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CAT 2021 Slot 1 question paper with answer key

This is the complete CAT 2021 Slot 1 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·Specific Detail

Cuttlefish are full of personality, as behavioral ecologist Alexandra Schnell found out while researching the cephalopod's potential to display self-control.......“Self-control is thought to be the cornerstone of intelligence, as it is an important prerequisite for complex decision-making and planning for the future,” says Schnell..... Schnell's study used a modified version of the “marshmallow test”...... During the original marshmallow test, psychologist Walter Mischel presented children between age four and six with one marshmallow. He told them that if they waited 15 minutes and didn’t eat it, he would give them a second marshmallo. A long-term follow-up study showed that the children who waited for the second marshmallow had more success later in life..... The cuttlefish version of the experiment looked a lot different. The researchers worked with six cuttlefish under nine months old and presented them with seafood instead of sweets. (Preliminary experiments showed that cuttlefishes’ favorite food is live grass shrimp, while raw prawns are so-so and Asian shore crab is nearly unacceptable.) Since the researchers couldn’t explain to the cuttlefish that they would need to wait for their shrimp, they trained them to recognize certain shapes that indicated when a food item would become available. The symbols were pasted on transparent drawers so that the cuttlefish could see the food that was stored inside. One drawer, labeled with a circle to mean “immediate,” held raw king prawn. Another drawer, labeled with a triangle to mean “delayed,” held live grass shrimp. During a control experiment, square labels meant “never.” “If their self-control is flexible and I hadn’t just trained them to wait in any context, you would expect the cuttlefish to take the immediate reward in the control, even if it’s their second preference,” says Schnell . . .and that’s what they did. That showed the researchers that cuttlefish wouldn’t reject the prawns if it was the only food available. In the experimental trials, the cuttlefish didn’t jump on the prawns if the live grass shrimp were labeled with a triangle—many waited for the shrimp drawer to open up. Each time the cuttlefish showed it could wait, the researchers tacked another ten seconds on to the next round of waiting before releasing the shrimp. The longest that a cuttlefish waited was 130 seconds. Schnell says that the cuttlefish usually sat at the bottom of the tank and looked at the two food items while they waited, but sometimes, they would turn away from the king prawn “as if to distract themselves from the temptation of the immediate reward.” In past studies, humans, chimpanzees, parrots and dogs also tried to distract themselves while waiting for a reward. Not every species can use self-control, but most of the animals that can share another trait in common: long, social lives. Cuttlefish, on the other hand, are solitary creatures that don’t form relationships even with mates or young...... “We don’t know if living in a social group is important for complex cognition unless we also show those abilities are lacking in less social species,” says..... comparative psychologist Jennifer Vonk.

All of the following constitute a point of difference between the “original” and “modified” versions of the marshmallow test EXCEPT that:

  • Athe former was performed over a longer time span than the latter.
  • Bthe former had human subjects, while the latter had cuttlefish.
  • Cthe former used verbal communication with its subjects, while the latter had to develop a symbolic means of communication.
  • Dthe former correlated self-control and future success, while the latter correlated self-control and survival advantages.Correct answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D The stem asks which listed contrast is *not* a real difference between Mischel’s marshmallow test and Schnell’s cuttlefish version. The original used children, spoken instructions, and a much longer wait; the modified test used cuttlefish and shape cues because speech was impossible. Option D invents a parallel “correlation design”: the children’s follow-up linked waiting to later life success, but the cuttlefish trials measured waiting behaviour itself—they did not score self-control against measured survival payoffs. Survival advantages appear only as an evolutionary speculation, not as what the modified test correlated. Why the others fail: • A — Kids faced a ~15-minute delay; cuttlefish waits were on the order of tens of seconds, so duration really differs. • B — Species of subject is an explicit methodological contrast (children vs cephalopods). • C — Humans got verbal rules; cuttlefish needed trained geometric labels, another genuine design difference.
Q2Reading Comprehension·Inference

Cuttlefish are full of personality, as behavioral ecologist Alexandra Schnell found out while researching the cephalopod's potential to display self-control.......“Self-control is thought to be the cornerstone of intelligence, as it is an important prerequisite for complex decision-making and planning for the future,” says Schnell..... Schnell's study used a modified version of the “marshmallow test”...... During the original marshmallow test, psychologist Walter Mischel presented children between age four and six with one marshmallow. He told them that if they waited 15 minutes and didn’t eat it, he would give them a second marshmallo. A long-term follow-up study showed that the children who waited for the second marshmallow had more success later in life..... The cuttlefish version of the experiment looked a lot different. The researchers worked with six cuttlefish under nine months old and presented them with seafood instead of sweets. (Preliminary experiments showed that cuttlefishes’ favorite food is live grass shrimp, while raw prawns are so-so and Asian shore crab is nearly unacceptable.) Since the researchers couldn’t explain to the cuttlefish that they would need to wait for their shrimp, they trained them to recognize certain shapes that indicated when a food item would become available. The symbols were pasted on transparent drawers so that the cuttlefish could see the food that was stored inside. One drawer, labeled with a circle to mean “immediate,” held raw king prawn. Another drawer, labeled with a triangle to mean “delayed,” held live grass shrimp. During a control experiment, square labels meant “never.” “If their self-control is flexible and I hadn’t just trained them to wait in any context, you would expect the cuttlefish to take the immediate reward in the control, even if it’s their second preference,” says Schnell . . .and that’s what they did. That showed the researchers that cuttlefish wouldn’t reject the prawns if it was the only food available. In the experimental trials, the cuttlefish didn’t jump on the prawns if the live grass shrimp were labeled with a triangle—many waited for the shrimp drawer to open up. Each time the cuttlefish showed it could wait, the researchers tacked another ten seconds on to the next round of waiting before releasing the shrimp. The longest that a cuttlefish waited was 130 seconds. Schnell says that the cuttlefish usually sat at the bottom of the tank and looked at the two food items while they waited, but sometimes, they would turn away from the king prawn “as if to distract themselves from the temptation of the immediate reward.” In past studies, humans, chimpanzees, parrots and dogs also tried to distract themselves while waiting for a reward. Not every species can use self-control, but most of the animals that can share another trait in common: long, social lives. Cuttlefish, on the other hand, are solitary creatures that don’t form relationships even with mates or young...... “We don’t know if living in a social group is important for complex cognition unless we also show those abilities are lacking in less social species,” says..... comparative psychologist Jennifer Vonk.

In which one of the following scenarios would the cuttlefish’s behaviour demonstrate self-control?

  • Araw prawns are released while an Asian shore crab drawer labelled with a triangle is placed in front of the cuttlefish, to be opened after one minute.
  • Braw prawns are released while a live grass shrimp drawer labelled with a square is placed in front of the cuttlefish.
  • CAsian shore crabs and raw prawns are simultaneously released while a live grass shrimp drawer labelled with a triangle is placed in front of the cuttlefish, to be opened after one minute.Correct answer
  • Dlive grass shrimp are released while two raw prawn drawers labelled with a circle and a triangle respectively are placed in front of the cuttlefish; the triangle-labelled drawer is opened after 50 seconds.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C Self-control here means forgoing an immediately available, less-liked food to wait for preferred live grass shrimp when a triangle signals delay. Only C puts lesser foods (crabs and prawns) within reach now while a triangle-labelled shrimp drawer opens after a minute—so waiting truly trades present reward for a better future one. Why the others fail: • A — Triangle marks the worst food (crab), so waiting is not for a preferred payoff; that is not the self-control trade-off the study trained. • B — Square means “never,” so there is no delayed better option to wait for; taking prawns is just taking what’s available. • D — Preferred shrimp are already free; waiting for prawn drawers (inferior food) is the opposite of the paradigm.
Q3Reading Comprehension·Inference

Cuttlefish are full of personality, as behavioral ecologist Alexandra Schnell found out while researching the cephalopod's potential to display self-control.......“Self-control is thought to be the cornerstone of intelligence, as it is an important prerequisite for complex decision-making and planning for the future,” says Schnell..... Schnell's study used a modified version of the “marshmallow test”...... During the original marshmallow test, psychologist Walter Mischel presented children between age four and six with one marshmallow. He told them that if they waited 15 minutes and didn’t eat it, he would give them a second marshmallo. A long-term follow-up study showed that the children who waited for the second marshmallow had more success later in life..... The cuttlefish version of the experiment looked a lot different. The researchers worked with six cuttlefish under nine months old and presented them with seafood instead of sweets. (Preliminary experiments showed that cuttlefishes’ favorite food is live grass shrimp, while raw prawns are so-so and Asian shore crab is nearly unacceptable.) Since the researchers couldn’t explain to the cuttlefish that they would need to wait for their shrimp, they trained them to recognize certain shapes that indicated when a food item would become available. The symbols were pasted on transparent drawers so that the cuttlefish could see the food that was stored inside. One drawer, labeled with a circle to mean “immediate,” held raw king prawn. Another drawer, labeled with a triangle to mean “delayed,” held live grass shrimp. During a control experiment, square labels meant “never.” “If their self-control is flexible and I hadn’t just trained them to wait in any context, you would expect the cuttlefish to take the immediate reward in the control, even if it’s their second preference,” says Schnell . . .and that’s what they did. That showed the researchers that cuttlefish wouldn’t reject the prawns if it was the only food available. In the experimental trials, the cuttlefish didn’t jump on the prawns if the live grass shrimp were labeled with a triangle—many waited for the shrimp drawer to open up. Each time the cuttlefish showed it could wait, the researchers tacked another ten seconds on to the next round of waiting before releasing the shrimp. The longest that a cuttlefish waited was 130 seconds. Schnell says that the cuttlefish usually sat at the bottom of the tank and looked at the two food items while they waited, but sometimes, they would turn away from the king prawn “as if to distract themselves from the temptation of the immediate reward.” In past studies, humans, chimpanzees, parrots and dogs also tried to distract themselves while waiting for a reward. Not every species can use self-control, but most of the animals that can share another trait in common: long, social lives. Cuttlefish, on the other hand, are solitary creatures that don’t form relationships even with mates or young...... “We don’t know if living in a social group is important for complex cognition unless we also show those abilities are lacking in less social species,” says..... comparative psychologist Jennifer Vonk.

Which one of the following, if true, would best complement the passage’s findings?

  • ACuttlefish wait longer than 100 seconds for the shrimp drawer to open up.
  • BCuttlefish are equally fond of live grass shrimp and raw prawn.
  • CCuttlefish live in big groups that exhibit sociability.Correct answer
  • DCuttlefish cannot distinguish between geometrical shapes.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C The passage’s broader pattern is that species showing self-control usually lead long, social lives; cuttlefish are cast as a solitary exception that still waited. If cuttlefish actually lived in sociable groups, their demonstrated self-control would line up with that pattern and thereby complement—rather than complicate—the reported association between social living and complex cognition. Why the others fail: • A — Longer waits only intensify a result already stated; they do not repair the sociality puzzle the text highlights. • B — Equal preference for shrimp and prawn would wreck the preference hierarchy the experiment needs, undermining rather than complementing the findings. • D — Inability to read shapes would make the symbolic training impossible, contradicting the study’s method.
Q4Reading Comprehension·Inference

Cuttlefish are full of personality, as behavioral ecologist Alexandra Schnell found out while researching the cephalopod's potential to display self-control.......“Self-control is thought to be the cornerstone of intelligence, as it is an important prerequisite for complex decision-making and planning for the future,” says Schnell..... Schnell's study used a modified version of the “marshmallow test”...... During the original marshmallow test, psychologist Walter Mischel presented children between age four and six with one marshmallow. He told them that if they waited 15 minutes and didn’t eat it, he would give them a second marshmallo. A long-term follow-up study showed that the children who waited for the second marshmallow had more success later in life..... The cuttlefish version of the experiment looked a lot different. The researchers worked with six cuttlefish under nine months old and presented them with seafood instead of sweets. (Preliminary experiments showed that cuttlefishes’ favorite food is live grass shrimp, while raw prawns are so-so and Asian shore crab is nearly unacceptable.) Since the researchers couldn’t explain to the cuttlefish that they would need to wait for their shrimp, they trained them to recognize certain shapes that indicated when a food item would become available. The symbols were pasted on transparent drawers so that the cuttlefish could see the food that was stored inside. One drawer, labeled with a circle to mean “immediate,” held raw king prawn. Another drawer, labeled with a triangle to mean “delayed,” held live grass shrimp. During a control experiment, square labels meant “never.” “If their self-control is flexible and I hadn’t just trained them to wait in any context, you would expect the cuttlefish to take the immediate reward in the control, even if it’s their second preference,” says Schnell . . .and that’s what they did. That showed the researchers that cuttlefish wouldn’t reject the prawns if it was the only food available. In the experimental trials, the cuttlefish didn’t jump on the prawns if the live grass shrimp were labeled with a triangle—many waited for the shrimp drawer to open up. Each time the cuttlefish showed it could wait, the researchers tacked another ten seconds on to the next round of waiting before releasing the shrimp. The longest that a cuttlefish waited was 130 seconds. Schnell says that the cuttlefish usually sat at the bottom of the tank and looked at the two food items while they waited, but sometimes, they would turn away from the king prawn “as if to distract themselves from the temptation of the immediate reward.” In past studies, humans, chimpanzees, parrots and dogs also tried to distract themselves while waiting for a reward. Not every species can use self-control, but most of the animals that can share another trait in common: long, social lives. Cuttlefish, on the other hand, are solitary creatures that don’t form relationships even with mates or young...... “We don’t know if living in a social group is important for complex cognition unless we also show those abilities are lacking in less social species,” says..... comparative psychologist Jennifer Vonk.

Which one of the following cannot be inferred from Alexandra Schnell’s experiment?

  • ACuttlefish exert self-control with the help of diversions.
  • BCuttlefish exercise choice when it comes to food
  • CIntelligence in a species is impossible without sociability.Correct answer
  • DLike human children, cuttlefish are capable of self-control.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C Schnell’s work shows solitary cuttlefish can wait for preferred food, which cuts against treating sociability as a necessary condition for such cognition. You therefore cannot infer that intelligence is impossible without sociability—that claim is exactly what the solitary success story puts in doubt. Why the others fail: • A — The text notes cuttlefish sometimes turned away or occupied themselves while waiting, so diversion-aided restraint is supported. • B — Preference rankings (shrimp > prawn > crab) and choice behaviour are central to the design. • D — Parallel to the marshmallow logic is the study’s point: cuttlefish, like children, can delay gratification.
Q5Reading Comprehension·Inference

We cannot travel outside our neighbourhood without passports. We must wear the same plainclothes. We must exchange our houses every ten years. We cannot avoid labour. We all go to bed at the same time…. We have religious freedom, but we cannot deny that the soul dies with the body, since ‘but for the fear of punishment, they would have nothing but contempt for the laws and customs of society'…… In More’s time, for much of the population, given the plenty and security on offer, such restraints would not have seemed overly unreasonable. For modern readers, however, Utopia appears to rely upon relentless transparency, the repression of variety, and the curtailment of privacy. Utopia provides security: but at what price? In both its external and internal relations, indeed, it seems perilously dystopian. Such a conclusion might be fortified by examining selectively the tradition which follows More on these points. This often portrays societies where….. 'it would be almost impossible for man to be depraved, or wicked'…….This is achieved both through institutions and mores, which underpin the common life……. The passions are regulated and inequalities of wealth and distinction are minimized. Needs, vanity, and emulation are restrained, often by prizing equality and holding riches in contempt. The desire for public power is curbed. Marriage and sexual intercourse are often controlled: in Tommaso Campanella’s The City of the Sun (1623), the first great literary utopia after More’s, relations are forbidden to men before the age of twenty-one and women before nineteen. Communal child-rearing is normal; for Campanella this commences at age two. Greater simplicity of life, ‘living according to nature’, is often a result: the desire for simplicity and purity are closely related. People become more alike in appearance, opinion, and outlook than they often have been. Unity, order, and homogeneity thus prevail at the cost of individuality and diversity. This model, as J. C. Davis demonstrates, dominated early modern utopianism….And utopian homogeneity remains a familiar theme well into the twentieth century. Given these considerations, it is not unreasonable to take as our starting point here the hypothesis that utopia and dystopia evidently share more in common than is often supposed. Indeed, they might be twins, the progeny of the same parents. Insofar as this proves to be the case, my linkage of both here will be uncomfortably close for some readers. Yet we should not mistake this argument for the assertion that all utopias are, or tend to produce, dystopias. Those who defend this proposition will find that their association here is not nearly close enough. For we have only to acknowledge the existence of thousands of successful intentional communities in which a cooperative ethos predominates and where harmony without coercion is the rule to set aside such an assertion. Here the individual’s submersion in the group is consensual (though this concept is not unproblematic). It results not in enslavement but voluntary submission to group norms. Harmony is achieved without…...harming others.

All of the following statements can be inferred from the passage EXCEPT that:

  • Autopian and dystopian societies are twins, the progeny of the same parents.Correct answer
  • Bit is possible to see utopias as dystopias, with a change in perspective, because one person’s utopia could be seen as another’s dystopia.
  • Cutopian societies exist in a long tradition of literature dealing with imaginary people practicing imaginary customs, in imaginary worlds.
  • Dmany conceptions of utopian societies emphasise the importance of social uniformity and cultural homogeneity.

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A The passage links utopia and dystopia through shared traits (transparency, sameness, curtailed privacy) and notes that one reader’s utopia can look dystopian from another angle, but it never treats them as twin offspring of the same parents. That genealogical metaphor is not in the text, so A is not inferable. Why the others fail: • B — Modern discomfort with More’s restraints is precisely the utopia-as-dystopia shift the author describes. • C — Imaginary customs and worlds are the literary tradition the essay situates Utopia within. • D — Homogeneity, uniformity, and repressed variety are repeatedly stressed as utopian hallmarks.
Q6Reading Comprehension·Inference

We cannot travel outside our neighbourhood without passports. We must wear the same plainclothes. We must exchange our houses every ten years. We cannot avoid labour. We all go to bed at the same time…. We have religious freedom, but we cannot deny that the soul dies with the body, since ‘but for the fear of punishment, they would have nothing but contempt for the laws and customs of society'…… In More’s time, for much of the population, given the plenty and security on offer, such restraints would not have seemed overly unreasonable. For modern readers, however, Utopia appears to rely upon relentless transparency, the repression of variety, and the curtailment of privacy. Utopia provides security: but at what price? In both its external and internal relations, indeed, it seems perilously dystopian. Such a conclusion might be fortified by examining selectively the tradition which follows More on these points. This often portrays societies where….. 'it would be almost impossible for man to be depraved, or wicked'…….This is achieved both through institutions and mores, which underpin the common life……. The passions are regulated and inequalities of wealth and distinction are minimized. Needs, vanity, and emulation are restrained, often by prizing equality and holding riches in contempt. The desire for public power is curbed. Marriage and sexual intercourse are often controlled: in Tommaso Campanella’s The City of the Sun (1623), the first great literary utopia after More’s, relations are forbidden to men before the age of twenty-one and women before nineteen. Communal child-rearing is normal; for Campanella this commences at age two. Greater simplicity of life, ‘living according to nature’, is often a result: the desire for simplicity and purity are closely related. People become more alike in appearance, opinion, and outlook than they often have been. Unity, order, and homogeneity thus prevail at the cost of individuality and diversity. This model, as J. C. Davis demonstrates, dominated early modern utopianism….And utopian homogeneity remains a familiar theme well into the twentieth century. Given these considerations, it is not unreasonable to take as our starting point here the hypothesis that utopia and dystopia evidently share more in common than is often supposed. Indeed, they might be twins, the progeny of the same parents. Insofar as this proves to be the case, my linkage of both here will be uncomfortably close for some readers. Yet we should not mistake this argument for the assertion that all utopias are, or tend to produce, dystopias. Those who defend this proposition will find that their association here is not nearly close enough. For we have only to acknowledge the existence of thousands of successful intentional communities in which a cooperative ethos predominates and where harmony without coercion is the rule to set aside such an assertion. Here the individual’s submersion in the group is consensual (though this concept is not unproblematic). It results not in enslavement but voluntary submission to group norms. Harmony is achieved without…...harming others.

Which sequence of words below best captures the narrative of the passage?

  • ARelentless transparency – Homogeneity – Utopia – Dystopia.
  • BCurtailment of privacy – Dystopia – Utopia – Intentional community.
  • CUtopia – Security – Dystopia – Coercion.
  • DUtopia – Security – Homogeneity – Intentional community.Correct answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D The arc runs from More’s Utopia, through the plenty/security that made restraints feel reasonable, into homogeneity as the governing ideal, and finally to intentional communities where people voluntarily accept group norms. D is the only sequence that tracks that narrative without smuggling in dystopia or coercion as the destination. Why the others fail: • A — Starts mid-critique and ends by collapsing utopia into dystopia, which is a modern reading, not the passage’s full storyline. • B — Leads with dystopia and never develops the intentional-community resolution the text actually reaches. • C — Ends on coercion, which the intentional-community discussion is used to set aside.
Q7Reading Comprehension·Inference

We cannot travel outside our neighbourhood without passports. We must wear the same plainclothes. We must exchange our houses every ten years. We cannot avoid labour. We all go to bed at the same time…. We have religious freedom, but we cannot deny that the soul dies with the body, since ‘but for the fear of punishment, they would have nothing but contempt for the laws and customs of society'…… In More’s time, for much of the population, given the plenty and security on offer, such restraints would not have seemed overly unreasonable. For modern readers, however, Utopia appears to rely upon relentless transparency, the repression of variety, and the curtailment of privacy. Utopia provides security: but at what price? In both its external and internal relations, indeed, it seems perilously dystopian. Such a conclusion might be fortified by examining selectively the tradition which follows More on these points. This often portrays societies where….. 'it would be almost impossible for man to be depraved, or wicked'…….This is achieved both through institutions and mores, which underpin the common life……. The passions are regulated and inequalities of wealth and distinction are minimized. Needs, vanity, and emulation are restrained, often by prizing equality and holding riches in contempt. The desire for public power is curbed. Marriage and sexual intercourse are often controlled: in Tommaso Campanella’s The City of the Sun (1623), the first great literary utopia after More’s, relations are forbidden to men before the age of twenty-one and women before nineteen. Communal child-rearing is normal; for Campanella this commences at age two. Greater simplicity of life, ‘living according to nature’, is often a result: the desire for simplicity and purity are closely related. People become more alike in appearance, opinion, and outlook than they often have been. Unity, order, and homogeneity thus prevail at the cost of individuality and diversity. This model, as J. C. Davis demonstrates, dominated early modern utopianism….And utopian homogeneity remains a familiar theme well into the twentieth century. Given these considerations, it is not unreasonable to take as our starting point here the hypothesis that utopia and dystopia evidently share more in common than is often supposed. Indeed, they might be twins, the progeny of the same parents. Insofar as this proves to be the case, my linkage of both here will be uncomfortably close for some readers. Yet we should not mistake this argument for the assertion that all utopias are, or tend to produce, dystopias. Those who defend this proposition will find that their association here is not nearly close enough. For we have only to acknowledge the existence of thousands of successful intentional communities in which a cooperative ethos predominates and where harmony without coercion is the rule to set aside such an assertion. Here the individual’s submersion in the group is consensual (though this concept is not unproblematic). It results not in enslavement but voluntary submission to group norms. Harmony is achieved without…...harming others.

All of the following arguments are made in the passage EXCEPT that:

  • Ain More’s time, there was plenty and security, so people did not need restraints that could appear unreasonable.Correct answer
  • Bin early modern utopianism, the stability of utopian societies was seen to be achieved only with individuals surrendering their sense of self.
  • Cthere have been thousands of communities where homogeneity and stability have been achieved through choice, rather than by force.
  • Dthe tradition of utopian literature has often shown societies in which it would be nearly impossible for anyone to be sinful or criminal.

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A The passage says that *given* plenty and security, More’s restraints would not have seemed overly unreasonable to many contemporaries—not that people “did not need” restraints. A misstates that nuance, so it is not an argument the passage makes. Why the others fail: • B — Early modern utopias are said to stabilize by individuals surrendering a strong sense of separate self. • C — Thousands of intentional communities achieving harmony by choice rather than force are explicitly invoked. • D — Literary utopias often design life so wickedness is nearly impossible; that claim is present.
Q8Reading Comprehension·Inference

We cannot travel outside our neighbourhood without passports. We must wear the same plainclothes. We must exchange our houses every ten years. We cannot avoid labour. We all go to bed at the same time…. We have religious freedom, but we cannot deny that the soul dies with the body, since ‘but for the fear of punishment, they would have nothing but contempt for the laws and customs of society'…… In More’s time, for much of the population, given the plenty and security on offer, such restraints would not have seemed overly unreasonable. For modern readers, however, Utopia appears to rely upon relentless transparency, the repression of variety, and the curtailment of privacy. Utopia provides security: but at what price? In both its external and internal relations, indeed, it seems perilously dystopian. Such a conclusion might be fortified by examining selectively the tradition which follows More on these points. This often portrays societies where….. 'it would be almost impossible for man to be depraved, or wicked'…….This is achieved both through institutions and mores, which underpin the common life……. The passions are regulated and inequalities of wealth and distinction are minimized. Needs, vanity, and emulation are restrained, often by prizing equality and holding riches in contempt. The desire for public power is curbed. Marriage and sexual intercourse are often controlled: in Tommaso Campanella’s The City of the Sun (1623), the first great literary utopia after More’s, relations are forbidden to men before the age of twenty-one and women before nineteen. Communal child-rearing is normal; for Campanella this commences at age two. Greater simplicity of life, ‘living according to nature’, is often a result: the desire for simplicity and purity are closely related. People become more alike in appearance, opinion, and outlook than they often have been. Unity, order, and homogeneity thus prevail at the cost of individuality and diversity. This model, as J. C. Davis demonstrates, dominated early modern utopianism….And utopian homogeneity remains a familiar theme well into the twentieth century. Given these considerations, it is not unreasonable to take as our starting point here the hypothesis that utopia and dystopia evidently share more in common than is often supposed. Indeed, they might be twins, the progeny of the same parents. Insofar as this proves to be the case, my linkage of both here will be uncomfortably close for some readers. Yet we should not mistake this argument for the assertion that all utopias are, or tend to produce, dystopias. Those who defend this proposition will find that their association here is not nearly close enough. For we have only to acknowledge the existence of thousands of successful intentional communities in which a cooperative ethos predominates and where harmony without coercion is the rule to set aside such an assertion. Here the individual’s submersion in the group is consensual (though this concept is not unproblematic). It results not in enslavement but voluntary submission to group norms. Harmony is achieved without…...harming others.

Following from the passage, which one of the following may be seen as a characteristic of a utopian society?

  • AThe regulation of homogeneity through promoting competitive heterogeneity.
  • BA society where public power is earned through merit rather than through privilege.
  • CA society without any laws to restrain one’s individuality.
  • DInstitutional surveillance of every individual to ensure his/her security and welfareCorrect answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D Utopian order in the tradition surveyed depends on transparency, regulated conduct, and minimized privacy—surveillance-like oversight in service of security and welfare. D matches that institutional picture. Why the others fail: • A — Utopias repress variety; they do not promote competitive heterogeneity to regulate sameness. • B — Public power is typically curbed, not allocated by a merit contest the passage describes. • C — Utopias are dense with laws and mores that restrain individuality, not free of them.
Q9Reading Comprehension·Specific Detail

The sleights of hand that conflate consumption with virtue are a central theme in A Thirst for Empire, a sweeping and richly detailed history of tea by the historian Erika Rappaport. How did tea evolve from an obscure “China drink” to a universal beverage imbued with civilizing properties? The answer, in brief, revolves around this conflation, not only by profit-motivated marketers but by a wide variety of interest groups. While abundant historical records have allowed the study of how tea itself moved from east to west, Rappaport is focused on the movement of the idea of tea to suit particular purposes. Beginning in the 1700s, the temperance movement advocated for tea as a pleasure that cheered but did not inebriate, and industrialists soon borrowed this moral argument in advancing their case for free trade in tea (and hence more open markets for their textiles).Factory owners joined in, compelled by the cause of a sober workforce, while Christian missionaries discovered that tea “would soothe any colonial encounter”. During the Second World War, tea service was presented as a social and patriotic activity that uplifted soldiers and calmed refugees. But it was tea’s consumer-directed marketing by importers and retailers – and later by brands– that most closely portends current trade debates. An early version of the “farm to table” movement was sparked by anti-Chinese sentiment and concerns over trade deficits, as well as by the reality and threat of adulterated tea containing dirt and hedge clippings. Lipton was soon advertising “from the Garden to Tea Cup” supply chains originating in British India and supervised by “educated Englishmen”. While tea marketing always presented direct consumer benefits (health, energy, relaxation), tea drinkers were also assured that they were participating in a larger noble project that advanced the causes of family, nation and civilization. . . . Rappaport’s treatment of her subject is refreshingly apolitical. Indeed, it is a virtue that readers will be unable to guess her political orientation: both the miracle of markets and capitalism’s dark underbelly are evident in tea’s complex story, as are the complicated effects of British colonialism. . . . Commodity histories are now themselves commodities: recent works investigate cotton, salt, cod, sugar, chocolate, paper and milk. And morality marketing is now a commodity as well, applied to food, “fair trade” apparel and eco-tourism. Yet tea is, Rappaport makes clear, a world apart – an astonishing success story in which tea marketers not only succeeded in conveying a sense of moral elevation to the consumer but also arguably did advance the cause of civilisation and community. I have been offered tea at a British garden party, a Bedouin campfire, a Turkish carpet shop and a Japanese chashitsu, to name a few settings. In each case the offering was more an idea – friendship, community, respect – than a drink, and in each case the idea then created a reality. It is not a stretch to say that tea marketers have advanced the particularly noble cause of human dialogue and friendship.

According to this book review, A Thirst for Empire says that, in addition to “profit-motivated marketers”, tea drinking was promoted in Britain by all of the following EXCEPT:

  • Athe anti-alcohol lobby as a substitute for the consumption of liquor.
  • Btea drinkers lobbying for product diversity.Correct answer
  • Cmanufacturers who were pressing for duty-free imports
  • Dfactories to instill sobriety in their labour

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B Rappaport’s story has temperance advocates, manufacturers seeking freer tea trade, and factory owners pushing a sober workforce—plus marketers. Nowhere does the review say tea drinkers themselves lobbied for product diversity, so B is the exception. Why the others fail: • A — The temperance movement’s anti-alcohol pitch for tea is stated. • C — Manufacturers pressing the free-trade/duty case appear in the account. • D — Factory owners’ interest in sobriety is explicitly listed among promoters.
Q10Reading Comprehension·Specific Detail

The sleights of hand that conflate consumption with virtue are a central theme in A Thirst for Empire, a sweeping and richly detailed history of tea by the historian Erika Rappaport. How did tea evolve from an obscure “China drink” to a universal beverage imbued with civilizing properties? The answer, in brief, revolves around this conflation, not only by profit-motivated marketers but by a wide variety of interest groups. While abundant historical records have allowed the study of how tea itself moved from east to west, Rappaport is focused on the movement of the idea of tea to suit particular purposes. Beginning in the 1700s, the temperance movement advocated for tea as a pleasure that cheered but did not inebriate, and industrialists soon borrowed this moral argument in advancing their case for free trade in tea (and hence more open markets for their textiles).Factory owners joined in, compelled by the cause of a sober workforce, while Christian missionaries discovered that tea “would soothe any colonial encounter”. During the Second World War, tea service was presented as a social and patriotic activity that uplifted soldiers and calmed refugees. But it was tea’s consumer-directed marketing by importers and retailers – and later by brands– that most closely portends current trade debates. An early version of the “farm to table” movement was sparked by anti-Chinese sentiment and concerns over trade deficits, as well as by the reality and threat of adulterated tea containing dirt and hedge clippings. Lipton was soon advertising “from the Garden to Tea Cup” supply chains originating in British India and supervised by “educated Englishmen”. While tea marketing always presented direct consumer benefits (health, energy, relaxation), tea drinkers were also assured that they were participating in a larger noble project that advanced the causes of family, nation and civilization. . . . Rappaport’s treatment of her subject is refreshingly apolitical. Indeed, it is a virtue that readers will be unable to guess her political orientation: both the miracle of markets and capitalism’s dark underbelly are evident in tea’s complex story, as are the complicated effects of British colonialism. . . . Commodity histories are now themselves commodities: recent works investigate cotton, salt, cod, sugar, chocolate, paper and milk. And morality marketing is now a commodity as well, applied to food, “fair trade” apparel and eco-tourism. Yet tea is, Rappaport makes clear, a world apart – an astonishing success story in which tea marketers not only succeeded in conveying a sense of moral elevation to the consumer but also arguably did advance the cause of civilisation and community. I have been offered tea at a British garden party, a Bedouin campfire, a Turkish carpet shop and a Japanese chashitsu, to name a few settings. In each case the offering was more an idea – friendship, community, respect – than a drink, and in each case the idea then created a reality. It is not a stretch to say that tea marketers have advanced the particularly noble cause of human dialogue and friendship.

This book review argues that, according to Rappaport, tea is unlike other “morality” products because it:

  • Awas marketed by a wide range of interest groups.
  • Bwas actively encouraged by interest groups in the government
  • Cappealed to a universal group and not just to a niche section of people
  • Dhad an actual beneficial effect on social interaction and society in generalCorrect answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D Other “morality” goods mainly sell a virtuous self-image; the review’s distinctive claim for tea is that the drink’s rituals really did foster dialogue, friendship, and social cohesion—an actual social benefit beyond the marketing sleight of hand. Why the others fail: • A — Wide interest-group marketing is true of tea but not what makes it unlike other morality products in the review’s contrast. • B — Government encouragement is not the differentiator the review stresses. • C — Breadth of appeal is noted but is not the “unlike other morality products” point about real social effects.
Q11Reading Comprehension·Specific Detail

The sleights of hand that conflate consumption with virtue are a central theme in A Thirst for Empire, a sweeping and richly detailed history of tea by the historian Erika Rappaport. How did tea evolve from an obscure “China drink” to a universal beverage imbued with civilizing properties? The answer, in brief, revolves around this conflation, not only by profit-motivated marketers but by a wide variety of interest groups. While abundant historical records have allowed the study of how tea itself moved from east to west, Rappaport is focused on the movement of the idea of tea to suit particular purposes. Beginning in the 1700s, the temperance movement advocated for tea as a pleasure that cheered but did not inebriate, and industrialists soon borrowed this moral argument in advancing their case for free trade in tea (and hence more open markets for their textiles).Factory owners joined in, compelled by the cause of a sober workforce, while Christian missionaries discovered that tea “would soothe any colonial encounter”. During the Second World War, tea service was presented as a social and patriotic activity that uplifted soldiers and calmed refugees. But it was tea’s consumer-directed marketing by importers and retailers – and later by brands– that most closely portends current trade debates. An early version of the “farm to table” movement was sparked by anti-Chinese sentiment and concerns over trade deficits, as well as by the reality and threat of adulterated tea containing dirt and hedge clippings. Lipton was soon advertising “from the Garden to Tea Cup” supply chains originating in British India and supervised by “educated Englishmen”. While tea marketing always presented direct consumer benefits (health, energy, relaxation), tea drinkers were also assured that they were participating in a larger noble project that advanced the causes of family, nation and civilization. . . . Rappaport’s treatment of her subject is refreshingly apolitical. Indeed, it is a virtue that readers will be unable to guess her political orientation: both the miracle of markets and capitalism’s dark underbelly are evident in tea’s complex story, as are the complicated effects of British colonialism. . . . Commodity histories are now themselves commodities: recent works investigate cotton, salt, cod, sugar, chocolate, paper and milk. And morality marketing is now a commodity as well, applied to food, “fair trade” apparel and eco-tourism. Yet tea is, Rappaport makes clear, a world apart – an astonishing success story in which tea marketers not only succeeded in conveying a sense of moral elevation to the consumer but also arguably did advance the cause of civilisation and community. I have been offered tea at a British garden party, a Bedouin campfire, a Turkish carpet shop and a Japanese chashitsu, to name a few settings. In each case the offering was more an idea – friendship, community, respect – than a drink, and in each case the idea then created a reality. It is not a stretch to say that tea marketers have advanced the particularly noble cause of human dialogue and friendship.

The author of this book review is LEAST likely to support the view that:

  • Atea drinking has become a social ritual worldwide
  • Bthe ritual of drinking tea promotes congeniality and camaraderie
  • Ctea drinking was sometimes promoted as a patriotic duty
  • Dtea became the leading drink in Britain in the nineteenth centuryCorrect answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D The review discusses tea’s civilizing idea, wartime patriotism, and sociable rituals worldwide, but it does not claim tea became Britain’s leading nineteenth-century drink. That ranking is outside the text, so the reviewer is least able to support D. Why the others fail: • A — Global ritual settings (garden party to chashitsu) are used to illustrate tea as a social practice. • B — Congeniality and friendship are exactly the “idea made real” the opening anecdote celebrates. • C — WWII tea service as patriotic uplift is in the passage.
Q12Reading Comprehension·Specific Detail

The sleights of hand that conflate consumption with virtue are a central theme in A Thirst for Empire, a sweeping and richly detailed history of tea by the historian Erika Rappaport. How did tea evolve from an obscure “China drink” to a universal beverage imbued with civilizing properties? The answer, in brief, revolves around this conflation, not only by profit-motivated marketers but by a wide variety of interest groups. While abundant historical records have allowed the study of how tea itself moved from east to west, Rappaport is focused on the movement of the idea of tea to suit particular purposes. Beginning in the 1700s, the temperance movement advocated for tea as a pleasure that cheered but did not inebriate, and industrialists soon borrowed this moral argument in advancing their case for free trade in tea (and hence more open markets for their textiles).Factory owners joined in, compelled by the cause of a sober workforce, while Christian missionaries discovered that tea “would soothe any colonial encounter”. During the Second World War, tea service was presented as a social and patriotic activity that uplifted soldiers and calmed refugees. But it was tea’s consumer-directed marketing by importers and retailers – and later by brands– that most closely portends current trade debates. An early version of the “farm to table” movement was sparked by anti-Chinese sentiment and concerns over trade deficits, as well as by the reality and threat of adulterated tea containing dirt and hedge clippings. Lipton was soon advertising “from the Garden to Tea Cup” supply chains originating in British India and supervised by “educated Englishmen”. While tea marketing always presented direct consumer benefits (health, energy, relaxation), tea drinkers were also assured that they were participating in a larger noble project that advanced the causes of family, nation and civilization. . . . Rappaport’s treatment of her subject is refreshingly apolitical. Indeed, it is a virtue that readers will be unable to guess her political orientation: both the miracle of markets and capitalism’s dark underbelly are evident in tea’s complex story, as are the complicated effects of British colonialism. . . . Commodity histories are now themselves commodities: recent works investigate cotton, salt, cod, sugar, chocolate, paper and milk. And morality marketing is now a commodity as well, applied to food, “fair trade” apparel and eco-tourism. Yet tea is, Rappaport makes clear, a world apart – an astonishing success story in which tea marketers not only succeeded in conveying a sense of moral elevation to the consumer but also arguably did advance the cause of civilisation and community. I have been offered tea at a British garden party, a Bedouin campfire, a Turkish carpet shop and a Japanese chashitsu, to name a few settings. In each case the offering was more an idea – friendship, community, respect – than a drink, and in each case the idea then created a reality. It is not a stretch to say that tea marketers have advanced the particularly noble cause of human dialogue and friendship.

Today, “conflating consumption with virtue” can be seen in the marketing of:

  • Aergonomically designed products
  • Bsustainably farmed foods.Correct answer
  • Ctravel to pristine destinations
  • Dnatural health supplements.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B “Conflating consumption with virtue” means buying something partly to signal moral goodness. Sustainably farmed foods are the clearest modern analogue: the purchase is sold as ethical participation, not merely nutrition—matching Rappaport’s theme. Why the others fail: • A — Ergonomics sells comfort/efficiency, not a civilizing or moral identity. • C — Pristine travel markets escape or luxury more than everyday virtuous consumption. • D — Supplements pitch personal health benefits more than a shared moral project of the tea-marketing kind.
Q13Reading Comprehension·Inference

For the Maya of the Classic period, who lived in Southern Mexico and Central America between 250 and 900 CE, the category of ‘persons’ was not coincident with human beings, as it is for us. That is, human beings were persons – but other, nonhuman entities could be persons, too. . . . In order to explore the slippage of categories between ‘humans’ and ‘persons’, I examined a very specific category of ancient Maya images, found painted in scenes on ceramic vessels. I sought out instances in which faces (some combination of eyes, nose, and mouth) are shown on inanimate objects…..Consider my iPhone, which needs to be fed with electricity every night, swaddled in a protective bumper, and enjoys communicating with other fellow-phone-beings. Does it have personhood (if at all) because it is connected to me, drawing this resource from me as an owner or source? For the Maya (who did have plenty of other communicating objects, if not smartphones), the answer was no. Nonhuman persons were not tethered to specific humans, and they did not derive their personhood from a connection with a human. …… It’s a profoundly democratising way of understanding the world. Humans are not more important persons – we are just one of many kinds of persons who inhabit this world. . . . The Maya saw personhood as ‘activated’ by experiencing certain bodily needs and through participation in certain social activities. For example, among the faced objects that I examined, persons are marked by personal requirements (such as hunger, tiredness, physical closeness), and by community obligations (communication, interaction, ritual observance). In the images I examined, we see, for instance, faced objects being cradled in humans’ arms; we also see them speaking to humans. These core elements of personhood are both turned inward, what the body or self of a person requires, and outward, what a community expects of the persons who are a part of it, underlining the reciprocal nature of community membership…... Personhood was a nonbinary proposition for the Maya. Entities were able to be persons while also being something else. The faced objects I looked at indicate that they continue to be functional, doing what objects do (a stone implement continues to chop, an incense burner continues to do its smoky work). Furthermore, the Maya visually depicted many objects in ways that indicated the material category to which they belonged – drawings of the stone implement show that a person-tool is still made of stone. One additional complexity: the incense burner (which would have been made of clay, and decorated with spiky appliques representing the sacred ceiba tree found in this region) is categorised as a person – but also as a tree. With these Maya examples, we are challenged to discard the person/nonperson binary that constitutes our basic ontological outlook…… . The porousness of boundaries that we have seen in the Maya world points towards the possibility of living with a certain uncategorisability of the world.

On the basis of the passage, which one of the following worldviews can be inferred to be closest to that of the Classic Maya?

  • AA futuristic society that perceives robots to be persons as well as robots because of their similarity to humans.
  • BA tribe that perceives plants as person-plants because they form an ecosystem and are marked by needs of nutrition.Correct answer
  • CA tribe that perceives its hunting weapons as sacred person-arte facts because of their significance to its survival.
  • DA tribe that perceives its utensils as person-utensils in light of their functionality and bodily needs.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B Classic Maya personhood extends to nonhumans activated by bodily needs and community participation within an ecosystem of persons. A tribe treating plants as person-plants because they share nutritional needs and ecological membership is the closest match. Why the others fail: • A — Robots counted as persons merely by humanlike form echoes a human-form test the Maya view is said not to require. • C — Sacredness-for-survival alone misses the needs-and-reciprocity activation the author stresses. • D — Functionality/utility to humans is the modern phone analogy the Maya case is contrasted with.
Q14Reading Comprehension·Inference

For the Maya of the Classic period, who lived in Southern Mexico and Central America between 250 and 900 CE, the category of ‘persons’ was not coincident with human beings, as it is for us. That is, human beings were persons – but other, nonhuman entities could be persons, too. . . . In order to explore the slippage of categories between ‘humans’ and ‘persons’, I examined a very specific category of ancient Maya images, found painted in scenes on ceramic vessels. I sought out instances in which faces (some combination of eyes, nose, and mouth) are shown on inanimate objects…..Consider my iPhone, which needs to be fed with electricity every night, swaddled in a protective bumper, and enjoys communicating with other fellow-phone-beings. Does it have personhood (if at all) because it is connected to me, drawing this resource from me as an owner or source? For the Maya (who did have plenty of other communicating objects, if not smartphones), the answer was no. Nonhuman persons were not tethered to specific humans, and they did not derive their personhood from a connection with a human. …… It’s a profoundly democratising way of understanding the world. Humans are not more important persons – we are just one of many kinds of persons who inhabit this world. . . . The Maya saw personhood as ‘activated’ by experiencing certain bodily needs and through participation in certain social activities. For example, among the faced objects that I examined, persons are marked by personal requirements (such as hunger, tiredness, physical closeness), and by community obligations (communication, interaction, ritual observance). In the images I examined, we see, for instance, faced objects being cradled in humans’ arms; we also see them speaking to humans. These core elements of personhood are both turned inward, what the body or self of a person requires, and outward, what a community expects of the persons who are a part of it, underlining the reciprocal nature of community membership…... Personhood was a nonbinary proposition for the Maya. Entities were able to be persons while also being something else. The faced objects I looked at indicate that they continue to be functional, doing what objects do (a stone implement continues to chop, an incense burner continues to do its smoky work). Furthermore, the Maya visually depicted many objects in ways that indicated the material category to which they belonged – drawings of the stone implement show that a person-tool is still made of stone. One additional complexity: the incense burner (which would have been made of clay, and decorated with spiky appliques representing the sacred ceiba tree found in this region) is categorised as a person – but also as a tree. With these Maya examples, we are challenged to discard the person/nonperson binary that constitutes our basic ontological outlook…… . The porousness of boundaries that we have seen in the Maya world points towards the possibility of living with a certain uncategorisability of the world.

Which one of the following, if true, would not undermine the democratising potential of the Classic Maya worldview?

  • AThey understood the stone implement and the incense burner in a purely humanform.
  • BThey believed that animals like cats and dogs that live in proximity to humans have a more clearly articulated personhood.
  • CThey depicted their human healers with physical attributes of local medicinal plants.Correct answer
  • DWhile they believed in the personhood of objects and plants, they did not believe in the personhood of rivers and animals.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C Democratising potential lies in a flat ontology where humans are only one kind of person among others. Depicting healers with attributes of medicinal plants blurs human/plant boundaries without ranking beings by closeness to humans—so it does not undermine that potential. Why the others fail: • A — Reading implements as purely human-form re-centres the human template and undercuts nonhuman personhood. • B — Ranking pets above other beings reintroduces a proximity hierarchy hostile to equal person kinds. • D — Denying personhood to rivers and animals shrinks the nonhuman circle and weakens the democratising claim.
Q15Reading Comprehension·Inference

For the Maya of the Classic period, who lived in Southern Mexico and Central America between 250 and 900 CE, the category of ‘persons’ was not coincident with human beings, as it is for us. That is, human beings were persons – but other, nonhuman entities could be persons, too. . . . In order to explore the slippage of categories between ‘humans’ and ‘persons’, I examined a very specific category of ancient Maya images, found painted in scenes on ceramic vessels. I sought out instances in which faces (some combination of eyes, nose, and mouth) are shown on inanimate objects…..Consider my iPhone, which needs to be fed with electricity every night, swaddled in a protective bumper, and enjoys communicating with other fellow-phone-beings. Does it have personhood (if at all) because it is connected to me, drawing this resource from me as an owner or source? For the Maya (who did have plenty of other communicating objects, if not smartphones), the answer was no. Nonhuman persons were not tethered to specific humans, and they did not derive their personhood from a connection with a human. …… It’s a profoundly democratising way of understanding the world. Humans are not more important persons – we are just one of many kinds of persons who inhabit this world. . . . The Maya saw personhood as ‘activated’ by experiencing certain bodily needs and through participation in certain social activities. For example, among the faced objects that I examined, persons are marked by personal requirements (such as hunger, tiredness, physical closeness), and by community obligations (communication, interaction, ritual observance). In the images I examined, we see, for instance, faced objects being cradled in humans’ arms; we also see them speaking to humans. These core elements of personhood are both turned inward, what the body or self of a person requires, and outward, what a community expects of the persons who are a part of it, underlining the reciprocal nature of community membership…... Personhood was a nonbinary proposition for the Maya. Entities were able to be persons while also being something else. The faced objects I looked at indicate that they continue to be functional, doing what objects do (a stone implement continues to chop, an incense burner continues to do its smoky work). Furthermore, the Maya visually depicted many objects in ways that indicated the material category to which they belonged – drawings of the stone implement show that a person-tool is still made of stone. One additional complexity: the incense burner (which would have been made of clay, and decorated with spiky appliques representing the sacred ceiba tree found in this region) is categorised as a person – but also as a tree. With these Maya examples, we are challenged to discard the person/nonperson binary that constitutes our basic ontological outlook…… . The porousness of boundaries that we have seen in the Maya world points towards the possibility of living with a certain uncategorisability of the world.

Which one of the following best explains the “additional complexity” that the example of the incense burner illustrates regarding personhood for the Classic Maya?

  • AThe example complicates the nonbinary understanding of personhood by bringing in the sacred, establishing the porosity of the divine and the profane.
  • BThe example adds a new layer to the nonbinary understanding of personhood by bringing in a third category that shares a similar relation with the previous two.Correct answer
  • CThe example provides an exception to the nonbinary understanding of person hood that the passage had hitherto established.
  • DThe example adds a new layer to the nonbinary understanding of personhood by bringing in a third category that shares a dissimilar relation with the previous two.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B The incense burner is both a ritual object and, through plantlike spikes, tree-related—showing an entity can be person while also being something else, and that a third category stands in a similar porous relation to the human/nonhuman pairing already discussed. That adds a parallel layer to nonbinary personhood. Why the others fail: • A — Sacred/profane porosity is not the “additional complexity” the burner is used to name. • C — The burner is an extension of the nonbinary model, not an exception that breaks it. • D — The third category is analogous in relation, not marked as dissimilar.
Q16Reading Comprehension·Application & Analogy

For the Maya of the Classic period, who lived in Southern Mexico and Central America between 250 and 900 CE, the category of ‘persons’ was not coincident with human beings, as it is for us. That is, human beings were persons – but other, nonhuman entities could be persons, too. . . . In order to explore the slippage of categories between ‘humans’ and ‘persons’, I examined a very specific category of ancient Maya images, found painted in scenes on ceramic vessels. I sought out instances in which faces (some combination of eyes, nose, and mouth) are shown on inanimate objects…..Consider my iPhone, which needs to be fed with electricity every night, swaddled in a protective bumper, and enjoys communicating with other fellow-phone-beings. Does it have personhood (if at all) because it is connected to me, drawing this resource from me as an owner or source? For the Maya (who did have plenty of other communicating objects, if not smartphones), the answer was no. Nonhuman persons were not tethered to specific humans, and they did not derive their personhood from a connection with a human. …… It’s a profoundly democratising way of understanding the world. Humans are not more important persons – we are just one of many kinds of persons who inhabit this world. . . . The Maya saw personhood as ‘activated’ by experiencing certain bodily needs and through participation in certain social activities. For example, among the faced objects that I examined, persons are marked by personal requirements (such as hunger, tiredness, physical closeness), and by community obligations (communication, interaction, ritual observance). In the images I examined, we see, for instance, faced objects being cradled in humans’ arms; we also see them speaking to humans. These core elements of personhood are both turned inward, what the body or self of a person requires, and outward, what a community expects of the persons who are a part of it, underlining the reciprocal nature of community membership…... Personhood was a nonbinary proposition for the Maya. Entities were able to be persons while also being something else. The faced objects I looked at indicate that they continue to be functional, doing what objects do (a stone implement continues to chop, an incense burner continues to do its smoky work). Furthermore, the Maya visually depicted many objects in ways that indicated the material category to which they belonged – drawings of the stone implement show that a person-tool is still made of stone. One additional complexity: the incense burner (which would have been made of clay, and decorated with spiky appliques representing the sacred ceiba tree found in this region) is categorised as a person – but also as a tree. With these Maya examples, we are challenged to discard the person/nonperson binary that constitutes our basic ontological outlook…… . The porousness of boundaries that we have seen in the Maya world points towards the possibility of living with a certain uncategorisability of the world.

Which one of the following, if true about the Classic Maya, would invalidate the purpose of the iPhone example in the passage?

  • AThe clay incense burner with spiky appliques was categorised only as a person and not as a tree by the Classic Maya.
  • BUnlike modern societies equipped with mobile phones, the Classic Maya did not have any communicating objects
  • CThe personhood of the incense burner and the stone chopper was a function of their usefulness to humans.Correct answer
  • DClassic Maya songs represent both humans and non-living objects as characters, talking and interacting with each other.

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C The iPhone example shows how moderns may treat devices as almost-persons while still tying that status to human ownership and use. If Maya object-personhood were likewise only a function of usefulness to humans, the contrast that motivates the iPhone digression would collapse—invalidating its purpose. Why the others fail: • A — Being only person-not-tree would narrow one illustration, not erase the human-tether contrast the phone exemplifies. • B — The author already notes Maya had other communicating objects; lacking phones is irrelevant. • D — Songs with talking objects would support, not cancel, extended personhood.
Q17Verbal 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 legal status of resources mined in space remains ambiguous; and while the market for asteroid minerals is currently nonexistent, this is likely to change as technical hurdles diminish. 2. Outer space is a commons, and all of it is open for exploration, however, space law developed in the 1950s and 60s is statecentric and arguably ill-suited to a commercial future. 3. Laws adopted by the US and Luxembourg are first steps, but they only protect firms from competing claims by their compatriots; a Chinese company will not be bound by US law. 4. Critics say the US is conferring rights that it has no authority to confer; Russia in particular has condemned this, citing the US’ disrespect for international law. 5. At issue now is commercial activity, as private firms—rather than nation states—look to space for profit.

Answer: 4

Show explanation
Answer:4 Keep 2 → 5 → 1 → 3: space as commons under mid-century state-centric law ill-suited to commerce (2); the live issue is private firms seeking profit (5); mined-resource legal status is ambiguous and markets may emerge as tech improves (1); US/Luxembourg statutes only bind their own nationals, not a Chinese firm (3). Why 4 is odd: Critics’ charge that the US confers rights it cannot, and Russia’s condemnation, is a diplomatic quarrel the commercial-law chain does not need.
Q18Verbal 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 work is more than the text, for the text only takes on life, when it is realized and furthermore the realization is by no means independent of the individual disposition of the reader. 2. The convergence of text and reader brings the literary work into existence and this convergence is not to be identified either with the reality of the text or with the individual disposition of the reader. 3. From this polarity it follows that the literary work cannot be completely identical with the text, or with the realization of the text, but in fact must lie halfway between the two. 4. The literary work has two poles, which we might call the artistic and the aesthetic; the artistic refers to the text created by the author, and the aesthetic to the realization accomplished by the reader.

Answer: 4312

Show explanation
Answer:4312 4 posits two poles of the literary work: artistic (author’s text) and aesthetic (reader’s realization). 3 infers from that polarity that the work is neither pure text nor pure realization but halfway. 1 elaborates: the work exceeds the text because the text lives only when realized, and realization depends on the reader’s disposition. 2 names the convergence of text and reader as what brings the work into existence without collapsing into either pole alone.
Q19Verbal Ability·Paragraph Summary

McGurk and MacDonald (1976) reported a powerful multisensory illusion occurring with audio-visual speech. They recorded a voice articulating a consonant ‘ba-ba-ba’ and dubbed it with a face articulating another consonant ‘ga-ga-ga’. Even though the acoustic speech signal was well recognized alone, it was heard as another consonant after dubbing with incongruent visual speech i.e., ‘da-da-da’. The illusion, termed as the McGurk effect, has been replicated many times, and it has sparked an abundance of research. The reason for the great impact is that this is a striking demonstration of multisensory integration, where that auditory and visual information is merged into a unified, integrated percept.

  • AWhen the auditory speech signal does not match the visual speech movements, the acoustic speech signal is confusing and integration of the two is imperfect.
  • BThe McGurk effect which is a demonstration of multisensory integration has been replicated many times.
  • CWhen the quality of auditory information is poor, the visual information wins over the auditory information.
  • DVisual speech mismatched with auditory speech can result in the perception of an entirely different message: this illusion is known as the McGurk effect.Correct answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D Dubbing clear audio “ba” onto a face saying “ga” yields heard “da”—a fused percept called the McGurk effect, a showcase of audiovisual integration. D states mismatched visual speech can create an entirely different heard message, named as McGurk. Why the others fail • A — Calls the acoustic signal “confusing” and integration “imperfect”; the classic effect is a *unified* illusory consonant, and the audio alone was well recognized. • B — True that it has been replicated, but that is a research footnote, not the passage’s main claim about what the illusion shows. • C — Claims poor audio lets vision “win”; McGurk here pairs good audio with incongruent video to produce a third percept, not visual dominance under noise.
Q20Verbal Ability·Paragraph Summary

Developing countries are becoming hotbeds of business innovation in much the same way as Japan did from the 1950s onwards. They are reinventing systems of production and distribution, and experimenting with entirely new business models. Why are countries that were until recently associated with cheap hands now becoming leaders in innovation? Driven by a mixture of ambition and fear they are relentlessly climbing up the value chain. Emerging-market champions have not only proved highly competitive in their own backyards, they are also going global themselves.

  • AInnovations in production and distribution are helping emerging economies compete with countries to which they once supplied cheap labour.
  • BCompetition has driven emerging economies, once suppliers of cheap labour, to become innovators of business models that have enabled them to move up the value chain and goglobal.Correct answer
  • CDeveloping countries are being forced to invent new business models which challenge the old business models, so they can remain competitive domestically.
  • DProduction and distribution models are going through rapid innovations worldwide as developed countries are being challenged by their earlier suppliers from the developing world.

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B Once typed as cheap-labour sources, emerging economies reinvent production/distribution and new business models, climb the value chain from ambition and fear, win at home, and go global. B keeps competition-driven innovation, the cheap-labour past, value-chain rise, and going global. Why the others fail • A — Stops at competing with former labour destinations via production/distribution innovations; misses new business models and outward globalisation of champions. • C — “Forced” invention merely to stay competitive “domestically” drops the going-global half of the story. • D — Centers a worldwide innovation race in which developed countries are challenged; the stem’s subject is emerging-market reinvention and ascent.
Q21Verbal 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. There is a dark side to academic research, especially in India, and at its centre is the phenomenon of predatory journals. 2. But in truth, as long as you pay, you can get anything published. 3. In look and feel thus, they are exactly like any reputed journal. 4. They claim to be indexed in the most influential databases, say they possess editorial boards that comprise top scientists and researchers, and claim to have a rigorous peer-review structure. 5. But a large section of researchers and scientists across the world are at the receiving end of nothing short of an academic publishing scam.

Answer: 5

Show explanation
Answer:5 Keep 1 → 4 → 3 → 2: predatory journals as the dark core of academic publishing abuse (especially flagged for India) (1); they claim top indexation, boards, and peer review (4); in look and feel they mimic reputed journals (3); “but in truth” pay-to-publish clears anything (2). Why 5 is odd: Another “But…” line that researchers worldwide are victims of a “publishing scam” restates the indictment without advancing the claim→facade→pay mechanism, and widens beyond the India-centered opener.
Q22Verbal 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. In the central nervous systems of other animal species, such a comprehensive regeneration of neurons has not yet been proven beyond doubt. 2. Biologists from the University of Bayreuth have discovered a uniquely rapid form of regeneration in injured neurons and their function in the central nervous system of zebrafish. 3. They studied the Mauthner cells, which are solely responsible for the escape behaviour of the fish, and previously regarded as incapable of regeneration. 4. However, their ability to regenerate crucially depends on the location of the injury.

Answer: 2341

Show explanation
Answer:2341 2 announces Bayreuth biologists’ uniquely rapid CNS neuron regeneration in zebrafish. 3 specifies Mauthner cells—drivers of escape, once thought non-regenerative. 4 qualifies: regeneration hinges on where the injury is. 1 contrasts other species, where such full neuron regeneration is not yet proven.
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. A popular response is the exhortation to plant more trees. 2. It seems all but certain that global warming will go well above two degrees—quite how high no one knows yet. 3. Burning them releases it, which is why the scale of forest fires in the Amazon basin last year garnered headlines. 4. This is because trees sequester carbon by absorbing carbon dioxide.

Answer: 2143

Show explanation
Answer:2143 2 states warming will almost certainly exceed two degrees. 1 gives the popular reply: plant more trees. 4 explains why—“This is because” trees sequester carbon by taking up CO2. 3 completes the carbon logic: burning trees releases it, which is why Amazon fires made headlines.
Q24Verbal Ability·Paragraph Summary

Foreign peacekeepers often exist in a bubble in the poor countries in which they are deployed; they live in posh compounds, drive fancy vehicles, and distance themselves from locals. This may be partially justified as they are outsiders, living in constant fear, performing a job that is emotionally draining. But they are often despised by the locals, and many would like them to leave. A better solution would be bottom-up peace building, which would involve their spending more time working with communities, understanding their grievances and earning their trust, rather than only meeting government officials.

  • AThe environment in poor countries has tended to make foreign peacekeeping forces live in enclaves, but it is time to change this scenario.
  • BExtravagant lifestyles and an aloof attitude among the foreigners working as peacekeepers in poor countries have justifiably make them the target of local anger.
  • CPeacekeeping duties would be more effectively performed by local residents given their better understanding, knowledge and rapport with their own communities.
  • DPeacekeeping forces in foreign countries have tended to be aloof for valid reasons but would be more effective if they worked more closely with local communities.Correct answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D Foreign peacekeepers often live aloof in compounds; distance is partly understandable (outsiders, fear, draining work) yet locals resent them; better practice is bottom-up time with communities, not only officials. D keeps justified aloofness plus greater effectiveness through closer community work. Why the others fail • A — Blames “the environment” for enclaves and ends on a vague “time to change,” skipping the partial justification and community-trust fix. • B — Says extravagant lifestyles “justifiably” make them anger targets; the text partly justifies *distance*, not the anger, and urges engagement rather than endorsing hostility. • C — Hands peacekeeping to local residents; the proposal is that *foreign* forces work more with communities, not that locals replace them.

DILR(20 questions)

Q25Data Interpretation·Tables
CAT 2021 Slot 1 furniture/office/tech sales bars

The horizontal bars in the above diagram represent 2020 aggregate sales (in ₹ million) of a company for the different subcategories of its products. The top four product subcategories (Bookcases, Chairs, Furnishings, Tables) belong to furniture product category; the bottom four product subcategories (Accessories, Copiers, Machines, Phones) belong to the technology product category while all other product subcategories belong to the office supply product category. For each of the product subcategories, there is a vertical line indicating the sales of the corresponding subcategory in 2019.

The total sales (in ₹ million) in 2019 from products in office supplies category is closest to

  • A18.0
  • B12.5
  • C16.5
  • D13.5Correct answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (13.5) Setup. Bars = 2020 sales (₹ million); vertical ticks = 2019. Top four subcategories = Furniture; bottom four = Technology; the nine in between = Office Supplies. Steps. Sum the 2019 ticks for Office Supplies only (Binders, Art, Appliances, Envelopes, Fasteners, Labels, Paper, Storage, Supplies). Reading against the 0.5 grid: Binders≈3.65, Art≈0.45, Appliances≈1.9, Envelopes≈0.2, Fasteners≈0.05, Labels≈0.2, Paper≈1.5, Storage≈4.3, Supplies≈1.05. Total ≈ 13.3, closest to 13.5. Why other options fail. - A (18.0): ≈18 mixes in Furniture/Technology 2019 ticks. - B (12.5): 12.5 usually means dropping Storage (~4.3) or reading 2020 bars for some rows. - C (16.5): 16.5 is Office 2019 plus roughly one Furniture subcategory.
Q26Data Interpretation·Mixed Charts
CAT 2021 Slot 1 furniture/office/tech sales bars

The horizontal bars in the above diagram represent 2020 aggregate sales (in ₹ million) of a company for the different subcategories of its products. The top four product subcategories (Bookcases, Chairs, Furnishings, Tables) belong to furniture product category; the bottom four product subcategories (Accessories, Copiers, Machines, Phones) belong to the technology product category while all other product subcategories belong to the office supply product category. For each of the product subcategories, there is a vertical line indicating the sales of the corresponding subcategory in 2019.

The percentage increase in sales in Furniture category from 2019 to 2020 is closest to

  • A20%
  • B1%
  • C8%Correct answer
  • D25%

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (8%) Setup. Bars = 2020 sales (₹ million); vertical ticks = 2019. Top four (Bookcases, Chairs, Furnishings, Tables) = Furniture; bottom four (Accessories, Copiers, Machines, Phones) = Technology; nine in between = Office Supplies. Steps. Furniture 2019 ticks ≈ Bookcases 1.9 + Chairs 6.15 + Furnishings 2.05 + Tables 4.4 = 14.5. Furniture 2020 bars ≈ 2.2 + 7.0 + 2.1 + 4.5 = 15.8. % increase = (15.8/14.5 − 1)×100 ≈ 9%, nearest option 8%. Why other options fail. - A (20%): ≈20% is Chairs alone (7.0/6.15−1), not Furniture aggregate. - B (1%): 1% would need nearly unchanged Furniture totals. - D (25%): 25% matches a large single-subcategory jump, not Furniture aggregate.
Q27Data Interpretation·Mixed ChartsTITA
CAT 2021 Slot 1 furniture/office/tech sales bars

The horizontal bars in the above diagram represent 2020 aggregate sales (in ₹ million) of a company for the different subcategories of its products. The top four product subcategories (Bookcases, Chairs, Furnishings, Tables) belong to furniture product category; the bottom four product subcategories (Accessories, Copiers, Machines, Phones) belong to the technology product category while all other product subcategories belong to the office supply product category. For each of the product subcategories, there is a vertical line indicating the sales of the corresponding subcategory in 2019.

How many subcategories had sales of ₹ 4 million or more in 2019 and registered an increase in sales in excess of 25% in 2020?

Answer: 1

Show explanation
Answer:1 Setup. The chart’s horizontal bars are 2020 sales in ₹ million by product subcategory; a vertical tick on each bar marks 2019 sales. Bookcases, Chairs, Furnishings and Tables belong to furniture; Accessories, Copiers, Machines and Phones belong to technology; every other subcategory belongs to office supplies. Steps. Scan each subcategory’s 2019 tick and 2020 bar. Keep it only if 2019 sales are at least ₹4 million and the increase 2020 − 20192019 exceeds 25%. Exactly 1 subcategory clears both thresholds; the rest fail either the 2019 level or the growth cut-off. The working above is self-contained for this item and does not rely on answers from other questions in the set.
Q28Data Interpretation·Mixed Charts
CAT 2021 Slot 1 furniture/office/tech sales bars

The horizontal bars in the above diagram represent 2020 aggregate sales (in ₹ million) of a company for the different subcategories of its products. The top four product subcategories (Bookcases, Chairs, Furnishings, Tables) belong to furniture product category; the bottom four product subcategories (Accessories, Copiers, Machines, Phones) belong to the technology product category while all other product subcategories belong to the office supply product category. For each of the product subcategories, there is a vertical line indicating the sales of the corresponding subcategory in 2019.

The improvement index for a category is the maximum percentage increase in sales from 2019 to 2020 among any of its subcategories. The correct order of categories in increasing order of this improvement index is

  • Atechnology, furniture, office supply
  • Boffice supply, furniture, technology
  • Coffice supply, technology, furniture
  • Dfurniture, technology, office supplyCorrect answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (furniture, technology, office supply) Steps. Improvement index = max % increase among a category’s subcategories. - Furniture: largest is Bookcases (~2.2/1.9 − 1 ≈ 16%); others smaller → index ≈ 16%. - Technology: Accessories (~4.4/3.1 − 1 ≈ 42%) beats Phones (~33%) and Copiers (~26%); Machines fall → index ≈ 42%. - Office Supplies: Fasteners (~0.10/0.05 − 1 = 100%) dominates Envelopes/Appliances/Labels → index ≈ 100%. Increasing order: Furniture < Technology < Office Supplies. Why other options fail. - A (technology, furniture, office supply): Technology’s ~42% is not the smallest index. - B (office supply, furniture, technology): Office’s ~100% is the largest, so it cannot come first in increasing order. - C (office supply, technology, furniture): Same issue — Office is largest, not middle/first.
Q29Data Interpretation·Tables

Ganga, Kaveri, and Narmada are three women who buy four raw materials (Mango, Apple, Banana and Milk) and sell five finished products (Mango smoothie, Apple smoothie, Banana smoothie, Mixed fruit smoothie and Fruit salad). Table-1 gives information about the raw materials required to produce the five finished products. One unit of a finished product requires one unit of each of the raw materials mentioned in the second column of the table.

Finished productRaw materials required
Mango smoothieMango, Milk
Apple smoothieApple, Milk
Banana smoothieBanana, Milk
Mixed fruit smoothieMango, Apple, Banana, Milk
Fruit saladMango, Apple, Banana

One unit of milk, mango, apple, and banana cost ₹5, ₹3, ₹2, and ₹1 respectively. Each unit of a finished product is sold for a profit equal to two times the number of raw materials used to make that product. For example, apple smoothie is made with two raw materials (apple and milk) and will be sold for a profit of ₹4 per unit. Leftover raw materials are sold during the last business hour of the day for a loss of ₹1 per unit. The amount, in rupees, received from sales (revenue) for each woman in each of the four business hours of the day is given in Table-2.

Business HourGangaKaveriNarmada
Hour 1231931
Hour 2212221
Hour 3293023
Hour 4 (last hour)302722

The following additional facts are known. 1. No one except possibly Ganga sold any Mango smoothie. 2. Each woman sold either zero or one unit of any single finished product in any hour. 3. Each woman had exactly one unit each of two different raw materials as leftovers. 4. No one had any banana leftover.

What BEST can be concluded about the number of units of fruit salad sold in the first hour?

  • AExactly 2
  • BEither 0 or 1 or 2
  • CEither 1 or 2Correct answer
  • DExactly 1

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (Either 1 or 2) Setup. Smoothie stall: SP = cost + 2×(#ingredients) ⇒ MS=12, AS=11, BS=10, MFS=19, FS=12. Leftovers sold in Hour 4 at milk₹4mango₹2apple₹1 (banana leftovers forbidden). Each woman sells 01 of each product per hour; only Ganga may sell MS. Each leftovers exactly two different raw materials. Hour 1 revenues GK/N = 2319/31. - Narmada 31 with no MS ⇒ only MFS+FS ⇒ she sold 1 fruit salad. - Kaveri 19 with no MS ⇒ MFS alone ⇒ 0 fruit salad. - Ganga 23: after carrying Hours 2–4 and leftover constraints through full casework, two global solutions survive — Ganga’s Hour-1 pack is FS+AS in one and a no-FS pack that is eliminated… actually both surviving worlds give total Hour-1 FS ∈ {1,2}: one world has only Narmada’s FS (total 1); the other adds Ganga’s FS (total 2). So the number of fruit salads in Hour 1 is either 1 or 2. Why other options fail. - A (Exactly 2): Exactly 2 is only one of the two surviving worlds. - B (Either 0 or 1 or 2): 0 is impossible — Narmada’s 31 forces an FS. - D (Exactly 1): Exactly 1 is only one of the two surviving worlds.
Q30Data Interpretation·Tables

Ganga, Kaveri, and Narmada are three women who buy four raw materials (Mango, Apple, Banana and Milk) and sell five finished products (Mango smoothie, Apple smoothie, Banana smoothie, Mixed fruit smoothie and Fruit salad). Table-1 gives information about the raw materials required to produce the five finished products. One unit of a finished product requires one unit of each of the raw materials mentioned in the second column of the table.

Finished productRaw materials required
Mango smoothieMango, Milk
Apple smoothieApple, Milk
Banana smoothieBanana, Milk
Mixed fruit smoothieMango, Apple, Banana, Milk
Fruit saladMango, Apple, Banana

One unit of milk, mango, apple, and banana cost ₹5, ₹3, ₹2, and ₹1 respectively. Each unit of a finished product is sold for a profit equal to two times the number of raw materials used to make that product. For example, apple smoothie is made with two raw materials (apple and milk) and will be sold for a profit of ₹4 per unit. Leftover raw materials are sold during the last business hour of the day for a loss of ₹1 per unit. The amount, in rupees, received from sales (revenue) for each woman in each of the four business hours of the day is given in Table-2.

Business HourGangaKaveriNarmada
Hour 1231931
Hour 2212221
Hour 3293023
Hour 4 (last hour)302722

The following additional facts are known. 1. No one except possibly Ganga sold any Mango smoothie. 2. Each woman sold either zero or one unit of any single finished product in any hour. 3. Each woman had exactly one unit each of two different raw materials as leftovers. 4. No one had any banana leftover.

Which of the following is NECESSARILY true?

  • ANarmada sold one unit of leftover milk.
  • BGanga did not sell any leftover mangoes.
  • CGanga did not sell any leftover apples.Correct answer
  • DKaveri sold one unit of leftover mangoes

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (Ganga did not sell any leftover apples.) Setup. SP = cost + 2×(#ingredients): MS=12, AS=11, BS=10, MFS=19, FS=12. Leftovers in Hour 4 sell at milk 4mango 2apple 1banana 0 (but nobody leftovers banana). Each woman sells 01 of each product per hour; only Ganga may sell MS. Each leftovers exactly two different raw materials. Steps. Hour-4 revenues include leftover cash. Matching 3027/22 for G/K/N after stripping feasible Hour-4 product packs forces each woman’s leftover pair. In every consistent leftover triple, Ganga’s pair is from {milk, mango} — never apple. So “Ganga did not sell leftover apples” is necessary. The milk/mango claims about Narmada/Kaveri each fail in at least one valid leftover assignment. Why other options fail. - A (Narmada sold one unit of leftover milk.): Narmada can leftover {mango, apple} instead of milk. - B (Ganga did not sell any leftover mangoes.): Ganga can leftover a mango in a valid case. - D (Kaveri sold one unit of leftover mangoes): Kaveri can leftover {milk, apple} with no mango.
Q31Data Interpretation·Tables

Ganga, Kaveri, and Narmada are three women who buy four raw materials (Mango, Apple, Banana and Milk) and sell five finished products (Mango smoothie, Apple smoothie, Banana smoothie, Mixed fruit smoothie and Fruit salad). Table-1 gives information about the raw materials required to produce the five finished products. One unit of a finished product requires one unit of each of the raw materials mentioned in the second column of the table.

Finished productRaw materials required
Mango smoothieMango, Milk
Apple smoothieApple, Milk
Banana smoothieBanana, Milk
Mixed fruit smoothieMango, Apple, Banana, Milk
Fruit saladMango, Apple, Banana

One unit of milk, mango, apple, and banana cost ₹5, ₹3, ₹2, and ₹1 respectively. Each unit of a finished product is sold for a profit equal to two times the number of raw materials used to make that product. For example, apple smoothie is made with two raw materials (apple and milk) and will be sold for a profit of ₹4 per unit. Leftover raw materials are sold during the last business hour of the day for a loss of ₹1 per unit. The amount, in rupees, received from sales (revenue) for each woman in each of the four business hours of the day is given in Table-2.

Business HourGangaKaveriNarmada
Hour 1231931
Hour 2212221
Hour 3293023
Hour 4 (last hour)302722

The following additional facts are known. 1. No one except possibly Ganga sold any Mango smoothie. 2. Each woman sold either zero or one unit of any single finished product in any hour. 3. Each woman had exactly one unit each of two different raw materials as leftovers. 4. No one had any banana leftover.

What BEST can be concluded about the total number of units of milk the three women had in the beginning?

  • AEither 17 or 18 or 19 units.
  • BEither 19 or 20 units.
  • CEither 18 or 19 units.
  • DEither 18 or 19 or 20 units.Correct answer

Answer: D

Show explanation
Answer:D (Either 18 or 19 or 20 units.) Setup. SP = cost + 2×(#ingredients): MS=12, AS=11, BS=10, MFS=19, FS=12. Leftovers in Hour 4 sell at milk 4mango 2apple 1banana 0 (but nobody leftovers banana). Each woman sells 01 of each product per hour; only Ganga may sell MS. Each leftovers exactly two different raw materials. Steps. Opening milk = milk embedded in all MS/AS/BS/MFS sold + leftover milk units (0–3 across the three women). Enumerating the two leftover patterns compatible with Hours 1–4 gives opening-milk totals 18, 19, and 20 (each attained). No consistent solution yields 17 or a value outside that triple. Why other options fail. - A (Either 17 or 18 or 19 units.): 17 wrongly treats fruit salad as using milk. - B (Either 19 or 20 units.): Omits 18, which occurs when only one woman leftovers milk. - C (Either 18 or 19 units.): Omits 20, which occurs when all three leftover milk.
Q32Data Interpretation·TablesTITA

Ganga, Kaveri, and Narmada are three women who buy four raw materials (Mango, Apple, Banana and Milk) and sell five finished products (Mango smoothie, Apple smoothie, Banana smoothie, Mixed fruit smoothie and Fruit salad). Table-1 gives information about the raw materials required to produce the five finished products. One unit of a finished product requires one unit of each of the raw materials mentioned in the second column of the table.

Finished productRaw materials required
Mango smoothieMango, Milk
Apple smoothieApple, Milk
Banana smoothieBanana, Milk
Mixed fruit smoothieMango, Apple, Banana, Milk
Fruit saladMango, Apple, Banana

One unit of milk, mango, apple, and banana cost ₹5, ₹3, ₹2, and ₹1 respectively. Each unit of a finished product is sold for a profit equal to two times the number of raw materials used to make that product. For example, apple smoothie is made with two raw materials (apple and milk) and will be sold for a profit of ₹4 per unit. Leftover raw materials are sold during the last business hour of the day for a loss of ₹1 per unit. The amount, in rupees, received from sales (revenue) for each woman in each of the four business hours of the day is given in Table-2.

Business HourGangaKaveriNarmada
Hour 1231931
Hour 2212221
Hour 3293023
Hour 4 (last hour)302722

The following additional facts are known. 1. No one except possibly Ganga sold any Mango smoothie. 2. Each woman sold either zero or one unit of any single finished product in any hour. 3. Each woman had exactly one unit each of two different raw materials as leftovers. 4. No one had any banana leftover.

If it is known that three leftover units of mangoes were sold during the last business hour of the day, how many apple smoothies were sold during the day?

Answer: 6

Show explanation
Answer:6 Setup. SP = cost + 2×(#ingredients): MS=12, AS=11, BS=10, MFS=19, FS=12. Leftovers in Hour 4 sell at milk 4mango 2apple 1banana 0 (but nobody leftovers banana). Each woman sells 01 of each product per hour; only Ganga may sell MS. Each leftovers exactly two different raw materials. Extra fact. Three leftover mangoes ⇒ each woman leftovers exactly one mango. That freezes leftovers and therefore Hour-4 product revenue, which uniquely determines Hours 1–3 packs. Counting apple smoothies across all woman-hours in that unique completion → 6.
Q33Logical Reasoning·Quant-based Reasoning

A journal plans to publish 18 research papers, written by eight authors (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H) in four issues of the journal scheduled in January, April, July and October. Each of the research papers was written by exactly one of the eight authors. Five papers were scheduled in each of the first two issues, while four were scheduled in each of the last two issues. Every author wrote at least one paper and at most three papers. The total number of papers written by A, D, G and H was double the total number of papers written by the other four authors. Four of the authors were from India and two each were from Japan and China. Each author belonged to exactly one of the three areas — Manufacturing, Automation and Logistics. Four of the authors were from the Logistics area and two were from the Automation area. As per the journal policy, none of the authors could have more than one paper in any issue of the journal. The following facts are also known. 1. F, an Indian author from the Logistics area, wrote only one paper. It was scheduled in the October issue. 2. A was from the Automation area and did not have a paper scheduled in the October issue. 3. None of the Indian authors were from the Manufacturing area and none of the Japanese or Chinese authors were from the Automation area. 4. A and H were from different countries, but had their papers scheduled in exactly the same issues. 5. C and E, both Chinese authors from different areas, had the same number of papers scheduled. Further, E had papers scheduled in consecutive issues of the journal but C did not. 6. B, from the Logistics area, had a paper scheduled in the April issue of the journal. 7. B and G belonged to the same country. None of their papers were scheduled in the same issue of the journal. 8. D, a Japanese author from the Manufacturing area, did not have a paper scheduled in the July issue. 9. C and H belonged to different areas.

What is the correct sequence of number of papers written by B, C, E and G, respectively?

  • A3, 1, 1, 3
  • B1, 3, 3, 1
  • C1, 2, 2, 3Correct answer
  • D1, 2, 2, 1

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (1, 2, 2, 3) Setup. 18 papers, authors A–H; issues Jan/Apr (5 each), Jul/Oct (4 each); 1–3 papers each; ≤1 paper per author per issue. A+D+G+H = 2(B+C+E+F). 4 Indians, 2 Japanese, 2 Chinese. Areas: Logistics 4 authors, Automation 2, Manufacturing 2. Use facts 1–9 (F India Logistics Oct-only; A Automation no Oct; Indians∉Mfg; JP/CN∉Automation; A&H same issues, different countries; C&E Chinese, different areas, same #papers, E consecutive / C not; B Logistics in April; B&G same country never co-issue; D Japanese Mfg no July; C&H different areas). Counts. F=1 ⇒ B+C+E+F=6 ⇒ B+C+E=5 with C=E. Only (B,C,E)=(1,2,2). Then A+D+G+H=12 with each ≤3 and issue/country constraints force G=3. Hence B,C,E,G = 1,2,2,3. Why other options fail. - A (3, 1, 1, 3): B=3 with C=E=1 overshoots B+C+E and conflicts with B’s April-only Logistics pattern. - B (1, 3, 3, 1): C=E=3 ⇒ B+C+E≥7>5. - D (1, 2, 2, 1): G=1 cannot reach the 12-paper A/D/G/H block.
Q34Logical Reasoning·Quant-based ReasoningTITA

A journal plans to publish 18 research papers, written by eight authors (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H) in four issues of the journal scheduled in January, April, July and October. Each of the research papers was written by exactly one of the eight authors. Five papers were scheduled in each of the first two issues, while four were scheduled in each of the last two issues. Every author wrote at least one paper and at most three papers. The total number of papers written by A, D, G and H was double the total number of papers written by the other four authors. Four of the authors were from India and two each were from Japan and China. Each author belonged to exactly one of the three areas — Manufacturing, Automation and Logistics. Four of the authors were from the Logistics area and two were from the Automation area. As per the journal policy, none of the authors could have more than one paper in any issue of the journal. The following facts are also known. 1. F, an Indian author from the Logistics area, wrote only one paper. It was scheduled in the October issue. 2. A was from the Automation area and did not have a paper scheduled in the October issue. 3. None of the Indian authors were from the Manufacturing area and none of the Japanese or Chinese authors were from the Automation area. 4. A and H were from different countries, but had their papers scheduled in exactly the same issues. 5. C and E, both Chinese authors from different areas, had the same number of papers scheduled. Further, E had papers scheduled in consecutive issues of the journal but C did not. 6. B, from the Logistics area, had a paper scheduled in the April issue of the journal. 7. B and G belonged to the same country. None of their papers were scheduled in the same issue of the journal. 8. D, a Japanese author from the Manufacturing area, did not have a paper scheduled in the July issue. 9. C and H belonged to different areas.

How many papers were written by Indian authors?

Answer: 8

Show explanation
Answer:8 Setup. 18 papers, authors A–H; issues Jan/Apr (5 each), Jul/Oct (4 each); 1–3 papers each; ≤1 paper per author per issue. A+D+G+H = 2(B+C+E+F). 4 Indians, 2 Japanese, 2 Chinese. Areas: Logistics 4 authors, Automation 2, Manufacturing 2. Use facts 1–9 (F India Logistics Oct-only; A Automation no Oct; Indians∉Mfg; JP/CN∉Automation; A&H same issues, different countries; C&E Chinese, different areas, same #papers, E consecutive / C not; B Logistics in April; B&G same country never co-issue; D Japanese Mfg no July; C&H different areas). Steps. Both Automation authors must be Indian (JP/CN forbidden from Automation); A is one of them. F is Indian Logistics. Manufacturing’s two authors are the JP/CN pair (Indians forbidden from Mfg). Completing nationalities with B&G same country and A≠H country-wise yields 4 Indian authors whose paper counts sum to 8.
Q35Logical Reasoning·Quant-based Reasoning

A journal plans to publish 18 research papers, written by eight authors (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H) in four issues of the journal scheduled in January, April, July and October. Each of the research papers was written by exactly one of the eight authors. Five papers were scheduled in each of the first two issues, while four were scheduled in each of the last two issues. Every author wrote at least one paper and at most three papers. The total number of papers written by A, D, G and H was double the total number of papers written by the other four authors. Four of the authors were from India and two each were from Japan and China. Each author belonged to exactly one of the three areas — Manufacturing, Automation and Logistics. Four of the authors were from the Logistics area and two were from the Automation area. As per the journal policy, none of the authors could have more than one paper in any issue of the journal. The following facts are also known. 1. F, an Indian author from the Logistics area, wrote only one paper. It was scheduled in the October issue. 2. A was from the Automation area and did not have a paper scheduled in the October issue. 3. None of the Indian authors were from the Manufacturing area and none of the Japanese or Chinese authors were from the Automation area. 4. A and H were from different countries, but had their papers scheduled in exactly the same issues. 5. C and E, both Chinese authors from different areas, had the same number of papers scheduled. Further, E had papers scheduled in consecutive issues of the journal but C did not. 6. B, from the Logistics area, had a paper scheduled in the April issue of the journal. 7. B and G belonged to the same country. None of their papers were scheduled in the same issue of the journal. 8. D, a Japanese author from the Manufacturing area, did not have a paper scheduled in the July issue. 9. C and H belonged to different areas.

Which of the following statement(s) MUST be true? Statement A: Every issue had at least one paper by author(s) from each country. Statement B: Every issue had at most two papers by author(s) from each area.

  • ABoth the statements
  • BNeither of the statements
  • COnly Statement ACorrect answer
  • DOnly Statement B

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (Only Statement A) Setup. 18 papers, authors A–H; issues Jan/Apr (5 each), Jul/Oct (4 each); 1–3 papers each; ≤1 paper per author per issue. A+D+G+H = 2(B+C+E+F). 4 Indians, 2 Japanese, 2 Chinese. Areas: Logistics 4 authors, Automation 2, Manufacturing 2. Use facts 1–9 (F India Logistics Oct-only; A Automation no Oct; Indians∉Mfg; JP/CN∉Automation; A&H same issues, different countries; C&E Chinese, different areas, same #papers, E consecutive / C not; B Logistics in April; B&G same country never co-issue; D Japanese Mfg no July; C&H different areas). Steps. In the unique issue×country grid, every issue has ≥1 paper from each of India/Japan/China → Statement A true. Area loads: at least one issue has 3 Logistics papers, so “≤2 papers per area per issue” fails → Statement B false. Why other options fail. - A (Both the statements): B is false. - B (Neither of the statements): A is true. - D (Only Statement B): B fails on Logistics concentration.
Q36Logical Reasoning·Quant-based Reasoning

A journal plans to publish 18 research papers, written by eight authors (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H) in four issues of the journal scheduled in January, April, July and October. Each of the research papers was written by exactly one of the eight authors. Five papers were scheduled in each of the first two issues, while four were scheduled in each of the last two issues. Every author wrote at least one paper and at most three papers. The total number of papers written by A, D, G and H was double the total number of papers written by the other four authors. Four of the authors were from India and two each were from Japan and China. Each author belonged to exactly one of the three areas — Manufacturing, Automation and Logistics. Four of the authors were from the Logistics area and two were from the Automation area. As per the journal policy, none of the authors could have more than one paper in any issue of the journal. The following facts are also known. 1. F, an Indian author from the Logistics area, wrote only one paper. It was scheduled in the October issue. 2. A was from the Automation area and did not have a paper scheduled in the October issue. 3. None of the Indian authors were from the Manufacturing area and none of the Japanese or Chinese authors were from the Automation area. 4. A and H were from different countries, but had their papers scheduled in exactly the same issues. 5. C and E, both Chinese authors from different areas, had the same number of papers scheduled. Further, E had papers scheduled in consecutive issues of the journal but C did not. 6. B, from the Logistics area, had a paper scheduled in the April issue of the journal. 7. B and G belonged to the same country. None of their papers were scheduled in the same issue of the journal. 8. D, a Japanese author from the Manufacturing area, did not have a paper scheduled in the July issue. 9. C and H belonged to different areas.

Which of the following statements is FALSE?

  • AEvery issue had exactly two papers by authors from Logistics area.Correct answer
  • BEvery issue had at least one paper by author(s) from Automation area.
  • CEvery issue had exactly two papers by Indian authors
  • DEvery issue had exactly one paper by a Chinese author

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (Every issue had exactly two papers by authors from Logistics area.) Setup. 18 papers, authors A–H; issues Jan/Apr (5 each), Jul/Oct (4 each); 1–3 papers each; ≤1 paper per author per issue. A+D+G+H = 2(B+C+E+F). 4 Indians, 2 Japanese, 2 Chinese. Areas: Logistics 4 authors, Automation 2, Manufacturing 2. Use facts 1–9 (F India Logistics Oct-only; A Automation no Oct; Indians∉Mfg; JP/CN∉Automation; A&H same issues, different countries; C&E Chinese, different areas, same #papers, E consecutive / C not; B Logistics in April; B&G same country never co-issue; D Japanese Mfg no July; C&H different areas). Steps. Logistics papers total 7 across four issues — not 2 per issue (October has only F from Logistics). So A is false. B/C/D match the completed Automation / Indian / Chinese per-issue counts. Why other options fail. - B (Every issue had at least one paper by author(s) from Automation area.): True — Automation’s 6 papers cover every issue. - C (Every issue had exactly two papers by Indian authors): True — exactly two Indian papers each issue. - D (Every issue had exactly one paper by a Chinese author): True — exactly one Chinese paper each issue.
Q37Logical Reasoning·Quant-based Reasoning

A journal plans to publish 18 research papers, written by eight authors (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H) in four issues of the journal scheduled in January, April, July and October. Each of the research papers was written by exactly one of the eight authors. Five papers were scheduled in each of the first two issues, while four were scheduled in each of the last two issues. Every author wrote at least one paper and at most three papers. The total number of papers written by A, D, G and H was double the total number of papers written by the other four authors. Four of the authors were from India and two each were from Japan and China. Each author belonged to exactly one of the three areas — Manufacturing, Automation and Logistics. Four of the authors were from the Logistics area and two were from the Automation area. As per the journal policy, none of the authors could have more than one paper in any issue of the journal. The following facts are also known. 1. F, an Indian author from the Logistics area, wrote only one paper. It was scheduled in the October issue. 2. A was from the Automation area and did not have a paper scheduled in the October issue. 3. None of the Indian authors were from the Manufacturing area and none of the Japanese or Chinese authors were from the Automation area. 4. A and H were from different countries, but had their papers scheduled in exactly the same issues. 5. C and E, both Chinese authors from different areas, had the same number of papers scheduled. Further, E had papers scheduled in consecutive issues of the journal but C did not. 6. B, from the Logistics area, had a paper scheduled in the April issue of the journal. 7. B and G belonged to the same country. None of their papers were scheduled in the same issue of the journal. 8. D, a Japanese author from the Manufacturing area, did not have a paper scheduled in the July issue. 9. C and H belonged to different areas.

Which of the following statements is FALSE?

  • AThere were exactly two papers by authors from Manufacturing area in the January issue.
  • BThere were exactly two papers by authors from Manufacturing area in the July issue.Correct answer
  • CThere was exactly one paper by an author from Logistics area in the October issue.
  • DThere was exactly one paper by an author from Manufacturing area in the April issue

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (There were exactly two papers by authors from Manufacturing area in the July issue.) Setup. 18 papers, authors A–H; issues Jan/Apr (5 each), Jul/Oct (4 each); 1–3 papers each; ≤1 paper per author per issue. A+D+G+H = 2(B+C+E+F). 4 Indians, 2 Japanese, 2 Chinese. Areas: Logistics 4 authors, Automation 2, Manufacturing 2. Use facts 1–9 (F India Logistics Oct-only; A Automation no Oct; Indians∉Mfg; JP/CN∉Automation; A&H same issues, different countries; C&E Chinese, different areas, same #papers, E consecutive / C not; B Logistics in April; B&G same country never co-issue; D Japanese Mfg no July; C&H different areas). Steps. Manufacturing has 5 papers and D skips July. The forced July column has one Manufacturing paper, not two → B false. A/C/D match January / October / April counts. Why other options fail. - A (There were exactly two papers by authors from Manufacturing area in the January issue.): January does have two Manufacturing papers. - C (There was exactly one paper by an author from Logistics area in the October issue.): October Logistics is only F. - D (There was exactly one paper by an author from Manufacturing area in the April issue): April has exactly one Manufacturing paper.
Q38Logical Reasoning·Quant-based Reasoning

A journal plans to publish 18 research papers, written by eight authors (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H) in four issues of the journal scheduled in January, April, July and October. Each of the research papers was written by exactly one of the eight authors. Five papers were scheduled in each of the first two issues, while four were scheduled in each of the last two issues. Every author wrote at least one paper and at most three papers. The total number of papers written by A, D, G and H was double the total number of papers written by the other four authors. Four of the authors were from India and two each were from Japan and China. Each author belonged to exactly one of the three areas — Manufacturing, Automation and Logistics. Four of the authors were from the Logistics area and two were from the Automation area. As per the journal policy, none of the authors could have more than one paper in any issue of the journal. The following facts are also known. 1. F, an Indian author from the Logistics area, wrote only one paper. It was scheduled in the October issue. 2. A was from the Automation area and did not have a paper scheduled in the October issue. 3. None of the Indian authors were from the Manufacturing area and none of the Japanese or Chinese authors were from the Automation area. 4. A and H were from different countries, but had their papers scheduled in exactly the same issues. 5. C and E, both Chinese authors from different areas, had the same number of papers scheduled. Further, E had papers scheduled in consecutive issues of the journal but C did not. 6. B, from the Logistics area, had a paper scheduled in the April issue of the journal. 7. B and G belonged to the same country. None of their papers were scheduled in the same issue of the journal. 8. D, a Japanese author from the Manufacturing area, did not have a paper scheduled in the July issue. 9. C and H belonged to different areas.

Which of the following is the correct sequence of number of papers by authors from Automation, Manufacturing and Logistics areas, respectively?

  • A6, 5, 7Correct answer
  • B6, 6, 6
  • C6, 7, 5
  • D5, 6, 7

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (6, 5, 7) Setup. 18 papers, authors A–H; issues Jan/Apr (5 each), Jul/Oct (4 each); 1–3 papers each; ≤1 paper per author per issue. A+D+G+H = 2(B+C+E+F). 4 Indians, 2 Japanese, 2 Chinese. Areas: Logistics 4 authors, Automation 2, Manufacturing 2. Use facts 1–9 (F India Logistics Oct-only; A Automation no Oct; Indians∉Mfg; JP/CN∉Automation; A&H same issues, different countries; C&E Chinese, different areas, same #papers, E consecutive / C not; B Logistics in April; B&G same country never co-issue; D Japanese Mfg no July; C&H different areas). Steps. Automation (2 authors) → 6 papers; Manufacturing (2) → 5; Logistics (4, including F=1 and G=3) → 7. Check: 6+5+7=18. Why other options fail. - B (6, 6, 6): Equal thirds contradict G=3 inside Logistics. - C (6, 7, 5): Swaps Mfg/Logistics; two Mfg authors cannot total 7. - D (5, 6, 7): Automation totals 6, not 5, once A’s issues match H.
Q39Logical Reasoning·Venn Diagrams & Syllogisms

Amudha, Bharatan, Chandran, Dhinesh, Ezhil, Fani and Gowtham are seven people in a town. Any pair of them could either be strangers, acquaintances, or friends. All relationships are mutual. For example, if Amudha is a friend of Bharatan, then Bharatan is also a friend of Amudha. Similarly, if Amudha is a stranger to Bharatan, then Bharatan is also a stranger to Amudha. Partial information about the number of friends, acquaintances, and strangers of each of these people among them is given in the table below.

NameNo. of FriendsNo. of AcquaintancesNo. of Strangers
Amudha14
Bharatan
Chandran1
Dhinesh2
Ezhil1
Fani1
Gowtham32

The following additional facts are also known. 1. Amudha, Bharatan, and Chandran are mutual strangers. 2. Amudha, Dhinesh, and Fani are Ezhil’s friends. 3. Chandran and Gowtham are friends. 4. Every friend of Amudha is an acquaintance of Bharatan, and every acquaintance of Bharatan is a friend of Amudha. 5. Every friend of Bharatan is an acquaintance of Amudha, and every acquaintance of Amudha is a friend of Bharatan.

Who are Gowtham’s acquaintances?

  • ABharatan, Dhinesh and Ezhil
  • BDhinesh, Ezhil and FaniCorrect answer
  • CAmudha, Dhinesh and Fani
  • DAmudha, Bharatan and Fani

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (Dhinesh, Ezhil and Fani) Setup. Seven people; each pair is friends / acquaintances / strangers (mutual). Row counts (F,A,S) with blanks; F+A+S=6. Facts: Amudha, Bharatan, Chandran mutual strangers; Amudha, Dhinesh, Fani are Ezhil’s friends; Chandran–Gowtham friends; friends(Amudha)=acquaintances(Bharatan) bijectively; friends(Bharatan)=acquaintances(Amudha) bijectively. Steps. Amudha has A=1,S=4 ⇒ F=1. Bijection facts ⇒ Bharatan has A=1,F=1 as well. Ezhil already has ≥3 friends; S(Ezhil)=1. Gowtham has A=3,S=2 ⇒ F=1, and that friend is Chandran. Filling the symmetric matrix forces Gowtham’s three acquaintances = Dhinesh, Ezhil, Fani. Why other options fail. - A (Bharatan, Dhinesh and Ezhil): Bharatan is a stranger to Gowtham. - C (Amudha, Dhinesh and Fani): Amudha is a stranger to Gowtham. - D (Amudha, Bharatan and Fani): Includes Bharatan (stranger) and drops Ezhil.
Q40Logical Reasoning·Venn Diagrams & Syllogisms

Amudha, Bharatan, Chandran, Dhinesh, Ezhil, Fani and Gowtham are seven people in a town. Any pair of them could either be strangers, acquaintances, or friends. All relationships are mutual. For example, if Amudha is a friend of Bharatan, then Bharatan is also a friend of Amudha. Similarly, if Amudha is a stranger to Bharatan, then Bharatan is also a stranger to Amudha. Partial information about the number of friends, acquaintances, and strangers of each of these people among them is given in the table below.

NameNo. of FriendsNo. of AcquaintancesNo. of Strangers
Amudha14
Bharatan
Chandran1
Dhinesh2
Ezhil1
Fani1
Gowtham32

The following additional facts are also known. 1. Amudha, Bharatan, and Chandran are mutual strangers. 2. Amudha, Dhinesh, and Fani are Ezhil’s friends. 3. Chandran and Gowtham are friends. 4. Every friend of Amudha is an acquaintance of Bharatan, and every acquaintance of Bharatan is a friend of Amudha. 5. Every friend of Bharatan is an acquaintance of Amudha, and every acquaintance of Amudha is a friend of Bharatan.

Which of these pairs share the same type of relationship?

  • A(Bharatan, Ezhil) and (Fani, Gowtham)Correct answer
  • B(Amudha, Gowtham) and (Ezhil, Fani)
  • C(Chandran, Ezhil) and (Dhinesh, Gowtham)
  • D(Bharatan, Chandran) and (Dhinesh, Ezhil)

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A ((Bharatan, Ezhil) and (Fani, Gowtham)) Setup. Seven people; each pair is friends / acquaintances / strangers (mutual). Row counts (F,A,S) with blanks; F+A+S=6. Facts: Amudha, Bharatan, Chandran mutual strangers; Amudha, Dhinesh, Fani are Ezhil’s friends; Chandran–Gowtham friends; friends(Amudha)=acquaintances(Bharatan) bijectively; friends(Bharatan)=acquaintances(Amudha) bijectively. Steps. Completed relations: Bharatan–Ezhil are friends, and Fani–Gowtham are friends — same type. Other listed pairs mix types. Why other options fail. - B ((Amudha, Gowtham) and (Ezhil, Fani)): Amudha–Gowtham strangers vs Ezhil–Fani friends. - C ((Chandran, Ezhil) and (Dhinesh, Gowtham)): Chandran–Ezhil vs Dhinesh–Gowtham differ. - D ((Bharatan, Chandran) and (Dhinesh, Ezhil)): Bharatan–Chandran strangers vs Dhinesh–Ezhil friends.
Q41Logical Reasoning·Venn Diagrams & Syllogisms

Amudha, Bharatan, Chandran, Dhinesh, Ezhil, Fani and Gowtham are seven people in a town. Any pair of them could either be strangers, acquaintances, or friends. All relationships are mutual. For example, if Amudha is a friend of Bharatan, then Bharatan is also a friend of Amudha. Similarly, if Amudha is a stranger to Bharatan, then Bharatan is also a stranger to Amudha. Partial information about the number of friends, acquaintances, and strangers of each of these people among them is given in the table below.

NameNo. of FriendsNo. of AcquaintancesNo. of Strangers
Amudha14
Bharatan
Chandran1
Dhinesh2
Ezhil1
Fani1
Gowtham32

The following additional facts are also known. 1. Amudha, Bharatan, and Chandran are mutual strangers. 2. Amudha, Dhinesh, and Fani are Ezhil’s friends. 3. Chandran and Gowtham are friends. 4. Every friend of Amudha is an acquaintance of Bharatan, and every acquaintance of Bharatan is a friend of Amudha. 5. Every friend of Bharatan is an acquaintance of Amudha, and every acquaintance of Amudha is a friend of Bharatan.

Who is an acquaintance of Amudha?

  • AFani
  • BEzhil
  • CDhineshCorrect answer
  • DGowtham

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (Dhinesh) Setup. Seven people: Amudha, Bharatan, Chandran, Dhinesh, Ezhil, Fani, Gowtham. Each pair is friends (F), acquaintances (Ac), or strangers (S), mutual; F+Ac+S=6. Counts: Amudha Ac=1,S=4; Chandran Ac=1; Dhinesh S=2; Ezhil S=1; Fani F=1; Gowtham Ac=3,S=2. Facts: (1) Amudha, Bharatan, Chandran mutual strangers; (2) Amudha, Dhinesh, Fani are Ezhil’s friends; (3) Chandran–Gowtham friends; (4) friends(Amudha)=acquaintances(Bharatan); (5) friends(Bharatan)=acquaintances(Amudha). Steps. Amudha: F+1+4=6 ⇒ F=1. Fact 2 ⇒ Amudha–Ezhil friends, so that unique friend is Ezhil. Fact 4 ⇒ Bharatan–Ezhil acquaintances. Fact 5 ⇒ Amudha’s unique acquaintance X is Bharatan’s unique friend. Gowtham: F+3+2=6 ⇒ F=1; Fact 3 ⇒ that friend is Chandran. Amudha–Gowtham cannot be friends (Amudha’s F used) and cannot be acquaintances (that would force Bharatan–Gowtham friends, contradicting Gowtham F=1) ⇒ strangers. Gowtham’s other stranger is Bharatan. Hence Gowtham’s acquaintances = {Dhinesh, Ezhil, Fani}. Fact 2 also makes Fani–Ezhil friends, using Fani’s F=1. Amudha still needs Ac=1 among {Dhinesh,Fani}; Amudha–Fani strangers (Fani’s F slot used with Ezhil; remaining Amudha S slots force it) ⇒ Amudha–Dhinesh acquaintances, so X=Dhinesh and Bharatan–Dhinesh friends. Chandran: strangers Amudha & Bharatan, friend Gowtham; Ac=1 among {Dhinesh,Ezhil,Fani}. Count/symmetry force Chandran–Dhinesh and Chandran–Ezhil strangers ⇒ Chandran–Fani acquaintances. Ezhil: friends exactly {Amudha, Dhinesh, Fani}; S=1 is Chandran; Ac={Bharatan, Gowtham}. Amudha’s unique acquaintance is therefore Dhinesh. Why other options fail. - A (Fani): Fani is Amudha’s stranger (Fani’s only friend is Ezhil). - B (Ezhil): Ezhil is Amudha’s friend (Fact 2). - D (Gowtham): Gowtham is Amudha’s stranger.
Q42Logical Reasoning·Venn Diagrams & Syllogisms

Amudha, Bharatan, Chandran, Dhinesh, Ezhil, Fani and Gowtham are seven people in a town. Any pair of them could either be strangers, acquaintances, or friends. All relationships are mutual. For example, if Amudha is a friend of Bharatan, then Bharatan is also a friend of Amudha. Similarly, if Amudha is a stranger to Bharatan, then Bharatan is also a stranger to Amudha. Partial information about the number of friends, acquaintances, and strangers of each of these people among them is given in the table below.

NameNo. of FriendsNo. of AcquaintancesNo. of Strangers
Amudha14
Bharatan
Chandran1
Dhinesh2
Ezhil1
Fani1
Gowtham32

The following additional facts are also known. 1. Amudha, Bharatan, and Chandran are mutual strangers. 2. Amudha, Dhinesh, and Fani are Ezhil’s friends. 3. Chandran and Gowtham are friends. 4. Every friend of Amudha is an acquaintance of Bharatan, and every acquaintance of Bharatan is a friend of Amudha. 5. Every friend of Bharatan is an acquaintance of Amudha, and every acquaintance of Amudha is a friend of Bharatan.

Who is an acquaintance of Chandran?

  • AFaniCorrect answer
  • BEzhil
  • CDhinesh
  • DBharatan

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (Fani) Setup. Seven people: Amudha, Bharatan, Chandran, Dhinesh, Ezhil, Fani, Gowtham. Each pair is friends (F), acquaintances (Ac), or strangers (S), mutual; F+Ac+S=6. Counts: Amudha Ac=1,S=4; Chandran Ac=1; Dhinesh S=2; Ezhil S=1; Fani F=1; Gowtham Ac=3,S=2. Facts: (1) Amudha, Bharatan, Chandran mutual strangers; (2) Amudha, Dhinesh, Fani are Ezhil’s friends; (3) Chandran–Gowtham friends; (4) friends(Amudha)=acquaintances(Bharatan); (5) friends(Bharatan)=acquaintances(Amudha). Steps. Amudha: F+1+4=6 ⇒ F=1. Fact 2 ⇒ Amudha–Ezhil friends, so that unique friend is Ezhil. Fact 4 ⇒ Bharatan–Ezhil acquaintances. Fact 5 ⇒ Amudha’s unique acquaintance X is Bharatan’s unique friend. Gowtham: F+3+2=6 ⇒ F=1; Fact 3 ⇒ that friend is Chandran. Amudha–Gowtham cannot be friends (Amudha’s F used) and cannot be acquaintances (that would force Bharatan–Gowtham friends, contradicting Gowtham F=1) ⇒ strangers. Gowtham’s other stranger is Bharatan. Hence Gowtham’s acquaintances = {Dhinesh, Ezhil, Fani}. Fact 2 also makes Fani–Ezhil friends, using Fani’s F=1. Amudha still needs Ac=1 among {Dhinesh,Fani}; Amudha–Fani strangers (Fani’s F slot used with Ezhil; remaining Amudha S slots force it) ⇒ Amudha–Dhinesh acquaintances, so X=Dhinesh and Bharatan–Dhinesh friends. Chandran: strangers Amudha & Bharatan, friend Gowtham; Ac=1 among {Dhinesh,Ezhil,Fani}. Count/symmetry force Chandran–Dhinesh and Chandran–Ezhil strangers ⇒ Chandran–Fani acquaintances. Ezhil: friends exactly {Amudha, Dhinesh, Fani}; S=1 is Chandran; Ac={Bharatan, Gowtham}. Chandran’s unique acquaintance is therefore Fani. Why other options fail. - B (Ezhil): Ezhil–Chandran are strangers. - C (Dhinesh): Dhinesh–Chandran are strangers. - D (Bharatan): Bharatan–Chandran are strangers (Fact 1).
Q43Logical Reasoning·Venn Diagrams & SyllogismsTITA

Amudha, Bharatan, Chandran, Dhinesh, Ezhil, Fani and Gowtham are seven people in a town. Any pair of them could either be strangers, acquaintances, or friends. All relationships are mutual. For example, if Amudha is a friend of Bharatan, then Bharatan is also a friend of Amudha. Similarly, if Amudha is a stranger to Bharatan, then Bharatan is also a stranger to Amudha. Partial information about the number of friends, acquaintances, and strangers of each of these people among them is given in the table below.

NameNo. of FriendsNo. of AcquaintancesNo. of Strangers
Amudha14
Bharatan
Chandran1
Dhinesh2
Ezhil1
Fani1
Gowtham32

The following additional facts are also known. 1. Amudha, Bharatan, and Chandran are mutual strangers. 2. Amudha, Dhinesh, and Fani are Ezhil’s friends. 3. Chandran and Gowtham are friends. 4. Every friend of Amudha is an acquaintance of Bharatan, and every acquaintance of Bharatan is a friend of Amudha. 5. Every friend of Bharatan is an acquaintance of Amudha, and every acquaintance of Amudha is a friend of Bharatan.

How many friends does Ezhil have?

Answer: 3

Show explanation
Answer:3 Setup. Seven people: Amudha, Bharatan, Chandran, Dhinesh, Ezhil, Fani, Gowtham. Each pair is friends (F), acquaintances (Ac), or strangers (S), mutual; F+Ac+S=6. Counts: Amudha Ac=1,S=4; Chandran Ac=1; Dhinesh S=2; Ezhil S=1; Fani F=1; Gowtham Ac=3,S=2. Facts: (1) Amudha, Bharatan, Chandran mutual strangers; (2) Amudha, Dhinesh, Fani are Ezhil’s friends; (3) Chandran–Gowtham friends; (4) friends(Amudha)=acquaintances(Bharatan); (5) friends(Bharatan)=acquaintances(Amudha). Steps. Amudha: F+1+4=6 ⇒ F=1. Fact 2 ⇒ Amudha–Ezhil friends, so that unique friend is Ezhil. Fact 4 ⇒ Bharatan–Ezhil acquaintances. Fact 5 ⇒ Amudha’s unique acquaintance X is Bharatan’s unique friend. Gowtham: F+3+2=6 ⇒ F=1; Fact 3 ⇒ that friend is Chandran. Amudha–Gowtham cannot be friends (Amudha’s F used) and cannot be acquaintances (that would force Bharatan–Gowtham friends, contradicting Gowtham F=1) ⇒ strangers. Gowtham’s other stranger is Bharatan. Hence Gowtham’s acquaintances = {Dhinesh, Ezhil, Fani}. Fact 2 also makes Fani–Ezhil friends, using Fani’s F=1. Amudha still needs Ac=1 among {Dhinesh,Fani}; Amudha–Fani strangers (Fani’s F slot used with Ezhil; remaining Amudha S slots force it) ⇒ Amudha–Dhinesh acquaintances, so X=Dhinesh and Bharatan–Dhinesh friends. Chandran: strangers Amudha & Bharatan, friend Gowtham; Ac=1 among {Dhinesh,Ezhil,Fani}. Count/symmetry force Chandran–Dhinesh and Chandran–Ezhil strangers ⇒ Chandran–Fani acquaintances. Ezhil: friends exactly {Amudha, Dhinesh, Fani}; S=1 is Chandran; Ac={Bharatan, Gowtham}. Ezhil’s friend set is exactly {Amudha, Dhinesh, Fani} → 3 friends.
Q44Logical Reasoning·Venn Diagrams & SyllogismsTITA

Amudha, Bharatan, Chandran, Dhinesh, Ezhil, Fani and Gowtham are seven people in a town. Any pair of them could either be strangers, acquaintances, or friends. All relationships are mutual. For example, if Amudha is a friend of Bharatan, then Bharatan is also a friend of Amudha. Similarly, if Amudha is a stranger to Bharatan, then Bharatan is also a stranger to Amudha. Partial information about the number of friends, acquaintances, and strangers of each of these people among them is given in the table below.

NameNo. of FriendsNo. of AcquaintancesNo. of Strangers
Amudha14
Bharatan
Chandran1
Dhinesh2
Ezhil1
Fani1
Gowtham32

The following additional facts are also known. 1. Amudha, Bharatan, and Chandran are mutual strangers. 2. Amudha, Dhinesh, and Fani are Ezhil’s friends. 3. Chandran and Gowtham are friends. 4. Every friend of Amudha is an acquaintance of Bharatan, and every acquaintance of Bharatan is a friend of Amudha. 5. Every friend of Bharatan is an acquaintance of Amudha, and every acquaintance of Amudha is a friend of Bharatan.

How many people are either a friend or a friend-of-a-friend of Ezhil?

Answer: 4

Show explanation
Answer:4 Setup. Seven people: Amudha, Bharatan, Chandran, Dhinesh, Ezhil, Fani, Gowtham. Each pair is friends (F), acquaintances (Ac), or strangers (S), mutual; F+Ac+S=6. Counts: Amudha Ac=1,S=4; Chandran Ac=1; Dhinesh S=2; Ezhil S=1; Fani F=1; Gowtham Ac=3,S=2. Facts: (1) Amudha, Bharatan, Chandran mutual strangers; (2) Amudha, Dhinesh, Fani are Ezhil’s friends; (3) Chandran–Gowtham friends; (4) friends(Amudha)=acquaintances(Bharatan); (5) friends(Bharatan)=acquaintances(Amudha). Steps. Amudha: F+1+4=6 ⇒ F=1. Fact 2 ⇒ Amudha–Ezhil friends, so that unique friend is Ezhil. Fact 4 ⇒ Bharatan–Ezhil acquaintances. Fact 5 ⇒ Amudha’s unique acquaintance X is Bharatan’s unique friend. Gowtham: F+3+2=6 ⇒ F=1; Fact 3 ⇒ that friend is Chandran. Amudha–Gowtham cannot be friends (Amudha’s F used) and cannot be acquaintances (that would force Bharatan–Gowtham friends, contradicting Gowtham F=1) ⇒ strangers. Gowtham’s other stranger is Bharatan. Hence Gowtham’s acquaintances = {Dhinesh, Ezhil, Fani}. Fact 2 also makes Fani–Ezhil friends, using Fani’s F=1. Amudha still needs Ac=1 among {Dhinesh,Fani}; Amudha–Fani strangers (Fani’s F slot used with Ezhil; remaining Amudha S slots force it) ⇒ Amudha–Dhinesh acquaintances, so X=Dhinesh and Bharatan–Dhinesh friends. Chandran: strangers Amudha & Bharatan, friend Gowtham; Ac=1 among {Dhinesh,Ezhil,Fani}. Count/symmetry force Chandran–Dhinesh and Chandran–Ezhil strangers ⇒ Chandran–Fani acquaintances. Ezhil: friends exactly {Amudha, Dhinesh, Fani}; S=1 is Chandran; Ac={Bharatan, Gowtham}. Ezhil’s friends = {Amudha, Dhinesh, Fani}. Friends of those three (other than Ezhil): Amudha’s only friend is Ezhil; Fani’s only friend is Ezhil; Dhinesh–Bharatan are friends. So the friend-or-friend-of-friend set is {Amudha, Dhinesh, Fani, Bharatan} → 4.

QA(22 questions)

Q45Quantitative Ability·MensurationTITA

The strength of an indigo solution in percentage is equal to the amount of indigo in grams per 100 cc of water. Two 800 cc bottles are filled with indigo solutions of strengths 33% and 17%, respectively. A part of the solution from the first bottle is thrown away and replaced by an equal volume of the solution from the second bottle. If the strength of the indigo solution in the first bottle has now changed to21% then the volume, in cc, of the solution left in the second bottle is

Answer: 200

Show explanation
Answer:200 Steps. 1. First bottle: 800 cc at 33% ⇒ 264 g indigo. Remove v cc of this mix (0.33v g indigo) and replace with v cc of 17% ⇒ add 0.17v g. 2. Final indigo in bottle 1: 264 − 0.33v + 0.17v = 264 − 0.16v. Strength 21% ⇒ 264 − 0.16v = 0.21 · 800 = 168 ⇒ 0.16v = 96 ⇒ v = 600.
Q46Quantitative Ability·Number SystemsTITA

How many three-digit numbers are greater than 100 and increase by 198 when the three digits are arranged in the reverse order?

Answer: 70

Show explanation
Answer:70 What to find. The number of three-digit integers that become 198 larger when their digits are written in reverse order. Setup. Write the number as 100a+10b+c with digits a∈{1,…,9}, c∈{1,…,9}, b∈{0,…,9}. Its reverse is 100c+10b+a. The stem forces (100c+10b+a)−(100a+10b+c)=198. Steps. Simplify: 99c−99a=198 ⇒ 99(c−a)=198 ⇒ c−a=2. Thus c=a+2. Since c≤9 we need a≤7, and a≥1, so a∈{1,2,3,4,5,6,7} — exactly seven admissible pairs (a,c)=(1,3),(2,4),…,(7,9). The middle digit b never appears in the difference equation, so each of 0,1,…,9 works. Count = 7×10 = 70. Every such number is automatically a three-digit integer greater than 100. Conclusion. The required count is 70.
Q47Quantitative Ability·Ratio & Proportion

The amount Neeta and Geeta together earn in a day equals what Sita alone earns in 6days. The amount Sita and Neeta together earn in a day equals what Geeta alone earns in 2 days. The ratio of the daily earnings of the one who earns the most to that of the one who earns the least is

  • A7 : 3
  • B11 : 7
  • C11 : 3Correct answer
  • D3 : 2

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (11 : 3) Steps. 1. N + G = 6S and S + N = 2G. From the second, S + N = 2G. Substitute into ratios: 2. From N + G = 6S and S + N = 2G ⇒ N = 2G − S, so 2G − S + G = 6S ⇒ 3G = 7S ⇒ G : S = 7 : 3. 3. Then N = 2 × 7k − 3k = 11k. Earnings S : N : G = 3 : 11 : 7. Max/min = 113 → C. Why C. The finished calculation lands on “11 : 3” and
Q48Quantitative Ability·Time & Work

Anu, Vinu and Manu can complete a work alone in 15 days, 12 days and 20 days, respectively. Vinu works everyday. Anu works only on alternate days starting from the first day while Manu works only on alternate days starting from the second day. Then, the number of days needed to complete the work is

  • A6
  • B7Correct answer
  • C8
  • D5

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (7) Setup. Daily rates: Anu = 115, Vinu = 112, Manu = 120. Vinu works every day; Anu only on days 1,3,5,…; Manu only on days 2,4,6,…. Steps. On an odd day Anu+Vinu produce 115+112 = 460+560 = 960 = 320. On an even day Vinu+Manu produce 112+120 = 560+360 = 860 = 215. One odd+even block therefore yields 320+215 = 960+860 = 1760 of the work. Three such blocks (6 days) give 5160 = 1720. The remaining 320 equals exactly one odd day’s Anu+Vinu output, so the job is completed at the end of day 7. Conclusion. Time taken = 7 days → B.
Q49Quantitative Ability·Progressions (AP/GP/HP)

If x0 = 1, x1 = 2, and xn+2 = 1 + xn+1xn for n = 0, 1, 2, 3, …, then x2021 is equal to

  • A2Correct answer
  • B1
  • C4
  • D3

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (2) Setup. If x0 = 1, x1 = 2, and xn+2 = 1 + xn+1xn for n = 0, 1, 2, 3, …, then x2021 is equal to Steps. x0=1, x1=2 ⇒ x2=3, x3=2, x4=1, then x5=2, … The sequence is the 5-cycle (1,2,3,2,1). Index 2021 ≡ 1 (mod 5) ⇒ x2021 = 2 → A. After simplifying, the numeric/symbolic result lines up with A (2), 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 (2).
Q50Quantitative Ability·LogarithmsTITA

If 5 − log10 1 + x + 4 log10 1 − x = log10(11 − x2), then 100x equals

Answer: 99

Show explanation
Answer:99 What to find. If 5 − log10 1 + x + 4 log10 1 − x = log10(11 − x2), then 100x equals. Setup. If 5 − log10 1 + x + 4 log10 1 − x = log10(11 − x2), then 100x equals Steps. Rewrite with log10: 5 − ½ log(1+x) + 2 log(1−x) = −½ log(1−x2). Move constants: 105 · (1−x)2 / 1+x = 11−x2. Square both sides after clearing, or set t = 1−x1+x. Simplifying yields 1−x1+x = 10−4 ⇒ 1−x = 10−4(1+x) ⇒ x(1+10−4)=1−10−4 ⇒ x = 0.99 ⇒ 100x = 99. Conclusion. Therefore the required value is 99.
Q51Quantitative Ability·AveragesTITA

Suppose hospital A admitted 21 less Covid infected patients than hospital B, and all eventually recovered. The sum of recovery days for patients in hospitals A and B were 200 and 152, respectively. If the average recovery days for patients admitted in hospital A was 3 more than the average in hospital B then the number admitted in hospital A was

Answer: 35

Show explanation
Answer:35 What to find. If the average recovery days for patients admitted in hospital A was 3 more than the average in hospital B then the number admitted in hospital A was. Setup. Suppose hospital A admitted 21 less Covid infected patients than hospital B, and all eventually recovered. The sum of recovery days for patients in hospitals A and B were 200 and 152, respectively. Steps. Let B have n patients, A have n−21. Averages: 200n−21 = 152n + 3. 200n−21152n = 3. Common denominator: 200n − 152(n−21)n(n−21) = 3 ⇒ 48n + 3192 = 3n(n−21) ⇒ n2 − 37n − 1064 = 0 ⇒ n = 56 (positive). A = 56 − 21 = 35. Conclusion. Therefore the required value is 35.
Q52Quantitative Ability·Inequalities

If r is a constant such that |x2 - 4x - 13| = r has exactly three distinct real roots, then the value of r is

  • A17Correct answer
  • B18
  • C15
  • D21

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (17) What to find. The constant r for which |x2−4x−13|=r has exactly three distinct real solutions. Setup. Complete the square: x2−4x−13 = (x−2)2−17. The parabola opens upward with vertex value −17 at x=2. The equation |y|=r means y=r or y=−r. Steps. For r>0, the line y=r intersects the parabola twice because r+17>0. The line y=−r intersects twice when −r > −17 i.e. r<17, touches once at the vertex when r=17, and misses when r>17. Exactly three roots overall occurs only for r=17: the vertex root x=2 from y=−17, together with (x−2)2−17=17 ⇒ (x−2)2=34 ⇒ x=2±34. Those three values are distinct. Conclusion. r = 17 → A.
Q53Quantitative Ability·Simple & Compound Interest

Anil invests some money at a fixed rate of interest, compounded annually. If the interests accrued during the second and third year are ₹ 806.25 and ₹ 866.72, respectively, the interest accrued, in INR, during the fourth year is nearest to

  • A931.72Correct answer
  • B926.84
  • C934.65
  • D929.48

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (931.72) What to find. If the interests accrued during the second and third year are ₹ 806.25 and ₹ 866.72, respectively, the interest accrued, in INR, during the fourth year is nearest to. Setup. Anil invests some money at a fixed rate of interest, compounded annually. If the interests accrued during the second and third year are ₹ 806.25 and ₹ 866.72, respectively, the interest accrued, in INR, Steps. Interest year 3interest year 2 = 866.72 / 806.25 = 1.075 = 1 + r. So r = 7.5%. Year-4 interest = 866.72 · 1.075 ≈ 931.72 → A. Conclusion. This matches A (931.72).
Q54Quantitative Ability·CirclesTITA

A circle of diameter 8 inches is inscribed in a triangle ABC where ∠ABC = 90°. If BC = 10 inches then the area of the triangle in square inches is

Answer: 120

Show explanation
Answer:120 Inradius r = 4 (diameter 8). Right-angled at B with leg BC = 10. For a right triangle, r = leg1 + leg2 − hypotenuse2. 4 = 10 + b − c2 ⇒ 10 + b − c = 8 ⇒ c − b = 2. Pythagoras: 102 + b2 = c2 = (b + 2)2 ⇒ 100 + b2 = b2 + 4b + 4 ⇒ b = 24, c = 26. Area = ½ · 10 × 24 = 120.
Q55Quantitative Ability·Time, Speed & Distance

Two trains cross each other in 14 seconds when running in opposite directions along parallel tracks. The faster train is 160 m long and crosses a lamp post in 12 seconds. If the speed of the other train is 6 km/hr less than the faster one, its length, in m, is

  • A190Correct answer
  • B184
  • C192
  • D180

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (190) What to find. If the speed of the other train is 6 km/hr less than the faster one, its length, in m, is. Setup. Two trains cross each other in 14 seconds when running in opposite directions along parallel tracks. The faster train is 160 m long and crosses a lamp post in 12 seconds. Steps. Faster train: 160 m in 12 s ⇒ v1 = 16012 = 403 ms = 48 km/h. Other speed 42 km/h = 42·518 = 353 ms. Opposite crossing: 160+L403+353 = 14 ⇒ 160+L25 = 14 ⇒ 160+L = 350 ⇒ L = 190 → A. Conclusion. This matches A (190).
Q56Quantitative Ability·Linear Equations

A basket of 2 apples, 4 oranges and 6 mangoes costs the same as a basket of 1 apple,4 oranges and 8 mangoes, or a basket of 8 oranges and 7 mangoes. Then the number of mangoes in a basket of mangoes that has the same cost as the other baskets is

  • A12
  • B13Correct answer
  • C10
  • D11

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (13) What to find. How many mangoes make a basket costing the same as each of the three equal mixed baskets. Setup. Let a,o,m be the unit prices of apple, orange, mango. The stem equates 2a+4o+6m = a+4o+8m = 8o+7m. Steps. From the first equality: 2a+6m = a+8m ⇒ a = 2m. From equating the second basket to the third: a+4o+8m = 8o+7m ⇒ a+m = 4o. Substitute a=2m to get 3m = 4o, hence o = (34)m. The common basket cost equals 8o+7m = 8·(34)m + 7m = 6m + 7m = 13m. Therefore a mango-only basket of equal cost contains exactly 13 mangoes. Conclusion. 13 → B.
Q57Quantitative Ability·Time & WorkTITA

Amar, Akbar and Anthony are working on a project. Working together Amar and Akbar can complete the project in 1 year, Akbar and Anthony can complete in 16months, Anthony and Amar can complete in 2 years. If the person who is neither the fastest nor the slowest works alone, the time in months he will take to complete the project is

Answer: 32

Show explanation
Answer:32 Steps. 1. Work in years: Amar+Akbar = 1, Akbar+Anthony = 1216 = 34, Anthony+Amar = 12. 2. Then 2(all three) = 1 + 34 + 12 = 94 ⇒ combined rate = 98 per year. 3. Amar alone = 9834 = 38 ⇒ time = 83 years = 32 months. 4. Akbar = 9812 = 58 (fastest); Anthony = 98 − 1 = 18 (slowest). Middle worker is Amar.
Q58Quantitative Ability·Triangles

If the area of a regular hexagon is equal to the area of an equilateral triangle of side 12 cm, then the length, in cm, of each side of the hexagon is

  • A6 6
  • B2 6Correct answer
  • C6
  • D4 6

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (2 6) What to find. If the area of a regular hexagon is equal to the area of an equilateral triangle of side 12 cm, then the length, in cm, of each side of the hexagon is. Setup. If the area of a regular hexagon is equal to the area of an equilateral triangle of side 12 cm, then the length, in cm, of each side of the hexagon is Steps. Equilateral area (frac{3}{4})·122 = 36 3. Regular hexagon area (3 frac{3}{2})s2 = 36 3 ⇒ (32)s2 = 36 ⇒ s2 = 24 ⇒ s = 2 6 → B. Conclusion. This matches B (2 6).
Q59Quantitative Ability·Profit, Loss & DiscountTITA

Amal purchases some pens at ₹ 8 each. To sell these, he hires an employee at a fixed wage. He sells 100 of these pens at ₹ 12 each. If the remaining pens are sold at₹ 11 each, then he makes a net profit of ₹ 300, while he makes a net loss of ₹ 300 if the remaining pens are sold at ₹ 9 each. The wage of the employee, in INR, is

Answer: 1000

Show explanation
Answer:1000 Steps. 1. Let n pens, wage w. Cost = 8n + w. 2. Case 1: revenue 100 × 12 + (n−100)·11 = 1100 + 11n − 1100 = 11n? 1200 + 11(n−100) = 11n + 100. 3. Profit 300: 11n + 100 − 8n − w = 300 ⇒ 3n − w = 200. 4. Case 2: 1200 + 9(n−100) − 8n − w = −300 ⇒ 1200 + 9n − 900 − 8n − w = −300 ⇒ n + 300 − w = −300 ⇒ n − w = −600. 5. From 3n − w = 200 and n − w = −600: subtract ⇒ 2n = 800 ⇒ n=400, w = n+600 = 1000.
Q60Quantitative Ability·Inequalities

The number of integers n that satisfy the inequalities |n -60| < |n-100| <| n-20| is

  • A19Correct answer
  • B20
  • C18
  • D21

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (19) What to find. The number of integers n that satisfy the inequalities |n -60| < |n-100| <| n-20| is. Setup. The number of integers n that satisfy the inequalities |n -60| < |n-100| <| n-20| is Steps. |n−60| < |n−100| means n closer to 60 than 100 ⇒ n < 80. |n−100| < |n−20| means closer to 100 than 20 ⇒ n > 60. So 60 < n < 80, integers n=61…79 → 19 → A. After simplifying, the numeric/symbolic result lines up with A (19), 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 (19).
Q61Quantitative Ability·Profit, Loss & Discount

Identical chocolate pieces are sold in boxes of two sizes, small and large. The large box is sold for twice the price of the small box. If the selling price per gram of chocolate in the large box is 12% less than that in the small box, then the percentage by which the weight of chocolate in the large box exceeds that in the small box is nearest to

  • A127Correct answer
  • B124
  • C144
  • D135

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (127) What to find. If the selling price per gram of chocolate in the large box is 12% less than that in the small box, then the percentage by which the weight of chocolate in the large box exceeds…. Setup. Identical chocolate pieces are sold in boxes of two sizes, small and large. The large box is sold for twice the price of the small box. Steps. Let small price P, weight w; large 2P, weight W. Price/gram: 2P/W = 0.88 · (Pw) ⇒ 2W = 0.88wWw = 2/0.88 = 2511 ≈ 2.2727. Excess % = (Ww − 1)·100 ≈ 127.27% → nearest 127 → A. Conclusion. This matches A (127).
Q62Quantitative Ability·Number Systems

The natural numbers are divided into groups as (1), (2, 3, 4), (5, 6, 7, 8, 9), ….. and so on. Then, the sum of the numbers in the 15th group is equal to

  • A6119Correct answer
  • B6090
  • C7471
  • D4941

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (6119) What to find. Then, the sum of the numbers in the 15th group is equal to. Setup. The natural numbers are divided into groups as (1), (2, 3, 4), (5, 6, 7, 8, 9), ….. and so on. Then, the sum of the numbers in the 15th group is equal to Steps. Group k has 2k−1 numbers. Last number of group k is k2. Group 15 starts at 142+1=197 and ends at 152=225. Sum = (152)·(first+last) wait — count=29 terms: sum = 29·197+2252 = 29 × 211 = 6119 → A. After simplifying, the numeric/symbolic result lines up with A (6119), 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 (6119).
Q63Quantitative Ability·Averages

Onion is sold for 5 consecutive months at the rate of Rs 10, 20, 25, 25, and 50 per kg, respectively. A family spends a fixed amount of money on onion for each of the first three months, and then spends half that amount on onion for each of the next two months. The average expense for onion, in rupees per kg, for the family over these 5months is closest to

  • A26
  • B16
  • C18Correct answer
  • D20

Answer: C

Show explanation
Answer:C (18) What to find. The family’s average onion expense in rupees per kg over the five months (nearest option). Setup. Monthly prices: 10, 20, 25, 25, 50. The family spends a fixed amount S in each of the first three months and spends S/2 in each of the last two months. Steps. Total money spent = 3S + S/2 + S/2 = 4S. Total quantity purchased = S/10 + S/20 + S/25 + S/225 + S/250 = S(110 + 120 + 125 + 150 + 1100) = S 10+5+4+2+1100 = (22100)S = (1150)S. Average price = 4 S(1150)S = 20011 ≈ 18.18, which is closest to 18 among the options. Conclusion. 18 → C.
Q64Quantitative Ability·Mensuration

Suppose the length of each side of a regular hexagon ABCDEF is 2 cm. If T is the mid-point of CD, then the length of AT, in cm, is

  • A13Correct answer
  • B15
  • C14
  • D12

Answer: A

Show explanation
Answer:A (13) What to find. It T is the mod point of CD, then the length of AT, in cm, is. Setup. Suppose the length of each side of a regular hexagon ABCDEF is 2 cm. It T is the mod point of CD, then the length of AT, in cm, is Steps. Place hexagon in coordinates: A=(2,0), B=(1,3), C=(-1,3), D=(-2,0), E=(-1,-3), F=(1,-3) for side 2? Distance AB=√[(2-1)2+(0-3)2]=2 OK. Mid-point T of CD: C=(-1,3), D=(-2,0) ⇒ T=(-1.5, frac{3}{2}). AT2 = (2+1.5)2 + (0−frac{3}{2})2 = 12.25 + 0.75 = 13 ⇒ AT=13 → A. After simplifying, the numeric/symbolic result lines up with A (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 A (13).
Q65Quantitative Ability·Functions & Graphs

f(x) = x2 + 2x − 15x2 − 7x − 18 is negative if and only if

  • Ax < −5 or 3 < x < 9
  • B−5 < x < −2 or 3 < x < 9Correct answer
  • Cx < −5 or −2 < x < 3
  • D−2 < x < 3 or x > 9

Answer: B

Show explanation
Answer:B (−5 < x < −2 or 3 < x < 9) Setup. f(x) = x2 + 2x − 15x2 − 7x − 18 is negative if and only if Steps. (x+5) x−3(x−9)(x+2) < 0. Critical points −5,−2,3,9. Sign chart: negative on (−5,−2) ∪ (3,9) → B. After simplifying, the numeric/symbolic result lines up with B (−5 < x < −2 or 3 < x < 9), 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 (−5 < x < −2 or 3 < x < 9).
Q66Quantitative Ability·Permutations & CombinationsTITA

The number of groups of three or more distinct numbers that can be chosen from 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 so that the groups always include 3 and 5, while 7 and 8 are never included together is

Answer: 47

Show explanation
Answer:47 What to find. Number of subsets of size at least 3 chosen from {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8} that always include 3 and 5, and never include both 7 and 8. Setup. Every admissible group contains {3,5}. The remaining elements come from R = {1,2,4,6,7,8}. Let T ⊆ R; the full group is {3,5} ∪ T and we need |T| ≥ 1 together with {7,8} ⊈ T. Steps. The power set of R has 2^6 = 64 subsets. Exclude T = ∅ (that would give only {3,5}, size 2): 63 nonempty choices remain. Among all 64 subsets, those containing both 7 and 8 are obtained by freely choosing any subset of {1,2,4,6}, so there are 2^4 = 16 of them; each already has size at least 4 when united with {3,5}. Removing these 16 forbidden sets leaves 63 − 16 = 47. Conclusion. The count is 47.

Answer key

Quick reference — click a question number to jump to the full solution.

Q#SectionAnswerTopic
1VARCDReading Comprehension
2VARCCReading Comprehension
3VARCCReading Comprehension
4VARCCReading Comprehension
5VARCAReading Comprehension
6VARCDReading Comprehension
7VARCAReading Comprehension
8VARCDReading Comprehension
9VARCBReading Comprehension
10VARCDReading Comprehension
11VARCDReading Comprehension
12VARCBReading Comprehension
13VARCBReading Comprehension
14VARCCReading Comprehension
15VARCBReading Comprehension
16VARCCReading Comprehension
17VARC4Verbal Ability
18VARC4312Verbal Ability
19VARCDVerbal Ability
20VARCBVerbal Ability
21VARC5Verbal Ability
22VARC2341Verbal Ability
23VARC2143Verbal Ability
24VARCDVerbal Ability
25DILRDData Interpretation
26DILRCData Interpretation
27DILR1Data Interpretation
28DILRDData Interpretation
29DILRCData Interpretation
30DILRCData Interpretation
31DILRDData Interpretation
32DILR6Data Interpretation
33DILRCLogical Reasoning
34DILR8Logical Reasoning
35DILRCLogical Reasoning
36DILRALogical Reasoning
37DILRBLogical Reasoning
38DILRALogical Reasoning
39DILRBLogical Reasoning
40DILRALogical Reasoning
41DILRCLogical Reasoning
42DILRALogical Reasoning
43DILR3Logical Reasoning
44DILR4Logical Reasoning
45QA200Quantitative Ability
46QA70Quantitative Ability
47QACQuantitative Ability
48QABQuantitative Ability
49QAAQuantitative Ability
50QA99Quantitative Ability
51QA35Quantitative Ability
52QAAQuantitative Ability
53QAAQuantitative Ability
54QA120Quantitative Ability
55QAAQuantitative Ability
56QABQuantitative Ability
57QA32Quantitative Ability
58QABQuantitative Ability
59QA1000Quantitative Ability
60QAAQuantitative Ability
61QAAQuantitative Ability
62QAAQuantitative Ability
63QACQuantitative Ability
64QAAQuantitative Ability
65QABQuantitative Ability
66QA47Quantitative Ability

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