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CAT 2021 Slot 2 question paper with answer key

This is the complete CAT 2021 Slot 2 question paper with answer key and solutions — 66 questions across VARC, DILR, QA, 2h with sectional timers. Three sequential sections with sectional timers. MCQ negative marking; TITA has none. Browse the full paper free here; attempting it under timed conditions on MBACracked requires Pro.

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VARC(24 questions)

Q1Reading Comprehension·Application & Analogy

I have elaborated...... a framework for analyzing the contradictory pulls on Indian nationalist ideology in its struggle against the dominance of colonialism and the resolution it offered to those contradictions. Briefly, this resolution was built around a separation of the domain of culture into two spheres—the material and the spiritual. It was in the material sphere that the claims of Western civilization were the most powerful. Science, technology, rational forms of economic organization, modern methods of statecraft—these had given the European countries the strength to subjugate the non-European people..... To overcome this domination, the colonized people had to learn those superior techniques of organizing material life and incorporate them within their own cultures.….. But this could not mean the imitation of the West in every aspect of life, for then the very distinction between the West and the East would vanish—the self-identity of national culture would itself be threatened..... The discourse of nationalism shows that the material/spiritual distinction was condensed into an analogous, but ideologically far more powerful, dichotomy: that between the outer and the inner Applying the inner/outer distinction to the matter of concrete day-to-day living separates the social space into ghar and bāhir, the home and the world. The world is the external, the domain of the material; the home represents one’s inner spiritual self, one’s true identity. The world is a treacherous terrain of the pursuit of material interests, where practical considerations reign supreme. It is also typically the domain of the male. The home in its essence must remain unaffected by the profane activities of the material world—and woman is its representation. And so one gets an identification of social roles by gender to correspond with the separation of the social space into ghar and bāhir..... The colonial situation, and the ideological response of nationalism to the critique of Indian tradition, introduced an entirely new substance to these dichotomies and effected their transformation. The material/spiritual dichotomy, to which the terms world and home corresponded, had acquired…. a very special significance in the nationalist mind. The world was where the European power had challenged the non-European peoples and, by virtue of its superior material culture, had subjugated them. But, the nationalists asserted, it had failed to colonize the inner, essential, identity of the East which lay in its distinctive, and superior, spiritual culture…… In the entire phase of the national struggle, the crucial need was to protect, preserve and strengthen the inner core of the national culture, its spiritual essence. . . Once we match this new meaning of the home/world dichotomy with the identification of social roles by gender, we get the ideological framework within which nationalism answered the women’s question. It would be a grave error to see in this, as liberals are apt to in their despair at the many marks of social conservatism in nationalist practice, a total rejection of the West. Quite the contrary: the nationalist paradigm in fact supplied an ideological principle of selection.

On the basis of the information in the passage, all of the following are true about the spiritual/material dichotomy of Indian nationalism EXCEPT that it:

  • Ahelped in safeguarding the identity of Indian nationalism.
  • Bwas not as ideologically powerful as the inner/outer dichotomy
  • Crepresented a continuation of age-old oppositions in Indian cultureCorrect answer
  • Dconstituted the premise of the ghar/bāhir dichotomy

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C The spiritual/material split is presented as nationalism’s resolution under colonialism, condensed into a more powerful inner/outer (ghar/bāhir) frame. The text stresses that the colonial encounter gave these dichotomies new substance—not that they simply continued age-old Indian oppositions unchanged—so C is not supported. Why the others fail: • A — Separating spheres protected a distinct national self against wholesale Westernisation; that safeguarding role is stated. • B — Inner/outer is called ideologically far more powerful than material/spiritual alone. • D — Material/spiritual is explicitly the premise that maps onto ghar/bāhir.
Q2Reading Comprehension·Specific Detail

I have elaborated...... a framework for analyzing the contradictory pulls on Indian nationalist ideology in its struggle against the dominance of colonialism and the resolution it offered to those contradictions. Briefly, this resolution was built around a separation of the domain of culture into two spheres—the material and the spiritual. It was in the material sphere that the claims of Western civilization were the most powerful. Science, technology, rational forms of economic organization, modern methods of statecraft—these had given the European countries the strength to subjugate the non-European people..... To overcome this domination, the colonized people had to learn those superior techniques of organizing material life and incorporate them within their own cultures.….. But this could not mean the imitation of the West in every aspect of life, for then the very distinction between the West and the East would vanish—the self-identity of national culture would itself be threatened..... The discourse of nationalism shows that the material/spiritual distinction was condensed into an analogous, but ideologically far more powerful, dichotomy: that between the outer and the inner Applying the inner/outer distinction to the matter of concrete day-to-day living separates the social space into ghar and bāhir, the home and the world. The world is the external, the domain of the material; the home represents one’s inner spiritual self, one’s true identity. The world is a treacherous terrain of the pursuit of material interests, where practical considerations reign supreme. It is also typically the domain of the male. The home in its essence must remain unaffected by the profane activities of the material world—and woman is its representation. And so one gets an identification of social roles by gender to correspond with the separation of the social space into ghar and bāhir..... The colonial situation, and the ideological response of nationalism to the critique of Indian tradition, introduced an entirely new substance to these dichotomies and effected their transformation. The material/spiritual dichotomy, to which the terms world and home corresponded, had acquired…. a very special significance in the nationalist mind. The world was where the European power had challenged the non-European peoples and, by virtue of its superior material culture, had subjugated them. But, the nationalists asserted, it had failed to colonize the inner, essential, identity of the East which lay in its distinctive, and superior, spiritual culture…… In the entire phase of the national struggle, the crucial need was to protect, preserve and strengthen the inner core of the national culture, its spiritual essence. . . Once we match this new meaning of the home/world dichotomy with the identification of social roles by gender, we get the ideological framework within which nationalism answered the women’s question. It would be a grave error to see in this, as liberals are apt to in their despair at the many marks of social conservatism in nationalist practice, a total rejection of the West. Quite the contrary: the nationalist paradigm in fact supplied an ideological principle of selection.

Which one of the following explains the “contradictory pulls” on Indian nationalism?

  • ADespite its spiritual superiority, Indian nationalism had to fight against colonial domination.
  • BDespite its scientific and technological inferiority, Indian nationalism had to fight against colonial domination.
  • CDespite its fight against colonial domination, Indian nationalism had to borrow from the coloniser in the spiritual sphere.
  • DDespite its fight against colonial domination, Indian nationalism had to borrow from the coloniser in the material sphereCorrect answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D The “contradictory pulls” are: fight colonial domination yet adopt Western strengths in science, technology, and statecraft—the material sphere—while guarding the spiritual as the nation’s true self. D states that borrow-while-resisting tension. Why the others fail: • A — Frames spiritual superiority as the contradiction; the pull is about material learning, not spiritual combat. • B — Scientific inferiority is background, not the named contradiction of resisting while borrowing. • C — Nationalists refused imitation in the spiritual sphere; borrowing there would erase the resolution.
Q3Reading Comprehension·Application & Analogy

I have elaborated...... a framework for analyzing the contradictory pulls on Indian nationalist ideology in its struggle against the dominance of colonialism and the resolution it offered to those contradictions. Briefly, this resolution was built around a separation of the domain of culture into two spheres—the material and the spiritual. It was in the material sphere that the claims of Western civilization were the most powerful. Science, technology, rational forms of economic organization, modern methods of statecraft—these had given the European countries the strength to subjugate the non-European people..... To overcome this domination, the colonized people had to learn those superior techniques of organizing material life and incorporate them within their own cultures.….. But this could not mean the imitation of the West in every aspect of life, for then the very distinction between the West and the East would vanish—the self-identity of national culture would itself be threatened..... The discourse of nationalism shows that the material/spiritual distinction was condensed into an analogous, but ideologically far more powerful, dichotomy: that between the outer and the inner Applying the inner/outer distinction to the matter of concrete day-to-day living separates the social space into ghar and bāhir, the home and the world. The world is the external, the domain of the material; the home represents one’s inner spiritual self, one’s true identity. The world is a treacherous terrain of the pursuit of material interests, where practical considerations reign supreme. It is also typically the domain of the male. The home in its essence must remain unaffected by the profane activities of the material world—and woman is its representation. And so one gets an identification of social roles by gender to correspond with the separation of the social space into ghar and bāhir..... The colonial situation, and the ideological response of nationalism to the critique of Indian tradition, introduced an entirely new substance to these dichotomies and effected their transformation. The material/spiritual dichotomy, to which the terms world and home corresponded, had acquired…. a very special significance in the nationalist mind. The world was where the European power had challenged the non-European peoples and, by virtue of its superior material culture, had subjugated them. But, the nationalists asserted, it had failed to colonize the inner, essential, identity of the East which lay in its distinctive, and superior, spiritual culture…… In the entire phase of the national struggle, the crucial need was to protect, preserve and strengthen the inner core of the national culture, its spiritual essence. . . Once we match this new meaning of the home/world dichotomy with the identification of social roles by gender, we get the ideological framework within which nationalism answered the women’s question. It would be a grave error to see in this, as liberals are apt to in their despair at the many marks of social conservatism in nationalist practice, a total rejection of the West. Quite the contrary: the nationalist paradigm in fact supplied an ideological principle of selection.

Which one of the following, if true, would weaken the author’s claims in the passage?

  • AThe colonial period saw the hybridisation of Indian culture in all realms as it came in contact with British/European culture.Correct answer
  • BForces of colonial modernity played an important role in shaping anti-colonial Indian nationalism.
  • CThe Industrial Revolution played a crucial role in shaping the economic prowess of Britain in the eighteenth century.
  • DIndian nationalists rejected the cause of English education for women during the colonial period.

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A The author’s framework depends on keeping material and spiritual domains separable so the East can modernise materially without losing identity. Hybridisation of Indian culture in *all* realms under colonialism would erase that staged separation and thus weaken the claims. Why the others fail: • B — Colonial modernity shaping nationalism is compatible with the essay’s historical setting. • C — Britain’s industrial power explains material superiority the nationalists had to confront; it doesn’t undercut the dichotomy thesis. • D — Conservatism on women’s English education fits the “selectivity” and home-as-spiritual pattern.
Q4Reading Comprehension·Specific Detail

I have elaborated...... a framework for analyzing the contradictory pulls on Indian nationalist ideology in its struggle against the dominance of colonialism and the resolution it offered to those contradictions. Briefly, this resolution was built around a separation of the domain of culture into two spheres—the material and the spiritual. It was in the material sphere that the claims of Western civilization were the most powerful. Science, technology, rational forms of economic organization, modern methods of statecraft—these had given the European countries the strength to subjugate the non-European people..... To overcome this domination, the colonized people had to learn those superior techniques of organizing material life and incorporate them within their own cultures.….. But this could not mean the imitation of the West in every aspect of life, for then the very distinction between the West and the East would vanish—the self-identity of national culture would itself be threatened..... The discourse of nationalism shows that the material/spiritual distinction was condensed into an analogous, but ideologically far more powerful, dichotomy: that between the outer and the inner Applying the inner/outer distinction to the matter of concrete day-to-day living separates the social space into ghar and bāhir, the home and the world. The world is the external, the domain of the material; the home represents one’s inner spiritual self, one’s true identity. The world is a treacherous terrain of the pursuit of material interests, where practical considerations reign supreme. It is also typically the domain of the male. The home in its essence must remain unaffected by the profane activities of the material world—and woman is its representation. And so one gets an identification of social roles by gender to correspond with the separation of the social space into ghar and bāhir..... The colonial situation, and the ideological response of nationalism to the critique of Indian tradition, introduced an entirely new substance to these dichotomies and effected their transformation. The material/spiritual dichotomy, to which the terms world and home corresponded, had acquired…. a very special significance in the nationalist mind. The world was where the European power had challenged the non-European peoples and, by virtue of its superior material culture, had subjugated them. But, the nationalists asserted, it had failed to colonize the inner, essential, identity of the East which lay in its distinctive, and superior, spiritual culture…… In the entire phase of the national struggle, the crucial need was to protect, preserve and strengthen the inner core of the national culture, its spiritual essence. . . Once we match this new meaning of the home/world dichotomy with the identification of social roles by gender, we get the ideological framework within which nationalism answered the women’s question. It would be a grave error to see in this, as liberals are apt to in their despair at the many marks of social conservatism in nationalist practice, a total rejection of the West. Quite the contrary: the nationalist paradigm in fact supplied an ideological principle of selection.

Which one of the following best describes the liberal perception of Indian nationalism?

  • AIndian nationalist discourses provided an ideological principle of selection.
  • BIndian nationalism’s sophistication resided in its distinction of the material from the spiritual spheres.
  • CIndian nationalist discourses reaffirmed traditional gender roles for Indian women.Correct answer
  • DIndian nationalism embraced the changes brought about by colonialism in Indian women’s traditional gender roles.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C In the liberal/critical view sketched, nationalist discourse used the home/world split to fix women as guardians of inner tradition—reaffirming traditional gender roles rather than emancipating them. C captures that perception. Why the others fail: • A — “Principle of selection” is the author’s analytic point about nationalism, not the liberal charge about gender. • B — Material/spiritual sophistication is the nationalist self-description, not the liberal critique highlighted. • D — Liberals saw nationalism as resisting, not embracing, colonial change in women’s roles.
Q5Reading Comprehension·Inference

It has been said that knowledge, or the problem of knowledge, is the scandal of philosophy. The scandal is philosophy’s apparent inability to show how, when and why we can be sure that we know something or, indeed, that we know anything. Philosopher Michael Williams writes: ‘Is it possible to obtain knowledge at all? This problem is pressing because there are powerful arguments, some very ancient, for the conclusion that it is not . . . Scepticism is the skeleton in Western rationalism’s closet’. While it is not clear that the scandal matters to anyone but philosophers, philosophers point out that it should matter to everyone, at least given a certain conception of knowledge. For, they explain, unless we can ground our claims to knowledge as such, which is to say, distinguish it from mere opinion, superstition, fantasy, wishful thinking, ideology, illusion or delusion, then the actions we take on the basis of presumed knowledge – boarding an airplane, swallowing a pill, finding someone guilty of a crime – will be irrational and unjustifiable. That is all quite serious-sounding but so also are the rattlings of the skeleton: that is, the sceptic’s contention that we cannot be sure that we know anything – at least not if we think of knowledge as something like having a correct mental representation of reality, and not if we think of reality as something like things-as-they-are-in-themselves, independent of our perceptions, ideas or descriptions. For, the sceptic will note, since reality, under that conception of it, is outside our ken (we cannot catch a glimpse of things-in-themselves around the corner of our own eyes; we cannot form an idea of reality that floats above the processes of our conceiving it), we have no way to compare our mental representations with things-as- they-are-in-themselves and therefore no way to determine whether they are correct or incorrect. Thus the sceptic may repeat (rattling loudly), you cannot be sure you ‘know’ something or anything at all – at least not, he may add (rattling softly before disappearing), if that is the way you conceive ‘knowledge’. There are a number of ways to handle this situation. The most common is to ignore it. Most people outside the academy – and, indeed, most of us inside it – are unaware of or unperturbed by the philosophical scandal of knowledge and go about our lives without too many epistemic anxieties. We hold our beliefs and presumptive knowledges more or less confidently, usually depending on how we acquired them (I saw it with my own eyes; I heard it on Fox News; a guy at the office told me) and how broadly and strenuously they seem to be shared or endorsed by various relevant people: experts and authorities, friends and family members, colleagues and associates. And we examine our convictions more or less closely, explain them more or less extensively, and defend them more or less vigorously, usually depending on what seems to be at stake for ourselves and/or other people and what resources are available for reassuring ourselves or making our beliefs credible to others (look, it’s right here on the page; add up the figures yourself; I happen to be a heart specialist).

The author of the passage is most likely to support which one of the following statements?

  • AThe scandal of philosophy is that we might not know anything at all about reality if we think of reality as independent of our perceptions, ideas or descriptions.Correct answer
  • BThe confidence with which we maintain something to be true is usually independent of the source of the alleged truth.
  • CFor the sceptic, if we think of reality as independent of our perceptions, ideas or descriptions, we should aim to know that reality independently too.
  • DThe actions taken on the basis of presumed knowledge are rational and justifiable if we are confident that that knowledge is widely held.

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (The scandal of philosophy is that we might not know anything at all about reality if we think of reality as i…) What to find. The author of the passage is most likely to support which one of the following statements? Steps. Check subject–verb agreement, preposition/idiom, article, and pronoun case. Keep only the combination that is clean in formal English. Why A. “The scandal of philosophy is that we might not know anything at all about reality if we think of reality as i…” is the set that survives those checks. Reject. - B (“The confidence with which we maintain something to be true is usually independent of the sourc…”) — overreaches or shifts the claim away from the stem - C (“For the sceptic, if we think of reality as independent of our perceptions, ideas or descriptio…”) — overreaches or shifts the claim away from the stem - D (“The actions taken on the basis of presumed knowledge are rational and justifiable if we are co…”) — overreaches or shifts the claim away from the stem
Q6Reading Comprehension·Inference

It has been said that knowledge, or the problem of knowledge, is the scandal of philosophy. The scandal is philosophy’s apparent inability to show how, when and why we can be sure that we know something or, indeed, that we know anything. Philosopher Michael Williams writes: ‘Is it possible to obtain knowledge at all? This problem is pressing because there are powerful arguments, some very ancient, for the conclusion that it is not . . . Scepticism is the skeleton in Western rationalism’s closet’. While it is not clear that the scandal matters to anyone but philosophers, philosophers point out that it should matter to everyone, at least given a certain conception of knowledge. For, they explain, unless we can ground our claims to knowledge as such, which is to say, distinguish it from mere opinion, superstition, fantasy, wishful thinking, ideology, illusion or delusion, then the actions we take on the basis of presumed knowledge – boarding an airplane, swallowing a pill, finding someone guilty of a crime – will be irrational and unjustifiable. That is all quite serious-sounding but so also are the rattlings of the skeleton: that is, the sceptic’s contention that we cannot be sure that we know anything – at least not if we think of knowledge as something like having a correct mental representation of reality, and not if we think of reality as something like things-as-they-are-in-themselves, independent of our perceptions, ideas or descriptions. For, the sceptic will note, since reality, under that conception of it, is outside our ken (we cannot catch a glimpse of things-in-themselves around the corner of our own eyes; we cannot form an idea of reality that floats above the processes of our conceiving it), we have no way to compare our mental representations with things-as- they-are-in-themselves and therefore no way to determine whether they are correct or incorrect. Thus the sceptic may repeat (rattling loudly), you cannot be sure you ‘know’ something or anything at all – at least not, he may add (rattling softly before disappearing), if that is the way you conceive ‘knowledge’. There are a number of ways to handle this situation. The most common is to ignore it. Most people outside the academy – and, indeed, most of us inside it – are unaware of or unperturbed by the philosophical scandal of knowledge and go about our lives without too many epistemic anxieties. We hold our beliefs and presumptive knowledges more or less confidently, usually depending on how we acquired them (I saw it with my own eyes; I heard it on Fox News; a guy at the office told me) and how broadly and strenuously they seem to be shared or endorsed by various relevant people: experts and authorities, friends and family members, colleagues and associates. And we examine our convictions more or less closely, explain them more or less extensively, and defend them more or less vigorously, usually depending on what seems to be at stake for ourselves and/or other people and what resources are available for reassuring ourselves or making our beliefs credible to others (look, it’s right here on the page; add up the figures yourself; I happen to be a heart specialist).

“. . . we cannot catch a glimpse of things-in-themselves around the corner of our own eyes; we cannot form an idea of reality that floats above the processes of our conceiving it . . .” Which one of the following statements best reflects the argument being made in this sentence?

  • AOur knowledge of reality cannot be merged with our process of conceiving it.
  • BOur knowledge of reality floats above our subjective perception of it.
  • CIf the reality of things is independent of our perception, logically we cannot perceive that reality.Correct answer
  • DIf the reality of things is independent of our eyesight, logically we cannot perceive our perception

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (If the reality of things is independent of our perception, logically we cannot perceive that reality.) What to find. ” Which one of the following statements best reflects the argument being made in this sentence? Steps. Check subject–verb agreement, preposition/idiom, article, and pronoun case. Keep only the combination that is clean in formal English. Why C. “If the reality of things is independent of our perception, logically we cannot perceive that reality.” is the set that survives those checks. Reject. - A (“Our knowledge of reality cannot be merged with our process of conceiving it.”) — overreaches or shifts the claim away from the stem - D (“If the reality of things is independent of our eyesight, logically we cannot perceive our perc…”) — overreaches or shifts the claim away from the stem
Q7Reading Comprehension·Inference

It has been said that knowledge, or the problem of knowledge, is the scandal of philosophy. The scandal is philosophy’s apparent inability to show how, when and why we can be sure that we know something or, indeed, that we know anything. Philosopher Michael Williams writes: ‘Is it possible to obtain knowledge at all? This problem is pressing because there are powerful arguments, some very ancient, for the conclusion that it is not . . . Scepticism is the skeleton in Western rationalism’s closet’. While it is not clear that the scandal matters to anyone but philosophers, philosophers point out that it should matter to everyone, at least given a certain conception of knowledge. For, they explain, unless we can ground our claims to knowledge as such, which is to say, distinguish it from mere opinion, superstition, fantasy, wishful thinking, ideology, illusion or delusion, then the actions we take on the basis of presumed knowledge – boarding an airplane, swallowing a pill, finding someone guilty of a crime – will be irrational and unjustifiable. That is all quite serious-sounding but so also are the rattlings of the skeleton: that is, the sceptic’s contention that we cannot be sure that we know anything – at least not if we think of knowledge as something like having a correct mental representation of reality, and not if we think of reality as something like things-as-they-are-in-themselves, independent of our perceptions, ideas or descriptions. For, the sceptic will note, since reality, under that conception of it, is outside our ken (we cannot catch a glimpse of things-in-themselves around the corner of our own eyes; we cannot form an idea of reality that floats above the processes of our conceiving it), we have no way to compare our mental representations with things-as- they-are-in-themselves and therefore no way to determine whether they are correct or incorrect. Thus the sceptic may repeat (rattling loudly), you cannot be sure you ‘know’ something or anything at all – at least not, he may add (rattling softly before disappearing), if that is the way you conceive ‘knowledge’. There are a number of ways to handle this situation. The most common is to ignore it. Most people outside the academy – and, indeed, most of us inside it – are unaware of or unperturbed by the philosophical scandal of knowledge and go about our lives without too many epistemic anxieties. We hold our beliefs and presumptive knowledges more or less confidently, usually depending on how we acquired them (I saw it with my own eyes; I heard it on Fox News; a guy at the office told me) and how broadly and strenuously they seem to be shared or endorsed by various relevant people: experts and authorities, friends and family members, colleagues and associates. And we examine our convictions more or less closely, explain them more or less extensively, and defend them more or less vigorously, usually depending on what seems to be at stake for ourselves and/or other people and what resources are available for reassuring ourselves or making our beliefs credible to others (look, it’s right here on the page; add up the figures yourself; I happen to be a heart specialist).

According to the last paragraph of the passage, “We hold our beliefs and presumptive knowledges more or less confidently, usually depending on” something. Which one of the following most broadly captures what we depend on?

  • AAll of the options listed here.
  • BHow much of a stake we have in them; what resources there are to support them
  • CRemaining outside the academy; ignoring epistemic anxieties
  • DHow we come to hold them; how widely they are held in our social circlesCorrect answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (How we come to hold them; how widely they are held in our social circles) What to find. Which one of the following most broadly captures what we depend on? Steps. Check subject–verb agreement, preposition/idiom, article, and pronoun case. Keep only the combination that is clean in formal English. Why D. “How we come to hold them; how widely they are held in our social circles” is the set that survives those checks. Reject. - A (“All of the options listed here.”) — too absolute / not forced by the given text - B (“How much of a stake we have in them; what resources there are to support them”) — overreaches or shifts the claim away from the stem
Q8Reading Comprehension·Specific Detail

It has been said that knowledge, or the problem of knowledge, is the scandal of philosophy. The scandal is philosophy’s apparent inability to show how, when and why we can be sure that we know something or, indeed, that we know anything. Philosopher Michael Williams writes: ‘Is it possible to obtain knowledge at all? This problem is pressing because there are powerful arguments, some very ancient, for the conclusion that it is not . . . Scepticism is the skeleton in Western rationalism’s closet’. While it is not clear that the scandal matters to anyone but philosophers, philosophers point out that it should matter to everyone, at least given a certain conception of knowledge. For, they explain, unless we can ground our claims to knowledge as such, which is to say, distinguish it from mere opinion, superstition, fantasy, wishful thinking, ideology, illusion or delusion, then the actions we take on the basis of presumed knowledge – boarding an airplane, swallowing a pill, finding someone guilty of a crime – will be irrational and unjustifiable. That is all quite serious-sounding but so also are the rattlings of the skeleton: that is, the sceptic’s contention that we cannot be sure that we know anything – at least not if we think of knowledge as something like having a correct mental representation of reality, and not if we think of reality as something like things-as-they-are-in-themselves, independent of our perceptions, ideas or descriptions. For, the sceptic will note, since reality, under that conception of it, is outside our ken (we cannot catch a glimpse of things-in-themselves around the corner of our own eyes; we cannot form an idea of reality that floats above the processes of our conceiving it), we have no way to compare our mental representations with things-as- they-are-in-themselves and therefore no way to determine whether they are correct or incorrect. Thus the sceptic may repeat (rattling loudly), you cannot be sure you ‘know’ something or anything at all – at least not, he may add (rattling softly before disappearing), if that is the way you conceive ‘knowledge’. There are a number of ways to handle this situation. The most common is to ignore it. Most people outside the academy – and, indeed, most of us inside it – are unaware of or unperturbed by the philosophical scandal of knowledge and go about our lives without too many epistemic anxieties. We hold our beliefs and presumptive knowledges more or less confidently, usually depending on how we acquired them (I saw it with my own eyes; I heard it on Fox News; a guy at the office told me) and how broadly and strenuously they seem to be shared or endorsed by various relevant people: experts and authorities, friends and family members, colleagues and associates. And we examine our convictions more or less closely, explain them more or less extensively, and defend them more or less vigorously, usually depending on what seems to be at stake for ourselves and/or other people and what resources are available for reassuring ourselves or making our beliefs credible to others (look, it’s right here on the page; add up the figures yourself; I happen to be a heart specialist).

The author discusses all of the following arguments in the passage, EXCEPT:

  • Asceptics believe that we can never fully know anything, if by “knowing” we mean knowledge of a reality that is independent of the knower.
  • Bif we cannot distinguish knowledge from opinion or delusion, we will not be able to justify our actions
  • Cphilosophers maintain that the scandal of philosophy should be of concern to everyone
  • Dthe best way to deal with scepticism about the veracity of knowledge is to ignore itCorrect answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (the best way to deal with scepticism about the veracity of knowledge is to ignore it) What to find. The author of the passage is most likely to support which one of the following statements? Steps. Check subject–verb agreement, preposition/idiom, article, and pronoun case. Keep only the combination that is clean in formal English. Why D. “the best way to deal with scepticism about the veracity of knowledge is to ignore it” is the set that survives those checks. Reject. - A (“sceptics believe that we can never fully know anything, if by “knowing” we mean knowledge of a…”) — too absolute / not forced by the given text - B (“if we cannot distinguish knowledge from opinion or delusion, we will not be able to justify ou…”) — overreaches or shifts the claim away from the stem - C (“philosophers maintain that the scandal of philosophy should be of concern to everyone”) — overreaches or shifts the claim away from the stem
Q9Reading Comprehension·Specific Detail

It’s easy to forget that most of the world’s languages are still transmitted orally with no widely established written form. While speech communities are increasingly involved in projects to protect their languages – in print, on air and online – orality is fragile and contributes to linguistic vulnerability. But indigenous languages are about much more than unusual words and intriguing grammar: They function as vehicles for the transmission of cultural traditions, environmental understandings and knowledge about medicinal plants, all at risk when elders die and livelihoods are disrupted. Both push and pull factors lead to the decline of languages. Through war, famine and natural disasters, whole communities can be destroyed, taking their language with them to the grave, such as the indigenous populations of Tasmania who were wiped out by colonists. More commonly, speakers live on but abandon their language in favor of another vernacular, a widespread process that linguists refer to as “language shift” from which few languages are immune. Such trading up and out of a speech form occurs for complex political, cultural and economic reasons – sometimes voluntary for economic and educational reasons, although often amplified by state coercion or neglect. Welsh, long stigmatized and disparaged by the British state, has rebounded with vigor. Many speakers of endangered, poorly documented languages have embraced new digital media with excitement. Speakers of previously exclusively oral tongues are turning to the web as a virtual space for languages to live on. Internet technology offers powerful ways for oral traditions and cultural practices to survive, even thrive, among increasingly mobile communities. I have watched as videos of traditional wedding ceremonies and songs are recorded on smartphones in London by Nepali migrants, then uploaded to YouTube and watched an hour later by relatives in remote Himalayan villages . . . Globalization is regularly, and often uncritically, pilloried as a major threat to linguistic diversity. But in fact, globalization is as much process as it is ideology, certainly when it comes to language. The real forces behind cultural homogenization are unbending beliefs, exchanged through a globalized delivery system, reinforced by the historical monolingualism prevalent in much of the West. Monolingualism – the condition of being able to speak only one language – is regularly accompanied by a deep-seated conviction in the value of that language over all others. Across the largest economies that make up the G8, being monolingual is still often the norm, with multilingualism appearing unusual and even somewhat exotic. The monolingual mindset stands in sharp contrast to the lived reality of most the world, which throughout its history has been more multilingual than unilingual. Monolingualism, then, not globalization, should be our primary concern. Multilingualism can help us live in a more connected and more interdependent world. By widening access to technology, globalization can support indigenous and scholarly communities engaged in documenting and protecting our shared linguistic heritage. For the last 5,000 years, the rise and fall of languages was intimately tied to the plow, sword and book. In our digital age, the keyboard, screen and web will play a decisive role in shaping the future linguistic diversity of our species.

The author mentions the Welsh language to show that:

  • Awhile often pilloried, globalisation can, in fact, support linguistic revival.
  • Befforts to integrate Welsh speakers in the English-speaking fold have been fruitless.
  • Cvulnerable languages can rebound with state effort.
  • Dlanguages can revive even after their speakers have gone through a “language shift”.Correct answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D Welsh is cited as a language that rebounded after speakers had shifted toward English—showing revival is possible even after language shift, not only before it. Why the others fail: • A — Globalisation’s complex role is discussed later; Welsh is not used mainly as a pro-globalisation exhibit. • B — The point is revival after shift, not that integration efforts failed. • C — State effort may help generally, but the Welsh example’s lesson is post-shift rebound.
Q10Reading Comprehension·Inference

It’s easy to forget that most of the world’s languages are still transmitted orally with no widely established written form. While speech communities are increasingly involved in projects to protect their languages – in print, on air and online – orality is fragile and contributes to linguistic vulnerability. But indigenous languages are about much more than unusual words and intriguing grammar: They function as vehicles for the transmission of cultural traditions, environmental understandings and knowledge about medicinal plants, all at risk when elders die and livelihoods are disrupted. Both push and pull factors lead to the decline of languages. Through war, famine and natural disasters, whole communities can be destroyed, taking their language with them to the grave, such as the indigenous populations of Tasmania who were wiped out by colonists. More commonly, speakers live on but abandon their language in favor of another vernacular, a widespread process that linguists refer to as “language shift” from which few languages are immune. Such trading up and out of a speech form occurs for complex political, cultural and economic reasons – sometimes voluntary for economic and educational reasons, although often amplified by state coercion or neglect. Welsh, long stigmatized and disparaged by the British state, has rebounded with vigor. Many speakers of endangered, poorly documented languages have embraced new digital media with excitement. Speakers of previously exclusively oral tongues are turning to the web as a virtual space for languages to live on. Internet technology offers powerful ways for oral traditions and cultural practices to survive, even thrive, among increasingly mobile communities. I have watched as videos of traditional wedding ceremonies and songs are recorded on smartphones in London by Nepali migrants, then uploaded to YouTube and watched an hour later by relatives in remote Himalayan villages . . . Globalization is regularly, and often uncritically, pilloried as a major threat to linguistic diversity. But in fact, globalization is as much process as it is ideology, certainly when it comes to language. The real forces behind cultural homogenization are unbending beliefs, exchanged through a globalized delivery system, reinforced by the historical monolingualism prevalent in much of the West. Monolingualism – the condition of being able to speak only one language – is regularly accompanied by a deep-seated conviction in the value of that language over all others. Across the largest economies that make up the G8, being monolingual is still often the norm, with multilingualism appearing unusual and even somewhat exotic. The monolingual mindset stands in sharp contrast to the lived reality of most the world, which throughout its history has been more multilingual than unilingual. Monolingualism, then, not globalization, should be our primary concern. Multilingualism can help us live in a more connected and more interdependent world. By widening access to technology, globalization can support indigenous and scholarly communities engaged in documenting and protecting our shared linguistic heritage. For the last 5,000 years, the rise and fall of languages was intimately tied to the plow, sword and book. In our digital age, the keyboard, screen and web will play a decisive role in shaping the future linguistic diversity of our species.

From the passage, we can infer that the author is in favour of:

  • Aan expanded state role in the preservation of languages
  • Bcultural homogenisation
  • Cgreater multilingualismCorrect answer
  • D“language shifts” across languages

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C The author values documenting and protecting linguistic diversity and treats multilingual vitality as preferable to homogenisation. Greater multilingualism best fits that stance. Why the others fail: • A — States are among forces that privilege majority languages; an expanded state role is not endorsed as the cure. • B — Cultural homogenisation is named as a threat, not a goal. • D — Language shift is a driver of loss, not something favoured.
Q11Reading Comprehension·Inference

It’s easy to forget that most of the world’s languages are still transmitted orally with no widely established written form. While speech communities are increasingly involved in projects to protect their languages – in print, on air and online – orality is fragile and contributes to linguistic vulnerability. But indigenous languages are about much more than unusual words and intriguing grammar: They function as vehicles for the transmission of cultural traditions, environmental understandings and knowledge about medicinal plants, all at risk when elders die and livelihoods are disrupted. Both push and pull factors lead to the decline of languages. Through war, famine and natural disasters, whole communities can be destroyed, taking their language with them to the grave, such as the indigenous populations of Tasmania who were wiped out by colonists. More commonly, speakers live on but abandon their language in favor of another vernacular, a widespread process that linguists refer to as “language shift” from which few languages are immune. Such trading up and out of a speech form occurs for complex political, cultural and economic reasons – sometimes voluntary for economic and educational reasons, although often amplified by state coercion or neglect. Welsh, long stigmatized and disparaged by the British state, has rebounded with vigor. Many speakers of endangered, poorly documented languages have embraced new digital media with excitement. Speakers of previously exclusively oral tongues are turning to the web as a virtual space for languages to live on. Internet technology offers powerful ways for oral traditions and cultural practices to survive, even thrive, among increasingly mobile communities. I have watched as videos of traditional wedding ceremonies and songs are recorded on smartphones in London by Nepali migrants, then uploaded to YouTube and watched an hour later by relatives in remote Himalayan villages . . . Globalization is regularly, and often uncritically, pilloried as a major threat to linguistic diversity. But in fact, globalization is as much process as it is ideology, certainly when it comes to language. The real forces behind cultural homogenization are unbending beliefs, exchanged through a globalized delivery system, reinforced by the historical monolingualism prevalent in much of the West. Monolingualism – the condition of being able to speak only one language – is regularly accompanied by a deep-seated conviction in the value of that language over all others. Across the largest economies that make up the G8, being monolingual is still often the norm, with multilingualism appearing unusual and even somewhat exotic. The monolingual mindset stands in sharp contrast to the lived reality of most the world, which throughout its history has been more multilingual than unilingual. Monolingualism, then, not globalization, should be our primary concern. Multilingualism can help us live in a more connected and more interdependent world. By widening access to technology, globalization can support indigenous and scholarly communities engaged in documenting and protecting our shared linguistic heritage. For the last 5,000 years, the rise and fall of languages was intimately tied to the plow, sword and book. In our digital age, the keyboard, screen and web will play a decisive role in shaping the future linguistic diversity of our species.

We can infer all of the following about indigenous languages from the passage EXCEPT that:

  • Athey are repositories of traditional knowledge about the environment and culture.
  • Bpeople are increasingly working on documenting these languages.
  • Ctheir vocabulary and grammatical constructs have been challenging to document.Correct answer
  • Dthey are in danger of being wiped out as most can only be transmitted orally.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C Indigenous languages are oral vehicles of environmental and cultural knowledge, increasingly documented, and vulnerable because orality is fragile. The passage does not say their vocabulary/grammar have been especially hard to document—so C is not inferable. Why the others fail: • A — Traditional knowledge transmission is a core claim. • B — Communities’ print/air/online protection projects are mentioned. • D — Oral-only transmission and elder death are tied to wipe-out risk.
Q12Reading Comprehension·Specific Detail

It’s easy to forget that most of the world’s languages are still transmitted orally with no widely established written form. While speech communities are increasingly involved in projects to protect their languages – in print, on air and online – orality is fragile and contributes to linguistic vulnerability. But indigenous languages are about much more than unusual words and intriguing grammar: They function as vehicles for the transmission of cultural traditions, environmental understandings and knowledge about medicinal plants, all at risk when elders die and livelihoods are disrupted. Both push and pull factors lead to the decline of languages. Through war, famine and natural disasters, whole communities can be destroyed, taking their language with them to the grave, such as the indigenous populations of Tasmania who were wiped out by colonists. More commonly, speakers live on but abandon their language in favor of another vernacular, a widespread process that linguists refer to as “language shift” from which few languages are immune. Such trading up and out of a speech form occurs for complex political, cultural and economic reasons – sometimes voluntary for economic and educational reasons, although often amplified by state coercion or neglect. Welsh, long stigmatized and disparaged by the British state, has rebounded with vigor. Many speakers of endangered, poorly documented languages have embraced new digital media with excitement. Speakers of previously exclusively oral tongues are turning to the web as a virtual space for languages to live on. Internet technology offers powerful ways for oral traditions and cultural practices to survive, even thrive, among increasingly mobile communities. I have watched as videos of traditional wedding ceremonies and songs are recorded on smartphones in London by Nepali migrants, then uploaded to YouTube and watched an hour later by relatives in remote Himalayan villages . . . Globalization is regularly, and often uncritically, pilloried as a major threat to linguistic diversity. But in fact, globalization is as much process as it is ideology, certainly when it comes to language. The real forces behind cultural homogenization are unbending beliefs, exchanged through a globalized delivery system, reinforced by the historical monolingualism prevalent in much of the West. Monolingualism – the condition of being able to speak only one language – is regularly accompanied by a deep-seated conviction in the value of that language over all others. Across the largest economies that make up the G8, being monolingual is still often the norm, with multilingualism appearing unusual and even somewhat exotic. The monolingual mindset stands in sharp contrast to the lived reality of most the world, which throughout its history has been more multilingual than unilingual. Monolingualism, then, not globalization, should be our primary concern. Multilingualism can help us live in a more connected and more interdependent world. By widening access to technology, globalization can support indigenous and scholarly communities engaged in documenting and protecting our shared linguistic heritage. For the last 5,000 years, the rise and fall of languages was intimately tied to the plow, sword and book. In our digital age, the keyboard, screen and web will play a decisive role in shaping the future linguistic diversity of our species.

The author lists all of the following as reasons for the decline or disappearance of a language EXCEPT:

  • Agovernments promoting certain languages over others
  • Bthe focus on only a few languages as a result of widespread internet useCorrect answer
  • Ca catastrophic event that entirely eliminates a people and their culture.
  • Dpeople shifting away from their own language to study or work in another language.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B Decline factors include disasters wiping out peoples, state language policies, and speakers shifting for work/study. The passage does not blame internet focus on a few languages as a listed cause—so B is the exception. Why the others fail: • A — Governments promoting some languages over others are push/pull factors named. • C — Catastrophe eliminating a people appears among push factors. • D — Shift for economic/educational opportunity is a classic pull.
Q13Reading Comprehension·Inference

Many people believe that truth conveys power …. Hence sticking with the truth is the best strategy for gaining power. Unfortunately, this is just a comforting myth. In fact, truth and power have a far more complicated relationship, because in human society, power metwo very different things. On the one hand, power mehaving the ability to manipulate objective realities: to hunt animals, to construct bridges, to cure diseases, to build atom bombs. This kind of power is closely tied to truth. If you believe a false physical theory, you won’t be able to build an atom bomb. On the other hand, power also mehaving the ability to manipulate human beliefs, thereby getting lots of people to cooperate effectively. Building atom bombs requires not just a good understanding of physics, but also the coordinated labor of millions of humans. Planet Earth was conquered by Homo sapiens rather than by chimpanzees or elephants, because we are the only mammals that can cooperate in very large numbers. And large-scale cooperation depends on believing common stories. But these stories need not be true. You can unite millions of people by making them believe in completely fictional stories about God, about race or about economics. The dual nature of power and truth results in the curious fact that we humknow many more truths than any other animal, but we also believe in much more nonsense. . . . When it comes to uniting people around a common story, fiction actually enjoys three inherent advantages over the truth. First, whereas the truth is universal, fictions tend to be local. Consequently if we want to distinguish our tribe from foreigners, a fictional story will serve as a far better identity marker than a true storyThe second huge advantage of fiction over truth has to do with the handicap principle, which says that reliable signals must be costly to the signaler. Otherwise, they can easily be faked by cheaters…. If political loyalty is signaled by believing a true story, anyone can fake it. But believing ridiculous and outlandish stories exacts greater cost, and is therefore a better signal of loyalty ….. Third, and most important, the truth is often painful and disturbing. Hence if you stick to unalloyed reality, few people will follow you. An American presidential candidate who tells the American public the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about American history has a 100 percent guarantee of losing the elections. …. An uncompromising adherence to the truth is an admirable spiritual practice, but it is not a winning political strategy. . . . Even if we need to pay some price for deactivating our rational faculties, the advantages of increased social cohesion are often so big that fictional stories routinely triumph over the truth in human history. Scholars have known this for thousands of years, which is why scholars often had to decide whether they served the truth or social harmony. Should they aim to unite people by making sure everyone believes in the same fiction, or should they let people know the truth even at the price of disunity?

The author implies that, like scholars, successful leaders:

  • Atoday know how to create social cohesion better than in the past.
  • Bknow how to balance truth and social unity.Correct answer
  • Cuse myths to attain the first type of power.
  • Dneed to leverage both types of power to remain in office.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B Scholars (and by implication leaders) face choosing whether to serve objective truth or the fictions that glue large-scale cooperation. Successful leadership, like that scholarly dilemma, is about balancing truth-seeking with social unity. Why the others fail: • A — No claim that today’s leaders outperform the past at cohesion. • C — Myths serve the second kind of power (belief manipulation), not the first (objective manipulation). • D — Remaining in office is not the passage’s criterion; the theme is truth vs unity.
Q14Reading Comprehension·Main Idea / Purpose

Many people believe that truth conveys power …. Hence sticking with the truth is the best strategy for gaining power. Unfortunately, this is just a comforting myth. In fact, truth and power have a far more complicated relationship, because in human society, power metwo very different things. On the one hand, power mehaving the ability to manipulate objective realities: to hunt animals, to construct bridges, to cure diseases, to build atom bombs. This kind of power is closely tied to truth. If you believe a false physical theory, you won’t be able to build an atom bomb. On the other hand, power also mehaving the ability to manipulate human beliefs, thereby getting lots of people to cooperate effectively. Building atom bombs requires not just a good understanding of physics, but also the coordinated labor of millions of humans. Planet Earth was conquered by Homo sapiens rather than by chimpanzees or elephants, because we are the only mammals that can cooperate in very large numbers. And large-scale cooperation depends on believing common stories. But these stories need not be true. You can unite millions of people by making them believe in completely fictional stories about God, about race or about economics. The dual nature of power and truth results in the curious fact that we humknow many more truths than any other animal, but we also believe in much more nonsense. . . . When it comes to uniting people around a common story, fiction actually enjoys three inherent advantages over the truth. First, whereas the truth is universal, fictions tend to be local. Consequently if we want to distinguish our tribe from foreigners, a fictional story will serve as a far better identity marker than a true storyThe second huge advantage of fiction over truth has to do with the handicap principle, which says that reliable signals must be costly to the signaler. Otherwise, they can easily be faked by cheaters…. If political loyalty is signaled by believing a true story, anyone can fake it. But believing ridiculous and outlandish stories exacts greater cost, and is therefore a better signal of loyalty ….. Third, and most important, the truth is often painful and disturbing. Hence if you stick to unalloyed reality, few people will follow you. An American presidential candidate who tells the American public the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about American history has a 100 percent guarantee of losing the elections. …. An uncompromising adherence to the truth is an admirable spiritual practice, but it is not a winning political strategy. . . . Even if we need to pay some price for deactivating our rational faculties, the advantages of increased social cohesion are often so big that fictional stories routinely triumph over the truth in human history. Scholars have known this for thousands of years, which is why scholars often had to decide whether they served the truth or social harmony. Should they aim to unite people by making sure everyone believes in the same fiction, or should they let people know the truth even at the price of disunity?

The central theme of the passage is about the choice between:

  • Atruth and power
  • Bstories that unite people and those that distinguish groups from each other
  • Cattaining social cohesion and propagating objective truthCorrect answer
  • Dleaders who unknowingly spread fictions and those who intentionally do so

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C The essay’s centre is the tension between propagating objective truth and maintaining the shared stories that produce social cohesion—two goods that often conflict. Why the others fail: • A — Too coarse; power splits into truth-tied and belief-tied forms, and the live choice is cohesion vs truth. • B — Local fiction vs universal truth is one advantage of stories, not the overall theme. • D — Intentional vs unintentional myth-spreading is not the organising contrast.
Q15Reading Comprehension·Inference

Many people believe that truth conveys power …. Hence sticking with the truth is the best strategy for gaining power. Unfortunately, this is just a comforting myth. In fact, truth and power have a far more complicated relationship, because in human society, power metwo very different things. On the one hand, power mehaving the ability to manipulate objective realities: to hunt animals, to construct bridges, to cure diseases, to build atom bombs. This kind of power is closely tied to truth. If you believe a false physical theory, you won’t be able to build an atom bomb. On the other hand, power also mehaving the ability to manipulate human beliefs, thereby getting lots of people to cooperate effectively. Building atom bombs requires not just a good understanding of physics, but also the coordinated labor of millions of humans. Planet Earth was conquered by Homo sapiens rather than by chimpanzees or elephants, because we are the only mammals that can cooperate in very large numbers. And large-scale cooperation depends on believing common stories. But these stories need not be true. You can unite millions of people by making them believe in completely fictional stories about God, about race or about economics. The dual nature of power and truth results in the curious fact that we humknow many more truths than any other animal, but we also believe in much more nonsense. . . . When it comes to uniting people around a common story, fiction actually enjoys three inherent advantages over the truth. First, whereas the truth is universal, fictions tend to be local. Consequently if we want to distinguish our tribe from foreigners, a fictional story will serve as a far better identity marker than a true storyThe second huge advantage of fiction over truth has to do with the handicap principle, which says that reliable signals must be costly to the signaler. Otherwise, they can easily be faked by cheaters…. If political loyalty is signaled by believing a true story, anyone can fake it. But believing ridiculous and outlandish stories exacts greater cost, and is therefore a better signal of loyalty ….. Third, and most important, the truth is often painful and disturbing. Hence if you stick to unalloyed reality, few people will follow you. An American presidential candidate who tells the American public the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about American history has a 100 percent guarantee of losing the elections. …. An uncompromising adherence to the truth is an admirable spiritual practice, but it is not a winning political strategy. . . . Even if we need to pay some price for deactivating our rational faculties, the advantages of increased social cohesion are often so big that fictional stories routinely triumph over the truth in human history. Scholars have known this for thousands of years, which is why scholars often had to decide whether they served the truth or social harmony. Should they aim to unite people by making sure everyone believes in the same fiction, or should they let people know the truth even at the price of disunity?

Regarding which one of the following quotes could we argue that the author overemphasises the importance of fiction?

  • A“…. scholars often had to decide whether they served the truth or social harmony. Should they aim to unite people by making sure everyone believes in the same fiction, or should they let people know the truth ….?”Correct answer
  • B“Hence sticking with the truth is the best strategy for gaining power. Unfortunately, this is just a comforting myth.”
  • C"In fact, truth and power have a far more complicated relationship, because in human society, power me two very different things."
  • D“On the one hand, power me having the ability to manipulate objective realities: to hunt animals, to construct bridges, to cure diseases, to build atom bombs.”

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A A presents scholars as choosing only between uniting people via shared fiction and telling unsettling truth—as if those were the sole aims—thereby overplaying fiction’s role relative to other scholarly purposes. That is where the fiction emphasis looks overdone. Why the others fail: • B — Challenges the “truth always yields power” myth without forcing an either/or about fiction. • C — States the dual nature of power; it does not oversell fiction. • D — Describes objective power’s tie to true theories; fiction is not overemphasised there.
Q16Reading Comprehension·Inference

Many people believe that truth conveys power …. Hence sticking with the truth is the best strategy for gaining power. Unfortunately, this is just a comforting myth. In fact, truth and power have a far more complicated relationship, because in human society, power metwo very different things. On the one hand, power mehaving the ability to manipulate objective realities: to hunt animals, to construct bridges, to cure diseases, to build atom bombs. This kind of power is closely tied to truth. If you believe a false physical theory, you won’t be able to build an atom bomb. On the other hand, power also mehaving the ability to manipulate human beliefs, thereby getting lots of people to cooperate effectively. Building atom bombs requires not just a good understanding of physics, but also the coordinated labor of millions of humans. Planet Earth was conquered by Homo sapiens rather than by chimpanzees or elephants, because we are the only mammals that can cooperate in very large numbers. And large-scale cooperation depends on believing common stories. But these stories need not be true. You can unite millions of people by making them believe in completely fictional stories about God, about race or about economics. The dual nature of power and truth results in the curious fact that we humknow many more truths than any other animal, but we also believe in much more nonsense. . . . When it comes to uniting people around a common story, fiction actually enjoys three inherent advantages over the truth. First, whereas the truth is universal, fictions tend to be local. Consequently if we want to distinguish our tribe from foreigners, a fictional story will serve as a far better identity marker than a true storyThe second huge advantage of fiction over truth has to do with the handicap principle, which says that reliable signals must be costly to the signaler. Otherwise, they can easily be faked by cheaters…. If political loyalty is signaled by believing a true story, anyone can fake it. But believing ridiculous and outlandish stories exacts greater cost, and is therefore a better signal of loyalty ….. Third, and most important, the truth is often painful and disturbing. Hence if you stick to unalloyed reality, few people will follow you. An American presidential candidate who tells the American public the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about American history has a 100 percent guarantee of losing the elections. …. An uncompromising adherence to the truth is an admirable spiritual practice, but it is not a winning political strategy. . . . Even if we need to pay some price for deactivating our rational faculties, the advantages of increased social cohesion are often so big that fictional stories routinely triumph over the truth in human history. Scholars have known this for thousands of years, which is why scholars often had to decide whether they served the truth or social harmony. Should they aim to unite people by making sure everyone believes in the same fiction, or should they let people know the truth even at the price of disunity?

The author would support none of the following statements about political power EXCEPT that:

  • Apeople cannot handle the unvarnished truth, so leaders retain power by deviating from it.Correct answer
  • Bwhile unalloyed truth is not recommended, leaders should stay as close as possible to it.
  • Cthere are definite advantages to promoting fiction, but there needs to be some limit to a pervasive belief in myths.
  • Dmanipulating people’s beliefs is politically advantageous, but a leader who propagates only myths is likely to lose power.

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A The EXCEPT/none framing: the author would *not* endorse B–D’s balanced cautions as stated, but A—that leaders keep power by shading the painful unvarnished truth because people cannot handle it—aligns with fiction’s advantage that truth is often disturbing. Among the options, A is the one the author can support. Why the others fail: • B — “Stay as close as possible to unalloyed truth” is not the essay’s political recommendation. • C — A soft limit on myth is the reader’s wish, not the author’s prescription. • D — Losing power for “only myths” is not argued; large-scale cooperation via fiction is stressed.
Q17Verbal Ability·Paragraph JumblesTITA

The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, and 4) given below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the four numbers as your answer.

1. Look forward a few decades to an invention which can end the energy crisis, change the global economy and curb climate change at a stroke: commercial fusion power. 2. To gain meaningful insights, logic has to be accompanied by asking probing questions of nature through controlled tests, precise observations and clever analysis. 3. The greatest of all inventions is the uber-invention that has provided the insights on which others depend: the modern scientific method. 4. This invention is inconceivable without the scientific method; it will rest on the application of a diverse range of scientific insights, such as the process transforming hydrogen into helium to release huge amounts of energy.

Answer: 3214

Show explanation
Answer:3214 3 crowns the modern scientific method as the “uber-invention” behind other insights. 2 defines it: logic plus controlled tests, precise observation, and clever analysis. 1 looks ahead to commercial fusion as a crisis-ending invention. 4’s “This invention” points back to fusion—inconceivable without the scientific method and dependent on insights such as hydrogen→helium energy release.
Q18Verbal Ability·Paragraph Summary

The unlikely alliance of the incumbent industrialist and the distressed unemployed worker is especially powerful amid the debris of corporate bankruptcies and layoffs. In an economic downturn, the capitalist is more likely to focus on costs of the competition emanating from free markets than on the opportunities they create. And the unemployed worker will find many others in a similar condition and with anxieties similar to his, which will make it easier for them to organize together. Using the cover and the political organization provided by the distressed, the capitalist captures the political agenda.

  • AAn unlikely alliance of the industrialist and the unemployed happens during an economic downturn in which they come together to unite politically and capture the political agenda.
  • BIn an economic downturn, the capitalists use the anxieties of the unemployed and their political organisation to set the political agenda to suit their economic interests.Correct answer
  • CThe purpose of an unlikely alliance between the industrialist and the unemployed during an economic downturn is to stifle competition in free markets.
  • DAn economic downturn creates competition because of which the capitalists capture the political agenda created by the political organisation provided by the unemployed.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B In a downturn, incumbent industrialists fixate on free-market competitive costs while distressed workers organize around shared anxiety; using that cover and organization, the capitalist captures the political agenda. B states capitalists harness the unemployed’s anxieties and organization for their economic interests. Why the others fail • A — Makes the alliance a mutual political capture; the stem’s agent who “captures the political agenda” is the capitalist. • C — Reduces the purpose to stifling free-market competition; cost-focus is the capitalist’s mindset, not the declared shared purpose of the alliance. • D — Says the downturn “creates competition” that somehow lets capitalists capture an agenda “provided by” the unemployed—scrambled causality versus using their cover/organization.
Q19Verbal Ability·Odd Sentence OutTITA

Five jumbled sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5), related to a topic, are given below. Four of them can be put together to form a coherent paragraph. Identify the odd sentence out and key in the number of that sentence as your answer.

1. It has taken on a warm, fuzzy glow in the advertising world, where its potential is being widely discussed, and it is being claimed as the undeniable wave of the future. 2. There is little enthusiasm for this in the scientific arena; for them marketing is not a science, and only a handful of studies have been published in scientific journals. 3. The new, growing field of neuromarketing attempts to reveal the inner workings of consumer behaviour and is an extension of the study of how choices and decisions are made. 4. Some see neuromarketing as an attempt to make the "art" of advertising into a science, being used by marketing experts to back up their proposals with some form of real data. 5. The marketing gurus have already started drawing on psychology in developing tests and theories, and advertising people have borrowed the idea of the focus group from social scientists.

Answer: 5

Show explanation
Answer:5 Keep 3 → 1 → 4 → 2: neuromarketing as a growing attempt to expose consumer choice mechanisms (3); adland gives it a warm glow as the future (1); some cast it as turning advertising’s “art” into science with data-backed pitches (4); scientists show little enthusiasm—marketing isn’t science, few journal studies (2). Why 5 is odd: It recounts older borrowing of psychology tests and focus groups from social science, a prehistory that is not the neuromarketing hype-vs-science contrast.
Q20Verbal Ability·Paragraph Summary

Creativity is now viewed as the engine of economic progress. Various organizations are devoted to its study and promotion; there are encyclopedias and handbooks surveying creativity research. But this proliferating success has tended to erode creativity’s stable identity: it has become so invested with value that it has become impossible to police its meaning and the practices that supposedly identify and encourage it. Many people and organizations committed to producing original thoughts now feel that undue obsession with the idea of creativity gets in the way of real creativity.

  • AThe industry that has built up around researching what comprises and encourages creativity has destroyed the creative process itself.
  • BCreativity has proliferated to the extent that is no longer a stable process, and its mutating identity has stifled the creative process.
  • CThe value assigned to creativity today has assumed such proportions that the concept itself has lost its real meaning and this is hampering the engendering of real creativity.Correct answer
  • DThe obsession with original thought, how it can be promoted and researched, has made it impossible for people and organizations to define the concept anymore.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C Creativity is prized as the engine of progress and endlessly researched; that success erodes a stable meaning until the concept cannot be policed; obsession with “creativity” then blocks real creative work. C links inflated value → lost meaning → hampered real creativity. Why the others fail • A — Says the research industry has “destroyed” the creative process; the text says obsession gets in the way, not that research annihilated creation. • B — Stresses a “mutating identity” that stifles process; the hinge is over-investment of value making meaning unpoliceable, then blocking originality. • D — Stops at inability to *define* the concept; it misses that the value overload also obstructs producing original thought.
Q21Verbal Ability·Paragraph Summary

Biologists who publish their research directly to the Web have been labelled as “rogue”, but physicists have been routinely publishing research digitally (“preprints”), prior to submitting in a peer-reviewed journal. Advocates of preprints argue that quick and open dissemination of research speeds up scientific progress and allows for wider access to knowledge. But some journals still don’t accept research previously published as a preprint. Even if the idea of preprints is gaining ground, one of the biggest barriers for biologists is how they would be viewed by members of their conservative research community.

  • AWhile digital publication of research is gaining popularity in many scientific disciplines, almost all peer-reviewed journals are reluctant to accept papers that have been published before.
  • BCompared to biologists, physicists are less conservative in their acceptance of digital pre-publication of research papers, which allows for faster dissemination of knowledge.Correct answer
  • COne of the advantages of digital preprints of research is they hasten the dissemination process, but these are not accepted by most scientific communities.
  • DPreprints of research are frowned on by some scientific fields as they do not undergo a rigourous reviewing process but are accepted among biologists as a quick way to disseminate information.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B Physicists routinely post digital preprints before journals; biologists who do similar web publishing get labelled “rogue,” and fear their conservative community’s view—even as preprints speed open dissemination and some journals still refuse prior preprint. B contrasts physicists’ easier acceptance of digital pre-publication (and faster spread) with biologists’ conservatism. Why the others fail • A — “Almost all” journals refuse prior publication and “many disciplines” warmly adopt digital pubs; the stem is more mixed and field-specific. • C — “Not accepted by most scientific communities” erases physicists’ routine preprint culture. • D — Reverses the fields: biologists are the wary group; physicists already accept preprints.
Q22Verbal Ability·Odd Sentence OutTITA

Five jumbled sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5), related to a topic, are given below. Four of them can be put together to form a coherent paragraph. Identify the odd sentence out and key in the number of that sentence as your answer.

1. The care with which philosophers examine arguments for and against forms of biotechnology makes this an excellent primer on formulating and assessing moral arguments. 2. Although most people find at least some forms of genetic engineering disquieting, it is not easy to articulate why: what is wrong with re-engineering our nature? 3. Breakthroughs in genetics present us with the promise that we will soon be able to prevent a host of debilitating diseases, and the predicament that our newfound genetic knowledge may enable us to enhance our genetic traits. 4. To grapple with the ethics of enhancement, we need to confront questions that verge on theology, which is why modern philosophers and political theorists tend to shrink from them. 5. One argument is that the drive for human perfection through genetics is objectionable as it represents a bid for mastery that fails to appreciate the gifts of human powers and achievements.

Answer: 1

Show explanation
Answer:1 Keep 3 → 2 → 4 → 5: genetics promises disease prevention yet tempts enhancement (3); unease is common but hard to articulate (2); enhancement ethics pushes toward theological questions philosophers often avoid (4); one objection is mastery-seeking that fails to honour human gifts (5). Why 1 is odd: It praises philosophers’ careful biotech debate as a “primer” on moral argument—meta-commentary on usefulness, not a step in the enhancement-ethics chain.
Q23Verbal Ability·Paragraph JumblesTITA

The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, and 4) given below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the four numbers as your answer.

1. But today there is an epochal challenge to rethink and reconstitute the vision and practice of development as a shared responsibility – a sharing which binds both the agent and the audience, the developed world and the developing, in a bond of shared destiny. 2. We are at a crossroads now in our vision and practice of development. 3. This calls for the cultivation of an appropriate ethical mode of being in our lives which enables us to realize this global and planetary situation of shared living and responsibility. 4. Half a century ago, development began as a hope for a better human possibility, but in the last fifty years, this hope has lost itself in the dreary desert of various kinds of hegemonic applications.

Answer: 2413

Show explanation
Answer:2413 2 situates us at a crossroads in development’s vision and practice. 4 recalls mid-century hope for better human possibility that later sank into hegemonic applications. 1’s “But today” demands reconstituting development as shared responsibility binding developed and developing worlds. 3 says “This” requires cultivating an ethical mode of being for shared planetary living.
Q24Verbal Ability·Paragraph JumblesTITA

The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, and 4) given below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the four numbers as your answer.

1. The US has long maintained that the Northwest Passage is an international strait through which its commercial and military vessels have the right to pass without seeking Canada’s permission. 2. Canada, which officially acquired the group of islands forming the Northwest Passage in 1880, claims sovereignty over all the shipping routes through the Passage. 3. The dispute could be transitory, however, as scientists speculate that the entire Arctic Ocean will soon be ice-free in summer, so ship owners will not have to ask for permission to sail through any of the Northwest Passage routes. 4. The US and Canada have never legally settled the question of access through the Passage, but have an agreement whereby the US needs to seek Canada’s consent for any transit.

Answer: 2143

Show explanation
Answer:2143 Sentence 2 states Canada’s sovereignty claim; 1 answers with the US international-strait position—together defining the dispute. 4 notes the dispute remains legally unsettled yet managed by a consent agreement. 3’s “however, transitory” looks ahead to ice-free summers making permission moot, so it must follow the present dispute frame. Order 2–1–4–3.

DILR(20 questions)

Q25Data Interpretation·Mixed ChartsTITA
CAT 2021 Slot 2 order ship-mode Gantt

The different bars in the diagram above provide information about different orders in various categories (Art, Binders, ….) that were booked in the first two weeks of September of a store for one client. The colour and pattern of a bar denotes the ship mode (First Class / Second Class / Standard Class). The left end point of a bar indicates the booking day of the order, while the right end point indicates the dispatch day of the order. The difference between the dispatch day and the booking day (measured in terms of the number of days) is called the processing time of the order. For the same category, an order is considered for booking only after the previous order of the same category is dispatched. No two consecutive orders of the same category had identical ship mode during this period. For example, there were only two orders in the furnishing category during this period. The first one was shipped in the Second Class. It was booked on Sep 1 and dispatched on Sep 5. The second order was shipped in the Standard class. It was booked on Sep 5 (although the order might have been placed before that) and dispatched on Sep 12. So the processing times were 4 and 7 days respectively for these orders.

How many days between Sep 1 and Sep 14 (both inclusive) had no booking from this client considering all the above categories? (in numerical value)

Answer: 6

Show explanation
Answer:6 Setup. A Gantt chart shows orders booked for one client in Sep 1–14 across categories. Bar colour/pattern denotes First, Second or Standard Class shipping. The left end of a bar is the booking day and the right end is the dispatch day; processing time is dispatch minus booking. A category’s next order is booked only after the previous one is dispatched, and consecutive same-category orders never share a ship mode. Example: Furnishing Second Class booked Sep 1 dispatched Sep 5 (processing 4), then Standard Class Sep 5 to Sep 12 (processing 7). Steps. List every booking day on the chart. Among Sep 1–14 inclusive, 6 days have no booking from this client.
Q26Data Interpretation·Mixed ChartsTITA
CAT 2021 Slot 2 order ship-mode Gantt

The different bars in the diagram above provide information about different orders in various categories (Art, Binders, ….) that were booked in the first two weeks of September of a store for one client. The colour and pattern of a bar denotes the ship mode (First Class / Second Class / Standard Class). The left end point of a bar indicates the booking day of the order, while the right end point indicates the dispatch day of the order. The difference between the dispatch day and the booking day (measured in terms of the number of days) is called the processing time of the order. For the same category, an order is considered for booking only after the previous order of the same category is dispatched. No two consecutive orders of the same category had identical ship mode during this period. For example, there were only two orders in the furnishing category during this period. The first one was shipped in the Second Class. It was booked on Sep 1 and dispatched on Sep 5. The second order was shipped in the Standard class. It was booked on Sep 5 (although the order might have been placed before that) and dispatched on Sep 12. So the processing times were 4 and 7 days respectively for these orders.

What was the average processing time of all orders in the categories which had only one type of ship mode? (in numerical value)

Answer: 11

Show explanation
Answer:11 Setup. The Gantt covers Sep 1–14 orders for one client. Bar shading is First/Second/Standard Class; the left end is the booking day and the right end is the dispatch day, so processing time is dispatch minus booking. Within a category the next order is booked only after the previous dispatch, and consecutive same-category orders never share a ship mode. Steps. Isolate categories that use only one ship mode for every order shown. Add those orders’ processing times and divide by how many such orders there are. The average equals 11 days. The working above is self-contained for this item and does not rely on answers from other questions in the set.
Q27Data Interpretation·Mixed Charts
CAT 2021 Slot 2 order ship-mode Gantt

The different bars in the diagram above provide information about different orders in various categories (Art, Binders, ….) that were booked in the first two weeks of September of a store for one client. The colour and pattern of a bar denotes the ship mode (First Class / Second Class / Standard Class). The left end point of a bar indicates the booking day of the order, while the right end point indicates the dispatch day of the order. The difference between the dispatch day and the booking day (measured in terms of the number of days) is called the processing time of the order. For the same category, an order is considered for booking only after the previous order of the same category is dispatched. No two consecutive orders of the same category had identical ship mode during this period. For example, there were only two orders in the furnishing category during this period. The first one was shipped in the Second Class. It was booked on Sep 1 and dispatched on Sep 5. The second order was shipped in the Standard class. It was booked on Sep 5 (although the order might have been placed before that) and dispatched on Sep 12. So the processing times were 4 and 7 days respectively for these orders.

The sequence of categories -- Art, Binders, Paper and Phones -- in decreasing order of average processing time of their orders in this period is:

  • APaper, Binders, Art, Phones
  • BPhones, Art, Binders, PaperCorrect answer
  • CArt, Binders, Paper, Phones
  • DPhones, Binders, Art, Paper

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (Phones, Art, Binders, Paper) Setup. Gantt of September orders by category (Art, Binders, Paper, Phones, …). Each bar: booking day → ship segments (First Class / Second Class / Standard). Processing time = dispatch day − booking day (as in the worked examples of 4 and 7 days). Steps. For Art, Binders, Paper, Phones: average processing time = sum of order durations#orders. Computed averages rank Phones > Art > Binders > Paper. Why other options fail. - A (Paper, Binders, Art, Phones): Puts Paper first; Paper is the shortest average. - C (Art, Binders, Paper, Phones): Alphabetical-ish order, not duration order. - D (Phones, Binders, Art, Paper): Swaps Art/Binders versus the computed averages.
Q28Data Interpretation·Mixed Charts
CAT 2021 Slot 2 order ship-mode Gantt

The different bars in the diagram above provide information about different orders in various categories (Art, Binders, ….) that were booked in the first two weeks of September of a store for one client. The colour and pattern of a bar denotes the ship mode (First Class / Second Class / Standard Class). The left end point of a bar indicates the booking day of the order, while the right end point indicates the dispatch day of the order. The difference between the dispatch day and the booking day (measured in terms of the number of days) is called the processing time of the order. For the same category, an order is considered for booking only after the previous order of the same category is dispatched. No two consecutive orders of the same category had identical ship mode during this period. For example, there were only two orders in the furnishing category during this period. The first one was shipped in the Second Class. It was booked on Sep 1 and dispatched on Sep 5. The second order was shipped in the Standard class. It was booked on Sep 5 (although the order might have been placed before that) and dispatched on Sep 12. So the processing times were 4 and 7 days respectively for these orders.

Approximately what percentage of orders had a processing time of one day during the period Sep 1 to Sep 22 (both dates inclusive)?

  • A16%
  • B22%
  • C20%Correct answer
  • D25%

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (20%) Setup. Gantt of September orders by category (Art, Binders, Paper, Phones, …). Each bar: booking day → ship segments (First Class / Second Class / Standard). Processing time = dispatch day − booking day (as in the worked examples of 4 and 7 days). Steps. Count orders whose dispatch is exactly one day after booking (Sep 1–22 window), divide by total orders in the window. Ratio ≈ 20%. Why other options fail. - A (16%): 16% undercounts one-day bars. - B (22%): 22% is a near-miss from including a 2-day order. - D (25%): 25% assumes a clean 1-in-4 split the chart does not have.
Q29Logical Reasoning·Games & Tournaments

The game of Chango is a game where two people play against each other; one of them wins and the other loses, i.e., there are no drawn Chango games. 12 players participated in a Chango championship. They were divided into four groups: Group A consisted of Aruna, Azul, and Arif; Group B consisted of Brinda, Brij, and Biju; Group C consisted of Chitra, Chetan, and Chhavi; and Group D consisted of Dipen, Donna, and Deb. Players within each group had a distinct rank going into the championship. The players have NOT been listed necessarily according to their ranks. In the group stage of the game, the second and third ranked players play against each other, and the winner of that game plays against the first ranked player of the group. The winner of this second game is considered as the winner of the group and enters a semi-final. The winners from Groups A and B play against each other in one semi-final, while the winners from Groups C and D play against each other in the other semi-final. The winners of the two semi-finals play against each other in the final to decide the winner of the championship. It is known that: 1. Chitra did not win the championship. 2. Aruna did not play against Arif. Brij did not play against Brinda. 3. Aruna, Biju, Chitra, and Dipen played three games each, Azul and Chetan played two games each, and the remaining players played one game each.

Who among the following was DEFINITELY NOT ranked first in his/her group?

  • ABrij
  • BAruna
  • CDipenCorrect answer
  • DChitra

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (Dipen) Set (Chango). Two groups of 4; within-group round robin then winners play. Ranking rules from match results; additional “did not play” facts and game-count facts (Aruna/Biju/Chitra/Dipen play 3 each; Azul/Chetan play 2; others 1). Steps. Build both groups’ match graphs from who-played-whom and games-played counts. Dipen’s win/loss pattern always leaves at least one player above Dipen in group standings in every consistent completion → Dipen definitely not #1. Aruna/Brij/Chitra each can be group #1 in some consistent case. Why other options fail. - A (Brij): Brij can finish first in his group in a valid case. - B (Aruna): Aruna can be first. - D (Chitra): Chitra can be first.
Q30Logical Reasoning·Games & Tournaments

The game of Chango is a game where two people play against each other; one of them wins and the other loses, i.e., there are no drawn Chango games. 12 players participated in a Chango championship. They were divided into four groups: Group A consisted of Aruna, Azul, and Arif; Group B consisted of Brinda, Brij, and Biju; Group C consisted of Chitra, Chetan, and Chhavi; and Group D consisted of Dipen, Donna, and Deb. Players within each group had a distinct rank going into the championship. The players have NOT been listed necessarily according to their ranks. In the group stage of the game, the second and third ranked players play against each other, and the winner of that game plays against the first ranked player of the group. The winner of this second game is considered as the winner of the group and enters a semi-final. The winners from Groups A and B play against each other in one semi-final, while the winners from Groups C and D play against each other in the other semi-final. The winners of the two semi-finals play against each other in the final to decide the winner of the championship. It is known that: 1. Chitra did not win the championship. 2. Aruna did not play against Arif. Brij did not play against Brinda. 3. Aruna, Biju, Chitra, and Dipen played three games each, Azul and Chetan played two games each, and the remaining players played one game each.

Which of the following pairs must have played against each other in the championship?

  • ADonna, Chetan
  • BAzul, Biju
  • CDeb, Donna
  • DChitra, DipenCorrect answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (Chitra, Dipen) Set (Chango). Two groups of 4; within-group round robin then winners play. Ranking rules from match results; additional “did not play” facts and game-count facts (Aruna/Biju/Chitra/Dipen play 3 each; Azul/Chetan play 2; others 1). Steps. Game-count + “did not play” constraints force the missing edges. Chitra vs Dipen is an edge in every remaining tournament graph; the other listed pairs are missing in at least one valid graph. Why other options fail. - A (Donna, Chetan): Donna–Chetan need not play. - B (Azul, Biju): Azul–Biju need not play. - C (Deb, Donna): Deb–Donna need not play.
Q31Logical Reasoning·Games & Tournaments

The game of Chango is a game where two people play against each other; one of them wins and the other loses, i.e., there are no drawn Chango games. 12 players participated in a Chango championship. They were divided into four groups: Group A consisted of Aruna, Azul, and Arif; Group B consisted of Brinda, Brij, and Biju; Group C consisted of Chitra, Chetan, and Chhavi; and Group D consisted of Dipen, Donna, and Deb. Players within each group had a distinct rank going into the championship. The players have NOT been listed necessarily according to their ranks. In the group stage of the game, the second and third ranked players play against each other, and the winner of that game plays against the first ranked player of the group. The winner of this second game is considered as the winner of the group and enters a semi-final. The winners from Groups A and B play against each other in one semi-final, while the winners from Groups C and D play against each other in the other semi-final. The winners of the two semi-finals play against each other in the final to decide the winner of the championship. It is known that: 1. Chitra did not win the championship. 2. Aruna did not play against Arif. Brij did not play against Brinda. 3. Aruna, Biju, Chitra, and Dipen played three games each, Azul and Chetan played two games each, and the remaining players played one game each.

Who won the championship?

  • ABrij
  • BCannot be determined
  • CArunaCorrect answer
  • DChitra

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (Aruna) Set (Chango). Two groups of 4; within-group round robin then winners play. Ranking rules from match results; additional “did not play” facts and game-count facts (Aruna/Biju/Chitra/Dipen play 3 each; Azul/Chetan play 2; others 1). Steps. After group winners are forced, the final’s only consistent winner across cases is Aruna. Why other options fail. - A (Brij): Brij never wins the final in a consistent case. - B (Cannot be determined): The champion is uniquely determined. - D (Chitra): Chitra is eliminated before / in the final in every case.
Q32Logical Reasoning·Games & Tournaments

The game of Chango is a game where two people play against each other; one of them wins and the other loses, i.e., there are no drawn Chango games. 12 players participated in a Chango championship. They were divided into four groups: Group A consisted of Aruna, Azul, and Arif; Group B consisted of Brinda, Brij, and Biju; Group C consisted of Chitra, Chetan, and Chhavi; and Group D consisted of Dipen, Donna, and Deb. Players within each group had a distinct rank going into the championship. The players have NOT been listed necessarily according to their ranks. In the group stage of the game, the second and third ranked players play against each other, and the winner of that game plays against the first ranked player of the group. The winner of this second game is considered as the winner of the group and enters a semi-final. The winners from Groups A and B play against each other in one semi-final, while the winners from Groups C and D play against each other in the other semi-final. The winners of the two semi-finals play against each other in the final to decide the winner of the championship. It is known that: 1. Chitra did not win the championship. 2. Aruna did not play against Arif. Brij did not play against Brinda. 3. Aruna, Biju, Chitra, and Dipen played three games each, Azul and Chetan played two games each, and the remaining players played one game each.

Who among the following did NOT play against Chitra in the championship?

  • ABijuCorrect answer
  • BAruna
  • CDipen
  • DChetan

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (Biju) Setup. 12 players in Groups A–D (3 each). In a group: 2nd vs 3rd, winner vs 1st; winners advance. Games-played: Aruna, Biju, Chitra, Dipen = 3; Azul, Chetan = 2; others = 1; plus given non-matches. Steps. Chitra played 3 games. Games-played counts plus non-match facts force her three opponents to be Aruna, Dipen, and Chetan (group/semis structure). Biju is never among Chitra’s opponents. Why other options fail. - B (Aruna): Aruna does play Chitra. - C (Dipen): Dipen does play Chitra. - D (Chetan): Chetan does play Chitra.
Q33Data Interpretation·CaseletsTITA

Ravi works in an online food-delivery company. After each delivery, customers rate Ravi on each of four parameters – Behaviour, Packaging, Hygiene, and Timeliness, on a scale from 1 to 9. If the total of the four rating points is 25 or more, then Ravi gets a bonus of Rs. 20 for that delivery. Additionally, a customer may or may not give Ravi a tip. If the customer gives a tip, it is either Rs. 30 or Rs. 50. One day, Ravi made four deliveries - one to each of Atal, Bihari, Chirag and Deepak, and received a total of Rs. 120 in bonus and tips. He did not get both a bonus and a tip from the same customer. The following additional facts are also known. 1. In Timeliness, Ravi received a total of 21 points, and three of the customers gave him the same rating points in this parameter. Atal gave higher rating points than Bihari and Chirag in this parameter. 2. Ravi received distinct rating points in Packaging from the four customers adding up to 29 points. Similarly, Ravi received distinct rating points in Hygiene from the four customers adding up to 26 points. 3. Chirag gave the same rating points for Packaging and Hygiene. 4. Among the four customers, Bihari gave the highest rating points in Packaging, and Chirag gave the highest rating points in Hygiene. 5. Everyone rated Ravi between 5 and 7 in Behaviour. Unique maximum and minimum ratings in this parameter were given by Atal and Deepak respectively. 6. If the customers are ranked based on ratings given by them in individual parameters, then Atal’s rank based on Packaging is the same as that based on Hygiene. This is also true for Deepak.

What was the minimum rating that Ravi received from any customer in any parameter? (in numerical value)

Answer: 5

Show explanation
Answer:5 Setup. Customers Atal, Bihari, Chirag, Deepak rate Behaviour/Packaging/Hygiene/Timeliness (1–9). Bonus ₹20 if total ≥25; tip ∈ {0,30,50}; never both from same customer; day total bonus+tips = ₹120. Timeliness sum 21 with three equal scores and Atal > Bihari, Chirag. Packaging distinct sum 29; Hygiene distinct sum 26; Chirag Packaging=Hygiene; Bihari max Packaging; Chirag max Hygiene. Behaviour ∈ {5,6,7} with Atal unique max, Deepak unique min. Atal’s Packaging-rank = Hygiene-rank; same for Deepak. Steps. Timeliness: only (Atal,Bihari,Chirag,Deepak)=(6,5,5,5) works with three equal and Atal strictly above Bihari & Chirag (the (9,4,4,4) alternative is killed later by money/min constraints). Packaging distinct sum 29 with Bihari unique max ⇒ Packaging ∈ {5,7,8,9} and Bihari=9. Chirag Packaging=Hygiene and Chirag unique Hygiene max ⇒ Chirag=8 for both (cannot be 9). Behaviour: Atal=7, Deepak=5, Bihari=Chirag=6. Remaining Packaging {5,7} for Atal & Deepak; Hygiene is {5,6,7,8} with Chirag=8. Equal ranks for Atal and for Deepak force Packaging (5,9,8,7) and Hygiene (5,7,8,6): Atal rank 4th in both; Deepak rank 3rd in both. Totals: Atal 23, Bihari 27, Chirag 27, Deepak 23. Bihari & Chirag earn bonus ₹40; Atal & Deepak tip ₹50+₹30 = ₹80; grand total ₹120. Forced grid (Beh,Pack,Hyg,Tim): Atal (7,5,5,6), Bihari (6,9,7,5), Chirag (6,8,8,5), Deepak (5,7,6,5). Scanning every cell, the minimum rating is 5.
Q34Data Interpretation·Caselets

Ravi works in an online food-delivery company. After each delivery, customers rate Ravi on each of four parameters – Behaviour, Packaging, Hygiene, and Timeliness, on a scale from 1 to 9. If the total of the four rating points is 25 or more, then Ravi gets a bonus of Rs. 20 for that delivery. Additionally, a customer may or may not give Ravi a tip. If the customer gives a tip, it is either Rs. 30 or Rs. 50. One day, Ravi made four deliveries - one to each of Atal, Bihari, Chirag and Deepak, and received a total of Rs. 120 in bonus and tips. He did not get both a bonus and a tip from the same customer. The following additional facts are also known. 1. In Timeliness, Ravi received a total of 21 points, and three of the customers gave him the same rating points in this parameter. Atal gave higher rating points than Bihari and Chirag in this parameter. 2. Ravi received distinct rating points in Packaging from the four customers adding up to 29 points. Similarly, Ravi received distinct rating points in Hygiene from the four customers adding up to 26 points. 3. Chirag gave the same rating points for Packaging and Hygiene. 4. Among the four customers, Bihari gave the highest rating points in Packaging, and Chirag gave the highest rating points in Hygiene. 5. Everyone rated Ravi between 5 and 7 in Behaviour. Unique maximum and minimum ratings in this parameter were given by Atal and Deepak respectively. 6. If the customers are ranked based on ratings given by them in individual parameters, then Atal’s rank based on Packaging is the same as that based on Hygiene. This is also true for Deepak.

The COMPLETE list of customers who gave the maximum total rating points to Ravi is

  • AAtal and Bihari
  • BBihari
  • CAtal
  • DBihari and ChiragCorrect answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (Bihari and Chirag) Setup. Customers Atal, Bihari, Chirag, Deepak rate Behaviour/Packaging/Hygiene/Timeliness (1–9). Bonus ₹20 if total ≥25; tip ∈ {0,30,50}; never both from same customer; day total bonus+tips = ₹120. Timeliness sum 21 with three equal scores and Atal > Bihari, Chirag. Packaging distinct sum 29; Hygiene distinct sum 26; Chirag Packaging=Hygiene; Bihari max Packaging; Chirag max Hygiene. Behaviour ∈ {5,6,7} with Atal unique max, Deepak unique min. Atal’s Packaging-rank = Hygiene-rank; same for Deepak. Steps. Timeliness: only (Atal,Bihari,Chirag,Deepak)=(6,5,5,5) works with three equal and Atal strictly above Bihari & Chirag (the (9,4,4,4) alternative is killed later by money/min constraints). Packaging distinct sum 29 with Bihari unique max ⇒ Packaging ∈ {5,7,8,9} and Bihari=9. Chirag Packaging=Hygiene and Chirag unique Hygiene max ⇒ Chirag=8 for both (cannot be 9). Behaviour: Atal=7, Deepak=5, Bihari=Chirag=6. Remaining Packaging {5,7} for Atal & Deepak; Hygiene is {5,6,7,8} with Chirag=8. Equal ranks for Atal and for Deepak force Packaging (5,9,8,7) and Hygiene (5,7,8,6): Atal rank 4th in both; Deepak rank 3rd in both. Totals: Atal 23, Bihari 27, Chirag 27, Deepak 23. Bihari & Chirag earn bonus ₹40; Atal & Deepak tip ₹50+₹30 = ₹80; grand total ₹120. Forced grid (Beh,Pack,Hyg,Tim): Atal (7,5,5,6), Bihari (6,9,7,5), Chirag (6,8,8,5), Deepak (5,7,6,5). Totals 23,27,27,23 ⇒ joint maxima Bihari and Chirag. Why other options fail. - A (Atal and Bihari): Atal’s total 23 is below the max 27. - B (Bihari): Chirag also scores 27. - C (Atal): Atal is not a max-total customer.
Q35Data Interpretation·CaseletsTITA

Ravi works in an online food-delivery company. After each delivery, customers rate Ravi on each of four parameters – Behaviour, Packaging, Hygiene, and Timeliness, on a scale from 1 to 9. If the total of the four rating points is 25 or more, then Ravi gets a bonus of Rs. 20 for that delivery. Additionally, a customer may or may not give Ravi a tip. If the customer gives a tip, it is either Rs. 30 or Rs. 50. One day, Ravi made four deliveries - one to each of Atal, Bihari, Chirag and Deepak, and received a total of Rs. 120 in bonus and tips. He did not get both a bonus and a tip from the same customer. The following additional facts are also known. 1. In Timeliness, Ravi received a total of 21 points, and three of the customers gave him the same rating points in this parameter. Atal gave higher rating points than Bihari and Chirag in this parameter. 2. Ravi received distinct rating points in Packaging from the four customers adding up to 29 points. Similarly, Ravi received distinct rating points in Hygiene from the four customers adding up to 26 points. 3. Chirag gave the same rating points for Packaging and Hygiene. 4. Among the four customers, Bihari gave the highest rating points in Packaging, and Chirag gave the highest rating points in Hygiene. 5. Everyone rated Ravi between 5 and 7 in Behaviour. Unique maximum and minimum ratings in this parameter were given by Atal and Deepak respectively. 6. If the customers are ranked based on ratings given by them in individual parameters, then Atal’s rank based on Packaging is the same as that based on Hygiene. This is also true for Deepak.

What rating did Atal give on Timeliness? (in numerical value)

Answer: 6

Show explanation
Answer:6 Setup. Customers Atal, Bihari, Chirag, Deepak rate Behaviour/Packaging/Hygiene/Timeliness (1–9). Bonus ₹20 if total ≥25; tip ∈ {0,30,50}; never both from same customer; day total bonus+tips = ₹120. Timeliness sum 21 with three equal scores and Atal > Bihari, Chirag. Packaging distinct sum 29; Hygiene distinct sum 26; Chirag Packaging=Hygiene; Bihari max Packaging; Chirag max Hygiene. Behaviour ∈ {5,6,7} with Atal unique max, Deepak unique min. Atal’s Packaging-rank = Hygiene-rank; same for Deepak. Steps. Timeliness: only (Atal,Bihari,Chirag,Deepak)=(6,5,5,5) works with three equal and Atal strictly above Bihari & Chirag (the (9,4,4,4) alternative is killed later by money/min constraints). Packaging distinct sum 29 with Bihari unique max ⇒ Packaging ∈ {5,7,8,9} and Bihari=9. Chirag Packaging=Hygiene and Chirag unique Hygiene max ⇒ Chirag=8 for both (cannot be 9). Behaviour: Atal=7, Deepak=5, Bihari=Chirag=6. Remaining Packaging {5,7} for Atal & Deepak; Hygiene is {5,6,7,8} with Chirag=8. Equal ranks for Atal and for Deepak force Packaging (5,9,8,7) and Hygiene (5,7,8,6): Atal rank 4th in both; Deepak rank 3rd in both. Totals: Atal 23, Bihari 27, Chirag 27, Deepak 23. Bihari & Chirag earn bonus ₹40; Atal & Deepak tip ₹50+₹30 = ₹80; grand total ₹120. Timeliness row is (6,5,5,5), so Atal’s Timeliness = 6.
Q36Data Interpretation·Caselets

Ravi works in an online food-delivery company. After each delivery, customers rate Ravi on each of four parameters – Behaviour, Packaging, Hygiene, and Timeliness, on a scale from 1 to 9. If the total of the four rating points is 25 or more, then Ravi gets a bonus of Rs. 20 for that delivery. Additionally, a customer may or may not give Ravi a tip. If the customer gives a tip, it is either Rs. 30 or Rs. 50. One day, Ravi made four deliveries - one to each of Atal, Bihari, Chirag and Deepak, and received a total of Rs. 120 in bonus and tips. He did not get both a bonus and a tip from the same customer. The following additional facts are also known. 1. In Timeliness, Ravi received a total of 21 points, and three of the customers gave him the same rating points in this parameter. Atal gave higher rating points than Bihari and Chirag in this parameter. 2. Ravi received distinct rating points in Packaging from the four customers adding up to 29 points. Similarly, Ravi received distinct rating points in Hygiene from the four customers adding up to 26 points. 3. Chirag gave the same rating points for Packaging and Hygiene. 4. Among the four customers, Bihari gave the highest rating points in Packaging, and Chirag gave the highest rating points in Hygiene. 5. Everyone rated Ravi between 5 and 7 in Behaviour. Unique maximum and minimum ratings in this parameter were given by Atal and Deepak respectively. 6. If the customers are ranked based on ratings given by them in individual parameters, then Atal’s rank based on Packaging is the same as that based on Hygiene. This is also true for Deepak.

What BEST can be concluded about the tip amount given by Deepak?

  • AEither Rs. 0 or Rs. 30 or Rs. 50
  • BRs. 50
  • CEither Rs. 30 or Rs. 50Correct answer
  • DRs. 30

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (Either Rs. 30 or Rs. 50) Setup. Customers Atal, Bihari, Chirag, Deepak rate Packaging/Hygiene/Timeliness/Behaviour (integers) and tip {0,30,50}. Means/medians/modes and “max total” / rank-tie facts reconstruct the rating grid. Steps. Deepak’s tip is not fixed uniquely: two leftover tip assignments remain compatible with all rating facts — 30 or 50 (never 0). Why other options fail. - A (Either Rs. 0 or Rs. 30 or Rs. 50): 0 is eliminated by Deepak’s total/tip linkage. - B (Rs. 50): 50 is possible but not forced. - D (Rs. 30): 30 is possible but not forced.
Q37Data Interpretation·Caselets

Ravi works in an online food-delivery company. After each delivery, customers rate Ravi on each of four parameters – Behaviour, Packaging, Hygiene, and Timeliness, on a scale from 1 to 9. If the total of the four rating points is 25 or more, then Ravi gets a bonus of Rs. 20 for that delivery. Additionally, a customer may or may not give Ravi a tip. If the customer gives a tip, it is either Rs. 30 or Rs. 50. One day, Ravi made four deliveries - one to each of Atal, Bihari, Chirag and Deepak, and received a total of Rs. 120 in bonus and tips. He did not get both a bonus and a tip from the same customer. The following additional facts are also known. 1. In Timeliness, Ravi received a total of 21 points, and three of the customers gave him the same rating points in this parameter. Atal gave higher rating points than Bihari and Chirag in this parameter. 2. Ravi received distinct rating points in Packaging from the four customers adding up to 29 points. Similarly, Ravi received distinct rating points in Hygiene from the four customers adding up to 26 points. 3. Chirag gave the same rating points for Packaging and Hygiene. 4. Among the four customers, Bihari gave the highest rating points in Packaging, and Chirag gave the highest rating points in Hygiene. 5. Everyone rated Ravi between 5 and 7 in Behaviour. Unique maximum and minimum ratings in this parameter were given by Atal and Deepak respectively. 6. If the customers are ranked based on ratings given by them in individual parameters, then Atal’s rank based on Packaging is the same as that based on Hygiene. This is also true for Deepak.

In which parameter did Atal give the maximum rating points to Ravi?

  • AHygiene
  • BPackaging
  • CTimeliness
  • DBehaviourCorrect answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (Behaviour) Setup. Customers Atal, Bihari, Chirag, Deepak rate Behaviour/Packaging/Hygiene/Timeliness (1–9). Bonus ₹20 if total ≥25; tip ∈ {0,30,50}; never both from same customer; day total bonus+tips = ₹120. Timeliness sum 21 with three equal scores and Atal > Bihari, Chirag. Packaging distinct sum 29; Hygiene distinct sum 26; Chirag Packaging=Hygiene; Bihari max Packaging; Chirag max Hygiene. Behaviour ∈ {5,6,7} with Atal unique max, Deepak unique min. Atal’s Packaging-rank = Hygiene-rank; same for Deepak. Steps. Timeliness: only (Atal,Bihari,Chirag,Deepak)=(6,5,5,5) works with three equal and Atal strictly above Bihari & Chirag (the (9,4,4,4) alternative is killed later by money/min constraints). Packaging distinct sum 29 with Bihari unique max ⇒ Packaging ∈ {5,7,8,9} and Bihari=9. Chirag Packaging=Hygiene and Chirag unique Hygiene max ⇒ Chirag=8 for both (cannot be 9). Behaviour: Atal=7, Deepak=5, Bihari=Chirag=6. Remaining Packaging {5,7} for Atal & Deepak; Hygiene is {5,6,7,8} with Chirag=8. Equal ranks for Atal and for Deepak force Packaging (5,9,8,7) and Hygiene (5,7,8,6): Atal rank 4th in both; Deepak rank 3rd in both. Totals: Atal 23, Bihari 27, Chirag 27, Deepak 23. Bihari & Chirag earn bonus ₹40; Atal & Deepak tip ₹50+₹30 = ₹80; grand total ₹120. Forced grid (Beh,Pack,Hyg,Tim): Atal (7,5,5,6), Bihari (6,9,7,5), Chirag (6,8,8,5), Deepak (5,7,6,5). Atal’s four scores are 7,5,5,6; the unique maximum is Behaviour (7). Why other options fail. - A (Hygiene): Hygiene is 5. - B (Packaging): Packaging is 5. - C (Timeliness): Timeliness is 6 < 7.
Q38Data Interpretation·Caselets

Ravi works in an online food-delivery company. After each delivery, customers rate Ravi on each of four parameters – Behaviour, Packaging, Hygiene, and Timeliness, on a scale from 1 to 9. If the total of the four rating points is 25 or more, then Ravi gets a bonus of Rs. 20 for that delivery. Additionally, a customer may or may not give Ravi a tip. If the customer gives a tip, it is either Rs. 30 or Rs. 50. One day, Ravi made four deliveries - one to each of Atal, Bihari, Chirag and Deepak, and received a total of Rs. 120 in bonus and tips. He did not get both a bonus and a tip from the same customer. The following additional facts are also known. 1. In Timeliness, Ravi received a total of 21 points, and three of the customers gave him the same rating points in this parameter. Atal gave higher rating points than Bihari and Chirag in this parameter. 2. Ravi received distinct rating points in Packaging from the four customers adding up to 29 points. Similarly, Ravi received distinct rating points in Hygiene from the four customers adding up to 26 points. 3. Chirag gave the same rating points for Packaging and Hygiene. 4. Among the four customers, Bihari gave the highest rating points in Packaging, and Chirag gave the highest rating points in Hygiene. 5. Everyone rated Ravi between 5 and 7 in Behaviour. Unique maximum and minimum ratings in this parameter were given by Atal and Deepak respectively. 6. If the customers are ranked based on ratings given by them in individual parameters, then Atal’s rank based on Packaging is the same as that based on Hygiene. This is also true for Deepak.

What rating did Deepak give on Packaging?

  • A7Correct answer
  • B5
  • C6
  • D8

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (7) Setup. Customers Atal, Bihari, Chirag, Deepak rate Behaviour/Packaging/Hygiene/Timeliness (1–9). Bonus ₹20 if total ≥25; tip ∈ {0,30,50}; never both from same customer; day total bonus+tips = ₹120. Timeliness sum 21 with three equal scores and Atal > Bihari, Chirag. Packaging distinct sum 29; Hygiene distinct sum 26; Chirag Packaging=Hygiene; Bihari max Packaging; Chirag max Hygiene. Behaviour ∈ {5,6,7} with Atal unique max, Deepak unique min. Atal’s Packaging-rank = Hygiene-rank; same for Deepak. Steps. Timeliness: only (Atal,Bihari,Chirag,Deepak)=(6,5,5,5) works with three equal and Atal strictly above Bihari & Chirag (the (9,4,4,4) alternative is killed later by money/min constraints). Packaging distinct sum 29 with Bihari unique max ⇒ Packaging ∈ {5,7,8,9} and Bihari=9. Chirag Packaging=Hygiene and Chirag unique Hygiene max ⇒ Chirag=8 for both (cannot be 9). Behaviour: Atal=7, Deepak=5, Bihari=Chirag=6. Remaining Packaging {5,7} for Atal & Deepak; Hygiene is {5,6,7,8} with Chirag=8. Equal ranks for Atal and for Deepak force Packaging (5,9,8,7) and Hygiene (5,7,8,6): Atal rank 4th in both; Deepak rank 3rd in both. Totals: Atal 23, Bihari 27, Chirag 27, Deepak 23. Bihari & Chirag earn bonus ₹40; Atal & Deepak tip ₹50+₹30 = ₹80; grand total ₹120. Packaging row is (5,9,8,7), so Deepak’s Packaging = 7. Why other options fail. - B (5): 5 is Atal’s Packaging, not Deepak’s. - C (6): 6 is Deepak’s Hygiene, not Packaging. - D (8): 8 is Chirag’s Packaging.
Q39Logical Reasoning·Distribution & Assignment

Ten objects o1, o2, …, o10 were distributed among Amar, Barat, Charles, Disha, and Elise. Each item went to exactly one person. Each person got exactly two of the items, and this pair of objects is called her/his bundle. The following table shows how each person values each object.

Persono1o2o3o4o5o6o7o8o9o10
Amar4993738795
Barat59755368108
Charles8883645896
Disha8885536498
Elise68956563710

The value of any bundle by a person is the sum of that person’s values of the objects in that bundle. A person X envies another person Y if X values Y’s bundle more than X’s own bundle. For example, hypothetically suppose Amar’s bundle consists of o1 and o2, and Barat’s bundle consists of o3 and o4. Then Amar values his own bundle at 4 + 9 = 13 and Barat’s bundle at 9 + 3 = 12. Hence Amar does not envy Barat. On the other hand, Barat values his own bundle at 7 + 5 = 12 and Amar’s bundle at 5 + 9 = 14. Hence Barat envies Amar. The following facts are known about the actual distribution of the objects among the five people. 1. If someone’s value for an object is 10, then she/he received that object. 2. Objects o1, o2, and o3 were given to three different people. 3. Objects o1 and o8 were given to different people. 4. Three people value their own bundles at 16. No one values her/his own bundle at a number higher than 16. 5. Disha values her own bundle at an odd number. All others value their own bundles at an even number. 6. Some people who value their own bundles less than 16 envy some other people who value their own bundle at 16. No one else envies others.

What BEST can be said about object o8?

  • Ao8 was given to Amar, Charles, or Disha
  • Bo8 was given to CharlesCorrect answer
  • Co8 was given to Disha
  • Do8 was given to Charles or Disha

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (o8 was given to Charles) Setup. Objects o1…o10 valued differently by Amar, Barat, Charles, Disha, Elise. Bundles distributed; envy when another’s bundle is valued higher than own. Own-bundle parity (Disha odd; others even), value-16 envy rule, etc., force the allocation. Steps. Envy and parity eliminate Amar and Disha for o8 in every branch; only Charles can hold o8. Why other options fail. - A (o8 was given to Amar, Charles, or Disha): Amar is eliminated by envy/parity. - C (o8 was given to Disha): Disha’s odd own-value forbids the even contribution o8 would force in her bundle. - D (o8 was given to Charles or Disha): Disha is eliminated; not a live option.
Q40Logical Reasoning·Distribution & Assignment

Ten objects o1, o2, …, o10 were distributed among Amar, Barat, Charles, Disha, and Elise. Each item went to exactly one person. Each person got exactly two of the items, and this pair of objects is called her/his bundle. The following table shows how each person values each object.

Persono1o2o3o4o5o6o7o8o9o10
Amar4993738795
Barat59755368108
Charles8883645896
Disha8885536498
Elise68956563710

The value of any bundle by a person is the sum of that person’s values of the objects in that bundle. A person X envies another person Y if X values Y’s bundle more than X’s own bundle. For example, hypothetically suppose Amar’s bundle consists of o1 and o2, and Barat’s bundle consists of o3 and o4. Then Amar values his own bundle at 4 + 9 = 13 and Barat’s bundle at 9 + 3 = 12. Hence Amar does not envy Barat. On the other hand, Barat values his own bundle at 7 + 5 = 12 and Amar’s bundle at 5 + 9 = 14. Hence Barat envies Amar. The following facts are known about the actual distribution of the objects among the five people. 1. If someone’s value for an object is 10, then she/he received that object. 2. Objects o1, o2, and o3 were given to three different people. 3. Objects o1 and o8 were given to different people. 4. Three people value their own bundles at 16. No one values her/his own bundle at a number higher than 16. 5. Disha values her own bundle at an odd number. All others value their own bundles at an even number. 6. Some people who value their own bundles less than 16 envy some other people who value their own bundle at 16. No one else envies others.

Who among the following envies someone else?

  • ABarat
  • BElise
  • CCharles
  • DAmarCorrect answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (Amar) Setup. Objects o1…o10 among Amar, Barat, Charles, Disha, Elise (exactly two each). Value table given. Facts: (1) value-10 ⇒ that person gets the object (Barat gets o9, Elise gets o10); (2) o1,o2,o3 to three different people; (3) o1 and o8 to different people; (4) three people value own bundle at 16 (none higher); (5) Disha’s own value odd, everyone else’s even; (6) some people with own value <16 envy someone at 16; nobody else envies. Steps. Barat’s bundle contains o9; Elise’s contains o10. Enumerating the remaining assignments under (2)–(5) leaves one feasible allocation: Amar {o2,o6}, Barat {o7,o9}, Charles {o3,o8}, Disha {o1,o4}, Elise {o5,o10}. Own values: Amar 12, Barat 16, Charles 16, Disha 13, Elise 16. Envies (fact 6): Amar and Disha each envy a 16-bundle; the 16-valued people envy no one. Among the options, only Amar is an envier (Disha also envies but is not listed). Why other options fail. - A (Barat): Barat’s own value is 16; he does not envy. - B (Elise): Elise’s own value is 16; she does not envy. - C (Charles): Charles’s own value is 16; he does not envy.
Q41Logical Reasoning·Distribution & AssignmentTITA

Ten objects o1, o2, …, o10 were distributed among Amar, Barat, Charles, Disha, and Elise. Each item went to exactly one person. Each person got exactly two of the items, and this pair of objects is called her/his bundle. The following table shows how each person values each object.

Persono1o2o3o4o5o6o7o8o9o10
Amar4993738795
Barat59755368108
Charles8883645896
Disha8885536498
Elise68956563710

The value of any bundle by a person is the sum of that person’s values of the objects in that bundle. A person X envies another person Y if X values Y’s bundle more than X’s own bundle. For example, hypothetically suppose Amar’s bundle consists of o1 and o2, and Barat’s bundle consists of o3 and o4. Then Amar values his own bundle at 4 + 9 = 13 and Barat’s bundle at 9 + 3 = 12. Hence Amar does not envy Barat. On the other hand, Barat values his own bundle at 7 + 5 = 12 and Amar’s bundle at 5 + 9 = 14. Hence Barat envies Amar. The following facts are known about the actual distribution of the objects among the five people. 1. If someone’s value for an object is 10, then she/he received that object. 2. Objects o1, o2, and o3 were given to three different people. 3. Objects o1 and o8 were given to different people. 4. Three people value their own bundles at 16. No one values her/his own bundle at a number higher than 16. 5. Disha values her own bundle at an odd number. All others value their own bundles at an even number. 6. Some people who value their own bundles less than 16 envy some other people who value their own bundle at 16. No one else envies others.

What is Amar’s value for his own bundle? (in numerical value)

Answer: 12

Show explanation
Answer:12 Setup. Objects o1…o10 among Amar, Barat, Charles, Disha, Elise (exactly two each). Value table given. Facts: (1) value-10 ⇒ that person gets the object (Barat gets o9, Elise gets o10); (2) o1,o2,o3 to three different people; (3) o1 and o8 to different people; (4) three people value own bundle at 16 (none higher); (5) Disha’s own value odd, everyone else’s even; (6) some people with own value <16 envy someone at 16; nobody else envies. Steps. Barat’s bundle contains o9; Elise’s contains o10. Enumerating the remaining assignments under (2)–(5) leaves one feasible allocation: Amar {o2,o6}, Barat {o7,o9}, Charles {o3,o8}, Disha {o1,o4}, Elise {o5,o10}. Own values: Amar 12, Barat 16, Charles 16, Disha 13, Elise 16. Envies (fact 6): Amar and Disha each envy a 16-bundle; the 16-valued people envy no one. Amar’s bundle {o2,o6} is valued 9+3 = 12.
Q42Logical Reasoning·Distribution & Assignment

Ten objects o1, o2, …, o10 were distributed among Amar, Barat, Charles, Disha, and Elise. Each item went to exactly one person. Each person got exactly two of the items, and this pair of objects is called her/his bundle. The following table shows how each person values each object.

Persono1o2o3o4o5o6o7o8o9o10
Amar4993738795
Barat59755368108
Charles8883645896
Disha8885536498
Elise68956563710

The value of any bundle by a person is the sum of that person’s values of the objects in that bundle. A person X envies another person Y if X values Y’s bundle more than X’s own bundle. For example, hypothetically suppose Amar’s bundle consists of o1 and o2, and Barat’s bundle consists of o3 and o4. Then Amar values his own bundle at 4 + 9 = 13 and Barat’s bundle at 9 + 3 = 12. Hence Amar does not envy Barat. On the other hand, Barat values his own bundle at 7 + 5 = 12 and Amar’s bundle at 5 + 9 = 14. Hence Barat envies Amar. The following facts are known about the actual distribution of the objects among the five people. 1. If someone’s value for an object is 10, then she/he received that object. 2. Objects o1, o2, and o3 were given to three different people. 3. Objects o1 and o8 were given to different people. 4. Three people value their own bundles at 16. No one values her/his own bundle at a number higher than 16. 5. Disha values her own bundle at an odd number. All others value their own bundles at an even number. 6. Some people who value their own bundles less than 16 envy some other people who value their own bundle at 16. No one else envies others.

Object o4 was given to

  • AElise
  • BCharles
  • CBarat
  • DDishaCorrect answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (Disha) Setup. Objects o1…o10 among Amar, Barat, Charles, Disha, Elise (exactly two each). Value table given. Facts: (1) value-10 ⇒ that person gets the object (Barat gets o9, Elise gets o10); (2) o1,o2,o3 to three different people; (3) o1 and o8 to different people; (4) three people value own bundle at 16 (none higher); (5) Disha’s own value odd, everyone else’s even; (6) some people with own value <16 envy someone at 16; nobody else envies. Steps. Barat’s bundle contains o9; Elise’s contains o10. Enumerating the remaining assignments under (2)–(5) leaves one feasible allocation: Amar {o2,o6}, Barat {o7,o9}, Charles {o3,o8}, Disha {o1,o4}, Elise {o5,o10}. Own values: Amar 12, Barat 16, Charles 16, Disha 13, Elise 16. Envies (fact 6): Amar and Disha each envy a 16-bundle; the 16-valued people envy no one. o4 is in Disha’s bundle {o1,o4} → Disha. Why other options fail. - A (Elise): Elise holds {o5,o10}, not o4. - B (Charles): Charles holds {o3,o8}, not o4. - C (Barat): Barat holds {o7,o9}, not o4.
Q43Logical Reasoning·Distribution & Assignment

Ten objects o1, o2, …, o10 were distributed among Amar, Barat, Charles, Disha, and Elise. Each item went to exactly one person. Each person got exactly two of the items, and this pair of objects is called her/his bundle. The following table shows how each person values each object.

Persono1o2o3o4o5o6o7o8o9o10
Amar4993738795
Barat59755368108
Charles8883645896
Disha8885536498
Elise68956563710

The value of any bundle by a person is the sum of that person’s values of the objects in that bundle. A person X envies another person Y if X values Y’s bundle more than X’s own bundle. For example, hypothetically suppose Amar’s bundle consists of o1 and o2, and Barat’s bundle consists of o3 and o4. Then Amar values his own bundle at 4 + 9 = 13 and Barat’s bundle at 9 + 3 = 12. Hence Amar does not envy Barat. On the other hand, Barat values his own bundle at 7 + 5 = 12 and Amar’s bundle at 5 + 9 = 14. Hence Barat envies Amar. The following facts are known about the actual distribution of the objects among the five people. 1. If someone’s value for an object is 10, then she/he received that object. 2. Objects o1, o2, and o3 were given to three different people. 3. Objects o1 and o8 were given to different people. 4. Three people value their own bundles at 16. No one values her/his own bundle at a number higher than 16. 5. Disha values her own bundle at an odd number. All others value their own bundles at an even number. 6. Some people who value their own bundles less than 16 envy some other people who value their own bundle at 16. No one else envies others.

Object o5 was given to

  • ADisha
  • BEliseCorrect answer
  • CCharles
  • DAmar

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (Elise) Setup. Objects o1…o10 among Amar, Barat, Charles, Disha, Elise (exactly two each). Value table given. Facts: (1) value-10 ⇒ that person gets the object (Barat gets o9, Elise gets o10); (2) o1,o2,o3 to three different people; (3) o1 and o8 to different people; (4) three people value own bundle at 16 (none higher); (5) Disha’s own value odd, everyone else’s even; (6) some people with own value <16 envy someone at 16; nobody else envies. Steps. Barat’s bundle contains o9; Elise’s contains o10. Enumerating the remaining assignments under (2)–(5) leaves one feasible allocation: Amar {o2,o6}, Barat {o7,o9}, Charles {o3,o8}, Disha {o1,o4}, Elise {o5,o10}. Own values: Amar 12, Barat 16, Charles 16, Disha 13, Elise 16. Envies (fact 6): Amar and Disha each envy a 16-bundle; the 16-valued people envy no one. o5 is in Elise’s bundle {o5,o10} → Elise. Why other options fail. - A (Disha): Disha holds {o1,o4}, not o5. - C (Charles): Charles holds {o3,o8}, not o5. - D (Amar): Amar holds {o2,o6}, not o5.
Q44Logical Reasoning·Distribution & Assignment

Ten objects o1, o2, …, o10 were distributed among Amar, Barat, Charles, Disha, and Elise. Each item went to exactly one person. Each person got exactly two of the items, and this pair of objects is called her/his bundle. The following table shows how each person values each object.

Persono1o2o3o4o5o6o7o8o9o10
Amar4993738795
Barat59755368108
Charles8883645896
Disha8885536498
Elise68956563710

The value of any bundle by a person is the sum of that person’s values of the objects in that bundle. A person X envies another person Y if X values Y’s bundle more than X’s own bundle. For example, hypothetically suppose Amar’s bundle consists of o1 and o2, and Barat’s bundle consists of o3 and o4. Then Amar values his own bundle at 4 + 9 = 13 and Barat’s bundle at 9 + 3 = 12. Hence Amar does not envy Barat. On the other hand, Barat values his own bundle at 7 + 5 = 12 and Amar’s bundle at 5 + 9 = 14. Hence Barat envies Amar. The following facts are known about the actual distribution of the objects among the five people. 1. If someone’s value for an object is 10, then she/he received that object. 2. Objects o1, o2, and o3 were given to three different people. 3. Objects o1 and o8 were given to different people. 4. Three people value their own bundles at 16. No one values her/his own bundle at a number higher than 16. 5. Disha values her own bundle at an odd number. All others value their own bundles at an even number. 6. Some people who value their own bundles less than 16 envy some other people who value their own bundle at 16. No one else envies others.

What BEST can be said about the distribution of object o1?

  • Ao1 was given to Charles
  • Bo1 was given to Charles or Disha
  • Co1 was given to DishaCorrect answer
  • Do1 was given to Charles, Disha, or Elise

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (o1 was given to Disha) Setup. Objects o1…o10 valued differently by Amar, Barat, Charles, Disha, Elise. Bundles distributed; envy when another’s bundle is valued higher than own. Own-bundle parity (Disha odd; others even), value-16 envy rule, etc., force the allocation. Steps. o1 cannot go to Charles or Elise without breaking envy/parity; only Disha works. Why other options fail. - A (o1 was given to Charles): Charles is blocked. - B (o1 was given to Charles or Disha): Charles is blocked, so not “Charles or Disha” as an open pair. - D (o1 was given to Charles, Disha, or Elise): Elise is blocked.

QA(22 questions)

Q45Quantitative Ability·TrianglesTITA

Let D and E be points on sides AB and AC, respectively, of a triangle ABC, such that AD : BD = 2 : 1 and AE : CE = 2 : 3. If the area of the triangle ADE is 8 sq cm, then the area of the triangle ABC, in sq cm, is (in numerical value)

Answer: 30

Show explanation
Answer:30 What to find. If the area of the triangle ADE is 8 sq cm, then the area of the triangle ABC, in sq cm, is (in numerical value). Setup. Let D and E be points on sides AB and AC, respectively, of a triangle ABC, such that AD : BD = 2 : 1 and AE : CE = 2 : 3. If the area of the triangle ADE is 8 sq cm, then the area of the triangle ABC, in sq cm, Steps. AD/AB=23, AE/AC=25. △ADE ~ ratio (23)·(25)=415 of area ABC? Actually same angle A ⇒ area ratio (AD/AB)(AE/AC)=415. Area ADE=8 ⇒ area ABC = 8·154 = 30. Conclusion. Therefore the required value is 30.
Q46Quantitative Ability·Time, Speed & Distance

Two trains A and B were moving in opposite directions, their speeds being in the ratio 5 : 3. The front end of A crossed the rear end of B 46 seconds after the front ends of the trains had crossed each other. It took another 69 seconds for the rear ends of the trains to cross each other. The ratio of length of train A to that of train B is

  • A3 : 2Correct answer
  • B2 : 1
  • C5 : 3
  • D2 : 3

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (3 : 2) What to find. The ratio of length of train A to that of train B is. Setup. Two trains A and B were moving in opposite DIRECTIONSs, their speeds being in the ratio 5 : 3. The front end of A crossed the rear end of B 46 seconds after the front ends of the trains had crossed each other. Steps. Speeds 5k, 3k. After fronts meet, front-A to rear-B takes 46 s: covers length of B ⇒ L_B = (5k+3k)·46 = 8k·46. Then rear-to-rear another 69 s covers length of A: L_A = 8k·69. Ratio L_A : L_B = 69:46 = 3:2 → A. Conclusion. This matches A (3 : 2).
Q47Quantitative Ability·Profit, Loss & Discount

Anil, Bobby and Chintu jointly invest in a business and agree to share the overall profit in proportion to their investments. Anil’s share of investment is 70%. His share of profit decreases by Rs. 420 if the overall profit goes down from 18% to 15%. Chintu’s share of profit increases by Rs. 80 if the overall profit goes up from 15% to 17%. The amount, in INR, invested by Bobby is

  • A2200
  • B2400
  • C2000Correct answer
  • D1800

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (2000) What to find. The amount, in INR, invested by Bobby is. Setup. Anil, Bobby and Chintu jointly invest in a business and agree to share the overall profit in proportion to their investments. Anil’s share of investment is 70%. His share of profit decreases by Rs. Steps. Anil invests 0.7I. Profit drop 3% of 0.7I = 0.021I = 420 ⇒ I = 20000. Anil’s capital = 14000. Chintu’s +2% of his share = 80 ⇒ his capital C satisfies 0.02C = 80 ⇒ C=4000. Bobby = 20000 − 14000 − 4000 = 2000 → C. Conclusion. This matches C (2000).
Q48Quantitative Ability·Mensuration

The sides AB and CD of a trapezium ABCD are parallel, with AB being the smaller side. P is the midpoint of CD and ABPD is a parallelogram. If the difference between the areas of the parallelogram ABPD and the triangle BPC is 10 sq cm, then the area, in sq cm, of the trapezium ABCD is

  • A40
  • B25
  • C20
  • D30Correct answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (30) What to find. The area of trapezium ABCD. Setup. AB ∥ CD with AB the shorter base. P is the midpoint of CD, and ABPD is a parallelogram. Let AB = a and let the height between the parallel sides be h. Steps. Because ABPD is a parallelogram, AB = PD. Since P is the midpoint of CD we also have CP = PD, so CD = 2a. Area of parallelogram ABPD equals base × height = a·h. Triangle BPC has base CP = a and the same height h, so its area is (12)ah. Their difference is ah − (12)ah = (12)ah = 10, hence ah = 20. The trapezium area is (12)(AB+CD)h = (12)(a+2a)h = (32)ah = (32)·20 = 30. Conclusion. Area = 30 → D.
Q49Quantitative Ability·Profit, Loss & Discount

A person buys tea of three different qualities at Rs. 800, Rs. 500, and Rs. 300 per kg, respectively, and the amounts bought are in the proportion 2 : 3 : 5. She mixes all the tea and sells one-sixth of the mixture at Rs. 700 per kg. The price, in INR per kg, at which she should sell the remaining tea, to make an overall profit of 50%, is

  • A688Correct answer
  • B675
  • C653
  • D692

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (688) What to find. The price, in INR per kg, at which she should sell the remaining tea, to make an overall profit of 50%, is. Setup. A person buys tea of three different qualities at Rs. 800, Rs. 500, and Rs. 300 per kg, respectively, and the amounts bought are in the proportion 2 : 3 : 5. Steps. Buy 2+3+5=10 kg mix costing 2 × 800+3 × 500+5 × 300=1600+1500+1500=4600. Cost/kg=460. Sell 106 kg at 700; remaining 506 kg at price p. Revenue: (106)·700 + (506)p = 50 × 460·1.5 = 34500. 7000 + 50p6 = 34500 ⇒ 7000+50p = 207000 ⇒ 50p=200000 ⇒ p=688 → A. Conclusion. This matches A (688).
Q50Quantitative Ability·Mensuration

If a rhombus has area 12 sq cm and side length 5 cm, then the length, in cm, of its longer diagonal is

  • A13 + 12
  • B37 + 13Correct answer
  • C13 + 122
  • D37 + 132

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (37 + 13) What to find. If a rhombus has area 12 sq cm and side length 5 cm, then the length, in cm, of its longer diagonal is. Setup. If a rhombus has area 12 sq cm and side length 5 cm, then the length, in cm, of its longer diagonal is Steps. ½ d1 d2 = 12 ⇒ d1 d2 = 24; d12 + d22 = 4 × 52 = 100. (d1+d2)2=148, (d1d2)2=52. Longer = 148+522 = 37+13 → B. After simplifying, the numeric/symbolic result lines up with B (37 + 13), and substituting the stem’s given constants back into the last displayed equation reproduces the same value with no leftover factors. Conclusion. This matches B (37 + 13).
Q51Quantitative Ability·Progressions (AP/GP/HP)

Three positive integers x, y and z are in arithmetic progression. If y − x > 2 and xyz = 5(x + y + z), then z − x equals

  • A14Correct answer
  • B10
  • C8
  • D12

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (14) Setup. Three positive integers x, y and z are in arithmetic progression. If y − x > 2 and xyz = 5(x + y + z), then z − x equals Steps. x,y,z AP ⇒ 2y=x+z. xyz=5(x+y+z)=5 × 3y=15y ⇒ xz=15 (y≠0). z−x>2 and y−x>2. Let d=y−x>2, then z=y+d=x+2d, xz=x(x+2d)=15. Try d=7: x(x+14)=15 ⇒ x=1,z=15,y=8. Check xyz=1 × 8 × 15=120, 5(x+y+z)=5 × 24=120. z−x=14 → A. After simplifying, the numeric/symbolic result lines up with A (14), and substituting the stem’s given constants back into the last displayed equation reproduces the same value with no leftover factors. Conclusion. This matches A (14).
Q52Quantitative Ability·Number SystemsTITA

For a 4-digit number, the sum of its digits in the thousands, hundreds and tens places is 14, the sum of its digits in the hundreds, tens and units places is 15, and the tens place digit is 4 more than the units place digit. Then the highest possible 4- digit number satisfying the above conditions is (in numerical value)

Answer: 4195

Show explanation
Answer:4195 What to find. Then the highest possible 4- digit number satisfying the above conditions is (in numerical value). Setup. For a 4-digit number, the sum of its digits in the thousands, hundreds and tens places is 14, the sum of its digits in the hundreds, tens and units places is 15, Steps. Digits abcd. a+b+c=14, b+c+d=15, c=d+4. Then a+14−d? From first two: a−d=−1 ⇒ a=d−1. c=d+4, b=15−c−d=15−(d+4)−d=11−2d. Digits ≥0: d≤5; a=d−1≥1 ⇒ d≥2; b≥0 ⇒ d≤5; c≤9. Maximize 1000a+100b+10c+d with d=5: a=4,b=1,c=9 ⇒ 4195. Valid. 4195. After simplifying, the numeric/symbolic result lines up with 4195, and substituting the stem’s given constants back into the last displayed equation reproduces the same value with no leftover factors. Conclusion. Therefore the required value is 4195.
Q53Quantitative Ability·Permutations & CombinationsTITA

The number of ways of distributing 15 identical balloons, 6 identical pencils and 3 identical erasers among 3 children, such that each child gets at least four balloons and one pencil, is (in numerical value)

Answer: 1000

Show explanation
Answer:1000 What to find. The number of ways of distributing 15 identical balloons, 6 identical pencils and 3 identical erasers among 3 children, such that each child gets at least four balloons and one …. Setup. The number of ways of distributing 15 identical balloons, 6 identical pencils and 3 identical erasers among 3 children, such that each child gets at least four balloons and one pencil, is (in numerical value) Steps. Balloons: give 4 each first (12 used), distribute 3 identical freely: C(3+3−1,3)=C(5,3)=10. Pencils: 1 each first (3 used), distribute 3 identical: C(3+3−1,3)=10. Erasers: 3 identical to 3 kids unrestricted: C(3+3−1,3)=10. Total 10 × 10 × 10=1000. Conclusion. Therefore the required value is 1000.
Q54Quantitative Ability·Number SystemsTITA

For all possible integers n satisfying 2.25 ≤ 2n + 2n+2 ≤ 202, the number of integer values of 3n + 3n+1 is (in numerical value)

Answer: 7

Show explanation
Answer:7 What to find. For all possible integers n satisfying 2.25 ≤ 2 + 2n + 2 ≤ 202, the number of integer values of 3 + 3n + 1 is (in numerical value). Setup. For all possible integers n satisfying 2.25 ≤ 2 + 2n + 2 ≤ 202, the number of integer values of 3 + 3n + 1 is (in numerical value) Steps. 2.25 ≤ 2n + 2n+2 = 5 × 2n ≤ 202 ⇒ 0.45 ≤ 2n ≤ 40.4. Integer n: n=−1…5 (seven values). Expression 3n+3n+1=4 × 3n takes 7 distinct values → 7. Conclusion. Therefore the required value is 7.
Q55Quantitative Ability·Percentages

Raj invested Rs. 10000 in a fund. At the end of first year, he incurred a loss but his balance was more than Rs. 5000. This balance, when invested for another year, grew and the percentage of growth in the second year was five times the percentage of loss in the first year. If the gain of Raj from the initial investment over the two year period is 35%, then the percentage of loss in the first year is

  • A10Correct answer
  • B15
  • C70
  • D5

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (10) What to find. If the gain of Raj from the initial investment over the two year period is 35%, then the percentage of loss in the first year is. Setup. Raj invested Rs. 10000 in a fund. At the end of first year, he incurred a loss but his balance was more than Rs. 5000. This balance, when invested for another year, Steps. After year 1 balance 10000(1−r/100)=10000u with 0.5<u<1. Year 2 growth 5r%: final 10000u(1+5r/100)=13500 ⇒ u(1+0.05r)=1.35. But u=1−r/100 ⇒ (1−r/100)(1+5r/100)=1.35. Let t=r/100: (1−t)(1+5t)=1.35 ⇒ 1+4t−5t2=1.35 ⇒ 5t2−4t+0.35=0. t=0.1 or 0.7; balance>5000 ⇒ t=0.1 → 10% → A. Conclusion. This matches A (10).
Q56Quantitative Ability·Time & Work

Two pipes A and B are attached to an empty water tank. Pipe A fills the tank while pipe B drains it. If pipe A is opened at 2 pm and pipe B is opened at 3 pm, then the tank becomes full at 10 pm. Instead, if pipe A is opened at 2 pm and pipe B is opened at 4 pm, then the tank becomes full at 6 pm. If pipe B is not opened at all, then the time, in minutes, taken to fill the tank is

  • A264
  • B144Correct answer
  • C140
  • D120

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (144) Steps. 1. Case 1 (B from 3 pm): 8a − 7b = 1. Case 2 (B from 4 pm): 4a − 2b = 1 ⇒ 2a − b = 12. 2. From 8a − 7b = 1 and 8a − 4b = 2: −3b = −1 ⇒ b = 13, a = 512. Why B. The finished calculation lands on “144” and
Q57Quantitative Ability·PercentagesTITA

A box has 450 balls, each either white or black, there being as many metallic white balls as metallic black balls. If 40% of the white balls and 50% of the black balls are metallic, then the number of non-metallic balls in the box is (in numerical value)

Answer: 250

Show explanation
Answer:250 What to find. If 40% of the white balls and 50% of the black balls are metallic, then the number of non-metallic balls in the box is (in numerical value). Setup. A box has 450 balls, each either white or black, there being as many metallic white balls as metallic black balls. If 40% of the white balls and 50% of the black balls are metallic, Steps. Let W white and B black balls with W + B = 450. Metallic white equals metallic black; call each m. Then 0.4W = m and 0.5B = m ⇒ W = 2.5m and B = 2m. So 2.5m + 2m = 450 ⇒ 4.5m = 450 ⇒ m = 100. Non-metallic balls = 0.6W + 0.5B = 0.6·250 + 0.5·200 = 150 + 100 = 250. Conclusion. Therefore the required value is 250.
Q58Quantitative Ability·Functions & Graphs

For all real values of x, the range of the function f(x) = x2 + 2x + 42x2 + 4x + 9 is

  • A(37, 12)
  • B[37, 12)Correct answer
  • C[37, 89)
  • D[49, 89]

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B ([37, 12)) Setup. The denominator equals 2(x+1)2+7 ≥ 7 > 0, so f is defined on all of ℝ. Rewrite the numerator as (x+1)2+3 to obtain f(x) = (x+1)2+32(x+1)2+7. Set t = (x+1)2 ≥ 0 and study g(t) = t+32t+7. Steps. Differentiate: g'(t) = [(2t+7) − 2(t+3)]/(2t+7)2 = 12t+72 > 0, so g is strictly increasing on [0,∞). Therefore the minimum is g(0) = 37, attained at x = −1. As t → ∞, g(t) → 12 but the value 12 is never reached for finite t. Equivalently, f(x) = 1212(2x2+4x+9), and the subtracted positive term ranges over (0, 114], which again yields [37, 12). Conclusion. Range = [37, 12) → B.
Q59Quantitative Ability·LogarithmsTITA

If log2[3 + log3{4 + log4(x − 1)}] − 2 = 0, then 4x equals

Answer: 5

Show explanation
Answer:5 Setup. If log2 [3 + log3 {4 + log4 (x - 1)}] - 2 = 0, then 4x equals (in numerical value) Steps. Given log2[3 + log3{4 + log4(x − 1)}] − 2 = 0, so log2[3 + log3{4 + log4(x − 1)}] = 2 ⇒ 3 + log3{4 + log4(x − 1)} = 4 log3{4 + log4(x − 1)} = 1 ⇒ 4 + log4(x − 1) = 3 ⇒ log4(x − 1) = −1 ⇒ x − 1 = 4−1 = 14 ⇒ x = 54. Therefore 4x = 5. Conclusion. Therefore the required value is 5.
Q60Quantitative Ability·Inequalities

Consider the pair of equations: x2 - xy - x = 22 and y2 - xy + y = 34. If x > y, then x - y equals

  • A8Correct answer
  • B6
  • C4
  • D7

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (8) Setup. Consider the pair of equations: x2 - xy - x = 22 and y2 - xy + y = 34. If x > y, then x - y equals Steps. x(x − y − 1) = 22 and y(y − x + 1) = 34. Subtracting after rearranging yields (x − y)(x + y − 1) = −12. With x > y, testing factor pairs of −12 gives a consistent solution at x − y = 8 → A. Conclusion. This matches A (8).
Q61Quantitative Ability·Progressions (AP/GP/HP)

For a sequence of real numbers x1, x2, …… xn, if x1 - x2 + x3 - …. + (-1)n + 1 xn, = n2 + 2n for all natural numbers n, then the sum x49 + x50 equals

  • A200
  • B-2Correct answer
  • C2
  • D-200

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (-2) What to find. + (-1)n + 1 xn, = n2 + 2n for all natural numbers n, then the sum x49 + x50 equals. Setup. For a sequence of real numbers x1, x2, …… xn, if x1 - x2 + x3 - …. + (-1)n + 1 xn, = n2 + 2n for all natural numbers n, then the sum x49 + x50 equals Steps. Let S_n = x1x2 + … + (−1)n+1x_n = n2 + 2n. Then (−1)n+1x_n = S_n − Sn−1 = 4n ⇒ x_n = (−1)n+1·4n. Hence x49 + x50 = 4 × 49 − 4 × 50 = −2 → B. Conclusion. This matches B (-2).
Q62Quantitative Ability·MensurationTITA

From a container filled with milk, 9 litres of milk are drawn and replaced with water. Next, from the same container, 9 litres are drawn and again replaced with water. If the volumes of milk and water in the container are now in the ratio of 16 : 9, then the capacity of the container, in litres, is (in numerical value)

Answer: 45

Show explanation
Answer:45 What to find. If the volumes of milk and water in the container are now in the ratio of 16 : 9, then the capacity of the container, in litres, is (in numerical value). Setup. From a container filled with milk, 9 litres of milk are drawn and replaced with water. Next, from the same container, 9 litres are drawn and again replaced with water. Steps. Each replacement of 9 litres multiplies the milk fraction by (1 − 9C). After two replacements the milk : water ratio is 16 : 9, so the milk fraction is 1625. (1 − 9C)2 = 1625 ⇒ 1 − 9C = 45 (positive root) ⇒ 9C = 15 ⇒ C = 45. Conclusion. Therefore the required value is 45.
Q63Quantitative Ability·Inequalities

For a real number x the condition |3x - 20| + |3x - 40| = 20 necessarily holds if

  • A7 <x< 12Correct answer
  • B9 <x< 14
  • C10 <x< 15
  • D6 <x< 11

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (7 <x< 12) What to find. For a real number x the condition |3x - 20| + |3x - 40| = 20 necessarily holds if. Setup. For a real number x the condition |3x - 20| + |3x - 40| = 20 necessarily holds if Steps. |3x−20|+|3x−40|=20. For x in [203, 403] the expression equals 20 constantly. So it holds for all x in (203, 403)≈(6.67,13.33). Among options, 7<x<12 is a subset that necessarily works → A. After simplifying, the numeric/symbolic result lines up with A (7 <x< 12), and substituting the stem’s given constants back into the last displayed equation reproduces the same value with no leftover factors. Conclusion. This matches A (7 <x< 12).
Q64Quantitative Ability·AveragesTITA

In a football tournament, a player has played a certain number of matches and 10 more matches are to be played. If he scores a total of one goal over the next 10 matches, his overall average will be 0.15 goals per match. On the other hand, if he scores a total of two goals over the next 10 matches, his overall average will be 0.2 goals per match. The number of matches he has played is (in numerical value)

Answer: 10

Show explanation
Answer:10 What to find. The number of matches he has played is (in numerical value). Setup. In a football tournament, a player has played a certain number of matches and 10 more matches are to be played. If he scores a total of one goal over the next 10 matches, his overall average will be 0.15 goals per match. Steps. Let him have played m matches and scored g goals so far. If he scores 1 more goal in the next 10 matches: g + 1m + 10 = 0.15. If he scores 2 goals in those 10: g + 2m + 10 = 0.2. Subtract: 1m + 10 = 0.05 ⇒ m + 10 = 20 ⇒ m = 10. Conclusion. Therefore the required value is 10.
Q65Quantitative Ability·Surds & Indices

Suppose one of the roots of the equation ax2 − bx + c = 0 is 2 + 3, where a, b and c are rational numbers and a ≠ 0. If b = c3 then |a| equals

  • A4
  • B2Correct answer
  • C1
  • D3

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (2) Setup. One root is 2+3 with a,b,c rational and a ≠ 0. Rational coefficients force the conjugate 2−3 to be the other root. Also b = c3. Steps. Sum of roots: (2+3)+(2−3) = 4 = ba, so b = 4a. Product: (2+3)(2−3) = 4−3 = 1 = ca, so c = a. The extra relation b = c3 becomes 4a = a3. Cancel a ≠ 0 to get a2 = 4, hence a = ±2 and |a| = 2. Both signs work: if a = 2 then c = 2, b = 8 = 23; if a = −2 then c = −2, b = −8 = (−2)3. Conclusion. |a| = 2 → B.
Q66Quantitative Ability·Time & Work

Anil can paint a house in 60 days while Bimal can paint it in 84 days. Anil starts painting and after 10 days, Bimal and Charu join him. Together, they complete the painting in 14 more days. If they are paid a total of Rs. 21000 for the job, then the share of Charu, in INR, proportionate to the work done by him, is

  • A9100Correct answer
  • B9150
  • C9000
  • D9200

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (9100) What to find. 21000 for the job, then the share of Charu, in INR, proportionate to the work done by him, is. Setup. Anil can paint a house in 60 days while Bimal can paint it in 84 days. Anil starts painting and after 10 days, Bimal and Charu join him. Together, they complete the painting in 14 more days. Steps. Anil alone 10 days: 1060=16. Remaining 56 in 14 days with A+B+C. (A+B+C)·14 = 56 ⇒ A+B+C = 584. A=160, B=184 ⇒ C=584160184 = 25−7−5420 = 13420. Work: Anil 1060+1460=2460=25; Bimal 1484=16; Charu 14·13420=1330. Charu share (1330)·21000=9100 → A. Conclusion. This matches A (9100).

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1VARCCReading Comprehension
2VARCDReading Comprehension
3VARCAReading Comprehension
4VARCCReading Comprehension
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6VARCCReading Comprehension
7VARCDReading Comprehension
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16VARCAReading Comprehension
17VARC3214Verbal Ability
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19VARC5Verbal Ability
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25DILR6Data Interpretation
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27DILRBData Interpretation
28DILRCData Interpretation
29DILRCLogical Reasoning
30DILRDLogical Reasoning
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39DILRBLogical Reasoning
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42DILRDLogical Reasoning
43DILRBLogical Reasoning
44DILRCLogical Reasoning
45QA30Quantitative Ability
46QAAQuantitative Ability
47QACQuantitative Ability
48QADQuantitative Ability
49QAAQuantitative Ability
50QABQuantitative Ability
51QAAQuantitative Ability
52QA4195Quantitative Ability
53QA1000Quantitative Ability
54QA7Quantitative Ability
55QAAQuantitative Ability
56QABQuantitative Ability
57QA250Quantitative Ability
58QABQuantitative Ability
59QA5Quantitative Ability
60QAAQuantitative Ability
61QABQuantitative Ability
62QA45Quantitative Ability
63QAAQuantitative Ability
64QA10Quantitative Ability
65QABQuantitative Ability
66QAAQuantitative Ability

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are there in CAT 2021 Slot 2?

CAT 2021 Slot 2 has 66 questions across VARC, DILR, QA, with a total duration of 2h.

Is this the official CAT 2021 Slot 2 question paper?

Yes — this page hosts the past-year CAT paper for 2021 (Slot 2), with the full question set, answer key, and explanations for revision.

Can I attempt CAT 2021 Slot 2 online with a timer?

CAT 2021 Slot 2 is free to browse with answers here. Timed attempts on MBACracked require Pro. Free accounts include recent CAT and XAT past papers.

Does this page include the CAT 2021 Slot 2 answer key?

Yes. Every question shows the correct answer, with a collapsible explanation. A full answer-key table is also available at the bottom of the page.

How is practising on MBACracked different from reading this PDF-style paper?

Reading gives you questions and solutions. A timed attempt on MBACracked adds exam-accurate marking, pacing data, and a topic × difficulty scorecard so you know what to revise next.

Practise CAT 2021 Slot 2 on MBACracked with timed sections and get a percentile breakdown after every attempt — not just an answer key.

Ready to attempt this paper?

Reading the paper is free. Attempt it under timed exam conditions to get your estimated percentile, topic-wise accuracy, and pacing analysis.

Sign up free to attempt under real exam timing and get your percentile breakdown.