31. c 'Indictments' means 'charges' or 'accusations'. One
can get a clue from the word ' disorder' in the sentence.
Refer to the line 'In his ten indictments of global
capitalism, he also makes it very clear that he
subscribes to a broadly Marxist view of the sources
of the disorder'.
32. c Refer to the last lines in paragraph 3 "one might call
a politely tentative gesturing towards a possible
handshake with the nettle". This makes option (c)
correct. The word 'nettle' means a prickly/stinging plant.
33. a Refer to the lines in the first paragraph "For there is
surely an element of irony…a certain rehabilitation of
Marx". This makes option (a) something the author
would agree with. Options (b) and (c) are Derrida's
views in paragraph 4. The author has not supported
these views explicitly. Option (d) is incorrect as the
author questions Derrida in paragraph 3 " But how far,
in any case, is this coming back to Marx a genuinely
new event" – which means that this coming to Marx by
Derrida may not be an entirely new thing. Also, Derrida
has given some indication earlier of 'a handshake'.
Refer to the last lines of paragraph 2.
Saturday 4 June 2016
Monday 23 May 2016
Saturday 7 May 2016
Friday 29 April 2016
OAs CAT CRACKER #02
1
2
3
4
5
Q 6
7
8
9
C should follow A as C mentions the elements of language. Neither B nor D can precede E in the sequence, as 'she' in both of them
refers to the 'English Speaker' introduced in E. Thus the sequence after A is CEBD. Hence, [1].
10
OA 2
Since A is the fixed first sentence, we can start by identifying which sentence best follows from it. D, which states that A is just the definition of a year, best fits after A. The EC link is clear: E states how long Mars's orbit takes, and C compares that to the Earth's orbit. B
has to follow C as B talks about Venus's orbit in the exact same language as C talks about Mars's orbit. 'Likewise' also gives a hint.
Therefore, the sequence after A is DECB. Hence, [2].
Thursday 21 April 2016
OAs VARC 22.04.16
35
OA 3
All the sentences are about the font Comic Sans. In all of them except [2], the author merely reports what it is like, what other people think
about it and why they dislike it – she does not express her own opinion on it. But [2] is the author's own opinion so it does not fit with the
relatively objective viewpoint of the rest of the sentences. Hence, [2].
36
OA 4
All the sentences are about a situation in which an employee resigns abruptly. While sentences [2], [3] and [4] are about the manager's
reaction to the news, [1] is advice to the manager on how to prevent this in the future. So it does not quite fit into the sequence. Hence, [1].
37
OA 2
Sentences [1], [2] and [4] are in the present tense, and describe the scene at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, on a particular winter
afternoon. Sentence [3] is in the past tense, and talks about routines that no longer hold. So it does not fit into the sequence. Hence, [3].
38
OA 4
Sentences [2], [4] and [3] are about three different views about the usage of adverbs in writing. On the other hand, [1] is about the
repetition of the word 'said' in speech tags; it is not about the use of adverbs. So it does not fit into the sequence. Hence, [1].
Q 39
Explanation:
The first two paragraphs of this passage are devoted to ancient civilizations of the Old World, then the rest talk about those of the New
World, so [3] is a partial answer. Ancient societies in China, India and Pakistan are mentioned, so the passage is not just about the
Western world, so [4] is incorrect; also, [4] fails to mention that the passage is about past societies only. [2] is too general a topic: the
passage isn't about all ancient civilizations. Rather, it talks specifically about the growth of large, powerful societies in the ancient world.
Hence, [4].
Q 40
Explanation:
A literal reading of the phrase 'beat swords into ploughshares' suggests that people turn swords – i.e. weapons of war – into
ploughshares – i.e. farming equipment. In the figurative sense, this means that people turn away from warfare and towards a peaceful
lifestyle. Paragraph 2 suggests that the new life was a 'golden age of relative peace and plenty'. So [2] is the best answer. Note that [1] is
only partially correct, as it does not explain the 'ploughshares' part of the phrase. [3] is too negative, and is the opposite of what is
suggested by the phrase. [4] cannot be inferred from the passage at all. Hence, [2].
Q 41
Refer to paragraph 3. No matter which of the cultures mentioned (Olmec culture, ChavÃn
de Huantar, Moche culture, or Monte Albán and
Teotihuacán) were the earliest powerful states, they were in what are now the countries of Peru and Mexico, so [1] is true. [2] is also true,
as it is the author's conclusion in the last paragraph. [4] is stated in the fourth paragraph. Only [2] is untrue: it is stated in the third
Q 42
Refer to the last sentence of the fourth paragraph, where the author says that we need a historian from the ancient New World to tell us
what was going on then. He says so after showing that archaeology is limited when it comes to understanding things like levels of violence
in a past society. In fact, the entire paragraph is about violence in the New World. The implication is that written records by a historian of
the time would have been more useful. So the answer is [2]. [1] is only part of the answer, as the human sacrifices being talked about are
specific examples of violence in the ancient New World. While the author does compare the levels of violence in the ancient New World to
that of the Roman Empire, the comparison is not necessarily the only reason he wants to know more about the former. There is no
evidence in the passage suggesting [4]. Hence, [3].
Q 43
According to the paragraph, science and technology are two different things, and it is possible for a society to emphasize one while
neglecting the other. The author does not provide an opinion as to which of the two is more important. So options [1] and [2], which
elevate science and technology respectively, over the other, cannot be inferred from the paragraph. [4] contradicts the paragraph, which
provides examples of societies in which science and technology did not go hand-in-hand. Only [3] can be inferred from the paragraph:
though we presume that science and technology are inseparable, they may not always be so. Hence, [3].
Q 44
Option [4] talks of a different (though related) problem, not an overpopulation problem. Option [2] suggests that underpopulation is a
problem in highly urbanized societies, which does not answer the question at all. While [1] may seem at first to be a valid reason, it applies
only to certain countries, not the world as a whole (which is the focus of the argument). The best answer is [3]: while the population growth
rate may have finally slowed, this simply means that the population is not growing as fast as it was in the past, but it is still growing. So
overpopulation is still a problem. Hence, [3].
Q 45
The author's argument is that the general idea that 'the bigger the brain, the smarter the animal', is not necessarily correct. Therefore [2],
which argues the opposite, weakens his argument. [1], which points out a flaw in the author's example, obviously does not support his
argument either. [3] is somewhat vague: the 'things' that chimpanzees can do may not be anything that requires intelligence. Only [4]
supports the author's argument, by showing that larger brain size among the Neanderthals did not correspond to greater intelligence vis-avis
humans. Hence, [4].
Q 46
The point the author is trying to make is that machines do not think in the same way as humans do (despite popular fictional depictions to
the contrary). So [2], which suggests the opposite, is incorrect. The paragraph is about the way machines think, not their emotional
capabilities (or the lack of the same), so [4] is not a suitable example either. [3] is not an example per se, as it does not show how machines and humans think differently, only that they do so. Only [1] is a suitable example, as it shows how humans and computers
understand and use language differently. Hence, [1].
Q 47
The passage is about water's many qualities, including its properties as a solvent, so [1] is a partial title. While this passage does discuss
water in terms of its importance of life, that is not the main topic of the passage. So [2], which implies that life is composed mainly of water,
is incorrect. The passage talks about the properties of water that make it special as a chemical, such as the shape of its molecule, the
temperature range in which it remains liquid, the fact that it expands when it freezes, etc. So the most suitable title is [3]. Hence, [3].
Q 48
Water's surface tension, molecular structure and chemical composition are all discussed in paragraph 2. But there is no mention of its
boiling point in the entire passage. Hence, [1].
Q 49
According to paragraph 2, water is liquid over a relatively large temperature range, not a narrow one, so [2] is incorrect. [3] is an incorrect
reading of the last paragraph, which describes a hypothetical situation. There is no basis for inferring [4]; in fact, the last sentence of
paragraph 4 suggests it is incorrect. Only [1] can be inferred from the passage: from paragraph 1, from the last sentence of paragraph 3,
and from the reference to water's 'life-giving properties' in paragraph 2. Hence, [1]
Q 50
Explanation:
The passage does not mention any relation between the difference in the density of water when solid and when liquid and its properties
as a solvent. So neither [1] nor [2] can be inferred. According to the third paragraph 'the polarized electrical charge of a water molecule is
also a key factor in water's remarkable properties as a solvent'. The implication is that the greater the polarization, the better a liquid is as
a solvent. Hence, [3]
Q 51
When followed by 'with', 'correspond' means 'to communicate by letters'; in the context of A, the correct preposition after 'correspond'
should be 'to', to denote 'to match up with'. In B, the verb 'processed' is unnecessarily in the past tense, when the rest of the sentence is in
the present tense. In C, the correct preposition after 'reflecting' should be 'off', not 'of'. Only statements D and E are fully correct. Hence,
[DE].
Q52
Statement B has a modifier error: the modifier 'A replacement for the ancient and dilapidated church of Santa Reparata' refers to 'the new
cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore', so the latter should be placed immediately adjacent to the former in the sentence. The sentence should be rephrased as: 'A replacement for the ancient and dilapidated church of Santa Reparata, the new cathedral of Santa Maria del
Fiore was intended by its designers to be one of the largest in Christendom.' There is a spelling error in C: the correct word should be
'timber', meaning 'wood', not 'timbre', which is a quality of sound. The article 'the' is missing from before 'more difficult' in E. Only A and D
are fully correct. Hence, [AD].
Q 53
There is a punctuation error in A: there should be a comma after 'Charles Ryder', so that the entire phrase 'the protagonist and narrator of
the story' is set off from the main sentence with commas. In E, the correct idiomatic expression should be 'path crosses' rather than 'path
meets'. Only B, C and D are fully correct. Hence, [BCD].
Q 54
The use of the article 'the' before 'most' in A is incorrect: 'most distinguished' is a verb phrase, so it cannot be preceded by an article.
'Risking' in C is incorrect, as it should have been followed by an object; alternatively, the word could have been replaced with the noun
form 'risk'. There is a subject-verb disagreement in D: the subject of the plural verb 'indicate' is the singular noun 'use', so 'indicates'
should replace 'indicate'. The clause 'whose ... water' in E is wrongly in the active voice; the correct verb form in it should be 'had been
tempered'. Thus, only B is fully correct. Hence, [B]
Q 55
Throughout this passage, the author talks about improving the design of ordinary devices, as well as complex machines, in order to make
them easier to understand and use. So he is clearly not indifferent to the practical uses of the machines/devices, and thus [4] can be ruled
out. There is no suggestion whatsoever that he thinks that people are too dependent on machines/devices, so [1] is incorrect as well. Both
[2] and [3] say nearly the same thing, but since [3] frames the point in terms of design – which is the focus of this passage – it is the better option. Hence, [3].
Q 56
Refer to the first sentence of the second paragraph: the door example is meant to illustrate poor design in simple, everyday devices.
There is no suggestion that the author is not sincere when he talks about having trouble opening doors, so [4] cannot be inferred. [1]
implies that the author does not understand the difference between pulling and pushing doors, which is too extreme. [2] is the author's
reaction to the problem in question, not the reason for it. The reason is [3]: doors lack an intuitive design that show which way they are to
be opened. Refer to the last two sentences of paragraph 2. Hence, [3].
Q 57
Option [1] contradicts the author's point in the last paragraph. The point made in [4] is not discussed in the passage at all, so we cannot
tell whether the author would agree with it or not. While the author would probably agree with [3], it is not mentioned in the passage either.
But he would definitely agree with [2]: he states clearly in paragraph 4 that the design of machines does not capitalize on humans'
strengths such as imagination, creativity and common sense. Hence, [2].
Q 58
The author states in paragraph 3 that instruction manuals should not be necessary for simple machines/devices, so he would not
consider [i] to be good design. In the same paragraph, he suggests that appliances with too many functions are pointless, so [ii] is wrong
as well. In the last sentence of paragraph 2, he states that labels should not be needed (at least for simple devices like doors) – the design
should be intuitive enough to be understood on its own. So [iii] is incorrect as well. The suggestion he provides for improving door design
without destroying the aesthetics implies that he does not necessarily believe that looks should be sacrificed for function. So he would not
agree with [iv] as well. Hence, [4].
Q 59
Explanation:
According to the paragraph, we have trouble holding very large numbers in our minds, like thousands and above. The example of the
guessing game shows that we have some trouble estimating even with hundreds. Thus [3], which talks only about millions and more, is
incorrect. [2], which says that it is 'impossible' for us to imagine numbers above a hundred, is too extreme. [4] wrongly describes the
guessing game. Only [1] correctly summarizes the paragraph. Hence, [1].
Q 60
Explanation:
According to the passage, Rupert Baxter was Lord Emsworth's former secretary not current one, but [2] fails to make this distinction, and
[4] implies the opposite. The passage talks only about Lord Emsworth's dislike of Rupert Baxter, and not vice versa, so [1], which states
that they both disliked each other, is incorrect. Only [3] correctly summarizes the paragraph. Hence, [3].
Q61
Option [4] states that engineers have trouble designing logical machines, which contradicts the paragraph. [2] wrongly states that
engineers 'know' that other people are not always logical. [1] fails to mention an important point: that the reason people cannot understand
the machines that engineers design is that these machines are too logical. Only [3] correctly summarizes the main points of the
paragraph. Hence, [3].
Q 62
Explanation:
The author's attitude towards the prayer experiment cannot be called 'neutral' or 'objective', since the author's sarcastic remark 'What a
surprise' in the last paragraph shows that he expected the experiment to fail. Nor is his attitude 'respectful', as he calls it a 'silly enterprise'.
He may or may not be 'fascinated' by the experiment, but this cannot be inferred from the passage. His attitude can be best described as
'sceptical and mocking': for example, the first sentence of the third paragraph suggests that he thinks that the experiment deserved the
ridicule it got; the reference to 'God doing a bit of smiting' in the last paragraph also suggests that he is mocking the whole idea. Hence,
[3]
Q 63
Francis Galton's investigations are mentioned in the first paragraph. He analysed whether the fact that so many people prayed for the
health of the royal family made the latter healthier than average (and found that it was not so). So he tried to investigate if people's health
was directly (not inversely) proportional to the number of people praying for it. Note that [2] is one of the aims of the experiment described
in the rest of the passage, while [1] isn't mentioned at all. Hence, [3].
Q 64
The author of this passage simply reports on an experiment regarding the efficacy of prayer; he did not conduct it himself. So the passage
cannot be called an experiment or even a study, and thus [1] and [2] are incorrect. [4] is extreme: though the author is sceptical and
mocking of the experiment conducted in this passage, we cannot infer this to mean that he is denouncing the concept of prayer itself;
rather, he may be simply ridiculing the notion that prayer can be scientifically studied. [3] best describes the passage, as the author
reports on the failure of a scientific experiment that set out to study the effectiveness of prayer. Hence, [3].
Q 65
According to the second paragraph, 'the physicist Russell Stannard threw his weight behind' the experiment; that does not necessarily
mean he designed it. So [1] cannot be inferred. According to the same paragraph, the 'double blind' standards for the experiment were
strictly followed, and no other protocols are mentioned, so [2] is incorrect. All the patients in the experiment received coronary bypass
surgery, so [3] cannot be inferred. Only [4] can be inferred: the patients in Group 3 – the ones who received prayers and did know it –
were affected by the prayers, in the sense that it made them worse, not better, as they were more stressed to learn that people were
praying for their recovery. Hence, [4].
Q 66
At first glance, B stands out as the concluding sentence of this paragraph. D, the opening sentence, states a general principle that is
illustrated by the rest of the sentences in the paragraph. E follows by giving an example of the principle mentioned in D. A and C are
linked, as they all mention examples of crises and leaps forward. 'These' in A must refer to 'fish and giant aquatic reptiles' in C, so we get
a CA link. Thus, the combination is DECAB. Hence, DECAB
Q 67
Explanation:
B is the first sentence. It introduces the language family that English belongs to. E names the rest of the languages in that family. 'These
languages' in D refers to the ones mentioned in E, so D follows immediately after E. C and A are linked due to the reference to 'that name'
in A, which indicates 'Proto-Germanic' mentioned in C. So the correct sequence is BEDCA. Hence, [BEDCA].
Q 68
Explanation:
B cannot be the first sentence: Paul Tudge is introduced by his full name in D, and then mentioned only by his surname in B, so B cannot
precede D. On the other hand, the DB link makes sense, as B elaborates on Tudge's find mentioned in D. The reference to the 'team' links
C and A. E follows from A, as it describes the polar forest mentioned in A. Thus the sequence is DBCAE. Hence, [4].
Wednesday 20 April 2016
OAS - VARC - 20.04.16
41. a The sentence is talking about a person. The sentence also
highlights a contrast by using "either…or". This means the
first sentence would use a word that indicates 'everyone has
opinions about Rahul'. Options (a) and (d) provide the first
words that might fit in. The second blank would be the deciding
factor. Since the first word displays a positive emotion, the
second blank would give it a contrast in the form of a negative
emotion. 'Consternation', which means a state of paralyzing
dismay, would not fit in here. 'Antipathy', which clearly conveys
a negative emotion, would be the best fit.
42. b 'Irreconcilable' differences is most appropriate in the context.
Also 'irretrievably' and 'irreconcilable' go well with the tone of
the sentence. Essential/contradictory/opposite differences do
not create the necessary emphasis.
43. b There is no need for a contrast between the two parts of the
statement as the tone of the statement is positive. In fact the
second part of the sentence seems to complement the first.
Hence 'reigning and manager' – which is complementary and
positive is the appropriate choice.
44. d Option (d) is clearly, not mentioned in the passage. In fact in
para 4, it is mentioned that 'the perceived breakdown of social
order is not a matter of nostalgia…about the hypocrisies of
earlier ages'. All the others options can be inferred from the
passage. Option (a) can be inferred from para 2 where
hierarchies are seen to be under threat and crumbling. Option
(b) can be inferred from the last line of para 4. Option (c) can
be inferred from the last paragraph of the passage
.
45. a Since the passage deals largely with the disruption in social
values in the information age, logically it should continue with
the same broad theme. Also the last sentence of the passage
seems to suggest that the Great Disruption was inevitable.
Therefore the emergence of a new social order in the
information age seems to be a plausible theme for the next
paragraph. Looking at the other options, (c) and (d) can be
ruled out because they talk about sub-themes in the main
passage and not about the broad theme of the passage as a
whole. Option (b) can be ruled out because it would mean
talking about a period prior to the information age and the
Great Disruption.
46. b Option (b) negates the statement in the last para: "The two
were in fact intimately connected, and although many blessings
have flowed from a more complex, information-based
economy, certain bad things also happened to our social and
moral life." All the other options are supported in one way or
the other by the passage. Options (a) can be inferred from
the opening lines of para 3. Option (c) can be inferred from
para 2; Refer to the lines " Freedom of choice has
exploded….and begun to crumble." This is further highlighted
in the passage when the author talks about the 'culture of
individualism' in the last para. Option (d) can be inferred from
the opening lines of para 4 .
47. c The term "Stage moms" refers to parents who live vicariously
or moms who manage their children's business, since the
passage ends with a mention of something 'comical', option 3
is the most amusing. Moreover, option (c) also validates the
statement made in the second last line of the argument.
48. b Option (b) talks of a relevant contrast and is in line with the
theme of the paragraph. The other options are again on the
tragic side and do not present an idea in contrast to tragedy.
49. c In A, 'equipments' is incorrect. It should be equipment because
it is used without an 's' in the singular as well as the plural
form. In C, it will not be 'who is ..' but it should be 'who are ..'
In D, 'smaller …' should be preceded by 'a' because an article
is required here; and 'a' is the correct article because the
sentence talks about any 'smaller, all- professional army ...
'
50. d All the sentences are grammatically correct.
51. c The author talks about different types of bipolar disparities in
economic endowments. In the first paragraph, he talks about
the abundance of goods and services in the private sector
and the relative lack of the same in the public sector. He
extends the argument to discuss the disparity between the
rich and poor and then goes on to discuss the disparity between
rich and poor nations. This makes (c) is the correct option.
52. d Please refer to the second paragraph, which mentions that
Social services, health care, education - especially education
- public housing for the needful, even food, along with action
to protect life and the environment, are all in short supply. It
goes on to mention 'Damage to the environment is the most
visible result of this abundant production of goods and
services'. Therefore 'a disregard for public good is one of the
hallmarks of the affluent society' mentioned in option (d) is
correct.
53. b Please refer to the first paragraph which says 'Privately
produced goods and services for use and consumption are
abundantly available'. The last sentence says 'Consumer
sovereignty, once governed by the need for food and shelter,
is now the highly contrived consumption of an infinite variety
of goods and services.' This implies that there is a consumerist
culture pervading society, which is mentioned in 'The Affluent
Society', making (b) as the correct option.
54. c D necessarily follows A as it talks about taking it forward, B
discusses the problem which was pertaining to the carriage,
E elaborates the plan of action and C concludes the chain of
thought.
55. a E stems out from the opening generalized statement about
Vedic hymns, EC form a mandatory pair taking a cue from the
phrase "on the other hand", D talks about the praises being
showered on various deities, B is the logical conclusion.
56. c D essentially follows A as it explains how managers manage
by 'walking about', C takes it forward, E & B further explain
the scenario of the 1950s. Hence DCEB becomes the correct
sequence.
57. c The central theme of the paragraph revolves around the
initiative taken by a British school teacher to abandon the
word "failure" from being used in classrooms as it creates
negative vibes among the innocent minds of school children.
Therefore, the starting link should be a sentence which
introduces the new step taken by the British teacher. Hence
the first sentence starting the paragraph should be sentence
E. Obviously the next sentence following it should be a
sentence which describes the teacher's name and the details
of the initiative or motion taken by her. So the sentence following
E should be sentence B. Hence there is an evident EB link.
Sentence C should definitely follow sentence B because of
the use of the word "motion" in C which refers to the initiative
taken by Beattie in sentence B. Similarly there is also a direct
link between sentences C and D which is clear by the usage
of the word "agreement" in sentence D. Finally the conclusion
that failure lowers the confidence and self-esteem of school
children is stated in sentence A. Hence, the correct answer
has to be option (c).
58. c The first paragraph of the passage talks about the matter of
technology of climate change being not so simple as it is
prone to zealotry and taboos.
59. d The passage mentions the three Achilles heels of the cells
making option (d) the correct answer.
60. a All, except option (a), have been mentioned as reasons for
the debacle of the fuel cells.
Sunday 17 April 2016
Saturday 16 April 2016
OAs VARC 15.04.16
36. c Option (a) can be inferred from the first paragraph as well as
second paragraph where Andrew Simms points out that "there
is a risk that the world economy will be kick-started again,
without learning the lessons of the "consumption explosion".
This clearly suggests that the consumption levels will most
definitely not fall down. Option (b) can be inferred from the
fifth paragraph. The 'yawning gap' between consumption
levels of poorest people and the rich are mentioned. This is
justified by the example of the energy consumption by an
American vs a Tanzanian. Option (c) is the best choice because
the third paragraph mentions "if we bankrupt critical
ecosystems no amount of government spending will bring
them back"; it is not necessary that a thing which cannot be
restored cannot be conserved. Finance many not be able to
restore critical ecosystems but it might help in conserving
them. Option (d) can be inferred from the first three lines of
the passage where the author blames the rich nations for
putting the world under ecological debt and its consequences.
This is reinforced in the fifth paragraph- 'Just 7% of the global
population produces 50% of greenhouse gas emissions.
'
37. c Option (a) refers to 'a point of no return' whereas the 8th
paragraph refers to nations that have crossed the bearable
limit of consumption levels. The given option suggests these
nations will never be able to fix this problem whereas this is
not suggested anywhere in the passage. Option (b) refers to
the habit of consuming resources at a high rate. This option
fails to recognize that such a habit is common only to a few
nations. Earlier in the passage, the report mentions the
difference between the consumption levels of a Tanzanian
and an American. Option (c) clearly explains the motive behind
referring to 'wasteful over-consumption'. The last paragraph
clearly explains that such wasteful over- consumption is not
sustainable. Option (d) cannot be verified from the passage
because the author does not suggest anywhere that one will
definitely lead to the next.
38. d Option (a) is incorrect because throughout the passage the
main point of the author is to explain that some nations' lifestyles
have gone into 'wasteful over-consumption' and this rate of
consumption is unaffordable by the planet. Hence, this option
goes against the views that are expressed in the passage.
Option (b) is incorrect because it isn not suggested anywhere.
Nef argues that even if the consumption levels of the poor
increase, they will fail to improve the quality of life beyond a
point. Option (c) is incorrect because even though reducing
the ecological debt is author's main concern and the overall
impact of focusing on qualitative improvements will lead to
lessening of the ecological debt; this is not the reason why
author refers to focusing on qualitative improvements. Option
(d) is the best choice because the passage explains in the 6th
paragraph that consumption's ability to improve life is limited; it
provides short-term gains only. When consumption becomes
over-consumption, it stops improving the qualitative aspect of
life. Hence human beings should shift their focus to more
qualitative improvements in life.
39. b Option (a) cannot be conclusively inferred as the author lauds
various aspects of Rowlings work but as regards criticismthe
author is mild and guarded in his approach and not entirely
explicit. Although, the author uses the terms 'equal-opportunity
appropriator' with reference to Rowling, he in no way means
to accuse Rowling. Moreover the tone of the author is not
derogatory. So plagiarism would be an excessive label. Option
(c) is incorrect. The author does not feel that the instances
having real world underpinnings are laughably childish. In
fact as evidenced in the 1st paragraph, the author only notes
that Rowling acknowledged Hermione's preparations (made
before launching into a particularly dangerous offensive) as
laughably childish. Option (d) is also incorrect. Refer to the
lines "…she may leave you quibbling over her seemingly
inexhaustible stock of narrative coincidences, but you brush
aside these concerns because you care about the
characters." So the element of love and care in Rowling's
book is quite predominant over the effect created by the
narratives. Option (b) is correct. In the first para, the author
discusses the negative points of the book. Refer to the lines
"Another factor that eats considerably into the element of
danger is that practically every move of Voldemort's is sensed
comfortably ahead-of-time by Harry, thanks to his psychicallyconnected
scar." So the 'scar-factor' eats into the danger or
reduces the effect of danger.
40. b Option (a) is incorrect. We do not know whether the
appropriations or the other works go into the intricacies of
human relationships though the book may have gone into
human relationships. Option (c) is incorrect. It is not only the
evil empire which has real world underpinnings. The book
has real world underpinnings. Option (d) is incorrect as the
initial lines of the passage state that 'the story of a group of
rebels seeking to bring down an evil empire' is not new to pop
culture storytelling. It is the real world underpinnings which
make the story different. Option (b) is correct and apt to
represent what the author feels about 'Deathly Hallows'.
41. c Option (a) is excessive as although the author is respectful
towards Rowling's work, but to say that the author is enthralled
or influenced, is an incorrect inference. Options (b) and (d)
are insufficient to reflect the tonality of the passage. Refer to
the opening lines of second paragraph "... not to say Deathly
Hallows is anything less than a nail-biting read. A rescue
operation inside the Ministry of Magic is thrillingly written, and
the climactic battle is a real rouser". In these lines, we see that
author's tone is admiring. Also read, 3rd paragraph, where the
author touches the lacking facets of the book, "...Rowling
may leave you dissatisfied with the ..." and suggests us to
brush aside these concerns drawing our attention towards
our liking for the characters. Thus, it can be concluded that
the author's tone is analytical. He likes to examine things very
carefully.
42. c Option (a) is not the right answer as the purpose of nihilism is
not to establish itself after replacing the current social system.
Option (b) is not the correct answer, as nihilism cannot be
equated with delusion. Option (c) is the correct answer. The
lines from the first paragraph clearly state "the nihilist discovers
that all values are baseless and that reason is impotent. "Every
belief, every considering something-true," Nietzsche writes,
"is necessarily false because there is simply no true world".
This makes option (c) as the closest definition of nihilism by
the author. Option (d) is not the answer. Nihilism no doubt
opposes the social organization, but we don't have any
information to classify nihilism as an anarchist doctrine.
43. c Option (a) is not the correct answer as Nihilism was not the
primary reason for the collapse of the civilizations. Spengler
in his study noticed that the patterns of nihilism were present
as a conspicuous feature of collapsing civilizations but these
patterns cannot be claimed to be the primary reason for the
fall of these civilizations. Option (b) is not the correct answer.
The opinion in the option statement is opinion of Eugene Rose.
We cannot be sure that nihilism will definitely lead to a cold
and inhuman world. Option (c) is the correct answer. From
the lines "This collapse of meaning, relevance, and purpose
will be the most destructive force in history, constituting a
total assault on reality and nothing less than the greatest
crisis of humanity," option (c) can be inferred. Option (d) is not
the correct answer as we have no information to infer that
eastern doctrines use meditation and tantra for withdrawal
from the world.
44. d Option (a) is not the correct answer. It talks about the basic
values of nihilism. It emphasizes the redundancy of everything
including that of the consciousness. Option (b) is not the
correct choice. It appears to be a statement by a Nihilist. The
Nihilist has expressed that there are people who are not
willing to accept the ideas of nihilism. Option (c) is also talking
about the core ideas and tenets of nihilism. It talks about the
non-existence of the world and the inherent satire of a Nihilist.
Option (d) is the correct answer as it rejects the basic tents
of the nihilism. It clearly says that everything is something and
not nothing.
45. d Option (a) is incorrect because the modifier 'acting as a
facilitator or go-between' modifies the subject - the broker
who is the weak link. The word 'between' has been used
correctly in the sentence. Option (b) has one error. Even
though the subject - broker - has been placed correctly, the
word 'among' has been used incorrectly. 'Among' could have
been used if the communication were with one another within
a group or if the sentence referred to more than two parties.
However, if there is one-to-one correspondence, use
"between" even when more than two people, places or things
are being discussed. For example, "There is significant
disagreement on this issue between Germany, France and
Austria." Option (c) has three errors. Firstly, the subject has
not been moved to its correct place - right next to the modifier.
Secondly, the word 'among' has been used incorrectly. Thirdly,
the pronoun 'this' should be used in place of 'that person'
because 'this' is used for something or someone closest to
the thought of the speaker. Since the broker has been
mentioned, it is clear that the speaker is talking about this
person. Option (d) is grammatically correct.
46. d Option (a) contains two errors. First, the use of 'together'
with the word 'collaborate' is redundant. The word means to
work together. Hence, it is unnecessarily used in the sentence.
Second, there is a condition that is set in the given sentence.
Therefore, the word 'if' should replace 'when'. Option (b)
contains two errors. First, the conditional form 'if' should be
used in place of 'when'. Second it uses they for the collective
noun 'Faculty members association' which is being
represented as a single unit. Option (c) contains one error -
the error of redundancy. There is no need to use 'together'
with 'collaborate' because it means to work together. When
we remove 'together' from the sentence, the meaning of the
sentence is not altered. Option (d) contains no error.
47. b Option (a) is incorrect because the paragraph pertains to the
evolution and impact of "offshore" capitalism whereas this
option refers to how things were before the onset of this
new order. Option (b) is the best choice because the author
mentions the factors that enabled the evolution of 'offshore'
capitalism - offshore tax benefits and financialising of everyday
assets -which led to a major impact on world economies. This
'offshore wizardry' had its impact on world economies. From
discussing the evolution of 'offshore' capitalism, the paragraph
moves onto its impact on the world. Option (c) is incorrect
because, it goes away from the subject: it does not seem to
be a factor that enabled the evolution of offshore capitalism.
Option (d) refers to the final effect of 'offshore' capitalism
whereas the paragraph is still explaining how 'offshore'
capitalism evolved and shaped the markets and economies.
Hence, this statement does not fit in the given context.
48. b Option (a) is incorrect because the paragraph discusses the
inability of the modern industrial society to remove genderbased
inequality and then moves onto discuss the inability of
the legal system. This option deals with the inability of the
industrial setup whereas the paragraph has already moved
onto the next point. Hence, it is incorrect. Option (b) is the
best choice because it strictly pertains to 'equality' within the
purview of the legal system and how the law is unable to
translate 'legal provisions' regarding equality into action. Note
the keywords - 'legal provisions' and 'equality on paper' given
in the last line of the paragraph. Option (c) does not fit in this
context because it refers to what is needed (a complete
revolution in thinking) in society today whereas the paragraph
refers to the inability of the industrial system and the legal
system in altering gender-based inequalities in society. Option
(d) does not fit because it has been already established in the
paragraph that women have been proving their worth in society
by doing the same work that men do. This statement pertains
to the undying spirit of women whereas the paragraph has
moved onto discuss the inability of the legal system.
49. a Option (a) is the best choice because there is no grammatical
error in the given sentence. Option (b) is incorrect because
there is a subject -verb agreement error. 'The closing of illegal
shops….' is singular, so 'requires' is appropriate here. In the
sentence the relative pronoun 'who' should be used for
persons and not 'which'. Option (c) uses the future continuous
tense; however, the sentence establishes that these illegal
shops and buildings have already been built. So, the action
has completed in the past. Therefore, the use of future
continuous tense is inappropriate. Option (d) contains a
subject-verb agreement error, 'requires' should be used here.
Also, it uses the future perfect continuous tense which is
inappropriate in this case. This suggests that the builders
have not yet constructed these illegal shops but, the
construction will be in progress and will end in the future.
50. d Option (a) is incorrect because an incorrect tense is used
here. The word 'comes' should be 'came' because the
sentence refers to events in the past. Option (b) uses the
past tense correctly in the first part of the sentence but then
uses present perfect continuous 'has been working' instead
of the past perfect continuous tense 'had already started'.
Option (c) is incorrect because the first part of the sentence
uses the past tense but the second part 'comes' uses the
present tense. Option (d) is the best choice because it uses
the past tense appropriately.
51. c The paragraph refers to the nature, types and targets of old
joke tales. 'A' refers to certain characteristics that were mocked
in these jokes. E follows as it narrows down to focusing on
one type of jokes - stupidity. Then, D is an example of the
types of jokes in Estonia. Also the keywords mentioned in E
'different regions' leads to the example of Estonia in D. DCB
becomes a mandatory sequence since these three pertain
specifically to Estonia and the paragraph moves (from general
nature and types of jokes) to specific 'targets' of these jokes
like Foreigners. The pronoun 'their' used in B refers to the
'foreigners' given in C.
52. d The paragraph studies laughter both as a communicative factor
and as a stylistic device in narratives. It deals with laughter
as an expression of emotions in narratives. A is a conclusive
opinion about laughter which can be understood in many
ways and may not always function as a reaction to humour.
This idea is carried forward in C which is obvious as it uses
the pronoun 'it' for laughter. B explains how narrators can
underline their perspective by using various tools of language.
D suggests how this perspective can be studied. The pronoun
'this' is used for 'the standpoint'. Also, humour, irony etc
mentioned in D connects with the tools - direct comments etc
mentioned in B. E concludes the paragraph (note the keyword
-thus) by referring to the important role of laughter in narration.
53. b Note that the paragraph moves from research in 'conflict
settings' to 'training' for research. A introduces the importance
of health research in conflict settings. E follows as it explains
what is meant by 'conflict settings' and why is it difficult to
conduct research in such settings. D refers to those who
conduct research and what they should reflect upon before
starting this process. The keyword 'conflict settings' mentioned
in E connects with 'such settings' in D. C follows D as it
explains how the quality of such research can be improved.
The keyword 'training' makes CB a mandatory pair. While C
explains the need for training in a broader use, B explains
how exactly that can be used to further the cause of health
research in conflict settings.
54. d The relationship between 'Vicissitude' and 'Stagnation' is of
antonyms. One of the meanings of 'Vicissitude' is the quality
or state of being changeable; mutability. Similarly, 'diffidence'
which means unassertiveness is an antonym of
'assertiveness'. 'Vexation' means an act of harassing or
vexing. 'Chagrin' means disquietude or distress of mind caused
by humiliation, disappointment or failure. 'Mortification' is a
sense of humiliation and shame caused by something that
wounds one's pride or self-respect. Mortification' also stands
for the cause of such humiliation or shame. 'Naivete' is a naive
remark or action. 'Ingenue' is a naive girl or a young woman. It
also stands for the stage role of an ingenue or an actress
playing such a role.
55. b Option (a) is unworthy of being chosen, as the idiomatic
expression "like something the cat dragged in" means to look
very shabby, worn, exhausted, or abused. Option (c) is also
ineligible, as the idiomatic expression " like a cat on a hot tin
roof" is to be nervous and unable to keep still. Option (d) is
also inept to be chosen, as if someone is "like a bump on a log"
he/she is completely inert and does not react in a useful or
helpful way to the activities happening around him/her. Only
option (b) is in line with the purport of the given sentence(s).
"like the cat who swallowed the canary" means displaying
a self-satisfied grin. It is used to talk about a person who
appears self-satisfied or smug, especially while concealing
something mischievous, prohibited, or private. The phrases "I
won him" and "gloating over..." convey that the lady discussed
in above question had just had a great success. She appears
smug and very satisfied while concealing something private
or somewhat unacceptable.
56. d Option (a) may look close but it is not a sure-fire solution to the
question and is rather a bit unverifiable opinion which cannot
be the logical extension of the given paragraph. We do not
have any data given in the paragraph to substantiate the
certainty claimed by option (a) that the oceans are not at all a
source but only a sink of carbon from the atmosphere. The
recent CO2 increase in the atmosphere could be due to human
activities or oceans or any other untouched reason like fossil
fuel burning and deforestation. The question, "Where could
such a huge amount have come from?" remains unanswered
in the given text although the paragraph moves on the subject
of discussion: the repercussions of the carbon spike.
Moreover in option (a) and the paragraph itself, we see that
the fact that oceans are acting sinks of carbon does not
negate or eliminate the possibility that they cannot be the
source of the same. Option (b) talks about oceans and does
not pair with the last line of the paragraph and goes adrift
from the course of discussion. Option (c) is negated as although
it elaborates on the environmental change caused by industrial
revolution and Anthropocene, but fails to further the discussion
on the repercussions of the carbon spike. As the last line of
the given paragraph talks about the "long tail" of the
Anthropocene and option (d) elaborates the same, it can be
easily glued to the paragraph. Hence, option (d) is the obvious
continuation of the given text.
57. a Only pair A exhibits synonymous relation 'Turpitude' means
inherent baseness. 'Depravity' means a corrupt act or practice.
B fails to have such a relationship. 'Sentience' refers to a
feeling or sensation as distinguished from perception and
thought. 'Cognizance' means knowledge or awareness.
58. c Both the pairs demonstrate a synonymous relationship. 'Stolid'
means having or expressing little or no sensibility. 'Phlegmatic'
means having or showing a slow and stolid temperament.
'Heretical' refers to something or someone characterized by
departure from accepted beliefs or standards : unorthodox.
59. d None of the pairs have a synonymous relationship. 'Arch'
means principal or chief. It also stands for mischevious or
saucy. 'Arcane' means difficult to understand. 'Eclectic' means
selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines,
methods, or styles or something composed of element drawn
from various sources. 'Esoteric' means designed for or
understood by the specially initiated alone.
60. b 'Titillate' is to excite pleasurably. 'Titivate' is to make smart or
spruce. 'Sarcastic' implies an intentional inflicting of pain by
deriding, taunting, or ridiculing. 'Sardonic' is a synonym of
sarcastic; 'sardonic' means derisively mocking or disdainfully
or skeptically humorous.
RC 2
73. This passage principally intends to:
(1) Extol disciplinary ideas.
(2) Recognize the great work done.
(3) Identify the creation and practice of an ideology.
(4) Extend religious beliefs.
(5) Create a feeling of curiosity
.
74. The phrase "defies categorization" in the passage means:
(1) Challenges classification.
(2) Resists grouping.
(3) Rebels labeling
(4) Disobeys groups
(5) Dares tagging
75. The last paragraph of the passage succeeds mainly in:
(1) Laying down the political ideologies of the times.
(2) Bringing out the greatness of the future leaders.
(3) Highlighting the evolution of Gandhian ideology.
(4) Defining true religion.
(5) Delineating the philosophy of life.
Mock - 02
DIRECTIONS for Questions 60 to 63: For the word given at the top of each table, match the dictionary
definition on the left (A, B, C, D) with their corresponding usage on the right (E, F, G, H). Out of the five
possibilities given in the boxes below the table, select the one that has all the definitions and their usages
closely matched.
definition on the left (A, B, C, D) with their corresponding usage on the right (E, F, G, H). Out of the five
possibilities given in the boxes below the table, select the one that has all the definitions and their usages
closely matched.
Thursday 14 April 2016
OAs VARC 15.04.16
36. c Option (a) can be inferred from the first paragraph as well as
second paragraph where Andrew Simms points out that "there
is a risk that the world economy will be kick-started again,
without learning the lessons of the "consumption explosion".
This clearly suggests that the consumption levels will most
definitely not fall down. Option (b) can be inferred from the
fifth paragraph. The 'yawning gap' between consumption
levels of poorest people and the rich are mentioned. This is
justified by the example of the energy consumption by an
American vs a Tanzanian. Option (c) is the best choice because
the third paragraph mentions "if we bankrupt critical
ecosystems no amount of government spending will bring
them back"; it is not necessary that a thing which cannot be
restored cannot be conserved. Finance many not be able to
restore critical ecosystems but it might help in conserving
them. Option (d) can be inferred from the first three lines of
the passage where the author blames the rich nations for
putting the world under ecological debt and its consequences.
This is reinforced in the fifth paragraph- 'Just 7% of the global
population produces 50% of greenhouse gas emissions.'
37. c Option (a) refers to 'a point of no return' whereas the 8th
paragraph refers to nations that have crossed the bearable
limit of consumption levels. The given option suggests these
nations will never be able to fix this problem whereas this is
not suggested anywhere in the passage. Option (b) refers to
the habit of consuming resources at a high rate. This option
fails to recognize that such a habit is common only to a few
nations. Earlier in the passage, the report mentions the
difference between the consumption levels of a Tanzanian
and an American. Option (c) clearly explains the motive behind
referring to 'wasteful over-consumption'. The last paragraph
clearly explains that such wasteful over- consumption is not
sustainable. Option (d) cannot be verified from the passage
because the author does not suggest anywhere that one will
definitely lead to the next.
38. d Option (a) is incorrect because throughout the passage the
main point of the author is to explain that some nations' lifestyles
have gone into 'wasteful over-consumption' and this rate of
consumption is unaffordable by the planet. Hence, this option
goes against the views that are expressed in the passage.
Option (b) is incorrect because it isn not suggested anywhere.
Nef argues that even if the consumption levels of the poor
increase, they will fail to improve the quality of life beyond a
point. Option (c) is incorrect because even though reducing
the ecological debt is author's main concern and the overall
impact of focusing on qualitative improvements will lead to
lessening of the ecological debt; this is not the reason why
author refers to focusing on qualitative improvements. Option
(d) is the best choice because the passage explains in the 6th
paragraph that consumption's ability to improve life is limited; it
provides short-term gains only. When consumption becomes
over-consumption, it stops improving the qualitative aspect of
life. Hence human beings should shift their focus to more
qualitative improvements in life.
39. b Option (a) cannot be conclusively inferred as the author lauds
various aspects of Rowlings work but as regards criticismthe
author is mild and guarded in his approach and not entirely
explicit. Although, the author uses the terms 'equal-opportunity
appropriator' with reference to Rowling, he in no way means
to accuse Rowling. Moreover the tone of the author is not
derogatory. So plagiarism would be an excessive label. Option
(c) is incorrect. The author does not feel that the instances
having real world underpinnings are laughably childish. In
fact as evidenced in the 1st paragraph, the author only notes
that Rowling acknowledged Hermione's preparations (made
before launching into a particularly dangerous offensive) as
laughably childish. Option (d) is also incorrect. Refer to the
lines "…she may leave you quibbling over her seemingly
inexhaustible stock of narrative coincidences, but you brush
aside these concerns because you care about the
characters." So the element of love and care in Rowling's
book is quite predominant over the effect created by the
narratives. Option (b) is correct. In the first para, the author
discusses the negative points of the book. Refer to the lines
"Another factor that eats considerably into the element of
danger is that practically every move of Voldemort's is sensed
comfortably ahead-of-time by Harry, thanks to his psychicallyconnected
scar." So the 'scar-factor' eats into the danger or
reduces the effect of danger.
40. b Option (a) is incorrect. We do not know whether the
appropriations or the other works go into the intricacies of
human relationships though the book may have gone into
human relationships. Option (c) is incorrect. It is not only the
evil empire which has real world underpinnings. The book
has real world underpinnings. Option (d) is incorrect as the
initial lines of the passage state that 'the story of a group of
rebels seeking to bring down an evil empire' is not new to pop
culture storytelling. It is the real world underpinnings which
make the story different. Option (b) is correct and apt to
represent what the author feels about 'Deathly Hallows'.
41. c Option (a) is excessive as although the author is respectful
towards Rowling's work, but to say that the author is enthralled
or influenced, is an incorrect inference. Options (b) and (d)
are insufficient to reflect the tonality of the passage. Refer to
the opening lines of second paragraph "... not to say Deathly
Hallows is anything less than a nail-biting read. A rescue
operation inside the Ministry of Magic is thrillingly written, and
the climactic battle is a real rouser". In these lines, we see that
author's tone is admiring. Also read, 3rd paragraph, where the
author touches the lacking facets of the book, "...Rowling
may leave you dissatisfied with the ..." and suggests us to
brush aside these concerns drawing our attention towards
our liking for the characters. Thus, it can be concluded that
the author's tone is analytical. He likes to examine things very
carefully.
42. c Option (a) is not the right answer as the purpose of nihilism is
not to establish itself after replacing the current social system.
Option (b) is not the correct answer, as nihilism cannot be
equated with delusion. Option (c) is the correct answer. The
lines from the first paragraph clearly state "the nihilist discovers
that all values are baseless and that reason is impotent. "Every
belief, every considering something-true," Nietzsche writes,
"is necessarily false because there is simply no true world".
This makes option (c) as the closest definition of nihilism by
the author. Option (d) is not the answer. Nihilism no doubt
opposes the social organization, but we don't have any
information to classify nihilism as an anarchist doctrine.
43. c Option (a) is not the correct answer as Nihilism was not the
primary reason for the collapse of the civilizations. Spengler
in his study noticed that the patterns of nihilism were present
as a conspicuous feature of collapsing civilizations but these
patterns cannot be claimed to be the primary reason for the
fall of these civilizations. Option (b) is not the correct answer.
The opinion in the option statement is opinion of Eugene Rose.
We cannot be sure that nihilism will definitely lead to a cold
and inhuman world. Option (c) is the correct answer. From
the lines "This collapse of meaning, relevance, and purpose
will be the most destructive force in history, constituting a
total assault on reality and nothing less than the greatest
crisis of humanity," option (c) can be inferred. Option (d) is not
the correct answer as we have no information to infer that
eastern doctrines use meditation and tantra for withdrawal
from the world.
44. d Option (a) is not the correct answer. It talks about the basic
values of nihilism. It emphasizes the redundancy of everything
including that of the consciousness. Option (b) is not the
correct choice. It appears to be a statement by a Nihilist. The
Nihilist has expressed that there are people who are not
willing to accept the ideas of nihilism. Option (c) is also talking
about the core ideas and tenets of nihilism. It talks about the
non-existence of the world and the inherent satire of a Nihilist.
Option (d) is the correct answer as it rejects the basic tents
of the nihilism. It clearly says that everything is something and
not nothing.
45. d Option (a) is incorrect because the modifier 'acting as a
facilitator or go-between' modifies the subject - the broker
who is the weak link. The word 'between' has been used
correctly in the sentence. Option (b) has one error. Even
though the subject - broker - has been placed correctly, the
word 'among' has been used incorrectly. 'Among' could have
been used if the communication were with one another within
a group or if the sentence referred to more than two parties.
However, if there is one-to-one correspondence, use
"between" even when more than two people, places or things
are being discussed. For example, "There is significant
disagreement on this issue between Germany, France and
Austria." Option (c) has three errors. Firstly, the subject has
not been moved to its correct place - right next to the modifier.
Secondly, the word 'among' has been used incorrectly. Thirdly,
the pronoun 'this' should be used in place of 'that person'
because 'this' is used for something or someone closest to
the thought of the speaker. Since the broker has been
mentioned, it is clear that the speaker is talking about this
person. Option (d) is grammatically correct.
46. d Option (a) contains two errors. First, the use of 'together'
with the word 'collaborate' is redundant. The word means to
work together. Hence, it is unnecessarily used in the sentence.
Second, there is a condition that is set in the given sentence.
Therefore, the word 'if' should replace 'when'. Option (b)
contains two errors. First, the conditional form 'if' should be
used in place of 'when'. Second it uses they for the collective
noun 'Faculty members association' which is being
represented as a single unit. Option (c) contains one error -
the error of redundancy. There is no need to use 'together'
with 'collaborate' because it means to work together. When
we remove 'together' from the sentence, the meaning of the
sentence is not altered. Option (d) contains no error.
47. b Option (a) is incorrect because the paragraph pertains to the
evolution and impact of "offshore" capitalism whereas this
option refers to how things were before the onset of this
new order. Option (b) is the best choice because the author
mentions the factors that enabled the evolution of 'offshore'
capitalism - offshore tax benefits and financialising of everyday
assets -which led to a major impact on world economies. This
'offshore wizardry' had its impact on world economies. From
discussing the evolution of 'offshore' capitalism, the paragraph
moves onto its impact on the world. Option (c) is incorrect
because, it goes away from the subject: it does not seem to
be a factor that enabled the evolution of offshore capitalism.
Option (d) refers to the final effect of 'offshore' capitalism
whereas the paragraph is still explaining how 'offshore'
capitalism evolved and shaped the markets and economies.
Hence, this statement does not fit in the given context.
48. b Option (a) is incorrect because the paragraph discusses the
inability of the modern industrial society to remove genderbased
inequality and then moves onto discuss the inability of
the legal system. This option deals with the inability of the
industrial setup whereas the paragraph has already moved
onto the next point. Hence, it is incorrect. Option (b) is the
best choice because it strictly pertains to 'equality' within the
purview of the legal system and how the law is unable to
translate 'legal provisions' regarding equality into action. Note
the keywords - 'legal provisions' and 'equality on paper' given
in the last line of the paragraph. Option (c) does not fit in this
context because it refers to what is needed (a complete
revolution in thinking) in society today whereas the paragraph
refers to the inability of the industrial system and the legal
system in altering gender-based inequalities in society. Option
(d) does not fit because it has been already established in the
paragraph that women have been proving their worth in society
by doing the same work that men do. This statement pertains
to the undying spirit of women whereas the paragraph has
moved onto discuss the inability of the legal system.
49. a Option (a) is the best choice because there is no grammatical
error in the given sentence. Option (b) is incorrect because
there is a subject -verb agreement error. 'The closing of illegal
shops….' is singular, so 'requires' is appropriate here. In the
sentence the relative pronoun 'who' should be used for
persons and not 'which'. Option (c) uses the future continuous
tense; however, the sentence establishes that these illegal
shops and buildings have already been built. So, the action
has completed in the past. Therefore, the use of future
continuous tense is inappropriate. Option (d) contains a
subject-verb agreement error, 'requires' should be used here.
Also, it uses the future perfect continuous tense which is
inappropriate in this case. This suggests that the builders
have not yet constructed these illegal shops but, the
construction will be in progress and will end in the future.
50. d Option (a) is incorrect because an incorrect tense is used
here. The word 'comes' should be 'came' because the
sentence refers to events in the past. Option (b) uses the
past tense correctly in the first part of the sentence but then
uses present perfect continuous 'has been working' instead
of the past perfect continuous tense 'had already started'.
Option (c) is incorrect because the first part of the sentence
uses the past tense but the second part 'comes' uses the
present tense. Option (d) is the best choice because it uses
the past tense appropriately.
51. c The paragraph refers to the nature, types and targets of old
joke tales. 'A' refers to certain characteristics that were mocked
in these jokes. E follows as it narrows down to focusing on
one type of jokes - stupidity. Then, D is an example of the
types of jokes in Estonia. Also the keywords mentioned in E
'different regions' leads to the example of Estonia in D. DCB
becomes a mandatory sequence since these three pertain
specifically to Estonia and the paragraph moves (from general
nature and types of jokes) to specific 'targets' of these jokes
like Foreigners. The pronoun 'their' used in B refers to the
'foreigners' given in C.
52. d The paragraph studies laughter both as a communicative factor
and as a stylistic device in narratives. It deals with laughter
as an expression of emotions in narratives. A is a conclusive
opinion about laughter which can be understood in many
ways and may not always function as a reaction to humour.
This idea is carried forward in C which is obvious as it uses
the pronoun 'it' for laughter. B explains how narrators can
underline their perspective by using various tools of language.
D suggests how this perspective can be studied. The pronoun
'this' is used for 'the standpoint'. Also, humour, irony etc
mentioned in D connects with the tools - direct comments etc
mentioned in B. E concludes the paragraph (note the keyword
-thus) by referring to the important role of laughter in narration.
53. b Note that the paragraph moves from research in 'conflict
settings' to 'training' for research. A introduces the importance
of health research in conflict settings. E follows as it explains
what is meant by 'conflict settings' and why is it difficult to
conduct research in such settings. D refers to those who
conduct research and what they should reflect upon before
starting this process. The keyword 'conflict settings' mentioned
in E connects with 'such settings' in D. C follows D as it
explains how the quality of such research can be improved.
The keyword 'training' makes CB a mandatory pair. While C
explains the need for training in a broader use, B explains
how exactly that can be used to further the cause of health
research in conflict settings.
54. d The relationship between 'Vicissitude' and 'Stagnation' is of
antonyms. One of the meanings of 'Vicissitude' is the quality
or state of being changeable; mutability. Similarly, 'diffidence'
which means unassertiveness is an antonym of
'assertiveness'. 'Vexation' means an act of harassing or
vexing. 'Chagrin' means disquietude or distress of mind caused
by humiliation, disappointment or failure. 'Mortification' is a
sense of humiliation and shame caused by something that
wounds one's pride or self-respect. Mortification' also stands
for the cause of such humiliation or shame. 'Naivete' is a naive
remark or action. 'Ingenue' is a naive girl or a young woman. It
also stands for the stage role of an ingenue or an actress
playing such a role.
55. b Option (a) is unworthy of being chosen, as the idiomatic
expression "like something the cat dragged in" means to look
very shabby, worn, exhausted, or abused. Option (c) is also
ineligible, as the idiomatic expression " like a cat on a hot tin
roof" is to be nervous and unable to keep still. Option (d) is
also inept to be chosen, as if someone is "like a bump on a log"
he/she is completely inert and does not react in a useful or
helpful way to the activities happening around him/her. Only
option (b) is in line with the purport of the given sentence(s).
"like the cat who swallowed the canary" means displaying
a self-satisfied grin. It is used to talk about a person who
appears self-satisfied or smug, especially while concealing
something mischievous, prohibited, or private. The phrases "I
won him" and "gloating over..." convey that the lady discussed
in above question had just had a great success. She appears
smug and very satisfied while concealing something private
or somewhat unacceptable.
56. d Option (a) may look close but it is not a sure-fire solution to the
question and is rather a bit unverifiable opinion which cannot
be the logical extension of the given paragraph. We do not
have any data given in the paragraph to substantiate the
certainty claimed by option (a) that the oceans are not at all a
source but only a sink of carbon from the atmosphere. The
recent CO2 increase in the atmosphere could be due to human
activities or oceans or any other untouched reason like fossil
fuel burning and deforestation. The question, "Where could
such a huge amount have come from?" remains unanswered
in the given text although the paragraph moves on the subject
of discussion: the repercussions of the carbon spike.
Moreover in option (a) and the paragraph itself, we see that
the fact that oceans are acting sinks of carbon does not
negate or eliminate the possibility that they cannot be the
source of the same. Option (b) talks about oceans and does
not pair with the last line of the paragraph and goes adrift
from the course of discussion. Option (c) is negated as although
it elaborates on the environmental change caused by industrial
revolution and Anthropocene, but fails to further the discussion
on the repercussions of the carbon spike. As the last line of
the given paragraph talks about the "long tail" of the
Anthropocene and option (d) elaborates the same, it can be
easily glued to the paragraph. Hence, option (d) is the obvious
continuation of the given text.
57. a Only pair A exhibits synonymous relation 'Turpitude' means
inherent baseness. 'Depravity' means a corrupt act or practice.
B fails to have such a relationship. 'Sentience' refers to a
feeling or sensation as distinguished from perception and
thought. 'Cognizance' means knowledge or awareness.
58. c Both the pairs demonstrate a synonymous relationship. 'Stolid'
means having or expressing little or no sensibility. 'Phlegmatic'
means having or showing a slow and stolid temperament.
'Heretical' refers to something or someone characterized by
departure from accepted beliefs or standards : unorthodox.
59. d None of the pairs have a synonymous relationship. 'Arch'
means principal or chief. It also stands for mischevious or
saucy. 'Arcane' means difficult to understand. 'Eclectic' means
selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines,
methods, or styles or something composed of element drawn
from various sources. 'Esoteric' means designed for or
understood by the specially initiated alone.
60. b 'Titillate' is to excite pleasurably. 'Titivate' is to make smart or
spruce. 'Sarcastic' implies an intentional inflicting of pain by
deriding, taunting, or ridiculing. 'Sardonic' is a synonym of
sarcastic; 'sardonic' means derisively mocking or disdainfully
or skeptically humorous.
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