Free Verbal Practice Test - CAT
Question 1
What is the central idea of this passage?
Obvious philosophy in general has been more appealing to the mankind than abstruse philosophy.
There are two different ways of treating moral philosophy and each of them has its own peculiar merits and demerits.
The philosophy of abstract reasoners has been generally more appealing to the intelligentsia than that of obvious reasoners.
Abstract reasoners have been able to shape the history of philosophical thought in more profound ways than obvious reasoners.
SOLUTION
Solution : A
The statement in option B is a general statement that the author makes to introduce the topic but it is not the main theme of the passage. The author does not go into detail to compare the merits and demerits of these two ways. Option C is true but is again not the main theme. Option D is neither mentioned in or can be inferred from the passage.
Option A is the main theme of the passage. The author highlights it in the opening line of the third paragraph where he writes that ‘It is certain that the easy and obvious philosophy will always, with the generality of mankind, have the preference above the accurate and abstruse…..’ and goes on further to elaborate this point.
Question 2
What can be inferred about abstruse philosophers from the passage?
They do not attempt to cultivate the manners of masses but only seek to get an understanding of the origins of human behavior.
They have never been able to attain fame of the same magnitude as that of obvious philosophers.
SOLUTION
Solution : C
Option A is only partially true. While the abstruse philosophers do attempt the understand the origins of human behavior, they do not entirely refrain from cultivating the manners of the masses. See the first line of paragraph 2 ‘endeavour to form his understanding more than cultivate his manners.’ Option B is out of the scope of the passage as there is no discussion on the development of philosophical thought. Option D seems to be deviously close but carefully observe what the author says in the last paragraph. He mentions that abstruse philosophers have been famous in their times but their fame has waned since then. So one cannot make a sweeping statement that ‘they have never been able to attain fame of the same magnitude as that of obvious philosophers’.
The first line of the second passage contains the phrase ‘in order to find those principles’. So the abstruse philosophers must first believe that there exist some basic laws that govern human nature before attempting to find them.
Question 3
Which of the following best describes the relation of the third paragraph to the passage a whole?
It introduces a new argument that is further elaborated in the next passage.
It contrasts the two different ways of approaching an issue and provides evidence for why one is better than the other.
It states and further explains the main idea of the passage.
It makes a general observation to be exemplified.
SOLUTION
Solution : C
The third paragraph explains the central idea of the passage that people find obvious philosophy more appealing than abstruse philosophy.
It neither presents a new argument nor offers a summary of earlier ideas. The author offers examples to provide evidence for his main idea and not for a general point in the last line of the last paragraph.
Question 4
In the final paragraph, why does the author refer to the posterity as more equitable?
Because he thinks the ignorance and caprice of the people of the abstruse philosopher's age will render them negatively biased towards him or her
Because he thinks the ignorance and caprice of the people of the abstruse philosopher's age will render them positively biased towards him or her
Because he thinks that the philosophical errors committed by the abstruse philosopher will come into light only to the posterity that has the advantage of hindsight in regards to how the thought has played out in practice
SOLUTION
Solution : D
Option A suggests that the posterity will be inherently more just than the previous generation. This is nowhere stated nor can be inferred from the passage. Also, ‘equitable’ here is not in the sense of justness but more in the sense of being knowledgeable. Options B and C may look plausible but on close observation of the last paragraph: ‘that abstract reasoners seem hitherto to have enjoyed only a momentary reputation, from the caprice or ignorance of their own age, ‘ it is apparent that people of the abstruse philosopher’s time may have regarded him with positivity due to the prevalent ignorance or caprice. However it does not say anything about why the next generation should be more equitable.
Option D suggests that the posterity will have the advantage of getting to know the philosopher’s thoughts both in theory and in practice, compare them and judge him for his philosophical accuracy. In this regard, they will be more knowledgeable or equitable.
Question 5
Which of the following best describes the attitude of the author towards abstruse philosophers in the passage?
Reservedly approving
Dispassionately objective
Cautiously critical
Moderately disapproving
SOLUTION
Solution : B
It is necessary here to note that the author is not criticizing the abstruse philosophers. He is merely stating that their philosophy is not as popular with people as obvious philosophy is. The author is neither pro nor against abstruse philosophers. He is just looking at abstruse philosophy from the point of view of the masses and saying that it does not give them something concrete to relate to. So, his view towards the philosophers is dispassionately objective.
Question 6
According to the passage, brain scanning technology can reveal all of the following regions of person's brain EXCEPT the regions that:
Determine the extent of his or her financial risk aversion
Become active during gambling
Govern rational responses to challenging situations.
Determine the extent of his or her financial risk aversion and govern rational responses to challenging situations.
Both B and C
SOLUTION
Solution : C
In the second paragraph, while the author mentions that brain scans can help isolate the parts that govern how we react to challenges, he does not say whether the responses are rational or not. The parts of the brain that determine a person's financial risk appetite and those that are activated while he's gambling have been identified by researchers. So A and B cannot be the answer choices.
Question 7
According to the passage, which of the following behaviours of people are better explained by behavioural science than by economics?
Selling an asset at a price lower than its purchase price.
Taking a job that pays 70000 dollars a year today than working to build skills that may get them a 100000 dollar a year job after two years.
Selling a 200 dollar flight ticket at 205 dollars.
Both selling an asset at a price lower than its purchase price and taking a job that pays 70000 dollars a year today than working to build skills that may get them a 100000 dollar a year job after two years.
SOLUTION
Solution : D
In the first paragraph, the author mentions that the findings of behaviour science suggest that people 'devalue long term returns as compared to short term gains'. We also find an explanation of why 'people buy high and sell low'. The endowment effect is just the opposite of what is suggested by Option C. Economics and not behaviour science will say that people will sell their 200ticketfor 205.
Question 8
What could be a suitable title to this passage?
Understanding how we behave - Behavioural science vs Economics
The ascendance of behaviour science over economics in decision making theory
Brain scanning technology - the bridge between behaviour theory and practice
The evolving era of neuro-management - developments and questions.
SOLUTION
Solution : D
The passage is basically about how developments in science are furthering an era where behaviour science and brain imaging could join hands to determine the behaviour of people. Such a development will pose questions like the ones mentioned in the last paragraph. All the other titles address a part of the passage but do not touch upon the central idea of 'neuro-management'.
Question 9
According to the passage all the following things are true about the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal EXCEPT:
Its development has involved prolonged negotiations between the participant countries.
It aims at framing trade rules for specific industries rather than comprehensive agreements.
It will compel China to join the bloc of partner nations.
It is expected to expand the economies of member states significantly.
SOLUTION
Solution : C
While the passage mentions about Chinese officials dropping hints to join TPP, there is no mention of compulsion for China to join the group. Only in the case of the pact being successful will China have a compelling incentive to join. All the other statements find mention in the paragraph.
Question 10
Which of the following statements if true most seriously weakens the argument of Medicines sans Frontiers against the data-exclusivity agreement of the TPP on Biologics?
Manufacturers in developing nations will use shared data on Biologics to develop drugs for the export market.
Governments in developing countries may impose tough regulations on drug testing of Biologics.
Biologics may face stiff competition from a new class of generic drugs designed to combat widespread diseases like malaria.
Manufacturers of Biologics in developing nations may offer only 10% price reduction on these drugs as compared to the original versions.
SOLUTION
Solution : D
Medicines sans Frontiers argues that a 12 year data exclusivity term on Biologics will bestow an unfair advantage to American pharma majors as they will be able to sell them at high prices in developing markets also during this period. They contend that if the data on these drugs is shared with generic drug makers, low cost generic versions of these drugs developed by them will be much more affordable to the people living in poorer countries.
So a statement that negates the availability of generics at a significantly low price will most seriously weaken the argument of Medicines sans Frontiers against a shorter data exclusivity term and option D does that.
Question 11
What is the attitude of the author towards the TPP?
Enthusiastic optimism
Dispassionate objectivity
Guarded optimism
SOLUTION
Solution : C
Overall, the author has a positive attitude towards TPP. He writes the following about TPP: 'The TPP actually has a good chance at success', 'The TPP could make waves of a good kind', 'even a bronze would glitter'. He however mentions that the expected benefits may be hard to assess and that they may take time to arrive. So he is cautiously optimistic about the agreement.
Question 12
Which of the following players could be expected to be affected negatively if the TPP comes into effect immediately?
American pharmaceutical companies
Vietnamese small scale manufacturers
Both Vietnamese small scale manufacturers and state owned companies in Vietnam
SOLUTION
Solution : C
The state owned companies in Vietnam want to protect their fiefdoms and continue enjoying the subsidies but will not have the clout to push back once the TPP puts an end to their privileges. So they stand to lose once TPP comes into effect. The immediate effect on American pharma majors is neither discussed in the passage nor can it be inferred. They are only pushing for a 12 year data-exclusivity term on Biologics. The small scale manufacturers of Vietnam may benefit from TPP but its definite effect on them cannot be predicted based on the information provided in the passage.
Question 13
According to the passage, all the following aspects of the historical development of finance have been covered in professor Ferguson's book EXCEPT:
Development of the banking system.
Evolution of the financial risk industry.
Occurences of frenzied investments in phony schemes at different periods in history.
Presence of ubiquitous commodity trading in Mesopotamian societies.
SOLUTION
Solution : D
Refer to the third paragraph. The reviewer says that the book mentions clay tablets that were used as credit notes for commodities in the pre-Christian Mesopotamian societies but does not say whether or not commodity trading was widespread in these societies. Points mentioned in all the other options (A to C) find a mention in the book.
Question 14
Where could have this passage most likely been published?
In a financial research journal as a review article on the current state of global finance.
In the proceedings of a financial conference where a professor would have delivered this as a talk.
In the book review column of a financial newspaper.
In the book review column of a journal on financial risk management.
SOLUTION
Solution : C
From the first line of the second paragraph 'This rushed, uneven book' it is clear that the article is a book review. The structure of the passage also confirms this. So we have options C and D to choose from.
The book deals with financial history as a whole and is intended for a general audience. Its wide scope makes it less likely to be published in a financial risk journal that would be meant for specialists of that field.
Question 15
What message does Professor Ferguson intend to convey when he says that 'Finance evolves through natural selection'?
Just as Darwinian evolution progresses to produce more complex life forms, so does finance evolve to produce more complex techniques.
Finance evolves through the three step natural selection process of creation, selection and destruction.
Changes occurring in the markets prompt the development of new financial products and techniques.
As species less adapted to the surroundings go extinct in nature so do ill - conceived financial products in markets.
SOLUTION
Solution : C
See the fifth paragraph 'he believes that new sorts of finance ........ environment changes'. The idea that Professor Ferguson wants to convey here is that just as organisms evolve in accordance with the changes in their environment, so do new forms of finance develop as per new market conditions.
Option A equates evolution with progress which is just the opposite of what Professor Ferguson says. Options B and D are general statements.
Question 16
The primary function of the final paragraph of the passage is to:
Summarize the arguments made in the earlier paragraphs.
Convey the message to the readers that every cloud has a silver lining.
Lend support to one of the points that the author makes in his book.
Critically evaluate a new idea that is mentioned in the book.
SOLUTION
Solution : C
The reviewer opens the last but one paragraph by mentioning that the author makes two 'timely' points. So he agrees to these two points of Professor Ferguson. The last paragraph is about the second point, i.e. the important role played by finance in human progress.
Option B seems to be close but remember that this paragraph is not about financial crisis and the positive developments that may have happened during or after it. It is about how Ferguson sees finance as playing an important role to facilitate human progress.
Question 17
A. Also, some country's laws will empower the executive branch or other government agency to issue regulations or decrees which can carry the force of law, although this is also generally not considered law making, per se.
B.Law making can have many purposes: to regulate, to authorize, to provide (funds), to sanction, to grant, to declare or to restrict.
C.The extent to which the courts may be seen to "legislate” in this manner informs the ongoing contemporary debate concerning judicial activism.
D.Judicial law-making is not generally referred to as "law making”, however, except ironically.
E. Law making is a source of law which consists in the declaration of rule of the competent authority.
DABEC
DAECB
CDEAB
CDEBA
CDAEB
SOLUTION
Solution : E
Statement D must precede statement A - they are mandatory pairs because both the statements explain 'what is not law making', and statement A begins with 'Also'. Therefore, options C and D are eliminated.
Then in statement E; law making is finally defined. So, statement E must follow statement A. Therefore, option A is eliminated.
After the definition, the functions of 'law making' satisfy logical continuity; which is seen in statement B. So, statement B must follow statement E. Therefore, option B is eliminated.
Hence, the correct answer is option E.
Question 18
A. A feeling nearly allied to pride excited everyone, but more especially those who crossed the line for the first time.
B. On June 7th, at 10 P.M., we laid our eyes on the southern hemisphere for the first time.
C. One of our fellow passengers had brought with him a bottle of champagne to celebrate the event: the corks sprang merrily in the air, and with a joyful "hurray,” the health of the new hemisphere was drunk.
D. We shook each other by the hand, and congratulated one another mutually, as if we had done some great and heroic deed.
ABCD
BDCA
BADC
ACDB
SOLUTION
Solution : C
Description of an event would either start or end giving the date/time details of the event. So statement B should be either at the start or end, thus options A and D are ruled out.
The "line” mentioned in statement A can be derived as a logical reference to the equator. So BA link is established eliminating option B.
Also "we shook each other by the hand" in statement D refers to those who crossed the line for the first time, So the AD link is established.
Statement C provides a logical end to the idea originated in statement A and it should be an ideal end to the paragraph.
Hence, the correct answer is option C.
Question 19
A.In general, current state will be saved in a predefined location and execution will switch to a predefined handler.
B. From the processing point of view, hardware interrupts are similar to resume able anomalies, although they are usually not related to the current program flow.
C. Depending on the situation, the handler may later resume the execution at the original location, using the saved information to restore the original state.
D. Anomalies are normally recommended to be used only for signaling error (exceptional) conditions.
E. For example, an anomaly which will usually be resumed is a page fault, while a division by zero usually cannot be resolved transparently.
BEADC
DACEB
BCDEA
BCEAD
DCEAB
SOLUTION
Solution : B
This kind of question may be difficult without background knowledge of the subject. However, it's best to be ready for all situations.
The two options for starting the paragraph are statements D and B.
Considering the choices for B, either statement E or statement C can follow. Neither of the sequences BCE or BCD makes sense, since the statements are discussing disconnected ideas. Hence, options C and D are eliminated.
Consider option A: Statement D does not fit in between statements A and C, since A talks of handler, and the current state being saved, while C talks of handler resuming, and the original state are being reverted to. Also, while BE seems plausible, EA is not a strong link at all. Hence, eliminate option A.
We are now left to choose between option B and option E. The DC link is weak in the option, as also the CA link. Hence, we choose option B over option E.
Analyzing the statement AB initio to validate our choice, note that there is a CE link because statement C states a specific point (resume), and statement E provides an example for that point. Also, there is an AC link because of ''...will switch to a predefined handler'', and ''...the handler may''.
Hence, the correct answer is option B.
Question 20
A.In the hands of a lesser player, the HZ Jazz can sound rather flat and woody, but good players succeed in producing a vibrant, singing tone.
B.Though the British system was once widely favored in England, Smorgasbord-system instruments are no longer made there, and the last prominent English player of the British system retired in the 1980s.
C.Conversely, when poorly played, the Smorgasbord can sound buzzy and nasal, but good players succeed in producing a warm, expressive sound different from but in no way inferior to that of the HZ.
D.As with all Jazzs, the tone varies considerably depending on the individual instrument and performer.
E.However, with its continued use in some regions and its distinctive tone, the Smorgasbord continues to have a place in modern Jazz playing, particularly in Britain.
BEADC
BEACD
DACBE
DABEC
DACEB
SOLUTION
Solution : C
Statement A: must precede statement C because both these statements satisfy logical continuity and compares 'Jazz sounds' among lesser and good players. Therefore, options A and D are eliminated.
Statement B: must precede statement E because these statements dwell upon the past and the present status of the 'Smorgasbord-system' and Statement E begins with 'However'. Therefore option E is eliminated.
Logically statement D must precede statement A. Therefore, option B is eliminated.
Hence, the correct answer is option C.
Question 21
A. A secret agreement took place between both nations
B. So that they will celebrate their international festivals in alternating years
C. Although the initial spirit of the British festival was to compete with its Italian counterpart
D. The first Cannes Festival had a considerable success
E. The festival was relaunched after the War in 1940, in the old Casino of Cannes, financed by the British Foreign Affairs Ministry and the City of Cannes
CEBAD
CDABE
ECABD
DCBAE
ABCDE
SOLUTION
Solution : C
There is a strong link between statements C and A. 'Both nations' mentioned in A is referring to Britain and Italy mentioned in statement C. This idea is further continued with statement B which talks about the details of the 'secret agreement' between the B nations. Thus, a strong CAB link is established. This eliminates all the other options except C.
Hence, the correct answer is option C.
Question 22
Each of the questions below has a set of sequentially ordered statements. Each statement can be classified as one of the following:
Facts, which deal with the pieces of information that one has heard, seen or read, and which are open to discovery or verification (the answer option indicates such a statement with an 'F')
Inferences, which are conclusions drawn about the unknown, on the basis of the known (the answer option indicates such a statement with an 'I')
Judgments, which are opinions that imply approval or disapproval of persons, objects, situations and occurrences in the past, the present or the future (the answer option indicates such a statement with a 'J')
Select the answer option that best describes the set of statements.
1.Within the zone of UAE influence, countries that would otherwise be too small to have viable economies and too weak to protect themselves are able to prosper.
2.By decoupling the economy and security from national governments, continental integration has in fact fostered an environment conducive to the regionalization of Gulf countries.
3.In what other era would Ajman, Fujairah, or the Ras Al Khaimah be able to prosper?
4.Over the next half-century, from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and the Sharjah to Umm Al Quwain, we are likely to see more emergent autonomous regions and independent states rather than less.
IIJJ
JJII
IJIJ
FIIF
FFIF
SOLUTION
Solution : A
Statement A gives facts in the first part of the sentence and infers '... are able to prosper'.
Statement B too gives certain facts to infer 'fostered an environment conducive to ...'.
Statement C, technically speaking is neither a fact, nor an inference, nor a judgment as it is a rhetorical question. However, we are forced to classify it as one of these. The question is asked in order to firmly assert that the countries mentioned cannot prosper in any other era. This assertion is nothing but a judgment.
Statement D can be seen as a judgment easily because of 'we are likely to see'. It's a hypothecation, a prediction, a shot in the future. This can be neither a fact nor an inference.
Hence, the correct answer is option A.
Question 23
In the following question, there is a statement followed by a set of arguments. You are expected to classify the argument as Strong or Weak.
Strong arguments are important and directly related to the question. Weak arguments may not be directly related or may be related to trivial aspects of the question and may be of lesser importance.
Choose the best option as per this classification.
Will the budget hike of allocation for Tourism improve the Tourism sector?
Yes. Increased funds will help nurture research and development in our Tourism Destinations, and help in the daily social and personal lives of our citizens.
No. Simply hiking public expenditure, however, won't help in the absence of a structural reform of Indian Tourism.
Neither argument I nor II is strong.
Only argument I is strong.
Only argument II is strong.
SOLUTION
Solution : A
Statement II is not forceful as it lacks facts to prove its case. There is no conclusive logical argument mentioned in this statement- it is just a generality related to the topic. Statement II also is merely an unsubstantiated opinion.
The first part of Statement I is good but the latter part weakens the relevance- good for the social and personal lives of citizens. We cannot classify the entire statement as forceful.
Hence, the correct answer option is A.
Question 24
Two statements have been given followed by some conclusions. Choose the conclusion(s) that follow from both the statements.
Statements:
All aged people have Experience.
All Directors are aged.
Conclusions:
A. Some experienced people may not be aged.
B. Experienced aged people are Directors.
Only A follows
Only B follows
Both A and B follow
Neither of them follow
SOLUTION
Solution : A
From the first statement, we can say that the aged people set is a sub-set of Experienced people set. From the second statement, we can say that the Director set is a sub-set of aged people set.
Consider Conclusion A:
∵ the people with experience are a super-set of those who are aged, there may be people who are experienced but not aged.
∴ Conclusion A follows.
There may be aged people ( all experienced ) who may not be directors.
∴ Conclusion B does not follow.
Hence, option A.
Question 25
Economic science examines the economy as a whole "top down” to explain broad aggregates and their interactions. Such aggregates include national income and output, the unemployment rate, and price inflation and sub aggregates like total consumption and investment spending and their components. It also studies effects of monetary policy and fiscal policy. Since at least the 1960s, economic science has been characterized by further integration as to micro-based modeling of sectors, including rationality of players, efficient use of market information, and imperfect competition.
This has resulted in a better understanding of economic cyclical growth.
This has addressed a long-standing concern on the same subject.
Many economists feel that this further integration approach has enabled them to be able to make accurate growth projections.
This has enabled finance managers to be able to measure risk measurement data.
But, economists feel the addition of micro-based modelling of sectors only makes economic science more confusing and complex.
SOLUTION
Solution : B
Option A can be eliminated as there is no data in the passage to suggest 'economic cyclical growth'.
Options C and E can be eliminated as we cannot end the paragraph with an introduction of a new idea - 'economists'
Similarly, option D is eliminated due to 'finance managers'. The paragraph has no data on it.
Option B, although not a great answer option, is the one that can be eliminated the last, after the other D options have been eliminated. On closer examination, one can observe that option B completes the paragraph with some continuity.
Hence, the correct answer is option B.
Question 26
What might stop Healthcare's latest revolution? Domestic violence is one possibility. Developed countries are no strangers to terrorism, but the dangers in emerging economies are greater. The bomb attacks in Kerala, a popular spot on the National Healthcare trail, are a bloody reminder. Thailand, a country that depends on Tourism for much of its foreign income, lost about half its business in the wake of Domestic violence. Natural disasters are also likelier to cause worse devastation in poorer places.
SOLUTION
Solution : C
What might stop Healthcare's revolution? Several possible reasons are cited. Normally one has to definitely answer the first question to conclude the paragraph without raising further questions. In this case all the options start with 'however', hence we need to look for the best contrast that will conclude the paragraph without the need for any further clarification - something to the effect that 'nothing will stop it'. The best contrast is available in option C - almost with the same effect that we are looking for. Also, the other options lose out in comparison.
Option E loses out on 'impervious' which would imply it is not affected by it - the passage suggests that the industry is affected.
Hence, the correct answer is option C.
Question 27
As the world is divided into the More Financially Developed and Less Financially Developed Countries, wealth - both money and material resources - is unequally distributed among the world's population. This has large consequences for people's lifestyles and the environment. In progress geography, geographers study spatial patterns in progress and try to find by what characteristics can they measure economic progress. _______________ .
There are many methods that geographers use to quantify and compare the progress of different countries.
Within countries the pattern is that, wealth is more concentrated around urban areas than the rural areas.
They seek to understand both the geographical causes and consequences of varying economic progress.
Countries with resources such as iron ore, oil and coal are likely to develop industrially more easily because they do not have to import these resources.
They then seek to determine the ways by which people living in these regions have adapted to their local geographic conditions.
SOLUTION
Solution : C
Option A is not the best choice because progress geography has just been defined in the paragraph. The 'many methods' raise many questions rather than end the paragraph.
Option B talks not of 'spatial progress' but of actual progress. Something that is related to 'spatial progresses may make sense at the end of the paragraph.
Option D talks about the resources, unrelated to 'spatial progresses.
Option E talks about how people have adapted to their local geographic conditions, a point which is not related to the preceding idea of economic progress.
Option C talks about the purpose of the study as a part of the definition of progress geography - and concludes the paragraph without the need for any further clarification.
Hence, the correct answer is option C.
Question 28
A.The wreckages of HMS Aussie and KHS Beijing were located off the coast of Western Japan E6 years after their mutual destruction in battle.
B.The U.K. Federal Bank takes unprecedented action to stem panic on Wall Street, including the provision for funding for KPMG's buyout of collapsing rival Bear Stearns.
C.Protests in South Korea against the North Korean government resulted in numerous fatalities.
D.Space Shuttle Aasmaan is launched on an assembly mission to the International Space Station and is carrying the first Pakistani component and USA's Dexter.
C and D
B,C and D
B and D
None of these
SOLUTION
Solution : C
In statement B, "provision for funding” should be provision of funding.
In statement D, "and is” is not required. Furthermore, there is another 'and' linking the sentence and two 'ands' will make the sentence incorrect.
Statements A and C are gramatically correct.
Hence, the correct answer is option C.
Question 29
A.To most minds enigma is more fascinating than science.
B.But when science itself leads straight up to the borders of enigma and comes to a dead stop, saying, "At present I can no longer see my way,” the force of the charm is redoubled.
C.On the other hand, the illimitable is no less potent in enigma than the invisible, whence the dramatic effect of Beats' "stout Kortez” staring at the boundless Atlantic while all his men look at each other with wild surmise, "silent upon a peak in Marien.”
D.The name, "Gaged-sacks,” given to these strange voids is descriptive hardly.
E.Rather they produce upon the mind the effect of blank windows in a lonely house on a pitch-dark night, which, when looked at from the brilliant interior, became appalling in their rayless murk.
B and D
A, B and D
C, D and E
B, D and E
SOLUTION
Solution : C
Statement D can be easily spotted as being incorrect. There is a modifier error. "Hardly” should be placed before the word "descriptive”. Unfortunately, statement D is also present in all the options.
Statement E is in the present tense. Thus, the correct word should be "become” and not "became”.
Between options D and E, statement C has an article error. It should either be "wild surmises” or "a wild surmise”.
Hence, the correct answer is option D.
Question 30
Evolutionary ____________ conclude what makes us who we are from the remains of our Ice Age ancestors (including their RNA), whereas ____________ focus on artefacts of a more recent and educated age.
Scientists, historians
Sociobiologists, archaeologists
Behaviourists, palaeontologists
Sociobiologists, historians
SOLUTION
Solution : B
The first kind of scientist deduces from the remains of Ice Age ancestors what has influenced our current nature and state of being. The second scientist's source of information is artefacts belonging to a recent age.
This information helps us rule out options A, C and D.
This is because in option A and D, the second scientist is said to be a 'historian', would be incorrect since they do not focus only on the recent age.
Similarly, in option C, 'palaeontologists' is the incorrect answer since they consider evidence from pre-historic times. .
Option B is the answer since a 'sociobiologist' examines the nature of human beings, and therefore an 'evolutionary sociobiologist' would be interested in finding out how we evolved to become what we are from our ice age ancestors, and 'archeologist' would be those who focus on artefacts.
Hence, the correct answer is option B.
Question 31
The ____________ of the Rejuvenation reached its greatest excellence during the last two decades of the sixteenth and the first half of the nineteenth ____________ . These were glorious periods in the ____________ of Art. The atrocity of the Middle Ages was essentially a thing of the ____________, but much barbaric splendor in the celebration of ceremonies and festivals still remained to satisfy the artistic sense, while every-day costumes and customs lent a picturesqueness to ____________ life.
Music, centuries, history, last, urban
Art, centuries, history, past, ordinary
Music, years, history, past, ordinary
SOLUTION
Solution : B
As the entire passage speaks of art, the first blank cannot be 'music'. It should be 'art'. This rules out options A and C.
For the second blank, 'centuries' is the better word as 'years' completely changes the meaning of the sentence.
The third blank has to be 'history' as 'history of art' is the correct phrase to refer to past examples of art.The fourth blank is 'past' - 'a thing of the past' means something that is not used any more.
For the fifth blank, 'ordinary' would be a better substitute as the other two words introduce new ideas to the passage.
Option B is the answer.
Question 32
He was normally entirely ____________but in the embarrassing situation in which he found himself he felt compelled to ______________.
Considerate,capitulate
Forthright,concede
Forthright, prevaricate
Equable, concede
SOLUTION
Solution : C
Note that the structure of the sentence demands that the two blanks must be filled with antonyms ( 'but in the embarrassing situation' requires that the person does something contrary to his usual behavior )
Considerate means 'understanding'. So the person must behave in an 'inconsiderate' or 'harsh' way. Capitulate means to cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand. So option A is incorrect.
Similarly forthright and concede in option B are not antonyms nor are Equable and concede in option D.
'To prevaricate' means 'to lie'. So a normally forthright person may feel compelled to lie in an embarrassing situation. Hence, the correct answer is option C.
Question 33
Cannabis leaves are harvested and aged using a process that combines use of heat and shade to reduce sugar and water content without causing the large leaves to rot. This first part of the process, called curing, takes between 25 and 45 days and varies substantially based upon climatic conditions as well as the construction of sheds or barns used to store harvested Cannabis. The curing process is manipulated based upon the type of Cannabis, and the desired colour of the leaf. The second part of the process, called fermentation, is carried out under conditions designed to help the leaf die slowly and gracefully. Temperature and humidity are controlled to ensure that the leaf continues to ferment, without rotting or disintegrating. This is where the flavour, burning, and aroma characteristics are primarily brought out in the leaf.
Cannabis leaves are harvested by a process called curing and aged by a process called fermentation. These processes add flavour, burning and aroma characteristics to the leaves.
Cannabis leaves are harvested by a process called curing which takes between E 25 and 45 days and are later fermented until the leaf dies slowly and gracefully. Both these processes add flavour, burning and aroma characteristics to the leaves.
While curing reduces sugar and water content without causing the larger Cannabis leaves to rot, fermentation is carried out to help the leaf die slowly and gracefully.The fermentation process adds flavour, burning and aroma characteristics to the leaves.
Curing, which reduces sugar and water content of Cannabis leaves without causing the larger ones to rot,determines the colour of the leaf. The fermentation process, which adds flavour, burning and aroma characteristics, is carried out to help the leaf die slowly and gracefully.
Curing reduces sugar and water content of Cannabis leaves without causing the larger ones to rot. The fermentation process, which adds flavour, burning and aroma characteristics, is carried out to help the leaf die slowly and gracefully.
SOLUTION
Solution : E
Options A and B are incorrect as they attribute 'flavour, burning and aroma characteristics' to both the processes which is actually only due to the fermentation process.
Option D incorrectly states curing as the one which determines the color of the leaf. "The curing process is manipulated based upon ... desired colour of the leaf”.
Options C and E provide the correct summary, however option C has redundant usage of fermentation. Option E communicates the same idea with the use of less words.
Hence, the correct answer is option E.
Note: Summary questions should have an answer that is not only complete but also precise and compact (communicates the essence of the passage using fewer words).
Question 34
The Ford Etios is a proposed city car - a small, affordable, rear-engined, four-passenger car aimed primarily at the Indian market - first presented by India's Ford Motors at the 9th annual Auto Expo on January 10, 2008 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, India. Newsweek identified the Etios as a part of a "new breed of 21st century cars” that embody "a contrarian philosophy of smaller, lighter, cheaper” and portend a new era in inexpensive personal transportation - and potentially, "global gridlock”. The Wall Street Journal confirms a global trend toward small cars, which includes the Etios. With the car itself currently under final development, ongoing difficulties at the Etios's proposed manufacturing plant in Singur have put construction of the plant on hold, delaying the project indefinitely. The prefix "Etios” derives from the Greek root 'Etioss', meaning dwarf - as with Etiosmetre. "Etios” also means "small” in Gujarati, the native language of the Ford family, founders of the Ford Group.
The Ford Etios, developed by Ford Motors is a small affordable city car that signals a new era of inexpensive personal transportation and potential "global gridlock”. Newsweek identified the Etios as a part of a "new breed of BAst century cars” that embody "a contrarian philosophy of smaller, lighter, cheaper” and portend a new era in inexpensive personal transportation-and potentially, "global gridlock”. The Wall Street Journal confirms a global trend toward small cars, which includes the Etios. Ongoing difficulties at the Etios's manufacturing plant in Singur have put construction of the car on hold.
The Ford Etios, presented by Ford Motors is a small affordable city car aimed at the Indian market that signals a new era of inexpensive mass transportation and potential "global gridlock.” Ongoing difficulties at the Etios's proposed manufacturing plant have put construction of the car at hold.
The Ford Etios, presented by Ford Motors is a small, affordable city car aimed primarily at the Indian market and portends a new era in inexpensive personal transportation and potentially, "global gridlock.” Ongoing difficulties at the Etios's proposed manufacturing plant have put construction of the plant on hold and delayed the project indefinitely.
The Ford Etios is aimed primarily at the Indian market and is currently under final development. It is a small, affordable, city car that embodies a new era in inexpensive personal transportation. Difficulties at the Etios's proposed manufacturing plant in Singur have put construction of the plant on hold and delayed the project indefinitely.
The Ford Etios, derived from the Greek "Etioss” meaning dwarf is a small, affordable, rear-engined city car. Developed by Ford Motors it is a new breed of 21st century cars that portend a new era in expensive personal transportation and "glal gridlock.” Ongoing difficulties at the Etios's proposed manufacturing plant in Singur have put construction of the plant at hold and delayed the project.
SOLUTION
Solution : C
Option A is incorrect because of three issues.
The Ford Etios has been presented by Ford Motors. It has not yet been developed and is currently under final development.
It is verbose and mentions "Global gridlock” twice which is unnecessary.
The phrase, "construction of the car on hold” is incorrect. It should read "construction of the plant on hold.”
Option B is incorrect because of the phrase "construction of the car on hold.” It should read "construction of the plant on hold.” Secondly "mass transportation” should read "personal transportation.”
Option D misses out on the important points of the paragraph which are "global gridlock” of manufacturing small cars in huge quantities, "inexpensive” personal transportation as well as the term "Ford Motors” which have not been mentioned at all.
Option E is incorrect because of the phrase, "Developed by Ford Motors.” It should read "presented by Ford Motors” since the paragraph clearly mentions that the car is currently under final development. Secondly it does not "portend a new era in expensive personal transportation,” but inexpensive personal transportation.
Option C mentions all the ideas of the paragraph without changing its meaning.
Hence, the correct answer is option C.