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CAT Practice Test - 23 - CAT MCQ


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30 Questions MCQ Test Additional Study Material for CAT - CAT Practice Test - 23

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CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 1

Four sentences are given below labeled (1), (2), (3) and (4). Of these, three sentences  need to be arranged in a logical order to form a coherent paragraph/passage. Pick out the sentence that does not fit the sequence.
1. For many thousands of years, the English Channel has been an effective barrier across which migration has been a risky business.
2. But grand rumors had begun to do the rounds about all the things I had found on the island, which was why I received a visit that day from a scientist from Lund University, one of the real entomologists.
3. Many of the butterflies that nevertheless did succeed in crossing found it hard to become established, partly because the weather is so rarely like that of the Riviera: it rains - we all know that - and it’s windy, which means that butterflies can’t fly.
4. A number of species that did succeed in establishing themselves at one stage have since been wiped out - this is a result of the size of the human population, and the fact that the British set about destroying nature rather earlier than most other people.


Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 1

Statements 1 and 3 form a link - 1 talks about migration via the English Channel and 3 explains who was trying to cross the channel and migrate. Statement 4 reveals the sad fate of those that were successful in migrating to the country. Thus, a sequence is formed - 1-3-4. Statement 2 which talks about rumors of some discovery and involvement of scientists does not fit in with the rest of the statements logically.
Hence, the correct answer is 2.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 2

Choose the odd one out from the sentences given below.

1. While the characters express the particularity of the ethical, the chorus maintains a universal perspective as a counterpoint.
2. The essence of tragedy is thus, the relationship between universal ethical values and the particular figures who instantiate them.
3. Further, as the characters’ wills are entirely determined by this particular principle, their actions follow freely from their character.
4. Tragedy emerges when the will of the characters becomes aligned with one of the powers that make up the ethical, to the exclusion of the others.
5. As each of the characters embodies a fundamental ethical principle, each character is justified in his actions.


Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 2

The paragraph pertains to the behaviour of characters within a tragedy. Statement 4 makes for the best introduction since it relates the birth of tragedy with the adoption of distinct ethical values by characters.
Statement 2 is most likely to follow since it elaborates on the point made in statement 4 by increasing its scope; “...one of the powers...” in statement 4, refers to one of the powers among universal ethical values.
Statement 5 refers to the “universal ethical values” mentioned in statement 2 and links them with characters. This helps us infer how the nature of tragedy relies on the juxtaposition of universal ethical values.
Statements 5 and 3 make a logically coherent pair since statement 3 takes forth the idea discussed in statement 5 - each character is justified in his/her actions. It does so by mentioning how the character's actions are determined by his/her will and thus, the principle he/she instantiates.
Statement 1 cannot fit into the given sequence since the other statements emphasize on the distinction in the ethical values of individual characters and does not refer to a “chorus” of characters embodying one particular value. This vindicates statement 1 as the correct answer.
Hence, the correct answer is 1.

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CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 3

Choose the odd one out from the sentences given below.

1. We live in highly bureaucratic states that require ever-increasing degrees of technical competence where we expect our governments to do more and to do it better.
2. In many countries, impatient populist parties have come to power promising to correct economic and political injustice in ways more rapid and sweeping than liberal principles and procedures allow.
3. Is so-called modem “democracy” really “for'’ the people?
4. The more our expectations are addressed, the more bureaucratic and opaque government becomes and the less democratic control is possible.
5. Democracy was once a comforting fiction. Has it become an uninhabitable one?


Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 3

The given set of statements critique modern democracy. Statements 1, 4 and 2 form an apparent link. Statement 1 indicates our expectations from our governments in lieu of the present bureaucratic circumstances. Statement 4 indicates what happens as a result of our expectations with one of the consequences being “... less democratic control...”. Statement 2 highlights the reaction to such a scenario, which is “...impatient populist parties have come to power to correct economic and political injustice in ways more rapid and sweeping than liberal principles and procedures allow.”. Liberal principles evidently refer to democratic principles.
Now it comes to deciding, which among statements 3 and 5 is out of context. Statement 3 is in consonance with what is being discussed through the other statements. While statement 5 also is to a certain extent, it puts forth the aspect democracy being “an uninhabitable” fiction, which has not been detailed upon or carried forward by the other statements.
Hence, the correct answer is 5.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 4

Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate pair of words from the given options.

Because we are products of several cultures,_______ between different cultures generally take place _______ , contrary to the idea of “clash of civilizations” that its proponents seem to claim.

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 4

Whatever is happening in the blanks is contrary to the “clash of civilization” claim, and it happens because we are products of different cultures.
Although “interaction” and “encounters" seem appropriate, the second word “everyday” will not show the contrast to the “clash”. This eliminates option 1.
Option 3 is eliminated because “violently” will not be contrary to the “clash of civilization” idea.
Option 4 is eliminated because it should be mingling ‘o f and not “between” .
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 5

Fill in the blank with the appropriate option.

Mr. Verges delivered a pithy ________ to prosecutors who had spent two days detailing the horror the country suffered under the Khmer Rouge regime.

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 5

The sentence stresses on the type of reply given by the individual, where “pithy” means ‘brief or ‘terse’ Here, “riposte” which means ‘a quick, clever reply to an insult or criticism’ is the most apt option. The remaining options are unrelated to the subject.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 6

Group Question

Answer the questions based on the passage given below.

“We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers, but borrowed it from future generation.” These are the words that make us think about our past, present and future just in a single sentence.We are the stewards of the Mother Earth and it’s natural resources, not the owners. What we have received from our forefathers, it’s our duty to pass it safely to the next generation and in return we are allowed to use the resources for our livelihood. But instead of using it sustainably we started exploiting Mother Nature for our luxurious needs. And till now we have already exploited it so much that if we do not pay our attention to sustainable development, we’re surely leading to a disastrous end and nobody else would be responsible for this collateral damage.
Sustainable development can be achieved only through changing our consumption patterns which should be matched with the carrying capacity of our planet. For a given region, carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a given species that an area’s resources can sustain indefinitely without significantly depleting or degrading those resources. Consequences of unsustainable development are many, but climate change in our planet is occurring as a slow roller coaster. As per a latest computer modelling study published on March 2, 2016 in The Lancet, India will witness 1.36 lakh deaths by 2050 attributable to agriculturally mediated changes caused due to climate change. And, globally over a billion will be killed due to climate change by 2050. 
Sustainable development can be attained only by sustainable consumptions, which can only be decided by human beings as to how to adapt their lifestyles which reduce the consumption of resources and check the damage being done to ecology. Sustainable development for achieving quality life can only be possible if we sensibly choose our needs and requirements. As a consumer one should be conscious of products which are eco-friendly and resource conservation oriented.
Keep India Beautiful (KIB) has been established to promote a Clean, Green & Healthy India. KIB believes in enabling communities to take ownership of their projects and of the results. We place utmost emphasis on the awareness that one must “Keep India Beautiful” as this is the commitment required from every citizen. Any business, industry, community, city or country, if it is not sustainable, it will always be a drain on resources. We are now at the stage where we must challenge old thinking, bringing a greater awareness to all that we have to understand what needs to be done for sustainable development. It is important for the betterment of our communities to have a greater awareness of the role that each of us plays in creating a sustainable world.

 

Q. Which of the following is not true with respect to the passage? 

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 6

Option 1 is supported by the first paragraph. Option 3 is supported by the third paragraph. Option 4 is supported by the last paragraph. Only option 2 is not true. The author of the passage only wishes that everyone comes together for a sustainable fututre.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 7

“We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers, but borrowed it from future generation.” These are the words that make us think about our past, present and future just in a single sentence.We are the stewards of the Mother Earth and it’s natural resources, not the owners. What we have received from our forefathers, it’s our duty to pass it safely to the next generation and in return we are allowed to use the resources for our livelihood. But instead of using it sustainably we started exploiting Mother Nature for our luxurious needs. And till now we have already exploited it so much that if we do not pay our attention to sustainable development, we’re surely leading to a disastrous end and nobody else would be responsible for this collateral damage.
Sustainable development can be achieved only through changing our consumption patterns which should be matched with the carrying capacity of our planet. For a given region, carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a given species that an area’s resources can sustain indefinitely without significantly depleting or degrading those resources. Consequences of unsustainable development are many, but climate change in our planet is occurring as a slow roller coaster. As per a latest computer modelling study published on March 2, 2016 in The Lancet, India will witness 1.36 lakh deaths by 2050 attributable to agriculturally mediated changes caused due to climate change. And, globally over a billion will be killed due to climate change by 2050. 
Sustainable development can be attained only by sustainable consumptions, which can only be decided by human beings as to how to adapt their lifestyles which reduce the consumption of resources and check the damage being done to ecology. Sustainable development for achieving quality life can only be possible if we sensibly choose our needs and requirements. As a consumer one should be conscious of products which are eco-friendly and resource conservation oriented.
Keep India Beautiful (KIB) has been established to promote a Clean, Green & Healthy India. KIB believes in enabling communities to take ownership of their projects and of the results. We place utmost emphasis on the awareness that one must “Keep India Beautiful” as this is the commitment required from every citizen. Any business, industry, community, city or country, if it is not sustainable, it will always be a drain on resources. We are now at the stage where we must challenge old thinking, bringing a greater awareness to all that we have to understand what needs to be done for sustainable development. It is important for the betterment of our communities to have a greater awareness of the role that each of us plays in creating a sustainable world.

 

Q. “Consequences of unsustainable development are many, but climate change in our  planet is occurring as a slow roller coaster.” This implies:

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 7

The statement suggests that consequences of unsustainable development can be deduced to be large in number as they are occuring rapidly but climate change is occurring slowly but abruptly. Hence, both 1 and 2 can be implied from the statement.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 8

“We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers, but borrowed it from future generation.” These are the words that make us think about our past, present and future just in a single sentence.We are the stewards of the Mother Earth and it’s natural resources, not the owners. What we have received from our forefathers, it’s our duty to pass it safely to the next generation and in return we are allowed to use the resources for our livelihood. But instead of using it sustainably we started exploiting Mother Nature for our luxurious needs. And till now we have already exploited it so much that if we do not pay our attention to sustainable development, we’re surely leading to a disastrous end and nobody else would be responsible for this collateral damage.
Sustainable development can be achieved only through changing our consumption patterns which should be matched with the carrying capacity of our planet. For a given region, carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a given species that an area’s resources can sustain indefinitely without significantly depleting or degrading those resources. Consequences of unsustainable development are many, but climate change in our planet is occurring as a slow roller coaster. As per a latest computer modelling study published on March 2, 2016 in The Lancet, India will witness 1.36 lakh deaths by 2050 attributable to agriculturally mediated changes caused due to climate change. And, globally over a billion will be killed due to climate change by 2050. 
Sustainable development can be attained only by sustainable consumptions, which can only be decided by human beings as to how to adapt their lifestyles which reduce the consumption of resources and check the damage being done to ecology. Sustainable development for achieving quality life can only be possible if we sensibly choose our needs and requirements. As a consumer one should be conscious of products which are eco-friendly and resource conservation oriented.
Keep India Beautiful (KIB) has been established to promote a Clean, Green & Healthy India. KIB believes in enabling communities to take ownership of their projects and of the results. We place utmost emphasis on the awareness that one must “Keep India Beautiful” as this is the commitment required from every citizen. Any business, industry, community, city or country, if it is not sustainable, it will always be a drain on resources. We are now at the stage where we must challenge old thinking, bringing a greater awareness to all that we have to understand what needs to be done for sustainable development. It is important for the betterment of our communities to have a greater awareness of the role that each of us plays in creating a sustainable world.

 

Q. Which of the following is least suitable to describe the passage?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 8

The passage talks about the need to sustainably use the available resources by reducing the resource consumption and thereby reducing the ecological damages caused. It promotes the idea of sustainable development by sustainable consumption. This supports options 2, 3 and 4. Option 1 with "humanity's fight" is incorrect as the passage is about the required efforts of the people of present generation to preserve the natural resources. Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 9

“We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers, but borrowed it from future generation.” These are the words that make us think about our past, present and future just in a single sentence.We are the stewards of the Mother Earth and it’s natural resources, not the owners. What we have received from our forefathers, it’s our duty to pass it safely to the next generation and in return we are allowed to use the resources for our livelihood. But instead of using it sustainably we started exploiting Mother Nature for our luxurious needs. And till now we have already exploited it so much that if we do not pay our attention to sustainable development, we’re surely leading to a disastrous end and nobody else would be responsible for this collateral damage.
Sustainable development can be achieved only through changing our consumption patterns which should be matched with the carrying capacity of our planet. For a given region, carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a given species that an area’s resources can sustain indefinitely without significantly depleting or degrading those resources. Consequences of unsustainable development are many, but climate change in our planet is occurring as a slow roller coaster. As per a latest computer modelling study published on March 2, 2016 in The Lancet, India will witness 1.36 lakh deaths by 2050 attributable to agriculturally mediated changes caused due to climate change. And, globally over a billion will be killed due to climate change by 2050. 
Sustainable development can be attained only by sustainable consumptions, which can only be decided by human beings as to how to adapt their lifestyles which reduce the consumption of resources and check the damage being done to ecology. Sustainable development for achieving quality life can only be possible if we sensibly choose our needs and requirements. As a consumer one should be conscious of products which are eco-friendly and resource conservation oriented.
Keep India Beautiful (KIB) has been established to promote a Clean, Green & Healthy India. KIB believes in enabling communities to take ownership of their projects and of the results. We place utmost emphasis on the awareness that one must “Keep India Beautiful” as this is the commitment required from every citizen. Any business, industry, community, city or country, if it is not sustainable, it will always be a drain on resources. We are now at the stage where we must challenge old thinking, bringing a greater awareness to all that we have to understand what needs to be done for sustainable development. It is important for the betterment of our communities to have a greater awareness of the role that each of us plays in creating a sustainable world.

 

Q. What is the primary concern of the passage?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 9

The first paragraph of the passage mentions that “What we have received from our forefathers, it’s our duty to pass it safely to the next generation and in return we are allowed to use the resources for our livelihood.” Option 1 aptly relates to this theme. Option 2 focuses only on “climate change” does not encompass the core theme of the passage.
Option 3 with “protection” is out of context, the passage is centered around sustainable development and consumption.
Option 4 is not the primary concern of the passage.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 10

“We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers, but borrowed it from future generation.” These are the words that make us think about our past, present and future just in a single sentence.We are the stewards of the Mother Earth and it’s natural resources, not the owners. What we have received from our forefathers, it’s our duty to pass it safely to the next generation and in return we are allowed to use the resources for our livelihood. But instead of using it sustainably we started exploiting Mother Nature for our luxurious needs. And till now we have already exploited it so much that if we do not pay our attention to sustainable development, we’re surely leading to a disastrous end and nobody else would be responsible for this collateral damage.
Sustainable development can be achieved only through changing our consumption patterns which should be matched with the carrying capacity of our planet. For a given region, carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a given species that an area’s resources can sustain indefinitely without significantly depleting or degrading those resources. Consequences of unsustainable development are many, but climate change in our planet is occurring as a slow roller coaster. As per a latest computer modelling study published on March 2, 2016 in The Lancet, India will witness 1.36 lakh deaths by 2050 attributable to agriculturally mediated changes caused due to climate change. And, globally over a billion will be killed due to climate change by 2050. 
Sustainable development can be attained only by sustainable consumptions, which can only be decided by human beings as to how to adapt their lifestyles which reduce the consumption of resources and check the damage being done to ecology. Sustainable development for achieving quality life can only be possible if we sensibly choose our needs and requirements. As a consumer one should be conscious of products which are eco-friendly and resource conservation oriented.
Keep India Beautiful (KIB) has been established to promote a Clean, Green & Healthy India. KIB believes in enabling communities to take ownership of their projects and of the results. We place utmost emphasis on the awareness that one must “Keep India Beautiful” as this is the commitment required from every citizen. Any business, industry, community, city or country, if it is not sustainable, it will always be a drain on resources. We are now at the stage where we must challenge old thinking, bringing a greater awareness to all that we have to understand what needs to be done for sustainable development. It is important for the betterment of our communities to have a greater awareness of the role that each of us plays in creating a sustainable world.

 

Q. A suitable title for the passage would be?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 10

The passage mainly focuses on sustainable consumption of available resources. This validates option 2.
Option 1 is not a suitable interpretation of the passage.
Option 3 is a fact but the passage goes beyond this.
Option 4 is an initiative to promote a Clean, Green & Healthy India, hence can be eliminated.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 11

“We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers, but borrowed it from future generation.” These are the words that make us think about our past, present and future just in a single sentence.We are the stewards of the Mother Earth and it’s natural resources, not the owners. What we have received from our forefathers, it’s our duty to pass it safely to the next generation and in return we are allowed to use the resources for our livelihood. But instead of using it sustainably we started exploiting Mother Nature for our luxurious needs. And till now we have already exploited it so much that if we do not pay our attention to sustainable development, we’re surely leading to a disastrous end and nobody else would be responsible for this collateral damage.
Sustainable development can be achieved only through changing our consumption patterns which should be matched with the carrying capacity of our planet. For a given region, carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a given species that an area’s resources can sustain indefinitely without significantly depleting or degrading those resources. Consequences of unsustainable development are many, but climate change in our planet is occurring as a slow roller coaster. As per a latest computer modelling study published on March 2, 2016 in The Lancet, India will witness 1.36 lakh deaths by 2050 attributable to agriculturally mediated changes caused due to climate change. And, globally over a billion will be killed due to climate change by 2050. 
Sustainable development can be attained only by sustainable consumptions, which can only be decided by human beings as to how to adapt their lifestyles which reduce the consumption of resources and check the damage being done to ecology. Sustainable development for achieving quality life can only be possible if we sensibly choose our needs and requirements. As a consumer one should be conscious of products which are eco-friendly and resource conservation oriented.
Keep India Beautiful (KIB) has been established to promote a Clean, Green & Healthy India. KIB believes in enabling communities to take ownership of their projects and of the results. We place utmost emphasis on the awareness that one must “Keep India Beautiful” as this is the commitment required from every citizen. Any business, industry, community, city or country, if it is not sustainable, it will always be a drain on resources. We are now at the stage where we must challenge old thinking, bringing a greater awareness to all that we have to understand what needs to be done for sustainable development. It is important for the betterment of our communities to have a greater awareness of the role that each of us plays in creating a sustainable world.

 

Q. How can sustainable development be achieved?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 11

The statement, "Sustainable development can be achieved only through changing our consumption patterns which should be matched with the carrying capacity of our planet." validates option 1.
Other options do not answer the question stem.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 12

Group Question

The passage given below is followed by a set of questions. Choose the most appropriate answer to each question.

Eighty per cent of humanity’s ability goes into war. If this 80% ability went into farming, went into gardens, went into factories, this earth would become a paradise. The dream that our seers and prophets used to see, that of a heaven in the sky, can now be materialised on earth. There is no obstacle except our old habit of fighting.
The poorest of poor nations are also engaged in an effort to make atom bombs. They are dying of starvation but they want to make atom bombs. Underneath, this same idea moves even a country like India. We may starve but our glory must be preserved.
I don’t believe in countries. If I am listened to, then I will say that India should be the first country to renounce nationalism. It would be good if the country of Krishna, Buddha, Patanjali and Gorakh renounces nationalism and says, ‘we are an international area’. India should become an area of the United Nations assembly. It should be said that we are the first nation that entrusts itself to the United Nations - you take custody. Someone must start it - and if it is started there is no need for wars. These wars will continue as long as there are borders. These borders must go.
It can be said that I am a traitor in the context of following one country but I am not a traitor to humanity. Actually all your lovers of nations are traitors to humanity. The very meaning of patriotism is ‘treason towards humanity’. Love of nation means dividing into parts. You have seen, haven’t you, that a person who is patriotic towards his region becomes an enemy of the nation. And one who is patriotic towards his district becomes an enemy of the region. I am not an enemy of the nation; my view is international. This whole earth is one. I want to abandon the small for the vast. But your so-called patriots, these nationalists, will not allow it to happen.
Previously, it was okay if wars went on happening because they were fought with bows and arrows; there was no harm. Now, the war is a total war. Now it is suicide of all mankind. Now every place can become a Hiroshima - any day, at any moment. Nationalism is a great sin. It is due to this nationalism that all the problems exist in the world. I am not a nationalist. I want to break all boundaries. Whoever on this earth who has received a small glimpse of the truth has no boundaries. They do not belong to any country, any community, any class, any sect, any caste. They belong to all, and all belong to them.

 

Q. Author’s view in the above passage can be termed as:

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 12

In the passage, author is propagating the idea of universal togetherness and feels that India should become an area of United Nations assembly and declare itself an international area which free from any borders. In this context, the author’s views can be categorized as anti-patriotic which vindicates “cosmopolitan views” -an ideology that all human beings belong to a single community, based on a shared morality.
The author is thinking about the whole world and not only about his country, which is a broad-minded approach and not parochial. Thus option 1 is eliminated.
Author analyses the present structure of the world, discusses the flaws in it, and puts forth his idea of a new world order. He does so in the form of a general discussion and cannot be said to be intolerant. Thus option 2 is eliminated.
The view presented by the author is rather unconventional as it speaks against one’s love for nation. So, eliminate option 4.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 13

Eighty per cent of humanity’s ability goes into war. If this 80% ability went into farming, went into gardens, went into factories, this earth would become a paradise. The dream that our seers and prophets used to see, that of a heaven in the sky, can now be materialised on earth. There is no obstacle except our old habit of fighting.
The poorest of poor nations are also engaged in an effort to make atom bombs. They are dying of starvation but they want to make atom bombs. Underneath, this same idea moves even a country like India. We may starve but our glory must be preserved.
I don’t believe in countries. If I am listened to, then I will say that India should be the first country to renounce nationalism. It would be good if the country of Krishna, Buddha, Patanjali and Gorakh renounces nationalism and says, ‘we are an international area’. India should become an area of the United Nations assembly. It should be said that we are the first nation that entrusts itself to the United Nations - you take custody. Someone must start it - and if it is started there is no need for wars. These wars will continue as long as there are borders. These borders must go.
It can be said that I am a traitor in the context of following one country but I am not a traitor to humanity. Actually all your lovers of nations are traitors to humanity. The very meaning of patriotism is ‘treason towards humanity’. Love of nation means dividing into parts. You have seen, haven’t you, that a person who is patriotic towards his region becomes an enemy of the nation. And one who is patriotic towards his district becomes an enemy of the region. I am not an enemy of the nation; my view is international. This whole earth is one. I want to abandon the small for the vast. But your so-called patriots, these nationalists, will not allow it to happen.
Previously, it was okay if wars went on happening because they were fought with bows and arrows; there was no harm. Now, the war is a total war. Now it is suicide of all mankind. Now every place can become a Hiroshima - any day, at any moment. Nationalism is a great sin. It is due to this nationalism that all the problems exist in the world. I am not a nationalist. I want to break all boundaries. Whoever on this earth who has received a small glimpse of the truth has no boundaries. They do not belong to any country, any community, any class, any sect, any caste. They belong to all, and all belong to them.

 

Q. Which of the following, if true, weakens the argument put forth in the passage? 
1. India’s attempts to become an international area are thwarted by its religious diversity
2. Human civilization is a story of change and only change.

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 13

The position of the author with respect to the views presented in the passage is weakened by statement A in that it says that India is willing to turn into an international area but cannot because of its religious diversity.
Statement B favors change which is in line with the author’s view and supports or strengthens it.
Thus statement B is ruled out as a weakening statement.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 14

Eighty per cent of humanity’s ability goes into war. If this 80% ability went into farming, went into gardens, went into factories, this earth would become a paradise. The dream that our seers and prophets used to see, that of a heaven in the sky, can now be materialised on earth. There is no obstacle except our old habit of fighting.
The poorest of poor nations are also engaged in an effort to make atom bombs. They are dying of starvation but they want to make atom bombs. Underneath, this same idea moves even a country like India. We may starve but our glory must be preserved.
I don’t believe in countries. If I am listened to, then I will say that India should be the first country to renounce nationalism. It would be good if the country of Krishna, Buddha, Patanjali and Gorakh renounces nationalism and says, ‘we are an international area’. India should become an area of the United Nations assembly. It should be said that we are the first nation that entrusts itself to the United Nations - you take custody. Someone must start it - and if it is started there is no need for wars. These wars will continue as long as there are borders. These borders must go.
It can be said that I am a traitor in the context of following one country but I am not a traitor to humanity. Actually all your lovers of nations are traitors to humanity. The very meaning of patriotism is ‘treason towards humanity’. Love of nation means dividing into parts. You have seen, haven’t you, that a person who is patriotic towards his region becomes an enemy of the nation. And one who is patriotic towards his district becomes an enemy of the region. I am not an enemy of the nation; my view is international. This whole earth is one. I want to abandon the small for the vast. But your so-called patriots, these nationalists, will not allow it to happen.
Previously, it was okay if wars went on happening because they were fought with bows and arrows; there was no harm. Now, the war is a total war. Now it is suicide of all mankind. Now every place can become a Hiroshima - any day, at any moment. Nationalism is a great sin. It is due to this nationalism that all the problems exist in the world. I am not a nationalist. I want to break all boundaries. Whoever on this earth who has received a small glimpse of the truth has no boundaries. They do not belong to any country, any community, any class, any sect, any caste. They belong to all, and all belong to them.

 

Q. Which of the following, if true, strengthens the argument put forth in the passage?
A. Abolition of individual borders can help human civilization to progress and develop in every aspect.
B. Borders are a hindrance to trade and human relations between people of different countries.

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 14

Statement A indicates that a borderless world would be an ideal platform for overall human development. This is completely in line and in full support of the author’s view and strengthens the author’s argument.
Statement B indicates that borders are proving to be harmful for humans. Since the passage is supporting abolition of borders, statement B strengthens the view of the author.
Thus, both the statements are strengthening the argument put forth in the passage. Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 15

Eighty per cent of humanity’s ability goes into war. If this 80% ability went into farming, went into gardens, went into factories, this earth would become a paradise. The dream that our seers and prophets used to see, that of a heaven in the sky, can now be materialised on earth. There is no obstacle except our old habit of fighting.
The poorest of poor nations are also engaged in an effort to make atom bombs. They are dying of starvation but they want to make atom bombs. Underneath, this same idea moves even a country like India. We may starve but our glory must be preserved.
I don’t believe in countries. If I am listened to, then I will say that India should be the first country to renounce nationalism. It would be good if the country of Krishna, Buddha, Patanjali and Gorakh renounces nationalism and says, ‘we are an international area’. India should become an area of the United Nations assembly. It should be said that we are the first nation that entrusts itself to the United Nations - you take custody. Someone must start it - and if it is started there is no need for wars. These wars will continue as long as there are borders. These borders must go.
It can be said that I am a traitor in the context of following one country but I am not a traitor to humanity. Actually all your lovers of nations are traitors to humanity. The very meaning of patriotism is ‘treason towards humanity’. Love of nation means dividing into parts. You have seen, haven’t you, that a person who is patriotic towards his region becomes an enemy of the nation. And one who is patriotic towards his district becomes an enemy of the region. I am not an enemy of the nation; my view is international. This whole earth is one. I want to abandon the small for the vast. But your so-called patriots, these nationalists, will not allow it to happen.
Previously, it was okay if wars went on happening because they were fought with bows and arrows; there was no harm. Now, the war is a total war. Now it is suicide of all mankind. Now every place can become a Hiroshima - any day, at any moment. Nationalism is a great sin. It is due to this nationalism that all the problems exist in the world. I am not a nationalist. I want to break all boundaries. Whoever on this earth who has received a small glimpse of the truth has no boundaries. They do not belong to any country, any community, any class, any sect, any caste. They belong to all, and all belong to them.

 

Q. Which of the following can be an apt title for the above passage?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 15

The passage is making a serious appeal especially to India - the land of Krishna and Buddha to be the first to renounce nationalism and declare itself as an international area. The passage revolves around the idea of abandoning the patriotic feeling towards a country and says that instead of promoting one’s own country we should come together and promote humanity.
This is captured best in option 3 whereas options 1, 2, and 4 miss out on the appealing tone reflected in the passage.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 16

Eighty per cent of humanity’s ability goes into war. If this 80% ability went into farming, went into gardens, went into factories, this earth would become a paradise. The dream that our seers and prophets used to see, that of a heaven in the sky, can now be materialised on earth. There is no obstacle except our old habit of fighting.
The poorest of poor nations are also engaged in an effort to make atom bombs. They are dying of starvation but they want to make atom bombs. Underneath, this same idea moves even a country like India. We may starve but our glory must be preserved.
I don’t believe in countries. If I am listened to, then I will say that India should be the first country to renounce nationalism. It would be good if the country of Krishna, Buddha, Patanjali and Gorakh renounces nationalism and says, ‘we are an international area’. India should become an area of the United Nations assembly. It should be said that we are the first nation that entrusts itself to the United Nations - you take custody. Someone must start it - and if it is started there is no need for wars. These wars will continue as long as there are borders. These borders must go.
It can be said that I am a traitor in the context of following one country but I am not a traitor to humanity. Actually all your lovers of nations are traitors to humanity. The very meaning of patriotism is ‘treason towards humanity’. Love of nation means dividing into parts. You have seen, haven’t you, that a person who is patriotic towards his region becomes an enemy of the nation. And one who is patriotic towards his district becomes an enemy of the region. I am not an enemy of the nation; my view is international. This whole earth is one. I want to abandon the small for the vast. But your so-called patriots, these nationalists, will not allow it to happen.
Previously, it was okay if wars went on happening because they were fought with bows and arrows; there was no harm. Now, the war is a total war. Now it is suicide of all mankind. Now every place can become a Hiroshima - any day, at any moment. Nationalism is a great sin. It is due to this nationalism that all the problems exist in the world. I am not a nationalist. I want to break all boundaries. Whoever on this earth who has received a small glimpse of the truth has no boundaries. They do not belong to any country, any community, any class, any sect, any caste. They belong to all, and all belong to them.

 

Q. According to the passage, which of the following is true?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 16

The passage mentions that lovers of nations are traitors to humanity. In light of this, option 1 cannot be correct.
Option 2 cannot be inferred from the passage as the term “haters of nation” is not mentioned in the passage.
Option 3 is incorrect as the passage directly talks about an adverse link between patriotism and (interests of) humanity.
As far as option 4 is concerned, the passage states that the very meaning of patriotism is ‘treason towards humanity’ and hence option 4 is validated.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 17

Eighty per cent of humanity’s ability goes into war. If this 80% ability went into farming, went into gardens, went into factories, this earth would become a paradise. The dream that our seers and prophets used to see, that of a heaven in the sky, can now be materialised on earth. There is no obstacle except our old habit of fighting.
The poorest of poor nations are also engaged in an effort to make atom bombs. They are dying of starvation but they want to make atom bombs. Underneath, this same idea moves even a country like India. We may starve but our glory must be preserved.
I don’t believe in countries. If I am listened to, then I will say that India should be the first country to renounce nationalism. It would be good if the country of Krishna, Buddha, Patanjali and Gorakh renounces nationalism and says, ‘we are an international area’. India should become an area of the United Nations assembly. It should be said that we are the first nation that entrusts itself to the United Nations - you take custody. Someone must start it - and if it is started there is no need for wars. These wars will continue as long as there are borders. These borders must go.
It can be said that I am a traitor in the context of following one country but I am not a traitor to humanity. Actually all your lovers of nations are traitors to humanity. The very meaning of patriotism is ‘treason towards humanity’. Love of nation means dividing into parts. You have seen, haven’t you, that a person who is patriotic towards his region becomes an enemy of the nation. And one who is patriotic towards his district becomes an enemy of the region. I am not an enemy of the nation; my view is international. This whole earth is one. I want to abandon the small for the vast. But your so-called patriots, these nationalists, will not allow it to happen.
Previously, it was okay if wars went on happening because they were fought with bows and arrows; there was no harm. Now, the war is a total war. Now it is suicide of all mankind. Now every place can become a Hiroshima - any day, at any moment. Nationalism is a great sin. It is due to this nationalism that all the problems exist in the world. I am not a nationalist. I want to break all boundaries. Whoever on this earth who has received a small glimpse of the truth has no boundaries. They do not belong to any country, any community, any class, any sect, any caste. They belong to all, and all belong to them.

 

Q. What does the author imply from the statement- “Underneath, this same idea moves even a country like India.”

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 17

Option 1 is more of an inference than an implication as it is derived on the basis of reasoning.
Option 2 is a direct implication as it addresses the the phrase “even a country like India” which indicates that the author holds India in higher esteem.
Option 3 is incorrect as India is not called “poor” in the passage.
Option 4 with “cultural diversity” is out of context of the passage.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 18

Group Question

A passage is followed by questions pertaining to the passage. Read the passage and answer the questions. Choose the most appropriate answer.

Drawbacks can serve as a brief warning. People who observe drawback (many survivors report an accompanying sucking sound), can survive only if they immediately run for high ground or seek the upper floors of nearby buildings. In 2004, ten-year old Tilly Smith of Surrey, England, was on Maikhao beach in Phuket, Thailand with her parents and sister, and having learned about tsunamis recently in school, told her family that a tsunami might be imminent. Her parents warned others minutes before the wave arrived, saving dozens of lives. She credited her geography teacher, Andrew Kearney. In the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami drawback was not reported on the African coast or any other eastern coasts it reached. This was because the wave moved downwards on the eastern side of the fault line and upwards on the western side. The western pulse hit coastal Africa and other western areas. 

A tsunami cannot be precisely predicted, even if the magnitude and location of an earthquake is known. Geologists, oceanographers, and seismologists analyse each earthquake and based on many factors may or may not issue a tsunami warning. However, there are some warning signs of an impending tsunami, and automated systems can provide warnings immediately after an earthquake in time to save lives. One of the most successful systems uses bottom pressure sensors that are attached to buoys. The sensors constantly monitor the pressure of the overlying water column.

Regions with a high tsunami risk typically use tsunami warning systems to warn the population before the wave reaches land. On the west coast of the United States, which is prone to Pacific Ocean tsunami, warning signs indicate evacuation routes. In Japan, the community is well-educated about earthquakes and tsunamis, and along the Japanese shorelines the tsunami warning signs are reminders of the natural hazards together with a network of warning sirens, typically at the top of the cliff of surroundings hills.

 

Q. Why wasn’t the drawback for the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami reported?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 18

The passage states “In the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami drawback was not reported on the African coast or any other eastern coasts it reached. This was because the
wave moved downwards on the eastern side of the fault line and upwards on the western side.” Options 1, 2 and 3 are therefore, wrong.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 19

Drawbacks can serve as a brief warning. People who observe drawback (many survivors report an accompanying sucking sound), can survive only if they immediately run for high ground or seek the upper floors of nearby buildings. In 2004, ten-year old Tilly Smith of Surrey, England, was on Maikhao beach in Phuket, Thailand with her parents and sister, and having learned about tsunamis recently in school, told her family that a tsunami might be imminent. Her parents warned others minutes before the wave arrived, saving dozens of lives. She credited her geography teacher, Andrew Kearney. In the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami drawback was not reported on the African coast or any other eastern coasts it reached. This was because the wave moved downwards on the eastern side of the fault line and upwards on the western side. The western pulse hit coastal Africa and other western areas. 

A tsunami cannot be precisely predicted, even if the magnitude and location of an earthquake is known. Geologists, oceanographers, and seismologists analyse each earthquake and based on many factors may or may not issue a tsunami warning. However, there are some warning signs of an impending tsunami, and automated systems can provide warnings immediately after an earthquake in time to save lives. One of the most successful systems uses bottom pressure sensors that are attached to buoys. The sensors constantly monitor the pressure of the overlying water column.

Regions with a high tsunami risk typically use tsunami warning systems to warn the population before the wave reaches land. On the west coast of the United States, which is prone to Pacific Ocean tsunami, warning signs indicate evacuation routes. In Japan, the community is well-educated about earthquakes and tsunamis, and along the Japanese shorelines the tsunami warning signs are reminders of the natural hazards together with a network of warning sirens, typically at the top of the cliff of surroundings hills.

 

Q. What can we conclude about Japan from the passage?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 19

The passage states that “In Japan, the community is well-educated about earthquakes and tsunamis, and along the Japanese shorelines the tsunami warning signs are reminders of the natural hazards together with a network of warning sirens, typically at the top of the cliff of surroundings hills.” From this, we can conclude that Japan has had a lot of practice with tsunamis - hence the community is well- educated and there are so many warning signs.
Options 1 and 2 are not substantiated in the passage.
Option 3, though probably true, cannot be proven by the passage.
Option 4 has been stated almost verbatim.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 20

Drawbacks can serve as a brief warning. People who observe drawback (many survivors report an accompanying sucking sound), can survive only if they immediately run for high ground or seek the upper floors of nearby buildings. In 2004, ten-year old Tilly Smith of Surrey, England, was on Maikhao beach in Phuket, Thailand with her parents and sister, and having learned about tsunamis recently in school, told her family that a tsunami might be imminent. Her parents warned others minutes before the wave arrived, saving dozens of lives. She credited her geography teacher, Andrew Kearney. In the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami drawback was not reported on the African coast or any other eastern coasts it reached. This was because the wave moved downwards on the eastern side of the fault line and upwards on the western side. The western pulse hit coastal Africa and other western areas. 

A tsunami cannot be precisely predicted, even if the magnitude and location of an earthquake is known. Geologists, oceanographers, and seismologists analyse each earthquake and based on many factors may or may not issue a tsunami warning. However, there are some warning signs of an impending tsunami, and automated systems can provide warnings immediately after an earthquake in time to save lives. One of the most successful systems uses bottom pressure sensors that are attached to buoys. The sensors constantly monitor the pressure of the overlying water column.

Regions with a high tsunami risk typically use tsunami warning systems to warn the population before the wave reaches land. On the west coast of the United States, which is prone to Pacific Ocean tsunami, warning signs indicate evacuation routes. In Japan, the community is well-educated about earthquakes and tsunamis, and along the Japanese shorelines the tsunami warning signs are reminders of the natural hazards together with a network of warning sirens, typically at the top of the cliff of surroundings hills. 

 

Q. Which of the following, if true, wouldn’t have served as an impediment to Tilly Smith’s heroic move?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 20

Tilly’s favourite subjects are irrelevant here - if Kearney taught her about tsunamis in his Geography class with the same level of commitment, she would still have been able to save the people.
Option 1 would have stopped her, as someone else wouldn’t have made an impression on her the way Kearney did.
Option 2 would have stopped her, because if her parents hadn’t listened to her, they would’ve all been dead.
Option 4 would have stopped her, because if she wasn’t there at that time, she wouldn’t have been able to make her move.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 21

Group Question 

The passage given below is followed by a set of questions. Choose the most appropriate answer to each question.

Every novel is an ideal plane inserted into the realm of reality; Cervantes takes pleasure in confusing the objective and the subjective, the world of the reader and the world of the book. In those chapters which argue whether the barber's basin is a helmet and the donkey's packsaddle a steed's fancy regalia, the problem is dealt with explicitly; other passages, insinuate this. In the sixth chapter of the first part, the priest and the barber inspect Don Quixote's library; astoundingly, one of the books examined is Cervantes' own Galatea and it turns out that the barber is a friend of the author and does not admire him very much, and says that he is more versed in misfortunes than in verses and that the book possesses some inventiveness, proposes a few ideas and concludes nothing. The barber, a dream or the form of a dream of Cervantes, passes judgment on Cervantes. 

This play of strange ambiguities culminates in the second part; the protagonists have read the first part, the protagonists of the Quixote are, at the same time, readers of the Quixote. Here it is inevitable to recall the case of Shakespeare, who includes on the stage of Hamlet another stage where a tragedy more or less like that of Hamlet is presented; the imperfect correspondence of the principal and secondary works lessens the efficacy of this inclusion. Something similar is created by accident in the Thousand and One Nights. This collection of fantastic tales duplicates and reduplicates to the point of vertigo the ramifications of a central story in later and subordinate stories, but does not attempt to gradate its realities, and the effect (which should have been profound) is superficial, like a Persian carpet. The opening story of the series is well known: the terrible pledge of the king who every night marries a virgin who is then decapitated at dawn, and the resolution of Scheherazade, who distracts the king with her fables until a thousand and one nights have gone by and she shows him their son. The necessity of completing a thousand and one sections obliged the copyists of the work to make all manner of interpolations. None is more perturbing than that of the six hundred and second night, magical among all the nights. On that night, the king hears from the queen his own story. He hears the beginning of the story, which comprises all the others and also, monstrously, itself. Does the reader clearly grasp the vast possibility of this interpolation, the curious danger? That the queen may persist and the motionless king hear forever the truncated story of the Thousand and One Nights, now infinite and circular.

 

Q. The author cites the example of Shakespeare's Hamlet primarily in order to

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 21

The passage mentions how the readers of the Quixote could be reminded of Shakespeare's Hamlet which included “... on the stage of Hamlet another stage where a tragedy more or less like that of Hamlet is presented; the imperfect correspondence of the principal and secondary works lessens the efficacy of this inclusion.”. The “correspondence” here, alludes to the relationship between the play Hamlet and the play that was a part of it - its representation. The lines preceding this mentions how this association has been used in the Quixote too -“This play of strange ambiguities culminates in the second part; the protagonists have read the first part, the protagonists of the Quixote are, at the same time, readers of the Quixote”. This vindicates option 2 as correct.
Option 1 only applies to the Quixote and not to Hamlet, as mentioned in “The barber, a dream or the form of a dream of Cervantes, passes judgment on Cervantes.”. Though the passage hints towards the prose containing the introspections of its creators, it does not discuss Shakespeare's thought process in writing Hamlet.
Eliminate option 3.
The Galatea by Cervantes is mentioned in his other work, the Quixote, when it is criticized by one of the characters - a creation of Cervantes. The passage does not mention Shakespeare criticizing his own work through the judgments of one of his characters in Hamlet. Therefore, option 4 cannot hold with regard to the given question.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 22

Every novel is an ideal plane inserted into the realm of reality; Cervantes takes pleasure in confusing the objective and the subjective, the world of the reader and the world of the book. In those chapters which argue whether the barber's basin is a helmet and the donkey's packsaddle a steed's fancy regalia, the problem is dealt with explicitly; other passages, insinuate this. In the sixth chapter of the first part, the priest and the barber inspect Don Quixote's library; astoundingly, one of the books examined is Cervantes' own Galatea and it turns out that the barber is a friend of the author and does not admire him very much, and says that he is more versed in misfortunes than in verses and that the book possesses some inventiveness, proposes a few ideas and concludes nothing. The barber, a dream or the form of a dream of Cervantes, passes judgment on Cervantes. 

This play of strange ambiguities culminates in the second part; the protagonists have read the first part, the protagonists of the Quixote are, at the same time, readers of the Quixote. Here it is inevitable to recall the case of Shakespeare, who includes on the stage of Hamlet another stage where a tragedy more or less like that of Hamlet is presented; the imperfect correspondence of the principal and secondary works lessens the efficacy of this inclusion. Something similar is created by accident in the Thousand and One Nights. This collection of fantastic tales duplicates and reduplicates to the point of vertigo the ramifications of a central story in later and subordinate stories, but does not attempt to gradate its realities, and the effect (which should have been profound) is superficial, like a Persian carpet. The opening story of the series is well known: the terrible pledge of the king who every night marries a virgin who is then decapitated at dawn, and the resolution of Scheherazade, who distracts the king with her fables until a thousand and one nights have gone by and she shows him their son. The necessity of completing a thousand and one sections obliged the copyists of the work to make all manner of interpolations. None is more perturbing than that of the six hundred and second night, magical among all the nights. On that night, the king hears from the queen his own story. He hears the beginning of the story, which comprises all the others and also, monstrously, itself. Does the reader clearly grasp the vast possibility of this interpolation, the curious danger? That the queen may persist and the motionless king hear forever the truncated story of the Thousand and One Nights, now infinite and circular.

 

Q. According to the author, which of the following would most accurately describe the relationship between the subjective and the objective in a work of fiction?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 22

According to the passage, “Every novel is an ideal plane inserted into the realm of reality; Cervantes takes pleasure in confusing the objective and the subjective, the world of the reader and the world of the book.”. This quote leads us to the deduction that the objective refers to the world of the reader and the subjective refers to the world of the novel. Moreover, a work of fiction is an idealization of the reality it exists within and still, it does not completely replicate the same - examples from Hamlet and Thousand and One Nights highlight the same. This has been articulated in option 4 alone, vindicating it as correct.
Though the passage mentions how Cervantes would take pleasure in confusing the objective and the subjective in Quixote, we cannot infer whether the objective obscures the subjective. This eliminates option 1.
Despite works of fiction being inspired by the author's perception of reality, it cannot be ascertained whether they follow the same trajectory as the reality they are inspired by. This eliminates option 2.
The nature of a work of fiction can seem infinite in its efforts to represent itself, but this does not imply that the objective and the subjective work in tandem to bring about the same. This eliminates option 3.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 23

Every novel is an ideal plane inserted into the realm of reality; Cervantes takes pleasure in confusing the objective and the subjective, the world of the reader and the world of the book. In those chapters which argue whether the barber's basin is a helmet and the donkey's packsaddle a steed's fancy regalia, the problem is dealt with explicitly; other passages, insinuate this. In the sixth chapter of the first part, the priest and the barber inspect Don Quixote's library; astoundingly, one of the books examined is Cervantes' own Galatea and it turns out that the barber is a friend of the author and does not admire him very much, and says that he is more versed in misfortunes than in verses and that the book possesses some inventiveness, proposes a few ideas and concludes nothing. The barber, a dream or the form of a dream of Cervantes, passes judgment on Cervantes. 

This play of strange ambiguities culminates in the second part; the protagonists have read the first part, the protagonists of the Quixote are, at the same time, readers of the Quixote. Here it is inevitable to recall the case of Shakespeare, who includes on the stage of Hamlet another stage where a tragedy more or less like that of Hamlet is presented; the imperfect correspondence of the principal and secondary works lessens the efficacy of this inclusion. Something similar is created by accident in the Thousand and One Nights. This collection of fantastic tales duplicates and reduplicates to the point of vertigo the ramifications of a central story in later and subordinate stories, but does not attempt to gradate its realities, and the effect (which should have been profound) is superficial, like a Persian carpet. The opening story of the series is well known: the terrible pledge of the king who every night marries a virgin who is then decapitated at dawn, and the resolution of Scheherazade, who distracts the king with her fables until a thousand and one nights have gone by and she shows him their son. The necessity of completing a thousand and one sections obliged the copyists of the work to make all manner of interpolations. None is more perturbing than that of the six hundred and second night, magical among all the nights. On that night, the king hears from the queen his own story. He hears the beginning of the story, which comprises all the others and also, monstrously, itself. Does the reader clearly grasp the vast possibility of this interpolation, the curious danger? That the queen may persist and the motionless king hear forever the truncated story of the Thousand and One Nights, now infinite and circular.

 

Q. The author is least likely to agree with which of the following statements about Thousand and One Nights?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 23

According to the passage, “ This collection of fantastic tales duplicates and reduplicates to the point of vertigo the ramifications of a central story in later and subordinate stories This helps us infer option 1 and thus, eliminate the same. Option 3 is supported by “The necessity of completing a thousand and one sections obliged the copyists of the work to make all manner of interpolations.”. This implies that due to the length of Thousand and One Nights, copyists would include external elements in the plot, when needed.
Option 4 can be inferred from “This collection of fantastic tales ... does not attempt to gradate its realities, and the effect (which should have been profound) is superficial n Option 2 alone cannot be inferred with any degree of certainty from the passage. The passage does mention the culminating of ambiguities in the second part of the Quixote but does not indicate that the same would hold for the Thousand and One Nights. Moreover, merging of the central plot with its subplots has not been mentioned in the passage.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 24

Group Question

The passage given below is followed by a set of questions. Choose the most appropriate answer to each question.

The nationwide rollout of a Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be the most radical reform of indirect taxes in modern India. Currently, when a good is produced and leaves the factory, it attracts excise duty, which is paid to the Central government. When it is later sold to the customer or middleman, it attracts additional sales tax, which is paid separately to the state government. f instead, a service is sold (like IT, manicure or a restaurant meal), it attracts a service tax, payable only to the Central government. Excise duty rate is about 14%, states' sales tax (also called VAT) is about 12%, and services tax is about 15%. There are sundry other indirect taxes too, including the notorious (and now mostly defunct) octroi tax. All of these taxes will go, and will be replaced by one uniform GST all over the country. This means that all states will surrender their right to impose sales tax on goods, and the Centre will give up its right to impose excise and service tax. GST will bring many benefits to the economy, including raising incomes, efficiency, and eventually reducing prices of goods and services.

A key condition put by the opposition to pass the GST bill is that GST should have an upper ceiling of 18%. This has become a contentious issue and so far the ruling party is opposed to such a limit. Without going into the politics, here is the reason why a cap on GST rate might make sense. Remember, it is an indirect tax. Which means that it is not related to your income or wealth. Rich or poor, pay the same 15% tax on a dosa or electricity or a cell phone. Naturally, as a proportion of their income, it pinches the poor more than the rich. Thus, indirect taxes are inherently regressive, and if left unchecked, can be terribly unfair.
India like other nations, has tried to steadily increase its share of direct tax collection, but without too much success. Today, 65% of all taxes in India come from regressive indirect taxes, and only 35% from direct taxes. The ratio for most developed countries is exactly the reverse. Only 4% of India's population pays income tax, but 100% pays some indirect tax (whether on soap, toothpaste or a dosa). We should be trying very hard to expand the direct tax net (for example by using Aadhaar and PAN to track transactions). Instead, we choose to keep increasing indirect tax rates. 

It is simply too easy and tempting for cash-starved governments to tweak indirect taxes upward and silently pickpocket a billion Indians, instead of going after income earners. Hence, an upper limit hardwired into the legislation will curb the tendency to increase GST rates in the future. The country needs higher tax collection, but not from indirect taxes.

 

Q. Which of the following, if true, strengthens the argument made in the above passage? 
A. Introduction of GST has proved beneficial to the economies of other countries in spite of there being an upper limit on it.
B. Introduction of GST will not release the poor from the pain of paying other indirect taxes.

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 24

The focus of the passage is on the topic of GST replacing a multitude of other local taxes in India and how it could be beneficial to the economy and how there is merit in the argument of putting an upper ceiling on the GST rate.
Statement A is directly in line with the central topic of the passage and brings in additional data which says that other nations have benefited from introduction of GST in spite of there being an upper limit on it. Thus it supports the main argument of the passage.
Statement B is contrary to what has been stated in the passage about “indirect taxes”. The passage says that indirect taxes have to be paid by all irrespective of their economic backgrounds. Thus statement B is unrelated to the main argument of the passage.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 25

The nationwide rollout of a Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be the most radical reform of indirect taxes in modern India. Currently, when a good is produced and leaves the factory, it attracts excise duty, which is paid to the Central government. When it is later sold to the customer or middleman, it attracts additional sales tax, which is paid separately to the state government. f instead, a service is sold (like IT, manicure or a restaurant meal), it attracts a service tax, payable only to the Central government. Excise duty rate is about 14%, states' sales tax (also called VAT) is about 12%, and services tax is about 15%. There are sundry other indirect taxes too, including the notorious (and now mostly defunct) octroi tax. All of these taxes will go, and will be replaced by one uniform GST all over the country. This means that all states will surrender their right to impose sales tax on goods, and the Centre will give up its right to impose excise and service tax. GST will bring many benefits to the economy, including raising incomes, efficiency, and eventually reducing prices of goods and services.

A key condition put by the opposition to pass the GST bill is that GST should have an upper ceiling of 18%. This has become a contentious issue and so far the ruling party is opposed to such a limit. Without going into the politics, here is the reason why a cap on GST rate might make sense. Remember, it is an indirect tax. Which means that it is not related to your income or wealth. Rich or poor, pay the same 15% tax on a dosa or electricity or a cell phone. Naturally, as a proportion of their income, it pinches the poor more than the rich. Thus, indirect taxes are inherently regressive, and if left unchecked, can be terribly unfair.
India like other nations, has tried to steadily increase its share of direct tax collection, but without too much success. Today, 65% of all taxes in India come from regressive indirect taxes, and only 35% from direct taxes. The ratio for most developed countries is exactly the reverse. Only 4% of India's population pays income tax, but 100% pays some indirect tax (whether on soap, toothpaste or a dosa). We should be trying very hard to expand the direct tax net (for example by using Aadhaar and PAN to track transactions). Instead, we choose to keep increasing indirect tax rates. 

It is simply too easy and tempting for cash-starved governments to tweak indirect taxes upward and silently pickpocket a billion Indians, instead of going after income earners. Hence, an upper limit hardwired into the legislation will curb the tendency to increase GST rates in the future. The country needs higher tax collection, but not from indirect taxes.

 

Q. Which of the following, if true, weakens the argument made in the above passage? 
A. A good player, however great he may be, cannot replace the entire team, and similarly GST, however effective it may be, cannot replace the importance of multiple taxes.
B. GST is unimplementable in a complex democracy like India.

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 25

The focus of the passage is on the topic of GST replacing a multitude of other taxes in India and how it could be beneficial to the economy.
Statement A, with an example, suggests it won’t be possible to replace a multitude of other taxes with GST and thus contradicts the theme of the given passage and weakens it.
Statement B again is trying to suggest GST is not suitable for a country like India and thus contradicts the passage directly and weakens it.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 26

The nationwide rollout of a Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be the most radical reform of indirect taxes in modern India. Currently, when a good is produced and leaves the factory, it attracts excise duty, which is paid to the Central government. When it is later sold to the customer or middleman, it attracts additional sales tax, which is paid separately to the state government. f instead, a service is sold (like IT, manicure or a restaurant meal), it attracts a service tax, payable only to the Central government. Excise duty rate is about 14%, states' sales tax (also called VAT) is about 12%, and services tax is about 15%. There are sundry other indirect taxes too, including the notorious (and now mostly defunct) octroi tax. All of these taxes will go, and will be replaced by one uniform GST all over the country. This means that all states will surrender their right to impose sales tax on goods, and the Centre will give up its right to impose excise and service tax. GST will bring many benefits to the economy, including raising incomes, efficiency, and eventually reducing prices of goods and services.

A key condition put by the opposition to pass the GST bill is that GST should have an upper ceiling of 18%. This has become a contentious issue and so far the ruling party is opposed to such a limit. Without going into the politics, here is the reason why a cap on GST rate might make sense. Remember, it is an indirect tax. Which means that it is not related to your income or wealth. Rich or poor, pay the same 15% tax on a dosa or electricity or a cell phone. Naturally, as a proportion of their income, it pinches the poor more than the rich. Thus, indirect taxes are inherently regressive, and if left unchecked, can be terribly unfair.
India like other nations, has tried to steadily increase its share of direct tax collection, but without too much success. Today, 65% of all taxes in India come from regressive indirect taxes, and only 35% from direct taxes. The ratio for most developed countries is exactly the reverse. Only 4% of India's population pays income tax, but 100% pays some indirect tax (whether on soap, toothpaste or a dosa). We should be trying very hard to expand the direct tax net (for example by using Aadhaar and PAN to track transactions). Instead, we choose to keep increasing indirect tax rates. 

It is simply too easy and tempting for cash-starved governments to tweak indirect taxes upward and silently pickpocket a billion Indians, instead of going after income earners. Hence, an upper limit hardwired into the legislation will curb the tendency to increase GST rates in the future. The country needs higher tax collection, but not from indirect taxes.

 

Q. The most suitable title for this passage would be:

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 26

The passage introduces and explains GST with reference to the existing tax structure in India, dwells on its positive side effects, and then discusses why putting a ceiling on GST rate is essential in a country like India. This is captured best in option 3. Option 1 is too generic whereas the passage is focused on the specific subject of GST.
Option 2 is rather irrelevant as it talks about legacy of British era which is nowhere mentioned or indicated in the passage.
Option 4 is close but it misses or puts less emphasis on the main theme of the passage.
Option 3 comes closest to capturing the main theme of the passage.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 27

The nationwide rollout of a Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be the most radical reform of indirect taxes in modern India. Currently, when a good is produced and leaves the factory, it attracts excise duty, which is paid to the Central government. When it is later sold to the customer or middleman, it attracts additional sales tax, which is paid separately to the state government. f instead, a service is sold (like IT, manicure or a restaurant meal), it attracts a service tax, payable only to the Central government. Excise duty rate is about 14%, states' sales tax (also called VAT) is about 12%, and services tax is about 15%. There are sundry other indirect taxes too, including the notorious (and now mostly defunct) octroi tax. All of these taxes will go, and will be replaced by one uniform GST all over the country. This means that all states will surrender their right to impose sales tax on goods, and the Centre will give up its right to impose excise and service tax. GST will bring many benefits to the economy, including raising incomes, efficiency, and eventually reducing prices of goods and services.

A key condition put by the opposition to pass the GST bill is that GST should have an upper ceiling of 18%. This has become a contentious issue and so far the ruling party is opposed to such a limit. Without going into the politics, here is the reason why a cap on GST rate might make sense. Remember, it is an indirect tax. Which means that it is not related to your income or wealth. Rich or poor, pay the same 15% tax on a dosa or electricity or a cell phone. Naturally, as a proportion of their income, it pinches the poor more than the rich. Thus, indirect taxes are inherently regressive, and if left unchecked, can be terribly unfair.
India like other nations, has tried to steadily increase its share of direct tax collection, but without too much success. Today, 65% of all taxes in India come from regressive indirect taxes, and only 35% from direct taxes. The ratio for most developed countries is exactly the reverse. Only 4% of India's population pays income tax, but 100% pays some indirect tax (whether on soap, toothpaste or a dosa). We should be trying very hard to expand the direct tax net (for example by using Aadhaar and PAN to track transactions). Instead, we choose to keep increasing indirect tax rates. 

It is simply too easy and tempting for cash-starved governments to tweak indirect taxes upward and silently pickpocket a billion Indians, instead of going after income earners. Hence, an upper limit hardwired into the legislation will curb the tendency to increase GST rates in the future. The country needs higher tax collection, but not from indirect taxes.

 

Q. Which of the following is true according to the passage?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 27

The passage only mentions that the tax revenues in India largely comprise indirect taxes while in developed countries the tax revenues come from direct taxes. Thus, options 1, 2 and 3 can be eliminated.
Hence, the correct answer would be option 4.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 28

The nationwide rollout of a Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be the most radical reform of indirect taxes in modern India. Currently, when a good is produced and leaves the factory, it attracts excise duty, which is paid to the Central government. When it is later sold to the customer or middleman, it attracts additional sales tax, which is paid separately to the state government. f instead, a service is sold (like IT, manicure or a restaurant meal), it attracts a service tax, payable only to the Central government. Excise duty rate is about 14%, states' sales tax (also called VAT) is about 12%, and services tax is about 15%. There are sundry other indirect taxes too, including the notorious (and now mostly defunct) octroi tax. All of these taxes will go, and will be replaced by one uniform GST all over the country. This means that all states will surrender their right to impose sales tax on goods, and the Centre will give up its right to impose excise and service tax. GST will bring many benefits to the economy, including raising incomes, efficiency, and eventually reducing prices of goods and services.

A key condition put by the opposition to pass the GST bill is that GST should have an upper ceiling of 18%. This has become a contentious issue and so far the ruling party is opposed to such a limit. Without going into the politics, here is the reason why a cap on GST rate might make sense. Remember, it is an indirect tax. Which means that it is not related to your income or wealth. Rich or poor, pay the same 15% tax on a dosa or electricity or a cell phone. Naturally, as a proportion of their income, it pinches the poor more than the rich. Thus, indirect taxes are inherently regressive, and if left unchecked, can be terribly unfair.
India like other nations, has tried to steadily increase its share of direct tax collection, but without too much success. Today, 65% of all taxes in India come from regressive indirect taxes, and only 35% from direct taxes. The ratio for most developed countries is exactly the reverse. Only 4% of India's population pays income tax, but 100% pays some indirect tax (whether on soap, toothpaste or a dosa). We should be trying very hard to expand the direct tax net (for example by using Aadhaar and PAN to track transactions). Instead, we choose to keep increasing indirect tax rates. 

It is simply too easy and tempting for cash-starved governments to tweak indirect taxes upward and silently pickpocket a billion Indians, instead of going after income earners. Hence, an upper limit hardwired into the legislation will curb the tendency to increase GST rates in the future. The country needs higher tax collection, but not from indirect taxes.

 

Q. Which of the following could be inferred from the above passage?
A. The GST will make a significant breakthrough paving way for an all-inclusive indirect tax reform in the country.
B. A ceiling on GST can stop future state and central governments from resorting to lazy taxation by increasing GST rates incessantly to increase tax revenues.
C. The GST should have an upper ceiling as the poor must be protected from the effect of arbitrary changes in the GST rates.
D. In most developed countries, the indirect to direct tax ratio is high.

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 28

Option A can be inferred from , “The nationwide rollout of a Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be the most radical reform of indirect taxes in modern India.” Statement B can be inferred from, “It is simply....income earners.” Staement C can be inferred with respect to the scenario presented in the fourth paragraph of the passage..
Statement D is incorrect as the passage says that in most developed countries the direct tax collection is more than indirect tax collection.
Thus, only statements A, B and C can be inferred.
Hence, the correct answer would be option 3.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 29

The nationwide rollout of a Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be the most radical reform of indirect taxes in modern India. Currently, when a good is produced and leaves the factory, it attracts excise duty, which is paid to the Central government. When it is later sold to the customer or middleman, it attracts additional sales tax, which is paid separately to the state government. f instead, a service is sold (like IT, manicure or a restaurant meal), it attracts a service tax, payable only to the Central government. Excise duty rate is about 14%, states' sales tax (also called VAT) is about 12%, and services tax is about 15%. There are sundry other indirect taxes too, including the notorious (and now mostly defunct) octroi tax. All of these taxes will go, and will be replaced by one uniform GST all over the country. This means that all states will surrender their right to impose sales tax on goods, and the Centre will give up its right to impose excise and service tax. GST will bring many benefits to the economy, including raising incomes, efficiency, and eventually reducing prices of goods and services.

A key condition put by the opposition to pass the GST bill is that GST should have an upper ceiling of 18%. This has become a contentious issue and so far the ruling party is opposed to such a limit. Without going into the politics, here is the reason why a cap on GST rate might make sense. Remember, it is an indirect tax. Which means that it is not related to your income or wealth. Rich or poor, pay the same 15% tax on a dosa or electricity or a cell phone. Naturally, as a proportion of their income, it pinches the poor more than the rich. Thus, indirect taxes are inherently regressive, and if left unchecked, can be terribly unfair.
India like other nations, has tried to steadily increase its share of direct tax collection, but without too much success. Today, 65% of all taxes in India come from regressive indirect taxes, and only 35% from direct taxes. The ratio for most developed countries is exactly the reverse. Only 4% of India's population pays income tax, but 100% pays some indirect tax (whether on soap, toothpaste or a dosa). We should be trying very hard to expand the direct tax net (for example by using Aadhaar and PAN to track transactions). Instead, we choose to keep increasing indirect tax rates. 

It is simply too easy and tempting for cash-starved governments to tweak indirect taxes upward and silently pickpocket a billion Indians, instead of going after income earners. Hence, an upper limit hardwired into the legislation will curb the tendency to increase GST rates in the future. The country needs higher tax collection, but not from indirect taxes.

 

Q. According to the passage, which of the following could be a problem associated with the introduction of GST?

Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 29

Options 1, 2 and 3 do not exactly qualify as a “problem” in the introduction of GST.
The question stem asks for a problem that would stand in the way of the introduction of GST.
Option 4 says "GST may receive green signal from the opposition party" which means there is a possibility of it being rejected due to the usage of "may". Hence, this uncertainty over the passing of the bill could be a problem.
Hence, the correct answer would be option 4.

CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 30

Arrange the jumbled sentences in order.

1. Many fictional explorations of Artificial Intelligence in literature and film explore these very questions.
2. We wish to exclude from the machines men bom in the usual manner, or even in unusual manners such as in vitro fertilization or ectogenesis.
3. Since computers give every outward appearance of performing intellectual tasks, the question arises: "Are they really thinking?"
4. And if nonhuman animals think, we wish to exclude them from the machines, too.
5. And if they are really thinking, are they not, then, owed similar rights to rational human beings? 


Detailed Solution for CAT Practice Test - 23 - Question 30

Comparing 1 vs. 3 vs. 2 for the introductory statement, the only possible introductory statement is 3. “These very questions” in statement 1 eliminates it. 3 is a better starter compared to 2 as 2 mentions “we wish to exclude...”, this will imply something has to come before 2. Further, statement 3 introduces the core theme of the paragraph - different forms of "thinking".
The 3-5 pair is immediately noticed as mandatory- lined by “really thinking”. 1 will follow with “these very questions” linking logically with the questions asked in 3 and 5.
1-2 is mandatory since 2 mentions that it wishes to exclude “men” from the characteristics mentioned earlier.
Statement 4 mentions another category that is to be excluded- “nonhuman animals”. Note the "too" at the end of 4.
Hence, the correct sequence is 35124.

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