLUTION
Solution : A
The author mentions in the first paragraph that “Theoretically, this convection would carry the continental plates along as though they were on a conveyor belt and would provide the forces needed to produce the split that occurs along the ridge.” Thus it is evident that a conveyor belt is referred in order to illustrate the effects of convection in the mantle. Thus, answer option (a) is the correct answer choice.
Question 8
The author regards the traditional view of the origin of the oceans with:
Slight apprehension
Absolute indifference
Indignant anger
Guarded skepticism
SOLUTION
Solution : D
In the first paragraph, the author has appreciated the traditional view by saying that it may be correct since it has the advantage that the currents are driven by temperature differences that themselves depend on the position of the continents. However, in the second paragraph, he says that the traditional view seems implausible because convection does not normally occur along lines, and it certainly does not occur along lines broken by frequent offsets or changes in direction, as the ridge is. Thus we can effectively say that the author regards the traditional view of the origin of the oceans with guarded skepticism, and not complete disbelief, indifference, or anger. Also the author does not regard with ‘slight’ apprehension when he says in the second paragraph that the traditional view is ‘implausible’. Thus answer option (d) is the correct answer choice.
Question 9
Which one of the following most accurately characterizes the author's attitude toward placebo treatment?
reserved advocacy
feigned objectivity
perplexed by its effectiveness
zealous promotion
SOLUTION
Solution : A
Only choices (a) and (b) have any real merit. Although the passage has a detached, third-person style, the author nonetheless, does present his opinions— namely that placebos work and that their use should be expanded. However, that advocacy is reserved, so the correct answer is (a).
The other choices can be quickly eliminated: Given the human ego, we are unlikely to admit that we don’t understand the subject we are writing about. This eliminates (c).
“Zealous promotion” is too strong; “promotion” itself is probably too strong. This eliminates (d).
Question 10
Which one of the following best describes the organization of the material presented in the passage?
A general proposition is stated; then evidence for its support is given.
A result is stated, its cause is explained, and an application is suggested.
A dilemma is presented and a possible solution is offered.
A series of examples is presented; then a conclusion is drawn from them.
SOLUTION
Solution : B
In the first paragraph the author claims that placebos can cure everything from dandruff to leprosy—this is a result. Then in paragraphs two, three, four, and five, he explains the causes of the result. Finally, he alludes to an application—the placebo treatment centers. The correct answer is (b).
Question 11
For the past five years, US consumption of eggs has decreased. The National Egg Council plans to reverse this trend by launching an advertising campaign extolling the healthful benefits of eggs. Which one of the following, if true, will provide the strongest support for the National Egg Council's plan?
Eggs are a good source of protein.
Many former egg eaters now make omelets using egg substitutes.
Most people stopped eating eggs because they thought eggs were unhealthy.
Eggs contain unhealthy levels of cholesterol.
SOLUTION
Solution : C
Supports for the argument are the identifying words in option (c): Increase egg consumption with health ads. (a) and (b) aren't bad, but they require you to infer a connection between eggs, health,
and consumers' concerns rather than stating it outright. (c) clearly shows consumers are concerned with eggs' health effects. (d) weakens the argument. Hence option (c) is the correct answer.
Question 12
In an effort to reduce the amount of fat and the number of calories that they consume, many citizens of the United States are making significant changes in their diets. For them staying in shape and looking fit now take precedence over eating foods that are filling and that taste good. It is likely that if they maintain these new priorities with consistent regard for other health issues, the length and quality of their lives will increase significantly. Which one of the following is an assumption upon which the argument is based?
Eating foods that are filling and tastes good is inconsistent with staying in shape and looking fit.
Controlling the quality of one's life requires more than mere dietary adjustments.
A combination of diet and exercise is necessary if one wishes to stay in shape and look fit.
Many citizens of the United States have only recently discovered the importance of diet to living a longer, healthier life.
SOLUTION
Solution : A
Examine the question: Assumption is an obvious key word. According to the passage if people maintain the new priorities (changes in diet), the length and quality of their lives will increase. The subsidiary conclusion is that people are making changes to their diets because they'd rather be fit than eat foods that are filling and taste good. The gap between these two statements is that better diet is linked to longer life and changes to diet means not eating filling, tasty food. Going by the process of eliminationoption (b) is irrelevant. If anything, this weakens by suggesting that changes in diet aren't enough. Option (c) is irrelevant. This goes along with the general idea, but it's not strictly necessary. In option (d), the time of discovery is irrelevant. In option (e), the goals of most citizens are irrelevant. You're only interested in the people who are acting on their goals. Option (a) fills in the assumption needed to make the subsidiary conclusion true. If eating filling, good tasting foods is inconsistent with staying in shape and looking fit, people who want to stay in shape and be fit are willing to give them up. They will maintain good habits and live longer, better lives. Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
Question 13
It can be inferred from the passage that scientists now generally agree that the:
Enormous wingspan of the pterosaurs enabled them to fly great distances
Structure of the skeleton of the pterosaurs suggests a close evolutionary relationship to bats
Fossil remains of the pterosaurs reveal how they solved the problem of powered flight
Pterosaurs were reptiles
SOLUTION
Solution : D
The first line of the second paragraph states that “Perhaps the least controversial assertion about the pterosaurs is that they were reptiles. Furthermore, throughout the passage, the author has suggested evidences which prove the resemblances of pterosaurs with the entire clan of reptiles, thus making answer option (d) the correct answer choice.
Question 14
The author views the idea that the pterosaurs became airborne by rising into light winds created by waves as:
Revolutionary
Unlikely
Unassailable
Probable
SOLUTION
Solution : B
The author mentions in the last line of the passage that the idea that the pterosaurs became airborne by rising into light winds created by waves calls for high waves to channel updrafts. The wind that made such waves however, might have been too strong for the pterosaurs to control their flight once airborne. Thus this idea is viewed by the author as “unlikely” making answer option (b) the correct answer choice.
Question 15
According to the passage, the skeleton of a pterosaur can be distinguished from that of a bird by the:
Size of its wingspan
Presence of hollow spaces in its bones
Anatomic origin of its wing strut
Presence of hook like projections on its hind feet
SOLUTION
Solution : C
The author mentions in the third paragraph that “In the birds, however, the hollow bones are reinforced more massively by internal struts.” Thus, it is evident that answer option (c) is the correct answer choice.
Question 16
The ideas attributed to T. H. Huxley in the passage suggest that he would most likely agree with which of the following statements?
An animal's brain size has little bearing on its ability to master complex behaviors.
An animal's appearance is often influenced by environmental requirements and physical capabilities.
Animals within a given family group are unlikely to change their appearance dramatically over a period of time.
The origin of flight in vertebrates was an accidental development rather than the outcome of specialization or adaptation.
SOLUTION
Solution : B
The author has mentioned in the fourth paragraph that although scales typically cover reptiles, the pterosaurs probably had hairy coats. Huxley speculated that a coat of hair would insulate against loss of body heat and might streamline the body to reduce drag in flight. Thus, we can logically conclude that an animal’s appearance is often influenced by environmental requirements and physical capabilities. Hence, it is evident that answer option (b) is the correct answer choice.
Question 17
It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following is characteristic of the pterosaurs?
They were unable to fold their wings when not in use.
They hung upside down from branches as bats do before flight.
They flew in order to capture prey.
They were an early stage in the evolution of the birds.
SOLUTION
Solution : A
The last line of the second paragraph mentions that “When a pterosaur walked or remained stationary, the fourth finger, and with it the wing, could only turn upward in an extended inverted V-shape along each side of the animal’s body.” Thus it is evident that the pterosaurs were unable to fold their wings when not in use. Therefore, answer option (a) is the correct answer choice.
Question 18
Which of the following best states the central idea of the passage?
The Byzantine Empire was a unique case in which the usual order of military and economic revival preceding cultural revival was reversed.
The economic, cultural, and military revival in the Byzantine Empire between the eighth and eleventh centuries was similar in its order to the sequence of revivals in Augustan Rome and fifth century Athens.
After 810 Byzantine economic recovery spurred a military and, later, cultural expansion that lasted until 1453.
The revival of the Byzantine Empire between the eighth and eleventh centuries shows cultural rebirth preceding economic and military revival, the reverse of the commonly accepted order of progress.
SOLUTION
Solution : D
The author talks about the usual order of military and economic revival preceding cultural revival in the first two paragraphs and gives examples to support the same. Further, in the last paragraph, the author tries to bring to lime light that in case of the Byzantine Empire, the commonly accepted order of progress was reversed, with cultural rebirth preceding economic and military revival. If we look at the answer options, options (a) and (d) are similar. But answer option (d) is the most appropriate answer choice because it is more generic than answer option (a) which states that the Byzantine Empire was a “unique case” in which the usual order of revival was reversed. We can’t accept this as the most appropriate answer choice because we don’t know whether Byzantine Empire was the only case where such a thing happened.
Question 19
Which of the following is the primary purpose of the second paragraph?
To establish the uniqueness of the Byzantine revival
To show that Augustan Rome and fifth-century Athens are examples of cultural, economic, and military expansion against which all subsequent cases must be measured
To suggest that cultural, economic, and military advances have tended to be closely inter-related in different societies
To argue that, while the revivals of Augustan Rome and fifth-century Athens were similar, they are unrelated to other historical examples
SOLUTION
Solution : C
In the second paragraph, the author has stated that “to consider the Byzantine military, cultural, and economic advances as differentiated aspects of a single phenomenon is reasonable. After all, these three forms of progress have gone together in a number of states and civilizations.” Therefore, it very easily follows that answer option (c) is the most appropriate answer choice.
Question 20
It can be inferred from the passage that by the eleventh century the Byzantine military forces:
Had reached their peak and begun to decline
Had eliminated the Bulgarian army
Were comparable in size to the army of Rome under Augustus
Were strong enough to withstand the Abbasid Caliphate's military forces
SOLUTION
Solution : D
The first paragraph states that “by the early eleventh century, however, the empire had regained almost half of its lost possessions, its new frontiers were secure, and its influence extended far beyond its borders.” Also, it is mentioned in the last paragraph that by that time, they were strong enough to withstand the Abbasid Caliphate’s military forces. The passage does not mention that the Byzantine military forces had completely eliminated the Bulgarian army. Neither does it mention that by then, they had reached their peak and begun to decline. Therefore, answer option (d) is the correct answer choice.
Question 21
It can be inferred from the passage that the Byzantine Empire sustained significant territorial losses:
During the seventh century
A century after the cultural achievements of the Byzantine Empire had been lost
Soon after the revival of Byzantine learning
In the century after 873
SOLUTION
Solution : A
In the first paragraph, the author has mentioned that “By the early eighth century, the Byzantine Empire had lost roughly two-thirds of the territory it had possessed in the year 600.” Thus it is after 600, during the seventh century, that the Byzantine Empire suffered significant territorial losses. Therefore, answer option (a) is the correct answer choice.
Question 22
The author mentions "industry and honesty and equality” in order to make the point that:
some moral habits are not as valuable as many claim
fate tends to favor those who are virtuous
too many people disdain ethical behavior
the natural order reflects a moral order
SOLUTION
Solution : A
The author is discussing how capricious (whimsical/ changeable) nature is in revealing its resources, and suggests that anyone trying to harvest the earth’s resources must become a gambler, and scoff at theorists who prate (speak inconsequentially) of moral virtues such as industry and honesty and equality. Therefore, the author is suggesting that these virtues are not as valuable as many people claim they are.
Question 23
The "closed hand” in the passage refers to:
the strength of the farmer
the tendency of the earth to hide its treasures
the abundance of resources that spring from the earth
the fact that the earth is inanimate and lacking will
SOLUTION
Solution : B
The closed hand represents the tendency of the Earth to hide its diamonds and good red wheat. Option B conveys the same idea and hence correct. The author is of the opinion that man does not know what Earth hides.
Question 24
The "fate” highlighted is the fate of:
the hard-working farmer
the theorist who preaches honesty and equality
the gambler
the owner of private property
SOLUTION
Solution : C
This fate is the fate of the gambler, who is at the whim of Mother Earth. In the previous lines the author says that Earth mocks at man and he does not know what Earth hides and hence is a gambler. Then the author goes on to say that man rebels this fate.
Question 25
When the popular actor died [A] / had died [B]the Chief Minister himself condoled the family and placed a wreathe [A] / wreath [B]on the body. The sceptic [A] / septic [B]refused to believe that the house was haunted.In a bid to get control of herself after the terrible tragedy her mind sheared [A] / sheered [B] away from all unwelcome or unpleasant images. The power meter [A] / metre [B]appeared to be faulty since consumption was low but bills were high
ABABA
BAAAB
ABABB
BABAA
AABAA
SOLUTION
Solution : A
The simple past tense is used with when . . . . . Hence A.
'Wreathe' is to surround something.'Wreath' is a circular arrangement of flowers and suits the context.Hence B.
'Sceptic' is a non-believer while 'septic' means to become infected which doesn't suit the context.Hence A.
'Sheared' is to cut as of a fence or the wool from a sheep.'Sheered' is to avoid which is apt in the context.Hence B.
Metre is a metric unit while meter is a measuring device for electricity or gas.Hence A.
Question 26
"If you want a luxurious [A] / luxuriant [B]growth of hair, try the [A] / a [B]new shampoo.” The lama [A] / llama [B]taught us simple luring and high thinking.He said he was loath [A] / loathe [B]to criticize his guru as he was deeply obliged to him.Release from of internment [A] / interment [B] meant the beginning of a new life.
BAAAA
AABBB
BAABA
AABAB
ABABA
SOLUTION
Solution : A
Luxurious indicates something comfortable and expensive while 'luxuriant' means healthy growth, which is apt in the context.Hence B.New shampoo points to a specific shampoo.So the definite article 'the' is appropriate.Hence A.
'Lama' is a Buddhist monk while 'llama' is an animal, which doesn't suit the context.Hence A.
'Loath' is to be unwilling while 'loathe' is to hate. Hence A.
'Internment' is release from imprisonment while 'interment' is burial.Hence A.
Question 27
The project manager is truly the heart and soul of a project. Project managers are expected to successfully bring their projects to fruition (achieved pre-determined quality) while keeping a tight rein on budgets (costs) and schedules (time). In order to fulfill the requirement of time, cost and quality, a project manager needs to acquire a set of skills to help him to manage the project and solve variety of problems during the implementation of project. These skills can be divided into two categories, which are hard skills and soft skills.
Project managers are expected to acquire hard skills and soft skills in order to successfully implement projects.
The project manager has to implement projects within set time frames. He also acquires essential skills during the course of the project.
The project manager is pivotal to a project. Achievements of set goals, acquisition of specific skill sets are mandatory for his success.
The heart and soul of a project is the project manager. He has to realize the goals keeping in mind costs and schedules. Acquiring soft skills and hard skills are integral to his development.
SOLUTION
Solution : D
Option (d) captures all the aspects of the paragraph. All other options are incomplete.
Question 28
Einstein, Hemmingway, Van Gogh. These are some of the most gifted and talented minds ever to grace the earth. Were they normal? No, in fact they were far from it. Each had weaknesses of his own. Einstein was known to be a little crazy. Hemmingway enjoyed throwing one back every now and again. And Van Gogh was deeply depressed for years. So can these men still be geniuses despite their conditions? If so, then was the great John Nash brilliant as well or simply insane?
Einstein, Hemmingway, Van Gogh were immensely gifted and talented. They were geniuses in all respects.
Einstein, Hemmingway, Van Gogh were God's own gift to humanity. Each had a weakness of his own kind. John Nash demonstrated similar traits. Were they truly geniuses ?
John Nash can be truly regarded as brilliant as Einstein, Hemmingway and Van Gogh. All of them had some weakness or the other, however, that did not detract their greatness from them.
The most gifted minds were in fact a little crazy. This facet is amplified by great geniuses like Einstein, Hemmingway, Van Gogh and Nash.
SOLUTION
Solution : B
option (b) Options (a), (c) and (d) represent individual facets, only b captures the essence.
Question 29
Light is registered in the retina when photons hit molecules of the pigment rhodopsin and change the molecules' shape. Even when they have not been struck by photons of light, rhodopsin molecules sometimes change shape because of normal molecular motion, thereby introducing error into the visual system. The amount of this molecular motion is directly proportional to the temperature of the retina. Which one of the following conclusion is most strongly supported by the information above?
The temperature of an animal's retina depends on the amount of light the retina is absorbing.
The visual systems of animals whose body temperature matches that of their surroundings are more error-prone in hot surroundings than in cold ones.
As the temperature of the retina rises, rhodopsin molecules react more slowly to being struck by
photons.
Rhodopsin molecules are more sensitive to photons in animals whose retinas have large surface areas than in animals whose retinas have small surface areas.
SOLUTION
Solution : B
Option (a) relates the temperature of the body to the amount of light absorbed by the retina. This relation has not been mentioned in the passage. The temperature is only related to the molecular motion. Hence option (a) is eliminated. Option (c) is not supported by the paragraph because there is no mention of the speed with which the rhodopsin molecules react to photons in the paragraph. Option (d) is eliminatedas the paragraph does not draw any relation to the surface area of the retinas.
Option (b) draws a correct conclusion between the temperature of the body and the errors incurred. If the animal is in a hot surrounding, its molecular motion will increase and the rhodopsin molecule will change shape even without light registering in the retina. This leads to errors. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
Question 30
Critic: Political utility determines the popularity of a metaphor. In authoritarian societies, the metaphor of society as a human body governed by a head is pervasive. Therefore, the society-as-body metaphor, with its connection between society's proper functioning and governance by a head, promotes greater acceptance of authoritarian repression than do other metaphors, such as likening society to a family.
Which one of the following statements, if true, most weakens the critic's argument?
In authoritarian societies, the metaphor of society as a family is just as pervasive as the society-as-body metaphor
Every society tries to justify the legitimacy of its government through the use of metaphor.
The metaphor of society as a human body is sometimes used in non-authoritarian societies.
Authoritarian leaders are always searching for new metaphors for society in their effort to maintain their power.
SOLUTION
Solution : A
The critic's argument is that the metaphor of society as a human body is more pervasive than other metaphors such as society as a family. This metaphor is used in authoritarian societies and the popularity of a metaphor is determined by its political utility. Option (b) talks about justifying the legitimacy of its government which is irrelevant to the paragraph. Option (c) includes non-authoritarian societies which is outside the scope of the passage. Option (d) relates metaphors to an effort to maintain power which is not mentioned in the paragraph. Only option (a) manages to weaken the critic's argument by saying that society as family is as pervasive as society as human body.
Question 31
The architect proposed that supplies for the new wing of the hospital, which hospital administrators hoped to open by the end of the year, will be procured from local providers.
that supplies for the new wing of the hospital, which hospital administrators hoped to open by the end of the year, will be
that supplies for the hospital's new wing, which hospital administrators hope to be opened by the end of the year, be
that the hospital's new wing's supplies, which hospital administrators hope to be opened by year's end, might be
that supplies for the hospital's new wing, which hospital administrators hope to open by the end of the year, be
SOLUTION
Solution : D
The phrase proposed that creates a situation in which the subjunctive must be used. The following verb, initially will be, needs to become be in order to be correct, so you can eliminate (A). Of the remaining choices, you can eliminate (C) for misplacing a modifier. By placing supplies at the end of the first phrase, choice (C) illogically suggests that the administrators want the supplies to be opened. (D) is better than (B) because to open is clearer and less wordy than the passive to be opened.
Hence, the most appropriate choice is (D).
Question 32
According to the enrollment statistics published by U.S. medical schools, the number of female medical students is equivalent to the number of male medical students currently enrolled in medical school.
the number of female medical students is equivalent to the number of male medical students currently enrolled in medical school
as many female as male students are currently enrolled in medical school
the number of female students is as many as that of male students currently enrolled in medical school
as great as the number of female is the number of male students currently enrolled in medical school
SOLUTION
Solution : B
The initial sentence is certainly wordy, but look for specific problems that you can fix. Let's start with the terms describing the number, you're given several options: the number . . . . is equivalent to, as many female as male students, the number . . . . is as many as, as great as the number . . . , and the students are enrolled in equal numbers. Options (C) and (D) are grammatically incorrect because each uses the wrong idiom to describe the number. Choice (A) is grammatically incorrect, so focus on their expression. Answer choice (B) is clearly the most succinct option, and since it is still faithful to the original meaning of the sentence, it is the correct choice is well.
Question 33
A firm is considering changing its policy regarding daily working hours. Presently, the firm requires all employees to arrive at work at 9 a.m. The policy under consideration would permit each employee to decide when to arrive-from as early as 5 a.m. to as late as 12 noon.
The adoption of this policy would be most likely to decrease the productivity of employees if the their job functions required them to
A.Work without being disturbed by other employeesB.Interact frequently with each other throughout the entire workday
C.Consult at least once a day with employees from other companies
D.Submit their work for a supervisor's eventual approval
E.Attend team meetings on work strategy at the office that generally take place between 9 and 10 am.
Enter the option letter/letters sequentially in the space given below
SOLUTION
Solution : Option A: If employees need to work without being disturbed by others, then a flexible reporting time policy is indeed better for productivity than a fixed reporting time policy as employees will be less likely to disturbed by others who may arrive at an earlier or at a later time.
Option B: Correct: If employees need to interact with each other throughout the day to work effectively, then a flexible reporting time policy will be counterproductive as different people will arrive at different times, thereby making frequent interactions difficult.
Option C: Once in a day consultation with the employees of other companies can be arranged by each employee on his/her own and a flexible reporting time policy is unlikely to make a difference to their productivity in this regard.
Option D: The work has to be 'eventually' submitted to the supervisor. So the employees need not come every day at a fixed time for this purpose. They can get their supervisor's approval once they complete their work.Option E: Correct: If work strategy meetings take place between 9 and 10 and employees are given the flexibility to come anytime between 5 and 12, some of them may miss the meeting and this may lead to information loss and subsequent loss of productivity.
Question 34
Sealand's crocodile population has been on the decline in recent years, primarily because of hunting. Crocodiles prey heavily on a species of freshwater fish that is highly valued as food by Sealanders, who had hoped that the decline in the crocodile population would lead to an increase in the numbers of these fish available for human consumption. Yet the population of this fish species has also declined, even though the annual number caught for human consumption has not increased.
Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain the decline in the population of the fish species? Enter the option sequences in the blank given below
A. Yellow blight, a fatal disease that was not prevalent in the region's freshwater fishes a few years back has now reached epidemic proportions
B. Over the last few years, Sealand's commercial fishing enterprises have increased the number of fishing boats they use.
C. The main predator of these fish is another species of fish on which crocodiles also prey.
D. Many Sealanders who hunt crocodiles do so because of the high market price of crocodile skins, not because of the threat crocodiles pose to the fish population.
E. In several neighbouring countries through which Sealand's rivers also flow, crocodiles are at risk of extinction as a result of extensive hunting.
SOLUTION
Solution :Option A: Correct: The disease has no relation to the declining crocodile population but clearly explains why the population of the freshwater fishes is decreasing.
Option B: The fact that Sealand's commercial fishing enterprises are increasing the number of fishing boats they are using need not imply that the population of fishes has to decline. The companies may be replacing larger boats by a greater number of smaller boats and the fishing quantity may still remain constant.
Option C: Correct: If the crocodile numbers have declined, then the numbers of the predator fish species will increase and this will lead to the decline of the freshwater fishes.
Option D: The motivation behind Sealanders hunting of crocodiles is irrelevant to the point of declining fish population.
Option E: Again, the point of crocodiles facing extinction due to excessive hunting in the neighbouring countries is irrelevant to the main issue of declining freshwater fish population.